WWE: The Best of Raw and SmackDown 2012

Best of Raw/Smackdown 2012 DVD Is Okay
Disc 1

Many Memorable Moments

Falls Count Anywhere Match
Kane vs. Zack Ryder
RAW * January 23, 2012

Chris Jericho "Speaks"
RAW * January 23, 2012

Champion vs. Champion Match
CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan
RAW * January 30, 2012

No Disqualification Match
Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
SmackDown * February 3, 2012

John Cena has some choice words for The Rock
RAW * February 20, 2012

Second to None

6-Man Tag Team Match
Randy Orton, Sheamus & Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes & The Miz
SmackDown * March 9, 2012

The Rock Concert
RAW * March 12, 2012

Triple Threat Match for the United States Championship
Santino Marella vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger
RAW * April 2, 2012

Brock Lesnar Returns
RAW * April 2, 2012

WrestleMania Rematch
Randy Orton vs. Kane
SmackDown * April 6, 2012...

Extreme Returns...Anger Management...Crazy Chicks...Best In The World...Show Off's...And Feed Me More
Josh Mathews once again host this set showcasing various matches from the past year of both of WWE's flagship shows (RAW & SmackDown) along with various moments including the return of Chris Jericho's "Highlight Reel", John Cena having some words for The Rock, The Rock Concert, Brock Lesnar's return & John Cena's response the next week, Daniel Bryan dumps A.J. Lee, Big Show's rampage against Brodus Clay, Santino Marella's "Sign Of The Night", D-Generation X reunion, Punk & Cena's war of words of who's "The Best In The World", Daniel Bryan & Kane's anger management class, and the debut of MizTV on the Blu-Ray edition.

Matches Include:
Falls Count Anywhere Match: Zack Ryder vs. Kane - Kane was obsessed with making John Cena "embrace the hate" to the point where he constantly attacked his friend Zack Ryder for weeks leading to this match where Cena couldn't interfere or Ryder wouldn't get another shot at his U.S. Championship. Ryder came into the match with taped ribs &...

Loved it
I am a huge wrestling fan and this is what I needed to complete my collection I highly recommend it

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Cold Light of Day

Not As Bad As These Reviewers Tell You ...!
OK, having seen this movie I know first hand that this movie is not as bad as it is made out to be by ALL the reviewers here on Amazon. I won't go over the plot and the actors, as they have been dug deeply into in the previous reviews. Instead, I shall tell you it like it truly is.

The movie, 'Cold Light Of Day' is a good, decent action movie. You get pulled in and it never lets you go. Why? Well, you just don't know who to trust and what is around any given corner. Sure Henry C. is made out to be a "super spy" instead of the stockbroker he seemingly is, but that's OK, as it truly doesn't deter you from watching the movie. My guess is this movie was made a couple of years ago before his upcoming blockbuster 'Superman - Man Of Steel' comes to our screens. Sometimes these kind of direct-to-DVD movies sit on shelves for ages until one of the leads becomes famous. (Take, for instance, 'Cabin In The Woods' with Chris Hemsworth, filmed in 2009 and released this year due to...

(2.5 STARS) "Frantic in Madrid": OK Thriller from the Director of "JCVD"
Henry Cavill (Theseus of Tarsem Singh-directed epic "Immortals") plays a young American businessman Will, who has just arrived in Spain to meet his family. While out on a yacht with his father Martin (Bruce Willis), mother Laurie (Caroline Goodall), young brother Josh (Rafi Gavron) and Josh's fiancée Dara (Emma Hamilton), Will makes a mistake and one of them gets injured. To buy a medicine, Will goes on shore alone, but when Will comes back, he finds everyone on the boat has disappeared.

"The Cold Light of Day" starts promisingly, and then it slowly loses momentum through a whole heap of cliché. Without revealing too much about the story, the US-Spanish thriller is about an American on foreign soil, who gets involved in a web of intrigue.

The film's basic idea (a bit sounds like "Frantic") is not bad. The problem is its poor execution. In short, the film has no style. Characters, storytelling, acting and action set-pieces - everything in the film is...

Wonderful!
I saw this movie at the theater and was waiting on it to come out on DVD. Love the action and actors.

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Citadel [Blu-ray]

An Atmospheric Irish Chiller That Creates A Creepy Mood And Has A Stellar Lead Performance
There are a lot of really great things going for the low-budget indie shocker "Citadel." This Irish film starts out strong, boasts a solid lead performance, and paints a harrowing portrait of urban decay. While the picture is very successful at creating a creepy vibe which it sustains throughout, I'm not sure that the mythology or storytelling is quite as strong as its atmosphere. In the end, I enjoyed much of the movie without really ever buying into its premise fully. And although the plot threads are deadly serious, I found some of the developments rather amusing as opposed to horrifying. In the end, I think "Citadel" is worth a look but I wanted its payoff and its explanations to be better realized. It's certainly not a bad movie, I just don't think it makes much sense in the grand scheme of things.

As I said, I really invested into the opening of the film. As a young couple is moving from a dilapidated building, a gang of street thugs happens upon the pregnant...

