Customer Reviews:
A moving and wonderful series.......2008-02-21
As a long term male fan of JLH (well let's face it she is one of the most gorgeous actresses out there, IMHO) I just had to see what all the Ghost Whisperer fuss was about. Yes, JLH does have plenty of opportunities to show off her rather famous bosom and cleavage but beyond that I have found the stories to be very well written, directed and acted by all concerned. The episodes really make me feel emotional for the situation portrayed (for me a sign that the show is doing all the right things) and I am very intrigued by the little twists and wrinkles each episode has just after the half way stage which give the story a slightly different slant. I am still only part way through the first series but I have already ordered the second as I have a strong feeling that this will be a series I will watch again and again over time. If you like the spooky and supernatural then give this a go and see what you think.
Cannot get enough!.......2008-01-26
I absolutely adored this series from the first episode to the nail biting cliff hanger finale. I have told all my friends about Ghost Whisperer and they are hooked. I cannot recommend this enough my daughter and I watch this together and cannot wait for season 2 to come out. If you love ghost stories and you like a good weepy buy this dvd you wont regret it.
Excellent.......2008-01-16
If you are looking for a spooky series then look elsewhere. The mediocre special effects are always the same, and so are the plots (a ghost glides sideways through a room, it looks evil but it's a good fellow after all), not to mention the facial expression of the leading lady: only one provided. And yet... it's addictive against your will. It develops a sub-plot with a twist towards the end of the series. I still giggle all the way through every episode, which drives my husband up the wall, but I hope to see series 2 so I know what happens next. Confused? You will be!
Loved It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-12-26
This is the kind of show that makes you actually think about life and to enjoy it as well! James Van Praagh which is the co-producer of the show is brilliant! and He has helped so many people through his show and his books. After the First season was over I could not stop my curiosity to get to know more about this subject of the spirit world and I went to buy all James Van Praagh books, if you love the series you 'must' read his books!! Love it!!
Somewhere between Buffy and Tru Calling.......2007-12-19
Those of you still trying to fill the impossible gap left by Buffy and Angel could do a lot worse than Ghost Whisperer. Although the idea itself isn't new (Medium, Sixth Sense, etc), the show distinguishes itself by packing an emotional punch that involves the viewer and keeps you coming back for more (as Buffy once did). Episodes frequently end on a note of real poignancy, and more often than not you may find yourself getting a bit choked up!
My only worry is that the format of the show seems to leave little room for creativity (although there are certainly some clever variations on the theme)...if the show can't adapt and develop in the future, it may suffer the same untimely fate as Tru Calling. Let's hope not, though, as the early signs are very promising.
Amazon.co.uk Review
The biggest hit of 1990, Ghost is part comedy, part romance, part supernatural thriller. Patrick Swayze, previously best known for Dirty Dancing, stars as Sam, the banker who is killed following a mugging. Caught in a limbo between here and the afterlife, he uses Whoopi Goldberg's fake psychic as an intermediary to warn wife Molly (Demi Moore) that his death was no accident but a murder and that she is in danger too.
Ghost's original popularity and notoriety originally arose not from its dealings with the supernatural but the scene involving Moore fondly astride her potter's wheel fashioning a somewhat phallic-shaped vase, with Swayze fondly astride her. So infamous did this scene become that it's now more likely to raise a chuckle than a sultry sigh. As for the rest of the movie, it still somehow manages to engage despite the awkward juxtaposition of lachrymose melodrama and zaniness. Demi Moore, whose massive Hollywood success was always a mystery to some, is a little flat as the tomboy-coiffed Molly, her tears occasionally seeming onion-induced. Swayze, however, delivers as Sam while Whoopi Goldberg turns in the best performance of her career, delivering the requisite zip and sass to what otherwise might have been a morose movie.
On the DVD: Though well restored, DVD enhancement has only served to emphasise the slightly quaint feel of the special effects here--Ghost was made just prior to the digital era. Otherwise, this is a good package and an essential purchase for fans. There's a 22-minute featurette, "Remembering the Magic", in which scriptwriter Bruce Joel Rubin explains that the film was inspired by the scene in Hamlet in which the Prince meets his Father, and how initially appalled he was that his masterpiece of the supernatural was to be directed by Jerry Zucker, previously responsible for Airplane!. They also reveal that Tina Turner was originally cast for the Goldberg role. Zucker and Rubin team up for a funny commentary track. --David Stubbs
Customer Reviews:
A CLASSIC.......2007-11-26
Certain movies will just always be hard to write a review for. You can give your opinion and say what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy but I find myself hesitating in certain aspects just because a classic must be left some space to be a classic. Ghost as far as I'm concerned will forever be a romantic classic. It's sheer brilliance is it's twists, it is incredibly, deeply, romantic and at the same time terrifying, and has an underlying story that is never fully explored. It's got action, mystery, horror, and at the heart is the pure, simplistic romance of it all.
