Soldier
by Paul W.S. Anderson
from Warner Home Video
An itinerant warrior in outer space is forced to become a hero when he must defend a band of settlers on a remote planet.Running Time: 100 min.System Requirements:Starring: Kurt Russell et al. Edition Details: Region 1 encoding (for use in US and Canada only) Color Special Edition Number of discs: 1 Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: R UPC: 085391695820
Kurt Russell hits new heights in laconic action heroes with his portrayal of Sergeant Todd, born and bred to be a soldier in a futuristic army. Raised to kill mercilessly, living only for battle, he finds himself at the twilight of his career (and so-called life) when a regiment of genetically enhanced warriors threatens to make his brand of soldiering obsolete. Despite his extensive skills, he is no match for the best of breed of the new order, and he's left for dead on a planet that serves only as a junk heap. There he encounters a ragtag group of castaways, and in his own strange and silent way slowly begins to learn how to be less a killer and more a human. All is disrupted, though, when the genetic regiment arrives on the trash planet and decides to eradicate the local human "trespassers." Though Todd had been overmatched before, this time he has more than ever to fight for--a home, and friends. Soldier is one of those rare sci fi movies that relies more on plot and action than special effects (though the trash planet is effectively wrought). The pace of action in the last half of the film is relentless and exciting, and Russell's portrayal of the old warrior as he warms to human emotions relies more on expression than words--in fact, he barely utters more than a half-dozen lines. --Tod Nelson
The Mighty Ducks Boxed Set (All 3 Films)
by Sam Weisman
from Walt Disney Video
D2: The Mighty Ducks - DVD- Duck Power triumphs again!" (American Movie Classics) when everyone's favorite peewee hockey team returns to the ice for more slapshot action and slapstick laughter! The Mighty Ducks are thrilled to be chosen to compete in the Junior Goodwill Games as Team USA. They'll be facing off against the best teams from all over the world -- including the meanest team that ever sliced up the ice! Are they out of their league? Has Coach Bombay (Emilio Estevez) let the big time go to his head, forgetting that it's just a game? But when a street hockey gang teaches the Ducks to get tough, the Coach remembers how to have fun ... and the Ducks show the world the true meaning of Duck Power! D3: The Mighty Ducks - DVD- Emilio Estevez and the original Ducks are back in this fast-moving comedy starring the most popular hockey team in movie history! After the Ducks win scholarships to a snooty private school, Coach Bombay (Estevez) announces that he's moving on to greener pastures with the Goodwill Games. Shortly after the team arrives at Eden Hall Academy, they inherit a new coach who turns out to be their worst nightmare when he strips Charlie Conway (Joshua Jackson) of his position as captain! Then, with their scholarships on the line, they face their toughest rival -- the 10-time championship varsity team! The Ducks and their opponents engage in a series of hilarious pranks to warm up for their battle on the ice. And in a thrilling and climactic third-period battle, the Ducks must prove why they are called the Mighty Ducks! "The quack attack is back!" (USA Today) -- and D3 will have you and your family cheering! The Mighty Ducks - English/French/Spanish DVD- Screen favorite Emilio Estevez (STAKEOUT, YOUNG GUNS) stars in THE MIGHTY DUCKS, the hilarious comedy that made moviegoers stand up and cheer! Tough trial lawyer Gordon Bombay (Estevez) never loses. But when he's slapped with a community service assignment, he must coach a ragtag team of pee wee hockey players who can't skate, can't score, and can't win! Reluctantly, Bombay takes on the assignment and soon realizes there are more important things than winning. Armed with this new attitude, feathers fly as Bombay and the Ducks battle along to the toughest game of their lives!
AVP - Alien Vs. Predator (Widescreen Edition)
by Paul W.S. Anderson
from 20th Century Fox
Two lethal creatures, the alien and the predator, use the Earth as a battleground.
