Amazon.co.uk Review
Serenity is a film that, by rights, shouldn't have been made. For starters, it's spun out of the short-lived and quickly-cancelled TV series Firefly, which has only itself got the full recognition it deserves on DVD. It then marries up two seemingly incompatible genres, the western and science fiction, has no major stars to speak of, and pretty much has `hard sell' written all over it.
Perhaps that explains its modest box office performance back in 2005. What it fails to reflect, however, is that this is one of the most energetic, downright enjoyable sci-fi flicks in some time. Not for nothing did many rate it higher than the Star Wars movie that appeared in the same year.
It follows renegade captain Mal Reynolds and his quirkily assembled crew, as they work on the outskirts of space, trying to keep out of the way of the governing Alliance. That plan quickly changes when they take on a couple of passengers who have attracted the attention of said Alliance, and thus the scene is set for an action-packed, cleverly written movie that deserves many of the plaudits that have rightly been thrust in its direction.
What's more, Serenity works whether you've seen the TV series that precedes it or not. Clearly fans of the Firefly show will be in their element, but even the casual viewer will find an immense amount to enjoy.
The only real problem is that given the film's box office returns, further adventures of Reynolds and his crew look unlikely. Unless Serenity turns into a major hit on DVD, that is. It's well worth playing your part in making that happen.--Simon Brew
Customer Reviews:
*SPOILER* Watch the TV series, Firefly first, then the movie........2008-03-12
I understand why some reviewers gave this film low marks. There are nine characters and it's impossible to get to know them all and care about them in such a short amount of time.
I saw this before I watched the TV series and I thought it was entertaining enough, but *SPOILER* I wasn't moved when two characters died. I decided to give the TV series a chance because I'd heard good stuff. I loved it and then decided to watch the film again. It was like watching it through new eyes. I'd gotten to know the characters through the TV series so I cared what happened to them and the film was emotionally involving for me.
Before watching the TV series = 3/5
After watching the TV series = 5/5
I hope there are more movies.
What can I say?.......2008-03-03
Nothing I say about the cancellation of the series or about how good the movie is has not been said already.
Hope it comes back more times than Stalone in Rambo.
Poor.......2008-02-11
I didn't like Serenity at all. I think I'd probably take the characters in Spaceballs more seriously than the ones in this film. I had heard an awful lot of good things about this film and I always welcome a science fiction film of genuine quality, but this was poor. I notice that one star reviews of this film are deemed unacceptable by some other reviewers, despite it being a matter of personal opinion. I wonder if I'll pick up a scorching one-line attack in the Comments section too.
A pleasant surprise, a very good movie........2008-01-25
I wasnt expecting anything special when buying this DVD, I didnt think the 'Firefly' TV series was anything but dull. Serenity however is classic intelligent sci-fi. The synic in me will say that this is basically Buffy in space, but if you can put the fact that the creator of this also created the terrible 'Buffy' series, you might actually enjoy this. The story is good, the acting suprisingly enjoyable and i found myself sucked in. ITs a shame it didnt do well at the box-office as you'll struggle to find a better sci-fi film in the past 5 years.
highly entertaining.......2008-01-14
Wasn't sure what to expect from this film .I like sci-fi. I was pleasantly suprised at how good this film is. Didn't recognise any of the actors at all, that didn't matter. Effects were good and the story was plausible.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Barbie as Rapunzel is an 80-minute video that will thrill children aged three to eight, following on from the success of Barbie in the Nutcracker. Barbie may have started life as a doll in the 1950s, but these days she's also making her name as a computer-animated film star. In a modern twist on the classic fairy tale, Barbie stars as Rapunzel--a courageous and imaginative princess who is locked away in a tower by the evil witch Gothel. With help from her friends (Penelope the cute purple dragon and Hobie the rabbit) and through the power of her own creative energies, she paints her way out of the tower to find freedom, truth and love.
The video is visually impressive with dark and light colours used effectively to emphasise good and evil, allowing Barbie to be surrounded by her favourite soft pinks and purples.
