No comments about Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown - Episode 1: Rome, Italy.

5 comments about Music in High Places - India Arie (Live in Brazil).

1. I am a fan of the entire "Music In High Places" series, so this met my expectations to the fullest.
   
   Watching india.arie perform in these beautiful places is both relaxing and inspiring.



2. the DVD is excellen.INdia arie is really a great performer..with heart and sould..she delivers and you won't/can't be dissappointed..



3. I was determined that this would be a piece of crap for 7 dollars but when i watched this DVD for the first time, i realized it was unlike any other. i was expecting a standard musical perdormance, but like always, India Aire surprises you with a personal and beautiful experience...if you are a devote fan, this is an epic choice.



4. I first came across the MIHP series when my wife gave me the "India Arie in Brazil" DVD for Christmas. I have always enjoyed India's music and musical style, so she figured it would be a good present. It has turned out to be one of the best Christmas presents ever!! I watch it all the time!!!
   
   I was blown away by the sound, scenery and the talent of India Arie. She has an amazing voice and tone that really sits well with me. To me, her voice is 100% pure. Devoid of big time rifts and show-off styles like many of the more famous performers in the spotlight. What makes this DVD great is the fact that India Aire really felt at home in Bahia. She really appreciated the culture, the music and the history of Bahia. She even sang with some of the local talent and let the musicians play with her band.
   
   The way the DVD is produced makes you feel as if you are right there with India, as she just breaks out in a song. I've seen the MIHP "Brian McKnight in Brazil", and I didn't like that one nearly as much as this. For one, the music in McKnight's DVD sounds as if he is in a studio even though he is singing in front of a group of locals. Also, he had the typical American (Wow, you people really live like this...) condescending attitude that Americans take with them when visiting other countries, which was very annoying. As a result of watching both DVD's, I love India Arie more and like Brian McKnight a whole lot less.



5. I love this dvd!! it is gorgeous to look at and to listen to. India's voice is amazing!! She draws you in with the warmth of her gift,and paints a perfect picture with her words. I can feel the words of each song because they are sung with a deep conviction of her spirit.
   Do not let this dvd escape you!!!

5 comments about Timecop 2.

1. This movie stinks and I saw The Godfather Part III which on amazon says got three stars. Whell I thought it was three stars to many.
   
   PS:Amazon you need to put a zero rating we can choose from because now I am mad at my self for giving this movie one star.



2. If I could give this movie less than 1 star, I would.
   
   The central character, Ryan, played by Jason Scott Lee (by the way, what happened to the Muscles from Brussels?), is a loser. Why? Because HE SAVES ADOLF HITLER'S LIFE!!! And how does he do this? By killing the leading lady.
   
   Gee, great script guys.
   
   Also, the thing makes no sense. People are obliterated from history, and Ryan knows about it! Hello, if they were removed from history, he would have no memory of them. Duh!
   
   If there was such a thing as a 'Time Cop', they would outlaw people wasting 2hrs watching this ridiculous movie!



3. This one is a considerly more active than the 1st one so its little less classical than the 1st one. It starts with the Nazi's, goes to the Wild West and everywhere in between. I think it misses the actors from 1st one but as second fims goes this is an enjoybale 2 hours on DVD.



4. the first movie was based on a corrupt politician trying to change the past so he can become president. this movie is based on what would happen if a person goes back in time to change improtant historical events. it's moral vs. logic. jason scott lee's jeet kune do action sequences are up to par. meaning, jeet kune do is more on the lines of street fighting. you're not going to see any flipping or flying this movie. thank goodness. the rest of the cast could be changed with better actors. yea, this movie was dvd release only but is a pretty good movie to watch. if you're a hardcore van damme fan, then don't get it but if you don't give a hoot and want to watch a time traveling martial arts movie with second grade acting but with an interesting story bethind it, then get it. i would.



5. If you want to checkout a good Jason Scott Lee film, I recommend the following:
   
   Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
   
   Rapa Nui
   
   "Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision" is an awful film. Awful production values. Awful acting. Awful script. I would not recommend this film to be watched by anyone who seriously believes that tripe like this is quality entertainment or advances Asian American awareness in Hollywood (This film does neither.).
   
