5 comments about Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations Collection 2.

1. Anthony Bourdain is the boss. His wit is sharp and direct, humourous and completely entertaining. Hes right. Hes doesnt belong on the food channel. Travel and adventure is his thing. Its the only food/adventure show I'll watch over and over. A long awaited "No Reservations Collection 2" is an absolute MUST for any foodie. My boyfriend thought he was being dragged into a food program with recipes prepared on a counter, but when Tony was did his program from Sweden (with tipis in the snow and Nordic biker dudes dissin ABBA with hatchets, you have to see it), he was completely surprised, now he asks me if we can hang out and watch Bourdains food program. Tony, we are eagerly awaiting Collections No.3. YOU GO BOY!!!



2. Tony Bourdain is unlike any other 'chef' on television. He is more in tune with the inner workings of kitchen life than any chef you may encounter on the Food Network, PBS, or even the Travel Channel itself (i.e. Andrew Zimmer, a Tony wannabe in sheep's clothing). The fact that Tony is also an accomplished author with a savage command of the language only adds to the unique concept and feel of No Reservations. He travels to the heart of a region's cuisine, eats with the locals and drinks with the most authentic chefs and cooks to be found there. The obvious respect he is shown by these chefs adds to his credibility, and typically paints Tony to be a rare bird in the culinary world-- a reviewer that is welcomed with open arms into the recesses of the best kitchens in the world. A truly unique host, This is the best 'reality' show on television bar none.



3. Over the years I have come to love the many facets of Anthony Bourdain. This show is the way I was introduced to him and his quirks, and I was so glad to find that they had put it on DVD, so that I no longer had to anticipate re-runs on the Travel Channel. If you are a fan of his writing, I suggest giving the show a try. It captures the essence of Tony in shorter format. There are a few *bleeps* here and there, and a lot of snarky comments, smoking and drinking, but that's just him.



4. If you do a side by side comparison with some of the other shows on the Travel Channel - say Samantha Brown or any of the cruise ship, theme park, beach vacation drivel - the contrast is startling. Bourdain is not a mainstream personality. He is sarcastic, cynical, brilliantly insightful and (mostly) real. His anti-vegetarian tirades do get old, and sometimes he seems to be pandering a little to every exotic culture he comes in contact with, but in general he is honest and genuine. He lets you see the irritation, fatigue and discomfort that comes with travel, instead of editing those parts out. So entertaining on so many levels. Bourdain is one of the masters of travel television, along with Ian Wright and Michael Palin.



5. No Reservations is one of my favorite shows. Anthony Bourdain is incredible. Is this a complete set of season 2 though? It seems to me that some episodes are missing. I would like to hear what the rest of you think.

5 comments about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Widescreen Edition).

1. I played this INFOCOM text-only game on my Apple computer back in the 80s and loved it. The English dry-humor really appealed to me.
   
   This version strayed away from the book but remember that Douglas Adams still had his hand in it before he passed away. Even if you are not currently a fan of the movie, this Blu-Ray disk is worth the purchase.
   
   Compared to the standard DVD, the menus are basic and there are fewer special features. I miss the impropability drive option. The film begins automatically after putting it in the player.
   
   There is definite improvement in HD on this film, the special effects are more detailed and you can see features on the actors invisible before (make-up, wrinkles, etc). The sound is great on my 5.1 system!
   
   I think this disk is a worthy upgrade from DVD if you are a fan of the film and watch it regularly. I really think this is a funny film which delivers solid entertainment. My wife and I watch it together at least every couple months. In fact, it was from our watching this movie that I got her to enjoy "Love Actually," (Due to actor Martin Freeman) which you'll have to see to understand my meaning.



2. ...which is why I'm not disappointed that, once again, movie makers were not true to their original source. Movie makers are never true to the original source: why torment yourself thinking it could ever be otherwise? I loved this movie in its own right; though I have to admit I almost abandoned it during the first few minutes, wondering if it was going to be any good or if should I end it now. Happily, I stuck with it - and it was well worth it. And most happily of all, at no point did I think: this doesn't make any sense. Because it made perfect sense; it had an internal coherence and each separate event had an internal logic - which is all you can ask of any movie, no matter how whimsical it might be. It needed no overview to help understand what was happening or why: things just happened, and you either took them at face value or not. Luckily, I chose to take them at face value.



