Reality Shows - DVD

Project Runway: The Complete Fourth Season

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

I watch it over and over!! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This is my favorite show and I've seen every episode multiple times. I just hope when it moves from Bravo to Lifetime that the quality doesn't change.

Wheres the fashion tryouts? 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this season, hoping that it would be like 1,2,3... They didn't put in the fashion tryouts, I was hoping to see the people trying out for the show, and seeing some of last seasons, big-wigs.. coming back.. That is the only down side to this season... Please Project Runway peoples.. don't leave this out of your DVD's there is a lot of people out there like me that enjoy that part of it!

Holly

Major Talent, Minor Drama 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is my favorite season of Project Runway ever. The level of talent is unparalleled. Any of the final three designers could arguably have won and most likely would have won any of the prior seasons. Some of the challenges are silly (making costumes for wrestling divas comes to mind) but they add a bit of comic relief. The guest stars are appropriate and interesting. Sarah Jessica Parker's episode is a particular favorite because not only are the designers awe-struck, but they also have to wow her with a design for her "Bitten" line using only $15 of materials. Tiki Barber's challenge is also particularly interesting because it once again showcases the differences between designing for women and men.

There is little of the bickering among the contestants that has been so prominent in some seasons. And there is no clear villain among the cast. Didn't miss either one.

As for the "extra's": We do not have Bravo TV in our cable line up, so the shows are a first time view for me. I can not tell you how much extra footage there is per episode. The extra features included in the DVD are minimal to the point of ridiculous. A short "Wear is he now" on the winning designer and a series of brief and obvious make up instructions are pretty much it.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Genius Products Inc Release Date: 11/04/2008

Project Runway - The Complete Third Season

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Entertaining but totally fake. The show's producers, not the judges, choose who is "out" 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I have recently watched, with my wife, several seasons of this show. It is very entertaining, but a heads up should be given to anyone who actually thinks that reality TV is in anyway real. For instance, when watching season one, one might wonder how a designer as bad as Wendy Pepper could stay on the show for so long.

Here is the answer: She is an evil person. Having such a despicable character stay on the show, mixing things up and generating drama, creates high ratings. That is it. If one reads the small print at the end of each episode, one learns--shock, shock--that it is actually the producers of the show and Bravo itself that ultimately gets to say who is "out." Why? Because it's all based on calculations of what combination of personalities will result in the highest ratings.

So what, you say? Well, the important implication of this is that the entire show is fake. That's right. The judges are NOT sitting there and choosing who actually gets booted off, as the show displays. The show's producers are doing that for them, behind the scenes. In fact, I would find it very interesting if the judges had to reveal what they actually write on their cards. One person speaks and then the others almost always just parrot what the first person says. I would bet high money, as a psychologist, that their cards would not reflect this.

Much of it is based on "who likes who" personally, because--let's face it--the whole racket is totally subjective anyway and entirely full of BS. Just listen to the designers. "It's like totally open and closed--at the same time." Better yet, watch Ali G asking phony questions to real-life designers, and watch them BS their way through Ali G's fake questions. The result is no different than the judge's asking sincere questions here.

On a final note I would like to say that this show should be hosted by a famous designer--not by a model. Klum likes to say that the show is a competition for models too, but the model competition is just based on who hits it off with whom. It's not really a competition. Also, Heidi Klum is VERY annoying. Her accent does not sound like an accent. It sounds like a speech impediment. I cannot STAND how she says "out."

Editorial Review:

Studio: Genius Products Inc Release Date: 09/30/2008

Project Runway - The Complete Second Season

Amazon Price: $14.99 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 1 to 2 days By: KLUM,HEIDI - Model: WEID79301D Amazon Marketplace: 51 new & used starting at $8.88

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Compelling, but artistically not on the same level as Season One 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

"Project Runway" is high-quality reality TV. This sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but it's true: this is a show where the results are based on talent, and on the contestant's ability to function in the real world of fashion. The demands made on them are extreme, but realistic, and winners rise or fall based on their actual ability, not on any of the flawed metrics of other reality shows (audience polls, political maneuvering by other contestants, etc.) It is a compelling, watchable show, packed with knowledgeable, helpful and unyielding judges, and a host of flawed, talented participants.

Season Two finds the show's format being tinkered with and perfected -- the staging and editing are slicker, and some interesting twists are added to the strategic end of the elimination process. That being said, the pool of contestants is less compelling than in the rawer Season One, and their work is also less striking. Where the premiere season had several amazing designers with strong personal aesthetics, Season Two is marked by mundane, seat-of-the-pants design work. Other than the unlikeable, egotistical Santino Rice (who turns out to be more sympathetic towards the end) few of the designers seems to have a cohesive creative vision, and for weeks on end only a scarce handful of striking outfits appear. (This is pointed out by the show's major domo, Tim Gunn, when the talent pool is whittled down to six: he bluntly tells them that their work has been dull, and to kick it into gear.)

On the other hand, the interpersonal dynamic between the designers, which takes a long time to gel, is ultimately fascinating. Most of the contestants are actually rather nice people, and other than in small, selfish moments, they are emotionally and materially supportive of each other, even helping a flustered friend finish some stitching when the clock starts to run out. This is something you don't often see in the back-biting world of "reality" games shows: humanity. And in many ways, it made the final elimination rounds much more poignant, since by and large, the most talented, most likable contestants were the ones left onscreen.

While no Jay or Austin emerged from this season, it was still pretty fun. I'm hooked.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Genius Products Inc Release Date: 04/03/2007 Run time: 686 minutes

The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol. 1

Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $14.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lions Gate - Model: LGED18672D Amazon Marketplace: 66 new & used starting at $6.27

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Features:

• Workout DVD with 6 different programs
• Features contestants from Seasons 1 and 2
• Bonus nutrition plan
• Lead by Personal Trainer Bob Harper

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 375 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Love the workout...Music not so good! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love the workout. Have been doing it for the past 3 weeks. You alternate the workouts for intensity purposes, so you don't get bored either. Music does not get you motivated though.

Review of Biggest Loser Workout with Bob 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a perfect DVD for those who havent exercised in a long time or ever,it also has features that allow you to customize your workouts from beginner to advanced as well as warm-up and cool-down segments.And some Cast extras with stories about them. You can also choose to use just music or music and trainer.
I am not a huge fan of Biggest Loser but I am of this workout DVD! bob makes it fun,yes I said "fun"!

good workout 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I like this DVD because it lets you select which workout you want to do. I exercise regularly and still think the tape is quite challenging. Not for those just starting out but it is a great workout that is fun to do.

Editorial Review:

Customized workout with 6 routines to choose from featuring bob harper & contestants from seasons 1 & 2 Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 12/20/2005 Starring: Bob Harper Run time: 100 minutes

Project Runway - The Complete First Season

Amazon Price: $33.99 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Miramax - Model: DISD48991D Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $28.38

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 43 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

What a great show! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I gotta start off by saying that my family lives in that dark netherworld of people who refuse to pay for cable, so we see everything "late" - when it comes out on DVD. Thus, we were early devotees of "American's Next Top Model," which was fun for a while, but grew old quick. Meanwhile, our friends were telling us how fab "Project Runway" was, and we had to smile our tight little, sad smiles and nod our heads politely and wait 'til the darn thing came out on disc.

FINALLY, we watched Season One, and boy what a grrrreat show this is!! Unlike "Top Model" (with which you have to compare it) "Runway" isn't gimmicky or dumbed-down -- instead of putting its contestants in silly situations that or having their "professional" critiques be dominated by catty comments (ala Tyra's show), "Runway" is an actual test of skill, and places real demands on the contestants that really show their abilities, often to an astonishing degree. More than that, since it is a contest of skill -- social and sartorial -- there's an actual chance that the people you like might actually win, whereas in "Top Model," it's always the lamest person who wins in the end.

"Runway" is a great show -- our friends were right; we were wrong. I'm big enough to admit it.

...But we're still not gonna pay for cable.

:-)

Editorial Review:

Cameras will roll for 10 episodes as up-&-coming designers compete in weekly challenges & are given all the resources of a top designer to prepare a competitive runway show for the next new york fall fashion week. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 11/29/2005

Gene Simmons Family Jewels: The Complete Season Three

Amazon Price: $23.99 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: A&E HOME VIDEO Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $23.03

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Editorial Review:

Legendary rock star Gene Simmons and his unconventional family are back and better than ever for an all-new season of the A&E hit Real-Life series Gene Simmons Family Jewels. The 29 episode season kicks off with Gene preparing for the ultimate challenge - a lie detector test to determine if he has been faithful to Shannon Tweed, his Happily UNmarried companion of 24 years and the mother of his two children, Nick and Sophie.

From Hawaii to Mexico, follow the Simmons-Tweed clan as they set out to prove, yet again, why they are the most non-traditional, traditional family in America.

Girls Next Door: Season 4

Amazon Price: $20.99 List Price: $29.98 Not yet released By: 20th Century Fox

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 2.0 of 5

Without commentary or deleted scenes, not worth it. 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Save your money and accept this show is no longer the gem it used to be. This DVD minus all the extra features of commentary and deleted scenes is basically paying for something you can watch for free on E!. I accept the moving on of Kendra, Bridget and Holly, and the ending of their relationship with Hugh Hefner but there is another matter that has caused this show to jump the shark. The fact actual reality has hit the at times staged reality series alone hasn't turned off the entertainment and fun of this show but the drifting away from the basic appeal and likability of it, all due to obvious lack of interest the three stars have for this show that made them who they are and contempt they hold for fans.
Throughout the show rumors and leaks of info concerning infighting, ending of Holly and Hef's relationship, and ex-husbands, were continuously on the internet yet fan stayed devoted anticipating futures seasons and DVDs. When rumors proved true recently fans still stayed loyal to The Girls Next Door, yet with the release of this DVD it is revealed this loyalty is not reciprocated. These three women FOX, and Playboy chose to not release commentary and approve deleted scenes, not even for the sake of the fans. From the look of the tabloid press the girls of GND are too consumed with themselves, new boyfriends, Hefner approved employment, and spin offs that wont pan out to anything for the long term. Holly ,Bridget and Kendra cant even appropriately make it to the finish line of a this series leaving fans happy to have stayed devoted all this time, do not reward these women ,Kevin Burns and FOX in purchasing this, they have taken for grated us the fans in not giving us a fitting memento DVD of this pre-finale of this series season four dvd, for the sake of your wallet do not buy this.[...]

The Girls Next Door - A Change in Bonus Materials for the 4th Season Set

3-disc set to include 'Season 5' eps, but no commentaries or deleted scenes

This past Sunday we posted the press release for Fox's January 27th release of The Girls Next Door - Season 4 on DVD. It listed all the episodes that are found on this 3-disc set, but didn't list any bonus material (unless you count some 5th Season episodes which are found on this set). The next day, however, we reported that our retail contacts had gotten information from Fox's password-protected retailer site about extras that would also include Deleted Scenes and Audio Commentary Tracks on selected episodes by Holly, Bridget and Kendra.

By Tuesday, however, we received an e-mail from Stacie Hougland, the Content Editor at Fandango.com, informing us that she had heard that "the specs recently changed for this release and they removed all the special features". Her information came from Fox's PR team and from Playboy, so we were mystified when our own retail contact told us that the listing at Fox's retailer site was still showing the same list of extras. So we dug into it further.

This morning we've confirmed that there won't be any Deleted Scenes or Audio Commentary Tracks included on this release after all. No reason for the change was given. We're told that the only content will be the 16 episodes listed in the press release, including the "House Bunnies" special episode (which ties in with the recent Anna Faris film, and the first three episodes broadcast as part of the fifth season run: "Hot Chocolate," "She's Got Game" and "Scream Test".

The Girls Next Door - Season 3

Amazon Price: $23.99 List Price: $29.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT - Model: 2248810 Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $19.79

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

What a disaster! 1 out of 5 stars.
6 of 20 people found this review helpful.

I have never seen a playboy series on cable TV, and wanted to have a peek just for record. What a disaster! I am not sure what people find in this kind of junk. You have to listen to mindless, brainless chatter of three dumb blondes and their pastimes in the playboy mansion and that's it! Not even some decent nudity.

Even Better 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

As good as, yet better than the 1st and 2nd series. Highly recommended! Cant wait for the 4th season..

Girls Next Door 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

It is so much better watching the Season of the Girls Next Door without the Censor cutting everything. The Extra features are Great and the Deleted scenes and very enjoyable. If your a Fan of Holly, Bridget, Kendra and the Hefster then this is a Must Own DVD.

Editorial Review:

The girls resume their antics in the third season of The Girls Next Door. Join Hugh Hefner and his three lovely ladies as they take you behind the gates of the Playboy Mansion.System Requirements:Run time: 352 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 024543488101 Manufacturer No: 2248810

The Girls Next Door - Season 1

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Pure fun 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

To be honest, I bought this DVD set on a whim, expecting mindless schlock. One night when I was sick I popped a disc in and was surprised how much I enjoyed the show. Once I got past the "ewww" factor of the girls' relationship with Hef, I realized that they didn't all look alike and had separate personalities. The more I watched, the more I liked. By the time I had watched all the episodes, I wanted to hang out with the girls!

Now, this is definitely not the Discovery Channel or the History Channel but rather is pure entertainment with no redeeming value. Being a reality show, it is scripted or directed somewhat, but not enough that it takes away from the genuineness of the happenings or the girls' personalities. My favorite episodes are the ones in which they go "on the road", to places such as NYC, Vegas, and Lodi, CA. You get an up-close-and-personal look at what it's like to live inside the Playboy Mansion, which is highly entertaining. You also get a sense of how powerful the Playboy empire is and the enormous number of staff at the mansion. Especially cute are the animals running around, from the girls' pets to exotic zoo animals. And the parties! My favorite episode showed the famous Midsummer Night's Dream party, which looks totally awesome. As a bonus, the girls give commentary on ALL of the episodes, which makes it double the fun.

There is a lot of T and A (and other things), so this show is definitely not for the young or easily offended. But it is a great time, pure escapism.

Editorial Review:

Welcome to the worlds most famous & most glamorous bastion of hedonism the playboy mansion! for the 1st time ever go behind closed doors where youll meet holly kendra & gridget just your average girls next door with one small difference - theyre smokin hot! Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/05/2008 Run time: 335 minutes

The Girls Next Door - Season 2

Amazon Price: $23.99 List Price: $29.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT - Model: FOXD2243335D Amazon Marketplace: 69 new & used starting at $13.75

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I already own Season One, so this just built on my collection. Holly, Bridget, and Kendra are the cutest girls ever and I enjoyed watching their surreal life. They all have wonderful personalities and I plan on getting Season Three.

Worth the price! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I must admit this is the only show I watch that really is "trash", but it is really enjoyable! If you like that type of thing, this DVD set is great to own if you can find it for $15. There is a commentary for every episode by the girls which is enjoyable enough if your not REALLY paying attention and its better than watching on the tube because no censors.

Awesome! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The GND are awesome! This is my favorite show! A must have for any fan!

ANOTHER FANTASY 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I MIGHT BE FEMALE BUT THE BEAUTY OF THIS GIRLS AND THEY AMBITIONS KEEPS ME ADDICTED TO THE SERIES.
I AM A HUGH FAN OF HOLLY AND I FEEL SHE IS GOING TO BECOME SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT TO THE PLAYBOY MAGAZINE.

Beautiful! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I liked Season 1, but I LOVE Season 2. In the first season, you kind of get to know the girls in a one-dimensional way -- Holly the house mother, Bridget the super-cute semi-intellectual and Kendra the not-too-bright sports fan.

This time around, there is a lot more to see and learn. Not only do the girls show their gorgeous bodies way more this time, but you also get a more rounded view of who they are. Who would have guessed that Kendra actually has a brain? Mind you, just when you're beginning to think that she might just be the next Einstein, hiding away a super-intellect behind the dumb-blonde facade, she comes out with something mind-numbingly stupid (and quite sincere) to dispel that notion! On the other hand, she's always very pleasant to look at, and you get to see much more of her in this season than the first. Bridget, the most beautiful of the three, shows off her goofy side this time, but she's still just as adorable.

The highlight of the season is when the girls get their second Playboy photo-shoot. This time around, in addition to the standard session as per Hef's wishes, the girls get to show their creative side. Each one chooses her own theme and directs the shoot, featuring herself and the other two girls. Holly chooses a Marilyn Monroe theme, Bridget indulges her love of King Kong, and in Kendra's case, it's American Football (what else?). They do such a great job of it that contrary to their own expectations (and his) Hef actually loves their work and decides to feature their projects in the magazine. There is way more and better nudity this season, and along with the way we get to know the girls, this makes for the perfect package.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/05/2008 Run time: 540 minutes Rating: Nr