   I would at the very least say that this film is passable entertainment on a rainy day if you ever come across it while channel surfing. If you are curious, perhaps a rental from Netflix, but this film is definitely not for keeps.
   
   If you are one of the few people who watched this film as a means to raise your Asian American film awareness, and came away disappointed, then I recommend the following films for your personal viewing. These are well-written films with high production values that feature a talented cast of Asian American actors:
   
   Better Luck Tomorrow
   
   Mulan

5 comments about Alaska: Spirit of the Wild.

1. This is wonderful for the family. Super shots of scenery and animals (the latter with good humor as well). Charleton Heston's narration is apt and not overdone (though the volume is a bit low as compared with the otherwise excellent music soundtrack that is Aaron Copeland-esque). A very nice intro to the glories of Alaska, it even includes a bit of history on the Gold Rush.



2. This fine IMAX production really captures the spirit of the Alaska region, though focusing upon the animals and geological features, not the people. Not that people are not interesting (I would not mind seeing a documentary on innupiat), but it is not every day I see a polar bear for instance, so give me a break.
   
   I have seen dumb IMAX movies before. This is not one of those duds. This is the best IMAX production I have ever seen bar none. There was one other IMAX movie about Alaskan explorers, or mountain climbers, something along those lines. It stunk. I don't even remember the title. I had paid the price of two tickets to see it. That was the last IMAX movie I ever paid to watch in the cinema.
   
   The problem with cinema is they want to charge $5, $10, then hit you hard for snacks and drinks of lousy quality. Fine. Then the movie better be awesome. Yet ninety-five percent of movies stink. So I never go to the cinema, and hardly anyone I know ever goes to the cinema. If you are a cinema owner, this is why you are looking at bankruptcy down the road.
   
   In a sea of dumb documentaries, this shines like a lighthouse, showing the way for all those wannabe producers struggling to navigate through the waters of film-making. Very hard-to-get footage. I am not sure how the camera crew got so near to wild predators like wolves and bears. You tell me.



3. If you want to fill your kids with with misinformation about Alaska, this is the movie for you. The scriptwriter apparently flew by the seat of his pants, making stuff up as he went along.
   
   The script says that the famous Iditarod dogsled race originated to commemorate the Gold Rush. Wrong. The Iditarod commemorates a desperate dogsled race against time to transport smallpox vaccine from Anchorage to Nome, where children where dying of the disease.
   
   In another error-filled scene, the script refers to the fiercesome black bear. Clips are shown of wolves, foxes and even elk cowering and running for cover because of a black bear. They were probably running from the camera crew. Wikipedia describes black bears as omnivores whose diet relies most heavily on grasses, herbs, fruits, and mast. They also feed on carrion and insects such as carpenter ants, yellow jackets, bees, and termites, and raid bees nests for honey. They sometimes kill and eat small rodents. They seldom attack other animals unless cornered, threatened, or wounded.
   
   People believe the stuff in these documentaries, especially children. Parents, beware of scriptwriters such as the one who wrote the narration for this film. He was intoxicated with his purple prose and made up his own drama when the real facts weren't conveniently at hand. This guy should be writing soaps, not nature documentaries.
   
   A pox on this movie. Smallpox, if you like.



4. I thought this one was great. Disregard what old "Barbra" said. She cites Wikipedia as her official source for information. I won't even go there. She is obviously confused and probably in her senior years. This is a great fact filled documentary and I highly recommend it.



5. If you have never seen Alaska, see this DVD - We had the opportunity to visit Alaska last year and this is what it is really like!

1 comments about The Ultimate DVD of New Zealand.

1. This DVD is very aptly named and I for one would highly recommend it... "The Ultimate DVD of New Zealand" is as it says...3 wonderful videos of New Zealand on 1 DVD...very good value for a start!! The first video is entitled "Naturally Its New Zealand"...this is a documentary that takes you through the country as a typical tour may be...I found the narration informative and the video footage excellent. The second video on the DVD is all about the Native Maori people on this country. This is presented by a well spoken historian and covers the history of these people. The third video is a superb example of New Zealand's great outdoor. "Great Walks of New Zealand - The Able Tasman National Park" follows a typical 5 day guide tour through this wonderful coastal track. I've walked this South Island track and can truly say that is it is a wonderful part of New Zealand. This DVD shows many aspects of New Zealand that I've found help aid my love for this country...Highly Recommended Viewing!!!