Genre: Feature Film-Action/Adventure
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 2-AUG-2006
Media Type: DVD
In delivering PG-13-rated excitement, Alien vs. Predator is an acceptably average science-fiction action thriller with some noteworthy highlights, even if it squanders its opportunity to intelligently combine two popular and R-rated franchises. Rabid fans can justifiably ask "Is that all there is?" after a decade of development hell and eager anticipation, but we're compensated by reasonably logical connections to the Alien legacy and the still-kicking Predator franchise (which hinted at AVP rivalry at the end of Predator 2); some cleverly claustrophobic sets, tense atmosphere and impressive digital effects; and a climactic AVP smackdown that's not half bad. This disposable junk should've been better, but nobody who's seen Mortal Kombat or Resident Evil should be surprised by writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson's lack of imagination. As a brisk, 90-minute exercise in generic thrills, however, Anderson's work is occasionally impressive... right up to his shameless opening for yet another sequel. --Jeff Shannon
D2: The Mighty Ducks
by Sam Weisman
from Walt Disney Video
This follow-up to the surprise Disney hit about a hockey team of misfits brings Emilio Estevez back to the role of the kids' yuppie coach. This time, Estevez assimilates his Ducks into the higher-stakes Team USA in the Junior Goodwill Games, an opportunity that could bring fame and money. Entirely perfunctory, this sequel is basically an excuse to revisit the eccentricities of some of the younger characters, extend some of their conflicts into adolescence, and showcase their allegedly entertaining but ethically dubious abilities on the ice. Estevez is okay, but even he had enough after this movie. --Tom Keogh
"Duck Power triumphs again!" (American Movie Classics) when everyone's favorite peewee hockey team returns to the ice for more slapshot action and slapstick laughter! The Mighty Ducks are thrilled to be chosen to compete in the Junior Goodwill Games as Team USA. They'll be facing off against the best teams from all over the world -- including the meanest team that ever sliced up the ice! Are they out of their league? Has Coach Bombay (Emilio Estevez) let the big time go to his head, forgetting that it's just a game? But when a street hockey gang teaches the Ducks to get tough, the Coach remembers how to have fun ... and the Ducks show the world the true meaning of Duck Power!
AVP - Alien Vs. Predator - The Unrated Edition (Collector's Edition)
by Paul W.S. Anderson
from 20th Century Fox
In delivering PG-13-rated excitement, Alien vs. Predator is an acceptably average science-fiction action thriller with some noteworthy highlights, even if it squanders its opportunity to intelligently combine two popular and R-rated franchises. Rabid fans can justifiably ask "Is that all there is?" after a decade of development hell and eager anticipation, but we're compensated by reasonably logical connections to the Alien legacy and the still-kicking Predator franchise (which hinted at AVP rivalry at the end of Predator 2); some cleverly claustrophobic sets, tense atmosphere and impressive digital effects; and a climactic AVP smackdown that's not half bad. This disposable junk should've been better, but nobody who's seen Mortal Kombat or Resident Evil should be surprised by writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson's lack of imagination. As a brisk, 90-minute exercise in generic thrills, however, Anderson's work is occasionally impressive... right up to his shameless opening for yet another sequel. --Jeff Shannon
"It may be our planet, but it?s their war!" The deadliest creatures from the scariest sci-fi movies ever made face off for the first time on film. The incredible adventure begins when the discovery of an ancient pyramid buried in Antarctica sends a team of scientists and adventurers to the frozen continent. There, they make an even more terrifying discovery: two alien races engaged in the ultimate battle. Whoever wins...we lose.
