T'ai Chi Ruler

Tranquility at last!
Great video from Phil Young and Masterworks International. The exercises are clearly explained and demonstrated, so it takes little time to get right into it and start your daily dose of mental and spiritual tranquility! It's a shame there isn't a lot more information concerning these ancient practices, because they deserve the kind of broad audiences that more fashionable qigong styles are currently enjoying. I, for one, would love to see people in the parks of the West indulging in a variety of forms, inculding this one. Buy it, watch it, practice, and feel the stress just flow away!

Excellent DVD, great practice!
This is a GREAT DVD! I chose this one because its blurb said this practice activates the eight strange flows or psychic channels, aka the eight extraordinary meridians, which have fascinated me for years... The DVD is beautifully produced, set outdoors by a small river, and truly a pleasure to watch. The T'ai Chi Ruler set consists of 6 very simple exercises, includes variations and increasing levels of difficulty, and can be done with or without the "ruler." Many teachers say T'ai Chi Ruler is one of the easiest practices to feel the chi, and that is my experience with this DVD. One very interesting section illustrates each extraordinary channel and describes briefly what each does, and which elements of the exercises stimulate that channel. The DVD has clear diagrams and animations which demonstrate the chi circulation. Narrator and demonstrator Phil Young says the exercises are good for health enhancement, and also to increase the chi of the hands for healing. A sample of the DVD...



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Challenge Air Boeing 757-200PF

One of a kind situations
A transfer from VHS to DVD, the quality of it is not up to the standard of the latest and greatest. On the other hand, you get a landing at an 11,000 foot altitude airport where the flight crew has to go on oxygen and alter cabin pressure to compensate. The flying sequences are good, the scenery is good ( operations in Columbia and Miami) and the crew is professional and skilled. A nice video.





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Conscious Circles: A Presentation by Colin Andrews

None concentric
The format is a seminar/classroom but in a warm setting, at the "Buddha Barn" in Massachusetts, actually a warm, homey setting for Mr. Andrews to deliver his personal take on a world phenomenon. He manages to isolate the subject in one region near Sussex, England, and to tell a very credible story, with a very compelling timeline, with crystal clear slides and diagrams.

The third part of the surveillance, if you will, is British government (interestingly, the former employer of Andrews). This Reviewer was floored to learn that a "crop circle" formed on royal property - how could hoaxters possibly penetrate that area? Where did the design originate?

Another fascinating detail here is a discussion of those two crop circle originators, who around 1979, took credit for the early circles; what the viewer will find as "new" is the real impetus for such an endeavour.

A big impetus for me to buy this DVD was the idea that it contained that well-known radio...

CROP CIRCLES AS MESSAGES TO US
PLEASE BUY & VIEW "CONSCIOUS CIRCLES," WHICH HAS EXCELLENT PRESENTATION BY AN INTERNATIONAL LEADER, COLIN ANDREWS, IN THE FIELD OF CROP CIRCLES, DESIGNS, ACTUALLY, USUALLY IN CROPS. HE PRESENTS MUCH INFO UNAVAILABLE IN OTHER RESOURCES. NEVER BORING, & ANY MUSIC IS NOT TOO LOUD SO THE WORDS ARE AUDIBLE.

Entertaining, informal lecture on the crop circle phenomenon
As another reviewer mentioned, this lecture was filmed in the "Buddha Barn," a cozy, wood-beamed "community room" on Colin Andrews' small Connecticut farm. Speaking before an intimate, sympathetic gathering, Andrews sums up in about two hours the results of his thirty-plus years investigating crop circles and related paranormal phenomena. Andrews supplements his comments with numerous slides, charts, and video clips.

For Andrews, crop circles - both "hoaxed" and "real" - are part of a larger change in consciousnes which Andrews sees as essential to the betterment (and even survival) of the human race. The phenomenon thus has enormous social and political implications.

Andrews relates events happening over many years in certain areas of England, and attempts to tie them together in a broad synthesis, a coherent, unfolding drama, as it were, a progressive "revelation."

But, one might ask, a revelation from whom, or what? And how much of that...

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Tai Chi Ruler

Excellent DVD, great practice
This is a GREAT DVD! I chose this one because its blurb said this practice activates the eight strange flows or psychic channels, aka the eight extraordinary meridians, which have fascinated me for years... The DVD is beautifully produced, set outdoors by a small river, and truly a pleasure to watch. The T'ai Chi Ruler set consists of 6 very simple exercises, includes variations and increasing levels of difficulty, and can be done with or without the "ruler." Many teachers say T'ai Chi Ruler is one of the easiest practices to feel the chi, and that is my experience with this DVD. One very interesting section illustrates each extraordinary channel and describes briefly what each does, and which elements of the exercises stimulate that channel. The DVD has clear diagrams and animations which demonstrate the chi circulation. Narrator and demonstrator Phil Young says the exercises are good for health enhancement, and also to increase the chi of the hands for healing. A sample of the...





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Nasty Jazz

Absolute to own!
Well this is one cool visual jazz album. The blend of edgy jazz and spectacular imaging - simply amazing! What a great invention. Instead of looking at your black TV box you can enjoy a vibrant visual art. I want every music record to have this kind of fluid visuals at least as an option. The super slow motion imaging is virtually undetectable creating an ambient environment.

Creates a memorable experience
Nasty Jazz is a truly unique artwork, combining the talents of several Chicago-based artists and musicians. The technology behind the imaging is stellar, but the practical application of transforming your television screens into moving works of art is compelling - screens that would otherwise distract with muted channels, or shout blasts of color and light, or stare blankly back at the room with a vacuous demeanor. Nasty Jazz provides a remarkable experience perfect for entertaining at home.



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Mad About Music

nice movie where Deanna tells umpteenth lies
Taking a break from watching latest movies in Multiplex,which may turn out boring and you may doze off in between,I decided to watch some classics I had for a long time."Mad about Music" turned out to be refreshing with Deanna Durbin and her classmates singing "I love To Whistle" just after the rolling titles.Film is really pleasant and Deanna looks utmost beautiful and effortless in her singing.Deanna Durbin left us on 20 th April 2013.

Deanna who plays Gloria Harkinson makes up wild stories about her non-existent father and later on in the movie she speaks umpteenth lies to hide this one lie. Her mother played by Gail Patrick

is glamorous actress in Hollywood who has to hide that she has a fourteen year old daughter studying in a boarding school in Switzerland.Since Deanna had told this fib that her Father is a explorer cum hunter she asks her mother to ship various trophies of a hunt like ivory tusk.I was so surprised by such amount of lies told by everybody,I...

Enjoyable movie
Deanna Durbin's songs, especially Ave Maria, are all beautiful and splended. (When this movie was introduced in Japan, The Japanese title was Ave Maria.)



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What Happens When Women Say Yes to God DVD

Women's group loved it!
We have a women's group that meets every Monday morning, with a range of ages, and we absolutely loved this!





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Ballet Class-Christmas Day 2010

great for adult dancers
Even though Amazon does not sell this, you can find it with a quick Google search. The class is for the intermediate adult ballet dancer and contains a full barre and center. The dancers in the class have a range of abilities, so the class does not star purely professional ballet dancers. The teacher, Kat, is a formal professional ballet dance with a very pleasant and fun personality (the type of teacher who is always making dancers laugh at themselves). She gives many corrections throughout the class and thus it is also a good teaching tool. The DVD is chaptered but does not contain a separate chapter for the instruction and then the exercises. All exercise are done on both sides.





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80s 10-Pack (Valley Girl / Rachel Papers / The Sure Thing / Losin' It / The Last American Virgin / Class / Zapped! / Johnny Be Good / Making the Grade / Secret Admirer)

80's greats.
Video quality is very good.
Cheapest packaging (vinyl and paper insert) i have ever seen. Rip theses disks to your set top box immediately, and put the DVD case under a plant on your patio.

good 10 pack
I got it right away for 13.99 and for all 10 movies a great price.
I've watched about 8 so far and have enjoyed them.
theres really no extras but for the price I just wanted the movies.

