2018 Challenge: Box Office TOP 100 FILMS OF ALL-TIME (Domestic Gross) (1 Viewer)

[Pete Battista]

Spider-Man (2002/United States)
IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer |

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Sam Raimi
Writing: Stan Lee (1922) (Original Characters By), Steve Ditko (Original Characters By), David Koepp (Screenwriter)
Length: 121 min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Portuguese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Thai: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Commentary, Other
Stars:
Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man/Peter Parker
Willem Dafoe as Green Goblin/Norman Osborn
Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson
James Franco as Harry Osborn
Cliff Robertson as Ben Parker

Plot:
From Columbia Pictures Presents, A Marvel Enterprises/Laura Ziskin Production, Spider-Man is a live-action feature of one of the world's most popular comic book superheroes. Directed by Sam Raimi, Spider-Man centers on student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling to any surface. He vows to use his abilities to fight crime, coming to understand the words of his beloved Uncle Ben: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Bonus Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Interactive Games
• Music Videos
• Outtakes/Bloopers
• BD-Live
• Digital Copy
• Screen Tests

My Thoughts:

I remember the first time I saw this movie. Since Spider-Man has been my favorite superhero since I was a kid (I know kind of ironic what with me having a bad case of arachnophobia) it is one of the few movies I bothered to go see at the theater when it was first released. I remember initially being disappointed with his web coming from his wrist instead of the webshooters that he created in the cartoons and such I grew up on. But shortly into the movie I decided that it at least made sense. ,, and wasn't as bad as I initially thought. Though I am happy to see the webshooters back in the new films. Toby McGuire. while good in the film, I felt was a little old for the role as I always saw Spider-Man as a younger teen when bitten. I did like Willem Defoe as the Green Goblin. Over-all enjoyed revisiting the film was well worth the time put in to watch it.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

Beauty and the Beast (2017/United States)

Buena Vista Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Bill Condon
Writing: Stephen Chbosky (Screenwriter), Evan Spiliotopoulos (Screenwriter), Linda Woolverton (Original Material By)
Length: 129 min.
Video: Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 7.1, Audio Descriptive: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Emma Watson (1990) as Belle
Dan Stevens as Beast
Luke Evans as Gaston
Josh Gad as LeFou
Kevin Kline (1947) as Maurice

Plot:
The story and characters you know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney's animated classic Beauty and the Beast, a cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Bonus Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Music Videos
• Digital Copy
• Disney Song Selection

My Thoughts:

I found this one to be a good film but I personally prefer the animated feature more. I remember when this first came out that I read how a lot of people didn't like Emma Watson's singing voice. While she isn't the best I ever heard I really didn't have a problem with her. I liked how they did the beast but it seemed to me the rest of the CGI was a bit off. Over all a decent film to waste a couple hours with.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

The Sting (1973/United States)

(United States)
Director: George Roy Hill
Writing: David S. Ward (Writer)
Length: 129 min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1, French: DTS: Mono
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Paul Newman (1925) as Henry Gondorff
Robert Redford as Johnny Hooker
Robert Shaw (1927) as Doyle Lonnegan
Charles Durning as Lt. Wm. Snyder
Ray Walston as J.J. Singleton

Plot:
Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Sting stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two con men in 1930s Chicago. After a friend is killed by the mob, they try to get even by attempting to pull off the ultimate "sting." No one is to be trusted as the twists unfold, leading up to one of the greatest double-crosses in movie history. The con is on!

Extras:

• Feature Trailers
• Featurettes
• Interviews
• BD-Live
• Digital Copy

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Thought both Redford and Newman was great in their roles. It is a fun movie with a few laughs in it. This one has it's share of twists and turns... some of which you see coming a mile away while others catch you by surprise. It is a good way to waste a couple hours. Glad I finally got to see it!

