5 comments about The Unidentified Flying Oddball.

1. I remember seeing this movie back in elementary school, and I still find it entertaining today. As the synopsis above states, the plot revolves around a "modern" day space explorer who gets catapulted back to the days of King Arthur. The comedy is derived from the strange predicaments in which Dugan finds himself (the old fish-out-of-water ploy). The movie is one of Disney's better live-action comedies. Since much of the comedy is of the zany, slapstick variety the movie has aged well, and is still humorous twenty years later. The style of comedy is similar to what one finds in other Disney comedies such as the Love Bug. My six year old loves it. If you're a collector of Disney movies definitely add this one to your library.



2. I have always loved Disney movies and this is one of my favorites. I watch it over and over and enjoy it everytime.



3. What a joy to find old disney movies released on DVD and in widescreen:) I just discvered THE BLACK HOLE as well also a disney CLASSIC of long ago, when special efects were invented 1st by Disney at every turn. Plus I love Dennis Dugan, you can just take so much of the same disney dudes over and over in the same roles. He is a refreshing change. And the Disney animtronics, that they were so famous for, like Abe Lincoln and the Teeky Teeky Room. BUY THIS One for your Disney collection. I am on a quest for all Disney Vintage movies for my DVD collection, and all the old classics, from Aladdin to Winnie the Pooh. Check out my More about Me page in the near future and you can help me come up with more titles that I have missed and I can help you out with your thirst for "The Happiest Place on Earth" :) When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. When you wish upon a star your dreams come true :)



4. Based off the Mark Twain novel `A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', Unidentified Flying Oddball (1979) aka The Spaceman and King Arthur, may not have been one of the more popular live action Disney films of the past, but I liked it for a number of reason which I'll talk about later...the film, written by Don Tait (Hell's Angels '69, The Apple Dumpling Gang), was directed by Russ Mayberry, who primarily worked in the medium of television directing on shows like "Bewitched", "I Dream of Jeannie", "That Girl", "The Brady Bunch", "The Partridge Family", "The Rockford Files", along with many others, but did find time to do a few films, including this one. Starring in the film is Dennis Dugan (The Howling, Problem Child, Happy Gilmore), Sheila White (Confessions from a Holiday Camp), Ron Moody, whom many will recognize as the dastardly character Fagin in the 1968 film Oliver!, and Jim Dale, a fixture in the British `Carry On...' film series. Also appearing is Kenneth More (Sink the Bismarck!), John Le Mesurier (I'm All Right Jack, Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?), Rodney Bewes (Jabberwocky), and Pat Roach, whom you may have never heard of, but surely have seen in any one of his villain roles like in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - he played two roles in that film, one being the big Sherpa in the bar and another as the mechanic/brawler, the character of Lippe (he fought Bond in the health spa) in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again (1983), the chief guard in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), and skeleton masked General Kael in Willow (1988), to name a few.
   
   The story begins as we see a group at NASA discussing a new project featuring a shuttle called Stardust that has the ability to travel faster than any previous ship. There's a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo presented, but the gooberment officials are reluctant to approve sending humans up in an untested craft (it's an election year), so scientific brain boy Tom Trimble (Dugan) is tasked to build a humanoid robot to pilot the ship, which he does (in his own image), but the robot, named Hermes, was apparently made too human, and is afraid to make the 30 year trip. Trimble, in an effort to convince Hermes that everything will be all right, gets caught in the shuttle during an accidental launch, and both end up in orbit. The ship does what it was designed to do (traveling faster than the speed of light), subsequently travels back in time, and, on returning to Earth, Trimble discovers he's in 6th century England, specifically King Arthur's court at Camelot! Trimble meets a local girl named Alisande (White), and she believes him to be some sort of monster (in his spacesuit), despite his protests. Soon Trimble is captured by the rotter Sir Mordred (Gale), taken to Camelot and sentenced to death. It's around this time Trimble learns of Mordred's treacherous plans to overthrow King Arthur (More), and now must use his intelligence and wits to not only keep himself alive, but also prevent the despicable Mordred and his cronies from their foul machinations through.
   