Nice selection of movies.
The moives were all great movies. I spent Christmas week watching the movies. Every disc was in perfect
Condition with no scratches or malfunction when I
played them. I would highly recommend this collection.
I got them at an excellent low price too. I think buyin them seperately would have cost me ten times what
I paid.

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Genshiken: Complete Collection

Good series, poor packaging
This series is very fun and reccomended for any anime fan. The english dub is also done well fo those who dont like subtitles. The main problem with this release is the packaging. All the DVD's are mounted on a single spindle so you must remove the upper DVDs to get to the DVD you want to watch. Also the slip in jacket that goes on the outside of the case was cut too large so that it formed a large crease through it when it was inserted into the DVD case.

If you dont already own the Genshiken series I would still reccomend to buy this release because of the great price. If you already have part of the series, I would reccomend to try and purchase the missing pieces seperately.

A Great Price for a Great Series
Genshiken The Complete Collection is a great way to get the entire series both seasons, and the OVAs, for a good price. If you consider that individually the DVD sets are $30 each, this is a good way to save 50% or more on the series.
The only drawback, and it's a minor one, is the packaging, all 7 DVDs are on a single spindle in the case, which makes taking the bottom DVD out a bit of a pain.
The series itself is well worth watching and owning, funny, touching, and completely entertaining, anyone who enjoys anime, will likely enjoy the series.

Great Set! shame about the box!
Wonderful series, and to have it all in one box with the OVA! Just love it...

Now about that box... Hmmm.. 1 spindle.. 7 Disks! can you make life more awkward if you tried?? err.. disk 7 is at the bottom of the pile..somewhere after disk 2,3,4,5 and 6!. Someone had a very bad bright idea I think! This set up is totaly dumb! - no stars out of ten for the box! Fortunately I had some spare standard eight disk boxes and it took 20 seconds to move the slip and transfer the disks and Wal AH!! so much easier to get to the disks. PS.. Anyone want a single spindle 7 disk box?? free!

As for the series, It is great to have both seasons and the OVA together, especially the OVA as it ties season 1 and 2 together.. otherwise how did Ogiue (Pronounced "OgyWay") get involved? I waited with baited breath waiting for this to arrive.. and was just so worth it!

I already had season one, but bought this for the value and because the whole series was gonna cost me less than...

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Prosecutor Princess

Surprised
Positives:
(1.) Do not let the the beginning minutes of superficiality and extravagant glamness discourage you as it actually helps set the character of one of the film's main protagonists.
(2.) South Korean studios are fast joining their Indian, Japanese and Chinese counterparts in producing quality movies. As an aside, it's interesting to see the distinctive core personalities of each of these cultures revealed both in how they tell their stories and in what their cultures deem to be significant to showcase on film.
(3.) The actor's thought processes and dialogue showed intelligence unlike many Hollywood films where the actor's actions/decisions often make little common sense and are not well thought out. Also, surprising was that the acting by all participants was carried off with great nuanced and emotional skill.
(4.) The story itself showed intelligent complexity with layers of intrigue and suspense that reveal themselves in a fluid and timely fashion as the...

Light-hearted Comedy
Prosecutor Princess, was a delightfun light-hearted comedy about a rich, ditzy/fashion crazed woman who is forced by her rich father to become a prosecutor or face getting her credit cards canceled. Much like the American movie Legally Blonde the main character may come across as ditzy and dumb but actually has a brilliant mind when she actually decides to use it.

This is not a deep and thought provoking movie but it does have a splash of political conspiracys, corporate corruption, murder and revenge themes in addition to the usual romance elements.

What is interesting for Western audiences is the brief views into the Korean Judicial system. Being a Korean Prosecutor is very different from the American versions. I won't say more about it, you need to watch it for yourself.

DON'T HESITATE! WATCH IT NOW!
I started watching this and I'm not fond of dingy female protagonists so it kind of lagged for the first couple episodes, but once she showed how smart she is, it became extremely engrossing and I finished this series rapidly. It's now one of my top favorites for several reasons: 1. So romantic!!! Great background music and so poignant. 2. Corruption and nepotism are fascinating in this. 3. Handsome leading guy. 4. Great happy ending. Don't miss out on this - get it now! It's great!

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David Gray: Live From the Artists Den

Perfect 10!!!
I have been a big fan of David's for a only a few years now (I wish I could say for much longer). His music speaks to my soul on a level I never thought possible. I was exceptionally pleased when I opened the packaging. I was not aware that what I was going to receive was this really nice booklet with pictures from the show and a very personal note from David on his experience on a cold day in N.Y.C. This DVD includes some of my favorite songs. David Gray is amazing and his music is very thought provoking. Every nuance of every song is thought out so meticulously (in a good way). From beginning to end, flawless.

Fabulous!
I was at a friend's house on New Year's Eve and he played this DVD. We danced to Raphael's music and had a really wonderful time. I'm originally from Detroit and he had a definite Motown flavor. It was like going back in time, while still incorporating a more updated sound. I highly recommend Raphael Saadiq. I think his success and the way he presents himself also makes him an incredible role model for young people. I am ordering both the DVD and one of his CDs. I think he's FABULOUS!

Very Nice
Never seen this artist perform in person but I did see a televised concert performace by him and thought it was very impressive. So I decided to look into any video releases by him to add to my music library. I was not disapointed.

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Pirates of the Caribbean Three-Movie Set (Curse of the Black Pearl / Dead Man's Chest / At World's End) [Blu-ray]

Great value of all 3 titles on Blu-Ray
As the other reviewer stated, this is a repackaging of the previously released Pirates of the Caribbean blu-ray discs, with all the extras that were on those discs, but no new additional material. To rehash what you get:

"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" Review:
This is the strongest of the 3 films. Although each film definitely has somewhat of a "fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants" type story style (as if there were no strong script, but rather ideas that popped up on set), this one actually works and makes for a very fun viewing experience. Pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp, who created this legendary film character) teams up with blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) to help rescue the Governor's daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from pirate Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Of course there is treasure involved as well as a curse. Depp walks away with the picture. The love interest (Bloom & Knightley) do their best to compete, but without...

Must-have for Blu-ray Player owners
This is a must have because all three movies are worth seeing multiple times. The blend of action and humor is outstanding and it is a pleasure to take it all in over and over again.

My minor complaint is that the second and third disc seem to not have the same high quality as the first and it always takes some adjustment on the HDTV to keep the quality consistent. The Samsung reports 1080i on disc two and three while one is registered as the 1080p; don't know why. This should not hold you back, because the quality of the trilogy is among the best we've seen.

If you have to own just one Blu-Ray it should be from this series.

Spectacular Blu-ray port
Just so this is 100% clear, this is for the Seven-Disc Blu-ray version released 3/1/11.

The set includes 7 discs, one for each movie, containing the movie, one for each movie, containing extras and a 7th disc, which is basically more extras and a preview of the 4th movie.

The packaging of this set is awful. The seventh disc is in an envelope that bulges out from back of the storage box. Thinking it was attached with easy to remove rubber glue, I tried to peel it off. I was horrified to find out that a) it won't easily peel off without ripping the box b) there's a giant blank silver reflective patch under it (practically the size of the entire back of the box) and c) the envelope is attached at the bottom of the box and cannot be separated without cutting. For anyone planning to keep this on their shelf, do NOT try to remove the cheap outer envelope. Personally, all my discs are going into a different storage system, so the box was headed to the trash anyway. Just...