3. The first time I saw this movie I was like what the hell was that. But after the 3rd or 4th time watching it I love it. Some parts are so funny and Zooey Deschannel cant be hotter. This is a very sci fi movie and funny as hell if you like sci fi.



4. THIS IZ PROBABLY ONE UV THEE BEST MOOVIEZ I HAV EVR SEEN!
   MY FAVORITE PART IS WHEN A WHALE STARTS FALLING AFTER THE SHIP GOES AT LIGHT SPEED OR SOMTIN. THEN HES NAMING STUFF LIKE A TAIL, WIND AND THEN HE SAYS, "WHAT IS THIS HARD SURFACE FLYING TOWARD ME VERY, VERY FAST.
   I THINK I'LL CALL IT OU...OUND...ROUND...GROUND! YES THAT'S IT! GROUND!
   I WONDER IF IT WILL BE FRIENDS WITH ME. HELLO GROUND!" AND THEN HE HITS THE GROUND VERY HARD. WHILE THAT IS HAPPENING ALL THAT THE FLOWERPOT IS
   THINKING IS, "OH, NOT AGAIN." YOU'D HAVE 2 C DA MOOVIE THOUGH. IN OTHER WORDS IT IS HILARIOUS!



5. Douglas Adams did indeed write almost all of this script, people who are not aware of Mr. Adams general character may not be aware that he has INTENTIONALLY made every version of Hitchhikers different. The Radio series was first and is different from the books which in turn is different than the BBC TV mini seires and so on and so on. He did this on purpose he has been quoted as saying he did not want to keep retelling the same story he wanted to change things and add new things each time he did the story.
   And for most people that may not work for you, for me as a looong time Adams fan I appreciate his desire. I mean who wants to keep telling the same story over and over again? SO he plays with it, he always has and were he still alive I feel sure he would still be making changes, just to piss so called purists off. Since there truely is no one pure version of Hitchhikers.
   So enjoy, or not that's your choice but don't assume Adams had little to do with this film because you would be wrong.

5 comments about Magnificent Desolation - Walking on the Moon (IMAX).

1. Disappointing. I had hoped for actual photos and images from the Apollo missions, but found mostly computer generated images. The best real stuff, and the majority of it, is in the end credits. The bonus material is anemic. If you are looking for something to get pre-teens excited about going back to the moon, show them this. If you are someone that grew up in the early days of space travel, as I did, don't waste you time or money.



2. For all those who "believe" that man didn't go to the moon, see this movie and get educated. This is the best documentary on the moon missions that I have see and I really admire Tom Hanks and Mark Cowen for making this DVD possible. I also recommend "In the Shadow of the Moon".



3. I went to see this movie at the pink palace IMAX in memphis and it was fantastic, I remember commenting after the show how it would be great on dvd and worthy of purchase. It was educational and had some great humor as well.



4. I saw this at an IMAX theater. I was hoping for real film of real astronauts. But it is almost all computer graphics which are not even all that good in a rather contrived 'docudrama' format. In addition the science is 'gradeschool' level stuff. You would be better off spending your money on 'Full Moon'. Its a book but the images are the real deal.



5. I have dreamed about space travel and going to the Moon for much of my life. This film is quite imaginative and exhilirating.
   
   I took my kids to see the IMAX version- we all were stunned silent by the drama that unfolded. You can read about this story many times, but actually feeling it is different.
   
   -Tahir Rahman, author of We Came in Peace for all Mankind: the untold story of the Apollo 11 silicon disc

5 comments about Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition).

1. Star Trek IV picks up where Star Trek III left off. The crew of the Enterprise(which was intentionally self destructed to trick the Klingons in Trek III)return (in one of the greatest if not the greatest Trek films ever created)to face the crimes for which they were accused of in Trek III. On their way to Earth to face the charges they are sent a message from Starfleet Command warning them to stay away because the transmissions from a probe are destroying the earth. When Kirk and crew learn about this and discover the transmissions themselves Spock picks up on the idea that the transmissions may be meant for a lifeform other than humans. Turns out hes right. The sounds from the probe are the songs of humpback whales. Only one problem: The last of the humpback whales existed back in the late 1980s. So Kirk and crew travel back in time in their beat up Klingon vessel to 1986 San Fransisco where they try to integrate themselves into their society and pick up two humpback whales named George and Gracie and return them to future earth hoping they can talk to this probe and send it on its way. So if youre a Trek fan this one is highly recommended by me but you dont have to be a Trek fan to enjoy this movie!!