The well-known actress Angelica Huston is memorable as the vocal talent behind the unbalanced and scary Gothel. Excellent sound effects greatly enhance the film and Dvorak's New World Symphony played by the London Symphony Orchestra makes a pleasant change from films' current dependence on pop hits.
Hugo the mighty dragon, Otto the nasty ferret and the sword fight between the feuding kings will hold the attention of those brothers of Barbie fans who are less than enthusiastic about watching this film, but essentially this is a little girl's film and the outrageously pink castle, the magical fashion show before the masked ball and the fairytale wedding will make it a firm favourite for its intended audience. --Tracey Hogan.
Customer Reviews:
Not Rapunzel.......2007-07-10
I bought this because my little girl loves the story of Rapunzel but this was nothing like the original story. Yes she has long hair and yes her name is Rapunzel but that is it. She did enjoy watching it but Rapunzel it is not.
wonderful.......2005-11-11
All of the barbie films are wonderful...from the music to the plot. Parents needn't worry about Barbie's suspect reputation as a blonde bimbo... she shows herself as intelligent, generous and self sacrificing...there's simply no better role model for a child. A lot of Disney stuff is quite strange, surreal and nor really appropriate for children. These Barbie films are very well put together and ultimately really watchable.
Beautiful Music, Simply Well Done........2004-02-03
As a parent who rarely allows my daughter to watch video's of any kind, I was very happy to stumble across this one. The use of "The New World Symphony", the clever story line, and a wonderful lullaby make this an outstanding children's story. Because it is perhaps somewhat frightening for the very young, you may wish to screen it first alone. The story will hold you and it is overall very well done. I caught my four year old singing the lullaby to her two year old sister. That alone rates 5 stars to me.
BARBIE RAPUNZEL.......2003-08-13
MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOVED THIS.
IT ENTERTAINED HER FOR HOURS.. A REAL FAIRY PRINCESS STORY
FABULOUS
The kids just loved this DVD.......2002-12-14
We bought the DVD for our two girls as a Christmas present but they couldn't wait to watch it and we opened this one early. The children loved the animations and the story. They have had it on every day for a week now !
All Barbie fans will enjoy this one.
Customer Reviews:
Availability.......2008-01-13
What is the point of issuing the 7th and 8th series when it is impossible to purchase 5 and 6? Surely there is something wrong somewhere when those distributing these DVDs do not even make any attempt once issued to keep them in stock for any reasonable period of time?
Surely the Beeb themselves can intervene?
Johng
Amazon Please get some More 1-2 and 5-6.......2008-01-01
Amazon please get some More copies of LoTSW sets 1and 2 and 5 and 6. I've already placed my order for 1-2 but cannot place any for 5-6. I enjoyed 3 and 4 and the US release so much I would like to purchase more.
Vik.
Under Rated.......2007-12-22
Last of the summer wine is completely under rated, yet its success has made it the longest running comedy ever! It deserves the credit attributed to the Two Ronnies.
This dvd is a classic with the best cast line up.
Beware of Counterfeits being sold ...NOT BY Amazon .......2007-11-29
To all that love this great comedy as I do . This DVD is not available and information on this site states that it may not be available again . I want to warn all who may look for this and other series of Last Of The Summer Wine and find it on EBAY that there are many Sellers who have this , but most are counterfeit . The copies are of such poor quality that you can hardly read any of the small print on the packaging and the picture is very blurry and faded . It is obvious that these have been copied and put on the dvd cases and that the dvds themselves are not from Universal Pictures UK Lmt. I live in the USA and purchase my beloved British TV comedies in Region 2 . I purchased a player which would play Region 2 because I am such a fan . I do not wish any of my fellow LOTSW fans to be cheated .
A sitcom that does exactly what it is supposed to do.......2007-07-31
First of all I just want to say that, although I have and always will like this, it has never been and never will be one of my absolute favourite sitcoms ever but I still couldn't resist commenting on it, not this particular series but as a sitcom overall as it truly deserves all the positive comments that it receives for reasons I am about to say.