No logical explanation
I am assuming this movie is saturated with metaphors (or perhaps I am giving the writers to much credit), regardless, for the most part the nuances are so vague that I cannot come to any conclusion. The acting and cinematography was excellent. The scenery had such a deep feeling of misery, hopelessness and pain that I started to feel it myself. I got a sense of release for the father's agoraphobia in the end, but with no clear answers as to how the boy fit into it. It was such an abrupt ending that I felt cheated. I am seeing a trend with movies being overly subtle in their message for the sake of "artsiness", this is a disservice to most movie goers and in the end you end up with a piece that essentially means nothing to anyone but the creators themselves.

Inspired Main Performance Not Enough To Save This CITADEL
Another week, another horror release. Isn't that the way it seems these days? Why, every time you turn around, some production company is throwing good money into some low-budget, no-budget scare-fest, all to make a buck. I welcome the additions to my film library only so long as these pictures still come assembled with a coherent story, reasonably intelligent characters (a tough find in horror), and modest quality writing. No, horror movies don't have to be perfect. They simply need establish a premise and then deliver on any promises made along the way.

To that end, CITADEL settles comfortably into a middle-ground and goes nowhere fast. Yes, it's atmospheric. Sure, it's creepy. Okay, it looks so dystopian.

But is that all ya got?

(NOTE: the following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and characters. If you're the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I'd encourage you to...

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Brides of Sodom

brides of sodom
This movie has some of the guys from my favorite show called the lair.I will enjoyed this movie especially newcomer David Taylor

Standard Vampire Movie witha twist
I have to admit I went in not expecting much out this movie considering its vampire flight
For a plat it was ok not as tight as it should have been, But over not a bad movie plenty of eye candy to make up for the lack of
of a weak script over all I give it a generous 3 stars

Utter Rubbish
This is tripe. No story, poor cheap soft core porn that failed to get any sort of attention on any level.

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Heaven's Door

A warm fuzzy Movie.
Great Family movie that is for the family. I would suggest it to anyone who wants a movie with out all the garbage hollywood puts out!

Great Movie!
This is a great movie which I thought reminds you that you must have faith to receive really true miracles. I would recommend it

sweet
This is a great movie for family watching. It's about those who believe in miracles and the turning point of those who don't. Great for children and Christians. I recommended it for all.

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Bargain 1914

First glimpse of Hart's famous good/bad man persona
GRAPEVINE VIDEO is one of best indie outfits specializing in silent era films and early talkies. Unlike the bargain bin guys that use generic music, Grapevine silent dubs include scores that match on-screen action. Their catalog of over 500 very rare titles can be seen online.

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The screen career of cinema's original cowboy star, William S. Hart began with his portrayal of Messala in a 1907 short version of BEN HUR. Reginald Barker's THE BARGAIN, Hart's first feature-length photoplay, is scripted in part by Thomas Ince, who died tragically in 1924 after a visit to W.R. Hearst's yacht. There's speculation to this day whether Ince succumbed to severe indigestion or was victim of a stray Hearst bullet meant for Charlie Chaplin.

In "The Bargain," Hart is 'Two-Gun' Jim Stokes, a wounded stagecoach robber who recovers at the shack of prospector Phil Brent (Sherry), where he meets and falls in love with Brent's daughter. After marrying Nell (Williams), Jim's...





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Flight

A Contemplative Adult Drama About Addiction Featuring One Of Denzel Washington's Most Complex Performances
I know that some viewers might feel like there is a bit of a bait-and-switch when sitting down to watch the very adult drama "Flight." I was primed to see a movie about a harrowing plane crash. And indeed, this initiating sequence is staged with tremendous suspense and gut wrenching detail. It may be one of the more memorable scenes you are likely to see this year. But "Flight" is not really about this crash. It is, instead, a character study about addiction, about faith, and about taking responsibility. The heroic pilot that acted on that day is none other than Denzel Washington. But this is no ordinary hero, this is a mess of a man who fuels his life with drugs and drink. He is estranged from his family, defying propriety, and thinks that the rules don't apply to him. He's a great pilot, to be sure, that saved many souls. But he was also completely out of control when he did so. That is the moral dilemma at the heart of the movie. He is a hero. His bad acts did not...

One of the best films I've ever seen
Now, when I first saw this movie I had no idea what it was about. I only knew that it had a tremendous Oscar-winning actor playing the role of a pilot. I had no idea I was in for such a wild ride. I will point out first and foremost that this is a very well put together piece of cinema. The acting, pacing, cinematography, character development is nothing short of top-notch. That being said, I can understand how marketing and trailers could have caused many people to become mislead to what the film would be covering as many of the negative reviewers seemed to have missed the point. This movie was about a plane crash in the way that The Shawshank Redemption was about escaping prison. Yes, those are both the fundamental plot points but they're more like a side effect of the central themes. (Not to say that the crash scene in Flight wasn't one of the most intense scenes I'd seen in years or that the prison escape scene in Shawshank didn't give me an all encompassing feeling of joy). But...

deep, deep movie
this movie shows how tragically and deeply alcohol abuse can ruin lives that otherwise have such promise....and Denzel always delivers....

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Fried Green Tomatoes / Coal Miner's Daughter Double Feature

Loved It!!!
What a great combo!! Two totally excellent movies for the price of one, amazing!!! If you are a fan of true to life movies, you have to purchase this one...

