L - DVD

Lost in Space - Season 3, Vol. 2

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

End of the Line 4 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

This is the last of the series. Over the course of its three seasons it degenerated from a semi-serious science fiction show into a comic farce. It worked. The show was so silly that it could not be taken seriously but it could be taken with lots of fun. The main reason for this is Jonathan Harris playing Zachary Smith. The comic evil villain was always good for a few laughs.

Synopses for the episodes appear below:

Target Earth - This one is less campy and more in the vein of regular science fiction than most, but that's not saying much. As usual, Smith sets the trouble in motion when he accidentally jettisons the pod with part of the robot aboard. The pod lands on a planet and the crew of the Jupiter II head down to retrieve their belongings. That, of course, causes more trouble. The aliens on this particular planet are all identical and are intrigued by the differences between the humans. They are an old race failing because of their lack of diversity. That is the given reason but I think it has more to do with looking like a heap of mud. The aliens come up with a plan to "replicate" the Jupiter II crew and conquer earth.

Princess of Space - It's been a while since I have viewed the previous set but I think this episode sets a new standard for silliness. It's basically the Anastasia story without the Russians, pomp or grandeur. In its place, we get spaceships decked out with a model of the Cutty Sark, air funnels from early steam ships, navigating lanterns (on the inside) and an army of advanced computers which resemble filing cabinets with arms. The cutlass in the hands of the captain is a nice touch also. Basically, the aliens are looking for a lost princess hidden on Earth. They grab Penny instead and try to pass her off to the royal auntie. In short, Penny is mistaken for Princess Alpha from the planet Beta and must fool Aunt Gamma with her knowledge of cousins Iota, Kappa and Sylvia. Complete silliness!

Time Merchant - this time it is Will who unwittingly starts the trouble but, as always, Smith manages to make it worse. While running an experiment, Will accidentally captures a "time merchant". Said merchant is a bit peeved and takes Will as a slave to make up for his troubles. Naturally, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Smith and the Robot follow to get him back. From there, things get more complicated. It seems that Chronos, the time merchant, has a function something like the Greek fates. When a person's "time tape" runs out, Chronos snips it. While all of this is being explained, Smith manages to actually get himself back to Earth with Chronos's equipment but the catch is he is there just before the original Jupiter II takes off. He is not about the get on again but his failure to do so will mean that the ship gets destroyed by an uncharted asteroid. To fix things, the robot is sent back to Shanghai Smith and set things right. The big surprise and what makes this possibly the least believable episode is that Smith has an altruistic moment. It doesn't last but even having it is beyond belief.

The Promised Planet - The Robinson family finally makes it to Alpha Centauri. We don't really know how; there is just an announcement from the robot that they are coming into the Alpha Centauri system. Everyone seems surprised but pleased. They are greeted like heroes by a bunch of teenagers wearing West Point style uniforms and then told that they must be indoctrinated. The older folk are to be processed separately from Will and Penny. From there, things get weirder. The clean cut cadet types become hippies and seem to want to do nothing but turn Will and Penny into hippies as well, get them to deny their family and get the family to leave. Penny falls for it and becomes a go-go dancer but will resists. Dr. Smith falls for it as well and becomes the worst of the delinquents. It turns out they are not on Alpha Centauri at all and their hosts are aliens who cannot age. They want to extract something from the kids to let them grow up. It is all enough to make me shudder with my own memories of being a teenager and, even worse, the 60s.

Fugitives in Space - When a prisoner escapes from the Prison Planet Destructon (that's really the name), said prisoner runs into Smith and trades jackets with him. That leads the guards to suspect Smith and, by association, Maj. West. After a quick and dirty trial, both are condemned to Destructon for life sentences. No sooner are they incarcerated than Smith starts scheming with the prisoner who caused his problems in the first place in an escape attempt. West tries to be a restraining influence but Smith's greed is, as always, the ultimate determiner. This one is not as funny as some episodes nor is it as silly.

Space Beauty - Judy finally takes center stage...kind of. Mr. Farnum, the celestial zookeeper from some episodes back makes another appearance. This time he is the producer for the Miss Galaxy Beauty Contest. He has a mysterious backer who is very particular about who is in the contest. The backer takes a liking for Judy, can't fault his tastes there, but Judy doesn't want to play. It's a good thing she doesn't because the fine print of the contract calls for her soul. Smith, however, is more interested in the big payoff for the winner and he doesn't play fair. After being caught out trying to forge her name, he relies on getting her mad at MAJ West by implying that he has forbidden her to take part. Naturally, that means that Judy must sign up. Like so many episodes, this one can seem very silly...unless you have actually seen the workings of a beauty contest, then all too much is familiar. It should be noted that although Judy nominally takes center stage, it is mostly for display purposes. Her role is minimal and the usual suspects have most of the lines.

The Flaming Planet - Smith smuggles what he believes to be an orange tree aboard the Jupiter II. It is not an orange tree, of course, but is instead a plant with limited locomotion and intelligence. It thinks Smith is its "mother". When the plant is disposed of, it causes some damage to the ship and it is forced to orbit a planet while it makes repairs. As it turns out, the planet belonged to a warrior race with one member left. His price for not destroying the ship is to have a member of the crew fight one last war game with him; at the end, the entire planet will be destroyed. The robot gets selected and Smith's baby plant monster is enlisted to save the day.

The Great Vegetable Rebellion - This one is quite possibly the silliest episode of them all. The crew of the Jupiter II wishes to throw a birthday party for the robot. Smith decides to go down to a nearby planet to find a gift. While picking some flowers, he gets arrested by a giant carrot. Don't worry, the carrot speaks English. He doesn't like animal life. Eventually, he tries to turn everyone into vegetables. I don't think I can go on... Jungle Warfare was never so bad.

Junkyard in Space - Just as the Jupiter II has some mechanical problems, they happen by an intergalactic junkyard. When the robot goes to investigate in the pod, he gets captured by the junkman. The main ship heads off to retrieve him. The junkman likes what he sees and wants to purchase the ship for salvage. Needless to say, the crew doesn't want to sell. In order to pressure them, the junkman contaminates all their food. He offers Smith food for various parts, beginning with the some from the robot, and eventually trick Smith into letting him steal the Jupiter II. In the end, however, love conquers all.

Special Features: most of the special features are minimal, as are the menus but there are 2 that are especially worth while. These are the interviews with Billy Mummy and Jonathan Harris. These two actors, playing Will Robinson and Dr. Smith were the two central characters and helped make the show a success. They are worth watching.

Editorial Review:

It’s the third and final season of the far-out tales of TV’s most lovable space crew! Complete your mission with these intergalactic adventures! Join in as the Jupiter 2 crew attempts to finally return home to Earth, with more help from the wily Robot B-9, more antics from master meddler Dr. Zachary Smith, and of course, more "Danger, Will Robinson!" Along with out-of-this-world extras not available anywhere else, this collectable DVD installment of Irwin Allen’s LOST IN SPACE presents the final 9 episodes of America’s favorite space family.

Lost in Space - Season 3, Vol. 1

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 58 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Nostalgic 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This volume was just fun to watch,if you are a big Lost in Space fan and you watched seasons 1&2 and wanted to see some storylines involving other members of the family then you probaly will enjoy this;in any case,this is a wonderful look back to an innocent and sometimes silly show that bought much enjoyment as a child and allows me a tiny break from reality as an adult.

Saucer will travel 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I watched this show religiously when I was 8 after school on channel 5 WNEW N.Y.I believe & 32 years later it was a treat & a half to watch them on dvd!Everything about the show I loved as a kid-the lanscape,red rocks & all planted the coolest impressions in my mind dormant all these years were popped out of excumation & sprung to life upon watching these killer dvds!No I didn't start wearing silver-sprayed suits-YET. Yeh The Robinsons go up & away & around for this season with cutting edge fx for 40 years ago.I cannot understand why people are making a stink about the picture quality-maybe we're just so spoiled today with all this digital/HD this, that-I didn't notice a single flaw,A great job was done with the restoration of this outfit.you'd have to be the biggest cynic bent on digging up the slightest imperfection to put this down.I like every season & watched them all-the first season rules.I didn't like it as much as a kid because I guess kids like color.The shows also frikin hilarious at times.The whole cast was awsome & they all supposedly had a wide range of interests outside of LIS.Uh... I'm itchin to know-it's probably just a rumor, but I heard that one morning in 1968 that Leonard Nemoy[Spock] & Jonathan Harris[Dr. Smith]decided to swap roles for a day as a prank to piss off the MGM producers or something-that's so funny-I mean I'm picturing Dr. Smith appearing on the Enterprize saying something pompuss to Scotty about ''beaming up''putting it down Yeh the jokes can go on forever-make up your own-you don't need to hear mine,they'll go on all night.It probably didn't happen but I'll never sleep again till I find out for certain.Ha Ha-just kidding.Buy this set too!

Editorial Review:

Irwin Allen's LOST IN SPACE is classic sci-fi adventure at its best. Take the journey to this inspiring, intergalactic space odyssey with America's favorite space family in the 60's TV classic - LOST IN SPACE!

Continue your collection with the first volume of LOST IN SPACE SEASON 3 on DVD today! Watch for LOST IN SPACE SEASON 3 VOLUME 2 coming in June 2005.

The Last Detective - Series 2

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good mysteries and good characters = great series 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

My only complaint is that each season is only four episodes long! In season two we get further into Davies's personal life. In the case of a lot of mystery shows I'd say this would take away from it, but this show has always seemed more about Davies than the mysteries. He's such an interesting, loveable character (c'mon, don't you just want to feed him tea and cookies?) that the mysteries take a back seat. This isn't to say they aren't good - they are well-paced and would work even without such a good cast - but they just can't compare with the characters.

Even the side characters (his landlady, his best friend, his dog) are just so unique and interesting, though not in a completely unbelievable, over-the-top way. The only character I want to dislike is his wife, and somehow I can't even manage that. You just know there's a lot of storyline left unsaid, and it's going to keep me coming back for more.

Editorial Review:

As disrespected, disheveled, and endearingly dedicated as ever, Detective Constable "Dangerous" Davies (Peter Davison, Doctor Who, All Creatures Great and Small) returns to solve four new, full-length mysteries. His wife left him, his coworkers sarcastically dubbed him "Dangerous," and his boss called him the "last detective" expected to crack a big case. He even listens to advice from his kooky chum Mod (Sean Hughes, The Commitments). Still, Dangerous manages to make connections that slicker chaps in the North London constabulary miss. Whether investigating the mysterious deaths of a would-be artist, a medical researcher, an unknown victim under a high-speed train, or a pretty Kosovan refugee, Davies shows that underdogs do have their day.

"Witty and well-plotted" —TV Times

Lone Ranger Collection

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

17 classic, uncut episodes from the original, action-packed TV series! This thrilling 2-DVD set chronicles the legend of the Lone Ranger and how Dan Reid (Clayton Moore) became the masked rider of the plains. Discover how he was rescued from certain death, how he found "Silver" his fabulous wild stallion, the meaning behind his black mask, why he used silver bullets, and answers to many more secrets! "Hi Yo Silver, Away!" Stars Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger, and Jay Silverheels as his faithful companion Tonto.

DISC ONE - total run time 3 hr, 13 min.
Enter the Lone Ranger 9/15/1949
The Lone Ranger Fights On 9/22/1949
The Lone Ranger's Triumph 9/29/1949
Region of Old Timers 10/6/1949
Rustlers' Hideout 10/13/1949
War Horse 10/20/1949
Pete and Pedro 10/27/1949
The Renegades 11/3/1949
The Tenderfeet 11/10/1949

DISC TWO - total run time 2 hr, 50 min.
High Heels 11/17/1949
Six Gun's Legacy 11/24/1949
Return of the Convict 12/1/1949
Finders Keeper 12/8/1949
The Masked Rider 12/15/1949
Old Joe's Sister 12/22/1949
Canonball McKay 12/29/1949
Message From Abe 2/7/1957

Little Britain Live

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Laugh out loud funny 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I first heard about these guys in Entertainment Weekly a few years ago so I decided to check season 1 DVD out. I loved them and they seemed to get funnier with each season. A must for any British comedy lovers.
This show has many of the same character they do in their regular show but it's Live.
Great stuff.