The story is about an investment banker played by Patrick Swayze and his girlfriend, played by Demi Moore. Sam and Molly are deeply in love, planning for the future and happier in their lives than ever before. Until Sam discovers laundered money in investment accounts. He is robbed and subsequently murdered for his password to the computer in order to empty the laundered money from the accounts. But Sam doesn't go the other side. He is kept on earth in spirit form because of his unfinished business both with Molly and to discover his murderer. He must learn the ropes of being a ghost and nobody else can hear him until he runs into a so called psychic who scams people into believing she can contact their dearly departed. However it turns out, Oda Mae Brown played in her academy award winning role by Whoopie Goldberg can actually hear Sam. Together the unlikely team must help each other uncover the horrible murder plot and save Molly.
Swayze and Moore make an incredible couple..hot on screen. Their careers have perhaps slipped since then one might say but this was them at their best. Swayze was indeed at the top of his game coming out of Dirty Dancing and Roadhouse and Moore was young and a new hot commodity which made them undeniably perfect together. Their roles fit them perfectly. Whoopie Goldberg was hilarious and believable as Oda Mae and her character was such an integral part of the film. Tony Goldwyn plays a great villain as the betrayer of the film. In a short time director Jerry Zucker establishes a best friendship between Goldwyn and Swayze, a deeply loving relationship between Swayze and Moore, and a plot line that goes far beneath the movie. Obviously Goldwyn's character is being used by a much higher up criminal to launder money although we never see him. Is he being blackmailed? Paid off? Something held over his head? Maybe he's not the bad guy but rather forced to commit these acts? It's a big job because we also know Willie Lopez played by Rick Aviles is involved in this as well. And deeper than that we have the theology in the film. The light brings good people to the afterlife and the dark shadowy beings torture the evil.
This film is one of a few that is endlessly watchable meaning you can sit down any time and watch it through over and over and over again which is exactly what makes it a classic. It has it's holes, it has to with a plot like that. And it has it's disturbing moments, a gratituous death scene, a make out scene which although features Swayze and Moore is actually Demi and Whoopi...you have to see it to understand it. Also if Sam Wheat must learn how to physically touch things in his ghost form...how does he sit, walk, etc before he learns that? And his first experience with walking through a door happens days after his death. I'm sure sometime between then and that point he would have had to have walked through something. Perhaps those are minor points but they are things that will come up especially if you have seen it as many times as I have.
The film is a must see and if you haven't seen it, go watch it right now!! Because it's one of those staples of films that everyone must know about. Ghost is amazing!! 9/10
top film.......2005-07-07
this is one of my favorite films of all time. its combines both saddness with great comedy. though the storyline between sam (swayze) and molly (Moore)is heart wrenching and great to watch i love to watch this for the pure comedical value of whoopi goldberg who makes me laugh from the moment that she is it and lightens the mood of the film so it is not a complete tear jerker.
this film is one you have to watch if u are a hopeless romantic or love comedy it definetly has both in abundance.
"I've always loved you".......2004-10-22
This is without a doubt my favourite film of all time. I have watched it, it must be about a billion times and each time, without fail, the end scene leaves me with tears in my eyes. But as I watched it, I realized that there is more than one reason why Sam is murdered. I won't say anything in case I spoil the story for someone who hasn't seen this film, but, if you have this film on either DVD or video, watch it again and look VERY CLOSELY at Molly's actions towards the end. If you don't have this film, buy it and do the same.
A classic romantic film.......2004-10-13
This film never fails to provoke a tear-jerking session from me, and that in itself shows how utterly brilliant this film is. It is a true classic. Patrick and Demi have an award-winning chemistry between them on screen, which aids in this well devised film. Some bits make you laugh, and some make you cry - but thats the beauty of it.
Not bad........2003-09-11
This is that film that you watch if you want to listen to the song thats played in it. But once you have heard it you just cant turn it off. I bought it for my mum and she loves the film, so I have come to sort of enjoy it. If you like the romantic, ghosty "death cant tear us apart" type of film then ghost is for you.
The extras on the disc are very good, and although they are little in numbers, whats there is worth the monney.
Customer Reviews:
Spooky, emotional and unmissable!.......2008-01-23
I have watched both Series 1 and 2 on Sky and already own Series 1. I absolutely love Ghost Whisperer and the only down side is that they have to have a break between each series (S2 has just finished) - I can't wait for the next one. J. Love-Hewitt is brilliant in her role as Melinda, a woman who helps the dead to cross over and she has a strong bond with her husband and friends. Some of the spirits can be quite creepy and the beginning of each story keeps you on the edge of your seat, then by the end, when she helps them talk to their loved ones, it's quite emotional. I hope they continue to make many more series because this is my favourite programme and I love the topic as it's believable.
