classic-movie-archive

Sunday, 25 January 2009

Prince Caspian: The Reusable Sticker Book (Narnia)

Re-create your favorite scenes from the movie with these reusable stickers and colorful backgrounds!

Iphigenia (MGM World Films)

Based on the classic Greek tragedy of Euripides. A talented cast provides an insightful interpretation of the ancient drama in which Agamemnon is forced to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia after accidentally slaying a sacred deer. Music score by Mikis Theodorakis.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: FOREIGN/LATIN Rating: NR UPC: 027616082640 Manufacturer No: M108264
Customer Review: I wanted something different and this delivered
I enjoyed the acting in this very interesting film. It was refreshing to view a film untainted by the worn out formula of graphic sex, violence, explosions and vulgarity. Good acting and lots of options with subtitles and dubbing. If you're not in the mood for this radical departure, you may not like it. But I was hungry for a change of pace and this delivered nicely. I got so absorbed in the acting I felt like I was in the presence of the actors. There are a couple very powerful moments in the film where the acting between the king and the queen is a real jaw-dropper. For me, just those well-acted scenes were worth the cost.
Customer Review: "To Wake Up The Winds" ~ What Cruelty The Gods Demand
Note: Greek & Spanish with English subtitles. The '77 film `Iphigenia' begins slowly and I must admit uninterestingly. The first images that greet your eyes are nothing more than a lot of half naked, Greek men lounging around a beach on a hot, sweltering, windless afternoon. You notice scattered piles of armor and other tools of warfare here and there serving as an indication of the time period of the tale that is to follow. The mood is restless, even angry and the soundtrack amplifies the mood with appropriately discordant music. The men are anxious to sent sail for Troy and reclaim the beautiful Helen but the Gods have withheld the wind from their sails until they have been appeased with the sacrifice of their own choosing. When commander Agamemnon learns that the Gods demand the life of his beloved daughter Iphigenia he is coherced into sending for her under the pretense that she is to marry the brave Achilles. Iphigenia (Tatiana Papamoschou) happily arrives in camp with her Mother (Irene Papas) and female attendants under the delusion that her marriage is at hand (This is where the film comes alive and captures the audiences rapt attention). As the lies and pretenses of Iphigenia's reason for being summoned slowly fall away and her true purpose for being there is made known the viewer is caught up in this heart wrenching tale of familial love versus blind obedience to an unsympathetic Divinity. Excellent adaptation of Greek tragedy captured on film. The only thing missing is the outdoor amphitheater and chorus.

Best of Chaplin, Vol. 7

Moving to Mozart with Ann Smith - Classic Exercise for an Ageless Body

Moving to Mozart? As fitness concepts go, it certainly sounds more appealing than, say, "Moshing to Metallica," and instructor Ann Smith's program succeeds admirably on its own terms. Herself a former dancer, Smith touts the physical health (including flexibility, range of motion, and breathing techniques) and long lives of dancers, and the two approximately 30-minute routines seen here draw liberally on dance moves such as plies, turns, and arm movements. Part 1, entitled "Relaxation, Alignment, Breathing, Flexibility," focuses on sitting and standing exercises, including various bends and side and forward stretches, while Part 2, "Better Stretching, Strengthening, Proportioning, Body Style" is a bit more dynamic. In neither case will Moving to Mozart supply the kind of hard-core, sweaty aerobic workout that many users look for in an exercise video. On the contrary, what you'll find is very much in tune, so to speak, with the timeless Mozart sonatas, arias, and concerti that accompany the routines--i.e., gentle, graceful movements designed for those who are out of shape, recovering from injuries or illness, or merely in the mood for something different. Smith's demonstrations and explanations of every series should prove more than adequate for anyone using this delightful program for the first time. --Sam Graham
Customer Review: positive feedback
Ann Smith speaks to the Baby Boomer generation or those of us who may have neglected our body over the years or even pushed too hard. Not wishing for any more jumping aerobic videos, I choose the Ann Smith one and am delighted with the music as well as the gentle stretches she demonstrates. Is it the best on the market? Perhaps not the best but a nice, gentle addition to keep me moving and exercising.
Customer Review: Ann Smith- Moving to Mozart
I read with dismay some of the other more negative reviews of this video and understand if you are used to moving mindlessly to fast, aerobic-inducing music, this may not be for you. But, in defense of Mrs. Smith's unique exercise video, this one time professional ballet dancer, now teacher of over 30 years, found that this video was gentle, yet thorough on the body, resulting with intelligent movement based on many years experience in the field. The accompanying music was wonderful, appropriate, and classic like the movement. I would say that is perfect for the aging baby boom generation, or younger people who need a gentle introduction to exercise. Whatever the buyer profile, I found it a welcome addition to my 20 some exercise videos.