I use to watch this regularly as a child in the early 1980's at my nan nans (it always reminds me of the sound of ice cream vans) and although I don't watch it regularly now, I do occasionally still watch it and when I do, it feels exactly the same as it always did apart from some of the obvious character changes but that is completely natural. Like I said, overall it feels exactly the same about a group of old men getting into mischief and enjoying their final days and I hope it stays this way till the day I die because as far as I am concerned, the fact that it feels the same is one of the reasons why I will always have nothing but respect for it because it doesn't need to change (there is plenty of that) plus I am able to watch it every now and then and still able to enjoy it without really missing anything. It has always and still is a very relaxing and inoffensive sitcom that suits a sunday evening perfectly.
I will never understand how anybody could complain about this being on TV for too long and being past it's sell by date etc., these people must have a heart of stone. Even though I have nothing but respect for this sitcom, I was going to give it three stars but the fact that it is one of the few programmes still on TV that I can watch, smile at and be reminded of nice little details from the sundays of my childhood, it deserves at least an extra star, that and the fact that sunday evenings would never be the same without it. NOSTALGIC TV BLISS.
Customer Reviews:
One summer you won't want to forget..........2008-01-29
At the time of its original broadcast in 1983 this was the programme everyone talked about at school, which was no mean feat considering that the last episode was transmitted before the start of the school term.
This is down in no small part to the engaging performances given by David Morrissey as Billy and Spencer Leigh as Icky; their rough demeanour clashed with just about everyone they came into contact with regardless of whether they were at home or in Wales, where they run away after Billy fears arrest and Icky fears losing his best mate and guardian.
The choice to use film instead of video paid in spades as the contrasting urban and rural landscapes were captured beautifully, as was the mood of these communities (despair in Liverpool, anti-Scouse animosity in the local village). As the series develops you find yourself empathising more with these Scallies, especially as they find a refuge in the home of Kidder (played with subtle composure by the late James Hazeldine) who is also something of a runaway himself.
There is little humour, surprising considering that it was written by Willy Russell (who refused to have his name appear on the original credits due to an `artistic' disagreement with the producers), but Icky, as hopeless as he is, does provide some spontaneously funny moments that provides a little light relief. But there is some tragedy and drama thrown in for good measure which impacts not only on the main characters but also on those of us who fall for their rough charm and hope that they make it.
Following in the aftermath of Boys from The Black Stuff, one of the best drama series ever, it has been overlooked somewhat. This DVD release at least affords the opportunity to judge One Summer on its own merits, and there's plenty to commend here.
A superb drama - buy it!.......2007-12-20
Like many reviewers I watched this when it was first released on TV in 1983. It was one of several seminal dramas from the 1980s which had a huge effect on me as a teenager. Rewatching it after all this time doesn't disappoint. It is superbly written by Willy Russell - although it would be easy to take a dislike to the two Liverpool scallies, who are wrapped up in low-level crime and robbery, the viewer soon cares about their fate. On running away to Wales, Billy slowly reveals a caring and sensitive side, away from the deprivation of Liverpool (and most cities in the UK) under Thatcher. The dynamic between Billy, his co-dependent friend Icky (who doesn't have a deeper side to his personality) and Kidder, a man living semi-rough who takes the two lads under his wing, is gripping.
Although the picture quality is not good, I prefer it to the digitally remastered DVDs which often have the character and original feeling wrung out of them.
I can't recommend this DVD highly enough, whether or not you remember the original series.
Great nostalgia.......2007-10-11
In the 24 years since this series was first shown, I've never forgotten it.
Having just left school, and desperate to leave the small mining town I lived in, I identified strongly with the lead character, Billy, who yearned for a place that promised happiness away from all the crap that surrounded him.
Billy, and his reluctant-but-loyal sidekick Icky, did find an escape. To rural Wales. But could it last?
Yes, it has dated, but 'One Summer' is an excellent piece of drama that shows what it was like to be young in the early eighties, when the future seemed bleak and there was nothing to look forward to except a life of misery and crime.
Yeah, I know. How far we've come.
I can only hope for a DVD release of 'Our Day Out', which was another classic Willy Russell TV drama.
As brilliant as I'd remembered.......2007-09-30
I'm writing this after watching only three episodes. The film quality, and sometimes sound, isn't great and some of the acting's a little rough. But the series is every bit as good as I remembered. Even though I've been watching out for a video/DEV release for years, I'd hesitated before buying. I was worried that it had dated and that it wasn't really so good. However, my fears were groundless. As well as being simply brilliant, the series is now a piece of social history.