AVP - Alien Vs. Predator (Full Screen Edition)
by Paul W.S. Anderson
from 20th Century Fox
In delivering PG-13-rated excitement, Alien vs. Predator is an acceptably average science-fiction action thriller with some noteworthy highlights, even if it squanders its opportunity to intelligently combine two popular and R-rated franchises. Rabid fans can justifiably ask "Is that all there is?" after a decade of development hell and eager anticipation, but we're compensated by reasonably logical connections to the Alien legacy and the still-kicking Predator franchise (which hinted at AVP rivalry at the end of Predator 2); some cleverly claustrophobic sets, tense atmosphere and impressive digital effects; and a climactic AVP smackdown that's not half bad. This disposable junk should've been better, but nobody who's seen Mortal Kombat or Resident Evil should be surprised by writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson's lack of imagination. As a brisk, 90-minute exercise in generic thrills, however, Anderson's work is occasionally impressive... right up to his shameless opening for yet another sequel. --Jeff Shannon
"It may be our planet, but it?s their war!" The deadliest creatures from the scariest sci-fi movies ever made face off for the first time on film. The incredible adventure begins when the discovery of an ancient pyramid buried in Antarctica sends a team of scientists and adventurers to the frozen continent. There, they make an even more terrifying discovery: two alien races engaged in the ultimate battle. Whoever wins...we lose.
Danielle Steel's the Ring - Parts 1 & 2
by Armand Mastroianni
from Starz / Anchor Bay
Nastassja Kinski stars as Ariana von Gotthard, a privileged young German woman whose family is torn apart by the rise of the Nazis. As World War II rages, she must survive tragedy and imprisonment until a surprising marriage transcends the horrors of the Reich. But when catastrophe strikes again, Ariana escapes to America and discovers a new world of heartbreak, betrayal and one last chance to begin her life anew. In love and war, hope is the ultimate weapon. Will it be enough to reunite a family-and a past- that may be lost forever.
AVP - Alien Vs. Predator (Lenticular Cover Edition)
by Paul W.S. Anderson
from 20th Century Fox
No Description Available.
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 5-JUN-2007
Media Type: DVD
In delivering PG-13-rated excitement, Alien vs. Predator is an acceptably average science-fiction action thriller with some noteworthy highlights, even if it squanders its opportunity to intelligently combine two popular and R-rated franchises. Rabid fans can justifiably ask "Is that all there is?" after a decade of development hell and eager anticipation, but we're compensated by reasonably logical connections to the Alien legacy and the still-kicking Predator franchise (which hinted at AVP rivalry at the end of Predator 2); some cleverly claustrophobic sets, tense atmosphere and impressive digital effects; and a climactic AVP smackdown that's not half bad. This disposable junk should've been better, but nobody who's seen Mortal Kombat or Resident Evil should be surprised by writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson's lack of imagination. As a brisk, 90-minute exercise in generic thrills, however, Anderson's work is occasionally impressive... right up to his shameless opening for yet another sequel. --Jeff Shannon
The Gristle
by David Portlock
from Warner Home Video
Two struggling L.A. medical assistants think they've finally caught their big break when they're hired to deliver black-market human organs to a wealthy U.S. Senator. But another criminal drop off involving thousands of dollars worth of cocaine scheduled for that same night throws a wrench in their plans. Our two young heroes quickly devise a plan to outsmart everyone and get ALL the cash for themselves, but will it work? Or will our friends discover that they are as expendable as the "gristle" on a chicken bone?
The Spartans
by Melanie Archer
from Pbs Paramount
Maybe it was Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire or Frank Miller's 300 that got you interested in learning about Sparta, but the thought of delving into Herodotus, Thucydides, or Plutarch appeared a bit too daunting. Luckily you don't have to brave the classics in order to get a rich education of the ultimate warrior city-state of ancient Greece. PBS's The Spartans is a well-researched, well-paced three-hour documentary telling you everything an armchair Lambda-wearing Hoplite would ever want to know about Greece's legendary warriors. Classical historian Bettany Hughes does an amazing job of exploring all aspects of life and history in the utopian city-state, including their rise to power, battles, discipline and training, thrifty existence, ideals of equality, enforcement of social/sexual freedom for both genders, and, ultimately, their downfall. Couple The Spartans with Empires: The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization, and you are guaranteed to walk away knowing more than most about the roots of Western Civilization without having to crack open the classics (though that is recommended!). --Rob Bracco
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