Customer Reviews:
Ghost has the power to really make you believe.......2008-03-04
This film has helped me through so many bad times. Round about the time this was released on DVD i lost my mum to cancer. This was the last film I watched with her so nowadays it has sentimental value. This is a perfect film to watch if you're depressed as it does make you feel better after you watch it. This is my fave movie ever. I watch this nearly every month because I love the movie so much. This cannot be repeated twice, there can't be a sequel to it, It's a golden tear film (meaning weepie) The power that this film has is unbelievable. If you have lost a loved one then you'd know the power that i'm talking about. The acting is superb. Patrick really does make you believe in this character and this nightmare he is going through and by the end you really do feel the magic that the character goes through. It does really make you wonder what that life beyond death is really like. The romantic side of this film doesn't miss a beat. Patrick and Demi's chemistry is paramount to the story and it doesn't feel faked, it feels real. The inclusion of Whoopi Goldberg's character gives it a lighthearted style humour which by the end has a message to it. Jerry Zucker who recent flicks before this one were Airplane! does a great job mixing the heartfelt sentimentality with the stand out humour that you get when Patrick and Whoopi are together on screen. Whoopi quite rightly deserved that Oscar she got for this role. Her acting was brilliant. Two cast members has been outlooked by every one but without there characters this movie might not have worked. I'm talking about of course Tony Goldwyn as Karl and Rick Aviles as Willie. The subtile acting brings out their most evil side and you are genuinly shocked when you found out he was in on it the whole time. How could you allow your best friend to be murdered? You feel that their just desserts are quite literally deserved after how you see them as and what they had done to Sam. It is scary in some parts and even a little gruesome but the message does still shine through. Love is forever if you believe. By the end yes even i was in floods of tears. That is the power that this one has, to literally bring you to tears. No matter how hard you try, it will always do that. I have watched this time and time again and I still cry buckets at the end, even before the scene even starts, I'm already filling up. The end scene is the standout moment of the film. It is the magic of GHOST. There is no more powerful word than goodbye. Industrial Light and Magic create an effect that pulls at the heartstrings and the acting from the stars pulls even more. The real magic of this scene is Maurice Jarre's powerful soft instrumental theme of Unchained Melody. The soft violins lets the tears flow. It is truly beautiful. Even right now i'm thinking of it and i'm getting a lump in my throat. If you haven't seen this yet, see it now. If you want a great tearjerker, they don't come better than this.
Death doesn't mean the end of love.......2007-12-14
I consider Ghost to be a classic. It's a film that you can watch over and over or once in a blue moon and still be touched by it. It covers so many genres a film has to offer, comedy, action, suspense, romance, the list is endless. Yet with all this, it still manages to be in a class of it's own. It's such a beautiful story, proving that death doesn't mean the end of love, if you believe and remember, love will never die. The cast are fantastic, with the three leads cementing their positions as true stars. Patrick Swayze impresses as Sam, giving a thoughtful performance with many emotionally powerful moments. Demi Moore convinces as Molly, and spends the majority of the film with tears running down her face, which actually became quite funny in it's own right. As Oda Mae Brown, Whoopi Goldberg is sensational, providing great laughs and a perfect performance. On the whole, the film keeps you mesmerised from beginning to end. It never hits a boring moment, it just flies by and you're left wondering where the last two hours went. It really is that good. Ghost is a film that I'll never forget, seamlessly blending every kind of film together to make one outstanding one. Definitely up there with the greats.
Timeless classic.......2007-09-13
One of the most beautiful, and fun, love stories of all time.
This film will never age and is a garanteed uplifter for any woman feeling low.
Watched alone with a glass of wine or in the company of others for a chick flick night to remember Ghost is a definate must have for anyone with slushy taste.
It will have you laughing and crying the whole way through
Manipulative Garbage.......2007-09-09
As commercial as they come, a fully primed tearjerker of a movie made with no shame whatsoever! This cast list was really a warning to genuine movie lovers to stay away from this one. Was bound to be an absolute stonking success.
Customer Reviews:
Another great story.......2007-12-16
with the first season of ghost in the shell being absolutely breathtaking could the 2nd season possibly beat it?. to make a long story short yes it could.
with section 9 regrouped they are challenged by a new group called the individual eleven.
this set gathers all 26 episodes together in 7 single disc slim line boxes
the extras are alright for this collection (interviews with cast and crew text less openings ect)
the appearance of this season is spectacular. with darker environments and graphics that are mind blowingly brilliant. to add to this the opening and closing videos are something to be witnessed as it shows how good anime openings can be.
i could recommend this to most people in a heartbeat although as a word of warning it does occasionally get a little bit gory and psychological so its not particularly recommendable for younger audiences
The Ultimate in Manga!!! The best in the Ghost In The Shell franchise........2007-12-05
Having already seen Series One, Ghost in the Shell and Inocence I am already big on the Ghost in the Shell franchise.
This is the most tense, gripping and awe inspiring of not just GITS but of any manga series I have seen.
Having closed the Laughing Man Case, section 9 have a new case on their hands but on a much bigger scale involving terrorism and corruption along with the usual day to day cases. It seems it maybe to much for the newly reformed section 9 to handle, considering their power has been reinstated but much more limited and controlled by the fat cats in the Government.
Expect all the usual intense action, graphics, humor, and spectacular animation from this top notch series with one of the most intellectual and gripping storylines to ever be told.
If your alreay a fan of the GITS franchise get this, if your new and need something to really blow you away get the 1st series and this one too, Amazon normally has a great deal pairing these two box sets in one nice package that is also affordable. Cheaper and better than going down to your local HMV or Zavvi store.