   First off I just want to say it felt good to watch a family friendly film that doesn't insinuate toilet humor into the story to get laughs...not that I mind that kind of thing, but it seems so much more prevalent nowadays for these types of films, geared towards general audiences, to rely on techniques of the lowest common denominator to try and entertain. As far as the story goes, it was very straightforward, and moved along well. Dugan seemed a decent choice for the role of Trimble (I guess Dean Jones and Kurt Russell, both frequent stars in Disney's mid 60's/early 70's live action pics, were busy on other projects), and he does well presenting pre-MacGyver like character who uses his intelligence to get out of sticky situations. As far as the others, my favorite was Dale as Sir Mordred. He did a wonderful job bringing his character to life, and could have easily been transposed to more serious films with respect to Arthurian legend despite being a bit over the top at times (what good villain isn't?) As far as the character of Merlin, played by Moody...I thought he also did very well, but the way the character was written seemed to go against most of what I think I know in the respect the Merlin here was not a very nice guy...and what was up with his hair? It looked like they shaved the top of Moody's head, giving him a horseshoe hair pattern, leaving a handle-like tuft at the very top....very weird...another character I enjoyed was that of Sir Gawain, played by Le Mesurier. The role wasn't very big, but incorporated a sort of subtle humor (a slight touch of that droll, British humor) that complemented the sequences he appeared in very well. The odd man out was that of King Arthur, played by More. He did all right, but he lacked the majestic qualities I normally associate with the character. It's not like he ruined the movie or anything, but he just seemed a little out of place. The sets and costumes were very good, relaying better than average production values, along with most of the special effects, although there is a sequence with Trimble in a flying rocket chair where the wires are plainly visible, but again, this wasn't something that ruined the film for me. My favorite sequence was the magnetized sword bit and I also liked how, through a good part of the film, Trimble was perceived by the 6th century inhabitants as not so much a dangerous threat, but sort of a pitiful oddity, one that might be better put out of his misery. I'm unsure how kids today, what with their Harry Potters and such, would receive a film like this, but for those of us who grew up in the 70's and 80's, this is a welcome trip back to simpler times.
   
   The widescreen (1.85:1) picture, enhanced for 16 X 9 TVs, looks sharp, but there are some very minor signs of age deterioration in the film (nothing to get too hung up on). The Dolby Digital mono audio comes through clearly, and there are English subtitles available. There are no other special features.
   
   Cookieman108



5. STORY: Unidentified Flying Oddball is short for U.F.O. of course. This live action film from the Walt Disney studio is the story of Tom Trimble the NASA astronaut (Dennis Dugan) and his robot Hermes. They have a newly designed faster than the speed of light spaceship called the Stardust, that is hit by a lightening bolt and knocked back in time to the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Thinking he has traveled to another world, Tom leaves the craft in his spacesuit. Seeing him in this spacesuit the citizens think he is a monster or dragon and attack him, sending him to prison. After being imprisoned, Tom learns of a threat against the king from the nefarious Sir Mordred (Jim Dale) who wants to take the King's throne at Camelot for himself. Merlin (Ron Moody) is aiding Mordred in the scheme and is envious of Tom's modern scientific talents, since his own power based on illusion diminishing. Our astronaut hero is sentenced to be burned at the stake as a monster, but uses his sutis technology to save his life. His suit keeps him from burning up for one thing. He convinces the King he can't die and wants to help him, and he is released. After Tom is released he begins to use technology tp improve the kingdom, and along the way he develops a love interest with Alisande (Sheila White). Merlin and Sir Mordred join forces to attack the king, and Tom must help the Knights defend the King in a big battle. There is some light romance, some action, and plenty of comedy. Note: For those people that are used to the kind and powerful Merlin character, be forewarned, this is an evil Merlin whose power is mostly just illusion.
   
   BEHIND THE SCENES: Don Tate wrote the screenplay as a loose re-interpretation of the Mark Twain story, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. If the acting and productions seems at times like a 1970's TV sitcom, that may be the result of director Russ Mayberry, who worked on shows such as "I Dream of Jeannie", and "Bewitched". Shooting occurred on location, and a team was formed to film exteriors at the real 11th century castle Alnwick, and interiors at Pinewood Studios. At the castle's village, the producers hired 1,000 extras to be used in the film. The special effects crew was responsible for creating a space shuttle with a working ramp and carries a moon buggy that expands to double its size, and a robot arm. Additionally they had to come up with a flying jetpack, spacesuits, magnetized sword, and space guns.
   
   The movie went through some inexplicable name changes during production and subsequent release. The working title during production was "A Spaceman in King Arthur's Court", and it was released in England first under that title on July 10, 1979. Weeks later it hit U.S. theatres on July 26, 1979 as "Unidentified Flying Oddball", yet having a subtitle of "The Spaceman and King Arthur". When it aired on "The Wonderful World of Disney", on February 27 and March 6 1982 as a two part episode, it was re-named to it's first tittl as "A Spaceman in King Arthur's Court". When it was released on video for the first time in 1986, it was changed back again to "Unidentified Flying Oddball". The promotional movie poster that Walt Disney studios released at the time had the tagline of "Chaos in the Cosmos". Running time is not long at 93 minutes. All in all, good clean family fun.
   