Rating:

 

[TravisR]

The Sting (1973/United States)

(United States)
Director: George Roy Hill
Writing: David S. Ward (Writer)
Length: 129 min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1, French: DTS: Mono
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Paul Newman (1925) as Henry Gondorff
Robert Redford as Johnny Hooker
Robert Shaw (1927) as Doyle Lonnegan
Charles Durning as Lt. Wm. Snyder
Ray Walston as J.J. Singleton

Plot:
Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Sting stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two con men in 1930s Chicago. After a friend is killed by the mob, they try to get even by attempting to pull off the ultimate "sting." No one is to be trusted as the twists unfold, leading up to one of the greatest double-crosses in movie history. The con is on!

Extras:

• Feature Trailers
• Featurettes
• Interviews
• BD-Live
• Digital Copy

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Thought both Redford and Newman was great in their roles. It is a fun movie with a few laughs in it. This one has it's share of twists and turns... some of which you see coming a mile away while others catch you by surprise. It is a good way to waste a couple hours. Glad I finally got to see it!

Rating:

This reminds me that I haven't seen The Sting in probably more than 20 years. I should rewatch it.

 

[Pete Battista]

Superman: The Movie: Original 1978 Theatrical Release (1978/United States)
IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer |

Warner Home Video (United States)
Director: Richard Donner
Writing: Jerry Siegel (Original Characters By), Joe Shuster (Original Characters By), Mario Puzo (Story By), Mario Puzo (Screenwriter), David Newman (1937) (Screenwriter), Leslie Newman (Screenwriter), Robert Benton (Screenwriter)
Length: 143 min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1, English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, German: Dolby Digital: Mono, Italian: Dolby Digital: Mono, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, Portuguese: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
Stars:
Marlon Brando as Jor-El
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent
Ned Beatty as Otis
Jackie Cooper as Perry White

Plot:
Richard Donner's big-budget blockbuster Superman: The Movie is an immensely entertaining recounting of the origin of the famous comic book character. Opening on Krypton (where Marlon Brando plays Superman's father), the film follows the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) as he's sent to Earth where he develops his alter-ego Clark Kent and is raised by a Midwestern family. In no time, the movie has run through his teenage years, and Clark gets a job at the Daily Planet, where he is a news reporter. It's there that he falls in love with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), who is already in love with Superman. But the love story is quickly sidetracked once the villainous Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) launches a diabolical plan to conquer the world and kill Superman. Superman: The Movie is filled with action, special effects and a surprising amount of humor.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Commentary
• Superman and the Mole Men
• Classic Cartoons

My Thoughts:

This movie... with Christopher Reeve in the starring role... was how I grew up knowing Superman to be. At the time I was more used to seeing him in the role more so then George Reeves. I believe this came from a time that I did not like to watch anything that was in Black and White.... yes... I was one of those people at one time. But I have sense learned there is a lot of great entertainment out there in Black and white... and now have all the George Reeves Superman episodes... including the early Black and White ones. But I think... to me at least... when I think Superman... I still picture Christopher Reeve.

My favorite scene in this movie... one that makes me laugh even to this day... has to be the scene when Superman is seen for the very first time. Especially when he flies up the side of the building to catch Lois Lane... saying "Don't Worry Miss, I got you."... and she comes back with... "You got me... Who's got you!!!"... I don't know what it is about it... but I love that line.

I know there is some that don't like how Christopher Reeve portrayed Clark Kent. But you know... while I understand that point of view... I find it very entertaining and fun to watch. I also felt it added to the whole Clark Kent can't be Superman... even more so then the glasses for a costume. I have to say... I think I like the entire cast for these movies. Especially Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor and of course there is Marlon Brando as Jor-El.

Also I have to say I liked how they had some nodes to past incarnations of Superman when they showed a young Lois Lane riding the train with her parents early in the movie. They had Noel Neil as her mother... who was of course Lois Lane in Adventures of Superman and Kirk Alyn as her father... who was of course Clark Kent/Superman in the old movie serials.

