Oliver, Barret

The NeverEnding Story

A dreamy young boy discovers an exraordinary storybook-and the fantastical world within its pages. A spectacular family favorite that Roger Ebert calls "a real delight." From famed director Wolfgang Peterson ("Outbreak" "In the Line of Fire") comes this $30 million family fantasy/adventure epic based on the acclaimed best-seller about a boy who is drawn into a timeless and wondrous world of fantastic beings that only he can save from total destruction.Running Time: 92 min.System Requirements:Running Time: 94 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: PG UPC: 085391327721 Manufacturer No: 13277

Wolfgang Petersen (In the Line of Fire) made his first English-language film with this 1984 fantasy about a boy (Barret Oliver) visualizing the stories of a book he's reading. The imagined tale involves another boy, a warrior (Noah Hathaway), and his efforts to save the empire of Fantasia from a nemesis called the Nothing. Whether or not the scenario sticks in the memory, what does linger are the unique effects, which are not quite like anything else. Plenty of good fairy-tale characters and memorable scenes, and the film even encourages kids to read. --Tom Keogh

D.A.R.Y.L.

The series D.A.R.Y.L. explores the life of a young boy named Daryl who demonstrates profound talent in all areas of his life. From solving advanced mathematics to dominating difficult video games on his first try, Daryl continues to awe everyone in his town including his foster parents. Consequently, the government has a hidden interest in Daryl that threatens his very existence.

Cocoon

An offbeat and charming comedy with elements of science fiction thrown in, director Ron Howard's (Ransom, Apollo 13) unlikely fantasy ponders the price of immortality and the power of everlasting love. A group of aliens travel to a Florida retirement community to rescue some long-stranded colleagues cocooned and buried beneath the sea. But as the aliens take on human form and stash their counterparts in a swimming pool, a group of elderly retirees discover the pool and after swimming in the water find themselves rejuvenated, with boundless energy and insatiable appetites. Soon the retirees are forced to choose between living out their lives on earth with their families, or leaving with the aliens and attaining immortality. More character driven than dependent on the incredible plot, the film's charm comes from its characters and the wonderful cast, including Don Ameche, who won an Academy Award for his role as one of the randy retirees. --Robert Lane

Don Ameche (1985 Academy Award®, Best Supporting Actor), Hume Cronyn, Jack Gilford, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Wilford Brimley and Steve Guttenberg star in this charming fantasy adventure.

Kiss Me Goodbye

This is a surprisingly winning little comedy, though hardly a hit. Extrapolated from Bruno Barreto's Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, the film stars Sally Field as a woman about to embark on her second marriage after her first husband, a charismatic Broadway director and choreographer (James Caan), has died. But as she plans her wedding to the likable but unexciting Jeff Bridges, Caan returns from the dead. Though only she can see him, it's a formula for disaster: She begins to doubt her plans and wonders whether she'd be happier with Caan's ghost than with Bridges's live body. Meanwhile, everyone else begins to doubt her sanity because she's talking to a dead man. Better than critics gave it credit for being, although you'll probably enjoy it more if you've never seen the original. --Marshall Fine

James Caan is tap-dancing ghost. Jeff Bridges is the very much alive stuffed shirt. Together, they make the perfect match for Sally Field, the woman caught between both men in this uproarious romp through the supernatural. The spooky fun begins when Kay Villano is one week away from marrying the serious Dr. Rupert Baines, and an uninvited guest appears on the scene; the ghost of Kay's dead, but oh-so-debonair husband Jolly. Kay's predicament is made worse because no one else can see or hear Jolly but her. The celestial shenanigans are non-stop as the three superstars hysterically battle out an odd eternal triangle with deliciously new dimensions.

Cocoon / Cocoon - The Return

Cocoon - The Return

Don Ameche is back as Art Selwyn with his friends Ben Luckett (Wilford Brimley) and Joe Finley (Hume Cronyn) and their wives Bess (Gwen Verdon) Mary (Maureen Stapleton) and Alma (Jessica Tandy). They rediscover the value of human emotion and the fragility of their own lives as they visit with their old friends and remember what it's like to live on earth. As the group of friends reconsider what life would be like if they returned permanently they shop party and make some miraculous discoveries about the future of their relationships. Before they decide whether to stay on Earth or return to space they must help their alien escort Kitty (Tahnee Welch) rescue an alien cocoon from the hands of the government with the help of her old friend Jack Bonner (Steve Guttenberg). Once again the elderly friends must debate whether to stay or to go and consider whether it is better to die surrounded by the people one loves or live forever separated from family and friends. This charming sequel features delightful ensemble acting from its fine cast of stars including Elaine Stritch and Jack Gilford in dynamite supporting roles.System Requirements: Running Time 110 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE

The Secret Garden

Wes Craven's Invitation to Hell

Cocoon / Cocoon 2 - The Return

Cocoon: An offbeat and charming comedy with elements of science fiction thrown in, director Ron Howard's (Ransom, Apollo 13) unlikely fantasy ponders the price of immortality and the power of everlasting love. A group of aliens travel to a Florida retirement community to rescue some long-stranded colleagues cocooned and buried beneath the sea. But as the aliens take on human form and stash their counterparts in a swimming pool, a group of elderly retirees discover the pool and after swimming in the water find themselves rejuvenated, with boundless energy and insatiable appetites. Soon the retirees are forced to choose between living out their lives on earth with their families, or leaving with the aliens and attaining immortality. More character driven than dependent on the incredible plot, the film's charm comes from its characters and the wonderful cast, including Don Ameche, who won an Academy Award for his role as one of the randy retirees. --Robert Lane

Cocoon 2: The Return:In this charming, funny and very moving sequel to the hit film Cocoon, the adventurous old-timers who left Earth for the alien utopia Antarea, return on a rescue mission. Although accustomed to their new peaceful, problem-free planet, they realize the joys they left behind after they are reunited with their stunned families. Yet for all their happiness, they must once again confront the human frailties of their past.

The NeverEnding Story [Region 2]

Wolfgang Petersen (In the Line of Fire) made his first English-language film with this 1984 fantasy about a boy (Barret Oliver) visualizing the stories of a book he's reading. The imagined tale involves another boy, a warrior (Noah Hathaway), and his efforts to save the empire of Fantasia from a nemesis called the Nothing. Whether or not the scenario sticks in the memory, what does linger are the unique effects, which are not quite like anything else. Plenty of good fairy-tale characters and memorable scenes, and the film even encourages kids to read. --Tom Keogh