Tommy - The Movie

Produced by Pete Townshend and Ken Russell except"pinball wizard" produced by Gus Dudgeon, all songs written by Pete Townshend except "fiddle about" and"cousin kevin" by John Entwistle,chief engineer, Ron Nevison,Decca"Tommy" album produced by Kit Lambert, design by Fred Marcellino, art direction, Bill Levy

Gangster Speak: 30 Movie Flashcards (Turner Classic Movies)

Get a line on this racket: flashcards featuring famous one-liners and movie stills from gangster classics as well as the skinny on the films. Dish out some gangster speak and soon your pals and enemies will think you were made for the silver screen.
Customer Review: Film noir cards
These cards have lingo from classic b/w gangster films on one side, and an explanation with a film still on the other. The cards also give the character's and star's names, the movie, the release date, and the director. Example: Button = Face with a still of of James Cagney smashing a half-grapefruit in Mae Clarke's face at the breakfast table. The box is nice, it has a ribbon to lift the cards out without forcing or bending them.
Customer Review: mmm
Okay.. for those of you who are expecting to add this card set to your postcard collection... like I was until I opened this box... they are just normal flash cards. They are not postcards. If you are a postcrosser like me, you dont want to get these cards.

Hollywood Classics Collectors Edition - The Perils of Pauline

Customer Review: Betty Hutton is fabulous
The Perils of Pauline is a silent movie serial of 1914, followed by second serial in 1934, and finally the movie was made in 1947 starring Betty Hutton (1-3). Pearl White (Betty Hutton) stars as a working girl in a clothing factory. She sings while working and dreams of becoming a star someday. It is a typical story in which the boss hits on the little girl, and girl smacks him, and when she is about to be fired, she meets the famed stage actress Julia Gibbs (Constance Collier). Pearl reveals to Julia that she is her fan, and Julia invites her to audition for "The Farrington Players" a Shakespearian play. Although Pearl is a novice at acting, Michael "Mike" Farrington (John Lund) offers the role reluctantly. While working at the theater she falls in love with Mike, but at the same time the career of Pearl takes her to places and several opportunities in both movie and theater makes her a big star. When Pearl wants to Marry Mike, he has change of heart since Pearl is famous and he doesn't want to be married to a star. They take different ways but after many years of fame and fortune they get back together with a lot of help from Julia and George McGuire (William Demarest). Betty is known for her work on Broadway and her early song, "The Sewing Machine", is nice, and "Rumble, Rumble, Rumble" is the highlight of the movie. Betty Hutton passed away on March 11, 2007 at the age of 86 in Palm Springs, California. Betty had a tumultuous life. After four unsuccessful marriages and three daughters she had problems with alcohol and controlled substances, which resulted in nervous breakdown. She is known to have attempted suicide after losing her singing voice in 1970. In her later life, she became a Roman Catholic and taught acting at Salve Regina University at New Port, RI, and prior to that she worked as a cook and housekeeper in a rectory. It is sad to know that none of her three estranged daughters attended her funeral. The Perils of Pauline is an outstanding piece of work, and every fan becomes captivated by the beauty, passion, independence, and sheer determination of Pearl White. I recommend this DVD very highly to all fans of Betty Hutton, it is a great tribute. 1. Perils of Pauline (1914 Serial) 2. Perils of Pauline-12 Episodes 3. Perils of Pauline
Customer Review: Hilarious!
This musical comedy emphasizes the comedy. Yes, there is melodrama, but the movie is at least 70% comedy, I think. An example "The President is calling a special session of Congress to declare war on Germany." "War? That's horrible." "You said it. Now we gotta rewrite the last six episodes." Not very historically accurate, but who cares? If you want that, watch a documentary. A total Betty Hutton vehicle The love story is sweet and there are a number of cameos from old silent film stars. The songs are... I don't know... jazzy? Haven't seen the DVD yet, but the VHS print I have doesn't look too good. Still, it's one of my all-time favorite movies, and I think it's worth a watch.