Fried Green Tomatoes
I love old movies. Jessica Tandy and Kathy Bates are very good in this old t story . It shows a deep friendship that developed between two women and has a great ending.



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America's Railroads: Steam Train Legacy Embossed Slim-Tin Packaging

HISTORIC FOOTAGE ABOUT AMERICA'S RAILROADS
This is a collection of 19 separate films about American railroads. These date from 1897 to the late 1970s, but most are from the mid-1930s to the mid 1950s. The original producers are not always identified; but it appears that most of these films were created as public relations pieces, either by the Association of American Railroads, or by individual railroads. Two were evidently compiled specifically for this 2-disc publication. The others were reproduced from archival footage. The producers explain that they employed modern technology in an effort to achieve the highest quality reproductions; but "some imperfections in image and sound quality are unavoidable." These imperfections are worse in some cases than others, but, in general, the images are comparable to what one might have seen on pre-HD television sets; and the sound is occasionally poor. Each film is preceded by an introduction provided by one of several railroad historians (Walter Gray, Dale Reed, and Don...





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Alex Cross [Blu-ray + Digital Copy + UltraViolet]

Disappointing
Saw ALEX CROSS the movie yesterday. Pleasantly surprised by Tyler Perry's dramatic acting, had only seen him in comedic roles, and Matthew Fox did a great job Cross' creepy psychotic nemesis, Picasso. The special effects were impressive and the movie raced along keeping everyone on the edge of their seats until the conclusion, which was an obvious set up for a sequel. Yes, I enjoyed the movie, but as a fan of James Patterson's Cross books from the very first one I was disappointed that some of the main characters, who seem like old friends, were changed: Cross' childhood buddy, Samson, was replaced by "Tommy" a somewhat wimpy white guy played by Edward Burns, and 'Nana Mama", Cross' feisty little old Grandmother, was little but not old and grumpy rather than feisty. In all, the movie felt as if it had taken parts from many of the books and tried to sew 'em together. Fine as a couple of hours entertainment for someone who has not read the books, but didn't work for this long time fan.

Not Your Momma's Alex Cross
You will not be bored or lose interest in this movie, and Tyler Perry's dramatic acting was very good. However, this Alex Cross isn't exactly the one James Patterson created.

The dialogue failed in many places and the Chief of Police was so corny I was hoping someone would take him out. Some of the characters were cliche'(the Frenchman's hat), but I liked the movie in spite of the sophomoric directing and script.

Tyler Perry will definitely make it as a dramatic actor.

If you like the Cross books, don't put yourself through this!
I was already leery of this because of Tyler Perry. I was right! This movie is horrible. The acting is bad, the story is bad and it doesn't even come close to ANY of the Cross books. I'm shocked that Patterson allowed this to be made. The ONLY thing in the movie that is the same as the books are the names of the characters. Otherwise, this thing STINKS! If you've never read any of the books, please do that instead of watching this garbage. If you have read the books, save yourself some heart ache, watch something else!

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Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime: The Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries

Lighthearted British Mystery, Romance, Comedy
BBC mystery series shot circa 1983 and set in 1930's.......wonderful series and very well written and acted...sets and costumes are great as well....I believe there are 11 separate but linked stories in the complete set...make sure you get WHY DIDN'T THEY ASK EVANS? which more or less introduces the characters and on which the rest of the series is based. Story line revolves around a husband and wife team who solve mysteries. This is one of my favorite BBC mysteries along with Poirot, Midsomer, and Miss Marple.....this series is not quite as serious, however...overall 5 stars.

Improved with subtitles added. Film and 10-episode TV series in ONE.
Agatha Christie crimes with Tommy and Tuppence as investigators. The opening story is the feature film that shows the beginning of this sleuthing set. It's all a magnificent British Roaring 1920s costume mystery COMPLETE series that also includes 10 TV episodes. Beresford's, T&T, are the duo solving Christie short story tales. A funny, likable, proper British sleuthing duo, much like Agatha Christie's Poirot but as much humor as mystery. FUN!

The regular cast is Francesca Annis (Cranford, Lillie, Reckless) as Tuppence, spiffing in 20s hat styles. Tommy (James Warwick- Lillie) her amorist romantic mate. Alert is a comic young assistant played by Reece Dinsdale, his first role in a strong continuing career. Arthur Cox (Jane Eyre) plays a Scotland Yard Inspector in episodes 1, 5, 6 & 10. Guest stars appear by the dozen.

ALL...

Wonderful Vintage Series
It is wonderful to watch a series which was written by one of the greatest mystery writers of all times. The acting is superb and a joy to watch. Call me old-fashioned but there is no cussing or swearing and that is like a breath of fresh air in these times.

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Verdi: Alzira [Blu-ray]

Quella è proprio brutta...
According to the introduction to the opera on this blu-ray Alzira is Verdi's least popular opera and ranks 1445 among all performed operas, between Verdi's Aroldo (1444), Wagner's Die Feen (1446) and Rossi's Cleopatra (1447). According to that same introduction, Verdi wrote to his friend Andrea Maffei after he completed it, that "I composed it almost without thinking and with no trouble whatsoever" - it actually sounds to me like something he could have written in his sleep. There are those who find many fine passages in it. I did not enjoy any of it. Verdi famously commented on it eventually "Quella è proprio brutta" - this one is really bad - I couldn't agree more. The plot hinges on a trite love triangle. This issue was compiled from two concert performances that took place in September 2012 in the impressive Gustav Mahler Saal in Toblach, South Tyrol in northern Italy.

