Television - DVD

Lost - The Complete Fourth Season

Amazon Price: $36.99 List Price: $59.99 Not yet released By: Buena Vista Home Video - Model: 05789200

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 57 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

show stinks 1 out of 5 stars.
5 of 20 people found this review helpful.

look i love this show but let me ask why is it released in every country but here? i know its about the christmas relase so they can make more money. but for petes sake get it together man and relase it in sep or oct. these ppl ruin everything good.

They've Lost the plot, and are now losing the viewers *SPOILER ALERT* 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 8 people found this review helpful.

When will this long and tedious journey ever end? Like all good new ideas, Lost started off brightly and got us all hooked... great characters, bizarre happenings, inexplicable coincidences, amazing miracles, the lot.

But that was hundreds of years ago. And yet here we are, still watching little groups of two and three characters marching about in that now oh-so-familiar undergrowth, holding flaming torches above their heads on God knows what missions... find the hut, find Jake, watch out for The Others, now watch out for the Other-Others with machine guns blah blah blah blah blah.

And still the flashbacks continue. And, in yet another twist, flash forwards as well. We're leaping back and forth in time, with each character getting their 'turn' every week, in an ever-growing confusing tangle of plotlines and sub-plots until we feel like we're drowning in a giant bowl of spaghetti.

And even now it's not over! After four long long long series (this one is half the length of the other series, but seems twice as long because we've seen most of it before, over and over and over again), six of the main characters finally get OFF the island!

Hurrah! The Lord be praised! But hold on to your hats... no sooner have they returned to the real world, than we find out that they've all got to go BACK to the island! Oh God, please, no, make it stop!

Somebody in these great Amazon reviews says if you've never seen Lost, watch just the very first episode, and the very final episode when it gets shown... and you'll probably not miss a thing. How right he is!

This series gets 2 stars because it's shorter than the other series, plus I like the Hawaii beach location they've been using... even though by now, I'm beginning to recognise every tree, every clearing and every hillside.

Might go there for my holidays... bet nobody else has thought of that.

Editorial Review:

LOST: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON (DVD MOVIE)

Heroes: Season 2

Amazon Price: $24.99 List Price: $39.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Universal - Model: MCAD61101979D Amazon Marketplace: 91 new & used starting at $18.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 153 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Unhappy 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I never received this order. I have tried to contact the supplier to no avail. Amazon.com is working on my refund.

Half-Season Weirdorama - hope for Season Three 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Shows such as Heroes, Prison Break, Lost are, to a significant degree, reflections of how many of us perceive the world around us during these uncertain and unsettled times:

- larger portions of our lives are influenced or even controlled by high-level entities or organizations who now have the means to implement their agendas
- things are almost never what they seem because hidden forces are at work
- only very few insiders completely understand and control and set the agendas for these all-controlling entities
- we should consider ourselves lucky if we can figure out the who's and the how's that change our world but we may never get to know the why's
- these hidden and mysterious 'powers that be' plot, plan and act globally

Heroes is a near-perfect reflection or expression for our current fears and paranoias and watching it could therapeutically help vindicate and validate them. Heroes reveals that there's a number of humans possessing near-supernatural powers who live secret lives while appearing as normal, ordinary people to the rest of the world. We are 'in the know' now, rigyht? But, wait, these poor gifted souls have no idea where those powers came from and, up until Season One started, they were hardly aware of each other's existence. And this is only the beginning. What we are watching unfold is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma - to borrow someone else's words. Someone or something appears to be working secretly to find all these gifted individuals and 'cure' them of their powers but... there's their parents' generation who seem to have their own agenda and there's some organization or maybe one specific individual up to no good (as we understand 'good') and, apparently, working diligently toward the near-extermination of the human species. Or... will we ever know what that REAL agenda is?

The first season was about getting to know the many 'gifted' characters and preventing a small human nuke from erasing the city of New York. There were lots of stories to be told and, by the time it was over, we learned to know and to care about some of the 'heroes'. Season Two was meant to look one onion-layer deeper into their origins and give us a glimpse of what lays underneath while the human species was about to experience mass near-extinction without realizing it. Sadly, the season had to be cut in half and the makers had to do quite a lot of behind the scenes patching, including a complete 180 of the 'extinction' part to save the plot. What we are left and get to watch is a largely unconvincing picture of our heroes trying to live normal lives and trying to understand their purpose while, of course, making sure that the world doesn't end. What we really get to see, and it is so in part because of the abbreviated season, is a not so compelling story often punctuated with heavy accents of weirdness. Add to this the series makers attempts to introduce AND take sides (and occasionally perform summary artistic justice) on some very specific elements from 'real life' - Katrina, the illegal immigration controversy - and we are presented with a mixture that's compelling enough to watch, even though I did have my occasional and unplanned naps while watching, and makes me want to give Heroes a chance to redeem themselves on Season Three.

I understand the problem the writers' strike posed and we should all be forgiving of some flaws in the plot but, and this may be good advice for the ongoing Season Three, perhaps the makers of this overall good show should be careful not to slip into weirdness for weirdness sake. I noticed a tendency of turning 'the cheerleader' into something that begins to resemble more that old 'bearded lady'. The increasingly frequent killing and 'miraculous' reviving of some of the main characters should be avoided or the overall balance may be disturbed and this entire effort could turn into some form of weirdorama.

Technically speaking, the show continues to be first-class. Clearly, gifted professionals were at work putting Heroes together. The acting is consistently good and the characters we knew from Season One do not disappoint. The jury is still out on the couple of new additions but, it seems, the makers are pretty good at killing those who prove themselves not to be up to the standards.

There are a couple of interesting extras. The story of Takezo Kensei is very well done and is providing some useful background that helps understand what Hiro's quest appears to be about. Another 'news report' on the mysterious inventor of the Internet does not seem to be directly related with the events shown on Season Two so, I assume, it was meant as a Season Three teaser.

Oh, and one more weird detail. There seems to be no good reason for this to be a 4-disk set. The first 8 of 11 episodes AND lots of extra are packaged on the first 2 disks. Then... Disk 3 has only 2 episodes and Disk 4 has one episode plus of few more minutes of 'extras'. Was this done so that it could justify a higher retail price?

Overall, I am granting this show 4 stars because I am rounding up the 3.5 I feel it truly deserves and I am rounding the star count up because I hope for a great Season Three rebound which may be happening as I am writing this review but I won't know it until the next 'season' bundle is released next year because I don't watch these shows on TV.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/26/2008 Rating: Nr

Smallville - The Complete Seventh Season

Amazon Price: $37.99 List Price: $59.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Warner Brothers - Model: WARD039474D Amazon Marketplace: 66 new & used starting at $32.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 84 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The low point of the series? 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've been a longtime follower of Smallville, and every year there's always fans (myself included) who finger the current year as "Jumping the shark". If you browse my profile you'll find my reviews of the older seasons start enthusiastic and become more critical as the years pass. While I won't comment on the currently airing season 8, the trend seems to hold true when you compare season 7 to the six that came before it - they're pure genius compared to this mess.

There's way too much going on this year. Smallville always has great comic book-esque storylines, but lacks development and internal logic within its own world. The writers jump from plot to plot with no pacing, so you get seemingly dramatic life-changing events that are completely forgotten by the next episode. There's a shocking twist involving the new Daily Planet Editor that's cut short right when it gets interesting; the return of Clark's biological mom Lara barely lasts an episode; Bizzaro appears and is promptly defeated - twice; Clark travels through time and space to save his infant self on Krypton in all of five minutes. Sam Jones finally returns as Pete Ross and is wasted in horrible product placement. Supergirl is introduced and barely developed before she's saddled with the amnesia cliche and disappears for most of the season. Why not settle on 2 or 3 storylines and develop them properly? And don't blame the writer's strike, which cuts this season by 2 episodes - the problems were obvious before the strike happened.

Speaking of outside influences, quite a few characters leave the show this year. Kristen Kreuk's sudden departure to film Street Fighter leaves her already weak character a rather anemic farewell - luckily she'll be back briefly in season 8 to tie up loose ends. Another character that I won't spoil dies a noble death, and will be missed. It's Rosenbaum's departure that's the real kicker, though. Not only is Smallville's best actor not coming back, but he's left with an ambiguous and unsatisfying ending. Hardly a great capper to 7 years of amazing work.

There are some things Smallville does right this year - the return of Brainiac and the 'Veritas' storyline bring a sense of continuity that the show has been sorely lacking. But overall, there's a lack of coherency that seasons 5 and 6 tried to have, and the show has no heart now that the Kent parents are gone. Whether or not you need this season depends on if you bought the first six and absolutely want the complete collection.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/09/2008 Run time: 900 minutes Rating: Nr

The Unit - The Complete Third Season

Amazon Price: $27.99 List Price: $39.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Fox / MGM - Model: FOXD2254167D Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $21.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Only eleven episodes for $27.99 ??? 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I absolutely love this show and own the Season 1,2,and 3 but Season 3 was very disappointing. The season starts out with a bang, but slowly slips downhill and no real season grand finale. And with only 11 episodes for $27.99, I think this is a total rip-off for the loyal fans of the Unit! WHAT - is Hollywood running out of money ???

Its back...in full effect 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

After what I felt was a lackluster second season, this short season's returns to the action that made the first season amazing. The stakes are a little high in some of the episodes (I wont spoil things, but I'm sometimes amazed that they dont mobilize The Army instead of The Unit when faced with the trials and tribulations they do), but the interaction with the wives and families is a lot more complementary than a separate drama.

The only thing missing? The theme from seasons 1 and 2! I like the new song by Robert Duncan, but I thought the "Fired Up" cadence from the first two seasons was a rare case of a flawless theme song. But I'll forgive it.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 10/14/2008 Rating: Nr

24 - Seasons 1 - 6

Amazon Price: $199.99 List Price: $389.88 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Fox Network Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $115.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

24 Series 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Product arrived ahead of schedule and so far no issues with any of the DVD's.

PIRATED? 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 14 people found this review helpful.

If DVDs are sticking or stopping. . they are probably pirated . I have gotten ONE DVD "I'll Cry Tomorrow" that was pirated .. resolution should be Super IF not 'pirated and then it would be .. 'not very good' as well .. I was going to buy the set until I read the two reviews .. shame on you Amazon .. PRIRACY is ILLEGAL . people can be find $250k and up to 5 years in prison .. I think you had better WATCH from whom you buy .. if NOT put out by the studio .. AND Boxed sets usually have BONUS material on them .. Ala "Get Smart" put out by Time/Life for the first year . now Warner Home Video is putting out each year per year .. NO bonus material . but if someone copies the 'shows' from . Oh well.. Buyer beware! ..
I first bought the Susan Hayward Movie I wanted in VHS form .. I phoned Amazon and told them to get a tape that is bout 1" long is NOT an authorized/studio VHS .. they refunded the money and I chose a DVD of same movie .. resolution was awful .. I knew . but did NOT call again .. BUT if you are getting sticky .. jerky & bad resolution DVDs . Call them .. ask for refund .. tell them it is pirated and search the web to report the seller .. Now Perhaps these are NOT pirated . but a few were bad .. Just remember .. Buyer beware ! .. Too much of this piracy going on .. residuals NOT being paid to those who deserve them . and IF Amazon is buying in bulk from same person/company .. NOT a STUDIO . then 'that is the person the FBI wants to find . Fine & jail' ..

Chuck - The Complete First Season

Amazon Price: $25.99 List Price: $39.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Warner Brothers - Model: WARD039240D Amazon Marketplace: 60 new & used starting at $21.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Ooh, Baby, Ooh! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I'm so happy I happened to stumble across this series and watch a few episodes free on Amazon.com. I immediately bought the first season set and became a "Chuck" groupie. This is a fabulous show. The BuyMore Nerd Herders are demented in a hilarious sort of way, Sarah and Casey are always in the midst of exciting action, and Chuck is adorable, engaging, and sharp. Pulled unwittingly into a spy game, Chuck is compelled to be a part of spy action that he is not equipped for, which adds up to a lot of fun and hair-raising close calls. His almost-romance with Sarah is tantalizingly imminent every week, but it always stays just out of reach. This is a great concept--adventure/action, romance, and comedy in every episode. It's simply chock full of fun and excitement. "Chuck" rocks, and I'm an inveterate fan. The first season set is excellent, with virtually every episode superlative. Fun, suspense, and romance--this show can't be beat. It's #1 on my list now.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/16/2008 Run time: 585 minutes Rating: Nr

The Sopranos - The Complete Series

Amazon Price: $254.99 List Price: $399.98 By: Hbo Home Video - Model: 1000039226 Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $249.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

great show, disappointing packaging 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this after selling my boxed sets. I wish I had just kept them. The packaging consists of a cardboard box with a cardboard "book" that has cheap cardboard sleeve inserts for the dvds so I had to buy a new case to put the dvds in to prevent scratching (if you own the Sex and the City dvd collection its almost the same concept), the ribbon that lifts the "book" out of the box became detached right away and I notice creasing that developed in the cardboard pages which makes me think they will eventually wear out and tear the pages apart. Bonus features were very disappointing, I have the Sex and the City dvd collection and they had better bonus features. There could have been montages, farewell colllections, video clips, award show scenes or something. No interviews with James Gandolfini at all! I just think HBO went cheap considering the status and impact that this show had. Whaddya gonna do about it though right?