NECA "Hannibal Lecter" Cult Classics 18 Inch Talking Action Figure

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the popular Cult Classics 5 version of Hannibal Lector, NECA has turned this film favorite into a highly detailed 18" figure with sound! Put him on your desk, on your shelf, or next to you at dinner as you enjoy some fava beans and a nice chianti!
Customer Review: Just Cool!
Having a "Hannibal Lecter" figure is just cool. When I look at it, it just makes me smile. I have all Hannibal DVD collection. And now I have mr. Hannibal Lecter himself. It's just awesome.

Chaplin, Vol. 7-8

Customer Review: Chaplin in Transition
With the exception of "A Dog's Life" (1918) and "The Kid" (1921), this DVD includes all of Charlie Chaplin's work for First National during 1918-23. Since the prints are from Chaplin's archives, the quality is excellent, with all films projected at the proper speed. Though "Sunnyside" (1919) and "A Day's Pleasure" (1919) are among the comedian's weaker efforts, the First National DVD contains much of Chaplin at his best. "Shoulder Arms" (1918) and "The Pilgrim" (1923) represent the high-water mark of this collection - both featurettes comparing favorably to Chaplin's groundbreaking work for Mutual. The Little Tramp's final shorts, "The Idle Class" (1921) and "Pay Day" (1922), are well worth having and display a stylish advance in cinematic technique. Admittedly, the Chaplin First Nationals do not equal the sustained brilliance of the Mutual period, but they remain a fascinating chronicle of his transition from shorts to features.
Customer Review: A First Rate Collection
A First National Collection is a wonderful DVD. It includes six films made between 1918 and 1923 all of which are very funny indeed. These films show Chaplin's development towards the longer format of feature films and thus form a transitional period in his career. He would go on to make some great features, including City Lights, Modern Times and The Gold Rush, but the films he made at First National are the peak of his output of shorter films. The films included in this collection are brilliantly clear. The restoration work cannot be praised highly enough. Of the six only The Pilgrim shows some slight damage and this damage is so minimal that it is not at all distracting. This DVD is really great value for the films themselves run 198 minutes and in addition there is over twenty minutes of bonus material. This extra material includes a very sophisticated `home movie' called Nice and Friendly which is of interest primarily because it stars a twenty-year-old Louis Mountbatten, who was Queen Victoria's great-grandson, and an important figure in the British royal family. There is also a short film of a tour by a General Leonard Wood on the set of Sunnyside. The General looks rather embarrassed. Finally, and best of all, there is some unused footage from Shoulder Arms showing Chaplin prior to joining the army and explaining why he does so to avoid his nagging wife. Fans of Chaplin will not be disappointed by this Image DVD and for those who are looking to discover more about the little tramp and why he was so popular this is a good starting point.

Saturday, 24 January 2009

Hooked on Classics 3: Journey Through the Classics

Third Volume of the Phenomenon that Swept the World in the Early 80's. Includes the Souped Up Version of 'also Sprach Zarathustra', Some Haydn and Vivaldi!
Customer Review: For those who doesn't know the Classics
Un trabajo excelente de Louis Clark y la Real Orquesta FilarmÃ³nica, tengo 3 CD's (Hooked on Classics 1, 2 y 3) y estoy a la caza de mÃ¡s. Â¿Tienes la curiosidad de entrar al mundo de la mÃºsica clÃ¡sica y piensas que es aburrida?, prueba esto y tendras un punto de vista diferente, por supuesto que la musica clÃ¡sica no es pop pero te dÃ¡ una buena idea de como es. An excellent work from Louis Clark & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, I have 3 CD (Hooked on Classics 1, 2 and 3) and I'm looking for more. Do you have the curiosity to enter in the classical music world and you think it's bored?, try this and you'll have a different point of view, of course classical music is not pop but it will give you a good idea how it is.
Customer Review: A Pop-Classics Classic
This is a must have for any fan of Cross-cultural music. It is like a mixed drink. 80% Classical, 20% Rock and roll. It is the perfect mix for anyone who enjoys classical music, but lives an energized, upbeat life style. If you are a strict lover of classical music, you may not like the "steady rythm" of the drum and bass guitar mixed in with a rhapsody of your classical favorites, but you will still appreciatte the artmanship and talent of Louis Clark and the Royal Philharmonic. It is not to the extreme of ELO, or Metallica's S&M, it leans more toward Rhondo Vininciano (Forgive the spelling, please) only better.