Conductor Gustav Kuhn and the orchestra did all they could for the work with a brilliant,...

A VERY GOOD CONCERT PERFORMANCE
I totally disagree with the previous reviewer. This was a very good concert performance of the opera. All the singers were excellent in their respective roles. The chorus was excellent and the opera itself is most enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and seeing it. The acting was quite good for a concert performance. I liked the introduction to the opera for its summary of the story and information on the opera itself. I recommend this Verdi rarity for all who enjoy the music of Verdi.

John Cahill

Well Done Early Verdi
In "Verdi With A Vengeance" (required reading!), author William Berger notes that second rate Verdi is better than most anything else and I agree. I have been a Verdiholic since late high school, which was a LONG time ago; it was a time when just a handful of the maestro's works were performed, and those were substantially cut (all those trashy cabalettas, don't ya know!).

Now, all of Verdi's works are available on CD, and C Major is making sure that all are availble on DVD as well, in this bicentennial of Verdi's birth year.

Alzira is widely regarded as Verdi's worst opera, not because of the music, which is full of melody and vitality, but because of the story, which Verdi never seemed to care much about ("Quella e proprio brutta" was his later comment).

But the music is a never ending cascade of melody, much of it very energetic, and a concert performance may well be its best venue, to avoid the negativity of faulty dramatics.

All of the...

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Cast A Long Shadow

LOW-BUDGET AUDIE SEES THE LIGHT!
Audie Murphy was irrate that this film was not in color and I can see his point. It's a solid Western from an era when color had become the norm in order to compete with television. And Top-Notch it is with excellent acting and direction from the likes of low-budget master Thomas Carr. This is a pretty slick A- Western with lots to like, just too bad, no color. Highly recommended for fans of quality Westerns & Audie Murphy.

Audie Murphy
I have never seen him in a movie I didn't like. He does a wonderful job and his voice makes the whole thing worth watching. Too bad some of todays stars don't have this same quality. Good watching movie.

Audie Murphy
I saw this on tv not to long ago and right away looked ta see if it was on dvd but it wasn't. I see it's coming out on dvd now good news. I like John Dehner in this movie also he plays a good role no matter if he plays the good guy or the bad guy. If ya like westerns at all you need this for your collection you won't be sorry and Audie always done a great job in westerns.

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The Gentle Bear Man of Emo

Love of Planet...
This should have been a 45 minute documentary instead of some 90 but it is what it is and the point should not be missed. The best part of this documentary is at the end, some fifteen minutes of it where all those beautiful bears come and hang out together. Here is a much abused kid who attempted to run away from his family at age five and attempted suicide at age six since he was so abused by both parents. He joined gangs since he embraced death with no fear. He continuously prayed and looked for love and found peace, happiness and more importantly himself, his spirit in his creator in one of the biggest carnivores of this planet not in a zoo but in his backyard. Bears are huge, powerful and wild. He did not cage them and hold them in an enclosed environment; he invited the environment to his existence, his life, his home sweet home. What he has accomplished is what humans should do; make the environment a part of their existence instead of changing environment since their egos need...

Unexpected Wonder
This story of kindness, of connection to nature, and of the healing of a broken spirit in such a wondrous and unexpected manner, moved me to tears. The gentle man, who feeds and cares for the animals in this film, is so unusual, and shares his heart clearly. Although you may question the actions, you can't help but wonder about what is happening, both to the man and the beasts he loves so dearly.

A divine story unlike any other!
I was grateful to receive an advanced copy of this film! It's a captivating story about a man's restoration of hope in the human spirit through a profound connection with bears and other wildlife. Michael Scheibler tells his own life journey of traumatic loss, abuse, rage and ultimately hopelessness in humanity. In a moment of deep anger he cries out "Why is there no love? Where is it?" The answer to Mr. Scheibler's painful cry blossoms through a miraculous and continuous love story that takes place each day in Scheibler's Isaiah XI Wildlife Refuge. Every bear, raccoon, and bird that finds its way to Mr. Scheibler has its own story, paralleling pain and brokenness; Isaiah XI is an intersection where darkness meets freedom and healing for both animal and man. What takes place here can only be attributed to unconditional and divine love.

This is a heart wrenching and spirit lifting documentary of an incredible journey of a man and his bears. For my husband and me, we were...

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The Blue Lightning

Enjoyable Aussie Fare
Blue Lightning is a fun flick that is shot in Australia's outback, a dry, desolate, but interesting area. It makes up in colorful characters what it lacks in rain. Particularly good are the 'road train' truck driver.

Sam Elliot (Harry Wingate) does an excellent job as an American hired to find a rare opal called the 'Blue Lightning.' He hooks up with a pretty Australian girl named Kate McQueen (Rebecca Gilling). Adventure ensues, including hired guns, car chase, plane chase, and more. It's laced with humor, including an airport controller who can't understand plain American accent, but is perfectly at home with the thick Aussie accent that I had a real hard time following.