2. I've been re-watching the classic Star Trek trilogy that includes The Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock, and The Voyage Home. This period was, in my opinion, the pinnacle of the Star Trek franchise and of the three I probably had the fondest memories of The Voyage Home argued by many fans to be the best of all the films. Well, after seeing it again I have confess that it has not aged well. Not at all.
   
   To start with the plot is absurd and I have to give major credit to Leonard Nimoy for turning the script into even a half way decent movie. On the other hand Nimoy is the likely culprit for the painfully saccharine sweet feel of the movie. The Voyage Home is without a doubt the most in your face preachy movie in the series. In some ways it reminds me of the tragic Superman IV where Christopher Reeves blackmailed the producers into allowing him to make a message movie. It seems as if actors as directors sometimes forget that the primary reason for movies is entertainment. In the end it's the ham-handedness of the delivery that spoils the message. After The Voyage Home Nimoy went on to direct the mega-hit Three Men and a Baby and then his directorial career just seemed to fizzle out. It's hard to imagine how the director of the biggest grossing movie of 1987 could fall so quickly but maybe there's a limit to just how much heartwarming an audience can take before it turns into heartburn.
   
   The biggest strength of the film is also its biggest weakness. Moving the crew of the Enterprise to the 1980's gave the film tremendous opportunities for humor and The Voyage Home is undoubtedly the funniest of the Star Trek films. On the other hand the film is extremely dated and suffers mightily because of it. After the humorousness of seeing the Enterprise crew wander 1986 San Francisco in full Starfleet uniform wears off it feels a tad goofy.
   
   The last issue that really hurt the film for me is the glaring plot holes. Having the Klingon vessel be capable of time travel at will seems like something that would throw off the entire dynamics of the series. Yes, I realize that the Star Trek crew has traveled back in time in the television series but in movies I think you need to be a bit more diligent. They made mention of trying to avoid influencing the future but proceeded to do things that would undoubtedly have profound effects. At one point Scotty gives away the formula for "transparent aluminum" prompting McCoy to point out that they are probably altering the future. Scotty quips, "How do we know he [the man he gave the formula to] wasn't the inventor" It's a funny line but absurd and hurts the film. In another scene Spock shows concern that Kirk is pawning the glasses McCoy gave him for his birthday. Kirk implies that somehow since they are in the past he will get the glasses as a birthday gift again. It doesn't make any sense. These kinds of things have the feel of lazy scripting used to set up jokes.
   
   Perhaps the most obvious example of how overly cutesy the movie is is the song that plays out the final scene. It sounds like something from a Christmas movie not a Star Trek movie. The films running time is less than two hours but man did it feel longer. It was most disappointing that something I loved from my youth turned out to be not nearly as good as I remembered. What keeps the film decent is the wonderful interactions of the main characters but for me it wasn't nearly enough to offset the films defects.



3. Though Star Trek: The Original Series is probably best known for its diverse cast of characters and mind-bending storylines, many fans of the show consider the comedic-style episodes of the show to be paramount to all others, as they allow the main characters to emote in non-formulaic fashions (remember Sulu brandishing a rapier, Spock hanging from a tree, or the Easter bunny in "Shore Leave"?).
   
   Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is a throwback to that style of episode. The film is bookended by moments of seriousness (which keep the film from falling too far outside the Star Trek cannon), but the meat of the story is hilarity all around!
   
   The movie begins with the U.S.S. Enterprise crew heading back home (in a Romulan warship) to face the criminal charges stemming from Captain Kirk's decision to destroy the Enterprise. On the way back to Starfleet, however, the crew finds that the world is in great peril and set off back in time (to twentieth-century San Francisco) to make things right.
   
   While in Frisco, the chaos (and hilarity!) begins. Whether it is Kirk and Spock trying to fit in among the locals, Scotty deciphering old computer technology, or Chekhov trying to find his "nuclear wessels", non-stop laughs abound.
   