While this is a great film... one I have always enjoyed over multiple viewings... there is parts I didn't care for. The main one being the scenes where Lois is interviewing Superman towards the beginning of the film. Especially the scenes where they are flying together and you here the voice-over of Lois reciting the poem "Can You Read My Mind." To me this scene slowed down the film almost to the point of bordom. Though it is short enough not to effect the film to badly.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975/United States)

Warner Home Video (United States)
Director: Milos Forman
Writing: Lawrence Hauben (Screenwriter), Bo Goldman (Screenwriter), Ken Kesey (Original Material By)
Length: 134 min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Mono, German: Dolby Digital: Mono, Italian: Dolby Digital: Mono, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
Stars:
Michael Berryman as Ellis
Peter Brocco as Col. Matterson
Dean R. Brooks as Dr. Spivey
Alonzo Brown as Miller
Scatman Crothers as Turkle

Plot:
When free-spirited petty crook Randy P. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) arrives at the state mental hospital, his contagious sense of disorder jolts the routine. He's on one side of a brewing war, soft-spoken, coolly monstrous Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) on the other. At stake is the fate of every patient on the ward. This electrifying adaption of Ken Kesey's bestseller swept all five major 1975 Academy Awards®: Best Picture (produced by Saul Zaentz and Michael Douglas), Actor (Nicholson), Actress (Fletcher), Director (Milos Forman), and Adapted Screenplay (Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman). Raucous, searing and with a superb cast that includes Brad Dourif, Danny DeVito, and Christopher Lloyd in his film debut, it soars.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• 36-page Collectible Book

My Thoughts:

While I found this to be a rather good movie, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting going into it. For some odd reason I had in my head that this was a comedy. While it does have some comedy in it I wouldn't classify it as such. That being said I definitely liked it. Jack Nicholson was great in this film. And I was surprised and happy to see a young Christopher Lloyd. I have always heard referrences to Nurse Ratchet for describing bad and mean nurses. Seems to me that has become exaggerated as while having a mean streak to her she really didn't seem that bad. Over all a good movie well worth the time put in to watch it.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

Fantasia (1940/United States)
Trailer |

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Buena Vista Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Toccata and Fugue in D MinorSamuel Armstrong, The Nutcracker SuiteSamuel Armstrong, The Sorcerer's ApprenticeJames Algar, Rite of SpringBill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, The Pastoral SymphonyHamilton Luske, Jim Handley, Ford Beebe, Dance of the HoursT. Hee, Norman Ferguson [Norm Ferguson], Ave MariaWilfred Jackson
Writing: Toccata and Fugue in D MinorLee Blair (Story By), Elmer Plummer (Story By), Phil Dike (Story By), The Nutcracker SuiteSylvia Moberly-Holland (Story By), Norman Wright (Story By), Albert Heath (Story By), Bianca Majolie (Story By), Graham Heid (Story By), The Sorcerer's ApprenticePerce Pearce [Perc Pearce] (Story By), Carl Fallberg (Story By), Rite of SpringWilliam Martin (Story By), Leo Thiele (Story By), Robert Sterner (Story By), John Fraser McLeish (Story By), The Pastoral SymphonyOtto Englander (Story By), Webb Smith (Story By), Erdman Penner (Story By), Joseph Sabo (Story By), Bill Peet [Bill Peed] (Story By), George Stallings (Story By), Ave MariaCampbell Grant (Story By), Arthur Heinemann (Story By), Phil Dike (Story By)
Length: 124 min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 7.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Commentary
Stars:
Leopold Stokowski as Conductor
The Philadelphia Orchestra as Music as Played
Deems Taylor as Narrative Introductions
Ave MariaJulietta Novis as Soloist (voice)

Plot:
Walt Disney's animated musical masterpiece is an extravaganza of sight and sound—now brilliantly restored for the first time ever in high definition! Blu-ray technology finally allows you to experience Fantasia—and Fantasia 2000, the triumphant classic it inspired—the way Walt envisioned! Plus, for the first time ever on Blu-ray, experience the 2003 Academy Award®-nominated animated short Destino—the extraordinary collaboration between Walt Disney and legendary artist Salvador Dali!

