Terminator: Salvation (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)The director's cut runs approximately 3 minutes longer, and inserts a few new scenes, but no major plot points. This is NOT the major unrated cut that McG has referred to in past interviews, where he suggested that 30-40 minutes of additional footage would be added. We'll probably see that in a future edition.
Here are the major differences between the theatrical version and the director's cut (spoilers follow).
1)In the opening action scene, when John Connor is leading his unit into the flooded underground Skynet base, a T-1 terminator (nice touch from T3) suddenly appears behind them. His men destroy it before it can do any damage. I'm glad this scene was cut; it inadvertently breaks the tension too quickly.
2)When John pulls his little "frogman stunt", he is seated before the Resistance Command generals, and General Ashdown (Michael Ironside) berates John. Ashdown says, "I don't believe in prophecy, not when one can re-write the future", pulls out his gun and points it at John's head. I liked this scene, because it illustrates John's present and minor role in the Resistance, especially with Command being skeptical of his "predictions".
3)Blair Williams/Moon Bloodgood's topless scene; really just a side shot as she washes herself in the rain in a non-sexual manner, and Marcus glances at her briefly.
4)Marcus/Blair Williams/redneck fight; the action is a little longer, and a little more brutal. Marcus stabs one of the attackers with a screwdriver, and we see the impact, as well as the victim painfully removing the screwdriver. Also, Marcus uses another one of the attackers as a human shield against another's shotgun blast.
5)Marcus/Blair Williams campfire scene is slightly longer with additional dialogue between the two.
6)Captured humans at Skynet; when one of the prisoners attempts an escape and is shot, we see the bullet impacts.
7)John Connor's speech to fellow Resistance members to not obey Ashdown's orders to attack is extended with a few sentences about his mother. I liked this scene, not sure why they cut it. It ties T2 in, and shows the impact of Sarah Connor. (Is this where Christian Bale had his stage lights tantrum?)
8)Marcus/T-800 fight scene is slightly longer, shows Marcus getting pummeled a bit more by the T-800. Also, John tries to revive Marcus an additional time, before collapsing in exhaustion.
I would like to add that I enjoyed Terminator 4; much better than the campy T3, and just a shade under T2. The action was definitely there, and McG included a lot of thoughtful touches from the past movies, e.g. photograph of Sarah Connor, the origin of John's scars, John's like for Guns N'Roses, Sarah Connor's taped voice recordings (actually Linda Hamilton's voice), use of and of course the Arnold cameo. Who can say no to Michael Ironside? What I didn't like was Blair Williams' geisha makeup which she wore during air combat. It made no sense, and was probably one of the deleted portions. Bryce Dallas Howard was believable as Kate Connor, but her screen time was too short. Hopefully, a future cut will show more of her relationship with John.
Some have said that Christian Bale's performance was wooden, or that John Connor's role was overshadowed by Sam Worthington's role as Marcus Wright. I disagree with both counts; Bale played Connor as he should have been; grizzled, scarred, gruff. Given that we know so much already about the future and John's role from prior Terminator movies, it makes sense to have another character portray the center protagonist role. I also liked the idea of the audience first seeing John as a minor Tech-Com officer, steadily rising through the ranks and gaining influence.
Additionally, the movie's opening and closing scenes had a poetic touch to it, which I appreciated. Marcus begins the film about to be executed, giving his body to a cybernetic program. The film ends with the same shots of needle plungers being depressed, albeit for a different reason. Marcus leaves the world as a cyborg, but giving his body to a human cause.
I did have one concern about the movies; how come the Arnold T-800 didn't die when John Connor shot the molten steel onto its head? Turns out there's a perfectly scientific explanation (McG consulted a metallurgist).
Here's McG's answer: "There are different characteristics of molten steels, and that was an earlier steel process after it had been separated from the coke. We went over this with a metallurgist, discussing which metals burn at which degrees. And also, if it had stayed on [the T-800], perhaps it would've melted him, but it was frozen quickly enough by the [liquid nitrogen]. Plus, we make the transition from the molten metal to the cooling property so quickly -- as a function of the T-800 being on [John] Connor -- that it wouldn't have had time to melt the existing titanium exoskeleton in time."
In conclusion, if you're a diehard Terminator fan, go ahead and pick up this version. Otherwise, wait for the (hopefully) longer extended cut.