   When the Enterprise crew finally does return to Starfleet, the scene that follows is one of the most uplifting moments in the entire Star Trek cannon, effectively ending the Star Trek II-IV movie "trilogy" and giving the show new life in the future.
   
   To conclude, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is a rousing film filled with non-stop laughs. Though not as serious as all the other "Original Series" films, this movie has been embraced more than any other for its ability to lampoon both present and future cultures alike. If you just finished watching Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and are not in the mood for any more gut-wrenching scenes, this is the breathe of fresh air you need!



4. And that is the truth. They shot scenes from this fine film in my high school's backyard (The Former Alameda Naval-Air Base). And that was years and years before I ever met the likes of Blane, my production manager at the trophy shop, who laughs at me whenever I talk Trek with some of my customers. Heck Blane, I know you own this title on DVD AND VHS! Just like me. Why don't you just admit it already. It won't make you any less annoying to let the world see the fact that you are a nerd, like us (I mean you ex-wife and me). Maybe one day, when you're really drunk on too much Bud, you'll throw your ball at the bowling alley, miss every single pin, and remark, "Beam me up, Scotty."



5. Gene Roddenberry's original concept for the second Star Trek movie was time travel. Paramount wanted nothing to do with the idea and successfully "replaced" Roddenberry with Harve Bennett, and, thereby, "stealing" Star Trek from it's creator. Yet, in a truly ironical twist, Paramount reversed itself when Bennett approached them with Leonard Nimoy's ideas for time travel. Again, Roddenberry had "no" say in this movie--nor does it use any of Roddenberry's original ideas that I am aware of--and the story is written by Bennett and Nimoy, while the script was written primarily by Bennett and his buddy, Nicholas Meyer. Steve Meerson and Peter Krikes are also credited with "writing" the script--although it well known that what Harve Bennett wanted, that was what was in the script.
   
   When "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" came out in theaters, I refused to go to see it; even after the high praise for the film. I recently purchased it, however, as I am trying hard to accept Harve Bennett's and Nicolas Meyer's "new" version of Star Trek. Having watched it twice now, I can honestly say that from my perspective the only thing the film has going for it, is it's (then/now) timely environmental theme of saving the whales. Moreover, I can emphatically state that the only reason I rate this a three star movie is because the bonus features and commentaries on "Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)" provide the "rest of the story." Without the insight from these features as to what the movie was attempting to do, this movie is nothing more than bad science fiction and weak slapstick comedy.
   
   Leonard Nimoy's directing skills could not help the script; and I sense that if the movie had not been so successful at the box office, Nimoy would have come clean. That is, I cannot accept that Leonard Nimoy really believes that the final product is what he wanted; and the fact that this isn't a director's cut suggests to me that Nimoy wanted to leave well enough alone. As for the "cast," I feel like they are more than missing--quite literally for the non-core actors--since the Star Ship Enterprise (blown up in the previous movie) is not even present. Moreover, because most of the movie actually takes place "outside" of the Star Trek environment, the movie frequently dose not even "feel" right. As a result, I think, the actors just walk through their performances, with the "characters" seldom doing their usual roles.
   
   I suspect it is the fact that the movie really is NOT a Star Trek movie at all that made it so appealing to a much wider audience. Too bad the "fools" at Paramount did not listen to Gene Roddenberry; maybe this, the "most favorite" of the "Star Trek" movies would have been even a five star movie if the creator of this "universe" had written and controlled the show.
   
   Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.

5 comments about The Seeker - The Dark is Rising.

1. There was definitely some talent involved in the making of this film. A lot of the camera work is very creative, unusual angles are effectively used in many scenes (including brief cuts with it being upside down that are subtle enough not to be easily noticed!).
   
   However, the creativity seemed to run short in a lot of ways. A lot of the shots of the 'rider' were slightly reminiscent of the Nazgul in the Lord of the Rings, particularly the times when he is mounted. Additionally, while the style used to establish the mood around the 'rider' was effective in the beginning, it did not vary much over the course of the movie, and thus began to feel stale by the end. The director also could not seem to resist the urge to slow down action shots in 'Matrix' style.
   