Robert Culp plays Lester McInally, who owns the gem. He sports a faintly passable Irish accent, and is an Irish Republican Army sadist and murderer who is pretty much certifiable. He's quite a repugnant character.

The best things about this action flick are Sam Elliot, the...

Now we be blood brothers
Blue Lightning VHS

Blue Lightning starts off like a standard "B" Grade movie, but since it stars my favorite cowboy movie star, Sam Elliott, I kept watching. It's all about a private investigator, Elliott, hired to recover a sapphire from a treacherous double-dealing villain, played by Robert Culp of I, Spy fame (the TV show). Interesting movie.

Looks like it was shot in Aussie Land.

Recommended for fans of Sam Elliott.

Gunner February, 2008

This Is A Sleeper!
I saw this movie a long time ago and have it on VHS. I was hoping it would come out on DVD. I could listen to Sam Elliott speak all day long. What a voice. I enjoyed this movie. It was entertaining and it also had Robert Culp in it. I think it is definitely worth watching if you are a Sam Elliott fan.

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Basics of Biblical Greek Video Lectures: A Complete Course for the Beginner

Mounce DVD Lectures
Mounce’s Basics of Biblical Greek has been well used and received now for many years. It is one of the most popular ways to learn New Testament (koine) Greek today. Mounce’s system and pedagogy is somewhat unconventional (verbs introduced much later, few paradigms to memorize) but it is particularly well suited for training the beginner to language study. The usefulness of Mounce’s book and workbook is only enhanced by these DVD lectures that help to explain the material found in the book.

These lectures are useful particularly for the self-learner who will benefit from careful explanation of the material in the book from a teacher. The lectures are generally around 30 minutes in length and contain short concise summaries of the material. These explanations are not usually comprehensive in nature so the book material must be studied carefully. The lectures serve as a good introduction to the material in the book.

Mounce will usually explain...

Disappointing and Overpriced
I must say that I am extremely disappointed with this set. Not only are the lectures a basic rehash of what came for FREE on the Grammar book edition, but they aren't very engaging and contain material that can be found for free readily on many sites online! That is correct, much of this material can be found ONLINE to be downloaded in mp4 video format for absolutely free and in more engaging and better detail. I had originally intended to use this DVD set in a class that I am going to be giving, but I find the price to be very steep and a bit unorthodox in terms of how things are introduced to the beginner. Again, this set is supposed to be for the BEGINNER. I'd recommend anyone get a hold of a second edition of Mounce's Grammar book. Make sure your edition comes with the free CD inside. The free CD inside will provide you with the lessons you need, for a BIG fraction of the price! Disappointed with the short lessons that are not in depth and even more upset with the fact that this...

Excellent Learning Tool
Mounce is easy to understand and follow. The ability to pause and backup to better understand his point is invaluable. The video follows the BBG text very closely while verbally explaining the concepts

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BMF: The Rise and Fall of a Hip-Hop Drug Empire

Does not include any new info on the story
I've been fascinated with the BMF story for a couple of years now. Unfortunately this film does not contain any "new" information that can not already be found by doing a few Google/Youtube searches. There is a nice episode of "Gangland" that gives just as much info on the story and they do it in about 40 minutes. That episode is available on Youtube.

Skip it.
Not worth the money unless you are having trouble falling asleep. Regretted purchasing this 5 minutes in. Don't make the same mistake.

BFW
WOW! Very informative this is real life in the drug world at it's worst. Film quality qas pretty good, I would make future purchases

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Live: Skeletons & Majesties [Blu-ray]

Gamma Ray - Skeletons & Majesties Live Blu-Ray
Skeletons & Majesties Live, released in 2013, is a concert Blu-Ray from the legendary German Power Metal band Gamma Ray, taken from their 2012 performance in Pratteln, Switzerland. Like fellow Power Metal band Stratovarius' recent Blu-Ray, this concert captures the last time the band would play with their longest serving drummer, in this case the superb Dan Zimmerman.

It's a brilliant looking and sounding concert that clocks in at 2hrs 12min. The mix and sound in general are absolutely spot-on and really suits the band's style. Everything is perfectly clear and balanced and it's a real joy to listen to. For example, the keys are neither too overpowering or indeed inaudible, the vocals are just the right volume, the kick drum is loud and punchy and overall it all just has a nice powerful sound as a whole. The only nitpick is that the audience aren't audible often, so when the band gets them to sing along it looks a bit like the audience don't know the words, but with such a...

Blu-ray disc doesnt work
I had a huge deception about this product. Can't write a review about it as I couldn't watch it.
The blu-ray disc simply doesn't play, I tried it in several devices and there's nothing on it, it starts and keeps hang in Title 5 with 00:00.

It doesn't work "blu ray doesn't play"
like the another review above mine, this is a huge deception, I don't know why amazon offer dvd / blu rays that we cannot play in Canada or US. do not buy it because you will end up returning the video and wasting your time.

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Avantasia: Flying Opera - Around the World [Blu-ray]

A Really AAA Class True Metal Show!
Tobias Sammet has emerged as one of the most creative forces of the European metal scene in this decade with this show, the culmination of one of the most spectacular collaborations of the last decade. The cornerstone of course is the stunning "Scarecrow" album and its many great songs.