Top notch, spectacular and intense Manga at its best, surely this is how Manga should be!!!!
Absolutely Brilliant! .......2007-10-06
Ok Im already a big fan of Ghost in the shell and then 2nd GIG was realeased- The storyline is gripping and intense. I bought the set so that i could watch the episodes over a couple of days.
As close to future realism as anime can get. The soundtrack- again by Yoko Kanno is amazing- i urge you to buy that too!
Its anime like GITS that sets the bar for the future.
A Visual Feast!.......2007-10-02
You wil never EVER see an anime as beautifully crafted as this. The penwork is eye-achingly beautiful, the CGI intergration seamless, and not only that, but the character development and story-line are well thought out. This series, as well as it's predecessor, are brilliant examples of anime. You'll have to go a long way to find as good as this. As well as the original film (I'm not too big a fan of Innocence) they go to show that cartoons aren't just for kids.
GITS: SAC 2nd GIG.......2007-06-27
Unless you have watched the first season of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex then I suggest you stop reading here and go buy the 1st GIG Complete Boxset - the 2nd GIG often refers to the original series.
Some time has passed since the Laughing Man case closed, and Public Security special unit Section 9 is moving on to new and greater challenges.
2nd GIG is, immediately, a lot darker and more serious than the 1st GIG, with the backdrop being a Japan on the verge of a civil war. Without spoiling too much, the 2nd GIG revolves around the refuges in Japan, with corruption and violence becoming more frequent between the refuges and the natives of Japan.
The 2nd GIG is a much more political-based season, however the animation has been improved for the 2nd GIG, and due to the fact that we know each character the season kick starts in a major way (no pun intended). Personally I found the first episode to be the best of the season, however they are all fantastic episodes (26 in total). It would spoilt the entire story to explain the opening episode so all I will say is that the Laughing Man case is over, and Section 9 are trying to return to normality despite the collapse of the Government in the first GIG.
The episodes are, as in the 1st GIG, split into several different sections - there are Individual episodes, in which short stories are told in the space of a single episode, there are Dividual episodes which revolve around the refuge issues, and there are Dual episodes, which is the main story in the season, revolving around Ghoda (I won't say anything about him as it's best just to watch).
The 2nd GIG is definitely darker and more politic-based, however the style of animation, the characters, and the great emotion that is put across through the gradually expanding story is compelling and enticing.
Without a doubt, if you've seen and enjoyed the 1st GIG then I recommend you buy this. The entire collection is just £30; I waited to buy this entire set as the 7 DVDs work out at about £70 when purchased individually.
The 2nd GIG for just £30 is a bargain, and cheaper than most shops. What've you got to lose?
Amazon.co.uk Review
Once intended as a feature for Johnny Depp, the long-germinating feature film adaptation of Marvel Comics' cult title Ghost Rider stars Nicolas Cage as motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who transforms into a skull-faced angel of vengeance to battle the forces of evil. Though perhaps a bit too mature for the role, Cage brings a degree of humour to the outrageous proceedings; he's well matched by the Easy Rider himself Peter Fonda, amusingly cast as Mephistopheles, the demon with whom Blaze strikes a bargain to save his father, and in turn, causes his transformation into Ghost Rider. Wes Bentley is also fine as Blackheart, the rebellious offspring of Mephistopheles, and Blazes' chief opponent in the film. They're joined by a solid supporting cast which includes Donal Logue, Eva Mendes, and Sam Elliott, but their participation and a relentless barrage of CGI effects can't hide the fact that the story itself, though largely faithful to its comic origins, is rife with clichéd characterizations and glum B-movie dialogue. Fans of the venerable title may cry foul over this adaptation (as they did over helmer Mark Steven Johnson's previous comic-to-movie feature, Daredevil), but less stringent viewers may enjoy the fiery visuals and Cage's typically quirky performance. --Paul Gaita
Customer Reviews:
Not great, but better than I'd expected.......2008-03-13
It's a fairly fromulaic commic book adaptation from the Marvel stable (superhero with issues), and Nicholas Cage could do with dropping some of his irritating mannerisms, but it moves along nicely, has some decent dialogue, and respects the conventions of the genre (play it straight, no convenient endings, leave personal issues unresolved, beat bad guys).
My other half, who doesn't favour action movies, enjoyed it, so that in itself puts in in the worth-a-couple-of-hours-of-one's-time category.
boring.......2008-03-11
Please dont buy or rent this utterly boring DVD unless you want to waste your evening.
I liked it.......2008-02-17
I hated the Ghostrider comics (though I am a Marvel fan) and I had dreaded watching this film after all the bad reviews, but I found I liked it. It's a simple, doesn't require too much thinking, piece of escapism. I would have prefered the great (and very underrated) Sam Elliot - seen here as the gravedigger - as the Ghostrider of the title.
I have to declare now, that I am anything but a Nicholas Cage fan, I've always considered him more wooden than our kitchen table, but that doesn't matter with this film as the love interest is worse and makes him look almost animated (yes, she really is that bad). Fortunately she's not in it that much.