   DVD: The picture is in widescreen. It looks like they cleaned up the picture andcolor compared to my VHS version. The sound is still in Mono, but the film was made that way. Unfortunately there are no extras on the disc. It would have been nice to see a Disney cartoon, behind the scenes feature, the trailer, and maybe on of the old space based episodes from the Wonderful Wolrd of Disney television show, such as "Man in Space". Still with the cleaner picture, widescreen, and longer life of a disc, I reccommend this as an upgrade to your VHS copy.

5 comments about The Terminator.

1. It was ARNOLD, not much else needs to be said. I think the movie was done and the line 'I'll be Back' is still being done.



2. 1080p HDTV with my PS3 playing this movie is so freaking awesome! Looking way better than the VHS and DVD with the standard TV.



3. While almost 25 years after its release, the Terminator franchise is still going strong. James Cameron's original film is a low-budget thrillfest that truly made Arnold Schwarzenegger a star. The film follows a young carefree women as she learns that she will one day give birth to a resistance leader that will save the world. The downside is that evil robots don't want to see that happen and send a robotic Arnold back in the past to kill her long before she's even pregnant. Lots of bang for the buck with this film as the action and stunts are thrilling and brutal. Go check out the move that started this billion-dollar franchise. I recommend it for adults 18+.



4. This is a classic movie to the point where it has become a serious cliche. However it is well made and finely paced. The soundtrack is seriously '80s but otherwise fine. Most importantly, however, this movie paved the road for the very excellent second movie.
   
   The effects are dated, but they work well enough for the movie because they are shot with competence and an eye towards the end result of the movie.
   
   Michael Biehn and Linda Hamilton work well together and Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast here in a rare (for him at least) villain role.



5. T1 is such an important movie, yes the visuals look dated, but how many franchises have lasted this long?
   The whole man versus machine has inspired and influenced so many artists, musicians, and other filmmakers.
   The acting in this movie is pretty good, Arnold acts like a robot so I'm sure this role wasn't too difficult for him.
   Linda Hamilton does the tough lady with brains instead of the usual damsel in distress nonsense.
   The directing, the story is top notch.
   T1 is a must see for all action, sci fi fans.
   Highly recommended.

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5 comments about The Ride.

1. A great movie that really captures the true sense of Aloha and how Duke and many other great Hawai'ian people have the true Island Spirit. Not many tourists can see that Spirit of Aloha in the Islands today...but if you look hard and give respect to the people and the places of their land some might find it's way into your heart.
   The love of the ocean and the gift of surfing... 'riding the wave, not the board' is apparent. Much can be learned from the Hawai'ian culture and it's people, just take a moment the next time you visit the Islands to drink in the Ohana. The surfing on the old style boards is great... take out one of those boards and you had to be a real waterman.
   Aloha & Mahalo, Mike



2. Ever since I saw it on Waikiki beach in the summer of 2003, I knew this was a movie to love. Recommended for all ages.



3. For us ' Hawaiian at heart', This movie is why we love Hawaii. What a great portrayal of The Duke ! As Don Ho once said, ' most visitors leave Hawaii without knowing more than the beauty of our beaches and the excitement of a luau' , they never get to know the Hawaiian people or the culture- that have made these Islands so very special ! This movie shows what can happen to someone, Kawika, when you are 'taken in' by this place known as Hawaii. Great story ,great scenery and a wonderful use of Hawaiian language. You'll never get tired of viewing this movie, I know I don't. I miss that kulana kai !



4. I love this movie. I am a surfer living in Hawaii and I have always appreciated Duke Kahanamoku's gift of surfing to the world. It's a fun look at what life might have been like for Duke and his beachboy friends back in the day. Back when life was simple...no phones...no traffic...clean water and air. Hawaii is different today, but, most people still have the aloha spirit. If you want to travel back in time for a couple of hours and visit old Hawaii watch this movie. Aloha!!



5. I saw this film on a flight to Hawaii and forgot the name. I asked all the surfers, anyone who knows the culture, etc.....and nobody knew. I cannot remember how I eventually found it, but when I did I said "yahoo" and bought it! It's FANTASTIC!
   
   Made my eyes tear to see Duke and feel the experience of being on Waikiki in days gone by.
   
   I recommend this to anyone interested in Hawaii, surfing or wanting to see a really good film. (I'm a sci-fi fan, so the time travel was a plus.)

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5 comments about Island of the Sharks (Large Format).

1. Amazing photography. Make sure you watch the special features on how they made it.
   Also - if you have younger children - check out Captain Jon Explores the Ocean, also available on DVD from Amazon.



2. I buy and watch a lot of underwater documentaries but I have to admit this is but far the best of them so far. Cocos Island has always been my dream diving spot in the world. These guys put together a fantastic video. Quality of the shots are incredible. I strongly recommend anyone who is interested in underwater life.