1 comments about Hidden Turkey.

1. It's known as `the bridge between two worlds'. Turkey earned this title as it is the junction between Europe and Asia that served as a major center for travel and trade for thousands of years. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, the capital of Istanbul is the world's only city straddling two continents.
   
   Named Anatolia by the Greeks and Asia Minor by the Romans, Turkey was located in a strategic location and thus every major civilization in ancient time periods had a presence here. This amazing country has seven environmental regions and each one contains its own distinct climate, landscape, and culture.
   
   This program attempts to cover as much ground as possible in its one hour running time and it successfully does this on several levels. Exploring the history of the country looks at the former Ataturk government and the old Ottoman Empire and examines the influences of the two major religions that played roles here, Islam and Christianity.
   
   From a cultural standpoint, Turkey has left an indelible mark on its place in the world and this is spotlighted farther on. Whether it is famous foods invented by Turkish cooks, regions producing vast amounts of teas, flavored honeys, Hazelnuts, and Pomegranates, or even the master weavers making incredible silk carpets using looms created two thousand years ago in China, it is all very interesting and entertaining at every turn.
   
   `Hidden Turkey' is more than just a documentary in my opinion. It's like an in-depth and very satisfying visitor's guide of sorts. The narration is solid, the camera work is excellent, and the large assortment of different topics keeps the program stimulating from beginning to end.

4 comments about Discovery Atlas: Brazil Revealed.

1. This is an excellent DVD with amazing images and quality.
   
   Living and working in education in Brazil, found this to be very interesting and spot on with the facts and figures. It really does tell the story of Brazil though her people. Most importantly it does capture the real heart and nature of the Brazilian!
   
   Worth watching if you are interested in Brazil and/or Latin America.
   
   One downside - no subtitles in any language. The dvd itself is all in English, but sometimes with language learners it is handy to have English subtitles at the same time.



2. Great imagery of Brazil, but annoying when people speaking Portuguese are "dubbed over" into English, subtitles would be preferred. The video completely fills a 16:9 widescreen TV (no black bars). The DVD defaults to 2.0 stereo playback. Unusual that you have to enter your DVD player menu to play the 5.1 surround soundtrack. There are no setup options on the DVD menu.



3. I am a professor of geography with a lot of experience in Brazil. I will be using this DVD a lot in my teaching, especially with students I am sending on exchanges. No video can capture an entire country, but this does a terrific job, by documenting the lives of seven people -- of different ages, races, social classes, and sexes -- from very different parts of the country. It makes me nostalgic for some of the places I've been in Brazil and anxious to visit some new ones.
   
   I am looking forward to other videos in this series.



4. I think this shows pretty much everything about Brazil and brazilains, it was a great show, the discovery channel is always good at what they do.I just didn't like the fact that there was no subtitles available, but still, it's very good information.

5 comments about Leprechaun 4 - In Space.

1. This review refers to the edition found in Trimark's "Leprechaun: Pot of Gore Collection" boxed set.
   
   THE WHO'S WHO: Starring Warwick Davis, Brent Jasmer, Jessica Collins, Tim Colceri, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Debbe Dunning, Gary Grossman, Rebekah Carlton, Rick Peters, Geoff Meed, Michael Cannizzo, Ladd York, Guy Siner. Score Composed By Dennis Michael Tenney. Directed By Brian Trenchard-Smith. (R) For Violence, Very Mild Gore, Profanity, Nudity and Mild Sexual Content; 95m.; 1996.
   
   WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?: Most of the filmmakers who took the nasty little Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) to Las Vegas have returned to put him in outer space for this fourth entry in the long running series. Somewhere in the future, a team of marines arrive on the planet Ithacon to save the beautiful Princess Zarina (Rebekah Carlton) from a loathsome alien menace (our homicidal anti-hero) who wants to wed her so he can rule the universe as a king. Somewhere along the line, the mission's priorities are changed by the shifty Dr. Mittenhand (Guy Siner) who has a more scientific purpose in mind for the rescued princess. There's a variety of new elements being added to this sequel; some of them work while others fall horribly flat. The worst aspects come from contrived plot points involving genetic experimentation and flat, lackluster settings that make the production feel unnecessarily claustrophobic. Even the Leprechaun's lair in the opening moments of the movie feels tiny and cramped, unlike the beseeming scope of the one utilized in "Leprechaun 2". Another disheartening fact is Dennis Michael Tenney's score. One would think it would have been impossible for him to create a backdrop more bland than the one he composed for part three of the franchise, however he proves it can be done with this humdrum hack. Fortunately for die hard "Leprechaun" fanatics, the best aspects of the film far outweigh the drawbacks. The agreeably corny one-liners prove that director Brian Trenchard-Smith hasn't abandoned the taste for lunatic comedy he displayed in "Leprechaun 3". Gabe Bartalos has done another wonderful job on the Leprechaun's make-up, not to mention the superb craftsmanship he displays on another monstrous creation during the latter half of the film. But the highlight of this entry is the underappreciated cast who put more effort into the movie than it probably deserves. Jessica Collins is a delight as Dr. Tina Reeves, overshadowing Lee Armstrong's leading lady role from the prior film. Brent Jasmer is personable enough in his role as Sergeant "Books" Malloy, he just doesn't have the overwhelming natural charisma John Gatins had in "Leprechaun 3". Rebekah Carlton is good as the Dominian Princess Zarina while veteran actor Miguel A. Nunez Jr. turns in another venerable performance as Sticks, adding to his list of horror credentials. Guy Siner makes a fair Dr. Mittenhand, but often times Gary Grossman steals scenes as Mittenhand's assistant Harold. The best support is provided by Tim Colceri as Sergeant Hooker. His transformation from a metal head marine into a transvestite assassin has to be seen to be believed. While the new cast stands out in this one, Warwick Davis' acting is old hat. He doesn't shimmer with the brilliant enjoyment he displayed in the previous three films. He's not exactly bored by the proceedings either, just overly familiar with the material he's been given. Overall, this is a fairly solid entry in a series that was slowly losing ground. With each passing installment, the filmmakers had to rely on new gimmicks to lure fans back to the franchise. While the addition of a space motif was a novel approach, true "Leprechaun" fans would have been just as happy to see our malicious villain stalking his victims back on Earth in a film more reminiscent of the first two entries.
   
   THEY SAY THEY'RE SPECIAL BUT...: The 1.33:1 full screen for this film is the clearest presentation to grace a "Leprechaun" DVD yet, although its clarity does betray the monetary limitations of some of its special effects. Still, the colors are intense, flesh tones appear natural and black levels are deep and even. The accompanying audio track is full and bright, especially for a regular stereo sound track. There is also a Spanish language track on this film as well as English, Spanish and French subtitles. Subtitles are off-white in color and are fairly easy to read. The front cover for this DVD finds the beastly Leprechaun hovering in space with white/green lightning shooting forth from one of his fingers. Beneath him is a vehicular module next to a small American flag, both residing on the surface of some darkened, bleak outer space world. The back cover sports a bevy of photographs, information pertaining to the film and the twenty-four chapter stops which separate this ninety-five minute movie. The DVD itself is a silver-topped affair imprinted with the title of the film as well as other small bits of data. Opposite the disc is the exact same "Trimark DVD: The Ultimate in Home Entertainment" booklet that has bedecked the inner case of each previous entry to the series. Much like the other "Leprechaun" films, the only special feature found here is the original trailer (1:35) which is fairly funny and gives an accurate representation of the film's contents.
   
   THE YOLK'S ON YOU: It's not much of a hidden feature, but it'll have to do. On the main menu for this disc, highlight the Trimark symbol in the lower right hand corner. You'll have access to trailers for the films "Leprechaun" (2:01), "Leprechaun 2" (1:16), "Leprechaun 3" (1:04), and "Leprechaun in the Hood" (once again displayed as "Leprechaun 5") (1:57).
   