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Kung Fu Body Conditioning: Traditional Training for Endurance and Power

Great instruction on adding traditional training into your own program
"Kung Fu Body Conditioning: Traditional Training for Endurance and Power" is a new DVD instructional program produced by YMAA that features Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and the students of the YMAA Retreat Center's ten-year kung fu training program. In this DVD, various body conditioning exercises are demonstrated and explained. I am a firm believer in the advancements in science and thus, physical training strategies and technologies that have allowed for not only safer training, but also for greater physical accomplishments both on professional levels and for those who train at home for personal benefit. However, I also believe in some of the traditional training methods that have produced results for not just years, but sometimes centuries. This 240 minute DVD program provides a lot of information, for anyone who wishes to incorporate traditional body-conditioning methods into their training program to strengthen bones, joints, and muscles to develop speed, root, and explosive power...

WOW...Yes!
I'm a fan of Dr. Yang for his Understand QiGong series and some of his books, but this DVD is probably
my favorite of all. I was looking for authentic Shaolin exercises, QiGongs and mind training, and
I just so happened to see Kung Fu Body Conditioning. The warm ups are a great exercise for building
up elasticity and fluid in the joints (harmonies), and the strength exercises are tremendous. No nonsense,
delivered by students of Dr. Yang and the man himself. Demonstrations were perfect, no fluff. I can't
say enough good about this one. If you want to train for Internal Arts or just to train, and you want
time tested material, here it is.
$37??? I've been charged $20 an hour to have someone tell me knuckle push ups and squats was Kung Fu conditioning.
Just wonderful.

Something for Everybody
When I saw the trailers for this video on YouTube, I saw a bunch of young men in their twenties doing amazingly athletic feats. I wondered if the dvd would have anything for me as a fit (but no longer twenty) woman in my fifties. I was pleased to find that it did. The stretching, range of motion, and qigong exercises are good for anyone. The more athletic conditioning exercises have beginning and advanced versions, and the presenters include details on how to modify the exercise if you have injuries. This dvd is as useful to athletic twenty-somethings as it is to anyone whose age or minor injuries still allow them to train a martial arts style. I'll be incorporating several of these exercises in my karate classes.

Susan Lynn Peterson
author of Western Herbs for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes: Effective Treatments for Common Sports Injuries

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Nhl Pittsburgh Penguins Greatest Games 2

FINALLY
Having to wait almost 2 years to get the 2009 cup win on DVD totally blew. I was watching it on Hulu and watching the highlights over and over again on Youtube as well as the celebration. Luckily game 7 is on this DVD and the celebration on the ice afterward is also included! We get an interview with Mario after the Game 1 SCF Blackhawks win (coming from behind, incredibly exciting) and another come from behind victory is included, game 6 vs. Philadelphia, with Max shushing the crowd (two interviews after that one, Fleury and Crosby). The picture quality of the games is even better than Volume One, and seeing Crosby raising the Cup is priceless. I love this set! LETS GO PENS!

Contents of set from Warner.com
Number of Discs: 6
Includes the complete broadcast of each game
Disc 1: May 11, 1991 - Bruins @ Penguins (Pens clinch first trip to Final after a Game 6 win in Boston)
Disc 2: May 26, 1992 - Blackhawks @ Penguins (SCF Game 1 - Pens comeback and win on goals by Jagr and Lemieux)
Disc 3: January 1, 2008 - Penguins @ Sabres (First winter classic - Crosby wins it in Shootout)
Disc 4: April 25, 2009 - Penguins @ Flyers (Pens mount comeback and eliminate the Flyers)
Disc 5: June 12, 2009 - Penguins @Red Wings (Pittsburgh clinches 3rd cup)
not sure what is on disc 6 as the site does not mention--
overall a good set, but would have loved Mario's fist game against Boston where he scored on his
first shift!

WHERE'S MIKE LANGE???
I was so excited to finally get my hands on the greatest game in penguins history, the 1992 comeback win against the blackhawks in Game 1 of the SC FInals; this game was inexplicably left out of the original 10 Greatest Games edition. All 10 of those games had the original Mike Lange commentary overlaying the games, so my expectation was that this volume would have that as well. Not so. Instead, the Chicago Blackhawks (a team residing in the US) vs the Pittsburgh Penguins (another team residing in the US) game is overlayed with the announcers from Hockey Night in Canada. Absurd. This was a huge disappointment.

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Transcendent Man

When Biology Merges With Robotics--Contemplating The Future Of Man's Evolution
As an inventor, businessman, and theorist--there is no denying the brilliant accomplishments or the noteworthy eccentricities of the estimable Ray Kurzweil. Alternately hailed as a prophetic genius and/or a raving madman, there is a probably a touch of truth in either position in how Kurzweil and his Singularity Doctrine view the future. "Transcendent Man," an intriguing and lively new documentary, serves as both a biographical sketch and a contemplation of man's progression through time. Kurzweil's position is that the current evolutionary cycle predominantly incorporates technology and that future incarnations of man will be human/robotic hybrids of some variation. He makes a compelling case, and has been quite astute in past predictions, about these changes--and, in fact, science has been working in that direction for quite some time with nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

The documentary begins with a fascinating introduction to its subject and...

Not a good representation of Kurzweil's ideas.
I've seen Ray Kurzweil speak at a conference, and it was a life-changing experience for me. His insights about the future, based on what he's learned about the speed of change, are remarkable. But the DVD doesn't capture that well at all. Instead of making his points, providing evidence and refuting key objections that people have raised over the years--which is what he did at the presentation--this video focuses on a few soundbites about his ideas, doesn't illustrate them, and doesn't show you the objections that commonly get raised and his answers to those objections. Instead, it spends a lot of time on irrelevant side trips, such as showing him talking about his father and how he'd love to "recreate" his father via computer technology; and it shows people giving their opinions about his ideas without giving him a chance to respond. Despite the awards this video has apparently won, it is a LOUSY representation of Kurzweil's ideas and his defense of them. Don't waste your time and...

The future without me
When you pass your 80th birthday you realize that you will not be around for a lot of what technology will provide. It doesn't matter if you think it good or bad.... there are those whose visions are beyond ours. This video is an exciting adventure into other peoples' minds and creativity. Science fiction? I don't think so. The brain is a wondrous gift and this a chance to see it in action.

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Verdi: La Forza del Destino- La Scala 1978

A Dream "La Forza"
Here is Verdi's LA FORZA DEL DESTINO with a dream cast, all functioning at the pinnacle of their art. The three BIG C's: Caballe, Carreras and Cappuccilli. For those of us who were able to hear them sing live in various theatres around the world, this performance will kindle glorious memories, and this DVD documents one of the GREATEST performances of a Verdi Opera on disc. For me, top vocal honors go to Mr. Carreras. He is a young, very handsome Don Alvaro, and in magnificent vocal estate, never tiring during the long evening, the top notes have such ping and thrust. Cappuccilli was, at the time, Italy's greatest Verdi baritone, and it is easy to hear why. His voice has such glorious power, and he fearlessly attacks the top notes. He is, as always, a model of Verdi style.
Caballe too shows us all about great Verdi singing, from ethereal pianissimo to full-throated vocalism. For fans of these three GREAT singers, you will feel as if you are in heaven. A great supporting...

At last !
Amazing !
I've been waiting long long years for this to be issued and remastered on DVD.
At last ! And such great work they did: nice video and great live sound.
Carreras is Heaven. I also respect Corelli and his devoted fans, but Jose's phrasing, velvety lyric voice and looks made him the ideal cast for this luscious 1978 La Scala production. Caballe, Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov are all in top form and great great vocal personalities, but the young , at that time 32yo spaniard tenor simply steals the show and drives the audience crazy. Watch and see for yourself.

Ultimate, Definitively Forceful Forza
It is very hard indeed to get another Forza of this magnitude. Because it is an almost unreal combination of the greatest singers, a very great conductor, and an excellent director, who did an exquisite job bringing forth the characters and creating the overall movement (yes, black and white and filmed with the 1958 technology, but that does not matter, once you get to hear it.)