3. Island of the Sharks is a spectacular look at the ocean around the island of Cocos. Many creatures are photographed here, including: shark species, manta rays, fishes, and quite a few invertebrates. A very startling scene, and one of my favorites, involves a male blenny searching for a mate. However, a very large mantis shrimp threatens all fishes that pass within the area. A female blenny detects the males signal, and searches the sand flats for him. When the tiny female reaches the male, he rebuffs her instantly. The female blenny backtracks in the wrong direction, and is swallowed whole by the waiting shrimp. Excilirating photography! However, this is only a single scene out of many that make this one of the very best films about the ocean. Completely trashes another well known but sub par Imax film called "The Living Sea."
   The transfer to DVD of this epic is acceptable. It is very good for a restoration from the Imax screen, which is usually very hard to do. Some scenes of the film are grainy, but this is expected from an Imax restoration. However, most of the picture is clear, and can be enjoyed in full glory. If you love the ocean and it's marvels, rent it or buy it on DVD!



4. Nicely filmed, good sea and island bird life coverage including the seasonal El Nino effects, BUT...the narration is often drowned out by the sound track's musical score--a fault I lay directly on the studio sound staff, sloppy mixer level management, and asleep-at-the-wheel Quality Control people. The narration overall was only "adequate" as the woman doing it spoke as if "too removed/uninterested/laid back" from what she was narrating, a weak script to read from, and spoken softly as well adding to the narration shortfall. Otherwise...this is visually a good DVD of the sea and bird life of the Cocos Islands.



5. What beauty, and what a pleasure to watch! Narrated by Linda Hunt's articulate voice, this film is full of fantastic underwater scenes that took a great deal of talent, and patience, to capture. A real treat that my entire family appreciated.
   
   Chrissy K. McVay - Author

1 comments about The Living Edens: Denali - Alaska's Great Wilderness.

1. I watched two Alaska videos this week. The first one is not impressive, and it seems to be produced in 1 week. The second one (the one I am reviewing) is from PBS, it is excellent. It does not only have beautiful scenes, but have a lot of parts about animals. It covers the four seasons of Denali. PBS did spend a lot of effort to take this video. I am very impressed.

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3 comments about Secret Yosemite.

1. A disapointing Movie about am place that has so much to offer than climbing El Capitan!!!



2. Although this video is more than the already described climb of El Capitan, it is little more than another global warming warning and message that, if not already heeded, will do little to motivate your concern. Though perhaps true, I was more than a little disappointed that so much energy was spent to build such an air of doom, rather than share the often missed "secrets" that exist in such a miraculous place as Yosemite.
   
   The brief mention of "Shattered Air" was a little open ended, and I do recommend that you read the story of that day, and of the incredibly powerful effects of changing weather within the park before you visit. You most surely need to inform yourself before venturing out on the seemingly harmless trails.
   
   Take it from me. I've been on top of Half Dome when a lightning storm hit(on my first trip at age 12, none the less!), and have hid below the lightning rods under shelves of slippery granite hoping it would pass. It will make you grateful to return, and will surely change your plans in the future. That is, should you plan to make a second trip. I did make more than a dozen trips up that rock, including the last which involved a wildfire below Half Dome, and being forced down the trails in the dark to avoid harm. Out of all of my experiences, one thing is sure. I wouldn't trade any of my adventures for a warm bed.
   
   Lightning, fire, & wind. This video gives snippets of these forces, as well as rock slides (that occur often throughout the park), but in the end falls short of offering much more than has been seen before, and in a less fulfilling way. Some nice aerial shots and time lapse, but very little. Overall, this video is very disappointing when considering that it is a National Geographic production.
   
   For a more balanced look at Yosemite I recommend:
   
   Spirit of Yosemite
   Yosemite: The Seasons; Echoes of Tenaya
   Return to Balance: A Climber's Journey
   
   My family began visiting Yosemite in 1946, and we still make several visits to the park, both high and low, many times each year. Each time we leave, it is more difficult to say goodbye.
   
   I, for one, think the secrets need to remain secrets. Mysteries are to be sought in person, and not on video. I hope to write a book about my adventures one day should time allow. I will, however, faithfully keep the secrets I know to myself. I have only shared what I have found with family and my very best, like minded friends. Still, I draw no maps, and I give no directions. I just lead the way.
   
   Go Climb A Rock!



3. This DVD stays at the similar style as Secret Yellowstone by NG. It is not for people who want to get an overview of this park. It is just focused on some special topics, climbing El Capitan, climbing Half Dome, global warming and the Giant Sequoia.
   
   The part of Climbing El Capitan is quite an eye-opener for me, especially the King Swing. It is beyond my original imagination. For people who never have an experience of rock climbing like me, it is very exciting to see this.
   
   The shooting quality is good as most films by NG. The animation is helpful to explain the science and geology.
   
   Overall, this film is suitable for people who want to know something not commonly seen in Yosemite.

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