5 comments about For All Mankind - Criterion Collection.

1. The Apollo Missions of the late 1960's and early 1970's were perhaps the greatest achievement in the history of humanity. Yet the real achievement and meaning has been lost on many of us. Here, in the film For All Mankind, is a chance to bring some meaning and depth to Apollo. Needless to say, it is the perhaps the most effective film on the history of space exploration.
   
   One must give the film's director, Al Reinert, at a ton of credit for his work. Who else could have come up with the brilliant notion behind this film? Who would have thought of taking footage from all of the Apollo missions (and a couple of the Gemini missions) and combining them with the words of the men who went where no one had (or has since) gone before? (Apologies for paraphrasing Star Trek) The genius of this film is that it shuns away from traditional documentary styling. Instead of compiling facts on one mission and having a well known actor/actress do the narration, the film lets those who went tell the story. Who else is better qualified? They might not be professional actors, but the astronauts don't need to be. It is the power of the events they describe that is the main reason for their presence. They are a powerful voice in this story.
   
   In many reviews I have read, I have seen complaints about the mixing of footage or the use of footage out of its context (a Gemini reentry used for the TLI burn for example). Yes the mixing is nowhere near subtle and is, thus, blatantly obvious. But it is my feeling that this mixing was necessary. The only way to get across the story of Apollo's achievement to the average person was to mix the footage. Does it really matter in the end? I mean by that this: the film isn't about a single mission to the Moon. No, the power of Apollo lies not in each mission, but in the overall effect of the Apollo program. This film is about the journey of Apollo, the effect in had on the astronauts, and the effect it had on us all.
   
   If there is one element of this film that really stayed with men it was the music. It is among the most beautiful and haunting things you will ever here. Brian Eno does a marvelous job of conveying the mystery and majesty of both space and the Moon. This is one of those scores who really have to hear to believe.
   
   This DVD is first rate and should be for a film of this caliber. The film gets a 5.1 surround sound mix which is amazing, especially for the lift-off and Moon walking sequences. There is also an excellent audio commentary done by Reinert and Apollo 10/17 astronaut Gene Cernan. Part making-of commentary and part interview with Cernan, the commentary is an amazing supplement to the film itself. There is also a showcase of Al Bean's paintings on Apollo, footage of launches from the first fifteen years of NASA, and a selection of important audio clips from Al Shepherd's first Mercury flight to Cernan's final steps on the Moon. Criterion set out not just to present and preserve films, but to give first rate supplementary material as well and in this case at least they have succeeded.
   
   For All Mankind, perhaps better then anything else out there, demonstrates the power of humanity in space. For one to really appreciate this film it needs to be seen on a large screen in surround sound. Only then can one appreciate both the film and the power of the Apollo legacy. This is the first film I've seen that I recommend to everyone. This is a film that is truly "For All Mankind".



2. If you have a collection of DVD's and you don't have this one, then your collection is incomplete. This is one of the best sudo documentaries ever made. Some of the footage is incorrect and the sequencing is wrong, but it doesn't matter. This is cinematic art at it's best. Capturing a feeling and conveying it to an audience.
   I've watched it about 5 times and it still leaves me in awe each time. I remember when it happened and as I've grown older and realized how spectacular an achievement this was. This does more to capture the true goals and accomplishments of man in space.
   Why did we climb the mountain? because it was there. And wow what a spectacular view.
   For parts of it you could feel that little tinge of anguish those astronauts felt that just made that voyage and came back without landing. Seeing those views of how close they were and how far they were from home.
   Just a great film.



3. I found this video to be a disappointment. It contains video clips from the Apollo missions. There are clips from inside the spacecraft, from spacecraft to spacecraft, on the surface of the moon, of the astronauts preparing to enter the spacecraft at Cape Canaveral and from the mission control center in Houston. The problem is that the clips are disjointed, unless you are very schooled in the Apollo program, you do not know what mission the clip is from. Other than watching the clip, there is no way to determine what the current activity is. This disjointed presentation is confusing and decimated my interest.
   There was one aspect that I found of interest and that was the equipment. Looking at the now antiquated equipment, it is amazing to realize that humans did use it to walk on the surface of the moon. It makes one wonder why, with the much more advanced modern equipment, that there are such problems with the American space program. It also contains my favorite John F. Kennedy quote, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."



4. This is a great piece of work in that it trancends the usual limitations of the documentary format. Rather than a dry linear presentation of the facts, we are given the images and the words of the participants. What is created is the impression of the greatness of the achievement. This is a work that leaves the viewer understanding why this was important in a way that none of the documentaries before or after have been able to achieve.
   
   People obsessed with the details of history will not like it. The director plays fast and loose with chronology and often selects clips to make a point rather than present linear history. But in my opinion, the work proves that telling a story results in a much better work than following the modern obsession with "recreating history".
   
   The director lets the men who were there tell their own story in their own words. And that story is all the more effective because these are real people rather than celebrities doing voiceovers.
   
   There is no better telling of the story of the space program leading up to the moon landings than this film. Its a shame so few people have seen it or even know about it.



5. As far as must see's go, this is one of them, however, any student of Apollo will find the mixing and matching of audio to video distracting if not down right annoying. I understand the intent of trying to tell a story and wrap it all up, but the effect is to dumb down the history and I simply couldn't get past that. The worst is the faked add in dubbing. For example, Niel, Buzz and Mike are getting on the elevator to the Saturn V and there is some kind of tech standing there. The film makers actually dub in audio so it appears the guy says, "God Speed man." I mean, come on!!! Was that necessary? How absurd, corny and dated in such a 70s style of film making.
   
   Another example is having Apollo 16 audio regarding the house sized rock juxtaposed with astronauts picking up a 2 pound rock. Gees, just show the darn house sized rock clip with the actual audio!!! My advice is turn off the sound and watch the amazing footage! Better yet, go see In the Shadow of the Moon for an outstanding

5 comments about Grand Tour - Disaster in Time.

1. I first saw this film on tv back in the 90's, it had been retitled 'Timescape'.
   Although a low budget sci-fi movie it relies on a clever story and good acting to carry it off. The special effects add to the story, not support it as with some of the higher budget movies.
   I had been searching for the film on DVD for some time and eventually found it on DVD under the Timescape name, but the quality of the image on that version is poor in contrast to this release under the 'Grand Tour' name.



2. This is a TV movie. It's fluff. It had the potential to be a great SCI-FI flick but not the budget or the nerve to push for greatness. Did I enjoy it. Yep. Glad to own it. Would I recommend it? Only to a true sci-fi geek like me or a collector. The movie makes an attempt at the end to astound us...but a blind man without his seeing eye dog in a dark room could see it coming before he even sits down! Bad example but kind of truthful.



3. I'm picky about movies, so my 3-star is worth 4 from most people, except those who need car-chases, exploding cars, and wire-supported stunts. It has one piece of sci-fi that initiates the plot: People from the future time-traveling back to our present. From that point, the plot plays out rationally, though the time-paradox is not truly confronted or explained away. The present-day characters are realistic and well defined, as are their interrelationships. The future people are left somewhat fuzzy, though they are fleshed out as persons, not mere mysteries. For anyone who likes sci-fi or futurist films, I highly recommend this. For the rest, it at least deserves a rental.



4. I was looking for a movie to rent years ago at a popular video chain in CA. and there was this special movie rack of "sleepers". Basically movies that just didn't catch on with the masses. So I look through them and end up taking only one of them home. This movie has haunted me ever since. I found a copy years ago and before I even got to view it again I had given it to a relative who was visiting from out of state. Needless to say I never saw or heard about their take on it again. But now I have my very own copy and you can forget about borrowing this one! This movie will sneak up on you if you just give it a chance. . . fifteen minutes or so. The use of the word "grand" will either amuse you are drive you nuts however. Get used to it, it helps to set you up for the deeper meaning of the movie. Enjoy the suggestion and the innuendo.



5. It would have been 5-stars if they would not have over-stretch the uneventful first-half. The production is modest, but the story is very good. And the cast do a good job. A reviewer in this page called it "Like A long Twilight Zone Episode", and that just about sums it up.

No comments about Washington the Beautiful [Blu-ray].

5 comments about The Little Prince.

1. I couldn't remember if I had seen the movie. I guess if I did it wasn't so memorable.
   
   It is an okay movie, I expected more than what was provided. Considering Gene Wilder had been in Willy Wonka wow... this one is much different. There is a good moral to the story and it was cute, but not enough visual stimulation for me, I think most would be bored with the film fairly quickly.



2. It has been awhile since I've been inspired to write a review of a movie. I can't remember where or when I first heard of the Little Prince, but it was many years ago. I recently re-read the book, and decided to watch the movie. I wasn't disappointed. The movie was a very well done musical-fantasy. Richard Kiley has such a beautiful voice. Steven Warner, who played the little prince sounded fine also, in spite of his youth. I wonder what ever happened to him? I couldn't find any info on him on the internet.



3. I'm a French teacher who was looking for a video to go along with the book. I thought it would be a fun and entertaining break for my students. I'm not sure they've forgiven me yet. That was the most brutal 88 minutes of our lives. It was like a car wreck you can't look away from! Save your money! Watch paint dry. Watch test patterns on TV. Stare at the wall for an hour and a half. Seriously, ANYTHING would be more entertaining! Mon Dieu!



4. A delightful story for all ages adapted from the French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery. An excellent cast also makes this film work well...........
   The overall message is timeless in providing several wake up calls in a light and entertaining way on the philosophy of life. Moreover, the young lad that portrays the Little Prince is excellent.



5. I consider it one of the sweetest movie ever. The entire novel is so different, that it's should be a required reading / watching for both children and adults. Yes, it's a fantasy, but now days bards still sing about the Little Prince and his "dependants". Also, Gene Wilder, whom I love to death, is absolutely fantastic there.
   It's a MUST.
   Tanya B., NYC NY

5 comments about National Geographic - Everest 50 Years on the Mountain.

1. This documentary has great vintage footage of past climbs, and the new footage taken during the current climb is shot with an appropriate sense of awe and terror. The individuals climbing are very real and success is far from being assured. The dangers and magnitude of the adventure is well told.



2. The best Everest DVD and I've seen them all!



3. Enjoyable movie - I had hoped to see more of the mountain and the trails going up it.



4. Ever since watching the Discovery channel series on Everest I have been hooked on the mountain. This movie has helped me continue to get my "adrenelene fix" just by watching it. Not only is the historical footage and info incredible, but the actual footage near the top helped me realize just how much "exposure" the climbers have on the final ridge with sheer drop offs on both sides. If you have any interest in Everest or mountain climbing, this dvd is a great one to own.



5. Excellent narrative on the World's Highest Mountain. Filmed expertly and true to the history of the mountain. I highly recommend this DVD if you really want to see Everest without climbing to the Lhotse Face. This a great family adventure that you can enjoy and be unashamed to include, in the viewing, your children or grandchildren.

5 comments about Antarctica: An Adventure of a Different Nature (IMAX) [Blu-ray].

1. The strength of the program is in the underwater shots and the look deep inside the crevice. This is where the program shines and the Imax we all know is evident.

   I was a little disappointed in the wild life shots, particularly because a Killer Whale is never shown (I don't think even mentioned) and which is a major component of that ecosystem. The shots of seals and penguins on the surface seemed a little distant and didn't have that usual Imax touch to it.

   I can't quite put my finger on it, but there just seems to be something missing. I watched Imax's Everest title back to back with this one. The Everest one is so much tighter. I think because you get a better feel for the people you're watching on screen, whereas with the Antarctica program, there really isn't a tour guide. It's more disjointed and it plays very choppy. When it's good, it's very good, but there's some lapses there in between the underwater scenes where it just looks like they're at the local ski resort. I never felt like I was shown the expanse, danger, history, complete beauty of Antarctica.

   It is still a wonderful program, although I think I would have been just as happy renting it. I don't think it will get dozens of plays like the Everest title will.




2. Look, I love all things about Antarctica, having visited there as a Coast Guard officer in 1982. I have stood at the South Pole, flew in a helicopter through the Dry Valleys, cavorted with penguins on the sea ice, visited the restored huts of Scott and Shackleton. And yet this DVD bored me. Granted, the cinematography is awesome (well, semi-awesome on a 21 inch screen), and I learned a bit about glaciers. But the reviewers who point to the film's choppiness are spot on. Moreover, the narration is at an annoyingly low volume compared to the rest of the soundtrack. Finally, the romantic elevation of Robert Scott into a great explorer is ahistoric, as Roland Huntsford showed long ago in his book Scott and Amundsen, so the fawning treatment here is inappropriate.



3. My favorite moments in this film are the seals, the penguins, and the people swimming inside the water of the interior of a glacier. The penguins are really cute, and the seals are amazing, the way they let people come right up to them.
   
   I don't know enough about Antarctica to comment as to whether it has been presented fairly in this film, and I've never seen another film on Antarctica to compare this one to.



4. I rented this dvd in the hopes that I could show it to my classes of fourth and fifth grade science students. I will have to look elsewhere for my purposes. While the images are visually stunning (in particular the glacial meltwater and crevasse scenes), the narration was poor for my intended audience. The narrator spoke in a monotone voice and many basic points were ignored... were we looking at an ice shelf, an ice sheet, or pack ice? Furthermore, the focus of the film bounced around from topic to topic with no apparent connection. I appreciated information about what the scientists were studying but I don't plan on paying for the dvd for five minutes of content.



5. As with Africa: Serengeti, this is a must have IMAX Documentary.
   
   Blu-ray transfer is very good.
   
   A nice mix of history, wildlife, terrain and science.
   
   Narrated by Alex Scott.

5 comments about Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days.

1. This was one of the most enjoyable "national geographic" type documentaries that I have ever watched. I am not really into geography. I am not even an armchair explorer who likes to read or watch on subjects concerning new places or unexplored territory. But this was both funny and enjoyable. First of all, the format itself was interesting.. attempting to replicate a fictional journey of a bygone era made the entire subject come alive. The commentary felt "unrehearsed" and this gave the series an air of genuineness. There can be no better way for kids to learn about far off lands and places than Around the World in 80 Days. Kudos to Michael Palin.



2. Michael Palin follows Jules Verne's Fillias Fogg around the world and by the end, you get the feeling you really know Palin. The journey is mesmerizing, funny, interesting and you feel like you're with him every step of the way. The Dhow episode is worth the price. . .At least I think so.
   It's a long series and can be daunting if you try to watch them all the way through. You really have to WATCH to enjoy.



3. I watched this mini-series almost 2 decades ago when it was aired on
   BBC. Today I own the DVD. The world has changed a lot since Palin's
   journey, especially China and India. Some of Palin's comments do not
   reflect modern times. But his adventures will always be relevant
   regardless of time.
   
   I more than agree to all the appreciation this series has received from
   the reviewers here. My only criticism is Palin gives undue importance to
   the traces of british legacy that he observes in the great cultures of
   Egypt, India and Hong Kong. But his down-to-earth attitude and sense of
   humor more than make up for his nostalgia about british empire. And after all he is British.
   
   The challenges faced by Michael Palin are different from those faced by
   Phileas Fogg, but it makes a gripping journey. Overall great concept,
   great presentation and excellent background score.



4. Around the World marks the beginning of Palin's prolific new career as travel host. He is less confident than in some of the later series, but he has an infectious energy that really comes through. Some of the passages overland and on the sea are fascinating looks at anachronistic modes of travel. Palin is maybe the best travel host ever to appear on the tele. He is funny, yet always respectful and always smiling (so important when traveling). His voice over narration is just perfect. Only criticism is that this series is a bit dated - the video quality ain't so great and the places he visits have changed enough since then that it feels slightly irrelevant - but that's only a relative criticism.



5. What happened? This was such a disappointment after the other series Michael did. Here we are forced to spend a long, long, long time at sea, and the days pass in tedium. For this series, air travel was forbidden, so it followed that the journey had to be via boat. And therein lies the problem. There's only so much one can do on a low budget ocean voyage. Somewhere in mid-ocean everything begins to lose its savor, if ever it had any, and then the story gets even worse. Once back on land, the journey disintegrates into a long, long, long train ride across the U.S. This is where Michael spends a lot of time chatting with people who maybe just want to be on camera. One storyteller, a conductor, gets into the act by recounting a not very funny (and quite apocryphal) tale about a fat lady who got stuck in the toilet. And was it my imagination, or does he have more than a little contempt for most Americans... he could hardly have portrayed them in a less favorable light. Sahara and Pole to Pole are terrific travelogues, but this one is a dead end trip. Perhaps Micheal should have quit while he was ahead.

5 comments about The Angry Red Planet.

1. If you visited the cinema in the 1950s and into the 1960s, then you were acutely aware outer space was crawling with all kinds of voracious, hideous space creatures and hostile alien types waiting eagerly to decimate and/or devour any intrepid Earthlings foolishly willing to venture out into the great unknown, as illustrated in the film The Angry Red Planet (1960). Given these apparent dangers, it's a wonder we ever found anyone with guts enough to go into space...co-written by Sidney W. Pink (Reptilicus, Journey to the Seventh Planet) and Ib Melchior (The Time Travelers), the latter also directing here, the film features Gerald Mohr (Invasion USA), Naura Hayden ("Bonanza"), Les Tremayne (The Monolith Monsters), and Jack Kruschen, who was nominated for an Academy Award around the same time for his role in the film The Apartment (1960)...kinda hard to believe after seeing him here...
   
   At the outset we find ourselves among some gooberment bigwigs...turns out a manned spaceship sent to Mars, once lost, has since been found (drifting in orbit around Mars), and the decision is made to bring it home by remote control. Since there's been no communication with the ship, the fate of the four-person crew is questionable. Once returned to Earth, there appear two survivors, one Dr. Iris Ryan (Hayden), who's in a severe state of shock, and the other not identified as he's got some nasty space fungus, and is quarantined quickly (perhaps they should have just remote detonated the ship rather than bring it back to Earth...oh well, too late now). The computer tapes are blank, so the only answers have to come from Dr. Ryan as to the fate of the mission, which takes us into a lengthy flashback. Time to meet your Mars crew...there's the navigator/pilot Colonel Thomas O'Bannion (Mohr), a manly sort with the swagger and chest hair to prove it, Dr. Iris Ryan, the definite looker of the bunch, Professor Theodore Gettell (Tremayne), the obvious brainiac sporting the prerequisite goatee and pipe, and finally the odious, idiotic, ethnic comic relief named Sam `Sammy' Jacobs, the electronics expert, hailing from where else? Brooklyn, of course...anyway, after a lengthy bit of space travel, our plucky adventurers finally arrive and discover the `red' planet is really pink (no foolin'). The surface seems devoid of intelligent life, but there are plenty of hungry, carnivorous plants. As the professor ponders his sense of dread regarding the possibility of some sort of community mind in control of the planet, Tom puts the make on Iris, Iris endangers herself needlessly a few times requiring Tom to save her, and Sammy pitches woo to his sonic freeze cannon due to its propensity to get them out of jams (seriously...he names it Cleopatra and kisses numerous times...get a room you weirdo). Things get nasty as various native creatures, including a rather large rat/bat/spider/crab creature and a ginormous, googly-eyed amoeba-like snot monster threatens to eat the crew, and a mysterious force field prevents them from taking off...
   
   Perhaps the worst/best line from this film occurs after the rocket lands on Mars and the crew is deciding on their course of action. Sammy chimes in with this doozy..."Well, should we go out and claim the planet in the name of Brooklyn?" Yeah, go ahead, dude, and don't bother putting on your spacesuit...The Angry Red Planet, released by American International Pictures, is perhaps the epitome of shoddy science fiction films, featuring cardboard characters, lousy dialog, rotten acting, cheapie sets, low rent special effects, and scads of pseudo science...so why should anyone want to see it? Because it's a big, steaming load of fun. I think my favorite character was Colonel Thomas O'Bannion, played by Gerald Mohr, who came off as a low rent Humphrey Bogart type, with a propensity for hiking his leg up on whatever was available, and leaning on his knee. I mean really, this is just a cool way to talk to people, having your goodies splayed out right in everyone's face. For some reason, the buttons on his shirts never seemed to work properly, as often he can be seen running around bare-chested, displaying his fine man chest rug (eat yer heart out David Hasselhoff). His abilities as a commander were questionable, as often his orders would go unheeded by the others. One thing's for sure, he was always on the make, continually hitting on Iris, regardless the situation (hey, when the ratio is three dudes to one woman, you gotta lay your claim early and often). Nowadays that kind of continual attention would probably be labeled harassment, but back then, it was, well, harassment...as far as the special effects, they're pretty substandard, as I already mentioned, but they do have their charms, and no doubt made quite an impression on younger viewers who witnessed this feature around the time of its release. The main effect occurs once the crew ventures onto the surface of Mars, for the purpose of exploring. There's a heavy, pink, Pepto-Bismol polarized tint, one that seems kinda cool for about five minutes, but then wears thin quickly, inducing a gradual ache in the noggin. If you dig on obvious matte painting backgrounds, you'll be in heaven here as there are scads of them, some decent, some not. As far as the creatures, I thought they were pretty decent considering, as I'm sure that large rat/bat/spider/crab monster would have scared the hell out of me if I was all of ten years old. The huge beastie that came out of the lake was a bit more impressive, its menacing qualities offset slightly by its crazy, google eye. I loved the fact it was just some gigantic, unstoppable mass that, with little provocation, charged after the crew, chasing them all the way back to their rocket, to which it then just glommed on to the ship in an effort to feed on the fleshy contents. All in all this is pretty much a thrown together effort, shot in less than ten days for a minimal budget, but one that does entertain. I'd take this over the slew of direct to video CGI laden junk currently littering the home video landscape.
   
   The picture, presented in fullscreen (1.33:1), looks decent, but I did notice a slight graininess throughout. There was a frame or two missing, and the master print did exhibit some slight wear and tear. The Dolby Digital mono audio comes through very well. As far as extras, there isn't much, only an original theatrical trailer.
   
   Cookieman108



2. It's cheaply enough made, but it's actually above average from what I expected. This was about a trip to Mars in which the rocket is 3 weeks late returning, and when they do return there's no recording of the experiences of the trip, and one returns with a green growth on his hand and arm. It's left to the memory of the female person on the trip to tell the story of thier experiences on Mars. The idea of using an unpainted, or undrawn background, and placed under a red light may have been sounding like a cutting of the corners, but it's made impressive with close-ups. The music by far was the best especially at the end. I don't know if Paul Dunlap has any albums out, but if he does I'll look into them. This is a assembly line written story, and cheap special photographic effects, but somehow it works, and works pretty well here. Not necessarily an Oscar movie, but it'll make for some interesting memories. I know I'll wonder if I have a nightmare about a Batratbabyspider tonight.



3. Yes it's true, Gerald Mohr(with slicked back hair and jumpsuit zipper pulled down to show his manly chest hair) looks and sounds like a Vegas lounge act that got booked for a trip to Mars. Using a red filter that makes everything look like a Pepto-bismol bottle that broke, this silly but fun blast from the past is an alright time killer.
   The plot, a ship sent to Mars crashes upon it's return and one of the survivors has to explain what happened. As this is done we flash back and see everything unfold. Space Bats(or at least that is what they look like ) and other creatures await our group.
   Like I said nothing Earth shattering, but campy fun to be had if you can get into it.



4. ...and I still look back on that with fondness. That giant rotating eye thing sent me scurrying for the covers! It may be tame by today's standards but it does evoke a time when you pretty much knew a monster when you saw one.



5. angry red planet is a really good sci-fi movie. i first saw movie on
   tv when i was a little kid and i thought movie was scary because of
   all the monsters in movie. this movie is a real roller coster ride.

5 comments about Passport to Europe: Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

1. I'm not much of a traveler but the three German speaking countries are the only countries (with the exception of Ireland) that I am determined to visit someday. This DVD reinforced my view that Germany, Switzerland, and Austria are among the most physically and culturally beautiful places on earth. The natural landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and the small village settings that seem to be so prominent have always seemed idyllic to me. This DVD is a collection of episodes from the TV show, which features three episodes for each of the three countries:
   
   Germany- Bavaria, Berlin, Munich
   Austria- Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna
   Switzerland- Interlaken, St. Moritz, Zurich
   
   The show is hosted by Samantha Brown. She can be slightly annoying at times-picture an excessively bubbly, suburban American soccer mom-but she does a relatively good job at playing tour guide, and she's not bad to look at either. She takes the viewer throughout the chosen destinations, talks to locals, and highlights local attractions. She takes us to restaurants, cafes, hotels, resorts, hot spots, landmarks, public transportation venues, and the occasional oddity like a royal ball in Vienna. We learn the prices for comparitive venues, the best times of year to visit, local customs, etc. The whole thing seems a bit superficial at times, but if you can get past that, it's not a bad DVD. All in all, I would consider this a good warm up for anyone preparing to travel to these countries for the first time, or just an enjoyable viewing if the German-speaking countries interest you at all.



2. The lady in this DVD makes you laugh. This is great for traveling to Bavaria and the surrounding areas.



3. If you find Samantha cute and charming, you will love seeing her show you Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. I do!



4. I've traveled several times to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It was fun to watch the DVD and be able to say "I've been there!" and "Oh wow! Remember that?" My main criticism: some of the featured hotels were way more expensive than necessary. When I travel to Europe I like to stay in 'Gasthofs', smaller family-owned inns that offer quaint rooms, usually with private baths. Breakfast is always included and usually features soft or hard-boiled eggs, various breads and 'broetchen' (the crunchy rolls), a variety of cheeses and jams, and sometimes sliced meats.
   
   Overall, a great dvd.



5. Let me start off by saying that I definitely prefer Samantha Brown over Rick Steves... she's more charming and current which makes her travel videos more interesting. I think this DVD is great...there are 9 different 20 minute segments from which to choose (3 Germany, 3 Switzerland, 3 Austria), the cities are scenic and the activities are fun to watch. Her German pronunciation is a little off, but it's not atypical for an American. The only reason this DVD didn't receive the full 5 stars is because I'm a MS & HS German teacher and some of the scenes about Oktoberfest and Munich have a big emphasis on beer so unfortunately I have to skip over those in the school environment, otherwise for an adult/mature audience, it's a keeper (and for a great price!)

5 comments about The Sandlot 3 - Heading Home.

1. This movie is one of the BEST ! ALL of the SANDLOT movies are must see for that baseball fan in all of us.



2. This movie was very enjoyable to all of my family. We all have certain things we remember about childhood...but one of the most important is lives we've touched along the way. How many times do we think to ourselves "if only things were different." With this movie you can see how our own actions can determine our fate. Very good movie!!



3. our family prefers sandlot, heading home over the first two movies in this sereis. I think the first Sandlot movie has a lot of mouthy talking in it, this one is a little more modern and family friendly. But It is helpful to have seen the first movie so you understand why there is this old abandoned house behind the sand lot and what the kids are talking about when they refer to the monsterous dog that used to live at the house.
   It is a fun baseball movie for any baseball fan, my son is 6 and really enjoyed the movies.



4. Sandlot 3 went in a totally new direction, part 1&2 were to much the same.
   This movie is a very good family movie, remember back when you were a kid and you played on some old run down field, but you loved it cause you spent most of your childhood playing sports on it I do.
   I guess I'm a sucker for movies that remind me of life before the internet & cell phones.
   I rate this movie a 8 from 1to10!!



5. With Sandlot 2 being more of a remake than sequel to the first fun filled romp about chasing your dreams and growing up, the Sandlot 3 Heading Home is a refreshing new take on the idea. A major leaguer is caught in the commercialism and material trappings associated with the wealth of ball players and needs to get back to basics: the love of the game. hit on the head with a ricocheted ball off a sign while fireworks are going off, Santorelli is transported backward in time and is back home on the sandlot with the boys he called friends and a team when he was 12 back in 1976. the bond they share helps Santorelli right a lot of wrongs in his life and ultimately changes his fate in positive ways. Benny the Jet Rodriguez is back as the then major leaguer that never lost sight of his roots and Squints is back as well, adding more original cast appeal as a supporting player in a cast filled with leading kids who are on a much higher acting level than the kids of the second movie. The Sandlot 3 Heading Home is a great new take on the ideals of the franchise and is indicative of the kind of good values movies we should be encouraging all of our kids to see. There is something for everyone to love in the film, whether you're 8 or 80, but the film's most obvious audience member targets are those who were close in age to the kids in the movie back in '76 as I was. With every bit of heart as high as the original, Sandlot Heading Home should be added to your must see list. 5 stars