Renata Tebaldi sings absolutely splendidly, technically and in point of interpretation. All her three arias are sung with wonderful technique based on amazing breath control, to which one must add the beautiful scene of the ceremony (beginning with Padre Guardiano's "Il santo nome di Dio"), when her piano really sounds like that of an "angelo santo" (holy angel). Not only that she creates the character with her voice, but she also does so by acting. A very elegant stage presence, moving gracefully, with round, stylish gestures, which go perfectly with her singing. Note that at first she is an...

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D. Gray-Man: Season Two

A Great Anime on Hiatus
When I first watched this series, I did not give it much credit. I was not very fond of the story because I tend to avoid animes with dark plots such as this, and to be honest, I found it to be very boring at first. I am only now realizing after watching the entire series and going back and watching the first and second season a second time that this anime was uniquely setting up for a story that would end up blowing my mind in a way I never expected.

This is a truly great series, and thanks to the manga, I have fallen in love with it. I definitely have a much higher opinion of season two now that I have seen what is to come in the future of this anime series. It tears me apart to know that this series is not selling well enough for season three to be released because that's precisely where the show really gets amazing and shines true with more up-scaled battles and greatly improved character interactions, especially between Allen and Leenalee, that will move you in a way...

Amazing Series
When I first saw the first season, I was hooked. Great voice and Characters. Love how they made this like a RPG game. Level up while getting more characters to fight evil. Love it. I cant wait season 3 comes out or gets made. I will wait til it comes out to buy it.If you want to see season 3 in English subtitle. Go to dailymotion.com and type in d Gray man 52. 52 is right after set sail to the east called Raid next episode. If you have real player. you can download them onto real player and once there on your computer you can make them into movies. real player will download them into mp4 format. I took 52-103 season 3 and put them on my HTC Evo and Ps3 to watch them.

Looks great but...
I got my copy of Season 2 early (from a different distributor) so this is a review of the actual product. I have a small nit to pick with the packaging. The spine of Season 1 has the title in the same red gothic that is on the front and back but Season 2 has just plain grey text (it can be seen in the product pic here on Amazon). Thus, it doesn't look like a matched set on the shelf when only the spines show. There are no extras to speak of (textless songs and trailers) on either set. It looks wonderful in HD and sounds great. The second season is darker than the first with less comedy but that would be expected since the conflict picks up quite a bit. There are a few too many recaps of character backstories, even those who are only introduced in the second season, but it is good to know more about the characters because they are likable. Season 2 ends at a stopping point but you should be aware that there are 2 more seasons that have hit licensing snags and are not available so...

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Bodyguards & Assassins [Blu-ray]

This is a beautiful story exquisitely executed
I do not yet have the blu-ray in hand, but I have had this on my DVR for a few weeks now.

I was a little sorry to see the story is largely fictionalized because the story is so very good. The title is a tad misleading: this is a story about an important period in Chinese history, condensed down to 5 days. Some of the figures are historical, but the actual occurrences (except for the summary of the following few years) are not. Please correct me if I'm wrong about this.

This is a beautiful film. Wonderful performances from an ensemble cast. If you are deeply affected by self-sacrifice, the desire of a parent to protect his or her children, redemption and painful irony, you will deeply affected by this film. Besides the performances, the film is visually beautiful (not on the level of Hero, but getting there).

Strongly recommended.

Fantastic Movie!
Not just another martial arts film, this is a real human drama...it's misnamed. More of a look at what motivates people. GREAT film, outstanding acting.

won't disappoint
Bodyguards and Assassins, despite having a bit of a wonky name, is a stunning picture. An all-star cast brings to life the story of revolutionaries and imperialists planning for the brief return to Hong Kong of an exile from Japan who, in one hour, is going to set in motion the wheels of an all out rebellion on mainland China.

The first half of the movie is a pure drama, introducing a lot of characters and fully fleshing out their motivations and relationships with each other. The story of the movie is not especially meaty, but by turning it into such a character piece it more than makes up for it. It was completely involving and a joy to watch.

Near the end of the first half of the movie, my adrenaline was already up for the second half. The pace was perfect, and it built up wonderfully to what I thought was the film's climax.

Instead, it turned out that it wasn't the climax, but that the entire second of the movie is brutally action packed. Having...

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Burlesque! A DVD Documentary

good uncut real burlesque footage without frills
Ok - So I wouldn't call this DVD a "documentary". There really isn't much history or even narration. What there IS however is some of the best un cut footage of burlesque acts. It's the closest I've seen to the real thing. There are a few REALLY good documentaries with history and a few even have these clips in them - but they aren't complete like this. I actually like the lack of chopping and editing this disc has. It gives you a real idea of the performers entire acts, not just some stylized highlights. And the transfers of the footage is some of the clearest I have seen. Worth it.

Big Fan
I gave it to my boy friend for Fathers day. He is a big fan of tempest storm as well as Betty Page and he loved it! He has copy of a poster of Teasarama so he really was happy to get this movie...

Big Disappointment For Burlesque Fan
I ordered this DVD hoping it would have interesting footage as well as fascinating historical commentary since it is listed as a documentary. But instead we have a series of short stag films showing strippers acts but the quality of the films leave much to be desired. Especially with Sally Rand where the footage is so faded and blurry that it is hard to watch. With some shorts there is no name of the performer. Better choices for burlesque DVD footage are Behind The Burly Q and Striptease: The Best Exotic Dancers of all Time. The extra feature of Teasearama is nice but I already had that videotape footage. Considering the price this DVD is a complete rip-off. Don't waste your money.

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Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection (Caliber 9 / The Italian Connection / The Boss / Rulers of the City)

When you find a director like Di Leo - You Tip Your Cap!
After watching way too many poor transfers of Euro films from the seventies, it's a real treat when I get a chance to see them released by a studio that actually cares what the final product looks like. In my opinion, Raro Video did an outstanding job with these four films, from the production value of the transfers to the package as a whole. I'm not going to imply that each one of these films is a five-star effort - even though fans of this director and this genre will most likely rate them very high, while others may nitpick at them - rather that it is the collection itself that I'm rating as top of the line, one that any enthusiast of Eurocrime or seventies cinema will find it well worth their time to track down.

Were I to rate them separately, I would give each film four stars - they all have their plusses and minuses, which seem inextricably linked in each. The first three films - Caliber 9, The Italian Connection, and The Boss - are part of Di Leo's 'Milieu...

Great Collection w/DVD issues
Nothing to add in the way of another film review.
The treatment of these movies is good, they look and sound very nice.
Yes, the cases are a bit flimsy but they're acceptable.
I, too, had an issue with the Il Boss disc. The feature doesn't freeze up but the Storie di Mafia documentary does have the 30 second audio delay. It's pretty f'n annoying and might render it unwatchable for many. I'm pretty patient with such things and still had a difficult time.
The "anyone can get a lemon" assessment by an earlier reviewer doesn't apply here.
The now-majority of Amazon buyers are having these same problems.
What seems odd to me is that the quality warnings on here are getting "1 out of 5 found this helpful" responses.
Seems to me that it might be kind of important to a potential buyer.

For whatever it's worth I'll contact RaroVideo.
Still, I won't be returning the set.
The films are great and I'm happy to have spent $20 to have them...

[Blu-ray] Fernando Di Leo crime collection [Blu-ray]
When I first heard these films would hit Blu-Ray, I was pretty excited since these Di Leo films are among his best and are some of my all time favorites. It was going to be great to see these films in definitive home video editions! Sadly, these new transfers don't look very good at all. They are swimming with digital noise and artifacts that may have been film grain at one point but is now a mass of swirling fuzz. The further away from the TV you get, the better the image appears to look.

The major letdown of the set, however, are the weird, split-second video glitches on the Blu-Ray disc of The Italian Connection (that can be seen in this photo I took here [...] ). Another similar glitch can be seen during the lumberyard fight, and then at least 5 more instances are seen during the final junkyard scene. I'm pretty sure this isn't an isolated incident, so if you've encountered these video glitches throughout the disc, please let Raro know that they need to correct this...

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Five Online Goldmine Setups

Finally one that works!
This DVD set refreshingly cuts right to the chase and reveals effective online money making methods. The get started data included is what separates this from any other online money making product that I have tried (and failed with). I was able to start selling on ebay the same day I got the DVD set in my mail. Initially the price worried me, but I have made that back and then some in the first week. Overall a fantastic package.

Lessons live up to the price!
The lessons were easy to follow and the website files that were included with the data DVD really helped me get going. I was unemployed when I took a gamble on this DVD set. Now I'm using my time to setup these online businesses using the tactics thought in the DVDs. The lessons have thought me enough to support myself to a point where I am not under the pressure to find another job.

Don't be afraid to buy this set. The files attached will help anyone get going. You'll be pointed in a direction that will help you generate your own ideas and find profitable niches. Have fun and make that money! :)



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Midgets Vs Mascots [Blu-ray]

Teaches Valuable Lessons About Labels
Despite its crude, disgusting and vulgar content, Midgets vs. Mascots has the soft underbelly of teaching people not to put labels on one another. For instance, it is WRONG to use the term 'Midget' - they're LITTLE PEOPLE.

Aside from that, this is a film like no other, and a comedy like no other. I had the luxury of meeting the cast and crew at the Tribecca Film Festival in April, 2009 (though it wasn't very pleasant to meet Gary Coleman, who put his head down on a table and didn't speak to anyone). These people had the time of their lives making this movie, which I'm sure was just as fun to make as it was to watch.

This movie isn't for everyone, like those who don't appreciate toilet humor, but for those who do this is bound to be one of the funniest films they have ever seen.

Hilarious!
I bought this movie over at their website before christmas and it's really really funny. they call it a Borat meets Jackass type movie and I'd say that's pretty spot on. There are ridiculously shocking stunts and some absolutely shocking moments that had me seriously laughing out loud.

I wasn't sure if Gary Coleman was acting or not, but he seems like the angriest little person there is (pun intended). Acting or not, Gary has some great scenes kicking the crap out of one of the main characters that's a complete a-hole.

My favorite character was Taco. The "i'm going to touch them anyway" line rocks. He's a sicko that has some of the best one liners you'll get out of a movie.

In case you were asking for my opinion, don't wait for this pre-order and just go to the [...] website and get it now. Plus they send these little "midget condoms" as a gag gift.

uh
I can't believe, I bought this. It's bad enough I was in it. I am the big truck driver guy in the MMA fight scene. We spent a day going over what we were going to do. Shot the fight scene twice. Now I am wishing they cut my entire scene. This is the sickest most repulsive movie I have ever seen in my life.

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Ghost Town (Fei Cheng) (Institutional Use)

Very well done documentary, all things considered.
Considering the relative cost of producing this film in China and the stresses and risks, this is quite an amazing film.

Ghost Town
"A miniature epic of the everyday" - A.O. Scott, The New York Times

"Compelling... You won't be able to shut it off" - Jim Hoberman, Village Voice

A remote village in southwest China is haunted by traces of its cultural past while its residents piece together their existence.

Zhiziluo is a town barely clinging to life. Tucked away in a rugged corner of Yunnan Province, Lisu and Nu minority villagers squat in the abandoned halls of this remote former Community county seat. Divided into three parts, this epic documentary takes an intimate look at its varied cast of characters, bringing audiences face to face with people left behind by China's new economy. A father-son duo of elderly preachers argue over the future of their village church. Two young lovers face a break-up over harsh financial realities. A twelve year-old boy, abandoned by his family, scavenges the hillside to feed himself.

"Directed with scrupulous attention to detail by Zhao...



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A Message From the East

Otherwise unheard of...
It is rather remarkable that a film like this has taken as long as it has to come to fruition surrounding one of the Muslim world's most popular thinkers. Otherwise unheard of in large parts of Europe and in North America, Muhammad Iqbal was one of the most influential figures of his time, not just in the subcontinent but throughout the Ulama. As a Muslim, it is important that the message of this brilliant man be kept alive and shared with those who have not yet been introduced to him. While the film doesn't go into great detail about all of his poetic works (there are many) it does do a good job of setting the stage and giving a context for why this poet and his ideas were so important. If you haven't heard of Iqbal, simply google: Muhammad Iqbal and begin to read some of his poetry, or else give watching this film a shot. It's very beautifully shot.





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Great Stars of Russian Ballet 1

Fantastic, just FantastiC!
Every ballet lover should not be without these films. They are a truly remarkable collection of the very finest dancing imaginable. The Bolshoi and The Maryinski really have everyone beaten to shreads. This as well as the entire series is a MUST HAVE for all Ballet Lovers. Its hard to say which performance better the other. ITs amazing. I love it..FANTASTIC! Blessings to the company who presented them. RUN and buy them all.





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24 Posture Taiji Quan by Master Helen

Great stuff
Ms Liang is exceptionally graceful - this is a highly elegant performance of the Yang 24. But it's not just pretty movements: there are some convincing and practical applications demonstrated too. This 2-DVD set is a bit expensive but worth owning.





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Club Visuals Vol.4

Club Visuals 4






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My Big Friggin' Wedding

Worth the Wait
I waited a very long time for this DVD series, but it was well worth it, in the end. We all enjoyed watching it.





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Yes Air Lockheed 1011-500

the lockheed l-1011 rocks !!!!
What a great dvd !! great description from the pilots and from the flight crew about how the l-1011 works and how the inflight service is done. I loved the low fly by !! As usual another great dvd from World Air Routes and Just Plane Videos !!! Tom Ross--Corsicana, TX/





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Wushu Jumps

Great video
Product arrived quickly and in excellent condition. We were quite pleased with this product as it was a gift for our son's birthday and he had actually studied with Mr. Sahagun briefly in California one summer - this just made his day!





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Evolution

Very Different and Enjoyable
They have a clean sound. A good mix of songs
I enjoyed this DVD and listen often. The video
was very weak. You do not buy this type of DVD
for the Video but the music. The video does add
but the cuts and production was high school.





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Teach: Tony Danza

At last!
I stumbled upon this video (when it was first shown on TV) while teaching my first education course at a local community college. It is truly reflective of the challenges facing many public school teachers today. This is a MUST SEE for those people thinking about becoming teachers. I'm glad to be able to have my own copy instead of relying on internet snippets.

The DVD is not an ExtravaDanza (Buy the Book Instead)
To be fair, I read Danza's book first. I knew that the show was canceled after only a few episodes and I knew that he really only taught one class. I think anyone viewing the show should know that. There are only seven episodes on the DVD series so there is no "story" development, no "character" arc, and no conclusion. If you want to know about the depth and scope of Danza's experiences, read the book.

This is my 20th year in the high school (English and history) classroom and it was hard to take something I've dedicated my last twenty years to, something I've put heart and soul into, displayed on the screen as if it were some kind of experiment in teaching. In answering a student's question in the first episode, Danza explains that he is a millionaire, even if a million aint what it used to be. I wonder how different Danza's approach to teaching would have been if he didn't have the seven figures in the bank to fall back on. We see Danza say yes too many times and...

Fascinating at times....painful at times....fairly close to real life
I don't care for reality TV very much, but I'm a teacher and was interested in seeing this. I also teach teachers and I'm always interested in finding clips to show my students to spark a good discussion.

