The Sword of Tipu Sultan Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)All I have to say is that this is great show/series to watch. I started watching it and I got so addicted to it...I finished it in a week. Very knowledgable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sword of Tipu Sultan

SPECIAL FEATURES: INTERACTIVE MENUS OF SONGS AND SCENES FOR EASY ACCESS. DIGITALLY MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE. BOOKLET HAVING INTRODUCTION AND SYNOPSIS OF TV SERIAL "THE SWORD OF TIPU SULTAN" COMPLETE EPISODES:60

Click here for more information about The Sword of Tipu Sultan

Chandni Chowk to China (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I grew up on Hong Kong martial arts films, recently visited the Forbidden City Palace and Great Wall in Beijing, and heard this was the first Bollywood kung fu comedy, so I went to watch this movie on its opening night. I absolutely loved it.
I'm not familiar with Bollywood, but I thought the movie might be goofy-silly from the trailer. It was so much more than that.
The plot is well summarized by another reviewer, so I won't go into it in detail. Basically, a comedic buffoon in India is tricked into going to China to help an oppressed village. Along the way, he finds love, kung fu, and himself. The plot was complex but fun. The movie is in Hindi (spoken by the characters from India) and Mandarin (spoken by the characters from China) with good English subtitles.
In some points where the plot stretched credibility, I figured it was a Bollywood thing, and just went with the flow. For example, the heroine's family situation, airport incident, the drunken master fight, the kung fu training sequences, were all a bit unrealistic, but great fun.
The costumes and dancing were great (who knew a womem could dance in the long chinese cheongsam dresses?). I especially liked the scenes set in the Forbidden City Palace and the Great Wall. I read that this was the first fight scene permitted to be filmed on the Great Wall, and having been on the beautiful, windy, and super-steep steps of the Great Wall, I loved each and every Great Wall scene. I read that they shut down tourism for the filming, which is impressive given how packed the tourist site normally is.
I expected a lot of eye candy going in, based on the trailer, but I was caught completely by surprise by just how funny and dramatic the movie was. My friend and I laughed so hard that we cried through many points of the movie (laughing so hard our eyes were shut and I missed some of the English subtitles). There were some very touching points in the movie, aptly scored by a beautiful musical score.
The hero was an amazing actor. Initially, he is a completely pathetic and cringe-worthy coward. There was a lot of slapstick and very funny physical humour. By the end of the movie the hero was James-Bond handsome and riveting. I often see female characters have this physical transformation in movies (mouse to model) but have never seen this in a male character. The hero was completely believable and his transformation was very touching.
Some of the martial arts scenes might seem over the top, but the Hong Kong film martial arts are just like that, with exploding boxes, water rising, internal strength forces battling it out through palm stances, windstorms, etc. It was just like a really good martial arts film with Bollywood dancing and plot touches.
The movie was longer than I was used to, but I figured that was a Bollywood thing and enjoyed every minute of it. Be warned, though, there is quite a bit of casual physical discipine between adult children and their parental figures, which was a bit of a surprise to me.
There were some corny points, which I initially thought was bad directing, but the rest of the theatre laughed extremely hard right away, so I guess it was a sly spoof device used in Bollywood movies. For example, one of the funniest scenes for me is when the Indian/Chinese friend of the hero sees the assassin for the first time and after a stunned silence, bursts into song. The entire audience was howling with laughter and clapping, as the comedic timing in that scene was just perfect.
I highly recommend this film to everyone. More than 24 hours later, I'm still thinking of the film and smiling in memory of some of the scenes. I'm definitely going to get this on blu-ray when it comes out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chandni Chowk to China (2009)

Have you ever dreamed of being more than your circumstances? Sidhu (Askay Kumar) longs to escape his dreary existence cutting vegetables at a road-side food stand in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, India. When two strangers from China proclaim he is the reincarnation of a Chinese war hero, Sidhu envisions fame, fortune and adventure. Journeying with them back to China, Sidhu meets the alluring Sakhi (Deepika Padukone) and love blossoms. But can it survive the vicious smuggler, Hojo (Gordon Liu) and his cadre of kung-fu assassins?Megalomaniacal villains, crazy inventors, Chinese mystics and outlandish kung-fu assassins all get thrown together in this joyful, uplifting adventure full of beautiful landscapes, attention-grabbing songs, and high energy dancing.Featuring top Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone and produced by acclaimed father and son duo, Ramesh and Rohan Sippy, Chandni Chowk to China promises to excite.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Chandni Chowk to China (2009)

Warrior Empire - The Mughals (History Channel) (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This 90-minute program about India's Mughal (or Mogul) Empire, which lasted from 1526 to 1858, focuses on the battles and weaponry of the Mughals under the emperors Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, with attention also to Mughal architecture, including the Taj Mahal. You'll learn a great deal about the making and use of the composite bow, armor for elephants, swords, matchlock guns, cannons, and rockets, and you'll see demonstrations of many of the weapons.
I was disappointed that virtually nothing was said about religion or government in the Mughal Empire--where Muslims ruled a largely Hindu populace--but if you're particularly interested in the Mughals as warriors, you'll probably find this program quite interesting.
(The documentary "Ancient India" includes about ten minutes near the end about the Mughals.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Warrior Empire - The Mughals (History Channel) (2006)

WARRIOR EMPIRE: THE MUGHALS is a sweeping, in-depth portrait of India's most colorful, violent, and majestic era. From 1526 to 1858, this dynasty of nomadic warriors indulged their appetite for territorial expansion, spreading their rule throughout the Indian subcontinent. Though they conquered their kingdom with crushing brutality, the Mughals were also brilliant technological innovators and masters of art and architecture. This program offers lush, detailed images of Mughal accomplishments such as the glorious Taj Mahal, palaces, forts, water systems, elaborate gardens, and richly crafted artwork. Step-by-step scientific recreations of advanced Mughal metallurgy and weaponry show the meticulous production of chain mail armor for a battalion of elephants, lethally flexible composite bows, rocketry, and swordsmith techniques passed down through the generations, and still alive today. Join us for an enthralling history of the inventive warfare, material excess, architectural marvels, and cultural flowering that shaped modern India. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Warrior Empire - The Mughals (History Channel) (2006)

Blind Dating (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The title and cover of this DVD suggest a film that is more fluff than substance. But don't be fooled by these clues. BLIND DATING is a well-written (Christopher Theo), well-directed (James Keach - brother of Stacy Keach and husband of Jane Seymour) story about the coping of the visually impaired, the quirks of Italian and Indian families, brotherhood, and the gamut of finding the right partner in a world of essential blind dating! One of the reasons the movie works so well is the ability of actor Chris Pine to make us believe he is blind and convey the positive manner in which people with impairments may 'view' those around them.
Danny (Chris Pine) was born prematurely and as a result is blind, and as he grows toward age 21 he feels he is unattractive to women. His family is warm, loving and Italian and supportive - especially his brother Larry (Eddie Kaye Thomas) who runs a Limo service and is constantly trying to find Danny his first physical encounter, be that with hookers, girls from the office or neighborhood, or just referrals - each of whom is a disaster when it comes to dealing with a date who is blind! Danny discovers an operation that implants a camera-like contraption in his brain that will allow him the possibility to see again, even if the images are simply black and white and indistinct. In the office of ophthalmologist Dr. Perkins (Stephen Tobolowsky) is a young girl Leeza (Anjali Ray) who is Indian and whose parents have arranged a wedding with a man she does not love. And yes, in time Danny and Leeza are attracted to each other in what appears to be a doomed relationship - for family reasons. Danny has his operation and is able to see some images, but the implant fails and Danny once again is without sight - but far from being without hope, as both his and Leeza's families undergo changes of heart.
There is a sense of love that emanates from the screen, due in part to the script, the direction, and to the acting. Chris Pine is exceptionally fine in a challenging role, finding the balance between courage, comedy, and tenderness that makes his character believable and lovable, and never once making a move that breaks his image as a sightless person. The entire cast is fine, including a hilarious Jane Seymour as Dr. Evans, Chris' therapist with a penchant for disrobing in front of her sightless patient! But the aspect of the film that sets it apart from many is the presentation of everyday type prejudices that can be every bit as hampering as a physical impairment! This is a warmhearted, very human comedy with many messages. Grady Harp, April 08

Click Here to see more reviews about: Blind Dating (2007)

Danny (Chris Pine) is smart, handsome, popular, and blind... and not just physically: He also can't see how wild women are for him. Even his sexy therapist (Jane Seymour) can't keep her clothes on around Danny. After a series of painful "blind dates" set up by his brother (Kaye Thomas), Danny falls for a young Indian woman named Leeza (Anjali Jay), and finally everything seems picture perfect. But when cultures clash, and Leeza reveals that she's been promised to someone else, Danny must prove to her that there's more to love than meets the eye!

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Blind Dating (2007)

Russell Peters - Outsourced (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My colleagues and I went to see this show live. If you have seen the 45 mins video online that has been circulating for a while, you are going to love this one as well.
This is new material, and very funny. He talks about many ethnic groups, makes fun of them, and knows how to make fun of himself. His accents are impeccable and if you have been exposed to any Asian cultures - you are up for an awesome treat.
I have sent it to already 5 friends (oh yeah, buy the DVD..Support him)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Russell Peters - Outsourced (2006)

Outsourced is Russell Peters' major-label debut on CD and DVD which breaks into the US comedy consciousness by finding humor in all cultures. The DVD includes live footage of all of the tracks listed above, two behind-the-scenes featurettes, and audio commentary by Russell Peters.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Russell Peters - Outsourced (2006)

The Mistress of Spices (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Came across this by sheer accident and I'm very grateful for it.
"Mistress of Spices" is a nice cross between "Bell, Book, & Candle" and "Like Water for Chocolate", with a dash of "Practical Magic". The rules are the same the Heroine maintains her powers and influence over the lives of others though selflessness and the manipulation of food stuffs. However to fall in love will result in negative consequences.
Arguably the main character of the movie is the Spice Bazaar itself. The set is lush in color and design, it is so remarkable that while watching the movie you might feel as though you are standing right in the middle of it and will begin to imagine the scent of all the combined spices.
Aishwarya Rai's natural radiance gives Tilo a gentle warmth that conveys a concern for others with very little effort and it's nice to see Dylan McDermott return to playing a handsome romantic lead who combines sensuality with respect. The two leads are charming, classy and beautiful, the story is stimulating and dreamy in quality compared to so many other romance movies which leave nothing to the imagination.
For a soothing and vibrant viewing experince, a bit of romance, and a touch of class with a satisfying ending. This movie is highly recommended - especially for repeat viewings, the Spice Bazaar is a pleasant place to visit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Mistress of Spices (2005)

(Romance) Tilo runs a spice store in San Francisco and has a magical gift of seeing into her customers' lives and desires.But, when a handsome, enigmatic American with a secret past enters her store, Tilo’s own desires are stirred for the first time.

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about The Mistress of Spices (2005)

Jesus: The Missing History (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Jesus - The Missing History presents the inquiry of one man to discover if the faith of his childhood is true.
The DVD is enjoyable to watch because of the interesting information presented. For example, I did not know that the Roman census described in the Gospel of Luke (for which Jesus' parents had to travel to Bethlehem) is problematic for conservative Biblical scholars. Apparently, Roman census regulations from that time told everyone - as would be expected - to stay home. Furthermore, the date of that census was 6 A.D. which is ten years after Herod the Great Died. According to the Gospel of Matthew Herod the Great was alive when Jesus was born and so the date between the birth of Jesus in Matthew and in Luke is likely off by ten years.
Another fact I didn't know involved the increased tax on fisherman in 24 A.D. - right around the time when Jesus' ministry began. Half of Jesus' disciples were fisherman and this tax may help describe why fisherman were receptive to Jesus' message.
The DVD is not Earth shattering or comprehensive. However, it is a decent introduction to some tough questions that thoughtful Christians should consider.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jesus: The Missing History (2008)

Untold millions have devoted their lives to him. His words have changed the course of history. But how much do we really know about Jesus? The gospels tell of his birth, his teachings and the years immediately before his death. But what happened during all the unmentioned years where was he, what was he doing, was he married, did he have a family? Have these stories been lost, overlooked or repressed? Explorer and Bible scholar Kent Dobson sets out to fill in the pieces in JESUS: THE MISSING HISTORY.

Click here for more information about Jesus: The Missing History (2008)

Born into Brothels (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In order to photograph in the red light districts of Calcutta, India, photojournalist Zana Briski lived there for several years. Though many of the residents were wary of her camera, Briski found that the neighborhood children were unafraid and curious. So she began teaching them photography, giving each child a point-and-shoot film camera with which to photograph his or her environment and providing classes on technique and editing. This eventually resulted in international acclaim for the children's photographs and media coverage for Briski's unusual photo classes. "Born Into Brothels" is a documentary of Briski's class of young photographers filmed by Zana Briski and Ross Kaufman about 2 years into the project that has become known as "Kids with Cameras".
The best thing about "Born Into Brothels" is that it allows the children to tell their story in their own words. Zana Briski's class of 8 photographers -who call her "Zana Auntie"- are children of prostitutes, born and raised among the harsh realities of Calcutta's Sonagachi red light district. There are 5 girls: Kochi, Tapasi, Shanti, Puja, and Suchitra, and 3 boys: Manik, Gour, and Avijit, ranging in age from 10 to 14 years, but mostly pre-teens. The documentary is dominated by interviews with the children and by their photographs, with occasional voiceover or footage of Zana Briski. The filmmakers are commendably respectful of the children and their decisions. These kids understand their situations very well and tend to be philosophical about it, yet many of them yearn for opportunities to escape life in the brothel. Interestingly, the kids are not fatherless children of single prostitutes, as I might have expected. Many of their mothers' are married and live with large extended families.
"Born Into Brothels" lets the kids talk about themselves, their families, and their world. We sit in on their photo classes, accompany them on photo field trips to the zoo and the beach, and sympathize with Zana Briski's frustration as she struggles with bureaucracy and prejudice to find boarding schools that will accept children of sex workers. We also see the kids beaming with pride and having some fun as they enjoy international success and a bit of fame in India as well. Zana Briski has obviously done a great deal of work and invested a lot of emotional energy in a project that may change the lives of a handful of children if she is lucky. But even if the kids lives' turn out no different than their parents', photography has broadened their outlook and given them some great experiences. "Born Into Brothels" is an engaging documentary of that process. To learn more or purchase prints, visit www.kids-with-cameras.org .
The DVD (Thinkfilm 2005): There are text bios of Zana Briski and Ross Kaufman. "About the Photographers" includes text bios of the children, which are useful in figuring out who is who.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Born into Brothels (2004)

A tribute to the resiliency of childhood and the restorative power of art, BORN INTO BROTHELS is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in Calcutta's red light district, where there mothers work as prostitutes. Spurred by the kids' facination with her camera, Zana Briski, a New-York-based photographer living in the brothels and documenting life there, decides to teach them photography. As they begin to look at and record their world through new eyes, the kids, who society refused to recognize, awaken for the first time to their own talents and sense of worth. Filmmakers Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski capture the way in which beauty can be found even the seemingly bleakest and most helpless of places, and how art and education can empower children to transform their lives.
This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Click here for more information about Born into Brothels (2004)

Mystery Coyote Waits (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Coyote Waits", brought to the small screen by the same team that produced the lamentable "Skinwalkers", is a satisfying experience for Tony Hillerman fans, for fans of movie mysteries in general, and for folks interested in the portrayal of Native Americans, in this case the Navajo (Dine'). It would appear that the writers listened to the complaints about "Skinwalkers" and came up with a story that adheres much more closely to Hillerman's plot and to the author's portrayal of his main characters, particularly Jim Chee (played by Adam Beach) and Joe Leaphorn (Wes Studi). Like any novel adapted into a two-hour movie, there are conflations of characters and substantial trimmings in the narrative. Nonetheless, the major plotlines in the book are dealt with here in a generally satisfactory way, although the climax was a bit too pat based on the information that the viewer was given during the course of the investigation into the death of Officer Delbert Nez. The principal character change in the film involves the substitution of Leaphorn's wife Emma(who died in the earlier book) for Professor Borbonnette, a change that is not particularly jarring in this context. Kept intact from the book is the relationship between the traditionalist Chee (studying to be a haatali, or medicine man) and the rationalist Leaphorn (firmly in touch with his own Dine' culture, but deeply skeptical of some of its beliefs). All in all, the treatment accorded to "Coyote Waits" bodes well for future productions in the series. Hopefully, "Thief of Time" will be next.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mystery Coyote Waits (2003)

BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!

Click here for more information about Mystery Coyote Waits (2003)

Good Hair (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Comedian Chris Rock takes a look at the lengths some people in the African-American community, especially women, go to for "good hair". Near the beginning and end of the movie Rock visits the Bronner Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia, a huge trade convention for the manufacturers of black hair products. Here he highlights four stylists competing for the title of champion platform performer, an elaborate stage show featuring music, dance, costumes and, of course, hairstyling. In between Rock discusses all the time and money spent using relaxer and getting weaves as well as the possible psychological and cultural reasons behind this obsession with hair.
Rock's take on the subject seems to be that it is more important what's in your head than on your head. But it also recognizes the pressures placed on black women to fit in with society's beauty standards and understands why these women forsake their natural hair for perms and extensions. The film delves into serious subjects but maintains a funny and playful tone throughout. I certainly found myself laughing more than I did at the usual Hollywood comedy. And I even left the theater feeling a little smarter about a topic I knew almost nothing about. One of the better documentaries of the year.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Good Hair (2009)

Chris Rock visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community in this exposé of comic proportions that only he could pull off. A raucous adventure prompted by Rock\'s daughter approaching him and asking, "Daddy, how come I don\'t have good hair?", GOOD HAIR shows Chris Rock engaging in frank, funny conversations with hair-care professionals, beauty shop and barbershop patrons, and celebrities including Ice-T, Nia Long, Paul Mooney, Raven Symoné, Dr. Maya Angelou, Salt-N-Pepa, Eve and Reverend Al Sharpton – all while he struggles with the task of figuring out how to respond to his daughter's question.

Get 47% OFF

Click here for more information about Good Hair (2009)

Slumdog Millionaire (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Slumdog Millionaire deserves a place among the masterpieces of world cinema. Praise is pouring in for this brilliant film, directed by Danny Boyle from a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy adapted from a novel by Vikas Swarup.
The settings move from the bleakest - the slums outside Mumbai, where our hero, Jamal Malik, lives as a child with his older brother Salim - to high rise vistas and no less than the Taj Mahal. The story ranges from the worst despair and heartbreak to the noblest sacrifice and most romantic love.

We are introduced in the opening moments to the young adult Jamal, played by Dev Patel. He is a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and has just answered the ten million rupee question prior to the end of the show. His next question will be worth twenty million rupees, an unimaginable fortune to the average Indian. The arrogant, primping star of the show, played with artificial charm concealing an oily narcissism by Anil Kapoor, cannot stand that young Jamal is stealing some of his spotlight, and believes that the young, uneducated "slumdog" is cheating. (One of the key sequences involves the host "proving" to himself that Jamal MUST be cheating.) Jamal has been handed over to the police, who torture him to make him confess his deception. This moment in Jamal's life frames the rest of the film, told in flashback, and explains the torturous road that allowed Jamal to answer even the most difficult questions.
We are not told about Jamal and Salim's father, but in an early sequence we see their mother murdered in a brutal religion riot as club-wielding Hindu's attack a Muslim slum. Orphaned, Jamal and Salim live in the trash dump at the edge of the slum. They befriend another orphan, the young girl Latika.
The remainder of the film fills in the gaps of the lives of Jamal and Salim and Latika, who call themselves the Three Musketeers, but only got far enough in school before the murder of their mother to learn the names Athos and Porthos. Along the way they encounter police brutality, orphanage directors who make Fagin and Bill Sykes look like Mother Teresa, as well as Indian gangsters and other people-traffickers. Several sequences show us that Salim is becoming hardened by their harsh life, although he retains a degree of love for Jamal. For his part Jamal makes the most of what life gives him. He only resorts to the criminal activities Salim sees as the only way to make it out of necessity. At two different times Jamal is heart-breakingly separated from Latika, and at one level the entire film is a love story about Jamal's single-minded dedication to reunite with the only girl he ever loved. (Nine astonishing performances are given of the "Three Musketeers" at three different ages of life, and it is appropriate to give credit to Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and Rubiana Ali as the youngest Jamal, Salim and Latika as well as Tanay Chheda, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala and Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar as the just-past-puberty versions. Dev Patel and the beautiful Freida Pinto may become international sensations as the adult star-crossed lovers. Madhur Mittal has less screen time as the adult Salim, but his character plays an important role.)
The faint-hearted should know that the language could appear on American television and that there is no nudity, but the violence, in particular two torture scenes, are flinch-inducing.
Slumdog is a piece of fiction - a fantasy - but it includes real emotions and believable human characters. I walked from the theater feeling a little better about being alive, and knowing that I had just viewed a stunning artistic achievement.
One of the inequities of the movie business is that a film like this can only open in a few theaters in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and take weeks to arrive at "lesser" destinations like Atlanta and Houston and St. Louis, while Beverly Hills Chihuahua opened nationwide on thousands of screens. I'm just sayin'.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Slumdog Millionaire (2009)

Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is just one question away from winning a fortune on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" But how has this uneducated young man from the slums succeeded in providing correct responses to questions that have stumped countless scholars before him? And will he ultimately win it all or lose everything, including his true love?
Audio: English: 5.1 Dolby Surround / French: Dolby Surround
Language: Dubbed: English & French / Subtitled: English, French & Spanish
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen: 2.35:1

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Slumdog Millionaire (2009)

Red, White and Brown (Two-Disc DVD/CD Combo) (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Gut-bursting, pee-in-your pants comedy! It's that hilarious, enjoyable and extremely funny! Russell Peters is unleashed in `Red, White & Brown'. One of the top comedians right now and he truly delivers with his latest DVD release!
The Canadian stand-up comic won people over with his Comedy Central special "Russell Peters: Outsourced" back in 2006 and now the guy is just red hot!
His latest DVD release "Red, White and Brown" was recorded live at a sold-out audience at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden and features material from his "HOMECOMING TOUR" and features 20 additional minutes not shown on the Comedy Central broadcast and also includes a full-length CD of the performance.
Featured on the DVD are the following segments:
1. Mele Mel Intro
2. DDR
3. Blame the Media
4. Cheap Indians Pt. 2
5. Louis Vuitton
6. Race vs. Culture
7. West Indians
8. Body Hair
9. World Cup
10. Deaf People
11. Credits
No one is spared in the audience. People in the audience of different ethnicity will be picked and utilized into his comedy routine as well as anyone in the audience. May it be the woman who gets up to go to the bathroom, to the man who brought his child to the performance, Russell Peters has a competent flow of comedy in which the pacing on the DVD is full of non-stop fun, one joke after the other and no pausing of laughter. Peter's comedy delivery, facial expressions of his comedy routine was done very well.
The accompany CD features the performance but where the DVD is about 1 hr. and 19 minutes, the CD is about 57 minutes long. So, more or less, the Comedy Central edited performance is probably what is featured on the CD and I've already listened to it several times. It's a very good comedy CD and even without the visuals of the DVD, the jokes are just as funny and hearing the audience laughing, gasping and cheering at each joke is heard clearly.
Overall, "Red, White and Brown" is an enjoyable, fun and fantastic performance. Russell Peters was on top of his game that night and it showed. You can't help but laugh at his comedy!
VIDEO & AUDIO:
Part of what makes a comedy performance on DVD work effectively is to show the audience and "Red, White and Brown" definitely has a good number of cameras to get close ups of reactions to closeups of the people that Peters targets for his jokes and a good angles from different parts of the venue and of course close up of Peters. Editing was done really well and thus you get good cuts of Peters and then various audience reaction.
The lighting was done really well inside the venue and overall a very good choice for venue for the performance.
As for the audio, the audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and English Stereo. You can clearly hear Peters and the audience laughing and gasping, clapping at the jokes.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
There are a good number of special features included on this release. Included are:
* Featurette: White Jacket Bootleg - This segment features about 10 minutes of comedy focusing on "Women are Thinkers" and "David and Vickey". Both have optional commentary featuring Russell Peters, Clayton Peters and Director Jigar Talati.I have to say that the segment on "David and Vickey" was just hilarious. Two co-workers come to watch the show and Peters was just relentless in using these two in his bit. Well-done!
* Featurette: Support the Troops - This features comedy on the "USS Eisenhower" and "Saddam's Bitches in a Building" (with optional commentary featuring Russell Peters, Clayton Peters and Director Jigar Talati).
* Deleted Scenes: This feature scenes that were deleted from the extended play of "Red, White and Brown" but nevertheless, these additional scenes are equally as funny.
Additional Scenes: Filipino Mom
Additional Scenes: Indians and Filipinos
Additional Scenes: Ethnic Photos
Additional Scenes: Arab-A-Phobia
I was definitely pleased with Russell Peters "Red, White and Brown", his ability to continuously showcase joke after joke, incorporate the audience into his comedy routine quickly, no pausing just a smooth flow of comedy.
Again this comedy is no holds barred, Chinese, Indians, Jewish, African-American, Latino, Filipino, Italians, etc. Peters goes all out and overall, manages to have one well-done performance on DVD and also on CD.
As mentioned, a good comedy DVD needs to have good editing, good lighting, audience participation and a various camera angles and everything else to work well. In this case, the venue, editing, the various camera angles and audience participation was perfect. Sound is clear on both the DVD and CD and you can't ask for anything more. On the DVD, you get a good number of special features and the optional commentary for the featurettes as well.
I have no doubt in my mind that we will see more of Russell Peters in the near future. The man is one of the top comedians in North America right now and watching this... joke after joke and the way he presented it, everything worked on this DVD. Hilarious, no holds barred comedy at its best!
So, you're definitely going to get your money's worth for this DVD release. Russell Peter's "Red, White and Brown" is highly recommended!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Red, White and Brown (Two-Disc DVD/CD Combo) (2008)

Special DVD/CD Combo

Click here for more information about Red, White and Brown (Two-Disc DVD/CD Combo) (2008)

Dreamkeeper (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This Amazon reviewer guy obviously has no clue about what this story is actually about, or why the film format is really groundbreaking for Native American film and DOES work, wonderfully. It really isn't a typical Hallmark film. He thinks the special effects are cheesy because he doesn't understand these stories that are being told... and missed the humor of a lot of it. It's not about "myths" in the way that White people see myths. It's about how story is life.
THIS IS NOT A CHEESY HALLMARK MOVIE. It's really artfully done and is not a typical TV movie about why mainstream culture should loooove those Interesting and Spiritual Native Americans. I hope this film won't get labeled as a Nice Family Film About Myths. The only reason it's a TV movie by Hallmark is probably because this was the only way to fund such a high-budget Native film. What's too bad about that is that it won't get seen by the independent/art film crowd who might give it the awards that it deserves.
Honestly, not to offend anyone, but I think that this film wasn't made for White people, it's really more for Native people who will understand its importance. It's kind of how there are a lot of important films about White people/white american culture FOR White people who share the culture of the characters that other people can watch and either misunderstand (due to lack of understanding of white american culture) or try to view it in its context and understand the white perspective.
In the same way, this film needs to be seen in its own context, apart from the fact that it was shown on TV and laced with commercials aimed at mainstream America, or that its being sold as a Hallmark movie. A lot of these stories told by the Grandfather are becoming less and less told, and now are preserved for the younger generations in a way that still respects the 'oral tradition' that they come from. I hope that eventually the film will be treated more seriously, and that all those serious film critic-types will give it more attention and recognize all the creative and profound things that are going on in the structure and plot and cinematography.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dreamkeeper (2003)

DREAMKEEPER - DVD Movie

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Dreamkeeper (2003)

The New Americans (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Here's an absolutely transformative documentary.
Why "transformative"? Because immigration and cultural diversity are two enormously important issues right now and we need media like this documentary series that will transform our assumptions about immigrants.
Thanks to Facets Video, Gita Saedi's entire 411-minute production of "The New Americans" now is available now on DVD. It's well worth the investment, because Saedi spent a long time and an enormous number of miles exploring this broad spectrum of real-life stories involving immigrants.
As the main photo on the cover suggests, we learn about a poor Hispanic-American family struggling through the maze of American immigration hurdles. Their story is all the more poignant because they are trying to do all the right things in their move to America.
But there's so much more here!
We meet a prominent African family, reduced to refugee status because of their tribe's work on behalf of human rights, now trying to re-establish themselves in the U.S. The family quickly discovers problems at nearly every turn, even though Americans celebrate the kind of brave activism that wound up pushing this family toward our shores.
We also meet Dominican baseball players facing life-and-death challenges of their own. And, deep in the series we meet an Indian couple moving to the U.S. for professional work -- and discovering that American culture is quite different than what they expected.
The mother of a hopeful pro-baseball player, who lives in poverty in her own homeland, says it all: "Poor people's dreams are very deep things."
They are -- and so is this terrific series.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The New Americans (2004)

About the filmThe New Americans follows four years in the lives of a diverse group of contemporary immigrants and refugees as they journey to start new lives in America. We follow an Indian couple to Silicon Valley through the dot-com boom and bust. A Mexican meatpacker struggles to reunite his family in rural Kansas. Two families of Nigerian refugees (including the sister of slain Ogoni activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa) escape government persecution. Two Los Angeles Dodgers prospects follow their big dreams of escaping the barrios of the Dominican Republic. A Palestinian woman who marries into a new life in Chicago only to discover in the wake of September 11, she cannot leave behind the pain of her homeland's conflict.Kartemquin assembled a team of talented directors including the creators of Hoop Dreams, Who Killed Vincent Chin, and Vietnam, Long Time Coming. The detailed portraits that resulted were woven into a seven-hour miniseries that presents a kaleidoscopic picture of immigrant life and a first impression of the U.S. that few born in America can imagine.Extras: Additional Scenes, Spanish Secondary Audio Track and Where Are They Now Slideshow.

Click here for more information about The New Americans (2004)

Second Generation (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There has been a recent deluge of movies that have tried to ride Bollywood's wave of bubble-gum popularity ("Bend it like Beckham", "Bride and Prejudice", etc.). While such movies are enjoyable in their own right, none of them offer any huge revelations about Indian families, and more importantly, never come remotely close to capturing the cultural and emotional complexities of Indian diaspora as does "Second Generation."
This is an insightful film that pulls no punches in portraying the pain, struggles, and strife found in immigrant South Asian families living in the West. Heere (Parminder Nagra) is a Hindu girl engaged to a white man and as a result, is practically ostracized by her family. Despite her best attempts to bring a semblance of normalcy into her life, she finds it impossible without the approval of her father (Om Puri). In addition to playing the daughter to the tragic patriarch, Parminder also appears as his dead wife, by whom he is haunted. Her past (and soon to be renewed) love interest, Sam (Sameer) brings another dimension to the film. He is the rebel Muslim who leads a double-life of clubbing, drinking, and illicit sex unknown to his father (Anupam Kher) and more shockingly, is in love with a Hindu Girl. Heere does eventually find herself and her true love in the end, but only after much emotional trauma and grief.
Parminder plays a more feisty character in this film than she did in "Bend it like Beckham." In her own words (according to a recent interview in the Guardian), she's "more outspoken, edgy and grown-up than Jess, who would never go against her parents." The movie is also definitely star-studded--alongside Parminder are venerable veterans such as Om Puri, Anupam Kher, and Roshan Seth. Granted, there are a few awkward scenes that don't flow too well, but these are minor flaws that are more than just redeemed by the rest of the production. Finally, the film has a fantastic soundtrack with memorable beats by the impressive Nitin Sawhney.
"Second Generation" is touching and poignant, and for those of us who truly are the second generation, it definitely hits close to home.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Second Generation (2003)

Parminder Nagra (Bend It Like Beckham, ER) stars in a vivid drama set chiefly in the curry factories, night clubs, bedrooms, and kitchens of London’s Southall neighborhood. Part King Lear, part passionate romance, the story revolves around the fall of an aging patriarch (Om Puri, East is East) with three daughters. The youngest, Heere (Nagra), a runaway from her repressive family, is engaged to white music journalist Jack (Danny Dyer, Human Traffic). Her father’s illness and her sisters' treachery draw Heere back into the family circle and back into the arms of her first love, record label and club owner Sam Khan (Christopher Simpson, White Teeth). Also starring Bollywood superstar Anupam Kher and featuring an electrifying soundtrack by award-winning British-Asian musician Nitin Sawhney.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Second Generation (2003)

Outsourced (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an entertaining, light-hearted, and honest look at India from an American perspective.
I visited India (New Delhi) three times this summer (and counting..) for business projects, and I was able to watch this movie twice during the course of my flights. With each viewing I smiled and laughed at the way the American characters adapted after their first few "transition" days in India, and how the Indian characters earnestly tried to make them feel welcome.
As a previous reviewer mentioned, the movie doesn't mention the grittier side of India, such as the huge slum bordering the Mumbai (Bombay) airport, or the muddy, pot-holed, trash-filled streets and sidewalks of every town. However, it does shows the predominantly sweet nature of the Indian people which IMO is one of an India traveler's best rewards.
Aside, if you are planning to travel to India for the first time, take anti-malaria pills with you, a couple rolls of your favorite toilet paper, a phone that works in the 091 country code, and an openness of different cultures. Also, sit in the back seat of your hired car, because the view out the front will be like a widescreen viewing of the craziest "close-but-no-contact demolition derby" you've ever seen. Most, but not all, of these points are implied in the movie.
I recommend watching this movie after your trip, you will probably appreciate the movie more than if you watch it before. If you watch it before your trip, make sure you watch it again when you get back!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Outsourced (2008)

Todd Anderson (Josh Hamilton-Kicking and Screaming, The Bourne Identity) gets the bad news from his boss: his job has been outsourced. Adding insult to injury, Todd must travel to India to train his own replacement. Through a series of hilarious misadventures, this charming, critically acclaimed romantic comedy reminds us that sometimes getting lost is the best way to find yourself.

Click here for more information about Outsourced (2008)

The Buddha of Suburbia (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This movie (miniseries, actually) remains on my top ten list of favorite films. The writing, the acting , the storyline, everything, just leaves me wanting to watch more (after four hours, that is saying a lot!). This film is inventive and captivating without a lot of special effects or high budget - it is just good. The basis of the story is the coming of age in 1960's London, of Kareem, (played by Naveen Andrews, from the English Patient) who is the son of and Englishwoman and Indian man. His place in English culture, in Indian culture, among his respective extended families on each side, as well as his place in life - exploring his career options, his [body], etc. - make this a thoroughly enjoyable experience. This movie is very entertaining and quite funny, especially when Kareem's ... father decides to jump on the East-West Hindu yoga and spirituality bandwagon of the sixties to make money. I just cannot describe all of the amusing and touching scenes from this film that make it such a gem. Very well made, and it has a very good soundtrack as well, featuring some good David Bowie songs. This film is a must-see.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Buddha of Suburbia (2008)

Before Velvet Goldmine, there was Buddha of Suburbia. The coming of age story of Karim, an assimilated Indian in London during the swinging seventies. Winner of seven international film awards. Soundtrack by David Bowie.

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about The Buddha of Suburbia (2008)