Memorable teenage drama.......2007-07-20
Good to see this out on dvd. It only ever got one airing as far as I know. Its working class theme has to be preferable to the shallow consumer society dross they churn out in the current teenage based offering, Hollyoakes.
Customer Reviews:
Odd lot!.......2005-09-17
Although the mood of the programme has changed somewhat, since most of the regulars have passed on to even greener places, the early episodes are still a blessing to watch.
I didn't think much to Foggy as a replacement for Cyril Blamire initially, I thought they made too much of his 'little moments' of meditation. It's a shame that Michael was too sick to continue playing Blamire, I thought his contribution to the first and second series were far more entertaining. He wasn't stupid, but put up with Compo's and Clegg's daftness as if they were children, and joined in quite cheerfully. You could actually respect his character.
But Foggy was just a great, long streak of idiot. I'm glad Roy Clarke mellowed his character while writing the later series. He was still dim, but became more likeable.
Compo is just as dirty - in all ways, and Clegg still comes up with his odd philosophical views of the world (even with the suggestion that our skin suggests that we are more closely related to the banana!).
Sid (sadly lost) and his better half in the cafe... how do they keep customers? They must have relied on holiday trade! And dear Nora, and her stockings and broom, and hen-(or pigeon-?)pecked Wally.
Even way back here you can catch odd jokes and references that crop up in Roy's other classics, 'Open All Hours' and 'Keeping Up Appearances'; but with him it's more like meeting old friends (thinking, 'I know that line!' and chuckling in that secret knowledge) than seeming like laziness.
Buy it - if only for two episodes. 'The Kink in Foggy's Nibblick' - just a fabulous exploration of all the characters - and 'Greenfingers'. Clegg at his most fascinating, philosophical inventiveness - it had me falling about laughing more than any other episode.
Pure Magic in't hillsides!.......2005-07-27
Last of the Summer wine - the worlds longest running comedy series.
You either love it or hate it.
I, for myself adore it (Well atleast right up until the sad death of Bill Owen. After that - the jury is still out!)
This box set is a must have for the series afficienado. So there are two possible tasks here.
1. If you like Last of the Summer Wine, you must buy it at once and spend several repeatedly happy hours, phone off the hook, enjoying the gentle, Northern humour.
2. If you don't like the series then you must sit in a corner, hitting yourself repeatedly with a rolled newspaper while repeating "I am a strange, sad individual and I will learn to love Last of the Summer Wine". You must then go and buy this box set and follow the instructions in 1. above.
Thank you.
Vintage Wine.......2005-03-05
For a comedy that has now run on British television for over 30 years, Last of The Summer Wine has not particularly changed or evolved over the years. Indeed watch an episode from 25 years ago and compare it to one today, the difference are not that prominent. The third series introduced Foggy, who alongside Clegg and Compo, makes up what many fans would argue is the classic line up. Brian Wilde, fresh from his success in Porridge, immediately creates a highly memorable and amusing character who would become an essential ingredient in the series success. Indeed he would play this role on and off for the next 23 years, and his sudden rather departure in 1999 is still felt.
These episodes are very good, and worth owning.
A hugely enjoyable comedy.......2005-02-04
Last of the Summer Wine has now been running so long that has become something of an institution. Series 3 sees the arrival of "Foggy", thus starting the long-running trio of "Foggy", "Clegg" and "Compo". Other characters introduced in later series are also very funny, but this combination is the most memorable. The beautiful Yorkshire countryside around the town of Holmfirth is another star of the show. It is great pity that the later episodes are not available on DVD yet - come on BBC!
Customer Reviews:
Stone Past.......2008-01-12
I like these shows. They're gritty, adult, not so nauseatingly sticky-sweet. The landscape is more open than today, expansive, with derelict buildings in the middle of nowhere, covered with at least a century of coal soot. We're only a few years from the Age of Steam. The characters drink a lot, and smoke heavily, and even talk about sex - in the past tense, except for Compo, who really lusts after Nora Batty - and personal failure. They're real. Compo isn't just scruffy, he's a malcontent, and Clegg has a nasty streak which comes out in bitter little comments.