If you haven't ever heard the amazing 2008 CD "The Scarecrow" by Avantasia, you really should! It is one of the best metal albums ever made. Yes, I said it. But when your supporting cast includes Roy Khan, Jorn Lande, Michael Kiske, Sascha Paeth, Oliver Hartmann, Amanda Somerville, Eric Singer, Alice Cooper, Miro, Kai Hansen, Rudolph Schenker, this is not a boast. This is True Metal!

For the last decade we have had a flood of opera and symphony into the European metal scene. This was not a bad thing. Some stunning, complex, rich, subtle music was made. But with the 2008 release of "The Scarecrow", I think we saw the pendulum swing back (truer today in 2012) to more of a...

The result of when your "project band" is offered to headline Wacken Open Air
You of course decline, only to discover that slot went to Iron Maiden!!!
So you change your mind & still get a headline slot.
Yes, Avantasia is that much in demand.

Nice Concert, but PAL system quality!
Amazing concert, good production. I wish it was NTSC video quality. PAL system drop down the picture quality. Of course, if you watch it on a NTSC device you will feel the difference, otherwise you will probably not notice. Tobias Sammet rocks. Good audio quality.

I think it should be noted on the description that this Blu Ray is recorded in PAL System. Big mistake!!

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Live in Finland

A little disapointing
Im a Hardcore fan of Sonata Arctica, but after watching this DVD makes me watch the previus DVD "For the Sake of Revenge"

Something I love in Live DVD are the interaction of the band and the public, and they skipped all that material. I watched this Tour live when they came to my country and when Tony spoke to the audience was pure GOLD, is one of the best experiences I had in a concert. But in this DVD you wont find that.

About the songs, I didnt liked the choice. But looking for something positive, I always wanted to hear "The Misery" and "White Pearl, Black Oceans" LIVE, and here sounds AWESOME





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End of an Era [Blu-ray]

So much fun to watch and enjoy
I LOVE this DVD live with great sounds and fun to watch over and over again. I became a much bigger Nightwish fan after viewing this. So many great songs and so many songs I haven't heard of but I loved it. Here are the list of songs. You will enjoy this DVD.

1: Dark Chest of Wonders [Live] (5:08)
2: Planet Hell [Live] (4:44)
3: Ever Dream [Live] (5:27)
4: The Kinslayer [Live] (4:08)
5: Phantom of the Opera [Live] (5:11)
6: The Siren [Live] (4:52)
7: Sleeping Sun [Live] (4:55)
8: High Hopes [Live] (6:54)
9: Bless the Child [Live] (6:24)
10: Wishmaster [Live] (4:43)
11: Slaying the Dreamer [Live] (5:04)
12: Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan [Live] (4:13)
13: Nemo [Live] (4:46)
14: Ghost Love Score [Live] (10:29)
15: Stone People [Live] (4:08)
16: Creek Mary's Blood [Live] (8:39)
17: Over the Hills and Far Away [Live] (5:26)
18: Wish I Had an Angel [Live] (7:52)

As usual....Nightwish brings it!
I've got to admit that I was a little worried about how this DVD would turn out. "From Wishes to Eternity" is my favorite DVD bar none- could it be matched? Most of the live clips I've seen since FWTE, have been reasonably good, but not spectacular. Big stages have seemed to diminish band interaction and the immediacy & impact of the performances, the band has looked kind of static and audio quality has been nothing great, at best. Then there's the whole Tarja situation and its still lingering aftermath....

Well fellow NW acolytes and all you "civilians" out there, have no fear because this show and DVD/box is another great Nightwish experience. High energy all around, the intensity level stays up throughout the entire show, everyone in the arena seems to be fully engaged in the event, the band's performance is great, the audio is the best yet, and the video work is generally solid too. Realistically, its just about as much as one could hope for as far as capping...

Nightwish : "End Of An Era"
First off, I'm not the biggest fan of Nightwish. Speaking in general, I can do without all of the "operatic approach" to their music. I'm much more of a METALHEAD so to speak, and I don't usually listen to bands that base their music around that "welcome to the opera" feel like Nightwish...

That being said, it was very difficult for me to get into Nightwish upon first listen a couple of years back. I was already a very big Lacuna Coil fan at the tinme, but these are two totally different bands, with different sounds / styles / and all around talents. You simply can't / shouldn't compare the two. Needless to say, I found Nightwish to be too opera oriented for my everyday listening....

Now onto this review....

I was completely blown away with this live performance. Nightwish is without question one of the tightest, most impressive live acts I've seen on DVD in quite some time. These are extremely complex songs to perform, and I couldn't have been more...

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Carl Panzram: The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance

A Great Documentary!
I have enjoyed John Borowski's films for several years and they continually get better. Although, his former documentaries on Dr. H.H. Holmes and Albert Fish are hard to beat, Panzram is visually exceptional and is well researched. This is independent film making at its best. The extras on the DVD are also outstanding. If you are interested in historical documentaries, serial killers, psychology, or just great entertainment--this film is for you! John Borowski is the Ken Burns of serial killers and his films are outstanding. Do yourself a favor and watch this film!