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300 (Limited Collector's Edition) (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)A more intense shot of testosterone you will not find in any film. Equal parts bravado, guts and glory, "300" is simply the most exciting film to come out this year - or in several. Criticized for its violence and gore, fans of Miller's graphic novels will find that violence and gore to be as beautifully depicted on the screen as in the print version. A highly hyped CGI affair the cast could easily have been overcome by the sheer impressiveness of the physical production. To his credit director Zack Snyder is blessed with and uses a cast every bit equal to the challenge of competing with Miller's dark fantastic take of the Spartan's greatest story.
Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera, Dear Frankie, etc.) adds yet another impressive and wildly different character to his arsenal of screen roles. As Leonidas, King of Sparta, Butler is, from his pigtail to his muscled, sandled feet, every inch a king; a true leader of men. His passion and intensity is matched by a splendid performance by Lena Headey as his wife, Queen Gorgo. Though a dutiful wife and a woman in an age when being such was near equal to slave status, she is, in her way, as bold and fearless as her husband/King. Dominic West is properly evil and oily as the traitor Theron and he's as nasty and duplicitous a villain as one can hope for. Rodrigo Santoro as a larger-than-life Xerxes is both comical and fearfully creepy equal parts drag queen and wanna be god. Behind all the glitzy piercings and bling, he is little more than self-inflated egotistical child.
While there is blood and gore aplenty, the film also happens to be emotionally satisfying and I found myself with tears welling up in my eyes more than a few times, as well as wanting to raise my fist in the air along with the jacked-up Spartans! While a macho stoicism pervades their attitudes, there are, to be sure, signs of a greater humanity beneath those ripped abs of Sparta's army - and plenty of heart.
Parallels and allegories are already being drawn between today's warring world climate, super power dominations and the world of ancient Greece and the Middle East. While this provides an interesting commentary, I heartily recommend leaving that baggage at home and appreciating "300" on its own and embracing its escapism.
Larry Fong's cinematography ensures that "300" is eye-poppingly glorious from start to finish - a magnificent feast for the eyes while Tyler Bates's score is guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping as it matches - frame-for-frame the visual intensity presented on the screen. While critics are divided on this one, audiences are flocking to it and cheering. For good reason, too: "300" is magnificent old-fashioned story telling wed to the very best 21st century filmmaking has to offer. See it!

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Limited Collector's Edition: 3-Disc Release
Disc 1: * Feature Film. Commentary by Director Zack Snyder, Writer Kurt Johnstad and Director of Photography Larry Fong
Disc 2: * The 300 - Fact or Fiction? - Historians, authors and filmmakers reveal how much of the film was based on fact. (RT: 24:31) * Who Were The Spartans: The Warriors of 300 - Touches on the customs and ways of life of the Spartan culture that weren't explicitly shown in 300 but were used by the actors and filmmakers to help build their characters. (RT: 4:24) * Frank Miller Tapes - Follow the career of one of the most innovative graphic novelists of our time. We'll show how the outspoken Miller continued to push his limits to realize his epic graphic novel, 300, in the world of theatrical film (RT: 13:00) * Making of 300 (RT: 5:40) * Making 300 in Images - Rapid fire stills from the first day of production to the last. (RT 3:39) * Deleted Scenes with Introduction by Zack Snyder (RT: 3:21) * Webisodes - Production Design, Wardrobe, Stunt Work, Lena Headey, Adapting The Graphic Novel, Gerard Butler, Rodrigo Santoro, Training The Actors, Culture of The Sparta City/State, A Glimpse from the Set: Making 300 the Movie, Scene Studies from 300, Fantastic Characters of 300 (RT: 20:00)
Disc 3 (NEW): * To The Hot Gates: A Legend Retold - A comprehensive and dynamic description of the ancient legend, from Frank Millers graphic novel to the creation of Zack Snyder's epic movie. (RT: 30:00)
Plus Premium Collectibles * 52-Page Art & Photo Book with Personal Message from Director Zack Snyder * Lucite Display with Motion Image from the Film * 6 Photo Cards of the Theatrical Poster Campaign * Disc 3 Includes Bonus Digital Copy of 300

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Island (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie, because it's a "Summer, Sci-Fi/Action" flick, will probably do extremely well at the box office, if for no other reason than the fact that Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson are in the cast. Regrettably, however, even after it's been out for awhile it will probably never reach as wide and diverse an audience as it deserves until it's release on DVD, when-- hopefully-- positive word of mouth recommendations will lead those who usually avoid this particular genre to it. Because "The Island," directed by Michael Bay, is a cautionary, thought-provoking tale set in the not-so-distant future that holds a mirror up to our current society and poses some serious questions about moral judgement and how unmitigated secrecy on the part of institutions and those we "should" be able to trust affects us all on a daily basis that is especially relevant in today's world.
The story concerns the survivors of a "contamination" who must dwell within a seemingly sterile, self-contained city where their happiness is paramount to those in charge, while at the same time their only hope for the future is to be the next lottery winner, which would afford them a one-way ticket to the last uncontaminated place on earth, The Island. And to tell it, director Bay, no stranger to action films with such offerings as "The Rock," "Armageddon" and "Bad Boys I&II" under his belt, has drawn upon myriad other classics of the genre and used the collective threads to successfully weave his own story and imprint it with the kind of metaphor that elevates it beyond the next action sequence or explosion. A comparison to "Logan's Run" goes without question, along with an obvious nod to "Blade Runner," a smattering of "The Matrix" and even a pinch of "Star Wars." Which is not to say this is a "copy" of any of those; it definitely is not. Bay has merely-- and wisely-- drawn upon some of the more successful elements of those films, and in most instances expanded upon them, to deliver a memorable film that far surpasses the genre's usual board of fare.
Arguably, this is Michael Bay's best overall film to date. Though he has demonstrated in the past that he knows how to do action, he has outdone even himself with this one. There is one heart-stopping scene, for example, involving a number of vehicles and helicopters that eclipses even the highly touted freeway sequence of the second "Matrix" film. The F/X are top notch, and once the action begins in earnest, he sets a pace that builds the excitement without allowing it to lay or lapse even for a second, right up to the very end. Add to that the fact that this film really has something to say, and it will make you appreciate what Bay and his company of actors and technicians have accomplished here even more.
Ewan McGregor is perfectly cast as Lincoln Six Echo, using his boyish charm, good looks and manner to lend the necessary credibility of innocence to his character. The charismatic Scarlett Johansson finds just the right note, as well, to bring her character, Jordan Two Delta, to life. Bay gives each of his actors, in turn, a moment in which to define their respective characters and underscore the plausibility of the film, and when that time comes they each succeed in a way that sustains the interest in the story beyond the action and the F/X. Excellent performances by both McGregor and Johansson.
In a supporting role, Steve Buscemi adds color to the proceedings as McCord, the man with the answers to a number of questions Lincoln Six has been asking about their environment and way of life; questions to which others in positions of authority respond with guarded circumspection, among them Merrick, one of the apparent caretakers of the city. Played by Sean Bean, Merrick is one of the pivotal characters of the film, and while Bean's performance is decent, it lacks the nuance that could have taken it to a much higher level. As it is, while effective to an extent, it is a fairly lackluster and generic portrayal.
The excellent supporting cast includes Michael Clarke Duncan (Starkweather); Ethan Phillips (Jones Three Echo); Brian Stepanek (Gandu Three Echo); Noa Tishby (Community Announcer); and Siobhan Flynn (Lima One Alpha). For most, "The Island" will be an exciting summertime diversion; but for those who pay attention to the underlying social and political significance of the story, the rewards will most likely exceed any and all expectations. And that's the magic of the movies.

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Region All Blu-Ray pressing. In this action thriller from director Michael Bay (PEARL HARBOR, ARMAGEDDON), survivors of global contamination live in a sterile, self-contained world where their every move is monitored. The rules are easy: be pleasant, refrain from asking questions, and don't rock the boat. Everything they need is provided for them, from the white uniforms that magically appear in their closets, to their customized cafeteria-style meals. The survivors all eagerly await their big payoff: winning the lottery and being sent to The Island, the only remaining untainted land in the world. But Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) yearns for more from his life and begins to wonder what really lies outside the thick walls. When his best friend, Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlett Johansson), wins the lottery, he knows that he has to find out the truth about their world before she departs. What he finds is terrifying enough to send Lincoln and Jordan fleeing from the facility to the real world where they quickly discover that they are clones, and that both The Island and global contamination are a ruse. The clones sole purpose is to be harvested for replacement parts when their sponsors need them. With his business now in jeopardy, Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean), the founder of the cloning company, hires a crack team led by Albert Laurent (Djimon Hounsou) to track down his escaped product. Wild chase scenes through Los Angeles circa 2050 are punctuated by high-tech transportation as Lincoln and Jordan run for their lives and try to assimilate into a world that is completely foreign to them. The futuristic set design and visual effects are particularly impressive. McGregor and Johansson both expertly communicate the human element and desire for life that has developed in the two clones, while still finding humour and awe in their childlike naivety.

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Avatar The Last Airbender - Book 2 Earth, Vol. 1 (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Avatar is a cartoon series open to people of all ages. If you have not yet watched the series, it is basically about a boy named Aang who must master bending (controlling) the four major elements of the world (Earth, Water, Fire and Air) in order to save the world. Aang is the only hope left to stop the long 100-year war started by the Fire Nation.
The best thing about this particular DVD is that unlike its predecessors, this one includes 5 episodes! In Book 2: Earth, Vol. 1, the included episodes are:
Chapter 1: The Avatar State. In Aang's visit to an Earth Kingdom city, the general tries to help Aang reach the Avatar state in order to use his power against the Fire Nation. Is this Earth Kingdom general really trying to help Aang?
Chapter 2: The Cave of Two Lovers. Aang and his gang decide to head back to Omashu to visit King Bumi in hopes he'll teach Aang Earth bending. Their run-in with some nomads leads them to a cursed cave! All they need to do to get out is to "trust in love," but is it really that simple?
Chapter 3: Return to Omashu. When they arrive at Omashu, something seems different. The Fire Nation has taken over! And where's King Bumi? Aang, Katara, and Sokka also encounter the evil Azula and her 3 friends for the first time. Expert killers, will Aang and his friends make it out of Omashu safely without finding Aang's old friend?
Chapter 4: The Swamp. While passing over a swamp on Appa, Aang thinks he hears it calling to him. After trying to ignore it, a random tornado forces him and his friends to land on ground. There is something mystical about this swamp, but Aang can't quite figure it out. Although skeptical Sokka tries hard to seek a logical way out of the forrest, there is someone watching. Does danger always follow the Avatar around?
Chapter 5: Avatar Day. After escaping from a small herd of Fire Nation soldiers, Aang makes his way to the city of Chin to discover that he's right in time for Avatar Day! However, it's not all what he expects it to be and the local townspeople are now accusing him of a crime centuries old. Can detective Sokka and Katara help clear Aang's name?
The next set of chapters come out April 10 of this year, so collectors should keep an eye out. If you haven't seen this show yet, check your local listings of the show on Nickelodeon. Enjoy!

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Volume 1 consists of the first 5 episodes from Season 2.

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Avatar The Last Airbender - Book 3 Fire, Vol. 4 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This disk contains these final 6 episodes of the final season:
Chapter 16: The Southern Raiders - Prince Zuko and Katara take off on a private mission, to find the killer of Katara and Sokka's mother.
Chapter 17: The Ember Island Players - Prince Zuko takes the gang to his family island resort where they watch a theater representation of their history.
Chapter 18: Sozin's Comet Part 1: The Phoenix King - "Team Avatar" (Sokka's pet name for the group) prepares for a confrontation with the Fire Lord while Ozai assigns Azula a special honorable title - and crowns himself Supreme Ruler - with his own special title.
Chapter 19: Sozin's Comet Part 2: The Old Masters - Aang sets out alone to decide how to deal with the Fire Lord while the rest of the group set out to find Uncle Iroh.
Chapter 20: Sozin's Comet Part 3: Into the Inferno - Zuko and Katara pair up to face Azula in the Fire Nation, while Sokka, Zuki and Toph team up to stop Lord Ozai and his army from destroying the Earth Kingdom.
Chapter 21: Sozin's Comet Part 4: Avatar Aang - The Grande Finale, including Aang's final confrontation with the Fire Lord and Zuko's with his sister.
While I found Chapter 17 mostly missable, the final four chapters (18-21) run together like a full-length movie! All loose ends (that I could think of) get tied up nicely, including the fates of all the main and secondary characters.
An excellent way to end the entire series!

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AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER BOOK 3 FIRE V4 - DVD Movie

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Fallen: The Beginning (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved this show so much that I went ahead and ordered Fallen - The Destiny as well. Upon recieving Fallen (Part 1 and 2), I found that Part 3 of the series is also included in this disc set, not just Parts 1 and 2 as indicated in the description. So when you buy it you don't need to spend the extra money and purchase Fallen - The Destiny to have the whole series after all.

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Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries) stars as Aaron Corbett, a high school jock with a promising future. But on his 18th birthday, his life forever changes when his incredible powers emerge, revealing the terrifying truth of his identity. As The Redeemer, a half-angel, half-man who can return fallen angels to heaven, Aaron holds the entire world's destiny in his young hands. He must battle warrior seraphs and confront the fallen angel who has sparked his nightmares (Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad). But can he save himself and the girl he loves? Based on the bestselling book series, Fallen soars to new levels in the battle between good and evil. Includes parts 1 and 2: The Beginning and The Journey

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Stargate Universe Sgu: Complete First Season (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)This series is a one of a kind show with spectacular graphics. It's more grown up than the 2 Series before it, and brings the Stargate Lore to the forefront. The show gets better and better up until the end, and leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I recommend this to any Stargate fan!

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Avatar (Three-Disc Extended Collector's Edition + BD-Live) (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm primarily interested in the storyline differences between special sets and their theatrical counterparts, so here are the differences between the two (NOTE: SPOILERS FOLLOW).
The extended collector's edition runs 16 minutes 28 seconds longer than the theatrical cut, and listed below are the major differences.
1) The opening scene is different, and starts with Jake in a wheelchair on Earth, in a Blade Runner-esque Earth city. The scene moves to scenes of Jake in his apartment, then taking liquid shots in a bar. Jake's narration of "I told myself I can pass any test a man can pass" and "They can fix the spinal if you got the money. But not on vet benefits, not in this economy" are inserted during this new opening scene.
Jake beats up a bar patron who is mistreating a woman, and then Jake and wheelchair are unceremoniously thrown outside by bouncers into an alley. While in the alley, Jake meets the two RDA representatives who bring him news of his brother's untimely death. Then the movie cuts back to the original theatrical cut where Jake sees his brother's body cremated, then awakes in space.
2) During Jake's initial flyover of Pandora in his avatar, they witness a herd of Sturmbeasts, buffalo-like creatures.
3) After seeing the Sturmbeasts, Grace, Jake, and Norm stop by Grace's old English school for the Na'vi. The school is now closed, abandoned, and some walls are riddled with bullet-holes. Norm finds a Dr. Seuss book, "The Lorax", on the ground. This scene explains how Neytiri knew English so well, and certainly gives some further backstory into Grace Augustine's character.
Interestingly, The Lorax can be seen as a metaphor for the Pandoran story. Recall that the seemingly simple Seussian book is actually a lesson on the plight of the environment and industrialization.
4) We see some other different Pandoran flora and fauna, particularly with scenes of the luminescent forest floor.
5) Jake's first dinner with Neytiri is longer and extended, and it's here that she tells him her full name.
6) When Jake, Grace, and Norm first visit the Hallelujah Mountains on the way to the remote uplink station, Grace explains (in a Jake voiceover) that the mountains are levitated [via the Meissner Effect], because Unobtanium is a superconductor. There's a pretty spectacular CGI shot as the characters look around in awe at the suspended mountains.
7) Pictures of Grace and Na'vi children at her previously functioning school. Dr. Augustine tells Jake that she previously taught Neytiri and her sister, Sylwanin. However, one day, Sylwanin and some hunters destroyed an RDA bulldozer, and RDA SecOps troopers killed them at the school, which explains why the school walls were previously seen pockmarked with bullet holes.
8) Sturmbeast hunting scene after Jake tames a Banshee. After Jake successfully kills a Sturmbeast with an arrow, he and Neytiri chortle a "Heck yeah!" and whoop.
9) Jake and Neytiri's love scene comprises them linking braids together. Some kissing, nothing explicit.
10) Tsu'tey leads a war party that destroys the RDA's autonomous bulldozers, as well as the RDA SecOps squad that was guarding them. Corporal Wainfleet leads the search party that uncovers the evidence, via real-time helmet cam footage. Not sure why they cut this scene from the theatrical cut, as it persuades Selfridge to attack the Home Tree.
11) Attack of Hammerhead Titanotheres on RDA forces has been extended slightly; additional scenes of AMP-Suits getting destroyed.
12) Fight between Colonel Quaritch in AMP Suit and Neytiri on Thanator slightly longer.
13) Tsu'tey's death scene; in the theatrical cut, he falls off the RDA shuttle's aft ramp to his death. In the Collector's Edition, he falls to the forest floor, mortally wounded. He passes on leadership to Jake, and asks Jake to ceremonially kill him e.g. hara-kiri, so that Jake will be the last shadow that Tsu-Tey sees. Jake does so.
I preferred the original Tsu'tey death scene, which was more dramatic. Jake, had afterall, already become the de facto clan leader by that point in the movie, so further formal transfer by Tsu'tey (a minor character) seemed unnecessary.


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Experience the spectacular world of James Cameron's Avatar as never before with this all-new three-disc extended collector\'s edition. The journey begins with three movie versions: the original theatrical release, the special edition re-release, and the exclusive extended cut not shown in theaters. And that's just what's on the first Blu-ray disc. The set's bonus feature run more than eight hours and include over 45 minutes of deleted scenes; actor's screen tests; on-location footage; feature-length documentaries on the film's groundbreaking production; an interactive scene-deconstruction feature that lets you explore different levels of production for 17 scenes; a comprehensive guide to the world of Pandora; and more. The greatest adventure of all time just got bigger and better.Versions of Avatar on Blu-ray and DVD
Contents of the Blu-ray Extended Collector's EditionWhat follows is the back-of-the box summary of the Blu-ray set's contents and then a complete listing of everything that's included.Disc 1: Three Movie Versions
Original Theatrical Edition (includes family audio track with objectionable language removed)
Special Edition Re-Release (includes family audio track with objectionable language removed)
Collector\'s Extended Cut with 16 additional minutes, including alternate opening on earthDisc 2: Filmmaker's Journey
Over 45 minutes of never-before-seen deleted scenes
Capturing Avatar: Feature-length documentary covering the 16-year filmmakers\' journey, including interviews with James Cameron, Jon Landau, cast and crew
A Message from Pandora: James Cameron\'s visit to the Amazon rainforest
The 2006 art reel: Original pitch of the Avatar vision
Brother termite test: Original motion capture test
The ILM prototype: Visual effects reel
Screen tests: Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldana
Zoë\'s life cast: Makeup session footage
On-set footage as live-action filming begins
VFX progressions
Crew film: The VolumeDisc 3: Pandora's Box
Interactive scene deconstruction: Explore the stages of production of 17 different scenes through three viewing modes: capture level, template level, and final level with picture-in-picture reference
Production featurettes: Sculpting Avatar, Creating the Banshee, Creating the Thanator, The AMP Suit, Flying Vehicles, Na\'vi Costumes, Speaking Na\'vi, Pandora Flora, Stunts, Performance Capture, Virtual Camera, The 3D Fusion Camera, The Simul-Cam, Editing Avatar, Scoring Avatar, Sound Design, The Haka: The Spirit of New Zealand
Avatar original script
Avatar screenplay by James Cameron
Pandorapedia: Comprehensive guide to Pandora
Lyrics from five songs by James Cameron
The art of Avatar: Over 1,850 images in 16 themed galleries (The World of Pandora, The Creatures, Pandora Flora, Pandora Bioluminescence, The Na\'vi, The Avatars, Maquettes, Na\'vi Weapons, Na\'vi Props, Na\'vi Musical Instruments, RDA Designs, Flying Vehicles, AMP Suit, Human Weapons, Land Vehicles, One-Sheet Concepts)BD-Live Extras
BD-Live extras require a BD-Live-enabled player and an Internet connection. The following extras may be available a limited-time only and are subject to change over time:Crew Short: The Night Before Avatar; additional screen tests, including Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, and Laz Alonso; speaking Na\'vi rehearsal footage; Weta Workshop: walk-and-talk presentationReview of the Original Theatrical EditionHere's what we had to say about the original theatrical edition of Avatar after seeing it on the big screen:After 12 years of thinking about it (and waiting for movie technology to catch up with his visions), James Cameron followed up his unsinkable Titanic with Avatar, a sci-fi epic meant to trump all previous sci-fi epics. Set in the future on a distant planet, Avatar spins a simple little parable about greedy colonizers (that would be mankind) messing up the lush tribal world of Pandora. A paraplegic Marine named Jake (Sam Worthington) acts through a 9-foot-tall avatar that allows him to roam the planet and pass as one of the Na'vi, the blue-skinned, large-eyed native people who would very much like to live their peaceful lives without the interference of the visitors. Although he's supposed to be gathering intel for the badass general (Stephen Lang) who'd like to lay waste to the planet and its inhabitants, Jake naturally begins to take a liking to the Na'vi, especially the feisty Neytiri (Zoë Saldana, whose entire performance, recorded by Cameron's complicated motion-capture system, exists as a digitally rendered Na'vi). The movie uses state-of-the-art 3D technology to plunge the viewer deep into Cameron's crazy toy box of planetary ecosystems and high-tech machinery. Maybe it's the fact that Cameron seems torn between his two loves--awesome destructive gizmos and flower-power message mongering--that makes Avatar's pursuit of its point ultimately uncertain. That, and the fact that Cameron's dialogue continues to clunk badly. If you're won over by the movie's trippy new world, the characters will be forgivable as broad, useful archetypes rather than standard-issue stereotypes, and you might be able to overlook the unsurprising central plot. (The overextended "take that, Michael Bay" final battle sequences could tax even Cameron enthusiasts, however.) It doesn't measure up to the hype (what could?) yet Avatar frequently hits a giddy delirium all its own. The film itself is our Pandora, a sensation-saturated universe only the movies could create. --Robert Horton

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Take My Advice: The Ann and Abby Story (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)This film is about the famous columnists Esther Friedman ("Ann Landers") and Pauline Friedman ("Dear Abby") who were twin sisters and showed their talents by giving advice in their college newspapers in the 1930s. [Few went to college in those days.] They were both married in a double wedding. Eppie's husband Jules Lederer sold pots and pans at house parties; then he was drafted into the Army. Then Pauline's husband Morton Philips too. The scenes recreate 1940s America in a low-key way. You will see a lot of classic cars, clothing styles, and telephones from that era. But trains are missing! Eppie is involved with Democratic party politics in 1953 Wisconsin. Her husband Jules decides to start a new career in Chicago, a car rental business. Eppie visits city hall to look for a job, but winds up trying out for the "Ann Landers" advice column (the previous columnist used this pen name).
This film tells how the column is produced. Signed letters are answered. Eppie brings her work home; he husband advises her to get help with the work load. So she calls Popo for help. "Ann Landers" wrote snappy zingers to reply to serious questions; entertainment not advice. But would a serious person write a stranger for advice? Popo's experience leads her to follow the same career. She asks for a job with the San Francisco 'Chronicle', and "Abigail Van Buren" begins her rival career. Both represent the new cultural changes of the 1950s, the post-Depression times with new wealth and freedoms for most people. They reinvented the advice column as entertainment.
The use of 35 mm SLR cameras in the 1950s by newspapermen is an anachronism. Even TLR cameras were unlikely. The rivalry between them is shown; it wasn't just a publicity stunt. Note the modern electric typewriter by 1967. "Ann Landers" visited Vietnam to cheer up the troops. Both sisters received an award from Pope Paul VI for their stand against divorce. A very busy Eppie winds up the last to know about her husband's new hobby in London (?). "It just happened" he said (but this was telegraphed earlier). They attend their 40th high school reunion and reconcile for the film's ending. The story was based on real people but some events were fictionalized. The popularity of advice columns may reflect the increased 'nuclear families' and the breakdown of established connections of family, friends, and neighbors. Its efforts were to get people involved in personal matters rather than the political-economic events that affect us.
"Ann Landers" must have gotten old or lazy, and delegated the work to her gaggle of assistants in her last years. Some found the best way to meet her standards was to recycle old columns. But these echoes were noticed and the newspapers had another scandal about an Establishment figure. We already knew about "Cardinal Ryan" of Chicago. Eppie's seeking advice from VIPs made her a cog in the propaganda machine. The film mentions her attack on guns but doesn't explain what brought that on. Eppie's trips to England may be explained by their currency controls. The money she earned there could not be sent out of the country so she had to visit there to spend it. I wonder if other parts of her life were prettied up for this story? There seems to be a first in using one person to play both sisters through technical magic.


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Based on a true story as seen on the Lifetime network. This is the remarkable true story of how 2 sisters - identical twins - came to be the most widely read columnists in newspaper history. The vivacious sisters were inseperable throughout their young lives, until their competing columns tore them apart and produced a decade-long feud that had them vying for the title, "America's Number One Advice Giver". DVD IS FORMATTED FOR WORLDWIDE USE

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Avatar The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 2 Collection (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am in my late 20s, and I have to say this is one of the best cartoons I have ever seen. I happened to watch it one day while flipping channels and was hooked. I have gotten a TON of my friends hooked on it as well, and the dvds for season one have been changing hands all the time.
Regarding the show itself: The animation is well done, often with beautiful scenes and accompanied by simple and beautiful music. The characters have depth and complexity rarely seen in cartoons.
Regarding Season Two: This season is excellent. A great new character is introduced (though actually many great characters are introduced in Season two). The finale, like that of seasons one's, was exciting, fast paced, and EXTREMELY well done. The creators put a lot into the finales and it shows. The season finales have an epic feel to them, and often feature some sort of homage to Hiyao Miyazake, the creator of some of the best animated movies. On a sad note, the talented Mako, who voiced Uncle Iroh in season 1 and 2, passed away. His character is my favorite on this show, and I hope they find someone for season three that can fill his big shoes.
I love this show and I know myself and many others are eagerly waiting for the premiere of season three. You come to care for these chracters and waiting to find out what happens is difficult. Basically, this show can be enjoyed on a lot of different levels, by a variety of people and ages.

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Avatar: The Complete Book 2 DVD Collection includes 20 action packed episodes from Book 2: Earth,plus an exclusive never-before-seen bonus disc! This 5 disc set centers around Avatar Aang and his continious quest to master the four elements.Together with Katara, Sokka, Momo and Appa, he journeys across the Earth Kingdom in search of an Earthbending mentor while staying one step ahead of Prince Zuko and fighting off the treachorous, Princess Azula, of the Fire Nation, who will stop at nothing to defeat the Avatar!

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Avatar The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 1 Collection (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)In a world where the airways seem to be ruled by uninspired and badly dubbed anime, Nickledeon has created something truley amazing. A show that both kids and adults can enjoy, complete with tremendous voice acting, fantastic animation, good music, and awesome execution.
Season One of Avatar begins with a war going on between nations who control different elements through techniques called 'bending'. There's the Fire Nation, which, under Fire Lord Ozai, is attempting to take over the rest of the world. The Avatar, the only one who can control all four elements, is supposed to stop power imbalances between the nations, but the war started 100 years ago and the Avatar hasn't been seen since. And with the airbenders already wiped out and the water tribes being composed of tiny populations, only the great Earth Kingdom remains intact.
What makes this show great is a combination of character and plot. The characters aren't stereotypical. They act in predictable ways sometimes, but then there are episodes that really show their deeper sides (The Storm, The Fortune Teller, and The Blue Spirit are all examples of this.) The story focuses around the main characters Sokka, Katara, and Aang, the Avatar (returning to the world after being incased in an iceberg for 100 years.) There's also the Fire Nation's General Iroh, Price Zuko (a banished prince trying to regain his honor by capturing the Avatar) and Admiral Zhao. However out of these characters only Admiral Zhao seems truley evil. Zuko and Iroh however are in the gray.
There's some fantastic fight scenes in this series. The Blue Spirit, Jet, and Bato of the Water Tribe are all episodes with incredible choreography. Animation is top notch. There was only one episode where it went down a little. And finally the Season Finale is really well done and filled with mythology about the spirit world which the Avatar must learn to communicate, as well as he must learn to master the four elements to defeat the Fire Lord.
As good as Season One is, it's inferior to Season 2. If you thought that the Earth Kingdom was portrayed as the good guys and the Fire Nation are the only ones with bad leadership, Season 2 may change your mind. However as a first season of a show Avatar succeeds incredibly well. Recommended to people of all ages. There's some corneyness in a few episodes, but the series does a great job of catering to all ages.

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AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER BOOK 1 BOX SET - DVD Movie

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