The scripts aren't loaded with gimmicks - some, but not too many - writer Roy Clarke has to rely on character and dialog, walk a higher wire. I really began to wonder if the show didn't actually "jump the shark" when Foggy came on board. I'd much rather spend time in the company of these guys than the sappy people in the current show...just as long as I didn't have to eat "drippings."
Considering how good the preservation and transfer is on this, why is it cut? Some of the shows begin with the characters in the middle of dialog! Was there some dialog under the end credits, as there is today? Who knows? Why do people think they have to nibble around the edges of old shows and movies? If we're going to watch a thirty-year-old show, don't you think we want it all? Where do you guys get the arrogance?
I give the show four stars, and take a star away because of the clowns who cut it.
first summer.......2007-04-24
I still like these programs after all these years .A couple of points however . Firstly the pilot program is missing from this issue which is rather suprising given that UK Gold etc have shown it along with the episodes in these DVDs . Michael Aldrich wasn't in those early episodes as detailed above ,in fact Michael Bates played Blamire in the first two series .
No other show does this.......2006-10-29
No other show allows me to completely drift away into a wonderful dreamlike state as Last of the Summer Wine does. I am one of the biggest British Comedy fans in the world, self proclaimed. No one does humor like the British. The best writers, actors/actresses, directors and just "being British" give the comedies ( WE call them Britcoms in the USA)of the UK the unique quality which no one else can come close to. I must have been British in a former life, kidding, because when I watch British TV I feel as if I have gone home for a while. With Last of the Summer Wine you can walk the country roads of the Britain I always wanted to see and not the large cities, lay in the beautiful fields and take in the sun, have a cup of tea in a friendly village inn, and get caught up in the daily lives of some of the most wonderful characters on earth. This is like no other show ever made, and I thank God for that. When I am allowed to 'drift away', as I like to say, with these lovable characters all my troubles are forgotten and I am living for a while in a place that Almighty God must have spent quite a bit of His 7 days of creatiion time on. I hesitate to write anything about this show because I know I will not do it justice. I only hope that my love of LOTSW, it's characters, and Roy Clarke one of the best writers to ever take pen in hand has managed to come through. The British are so lucky, 30 years and counting, and hopefully another 30 years for an all time CLASSIC. Thank you to all involved. Long live the UK.
Classic Comedy.......2006-07-04
In reseponse to Mr. K. D. Geoghegan's review of this DVD boxed set, I wish to make the following points to clarify his misconceptions.
1) The programme is not "finally over". It's still very much in production and a new series is currently being worked on.
2)The slapstick element of comedy did not die out ages ago. The show is still incredibly popular with a wide cross section of the audience, and the town of Holmfirth is regularly visted by fans of the show from all over the world.
3)The show does not use canned laughter. The laughter is captured by the microphones above the studio audience's heads. It's real - no digital add ons in sight! The show's Producer/Director, Mr Alan J.W. Bell, wrote an article for the official Summer Wine Appreciation society website detailing the same thing and refuting the claims of canned laughter as reviewers poor research.
4) You may be mortified to know that the DVD did sell *well* over 100 copies.
The best there is to offer!.......2006-06-14
A truely great series which captures the essence of quirky Yorkshire village life. Watching the characters develop over the years this show has the ability to deliver a sense of being involved with the story. There are still so many more shows recorded which need to be released to keep the masses happy. Help us help Amazon to get what we want, the rest of Last Of The Summer Wine by signing the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/lotsw/petition.html
Together we can continue to shop here for the things we love!
UK DVD:
- Japan At War In Colour
- Jimi Hendrix - The Last 24 Hours
- Jimmy Scott - If Only You Knew [2002]
- Jose Carreras: Johann Strauss Gala (NTSC)
- Juan Moreira [1973] (NTSC)
- King Crimson - Deja Vrooom [1980]
- King Kong [HD DVD] [2005] [US Import]
- Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man [2006] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Lumumba [2000] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Magnum - Live [1992]
UK DVD List
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