   As for the acting, Alexander Ludwig does a good job as Will Stanton. Christopher Eccleston is a very talented actor, and seems to be holding back in this movie, somehow, or not quite on his game, which is rather disappointing (maybe he dislikes Romania).
   
   Now, the biggie: the story. All in all, I have to rate this by far as one of the weakest book adaptations that I have seen (ok, the Scifi Channel adaptation of 'A Wizard of Earthsea' was FAR worse). That does not mean it is a terrible movie though. The book is of a high enough quality that even this watered down, very loose adaptation of it still has some merit.
   
   What is difficult for me to understand though is that the novel was saturated with the myths and traditions of the british isles, and that whole feeling is entirely removed from the movie. Some have suggested that this was because the director felt these were in opposition to his Christian beliefs (which seems odd as King Arthur is universally portrayed as a Christian). The signs were originally all in the shape of celtic crosses, for instance, and the last great battle which the movie places as '1000 years ago' was, in the book, the battle of baden hill with King Arthur (and Merriman Lyon actually being Merlin), etc. This is all removed, and the movie could just as easily have taken place in Romania, where they filmed it.
   
   The biggest problem that I had though is that instead of him being part of something bigger than himself in the battle against the dark, this telling of it has the other 'Old Ones' have to resort to cross bows and swords, because they seem to have virtually no power of their own. Not only does this lack literary sense, it also has the effect of making much of the movie feel like a superhero-worship film, instead of an epic, large scale battle which is much more. Will becomes this embodiment of light, placed opposite the 'rider', who was the embodiment of the dark. This one-on-one situation might appeal to modern movie audiences, but just serves to be reductionist and effectively VASTLY limits both what the light and the dark are.
   
   The sub-plot about his father being a physicist who had studied the actual nature of light and dark struck me as a total non-sequitur, which did little to nothing to enhance the story and just sucked up time which should have been used in more meaningful character development.
   
   Another sore thumb is that members of his family get carried on his time journeys with him, and he doesn't just wipe their memory (a power old ones have in the book) afterwards. Aside from being weirded out at the moment, the subject never comes up again as it would in reality.
   
   The ending was particuarly painful. What was, in the past, an epic battle between light and dark which the light barely won, was a quick and trite utter dominion of the dark by will (without the aid of any of the other old ones, annoyingly enough). I was just like, the whole movie has been leading to this moment, AND THAT IS IT?
   
   Overall, not a total failure, but definitely not the inspiring triumph that the book is. It would be enjoyed a lot by people in the 8-14 range, in particular. It is not really an adult film, although adults with a particular love of fantasy, who have not read the book, would be likely to enjoy it as well.



2. On a whim, I bought this film from the "Previously Viewed" rack at Blockbuster--and I wasn't disappointed! I have not read the novel, so taking it on its merits as a film alone, it's an enjoyable and well-crafted piece of work. The score is beautiful, the characters are well acted without exception, the story is engaging, the action is gripping, and the production design is intriguing. This is well worth the watch, particularly if you're a fan of the fantasy-meets-real-world story. And stories about the battle of good and evil (in this case, light and dark) never get old!



3. I found this G rated movie to be fun, full of CGI and very entertaining. A very welcomed surprise for a movie that I'd heard nothing about, even when it was released.



4. i bought this movie for one reason and only one reason ( christopher eccleston) who play the doctor who first season... when i watched it i didn't except it to be fantastic . i couldn't help myself from watching it again and again not just because of christopher eccleston but because the movie was great . the charcters were perfect for they roll i couldn't image anyone eles playing anybody eleses part. i bought five copies and gave them to my nieces/nephews who in fact love the movie just as much as i do.. it weird but true .... the only problem i had with this movie is i wanted it to go on i wanted to see the results from th end of the movie ... plus christopher eccleston part was too small i wanted to see more of him in the movie..... it only my oppoion but this movie is a A+++
   
   you don't see good movie that much anymore i'm glad i find this one.



5. I watched the previews for this and decided I didn't want another disapointment, Like Blood & Chocolate was. I loved the classic book series, it is one of the best, right up there with Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Prydain, and the Chronicles of Narnia, but all I can say from what I saw is, "AH, IT BURNS!"

5 comments about Farscape - The Peacekeeper Wars.