   THE LEWD AND NUDE ALERT: Viewers get to see former "Home Improvement" actress Debbe Dunning (as Delores) strut her stuff on the dance floor in a silver tank top and a pair of shorts. She also mimes milking one of her breasts before exiting for a tryst with her boyfriend Kowalski (Geoff Meed). We then get a few brief glimpses of her lovely breasts encased in a bra as she "shakes hands with the big guy". A vision of a nude Tina Reeves (Jessica Collins) appears outside a laboratory door, unfortunately Collins doesn't show anything revealing. That's a shame considering how enthralling she is. At least salacious viewers are treated to a few shots of her fine backside in tight clothing throughout the duration of the film. As an extra bonus, during the last act, Collins gets stripped of her red pants and spends the rest of the movie running around in a pair of little black panties. For those disappointed by the lack of nudity on Dunning or Collins' part, Princess Zarina (Rebekah Carlton) does give a very long view of her small but magnificent bosom just over an hour into the film.
   
   THE GORE REPORT: In the early going, an alien life form gets fragged by an overanxious space marine, leaving quite an interesting carcass. One marine is reduced to a skeleton after encountering some flesh eating bacteria, though it's not a particularly gory scene. There are a few more smatterings of gore in other scenes, but there's nothing really worthwhile for cinematic bloodhounds to drool over.
   
   SAY AGAIN: "Listen, you little pencil-necked geek! You give me the doctor...now, before I jerk out your teeth and sh*t down your throat!" - Sergeant Hooker (Tim Colceri). "Thank you, I've already had my lunch." - Harold (Gary Grossman).
   
   THE FINAL SAY: Yes, I recommend buying this DVD. It's always a risky proposition to take an established horror character into the far reaches of outer space. While this fourth film doesn't live up to the expectations set by the original trilogy, it does feature some hilarious moments and should please anyone looking for a halfway decent time killer.
   
   PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM: "Crazy For the Guy" Performed By the Deborah Holland Trio.



2. If you enjoyed "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" you will love this film. That really sums up the whole thing. Don't expect great special effects or deep story lines. It is simply a piece of mind candy that is loads of fun to watch and laugh at, it is packed with all the stereo types, cliches and cheesy effects you expect from a great B movie. After catching it at 3:00 AM on TV, I enjoyed it enough to buy a copy. This is the only one of the "Leprechaun" series that I bought, or ever will buy.



3. I am... MITTEN-SPIDER!!!
   
   If you are opposed to a movie that includes that line, stop reading now. Even hardcore lep fans have been turned off by this amount of cheesiness.
   
   Nearly everything in the movie is random. No explaination is even given for Lep being in space.
   
   Random clothes get torn off.
   
   There are even random, gratuitous breasts.
   
   The acting and cinematography are on par with the Star Wars Christmas Special (that will automatically turn anyone off to this movie who has seen the Christmas special... that .02% of you).
   
   That said it's a comedy goldmine. There's always an excuse to laugh at what's on the screen.
   
   It has to be seen to believed, so I'll stop talking. If you're going to buy this movie, you know who you are.



4. The first 3 Lep movies have been ok. But this one, oh man...
   
   PLOT
   Leppy is for some reason living on another planet and he has kidnapped some kind of alien princess who he intends to marry to make himself king and then do away with her once he has the power. But marines come along and wreck Leps day when they blow him away and take his bride-to-be. Leppy regenerates on a space ship of the marines and a science team and starts killing them off in search of his bride-to-be and gold. The marines fight back, blah blah blah.
   
   OPINION
   This movie sucks so badly on so many levels. Firstly the acting. Warrick Davis plays the character just as well as he always has, tho he's been given some really crappy lines to say. But he doesn't fit in well with the bad dialog and speech of the other zany characters. The German doctor is a combination of German stereotypes of a cross between Hitler and Siegfried of Get Smart with a lot of Corporal Clinger or whoever it was from that show. He is just an annoying voice and the actor even lets his English accent slip through quite often. The Marine captain is a joke gone wrong. You cant even laugh at how bad it is, it's just pathetically bad. The other actors are somewhat trying to act, but they're not going to have and future roles offered to them from this movie, thats for sure. I recognized one of them from Jason Takes Manhattan and he must be kicking himself he's been in two stinker horror flicks. The leading roles are a guy and a girl who you just don't care for and wont be admitting they did this movie when people ask them about themselves.
   
   EFFECTS: The effects are terrible. There is no death scene worth looking at here, cause they are all cut away shadow kind of things to leave to your imagination, cause they think its better that way but really it's because they spent all there money on the crappy CGI effects they put in.
   
   I wouldn't even say the special effects of this movie where up to children's television standards. They where REALLY bad effects. The opening scene of them landing on the planet and a thunderstorm is around them as it pans to the cave they are in is super-dooper-BAD effects. I guess in 1997 they could claim there CGI technology wasn't so good... but who are they kidding, these graphics looked knocked up in about 5 minutes. Not to forget pointing out the unnecessary nudity of a women who flashes her breasts (that aren't worth looking at) because on her planet that is how her people give you the there version of the "kiss of death" ... uh-huh, more like brainless producers adding something they THINK will take your mind off the bad acting going on.
   
   Even at the end for absolutely no reason the heroine loses her pants and runs around in a one piece swimsuit... gimme a break, it's just PATHETIC to throw that in for the hell of it. it WONT attract ANYONE but a desperate 12 year old not old enough to by porn and who's parents have net nanny on there computer. it's so lame. IT DOESN'T ADD ANYTHING TO THE MOVIE it takes it away.
   
   No bonus features, thank god. i wouldn't have watched them anyhow. Theres just the trailers of part 1, 2, 3 and 5. This is the worst in the Leprechaun series. This whole movie should have been cut down to an hour and been a TV episode of some lame-horror show they would put on somewhere. Not good enough for the twilight zone or Tales From The Crypt..hell, not even Freddy's nightmares! It wasn't scary and I wouldn't say there is any form of gore anywhere in the movie. maybe they could make it an episode of Goosebumps seeing as how PG rated the whole thing is without the nudity that should be cut out for being the most useless and pathetic scene in the whole film. THATS WHAT GAVE IT AN R-RATING...JUST THAT PATHETIC LITTLE UN-NEEDED SCENE!!!!!! If that scene gets cut, its PG13!
   
   If any of the actors in this film ever caught a leprechaun, there first wish would be that this movie never got made or they just weren't in it.
   
   I cant dismiss it as the worst thing I've ever seen tho, I didn't get tired and want to turn it off, i kept watching it, to see how bad and lame it would get. And it does become lamer and lamer as it goes.
   
   I give it one and a half stars.



5. This the best Leprechaun Show ever and unfortunately the last good Lep flick. Lep in the Hood is just plain stupid. None of the Leprechaun movies were ever scary except perhaps the very first one. I think when the producers realized the comedy potential of the Leprechaun Series they just kept making each movie funnier until they exhausted the idea with the totally flat "Leprechaun in the Hood". I laughed so hard I couldn't breath when the space marine took a leak on the Leprechauns body only to later give birth to to the wise cracking Leprechaun via his own urethra! That's comedic genius to tenth power! It just keeps getting better. I tell everyone about this movie. The two best Lep movies are w/o a doubt Leprechaun in Las Vegas and Leprechaun in Space.

2 comments about Rick Steves' Austria and the Alps, 2000-2007.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed the dvd, Rick Steves is very knowledgeable, this was not only entertaining, but very educational.



2. Has there ever been another travel guide more amiable, more informative, more eclectic and just plain likeable than Rick Steves? This somewhat nerdish but pleasant looking fellow will immediately win the viewer over with his charm, humor and smoothing, layback manner. However what will keep you watching program after program is his consummate knowledge of the sites and people he visits.
   
   While each journey is only 30 minutes in length Rick has a unique talent of synthesizing the many facets that make up a people and place. He leaves no stone unturned in his analysis; historical background, spiritual heritage, cultural underpinnings and political legacy are all equally touched upon to give the audience a fuller understanding of the rural and urban landscape.
   
   However not not an individual to dwell too much on the past, he provides a delightful tour of the markets, music, restaurants and nightlife. The kind of information would really want to know if you're out for a good time.
   
   The production values are also wonderful offering fanstastic visuals that are worth watching even if there where no commentary. Traveling with Rick Steves' is the next best thing to being there.
   
   This particular DVD contains five episodes, thirty minutes in length. Imagine two and one half hours in Austria and the Alps, one of the most picturesque areas to be found anywhere, better get started!

No comments about Mystery of the Nile [Blu-ray].