This would have been the perfect opportunity to use a little known or unknown actor, but they went with Francis Ford Coppola's nephew. Well, never mind.
If you're looking for a film that you can sit in front of that doesn't require any deep thought, and you have no preconceived ideas, then this might be for you.
About as bad as I expected........2008-01-31
The special effects are good. The acting is fine. Even the plot is OK, for a superhero story, although you have to suspend disbelief more than you would for, say, Spiderman.
The real problem with Ghostrider is the dialog, which ranges from cliched to unbearably cheesy. The main baddie (supposedly the son of the Devil) talks more like a pantomime villain, and the GR himself delivers cringe-worthy one liners to his enemies throughout. The Devil himself barely even registers his presence on screen, which is quite annoying.
The love interest is a dreadfully shallow lady which for the life of me I cannot see what Nick Cage's character sees in her.
I found myself unable to concentrate on this film, it just dragged on without anything interesting happening, but it's worth a watch if you want something undemanding which you won't bother pausing when you go to put the kettle on.
2.5 stars.......2008-01-27
Ghost Rider exists somewhere between 'i dont like it' and 'its ok'. It just drips corny with some of the lines and sequences. I can't believe such a talented actor like Nicholas Cage got involved in this project. No real drama or climax to speak of and there are enough movies out there to fill your need for good action. I wouldn't recommend it.
Customer Reviews:
just who are the solid state?.......2008-03-15
this is the third film based off of the ghost in the shell series. set after the second GIG the year is 2034 and a new hacker has emerged known as the puppet master.after a series of suicides the team of section 9 are following leads as to weather they are all connected and when a large group of children mysteriously turn up at a hospital with large chunks of there memories missing the matter is further complicated.
as this is the 1st film based from the Tv Series my expectations were high when watching this film. the story itself is wonderful with some moments bringing surprise twists that i really didn't see coming.its gripping and still holds up the excitement and fast paced nature that the TV series had.
the music throughout the film is provided by Yoko Kanno who provides the music for shows including cowboy bebop, 1st and 2nd GIG of Gits S.A.C. and .hack//sign and as such is wonderfully emotive and used to full effect.
the graphics are breathtaking as usual and some of the 3-D elements are fascinating to say the least.
this DVD comes in a wonderful 2-disc box complete with several extras including: English and Japanese trailers,design sheets, and a unique mini film entitled uchikoma days it is also in 16:9 anamorphic ratio.
it does have its flaws however: some of the 3-D scenes are a little poor (hence the 4 star rating) and the story can occasionally become a little confusing but personally i think thats part of its charm.
to summarize this film is a brilliant addition to the Gits S.A.C. franchise. and would be definitely recommended if you like an action thriller with intellectual moments woven in to it.
Section 9 Returns..........2007-09-12
Whilst this is viewed by many as the third GitS film, it is - in actuality - the third installment of the highly successful Stand Alone Complex series.
SSS follows on from SAC 2nd GIG - if you haven't seen that then stop reading and watch it - and follows Section 9 two years after the events of the Individual Eleven case. After the events surrounding Kuze, the Major has left Batou and the rest of the group, and Secion 9 has - as a result - fallen into the responsible hands of Togusa, who has developed greatly in his skills and experience since Motoko's departure.
The story now revolves around a new enemy to Japan: an unknown Hacker named the Pupperteer - for those of you who have seen the original film and are thinking that this is just a rip-off on the Puppet Master, you're mistaken. Section 9 is presented with a series of suicides by military refuges and must search for the Puppeteer before a civil war breaks out within Japan. However it would seem that there is another unknown presence that is watching over the work of the Puppeteer.
Whilst Solid State Society is, more or less, a third installment of the SAC series it is presented more beautifully than the two GIGs, with much improved CGI imagery and excellent voice work. Mary McGlyn returns once again to perform as the voice of Motoko, and Origa (the singer who sung the intro themes from the first two SAC GIGs) is back to sing the intro and ending themes for SSS.
On the topic of the music, Yoko Kanno is once again back and creating greatly atmospheric and emotional themes that accompany the action on-screen perfectly.
Solid State Society continues to follow GitS's perfectly complex and political issues, but seems to have followed SAC 2nd GIG more than the other films or series, as it maintains a realtively dark atmosphere throughout it's duration; that said, no GitS film is really all that light-hearted.
The film itself is worth buying, as it's a great addition to the SAC universe, however there are also a couple of great extras packed onto the second disk of this set - although Amazon has only stated there's one disk there are actually two. On the bonus disk you get the interviews with the director, designer etc. just as you did with the two SAC GIGs. However you also get a nice bonus with an extended episode of Uchikomatic Days - the Tachikomatic Days from the SAC GIGs obviously cannot continue due to storyline purposes.
The overall quality of SSS is very high, with it's only real downfall being that you don't get the same kind of feel for the Puppeteer as you did for the Laughing Man, Kuze or Ghoda. However that was always to be expected due to the fact that this is a film, not a 26-episode series.
All the characters that you've grown to love appear in SSS, and unlike GitS 2: Innocence you are not left with a nasty taste in your mouth once the credits begin to role.
Overall I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys anime, and expecially to those who enjoy GitS and the Stand Alone Complex universe. However, be warned that unless who have watched the previous installments of SAC, the events that occured will be revealed in the course of Solid State Society - so I recommend you watch those before you buy this.
WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE? BUY IT NOW!
Section 9 returns.......2007-08-24
The Solid State Society film is in effect the third instalment of the excellent Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV series, rather than a continuation of the two feature films. The action in this film takes place roughly two years after the events in Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig with the Major having resigned, and Togusa having taken over the newly expanded Section 9. The team is investigating a string of strange suicides when the trail leads to the mysterious hacker the `Puppeteer'.
As one of the previous reviewers stated, Solid State Society does have the file of an extended episode of the Stand Alone Complex series rather than a film in its own right, but this is hardly a criticism when the series in question is of such high quality. The animation and voice acting are comparable, if not slightly superior to, that seen in the series and the story itself is involving and exciting with many a twist. I would recommend that people watch the two series of Stand Alone Complex before watching this but even if you haven't this is still a vastly enjoyable anime.
The amazing sci-fi franchise of Stand Alone Complex continues.......2007-08-16
This is another amazing addition for the Stand Alone Complex series (i.e. the TV series). This film does not continue from the original GitS I and II films, but follows on from GitS: 2nd Gig, so don't look at the original films and expect to understand what is going on.
The film takes place a few years after the end of 2nd Gig; apparently, the film was created instead of doing a third season of the TV series. Some people have speculated that it takes place in around 2034, two years afterwards, but it's difficult to say, because all I could pick up from the film is that it takes place two years after the Major has left Section 9. I'm not 100% certain that she did leave Section 9 at the end of 2nd Gig, so maybe something else happened to cause her to leave.
So, we now have a Section 9 without the Major, and it is headed up instead by Togusa. All the familiar faces are there, as well as a few new rookies. The film kicks off with Section 9 investigating a spate of suicides by members of a known terrorist group, all of them mentioning "The Puppet Master" before killing themselves. It becomes extremely apparent that things are far more complex than initially thought, with a far reaching conspiracy.
I won't divulge any more of the plot itself, but the film is done in the exact same style as the TV series. This works to its advantage, in my opinion, simply because I've always found the TV series to be far superior in substance (except, perhaps, with the original GitS film): the plot lines are far more involved, the intrigue thick, and the focus on the political and sociological setting far superior than the original films. It would've been nice to have something prettier to look at (the GitS II: Innocence film was gorgeous to watch), but if that comes at the expense of the very complex world the Stand Alone Complex series has created, forget the eye candy.
Highly recommended!
An enjoyable addition to the SAC universe........2007-08-14
Firstly I'd like to point out that If you've seen either of Mamoru Oshii's films, Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence dont expect any continuity with these films as the Stand Alone Complex interpretation of the Ghost in the Shell universe is closer to the original manga in spirit. Also dont expect this to be on same kind of level as Oshiis films.
Thats not to say that Solid State Society isnt good, but its more like a feature length episode of SAC than a separate film. For this reason I would recommend watching both the 1st and 2nd Gig's of SAC prior to this as these are referred to in the film.
The only reason I havent given SAC 5 stars, is as mentioned above, it is more like a feature length episode, the quality of animation and cinematography are not wildly different than that seen in the anime, personally I feel they should have given it a little extra imapact.
I wont spoil the plot, but suffice to say ALL the main characters appear in this.
Amazon.co.uk Review
It's been a long time coming, but at last the digitally remastered version of the original 1982 horror movie has arrived. Tobe Hooper, the director of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, teamed up with family-oriented producer Steven Spielberg to make Poltergeist, about a haunted suburban home in a development very much like the Arizona one in which Spielberg was raised. (Because it came out the same summer as Spielberg's E.T., it was tempting to see both movies as representing Spielberg's ambivalent feelings about childhood in suburbia. One was a fantasy, the other a nightmare.) Spielberg also co-wrote the screenplay, which taps into primal, childlike fears of monsters under the bed, monsters in the closet, sinister clown faces, and all manner of things that go bump in the night. At first, some of the odd happenings in the house are kind of funny and amusing, but they grow gradually creepier until the film climaxes in a terrifying special-effects extravaganza when five-year-old Carole Anne (Heather O'Rourke) is kidnapped by the spooks and held hostage in another dimension. Though not nearly as frightening as Hooper's magnum opus, or the original A Nightmare on Elm Street, which came along two years later, Poltergeist is one of the smartest and most entertaining horror pictures of its time. --Jim Emerson
Customer Reviews:
It's Here..........2007-11-03
The classic Poltergeist is released on Region 2 DVD for the first time. If you own the original release on Region 1, it is worth noting that the picture quality on this release is significantly better, so despite the lack of decent extras, it is worth upgrading for picture quality alone.
However, this release does suffer from an annoying jump cut that occurs between the scene where JoBeth Williams' character is showing her husband the sliding chairs (and child) in the kitchen and when they go to their neighbour's house to ask if he's been experiencing anything strange. The cut happens right in the middle of a sentence. The reason for this is because the line "I hate Pizza Hut" is uttered by Craig T. Nelson's character near the end of the scene. Pizza Hut strongly objected to the bad mouthing of their company and MGM agreed to excise it. The sequence was only ever available on the original 1982 theatrical prints of the film. The edit occurs on all other prints of the film. Whether it be television airings, Home Video, DVD, etc.
Will never watch again, but not because poorly made.......2007-11-03
This movie scared like me no other movie I've watch which a guess is the point, but when you watch it in the theaters as a child sitting in a booster seat the scare sticks with you in a way it may not reach an adult. I only remember bits and pieces of the first time because I think I was cowaring in my seat and trying not to watch it. I wanted to give it one star, but think it is well made so at least deserves three. I don't recommend this movie for any child and have no plans to re-watch it in my lifetime.
ONE OF THE GREATEST HAUNTED HOUSE FILMS OF ALL TIME.......2007-11-03
Real estate agent Steve Freeling (Craig T. Nelson) and his family, Diane, (JoBeth Williams) Dana, (Dominique Dunne) Carol Anne, (Heather O'Rourke) and Robbie, (Oliver Robbins) move into a new home in the suburbs. Packed with nice neighbors, beautiful scenery and a quiet atmosphere, it is the perfect place to raise a family. However, inside the house, strange things begin to happen. Chairs and furniture begin to rearrange themselves after only seconds have lapsed and Carol Anne has a strange fascination with watching the static on the TV instead of regular programming. Steve doesn't believe it until Diane shows him a special trick: a chair in the kitchen slides across the room by itself, with no one touching it. Freaked out, he calls in a paranormal research team, lead by Dr. Lesh, (Beatrice Straight) to find out what is wrong with his house. At first dealing with the spirits and declaring the house free from poltergeists, even stranger things happen to the family to convince them that they may not have gotten rid of them after all.
The Good News: As haunted house films go, this one is one of the best. Don't let the PG rating fool you, this is a scary film. Haunted house films usually only have a small margin of error, because how often can you get scared of them? The timeless ones know how to make the audience feel uncomfortable being around the house in question, and this one does it marvelously. The house looks creepy to begin with, which always helps, but the inside isn't, so it looks like a normal house. It looks like it could happen to you, and that is where the best horror comes from: it comes from the fact that it could happen to you. How could the rest of the population believe that the events happening on screen is truly terrifying? Make it happen to real-looking people. Nobody here looks like they just came from the gym, or even seen a plastic surgeon, and the chemistry between the family is so realistic you begin to feel for them. What happens at first is a nice twist: the poltergeists don't want to harm, instead they want to play. You can tell in one great scene: the chair slide. Instead of picking up the chair and throwing it across the room at the characters, the poltergeists have fun by sliding it across the floor. It's a little creepy when you first see it, and the false sense of security is just right to lure you off track. However, once the film gets going and their true nature becomes apparent, it has one great chill after another. When they bring in the paranormal team is great at that. By bringing in these high-tech equipment and other gizmo's is shocking, because we don't know what is happening to deserve this. Once we do learn of what has happened to the house, it just becomes a roller-coaster ride through to the end, with lots of action, suspense, and danger. The middle section also isn't like any other haunted house films, as we are trying to figure out what is happening to the family and how to deal with their problems instead of becoming haunted by what happened in the beginning. It is full of new ideas and flows together nicely with the ending. That action packed ending is another perfect example for delivering chills. After escaping the spirits, the family gets out of the house, and into the front yard, when dozens of skeletons begin to pour out of the ground. Dodging them to get to their car, one erupts out of the garage in front of them and lands on the car, which is my favorite jump in the film. That is such an action-packed ending that it just makes the beginning of the film seem like nothing really much happened. I love endings that send you out on a high note, and this is definitely one of them.
The Bad News: The beginning of the film is a bit slow, so it takes a while to get going. Also, I'm getting kind of tired of having the house be haunted by having it rest on an ancient burial ground. How about some more creativity next time?
The Final Verdict: Despite being another entry in the burial ground haunting films, this is one of the better ones. It's creepy, atmospheric, and certainly packing enough chills to make it worthwhile. Give it a shot if you like this kind of film, but it is recommended to all horror fans as well.
been waiting for this for ages!.......2007-10-28
'Poltergeist' really is a classic, an understated, quietly confident little gem of a horror movie. It's more visceral than one might imagine with so little blood and guts. Instead it affects you on a different level, dare I say, a spiritual level? I would go as far as to say it might equal 'The Exorcist' in that respect, though some might consider that heresy. It certainly is different, and a undeniably compelling movie.
be paitent.......2007-10-25
At long last yes it is on Region2!
Yes it sounds good, a film for just on £10. But somehow I think I may wait for the double disc edition. We have waited this long so it won't be too long before the double disc edition is out.
Customer Reviews:
Dub & Sub quality?.......2008-03-10
I have the 2 series saved into my wish list and has been considering buying them for a year now! My hesitation is due to the uncertainty of the subs and audio quality of them.
Please could any one have purchase the box set from amazon tell me if they have Japanese audio and English subtitle? I am not a big fan of dub (English actors' voice over). Having seen the negative feedback of the "black cover" at the sub's area I am more uncertain about these box sets' quality!
Amazin, awe inspiring and intelligent action. It has to be Ghost In The Shell........2008-02-14
Firstly I bought this due to the great savings you make instead of buying the individual DVDs. You lose some of the extras, but the loss is still outweighed by the sheer excellence that this series offers you.
The series is powerfull in plot, storyline and action. Simple!!!
The series is not related in any way to the original movie if you have already seen this, the series is set years before the events of the movie.
The story involves the actions of the Secretive Section 9, a Government Special Ops police force that monitor the land and cyber space crimes that the police cannot handle **or the crime is too entwind with the Government**. They specialize in counter terrorism **land or cyber**, hackings, fraud, espionage, murders and the odd act of corruption.
The plot revolves around the same characters of the movie, Major Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa, Chief and even the lesser characters from the movie take more of an active role in the series, Bulma, Paz, Sito and Ichikawa, you get to see the characters in a different light and learn more of their individual roles in the Secretive Section 9.
The series is slow to start but the other stories set aside from the main plot are just as entertaining and thought provoking to the main plot.
The main plot can be overwhelming and confusing if you miss information but this is no reason to remopve a star, the story line is enthralling and worth every minute of your attention. The main focus is the actons of a super-cyber hacker who is only known to the media as "the laughing man" who attacks society and Government officails through complex actions of terrorism. Only Section 9 can track down this illusive criminal, but it will require their combined expertise and resources pushing them to the limits and their own loyalties to the Government. Be prepared for a intellectual, action packed animated series that pushes all boundaries.
The soundtrack is awe inspiring and is even availbale on CD **on my wish list too lol**.
Simply put, the best thing manga has to offer. Buy it now, you won't be dissapointed!!!
perfection.......2007-11-08
i could review this item by saying that it is an excellent buy and that it is brilliant and perfect in every way possible,but that would be an understatement.
this is sheer brilliance, the story and plot is perfect
the graphics are breathtaking going from strength to strength.
the charicters are on top from the start and surpass even the most pessimistic persons view.
the story is rather similar to the original film so you'll be disappointed if your expecting a new turn on the genre although the producers of this seres have excelled in molding and crafting these stories into singular unique stories which at the same time are connected by several story arcs
this allows the stories progression to rapidly increase to feverishly good heights
this is an outstanding collection and should be bought immediately for the philosophical aspects alone. 5/5 insanely good ^_^
Superb Intelligent Anime.......2007-10-06
What a breath of fresh air GITS SAC truely is, with complex interweaving stories and moral dilemmas- an anime that truely grips you and makes you think. The characters are intense and intellectual and well thought out.
The animation itself is gorgeous, as well as the beautiful soundtrack by Yoko Kanno. Definately worth buying if you like using your head and fancy something a bit more dimensional than the typical anime.
Fantastic!.......2007-07-11
The year is 2030 and Section 9 continues to prevent acts of terrorism and crime in New Port City. As well as dealing with serious crimes such as, Cyber Hackers and cyber-terrorism, from time to time they also serve as protection to foreign VIPs and investigate unlawful acts of those in public office and of high profile murder cases. Apart from that, The mysterious hacker known as `The Laughing Man' returns after six years of silence, hijacking a Police official's cyber brain and delivering a threat to the Superintendent-General. The first season has two types of episodes: "Stand Alone" episodes which deal with Section 9 fighting crime and "Complex" episodes, which mostly deals with the Laughing Man Case. The animation and storytelling of this series is outstanding.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Forest Whitaker makes an unlikely modern samurai with his laser-sighted pistols, shabby street clothes, and oddly graceful gait--but then Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is an unusual film. Quirky, contemplative and at times absurd, it is just the kind of offbeat vision we have come to expect from the fiercely independent Jim Jarmusch (Stranger than Paradise, Dead Man). Whitaker is Ghost Dog, a mysterious New York hit man who lives simply on a tenement rooftop and follows a code of behaviour outlined in : Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai (passages of this book are interspersed throughout the film). When the local mob marks him for death in a complicated code of Mafiosi-style honour, Ghost Dog sends a cryptic message to his foes. "That's poetry. The poetry of war", remarks mobster Henry Silva, with sudden respect upon reading the verse. He could be describing the ethereal beauty of Jarmusch's vision, full of wonderful imagery (a night drive across town seems to float in time) and off-centre humour. Though it briefly stalls in a series of assassinations (Jarmusch is no action director), it settles back into character-driven drama in a quietly epic showdown, equal parts samurai adventure, spaghetti western and existential crime movie. The film is likely too unconventional and offbeat for general audiences, but cult-movie buffs and Jarmusch fans will appreciate his idiosyncratic vision. He finds a strange sense of honour in the clash of Old World traditions, and salutes his heroes with a skewed but sincere respect. --Sean Axmaker
Customer Reviews:
Modern Classic.......2007-12-27
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