No way... 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 19 people found this review helpful.

Being a loyal fan of "The Sopranos", I've purchased EVERY SINGLE SEASON and BOTH SOUNDTRACK CDs...including BOTH PARTS of SEASON 6 on Blu-Ray (even though I had them already on regular DVD). Now we have the entire set plus extras...not even Blu-Ray??? No, thanks. Even if this is released on Blu-Ray one day (as it should have been NOW), I may just pass on it...unless I win the lottery. Still, this is really bad marketing for such a great show. Rip-off!

Editorial Review:

Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008

The Wire - The Complete Fifth Season

Amazon Price: $38.99 List Price: $59.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Warner Brothers - Model: HBOD38240D Amazon Marketplace: 71 new & used starting at $31.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 68 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

still a great show 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

story takes a little while to get going, but once it does you're hooked again.

Loved this series 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I've been watching The Wire fpr several years now, and now that I've watched the final season I feel like I've graduated or something. I'm sad because this is definitely one of my favorite TV series of all time. It's just so addictive: smart, interesting, very well written and acted. I love The Wire.

Compromises and sacrifices 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This series was perhaps the series that brought out that final part of some of the characters personas.

The big question that they were asked was "Would you sacrifice your career for the common good?" Some said yes, some said no.

We get the chance to look at the reporter who is struggling with inability and what he is prepared to do to get ahead. We look at characters who when given the chance to compromise their beliefs, refuse to do so.

This series is just brilliant, very deep and full of issues.

Loved it.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 08/12/2008 Run time: 630 minutes

Heroes - Season One

Amazon Price: $42.99 List Price: $59.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Universal - Model: MCAD61101031D Amazon Marketplace: 105 new & used starting at $25.29

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 454 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Where's my order? 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I still have not recieved my order that was purchased on September 30. It is now November 2. I have contacted both amazon and the seller and have not heard back from either. I am very frustrated!!!

Heroes - Season One 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

For those like me who missed episodes, had gaps from interruptions or had failing attention, Heroes 1st season is a pleasant reintroduction to the beginning of the Heroes series. I haven't seen a quality sci-fi program that wasn't worthwhile seeing again, and you usually find elements not seen the first time.

A DVD set, obviously, provides a very good long term storage system for quality video images and stereo sound. And it's a far better storage system than VHS tape. Technology is always marching on, and DVD is safe for 5-10 years. Most advances are incremental steps; choose your shots well.

So, I'll be getting the additional years/ seasons as they are available.

Kurbe

heros series 1 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

what more can you say????????? great show, great service. thanks so much. would highly reccomend.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/28/2007

Prison Break - Season 3

Amazon Price: $31.99 List Price: $49.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT - Model: FOXD2252727D Amazon Marketplace: 58 new & used starting at $22.70

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 47 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

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

Michael Scofield ( Wentworth Miller ) back into prison ( What A Mess, Prison !! ) He's really brilliant the way he's escape ( how he's bullies the other )and save L.J at the museum. And even He's act is very smart ( 2 thumbs up for him ).
The series still make us curious about the woman who killed Sara and the whom Michael Scofield brought him out too..So Brilliant for the writer.
You Must See this series...It's a great one from season one.
Just to bad, for this season, the series is too short. Overall, love this series.

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

Changing the roles, still great. Prison Break continues with great twists, surprises and non-stop watching episodes in this third season.

Prison Break 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I started out buying a download with Pepsi caps and watching the movie here on my computer where it's saved automatically and I can watch over and over. I must admit, it was good, super good. I got addicted to the TV series and have now downloaded two series and bought the third series where Amazon sent me two Cd's in a very nice package (shipping and handling FREE) for many more hours of entertainment. I am now looking forward to the forth series as soon as it becomes available. I highly recommend Amazon for their service and dedication to their products. Use your Credit card without fear. I did and have had no problems at all. Jerry

Editorial Review:

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/12/2008 Run time: 609 minutes Rating: Nr