Classic Silver Age Superman Series: Lex Luthor 6.5"

Corrupted by his quest for power and his hatred of the Man of Steel, Luthor will not rest until everyone is under his rule. Recreate the adventures with this Lex Luthor figure from the Silver Age Superman Series. Figure comes with display stand and accessories. Measures 6.5" tall.

Hollywood Classic Movies 1: NEW LIGHT ON MOVIE BESTS

Everyone has a "best" list of favorite movies. I introduce my list and then provide complete details on 80 films, some from my "best" list, a few from my "worst", and a couple "in-between".
Customer Review: New Light on Movie Bests
I must confess I'm fascinated by lists. Especially movie lists. So I couldn't resist a book that promised me an essential 1,001 movies to see before I die. What a disappointment! Classic movies received rather short shrift in that book, so I created my own list of the top 400 must-see classic films. And here it is! Some of the selected films receive extended treatment in my book, but I also draw attention to a number of fine pictures that, while they could not be considered the top of the best (or anywhere near the top), are nonetheless so vastly entertaining they will delight every classic movie fan. And there are also a couple of also-rans that seemingly had all the makings for success--great cast, gifted writers, capable directors, lavish budgets--but failed.

Serenity Reavers Classic Action Movie Adult Black Tee T-shirt

Available up to XL!

Big Noise

Customer Review: Wish I could rate it higher
(Contains spoilers.) While it's true that L&H's post-1940 films don't enjoy the greatest reputation, it's not true that they're all horrible either. Unfortunately, this isn't one of the better ones from that crop. There are a number of good funny moments in this one, even a few bordering on great, but nothing really memorable or liable to send anyone but young children into hysterics. The sub-plot with the spies who want to steal the eccentric scientist's bomb takes up a little too much screentime, at times giving the feeling that L&H are more like guest stars in their own movie. And a lot of the funniest bits are gags from earlier films and shorts, like 'Berth Marks,' 'Oliver the Eighth,' and 'The Flying Deuces.' We can just picture how this storyline would have played out had it been made at Hal Roach Studios, and it's not the way it's handled here. It does start out pretty good, but it just has the feeling of a lot of great opportunities wasted, a hit-and-miss movie. If only they'd had one of their old foils to play against, there might have been a hint of that old magical sparkle, the way there is when Edgar Kennedy comes back to play the foil in 'Air Raid Wardens.' Although the child actor who plays the inventor's bratty son did a really great job in his role of being an annoying brat; it's too bad he doesn't get punished for all the trouble he causes. (The back of the video also mentions that, in keeping with wartime regulations, there was no waste in this movie as in previous ones, no pies thrown, houses demolished, clothes ripped, although we clearly see that Ollie's clothes do rip during this movie, as well as the paint Stan accidentally sprays on the painting.) The ending also makes no sense; one moment Stan and Ollie are parachuting out of the out of control plane to avoid being further shot at by the soldiers who are training down below, unknowing there are people in the plane they're supposed to shoot, and then all of a sudden they're over the ocean, looking down at a ship with a Japanese flag and a Japanese man talking to a Nazi? As it's been pointed out by some, they never would have dropped a bomb on anyone on purpose in their Hal Roach days, not even if it were wartime. That's not the kind of people they are. It's a wonder the bomb didn't go off earlier, the way Stan kept manhandling the accordion he hid it in, but now to get rid of it they'll bomb an enemy ship instead of taking it on to Washington like they were instructed to do? And why in the world should we believe that nobody knew about this enemy ship planning an attack on the U.S. when the Army base is apparently right nextdoor? And where in the world do they land after they've dropped the bomb? There are so many unanswered questions the average viewer probably has after seeing this confusing ending that comes out of nowhere!
Customer Review: Stan and Ollie Deliver a Few Classic Moments
"The Big Noise" (1944) does not rank among the best Laurel and Hardy comedies. However, it's not their all-time worst, as many critics have claimed. Despite their age and lack of creative input, Stan and Ollie provide a few classic routines in this wartime escapade. Children will enjoy "The Big Noise" more than adults, but the uninitiated should seek out "The Music Box" (1932) and "Way Out West" (1937).

Jesus in Twentieth Century Literature, Art, and Movies (Ubc Studies in Religion)

In the twentieth century a number of novelists, artists, and filmmakers, resurrected the life of Jesus genre made so popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by Renan, Strauss, and others. In addition, novelists Norman Mailer, Jose Saramago, and Ricci have written their own "gospels."

Burns' collection--taken from a conference at a 2004 regional SBL meeting--explores the ways in which these portraits of Jesus continue to fulfill the familiar observation that people tend to depict Jesus in their own image. In several of the portraits of Jesus, the artists offer a creative response to the realities of the human condition of our time.

Bass Bolero Classic Movie Poster Bolero Movie Poster - 41" H x 27" W

Bass Bolero Classic Movie Poster -1934 Movie poster -"Bolero" -Dimensions: 41" H x 27" W Features -Genre: drama -Starring: George Raft, Carole Lombard -Director: Wesley Ruggles About the Artwork Bring the golden age of Hollywood into your home with this reproduction print of Bolero 1934 movie poster starring Carole Lombard.

Friday, 23 January 2009

The Ugly Dachshund

When a Great Dane puppy is raised with a litter of Dachshunds, it naturally thinks it's a Dachshund too--even when it grows to 10 times the size. Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette star as the hapless couple who took in the galumphing dog, which wreaks havoc on their house and home. The Ugly Dachshund is mostly a series of spectacular disasters (the doggy demolition of Jones's art studio will delight kids and reduce adults to nervous wrecks), but it's held together by the convincing domestic banter of Jones and Pleshette (who was quite a dish in 1965); the pair went on to star in a couple of other Disney live-action flicks, Bluebeard's Ghost and The Shaggy D.A.. Despite some racial and gender stereotypes, it's a good-natured and amusing movie in the Disney mold. Also featuring classic character actor Charlie Ruggles (Bringing Up Baby, The Parent Trap). --Bret Fetzer
Customer Review: Great Fun
Bought as a present and am told it was fantastic and great fun. So it seems it was all that was expected. If it pleased the recipient that's good enough for me. Lots of laughs out loud it seems.
Customer Review: Cute!
A co-worker told me about this movie and since I didn't find it at the local video rental store I purchased it for 9.99 on amazon. If you are a dog lover you will really enjoy this movie. It is so adorable! that poor Great Dane! What a riot to watch the mischief those Dachshunds caused.

Drive-In Cult Classics, Vol. 4

Studio: Bci Eclipse Comp Llc Release Date: 01/06/2009
Customer Review: DRIVE-IN CULT CLASSICS VOL. 4 includes "The Young Graduates"
This latest edition in BCI's excellent series of drive-in movie collections contains a top favorite from the early 1970s drive-in theater circuit, "The Young Graduates." The film displays the adventures of blonde Mindy (Patricia Wymer), a recent high school graduate who's enjoying an affair with a slightly older teacher while still making time to hang out with hippies, bikers, and stoners. The interesting note here is that the film is more coming-of-age than exploitative. Although some of the dialog sounds as though it was written by a middle-aged scribe trying to sound "hep and with-it," the film endures as a period piece that deftly captures the spirit of the early seventies' youth culture. The picture has been letterboxed for the first time on home video, as is generally the case with the other Crown International films in this series. DRIVE-IN CULT CLASSICS VOL. 4 contains more variety than previous volumes, offering 8 nuggets from the horror/biker/sci-fi/softcore genres, all for about ten bucks. Since the films are spread over four disc sides, each film gets a full side to itself, which presents a pleasing image that doesn't suffer from compression artifacts.

Flicka Family Classics Collection (My Friend Flicka / Thunderhead: Son of Flicka / The Green Grass of Wyoming)

Disc 1: MY FRI FLICKA Disc 2: THUNDERHEAD: SON OF FLICKA Disc 3: GREEN GRASS OF WYOMING
Customer Review: Flicka Family Classics Collection
Great movies. I saw them when I was growing up and I am glad to have them in my movie library.
Customer Review: Great books; great movies!
After all these years, these movies (and books) stand up well. Good for just about all ages, except perhaps the VERY young.

Classic Themes From the Films Sophie's Choice and Fantasia

SIDE 1: Mozart; eine kleine nachtmusic (rondo-allegro)/Beethoven; Symphony no. 6 (allergo)/Handel; overture from Suite in F from Water Music/Bach; Jesu,joy of man's desiring/Beethoven; Symphony no. 9 (choral conclusion). SIDE 2. Mussorgsky; night on Bare mountain/Dukas; Sorcerer's apprentice.

Sunday, 25 January 2009

Saturday, 24 January 2009

Friday, 23 January 2009

Blog Archive

more