1. I never saw this show when it aired on television, but I've bought the entire series on dvd and watched it in a matter of a couple of months and hated to see it come to an end. I would've preferred they ended it with a full season but I guess I should be greatful they gave us the Peacekeeper Wars and didn't leave it on a cliffhanger. I enjoyed the Peacekeeper Wars and will cherish it with the rest of the series.



2. Marvellous job tying all the pieces together. Wish it never ended, but this is definitely the best ending to any series I've ever seen.



3. Farscape's Peacekeeper Wars is very well edited and put together. Keep in mind, that when you create a movie to wrap up loose ends (because you were cancelled before the character arcs could be completed, etc.) that you have to also adjust it to meet the needs of newbies, people who have not followed the Farscape saga. Clearly, the producer and editors addressed this problem and made it functional, but it is still a difficult hurdle to cross for the uninitiated.
   
   The movie is luscious visually and intriguing with what will save the galaxy from an all-out war between the Peacekeepers and their 10x larger competitors--the reptilian lords with some nasty interrogation capacities.
   
   Ben Broder and Claudia Black just make this work wonderfully on the romantic front. Overall, it's a nice Science Fiction romp, well edited, with a compelling plot structure, and great characters. A fantastic buy for Farscape fanatics, and a solid science fiction buy for Farscape observers.



4. Peacekeeper Wars is a movie for those of us who love Sci-Fi this was so much fun. The story is classic, the acting is wonderful a pleasure to watch over and over.Farscape (series) gets you acquainted with all the characters and the story line. Great fun, great tales and very uplifting in the end.



5. This is the one to own I loved every minut
   of it.. Farscape forever!!!

5 comments about Fantastic Four (Widescreen Edition).

1. Ok special effects...
   
   The story line seemed just a bit thin...also, there was no need for cursing the name of God...
   
   So...only 2 stars...glad I did not buy the movie...just checked it out from the library...



2. This Double Format Edition of F4 is a great buy. It has both Widescreen and Full Screen Versions of the film With commentary. However the featurettes are no longer included.



3. As a fan of the comics for years I was excited to see the adaptation to the big screen of many of my childhood heroes. This film is long on special effects and has a lot of fun action. But it lacks the story and acting that have made the early Spider Man and X-Men films fun to watch. It is still worth seeing, but it could have been much better.



4. Much like the Daredevil Director's Cut, the Extended cut of F4 is the only way to watch the movie, the theatrical release pales in comparison.
   
   While the movie itself is much too focused on the comedic aspects and sight gags in either format, with the extended cut you at least feel like you are getting more for your money.
   
   The major addition to the film is the Ben Grimm and Alicia Masters romance subplot that is just glossed over in the original cut. Included is a wonderful scene in Alicia's studio where you actually see the romance begin and a real relationship form. As well as a scene at an Art Show where Ben is embarassed for Alicia to be seen with him and leaves.
   
   The other footage is mostly of Dr. Doom dealing with his transformation, spying on the F4 and meeting with every member other than Reed trying to convince them that Reed doesn't care about them.
   
   I highly suggest replacing any theatrical cut copies of the DVD with the extended cut, you won't be disappointed.



5. I've watched the Fantastic Four cartoons and always found their charismatic witty personalities and their dialogues very entertaining. However, the actors in the movie just don't have that edge to them, they seem like second rate actors, like they had to lower the costs or something for Jessica Alba to be in the movie. I mean, they are supposed to be SUPERHEROES! Not medicore schmucks who just happen to have superpowers! Very disappointed in the acting, which I find destroys the movie, put in all the special effects that you want, point of the matter is, you need actors that have to know who their character is that they are playing.

5 comments about Living Landscapes HD The World's Most Beautiful Places [Blu-ray].

1. If I were to be stranded on an island and could take only one blu-ray
   dvd, Living Landscapes would be the one. The quality, colors and splender are unmatched. I have many IMAX movies along with the
   Planet Earth series and others. In my opinion Living Landscapes far
   exceeds them all in level of quality, content and production. As for the music, I feel it was perfect for the content. By all means pay whatever the cost and get this blu-ray dvd.



2. I don't recommend this. It only show up to 1080i, not 1080p. It's not a true blu-ray disc



3. Awesome DVDs. I highly recommend them.
   
   OK, so I set up my home theater and I've been looking for great alternative Blu-Ray films. That was when I ran across Living Landscapes HD Collection. These beautiful DVDs bring the outside inside. These are the kind of films you'll want to watch over and over, even if it is just playing in the background while you're having a morning cup of coffee.
   
   They are filmed in High Definition and the photography is excellent. My visual experience was immersive and compelling... it looked to me like I could walk into the scene.
   Couple that with audio in 5.1 surround sound and the DVDs creates the sense of being there.
   The first released versions do have music playing in the background. While I did enjoy the music selections, I understand that there are soon-to-be-released versions that will allow the user to pick music or no music and listen to just the natural sounds. These will definitely be added to my collection.
   
   When I first spotted these on Amazon, what I wanted to know was "is this going to be cheesy and a waist of money or a treasure I'll really enjoy."
   After watching my first one numerous times now, the verdict is "treasure".
   
   [I'm playing these in a basic home theater setting -- Sony equipment: 50" 1080i Wega TV, HTDDW795 surround sound, and s300 Blu-ray player.]



4. I find myself watching this just to take away the stress of the day. The combination of music and breathtaking scenery just melt away my cares. We put it on when guests come to visit and it creates a wonderfully inviting atmosphere to visit. I recommend this for anyone with a blu-ray and high def television.



5. I use this video as a demo on how good blu-ray can look and sound. It is also a good stress-reduction tool. Lots of spectacular scenery with a soundtrack that is soothing. It may disapoint viewers who were expecting a more naturalistic experience or a documentary. It is very effective for what it is.

5 comments about Deja Vu.

1. This movie stunk. It was full of time travel and all the twist and turns that come with the possibilities. But of course we have seen it all before a million times (can you say 12 Monkey's?). The movie has a great cast and it is a shame to see Denzel, Jesus Caviezel and Val 'I am washed up and not even trying anymore' Kilmer wasted in this stinky doo doo.



2. I've seen Denzel Washington in a few movies I didn't like, but usually he is excellent in every way. That's how he is in this movie too. My husband and I love this movie and will watch it over and over. There are all these clues that you don't realize until later that they are important, but I like the way everything is wrapped up by the end. You never quite know how it is going to turn out until then. It has a sad ending, and then a happy ending! It's a great movie!



3. It's Denzel so I had high expectations, but this film just sucked... hugely. If you're going to do a time conundrum movie, it should at least have a modicum of intelligence. This steaming turd of a film was so dumb you could put a pointy hat on it and make it stand in the corner.
   
   Denzel dialed in his perfomance, and the rest was all visual style above substance. I guess I shouldn't have expected any more from director Tony Scott.
   
   I spent most of the first half of the film wondering how Val Kilmer got so chubby, and most of the second half wondering when they'd get to the end.
   
   One star... the biggest turkey of the last few years.



4. I didn't know what to expect from this movie. Sure I saw the previews and it just looked like a crime mystery. I greatly enjoyed the "Bone Collector," so I thought maybe I would like another starring Denzel. In fact this movie is way more than that, and that was a pleasant surprise on my end.
   
   Like the preview suggested it starts off with a mystery. They're trying to find a killer, but Denzel's character gets brought into a top secret fold when other people on site recognize his potential for recognizing major details. You get brought into a hi-tech world that eventually turns into a time travel twist. It felt more like it was drawn off of Michael Crichton's "Timeline" rather than something like "12 Monkeys". Except, instead of going back to medieval times it's a lot sooner. The time travel concept has been done before, so on a creative level this movie is nothing new. The only real difference is that it's directed by the guy who did "Enemy of the State", thus it has that kind of cinematography in feel. The parallel universe/timeline question gets brought up and that whole path was great for me because I really like that kind of stuff. The only problem I had with the science is when Denzel's character pointed a laser pointer at the screen and the person they were monitoring saw that. That really didn't make sense to me. Maybe the writer's thought they were dealing with such an anomalous subject that it would just "be possible" in a blanket concept. It didn't make sense to me because the device that is actually providing them with the time travel ability is in a completely different room and normally technological concepts wouldn't work in such an interactive way, unless the screen was physically a gateway, which it's not because Denzel touches the screen and nothing happens. Plus to interact with the other time frame they have to physically put something in the device, thus making the laser pointer even more nonsense.
   