Revealing new bonus features and commentary bring the Fantasia experience to life, allowing generations of moviegoers all over the world to enjoy this timeless classic like never before. See the music come to life, hear the pictures burst into song and experience the excitement that is Fantasia over and over again.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Bonus Trailers
• Featurettes
• Gallery
• DisneyView

My Thoughts:

I have seen bits and pieces of this one before. But I think that this is the first time I seen the whole film. I did find it enjoyable. Some segments more then others. My favorite segment has to be "The Sourcer's Apprentice," At least for me one big downfall of this film has to be the narrarator. He just talked too much when introducing the segments. He should have announced the segments without telling us what we were about to see. So the film is entertaining enough... but could have been better.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

It has been a bit since I been able to post any reviews, but had been side tracked for a bit. Spent some time in the hospital. But I am doing pretty good now and back at it.

 

[Pete Battista]

The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration (1972/United States)

Paramount Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writing: Mario Puzo (Screenwriter), Francis Ford Coppola (Screenwriter), Mario Puzo (Original Material By)
Length: 177 min.
Video: Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Stars:
Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone
Al Pacino as Michael
James Caan as Sonny
Richard Castellano (1933) as Clemenza
Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen

Plot:
Regarded as one of the best American films ever, by the American Film Institute, Francis Ford Coppola's epic masterpiece features Marlon Brando in his Oscar®-winning* role as the patriarch of the Corleone family. The Godfather® is a violent and chilling portrait of the Sicilian family's struggle to stay in power in a post-war America of corruption, deceit and betrayal. Coppola begins his legendary trilogy, masterfully balancing the story of the Corleone's family life and the ugly crime business in which they are engaged. Based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel and featuring career-making performances by Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall, this searing and brilliant film garnered ten Academy Award® nominations, and won three including Best Picture of 1972.

*Best Actor in a Leading Role 1972

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary

My Thoughts:

I wouldn't say this is a favorite film of mine. But It is very well done and holds your interest with ease. And the film did seem to hold up well after all these years. Definetly a film that is worth the three hours you need to put in to watch it. I think everyone should see this at least once. Though I do think this one is a little over hyped. I can see how people could go into this one expecting much more. Though I must say that Brando was excellent in the part.

Rating:

 

[TravisR]

It has been a bit since I been able to post any reviews, but had been side tracked for a bit. Spent some time in the hospital. But I am doing pretty good now and back at it.

Glad to hear things are looking up, Pete!

 

[Pete Battista]

Thanks

 

[Pete Battista]

Ghost: Widescreen Collection (1990/United States)

Paramount Home Video (United States)
Director: Jerry Zucker
Writing: Bruce Joel Rubin (Writer)
Length: 127 min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Patrick Swayze as Sam Wheat
Demi Moore as Molly Jensen
Tony Goldwyn as Carl Bruner
Elevator MenStanley Lawrence

Plot:
Think of the most touching love story you ever saw. Think, too, of the brightest comedy, the most astonishing supernatural tale and a sleek mystery-thriller. Did you come up with four separate films? Or are you among the millions of fans and critics who've discovered Ghost, the #1 film of 1990? Ghost will surprise you, delight you, make you believe. Patrick Swayze plays a ghost who teams with a psychic (Academy-Award® winner Whoopi Goldberg) to uncover the truth behind his murder — and to rescue his sweetheart (Demi Moore) from a similar fate. "The word of mouth is that Ghost is a 'must-see' romance," says Entertainment Weekly. Ditto to that!

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Featurettes
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

It has been many years since I seen this one. Used to see it on cable all the time, I remembered enjoying it.... but I didn't remember much else storyline wise. It is a good film. A supernatural romance thriller. Whoopi Goldberg is a good addition for some much needed comedy to round it out. Well worth the time put in to watch it.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition (1977/United States)
IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer |

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writing: Steven Spielberg (Writer)
Length: 137 min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby TrueHD: 5.1, French: Dolby TrueHD: 5.1, English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1
Subtitles: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai
Stars:
Richard Dreyfuss as Roy Neary
François Truffaut [Francois Truffaut] as Claude Lacombe
Teri Garr as Ronnie Neary
Melinda Dillon as Jillian Guiler
Bob Balaban as David Laughlin