Danza is heartbreakingly vulnerable much of the time in this first season of the series. He comes in the with the full enthusiasm of a new teacher, although with less training, and it can be painful at times to watch him with students. He is charming and smart about people, but he is so out of his realm of expertise that sometimes it's like watching the moments leading up to a car accident in slow motion, hoping that there will be survivors.

The beauty of this series is that you can really see him trying like crazy to do everything in his power to be the best teacher he can. His effort at trying - and often succeeding - to make personal connections with students is beautiful. I have to admit that I weep with him in the second episode because I know exactly how...

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Forbidden Addiction Patterns - NLP Volume 1

Not Your Typical Instructional Video
I am an NLP practitioner and I was looking for new information on dealing with addiction and this video seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I haved to admit that when I first started watching it I wasn't impressed at all. The presenter (Mr. Wingert)seemed to talk too much about unrelated issues and didn't focus on techniques, patterns and strategies. As time went on, though, he mentioned that the viewer would pick up more and more information as they watched the video repeatedly. At that moment I realized what was going on. Even though it appeared as though he wasn't really teaching much about how to handle addiction he was actually using advanced language patterns and hypnotic techniques to implant the information subconsciously. In fact, he even comes right out and says that if you learn this material consciously it won't make much sense. With this new understanding I watched the video a few times and, sure enough, found myself learning more and more each time I watched it...

WOW! I was in a trance throughout the whole video
This is perhaps the most trance inducing video I have ever gotten my hands on. The 1st time I watched it I didn't realize what was happening.. in fact, I couldn't really explain what it was all about after watching it. The 2nd and 3rd time I realized that there was a great deal of unconscious messages being programed. The overt message is quite clear the 2nd time (addicts possess skills that the rest of humanity could learn from) the unconscious messages were what enticed me to watch this about 10 times.

John Wingert (Mr. Twenty Twenty) does an incredible job keeping the watcher mesmerized from the 1st minute. If you want to learn about addiction patterns and how they can be used to overcome common problems this will be interesting. If you want to see a master NLP/Hypnosis practitioner accessing the viewers unconscious minds...there isn't anything else that comes close. This guy seems to be doing some kind of Jedi Mind Trick throughout the whole video.

As...



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Into The Heart Of Shiva / Varanasi, India

Random pictures with guitar music, thats it....
I rented this movie thinking that it would provide some insight into Varanasi, one of India's holy cities. Unfortunately all this video amounts to is what appears to be random scenes and clips of people the city and the river, to a background of guitar (not even indian) music. There is no introduction, no narrative and the viewer is left to guess about what is being shown, what is taking place there and the possible significance. The best analogy would be watching a screen saver of indian scenes to guitar music.

Great music! Great Cinematography!
This movie is not a typical documentary. There's no narrative, but that's ok, the music and cinematography is awesome! It's beautiful! It flows! If you're looking for a history lesson you might want to find something else. If you're looking for something that gives you a look of Varanasi just the way it is, without commentary, you'll love it!

I've been to Varanasi and this gets across what its like to be there. I felt like I was transported back to Varanasi.



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Miracle Maker: The Story of Jesus (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Fantastic and Biblically Accurate
I wish I could give this film 10 stars! Watching it for the first time on television last year, I was very moved, and I feel it is the best film about Jesus that has ever been done. The use of 3-D and 2-D animation was very creative. The 2-D animation was used for flashbacks or when Jesus was telling stories (such as the parables) which gave a realness to the 3-D characters. Also, the 3-D characters were less distracting than live actors which put more emphasis on the story and its message.

Based on the book of Luke, it is Biblically accurate. The only error I could see, and very minor, was when during the Parable of the Good Samaritan and one of the people who walked was said to be Sadducee. I suppose the writer thought that would more interesting. Of course one always wishes they could have every scene, but realistically the film producers could not include everything and were restricted to 90 min. I do wish they had been able to include Jesus calming the storm, but I am...

Miracle Maker is Wonderful!
I too saw this fantastic animated film on Easter, 2000 on television. And, I was spell bound! I was really moved by an animated movie! It was amazing how historically and Biblically accurate it was. I have come to expect some degree of "artistic license" in any film about Jesus (especially these days). But Miracle Maker kept such license to a minimum! I was also astounded that an animated movie could capture the feel of Israel at the time of Jesus so very well. The costuming of the characters, the appearance of the buildings, even down to the way the Jews typically ate! Finally, in this film Jesus looks Jewish! I found out from the film's website that the makers of this film actually did a vast amount of research for this film (on archaeology etc.) as well as consulted several Christian theologians to be Biblically accurate. The animation to is wonderful and is very intersting the way it shifts between "claymation" and 2D cartoon looking stuff...

Brilliant miracle maker
Miracle Maker is not the same as Franco Zeffirelli's monumental epic on the same story, but it is a lovely movie. The characters are well defined and the voices (with Ralph Fiennes as Jesus) are excellent. The story is told from the point of view of Jairus' daughter, and there are many flashbacks and sub-narratives. All the essential items are there: Jesus' life and miracles, his claims about himself, and his resurrection. Very highly recommended.

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Ghost Town (Fei Cheng)

Very well done documentary, all things considered.
Considering the relative cost of producing this film in China and the stresses and risks, this is quite an amazing film.

Ghost Town
"A miniature epic of the everyday" - A.O. Scott, The New York Times

"Compelling... You won't be able to shut it off" - Jim Hoberman, Village Voice

A remote village in southwest China is haunted by traces of its cultural past while its residents piece together their existence.

Zhiziluo is a town barely clinging to life. Tucked away in a rugged corner of Yunnan Province, Lisu and Nu minority villagers squat in the abandoned halls of this remote former Community county seat. Divided into three parts, this epic documentary takes an intimate look at its varied cast of characters, bringing audiences face to face with people left behind by China's new economy. A father-son duo of elderly preachers argue over the future of their village church. Two young lovers face a break-up over harsh financial realities. A twelve year-old boy, abandoned by his family, scavenges the hillside to feed himself.

"Directed with scrupulous attention to detail by Zhao...



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Rise & Fall of Nazi Germany

Well worth the cheap price paid for this
Although the title of the documentary is quite misleading (As this documentary is about the World War 2 on both sides,,not on the rise and fall of Nazi Germany) ,,,it is well worth the money I paid for it. It has plenty of good footage...(the quality of the film picture is not all that great ,,,however, the content is good)

There is much actual war footage in this documentary and most of it is actually showing fighting. The format and style is very similar to the World War 1 Documentary narrated by Robert Ryan. It tells about the different stages of WW2 and the movements of troops and fighting along with the actual footage...beginning from the attack of Poland in September 1939 . It is unique in that it shows much war footage i have never seen before and talks about matters from World War 2 that i have not heard before and really goes into details about certain aspects of WW2..One particular example,,is the segment on Poelesti, Romania and its importance in Oil...





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The Boaters Guide to Twin Screw Boat Handling

Boaters Guide to Twin Screw Boat Handling
The beginning was great, good concepts in part 1.
The 270- 360 degree turns were good - very informative.
The two views of the boat movement and controls helps a lot.
Part 3 on parallel docking was good, but limited to no wind or just wind on. Would have helped to have seen parallel docking with wind blowing off the dock. As well as un-docking with wind on to dock using bow or stern spring lines.
The part on bow into the dock and walking the boat to the center of the slip was very good. But again that was with calm conditions.
The guide lacked docking the boat stern into the slip all together, and just a mention of wind and current as a factor.

Excellent teaching video!
Thank you so much for the instructional video on twin screw handling. The audio explanations together with the video illustrations were completely illuminating for me. I loved the idea of watching the shifters and the throttles while they were operated below and having the sea view at the same time. I have watched this video about 6 times now as I suddenly had to learn to Captain my 45 foot houseboat and I had no boating experience at all. It has been such a great help. Thanks again and happy boating!



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Exploitation Cinema: Where Time Began / Encounters

GOOD DOUBLE BILL
Its got Jack Taylor & Kenneth Moore in this.
The following review was written by Michael Den Boar of 10,000 Bullets.

Where Time Began (Jules Verne's The Fabulous Journey to the Center of the Earth): While visiting a book store Professor Lindenbrock buys some beat up books from a vagrant. One of the books plot is about journeying to the center of the earth. While reading the book one day Professor Lindenbrock discovers a decoded message which explains when and how it is possible to travel to the center of the Earth. Professor Lindenbrock with his niece Glauben and her fiancé Axel travel to Iceland to begin their journey. Shortly after their arrival they find themselves a guide named Hans who helps navigate the treacherous terrain that lies ahead of them.

Spanish director Juan Piquer Simón is best known for his ultraviolet slasher film Pieces which also happens to feature a performance by Jack Taylor. Who also has a role in The Fabulous Journey...

1970s horror/sci fi memories!
Two great double feature movies from the 1970s, I remember when I was a little kid!
if you liked the 1970s then you'll like this double bill!
The movie "Encounters" is a spooky 3 story horror movie with Twilight Zone's own Rod Serling narrating!
Everything's good except the only thing that bothered me is I was somewhat dissapointed when I discovered that it's packaged on the box as "Exploitation Cinema" but when you play the DVD disc it saya "Septic cinema" and it doesn't have that cute introduction like you're walking into a movie theater and you can select other options and/or the option of playing the "Grindhouse Experience" at the lobby refreshment stand just like the other "Exploitation/Grindhouse Cinema" DVD's collection.
The DVD does come with vintage 1970s movie trailers of both action and kung fu movies!

An Overlooked Classic Finally Sees Life On DVD!
When I was a kid, I was a big fan of TNT's MonsterVision which was like USA Up All Night only they showed these old low budget horror flicks. TV favorite Joe Bob Briggs hosted it. One of the show's staples was Encounter With the Unknown. It usually followed another TV classic, The Legend of Boggy Creek. I've lost track the number of times I recorded and re-recorded these movies and now Code Red has finally done EWtU justice by bringing it out of the VHS graveyard and into the digital age.

Encounter With the Unknown is much in the vein of Night Gallery and The Twilight Zone with Rod Sterling narrating a trio of supernatural tales. In the first story, a grieving mother places a deadly curse on three young men who played a fatal prank on her only son. "One by land. Two by sky...". In the second story, a country boy discovers a gaping hole in the middle of his family's land where strange, terrifying noises emanate from deep within. When the boy's bumpkin father and his...

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Doctor Who: The Seeds of Doom (Story 85)

My second favorite from the Tom Baker Years
I have to admit that I'm partial to the Seeds of Doom because the fifth segment was the first episode of Dr. Who that I ever saw. I was only seven or eight at the time and the sight of evil, intergalactic plants taking over unwitting human beings was one of the most terrifying that I had ever seen. Well years later, the image isn't quite as scary but the story and the performances still hold up remarkably well as the Doctor (played here by Tom Baker) and Sarah Jane Smith (one of my favorite companions -- an opinion that is apparently shared by many fans) confront insane, plant-obsessed millionaire Harrison Chase (played to cold perfection -- and with an admirably serious air -- by Tony Beckley) and the evil alien fungus that he has unwittingly brought back to life. This seriel was written by a veteran of the Avengers and, as such, doesn't play so much as a traditional installment of Dr. Who but instead as an especially elaborate Avengers episode in which Patrick McNee has been...

As good as it gets
Is this the best episode of Baker's seven-year run as the Doctor? Quite possibly. Certainly it is up there with "Horror of Fang Rock" and "The Talons of Weng Chiang" on my list of personal favorites. All of the elements which made the series so good are here -- terrific chemistry, Gothic horror, campy dialogue, over the top villainy, and of course that all-purpose English manor, which appeared in about 17 episodes and which I think actually belonged to Mick Jagger (it gets blown up at the end, but that doesn't mean we've seen the last of it).

I have to say the criticisms of this episode that I've read seem silly to me. Bad special effects? When were the effects in this series ever good? In my view it has only two flaws -- it's too long to watch comfortably in one sitting and there are way too many escapes and recaptures, the Doctor & Sarah spend half the episode getting tied up and the other half escaping, and there is a ridiculous Dr. Evil moment where the...

"I could play all day in my green cathedral..."
Two alien plant plods are found frozen in the Antartic, and examining the pods might lead to the extinction of all animal life on earth. Like "Terror of the Zygons", Robert Banks Stewart dishes us out another masterpiece! There is an extreme urgency in this story to quell the problem, and keeps you the on edge throughout ALL six parts, an element missing in a majority of six-parters. Baker and Sladen are brilliant, Baker giving a dramaticperformance with hints of his own absurdity. Harrison Chase is an unforgettable character and is quite chilling! All actors involved give it their best. Some interesting video viuals are used for the Antartica location, really quite effective. Not only was the story influenced by "Day of Triffids", "Quatermass Experiment" and many others, it also echoes "Night of the Living Dead" as our heroes and outcasts nail and hammer themselves in Chase's mansion. A great way to end the season!

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What !f

Amazing cinematography and soundtrack
This is the prequel to "What Is". They are both amazing "movies" of pro riders out and about in their backyards and home turf simply free riding. It features some of the best camera work and even better soundtrack than any other riding movie out there. If you are tired of the same, played-out ska and crappy thrash metal that these bike movie producers seem to think all dirtriders want to hear, this movie is for you. Instead of that trashy, annoying music you get soulful rap and upbeat type reggae beats. Very cool stuff and really puts you in the mood to watch these pros do their thing.

I wished for a bit more insight and commentary by the pro riders themselves. Perhaps would be cool if they showcased a bit about the bikes they are riding, mods and little things each rider does with their bikes. This would give us a little more priviliged and being there type feel. Plus just being able to get to know each rider helps the viewer relate a little bit more and...





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The Eleventh Hour (6 Discs)

Television's Best Drama Series...
...in many years. Eleventh Hour rivaled CSI for hard-hitting, edge-of-your-seat drama, while the smaller, more intimate cast had a chemistry more intense than any found in a laboratory. Dealing with 'science fact' rather than science fiction, Eleventh Hour deals with many of the major issues in science today, including stem cells, human cloning, cryogenics and nanotech. Endlessly fascinating, it is a series that could - and should - have had many long years on television.

Great TV show : Eleventh Hour
One of the best new TV shows of last year! Together with Fringe no show had this quality. Unbelievable it got canceled! Great cast, thought provoking stories. Why is it the good shows always get canceled. Glad there is a way to get it On Demand!

Eleventh Hour
This was such a great show. If you missed it while on TV it would be well worth the cost to purchase the 1st and only season! I keep hoping they bring it back!

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I Beheld His Glory

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The Extraordinary Lesson

Great addition to Shankar's legacy
I can't recommend this video too highly to anyone interested in Ravi Shankar and Indian music. Filmed in 2008, Shankar discusses Indian classical music and demonstrates its principles before an audience at Paris' Salle Playel. Ravi plays very little, but directs an ensemble including tabla player Tanmoy Bose and daughter Anoushska Shankar. There are 3 programs on the disc: 1) A documentary featuring footage from the lesson; 2) The full lesson; 3) Extracts of vocal, instrumental and dance performances from Shankar's centre in New Delhi. This video has the fullest explanation I've seen by Shankar of Indian classical music and his involvement with it. The production is excellent. This dvd is a good companion to other videos of Shankar, including Ravi Shankar in Portrait and the newly rereleased Raga.

Up Close & Personal
This documentary shows Ravi Shankar in concert and in his homeland. There are some fascinating teachings shared regarding his music. Although Mr. Shankar is getting older in the DVD, he plays with great passion and spirit. I have used this DVD to teach orchestra classes regarding world music and alternative styles. It was nice to see the master teaching fundamentals of string playing that apply across all styles.



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Tarpon (Home Use)

a little history, alot of repeated footage
video got a little dull, but the fishing action is outstanding when its on, also the sound of the reels and the tarpon gill plates clackin are awesome and the envy of any fisherman looking for an up close and personal view of the silver king,also nice to see the helicopter views of the flats in the 70s cameras





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Eastern Mystics

Timely and profound
This set of four beautifully produced DVDs offers a deep and timely message for everyone who is currently practicing, searching for a spiritual path, or simply interested in comparative religion. It is a precious and surprisingly rare opportunity to be able to listen to recognized masters from different spiritual traditions explain the nature of their practice and discuss how it has changed their lives. We live in time when bloody conflicts over perceived ownership of spiritual truth are all too common. The distinctions drawn between believer and heretic, saved and lost, too often become battle lines. As distances shrink and interdependence with other cultures grows commonplace, a more tolerant view of religious beliefs is critically needed. These DVDs give us an important and persuasive rebuttal for such narrow thinking, while giving confidence and encouragement to those interested in pursuing a mystical path themselves.

A Treasure
This is a gold mine of Eastern mystic wisdom, with in-depth interviews with 13 Eastern mystics. It has become even more important that these interviews were captured due to some of the mystics having passed away recently.

I have found these interviews very moving and instructive. They have significantly inspired and supported my own journey.

Transformative!
It's been a transformative journey. Each time I watch, something else resonates and I contemplate it until the next time. I am filled with gratitude for this gift.
The interviews on this set of DVD's are like observing an intimate conversation between two peers. Personally I would never have such an opportunity for this depth of sharing. The mystics talk of their own experiences, the path of their tradition, Truth and Peace. I can't imagine getting tired of watching.

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Ken Burns: The Civil War (Commemorative Edition)

One Of The Best Documentaries Ever Made
There aren't too many productions from television that one can call "noble," but Ken Burns' The Civil War qualifies. Burns uses photographs, music, speech, maps and historical context to tell the story of the second most formative event in the nation's history. And since in those days people wrote...diaries, letters, journals...there is the written record not just of the great leaders, the politicians and generals, but of the wives and sweethearts, the nurses and doctors, newspaper editors and farmers. Most of all there are the words of the soldiers. Burns shows the importance and the sweep of the war, but in part he does it through the lives of average people caught up in events they may not have completely comprehended, but which they believed in.

If the words themselves have power, so do the voices. Burns recruited great voices, some actors, some not, to speak the words, distinctive voices that give great resonance to what we see. Julie Harris as Mary Chestnut, Charlie...

The greatest documentary ever made!
I first saw this on PBS and was spellbound by it. It is simply everything you need to know about the American Civil War. If you think history is dry and uninteresting, this film by Ken Burns will change your mind. This is filled with comedy and pathos, courage and cowardice, and a balanced explanation that is fair to both sides of the conflict.

Burns used well-known actors to read the diaries and writings of both famous people (Grant, Lee, Lincoln) and average persons and soldiers. It gives one a well-rounded view of both sides. I am in awe of the writings of that time--the people had an incredibly, descriptive way of writing; a command of the English language that has sadly been lost in modern times.

Burns also used still photographs, panning across them, giving the audience the feel of watching an actual movie of the time. That technique has since been adopted by other documentaries.

I've seen the series many times, and each time find something...

Ken Burns Best
Ken Burns has established himself as one of the greats in terms of historical documentaries. The Civil War is Mr. Burns' greatest work. The attention to detail brings the history to life. Mr. Burns does an excellent job of bringing humanity to the tragic time in America. With the use of solder's and family letters it is evident what a difficult time it was to be an American. Originally aired on PBS in September of 1990, nearly fifteen years later the series remains the ultimate narrative about the United States darkest time.

The series is finally released on DVD. While the price is a little high the amazing quality of the series makes the cost very reasonable. Ken Burns' Civil War is required for any Civil War historian's collection. The series is also a great way for those wishing to learn more about the Civil War. I would recommend this to anyone that loves historical documentaries. It does not get any better than The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns.

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Rising Above Expectation. Climbing The Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara California. Indoor Cycling Training / Spinning Fitness and Workout Videos

Beautiful Ride


Gorgeous Road, Excellent Instruction, Pleasant Company, And A Great Workout!
I enjoyed this ride because of the beauty of the surroundings, the instruction, casual but interesting conversation about biking, and the fact that it makes for a very solid, sweaty workout. I was dripping with sweat at the end, and I don't sweat easily.

The area we travel is gorgeous! I've driven through much of it by car, but not the rugged areas we go through in these two videos.

We choose if we want silence, music only, or music and instruction. The instruction was helpful and natural, after the initial, `clinical' instructions before the ride started. Only rarely do we catch a glimpse of the handle bars. The ride gives us a view of the road ahead of us, with just a little bit of a look around from time to time.

There is excellent help with heart rate goals, gear ratio, and cadence. There's a GPS map view which shows where we've been and where we're going. There are "hill and effort" profiles along with speed and elevation information on the...



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Wing Chun: Chum Kiu Form

Good movie, great fun, Michelle Yeoh, enough said.
This is a nice movie even for casual fans of martial arts movies and more serious fans should definitely grab it. It is a period piece, but i feel that it is rather far from being a costume drama. For some excellent Chinese/HK drama, go check out "Raise the Red Lantern" or even some of John Woo's earlier work like "Last Hurrah For Chivalry" (John Woo with swords!). That said, this is an EXCELLENT action flick, fast and humorous with a plot significantly stronger than most Jackie Chan movies. I love the tofu fight scene and although some of the fight scenes verge on the fantastic (i.e. "The Executioners") and are clearly enhanced with cutscenes and camera trickery, the vast majority is good old single-shot martial arts mastery. Michelle Yeoh rocks hard and is finally allowed to look cute at the end of the film (her looking like a man is a running gag most of the way through) but the actress who plays the young widow is just plain beautiful. As...

Half-a-loaf of Wingchun!
As a pure Kung Fu movie, if you enjoy the more comedic, wire-fu style, Yuen Woo-Ping (choreographer of the Matrix) delivers. Both Donnie Yen (a trained film fighter who plays Leung Bok-Cho) and Michelle Yeoh (not a trained fighter but a dancer who's consistently given great action on screen, who plays Yim Wing-Chun) personify their legendary characters with charm, grace, and ferocious martial intent.

If you're looking for a Wing Chun movie that showcases the actual Wing Chun style, however, you're better served by Sammo Hung's Prodigal Sons and Warriors Two. This movie uses the characters and style mostly in name only, with a story drawn, but far removed from, any of the traditional versions, and a style far more high flying and stunt based.

Still, I can think of no fan or exponent who wouldn't thrill just a little to see the beautiful landscapes and settings, and see the characters brought to life, and imagine what it might have been like in the days of legend.

An action movie that women will love
For those of you who still don't know who Michelle Yeoh is, this is THE movie to be introduced to her.

For those of you who thrilled at watching Yeoh in such movies as "Tomorrow Never Dies" (with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond), "Supercop" (with Jacky Chan) and "Tai Chi Master" (with Jet Li), this is THE action movie where she is the star rather than a man's sidekick.

Having said that, WING CHUN is more than a star vehicle for this former Miss Malaysia turned Action Woman, with an ensemble who have charms of their own even if their names are not as well known; and more than just kung fu fighting.

Rather, this is a surprisingly sweet (and innocent) "gender-bending" "period piece" action-comedy out of Hong Kong. Marvel at such as "the fight over tofu" and -- of course -- the climactic showdown between Wing Chun (Yeoh) and "Flying Chimpanzee" but also delight in the camaraderie and charm evident in...

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