   Okay enough of my gripe with the film's technological proposals. At the very least the movie is quite entertaining, though I did spend some time wondering when Val Kilmer put on that much weight... he's a minor character anyway, kind of a waste for him because he's usually pretty good. The movie revolves far more around Denzel though, who plays an ATF agent and if you've seen Denzel play one smart alec cop you've seen them all. This movie is really no different; kind of has some semblance of the same character from "Inside Man" if you ask me. The end of the film is very suspenseful and it's a great feel. The ending, for me, was a little overly happy in a sense, just because when you're messing with technology that theoretical, everything shouldn't go right in the end.
   
   Anyway, I enjoyed the movie. It's probably not Denzel's best by any stretch of the imagination, but it was still an entertaining watch. I may not pull "Dé Javu" out to watch frequently, but I don't feel I was robbed of my time. I have to admit I really did enjoy the time travel twist in the story and if you're into that kind of stuff you may find this movie quite interesting as well.



5. Finally, an intelligent, unpredictable movie that causes you to question what you've seen long after finishing the movie. I watched it alone and wanted my husband to watch it so we could talk about it.
   
   Denzel was superior. Paula Patton is gorgeous and has promise. She played the helpless victim role well.
   
   I will certainly watch this movie again.

5 comments about The Final Countdown (Widescreen Edition).

1. If you're looking for a popcorn movie from the 80's, then this is your movie. This sci-fi combines the elements of a well-written script with decent action. The areal sequences are phenomenal. This is the first and probably only time in which you will witness a modern-day F14 Tomcat and a WWII Mitsubishi Zero on the same screen. Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen both do a remarkably good job in this flick.



2. Yes, my friends it will truely be the SPINAL countdown as you watch this great film, as you will NOT want to leave your sitting position as you are sucked into the vortex of this movie. I loved it, great fun. Aviation buffs take note, there is great attention to detal here. Martin Sheen is very convincing as the "expert" sent aboard to observe operations. Then comes the trip back to 1941. The film is engaging and it is fun and features the F-14 (of top gun fame) Who could ask for anything more? Simon says check it out! One final thing, am I the only one who LOVES the sound of the helicopter blades turning as Martin Sheen steps aboard the helicopter for the first time? They sound SO COOL. Do helicopters still sound like this? If not why not? Anyhow, check it out!



3. As an aviation writer with 113 published titles, including a current one on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, I have specialized in naval aviation. Generally, I get quite impatient with movies that are very inaccurate when it comes to technical details, but "The Final Countdown" is different. The Final Countdown (Widescreen Edition) With a storyline involving a time warp that takes a nuclear powered aircraft carrier back to December 1941 and the attack on Pearl Harbor, the basic premise is science fiction rather than anything historical or documentary. Therefore, it really doesn't matter that there is little attention to the accuracy I usually like to see given respect by a film maker. Instead, this movie is just easy entertainment that is enjoyable. The acting isn't great. Kirk Douglas was 63 when he made the movie, 15 to 20 years older than a carrier captian would be in real life, and the script leaves a lot to be desired in places. But the film is still enjoyable if the viewer simply accepts it for what it is. Perhaps the best part is the music score, while the worst is the narrative of the cinematographer in the "special features" section of the DVD. Along with "Somewhere in Time," it is the best of the movies I have seen with a time warp theme. Science fiction fans and naval aviation buffs will surely find it to their liking.



4. The Final Countdown was a really good movie. I would recommend it to people that love Scifi and Time Travel movies. I gave it 3 stars because the story line really to me didn't make any sense. They go back to 1941 and they are there for a long time just sending planes up and scouting and there is a few deaths and one American plane shoots down a jap plane and explodes but that is basically it. Torwards the end when they are going to get ready to intercept the japanese they get called back to the carrier and the attack on Pearl Harbor still happens. So what was the point of the movie, they didn't even really do anything. I liked it because I am huge into Time-Travel. I also liked the ending when Katharine Ross/Laurel Scott and James Farentino/Wing Commander Richard T. Owens/Mr Richard Tideman ended up being alive and made a surprise visit with Martin Sheen/Warren Lasky.



5. The movie arrived right as scheduled and in perfect shape. We enjoyed it tremendously; thanks.