Plot:
Steven Spielberg's classic film is back now on this never-before-released Ultimate Edition Blu-ray Disc,™ which includes all three versions of the sci-fi blockbuster. Richard Dreyfuss stars as cable worker Roy Neary, who along with several other stunned bystanders experience a close encounter of the first kind — witnessing UFOs soaring across the sky. After this life-changing event, the inexplicable vision of a strange, mountain-like formation haunts him. He becomes obsessed with discovering what it represents, much to the dismay of his wife and family. Meanwhile, bizarre occurrences are happening around the world. Government agents have close encounters of the second kind — discovering physical evidence of extraterrestrial visitors in the form of a lost fighter aircraft from World War II and a stranded military ship that disappeared decades earlier only to suddenly reappear in unusual places. Roy continues to chase his vision to a remote area where he and the agents follow the clues that have drawn them to reach a site where they will have a close encounter of the third kind — contact.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Gallery
• Interviews
• Storyboard Comparisons
• Collector's Book; All new intro by Steven Spielberg

My Thoughts:

While I found this one to be a good movie. It was however a little slow for my taste. While the story line itself didn't feel like much I did like the visuals. I am glad I watched it... but it is not one I could watch often.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition (1965/United States)

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Robert Wise (1914)
Writing: Howard Lindsay (Original Material By), Russel Crouse (Original Material By), Ernest Lehman (Screenwriter)
Length: 175 min.
Video: Widescreen 2.20:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 7.1, English: Dolby Digital: 4.0, Portuguese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: DTS: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Commentary
Stars:
Julie Andrews as Maria
Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp
Eleanor Parker as The Baroness
Richard Haydn as Max Detweiler
Peggy Wood as Mother Abbess

Plot:
Experience the world's most beloved family film as never before with this 3-Disc 45th Anniversary Edition of Rodgers & Hammerstein's® THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Winner of five 1965 ACADEMY AWARDS®, including Best Picture!*

In this true-life story, Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent to bring love and music to the home of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and his seven children.

*Directing, Film Editing, Music, Best Picture, Sound

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Featurettes
• Gallery
• Interactive Games
• Interviews
• BD-Live
• Music Machine, Sing-along, Radio Spots, Screen Tests

My Thoughts:

This is a film I went into not expecting to like at all as I am not a big fan of musicals. But found I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Though I do feel lit went on a little too long. In my opinion it should have ended with Marie coming back to the family and her and Captain Van Trapp getting married. The extra Nazi stuff in my opinion was too much and not needed at all. But over all I am still surprisingly glad I watched it.

Rating:

​

 

[Pete Battista]

It was just pointed out to me that this film is based on true events and not just a piece of fiction, This makes me rethink my feelings on how they decided to end it. hmmm....

 

[Pete Battista]

Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980/United States)

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Irvin Kershner
Writing: Leigh Brackett (Screenwriter), Lawrence Kasdan (Screenwriter), George Lucas (Story By)
Length: 127 min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 6.1 (Discrete), Audio Descriptive: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: DTS: 5.1, Portuguese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Commentary
Stars:
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
Harrison Ford (1942) as Han Solo
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia
Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO

Plot:
It is a dark time for the Rebellion. After a devastating attack on their ice base on the frozen planet of Hoth, the Rebels are scattered by Imperial pursuit. Luke Skywalker seeks out the mysterious Jedi Master Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah, while Han Solo and Princess Leia outrun the Imperial fleet to the beautiful Cloud City of Bespin. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, the evil Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a terrible truth about the Skywalker legacy.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• THX

My Thoughts:

May the 4th be with you...

So of course I had to watch at least one of the films today. Watching these in production order this time. So next time I will watched them as the studios numbered them. This is a good continuation to the previous film. And it still holds up rather well after all these years. It really is hard to believe this film it almost 40 years old. It remains well worth the time put in to watch it. And I ook forward to contue watching the saga through--out this year long challenge.