Editorial Review:

In Fall 2005, Britain's immensely popular, award-winning comedy duo took their hit TV program live in an 8-month UK tour that sold out in record time! For those who couldn't get tickets comes this DVD, recorded live at the Blackpool Opera House. All the exuberance and spontaneity of the live performance is captured on DVD. All your favorite characters are present, including Lou and Andy, Vicky Pollard, Emily Howard, Bubbles de Vere, Sebastian Love and Dafydd Thomas. There are no holds barred in this riotous live concert. And the only ticket available in North America comes from BBC Video.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurette
Other

Land of the Lost - The Complete Third Season

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

It is a kid's show... 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A two headed dinosaur, Medusa and a fire-breathing dinosaur who likes to eat coal. Oh, and don't forget the Flying Dutchmen. The third season of Land of the Lost does not even TRY to hide behind science or well written stories. No, they just start tossing in any old thing. The Sleestak listen to those bored sulks in the library WAY too much. And, frankly, too many of the episodes centered on them. In other words the writers were running out of ideas and I guess weren't paid enough to think up good, original ones. When did Enik become so self-centered and why does Cha-Ka know so many English words now? But still it was just a kids' show. Just keep telling yourself that. It was just a kids' show.

Still very Entertaining! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I don't really understand the bad reviews for the third season? Sure Rick Marshall left the show...SO What, Uncle Jack does a good job filling his boots. I mean you have to remember this was a kids show on Saturday morning...I know because I was there back then, I'm 47 now and still enjoy this show. The new sets are awesome, also like the new monsters. and I'm glad they got away from spending too much time trying to learn Pakuni language in the first two seasons...and now Chaka just speaks our language. Kathy Coleman's acting has improved and it's fun to see her growing up on the show.
Just imagine if this were the only episodes they ever made of Land Of The Lost, it is still very cool and entertaining show regardless if it meets up to the critics reviews...I like it and thats whats counts, and you should to if your not swayed away by the negative reviews...nothing can touch it today...I can't stand todays Saturday morning shows, they are so "politicaly correct" and mostly about rich spoiled kids...who cares...they don't even make sense to me.
I gave this third season 5 stars because these types of shows are gone forever and I'm not going to put it down.


Long live Land Of The Lost!

Law & Order: Trial By Jury - The Complete Series

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good series,but it has it's problems 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I first became a fan of the Law and Order franchise when I watched the first series of the original.Then came Criminal Intent followed by SVU.I was getting hooked on the real life Crime and Punishment and I wondered why the plug was pulled.Trial by Jury was good,but it had its flaws.I'm more of a fan of the original and SVU.When Dennis Farina was brought in to replace Jerry Orbach,I thought it was a very good decision.But I was sadden Dennis Farina left the series.He and Jesse Martin's character were a good formula.Despite massive cast changes the franchise will survive.There have been a lot of talk the Law and Order franchise is in a big rivalry with the CSI franchise.This would make great TV.I watch Law and Order because I get into the story faster than CSI.When I am writing my novels I watch the Law and Order episodes,it helps with my writers'block.

Editorial Review:

The jury is in! From creator Dick Wolf comes the most innovative Law & Order series yet: Law & Order: Trial by Jury - The Complete Series. Partner up with Jerry Orbach, Fred Dalton Thompson and Bebe Neuwirth to explore the judicial system like never before: not only from the point of view of police and prosecutors, but also the defense team, judges, jurors and the defendants themselves. This highly collectible three-disc DVD set contains all 13 original episodes of the entire series, including one never broadcast on network TV! Plus witness exciting deleted scenes, a landmark Law & Order: SVU cross-over episode starring Chris Meloni and Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay, the philosophy behind this unique show presented by the cast members, and powerful guest-star performances from Lorraine Bracco, Peter Coyote and Candice Bergen. You have the right to Law & Order: Trial by Jury!

The Last Detective - Series 3

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The perfect modern British detective series 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I am not the smoothest reviewer on the Internets but since there were only six reviews of TLD3, one of them a splenetic one-star for mention of the "diety"[sic], I feel I must weigh in.

THE LAST DETECTIVE is the perfect mystery series for the modern Anglo-friendly viewer. It sets the exact light, self-deprecating, mildly serious tone the subject matter deserves. From the score and title to the acting of the leads, character roles and guest stars, we are given a gift of a visit to Dangerous Davies's world: bracing, bittersweet, rich in detail and fully alive with modern drama.

I suppose there are other actors (Britain is certainly rich with them) who could have filled out the title role, but what Peter Davison has done with it is a landmark realisation on the order of Columbo or THE SWEENEY'S Regan. Every wrinkle of the middling Everyman with his slyly revealed backbone of steel is brought to life in Davison's performance. You genuinely care about this man and his relationship with his sneering colleagues, his daft buddies, his admiring subordinates and his Fellini-elf of a not quite ex wife. You'd like to have a pint at the pub with him, and you'd love him to look into your missing Bentley while he was at it.

I strongly urge US and world viewers who enjoyed, for example, the superb LIFE ON MARS (UK) and, going back, Inspector Morse and Prime Suspect, to start at series 1 and get to know Dangerous, his whisky- and magnesia-swilling Gov, and his whole crew. You will not be sorry.

Editorial Review:

Beleaguered by life and belittled by his colleagues, "Dangerous" Davies (Peter Davison, Doctor Who, All Creatures Great and Small) cracks four all-new cases in the detective series that has delighted legions of loyal fans. These newest full-length mysteries find Davies still slogging along in the Willesden constabulary, with promotion no more than a pipe dream. He’s still sharing a flat with Mod (Sean Hughes, The Commitments), the oddest of odd ducks. And he’s still trying to rekindle a romantic spark with his estranged wife, Julie (Emma Amos). On the job, Dangerous always gets the cases no one else wants—and no one notices when he eventually succeeds. You’ll surely notice, though, as you chuckle at the foibles of the screen’s most endearingly disrespected detective.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE Leslie Thomas bio and booklist, and cast filmographies.

Lois & Clark - The New Adventures of Superman - The Complete Seasons 1-4

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Golly, Chief! 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

"Lois and Clark" was a light-hearted comedy that centered more around the Clark Kent persona of the Superman sagas. As a superhero, Superman was always overladen with super powers and, as such, was a boor unless someone had the Kryptonite to go after him. I remember years ago, Superman had a race around the world against the Flash. The Flash had only one power, and that was extraordinary speed, but D.C. Comics could never bring themselves to give the race to the Flash, so they made it a draw--a cheap niggardly thing to do to poor Flash. Could not Superman have simply said, "I'm fast, pal, but you're way out of my league!" No, they couldn't even give the laurel wreath to poor Flash! Fortunately, in these seasons of Lois and Clark, a more lighthearted approach was taken.

"Smallville" always bored the living daylights out of me. It was far too touchy-feely for my tastes and could have been full of bullies, field trips to the big city, practical jokes on farmers (having steel implements appear bent into pretzel shapes and left in various places in about town and the local environ), but that would have required more creativity than was available. It also could have been set back in the early 40s, which would have given it a fun backdrop.

Anyway, Dean Cain was great, as well as Miss "they're real" Hatcher. This is quite a deal. If you've never seen the show, lucky you. This and Stargate SG-1 (4 stars) are worth checking out.

Editorial Review:

Casting a fresh look on a timeless legend this exciting action-packed update of the DC Comics Superman captures the daring exploits of the mysterious visitor from another planet and brings the city of Metropolis to life. Originally aired in the 90's on ABC this humorously romantic action/adventure hour-long series puts a modern twist on the time-honored legendary superhero bringing to life the comic book characters Clark Kent (Dean Cain); his superhuman alter-ego Superman; and Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher) fiction's first lady of the press in the most unrequited romance of all time. Includes "Lois & Clark: The Complete Seasons 1-4"Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 012569762077 Manufacturer No: 76207

Life As We Know It - The Complete Series

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 48 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great TV Series where you will long for more 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very short statement - I loved this series. I did not live in the USA when it was making its run, but I found a review and then purchased the series. It is a great statement about today's youth and their parents. You will long for more shows after you see it. Buy it and spend the weekend watching it.

GREAT SHOW.

Can't believe they pulled the plug on this one! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I watched this show from the start, only to be disapointed with it's short term running! I think this show is more life like than any reality show thats on today. I also believe it was easier to relate to then that of all the chick flicks of yesterday! Who knew - Kelly Osbourne can act!!, As well as did a great job of it! Such a shame it came to an abrupt end.

Editorial Review:

life as we know it defines the spirit of life through the eyes of teenagers dino ben jonathon jackie deborah & sue. This coming-of-age story is not just about sex love friendship & family but how the pressures of growing up affect their attitudes toward the things & people they love. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 08/23/2005 Starring: Dean Harris Chris Lowell