Fascinating documentary
Fascinating, well-made film. Underrated too, since I can't even find it on Flixter or Rotten Tomatoes. Watched it because it was recommended by comedian Bill Burr. And he was right! Excellent documentary!

fascinating, surprising
Borowski is one of the greatest crime documentary film makers of all time, and this third film of his, Panzram, is quite a surprise, as it focuses more on the topic of prison brutality and brutality by the system, including police, school administrators, etc., who created a cruel system where young and innocent individuals are tortured until they become hardened psychopaths. Panzram was evil, but the documentary shocked me because I was able to understand the violence by seeing it in its context- there are a lot of victims in this film, but Panzram is the ultimate victim here, brought up by a violent system where, like Charles Manson, he learned as a young child about power and rape and abuse and violence and manipulation instead of about relationships and love and ways to make this a better world. Panzram was not born a killer, the system made him one, and that is the only logical conclusion I got from this intense, very harsh and tragic true and tragically, avoidable description of...

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Seventh Date of Blashyrkh

Awesome performence
They pretty much played 11 of their greatest hits. The sound quality is great and trio nailed all the songs live. Still, I feel that it wasn't a perfect performance, as they did not play the legendary Mountains of Might. Other than that this is highly recommended for any Immortal Fan.

And I was surprised as I though it was just the CD but I got a copy of the DVD as well.





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For the Sake of Revenge

Where have these guys been hiding?!
The Good

The DVD portion of this release highlights a sold-out show from Tokyo, Japan. I was instantly amazed at the size of the groups following, and the fact that they knew every word of every song. The stage is well-lit, and the band is in perfect voice and tone. Watch out for the double-kick drums and driving keyboards on the chant worthy "Misplaced," because at the hyper-speed in which they come at you will stop you dead in your tracks. Tony Kakko's vocals on "Blinded No More" are both emotional and enduring. Beautiful keyboard playing and audience clapping lead you into "Full Moon..." The track builds as each new instrument is added to the mix.

Virtuoso guitar runs don't get much faster than on "Victoria's Secret." It's not about what you think. Get your mind out of the gutter! Off the top of my head I can't remember what the "8th Commandment" is, but if it were to apply to Sonata Arctica, it must be `thou must shred to a manic drum beat.' Kakko is joined...

I only rated it five stars.. Because they didn't have an option for 6+. :(
This is the greatest freaking thing that I own! I'm not exaggerating. Sonata Arctica have been my favorite band for years now... But I cannot tell you how much I anticipated this DVD release. (Years before the concept was even in motion) But the bottom line is.. I would have been happy with Marco farting on a snare drum for all I cared.. I just wanted some legit footage of them in concert. So naturally I pre-ordered this product LONG before it was released. To my great surprise it was not only obviously carrying sonata's seal of approval in quality.. but it is down right the best concert I've ever seen. The sound is UNBELIEVABLE.. Tony Kakko's vocals are beyond Epic. Janni and Henrik are on the ball like never imagined. All in all it is absolute brilliance at it's best. I've watched it about 10 times since it came in... (It's been here for 3 days now. haha).

Not to mention.. The boys have really released one hell of a generous offer here. Not only do they have the...

STUNNING!
It is impossible to stay sad, apathetic or lethargic while listening to Sonata Arctica. Their music is EXHILARATING! Their latest studio cd, 'Reckoning Night' is a perfect album - a masterpiece of extremely high-energy power metal, stunning keyboards, and emotionally evocative vocals.

All of that is displayed to perfection in their live show. Yes, they actually did tour the US in fall 2006, and I was one of the lucky ones to see them in a small club in Texas. We met the band backstage - very nice guys! And Tony has the best voice in metal! He SINGS! Wow, such a rarity these days!

This dvd captures the energy and totally does the band justice, as they are in their element in a large venue. You'll see dualing guitar and keyboards and rabid fans, and experience the crystal clarity of Tony's voice and the intensely high-energy yet achingly beautiful music. They take you higher, then higher, and when you think you can go no higher, they take you higher still. It's...

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Love on a Bet

Love this movie
A great movie! That is enough of a review. But if you want more details...

This is a movie where a guy uses his wits and charm to "get ahead". Today, in these hard times, we sometimes feel sorry for ourselves that we don't have enough money or opportunities. In this movie, a guy leaves New York in his underwear and only thru charm and deal making, he tries to get to Los Angeles with a new suit and $100 in his pocket... Oh, and he is to have a girl on his arm... Oh, and this has to be done in a week.

Once you see this movie you will be surprised it is not more popular.

There are rumors that it will be remade but I think this original version is perfect.





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A Late Quartet [Blu-ray]

Intense classical music and relationship drama
"A Late Quartet" (2012 release, 105 min.) brings the story of the (fictional) "Fugue String Quartet", portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman as Robert, Christopher Walken as Peter, Catherine Keener as Juliette (wife of Robert) and Marc Ivanir as Daniel. As the movie begins, we learn that Peter has the beginnings of Parkinson's disease and possibly the end of his musical career. Peter contemplates a replacement so as to assure the contunity of the quartet. Robert at that point voices his long-held frustration of "just" being second violinist and would like to share first chair with Daniel, much to Daniel's dismay. Robert and Juliette get into a huge argument about it and when he feels like she doesn't "have his back", Robert has a ill-fated affair with a younger woman. Juliette finds out and promply kicks him out of the house. Meanwhile Daniel fall for the charms of Alexandra (daughter of Robert and Juliette). At this point we are about half-way into the movie. Will Peter recover from his...

Classical Masterpiece
This movie my favorite film so far this year. The all star cast, including Christopher Walken and Catherine Keener, give a stunning performance. As a violinist, I can appreciate not only he the dramatic storyline but the struggles of the musicians as well. When a world famous quartet is about to lose one of their own, a lot of unspoken and painful feelings are brought to the front burner. There is competition and resentment and friendships that took twenty-five years to build are threatened. This is a film that will make you cry but there are also moments that will make you laugh. The music was as beautiful as the storyline and I enjoyed the classical pieces interwoven with the movie. This film is a must see for anyone who enjoys a good drama but especially for anyone who has even been involved with or loved music

A great study of human relations / community life ;-)
A surprisingly simple yet "complicated" movie that IMHO was one of 2012's best. The aging leader and cellist (played by Christopher Walken) of a classical "String Quartet" finds that he must retire due to the onset of Parkinson's Disease. What now? Well, the "second violinist" (for 25 years ...) played by Philip Seymour Hoffman takes the opportunity to suggest to the first violinist that he'd "kinda like to play first violin on occasion." The first violinist (played by Mark Ivanhir) a true virtuoso and perfectionist is aghast. The second violinist's wife (and viola player rounding out the Quartet) who's spent her entire adult life playing in this Quartet and, in fact, only met her husband through their playing in the Quartet together kinda agrees with the first violinist :-) ... What now? ;-) What a GREAT story about human / Community dynamics and Life ;-) ;-)

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The Dynamiter

"My dreams are smaller than those of others"
Let me state upfront that I am a big fan of the Film Movement library of foreign and indie movies, in fact so much that earlier this year I finally gave in and started my subscription to their DVD-of-the-month releases. This is the most recent (October, 2012) release in that series. While most of the time we get a foreign movie, this is one of those rare occasions when we get a US indie movie.

"The Dynamiter" (75 min.) brings the bittersweet (more bitter than sweet actually) tale of 14 yr. old Robbie (played by William Patrick Ruffin), who is living with his grandma and his younger half-brother Fess in rural Mississippi. Robbie's dad is never mentioned in the movie, but his mom, also absent, is mentioned: she took off for California, looking for "herself". Robbie keeps hoping for her return. Then out of the blue, Robbie's older brother Lucas shows up and you can just tell he's up to no good. Meanwhile Robbie is working long hours at his summer job at a gas station, and...

cecile michallet-riboud
Fantastic! Matt Gordon is a giant and the most promising film director. His american and european education coupled with a natural thinness, emotional intelligence and genuine artistic talent make him the it film director to follow.

Amazing film
I highly recommend it. It is a powerful and sensitive film about a part of America that has been left behind. It is halfway between a fiction and a documentary.
For the soundtrack alone (with songs by Bon Iver and Animal Collective) it is worth buying the DVD.

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The Deadly Companions - Cary Roan Signature Edition

Deadly Companions
Brian Keith play ex-Union soldier referred to as Yellowleg and Maureen O'Hara plays a, er, performer at the Black Garter dance hall in Sam Peckinpah's feature film debut, THE DEADLY COMPANIONS. Keith plays a character with a score to settle with a nasty hombre from his past when he gives O'Hara a grudge of her own to gnaw on when he accidentally shoots and kills her son. Keith, with a brace of prairie thugs in tow (Steve Cochran and Chill Wills) attempts to make amends by escorting the headstrong O'Hara through hostile Apache country after which she'll bury her son.

THE DEADLY COMPANIONS has a lot going for it. Dramatic tension is maintained at a satisfyingly high level - the group is threatened from without by the marauding Apaches and, for a variety of reasons, from within by each other . Keith and O'Hara act and react well with each other. O'Hara always seemed to give her best performance opposite a strong male co-star, and the underrated Keith proves a good match...

A Surprisingly Good Western
This film was director Sam Peckinpah's first feature, and it is a surprisingly good western. What makes this film work is the chemistry and character study between Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith. No, the sparks don't fly quite the same way they do between John Wayne and O'Hara, but both leads create interesting characters that seperate the film from most B westerns. The supporting cast -- Strother Martin and Chill Willis -- were veterans of numerous westerns, and they provide plenty of color. For anyone who enjoys B westerns this one is a cut above most.

before the blood
While Sam Peckinpah is best known for blood ballets such as The Wild Bunch, and Cross of Iron, it should be known that he was making movies before blood bags were used. Deadly Companions marked his feature debut and while it doesn't stand up to his best films(Wild Bunch, Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia,and Ride the High Country) its a nice start to a long and brilliant career. The DVD lacks extras and is standard format, which should be noted that a lot of older films were shot with a TV standard 1:33:1 frame. But this movie has been all but extinct except for shotty old video tapes for over a decade.

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A Kiss in the Dark

Graft is As Old As The Hills
An excellent film with David Niven and Jane Wyman in the romantic lead. The twist is in the way the story line is built up and the happy but satisfactory ending. The corrupt manager reminds us that the title of this piece has held through the ages, only the level of corruption differs in society.
A film that can be watched by one and all.





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