Rating:

 

[Vic Pardo]

It was just pointed out to me that this film is based on true events and not just a piece of fiction, This makes me rethink my feelings on how they decided to end it. hmmm....

Your initial instincts were probably correct to begin with. The ending was highly embellished. Read this:

The family did not secretly escape over the Alps to freedom in Switzerland, carrying their suitcases and musical instruments. As daughter Maria said in a 2003 interview printed in Opera News, "We did tell people that we were going to America to sing. And we did not climb over mountains with all our heavy suitcases and instruments. We left by train, pretending nothing."

Check out this website for more on the lack of historical accuracy in THE SOUND OF MUSIC:
https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/winter/von-trapps.html

 

[Pete Battista]

Woohoo... Tomorrow I start a 9 day paid vacation! Unfortunately that don't mean I will be able to watch a ton of movies... though I do hope to get some watched.

Tomorrow I have to get everything together and pack. Then first thing Tuesday morning we leave for a 7 day stay in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains. We will be going to the Pigeon Forge / Gaitlinberg area. Will be my first time there so there is a lot to see and do.

So depending what all is available in the cabin... wifi and such I might still be able to get some films in in the evenings. If not I will try to watch at least 1 while packing tomorrow. And I will have the last day to rest and relax as well.

 

[Pete Battista]

Grease: 40th Anniversary Edition (1978/United States)

(United States)
Director: Randal Kleiser
Writing: Jim Jacobs (Original Material By), Warren Casey (Original Material By), Bronté Woodard (Screenwriter), Allan Carr (Original Material By)
Length: 110 min.
Video: Widescreen :1
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, German: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Italian: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Portuguese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish
Stars:
John Travolta as Danny
Olivia Newton-John as Sandy
Stockard Channing as Rizzo
Jeff Conaway as Kenickie
Barry Pearl as Doody

Plot:
The classic tale of good girl Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and bad boy Danny (John Travolta) gets tuned up with some new special features in this Grease 40th Anniversary Edition. Your favorite movie musical just gets better with time. It's peachy keen, jellybean!

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Gallery
• Interviews
• Introduction by Randal Kleiser
• Rydell Sing-Along

My Thoughts:

This film holds a special place in my heart as it was one of my wife's favorite. While not the best film in the world I really enjoyed it. I liked both the setting and the storyline. Matter of fact I think the last time I watched this one I rated it a little low. Well worth the time put in to watch it.

Rating:

 

[Pete Battista]

Jaws: Universal 100th Anniversary (1975/United States)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment (United States)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writing: Peter Benchley (Screenwriter), Carl Gottlieb (Screenwriter), Peter Benchley (Original Material By)
Length: 124 min.
Video: Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 7.1, English: DTS: Mono, Spanish: DTS: 5.1, French: DTS: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Roy Scheider as Brody
Robert Shaw as Quint
Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper
Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody
Murray Hamilton as Vaughn

Plot:
Directed by Academy Award® winnerº Steven Spielberg, Jaws set the standard for edge-of-your-seat suspense, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and forever changing the movie industry. When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police (Roy Scheider), a young marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a grizzled shark hunter (Robert Shaw) embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again. Featuring an unforgettable score that evokes pure terror, Jaws remains one of the most influential and gripping adventures in motion picture history.

º1993 Best Director, Best Picture, Schindler's List; 1998 Best Director, Saving Private Ryan.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Gallery
• Outtakes/Bloopers
• BD-Live
• Digital Copy
• PocketBlu

My Thoughts:

This is another film I haven't seen in years. It held up well. It is a very good story but I do find it a little on the slow side at times. Richard Dryfuss is the big name I recognize in this film... I was never much of a fan of Richard Dreyfuss though I did enjoy him in this more then I do in most movies I have seen with him. I must say that the mayor and his people is enough to agrivate someone. Worrying more about how much mone is coming into town more then people's safty. This film deserves the reputation it has recieved. A well made enjoyable film. Definitely one I would have no problem recommending.

Rating: