Young, Alan

The Time Machine

After scoring popular hits with When Worlds Collide and The War of the Worlds, special-effects pioneer George Pal returned to the visionary fiction of H.G. Wells to produce and direct this science-fiction classic from 1960. Wells's imaginative tale of time travel was published in 1895 and the movie is set in approximately the same period with Rod Taylor as a scientist whose magnificent time machine allows him to leap backward and forward in the annals of history. His adventures take him far into the future, where a meek and ineffectual race known as the Eloi have been forced to hide from the brutally monstrous Morlocks. As Taylor tests his daring invention, Oscar-winning special effects show us what the scientist sees: a cavalcade of sights and sounds as he races through time at varying speeds, from lava flows of ancient earth to the rise and fall of a towering future metropolis.

The movie's charm lies in its Victorian setting and the awe and wonder that carries over from Wells's classic story. The pioneering spirit of the movie is still enthralling, but it gets a bit silly when Taylor turns into a stock hero, rescuing a beautiful blonde Eloi (Yvette Mimieux) and battling with the chubby green Morlocks whose light-bulb eyes blink out when they die. Although it's quaint when compared to the special-effects marvels of the digital age, the movie's still highly entertaining and filled with a timeless sense of wonder. --Jeff Shannon

The Smurfs - Season One, Vol. One

The long wait is over...the Smurfs on DVD for the first time ever! They're finally here! Handy Hefty Grouchy Brainy Lazy Smurfette Papa Smurf and more favorites bring you the greatest show on Smurf - on DVD for the first time ever. It's Season One Vol. 1 of Smurfs' Adventures the Emmy-winning animated series [Outstanding Children's Entertainment Series 1982-83] that delighted Saturday morning cartoon fans for nearly a decade. Of course where Smurfs are you'll also find evil wizard Gargamel and his cat Azrael - plus monsters dragons and trolls - keeping our three-apple-high heroes on their tiny blue toes throughout 19 cartoon escapades. Ready for adventure laughs and enchantment? Abso-Smurfly!Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 014764370828 Manufacturer No: H3708

Beloved in Europe for almost 20 years before they became a toy and marketing hit on American shores, Belgian cartoonist Peyo's industrious and charming Smurfs were a natural choice for Saturday morning TV; fans who grew up with their popular and Emmy-nominated network run (1981-1990) can now enjoy (and share) the first 19 episodes of the Hanna-Barbera produced series, which are remastered and compiled in this tidy two-disc set. Though simplistic by today's animation standards, the quarter-century-plus since their U.S. TV debut has not diminished the key ingredient to the Smurfs' enduring appeal: their unflappably upbeat demeanor, which helps Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and the rest of the clan overcome the schemes of their chief rival, the evil wizard Gargamel, but also a dangerous bird ("The Smurfs and the Howlibird"), a duplicitous genie ("The Magical Meanie"), and the Tribble-like "Fuzzles" ("Fuzzle Trouble"), and the giant Bigmouth ("Soup a la Smurf"). More benign issues are also handled with the Smurfs' typical can-do attitude, like Harmony's embarrassment over his lack of tunesmanship in "Smurphony in 'C'" or the hubbub caused by the arrival of Smurfette (addressed in "The Smurfette" and "Romeo and Smurfette"). And if the dialogue remains a touch on the corny side (especially the incessant use of "smurf" to replace any number of nouns, verbs and adverbs), it's delivered with good cheer by some of the best names in vocal talent, including Paul Winchell, Don Messick, Lucille Bliss, June Foray, Frank Welker, and Lenny Weinrib. It's unfortunate that the set's supplemental features don't delve further into the Smurfs' long history (or even into the TV series) with any detail; the Emmy-nominated 1982 primetime special The Smurfs' Springtime Special is the chief extra, while Smurfs: The Music Video offers tantalizing snippets of production sketches and promotional footage in a haphazard montage. Previews for DVD releases of Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, and Looney Tunes round out the set. --Paul Gaita

The Great Mouse Detective

Just because Walt Disney created contemporary and traditional classics of animation doesn't mean the studio is out of ideas--not by a long shot. The Great Mouse Detective is richly animated and offers a clever tale. It may not be as easily recognized a title as Aladdin or The Little Mermaid, but all three share the same director, Ron Clements. Originally released theatrically in 1986, the mystery borrows easily from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and is based on Eve Titus's book Basil of Baker Street.

When a brilliant toymaker is kidnapped by a creepy peg-legged bat, his daughter, Olivia, enlists the aid of the legendary Basil. Basil, Olivia, and Basil's assistant, Dr. Dawson, are part of an intricate city system of Victorian-era London mice. Basil quickly realizes his archenemy, Professor Ratigan (a rat who wants to be a mouse), is behind the abduction. Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price) fiendishly aspires to take over London rodents--and will stop at nothing to achieve his greatest desire. The unlikely trio of good guys become heroes, of course. The engaging story line is a perfect introduction to Doyle's work and mysteries in general. Look for a very cleverly executed voice-cameo by Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes, natch). Alan Young (Mr. Ed) also provides a voice. Ages 4 and up. --N.F. Mendoza

The clues are in, the chase is on, and the case of the century is about to break wide open in Disney's greatest little mystery in history! Let the creators of ALADDIN and THE LITTLE MERMAID take you on an adventuresome journey through the cobblestone streets of 1897 London, where some suspicious "mousechief" is the suspenseful start to this thrilling musical adventure. Olivia, the brave daughter of a beloved London toymaker, turns to Basil of Baker Street for help with her father's disappearance. Basil's jolly assistant, Dr. Dawson, and loyal dog Toby lend a hand ... and nose ... as they sniff out clues through their charming miniature world. The final chase leads to Professor Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price), a hard-hearted criminal whom Basil must outwit to save all of Mousedom! Now digitally remastered, fully restored and full of unforgettable characters and spectacular animation -- all leading to a climactic climb atop Big Ben -- it's elementary who you'll want to watch again and again ... THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE!

The Best of Mister Ed - Volume One

"It's been a long time since I was a pony." These immortal words launched one of television's most unlikely, but enduring friendships between architect Wilbur Post and Mister Ed, his talking horse. What better escape from the onslaught of reality television than a thoroughbred example of unreality television? Although, so convincing is Alan Young as Wilbur, and so easy his rapport with his equine costar, that you really do believe a horse can talk (Ed's voice is courtesy of Western character actor Alan Lane). This two-disc set saddles up 21 episodes from the first three seasons of this Golden Globe-winning series, which was recently added to the TV Land stable of '60s retro faves. Director Arthur Lubin knew his way around the barn. He directed the best of the Francis series of talking-mule comedies. While the episode with Mae West is sadly absent, this set does include Ed's memorable encounters with Clint Eastwood (then starring on Rawhide), George Burns (who produced the series' pilot episode), and original diva Zsa Zsa Gabor. Young is a gifted comic actor in his own right, but just as George Burns had his Gracie, Young has his Ed, who gets all the good lines, as when Wilbur congratulates Ed on curing Zsa Zsa's fear of horses. Ed replies, "She cured my fear of Hungarians." But the writers took the show's surreal premise and galloped with it, as when Ed joins the beatnik set in "Ed, the Beachcomber." Sound unbelievable? We'll give Ed the last word, of course, of course. "Don't try to understand it," he advises Wilbur during their first meeting. "It's bigger than both of us." --Donald Liebenson

Saddle up for the most hilarious episodes from Seasons 1-3 of this all-time TV favorite! The world s most famous talking horse Mister Ed is back along with his hapless owner Wilbur Post (Alan Young) in this collectible DVD giftset. Giddyup!Disc One:The First MeetingEd the SongwriterPsychoanalyst ShowWilbur Sells EdThe HorsetronautEd s AncestorsMister Ed s BluesZsa ZsaEd the Beneficiary Ed s BedHorse WashEd the BeachcomberGeorge Burns Meets Mister EdDisc Two:Clint Eastwood Meets Mister EdHorse SenseWilbur the MasherEd the EmancipatorThe Price of ApplesDoctor EdEd the ZebraWilbur Post Honorary HorseSystem Requirements: Running Time 544 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/CLASSICS Rating: NR UPC: 027616898012 Manufacturer No: 1005526

The Time Machine

While the 1960 version of The Time Machine remains a science fiction classic, this adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel benefits from a dazzling CGI facelift. Digital wizardry shows us the awesome splendor of eons passing in an eye blink, while Wells's heroic time traveler--played with appealing conviction by Memento's Guy Pearce--is given a stronger motivation for piloting his time machine 800,000 years into the future. Long after New York City has crumbled and the moon shattered by a nuclear accident, Pearce finds a new home with the peacefully primitive Eloi, after confronting the subterranean Morlocks (courtesy of Stan Winson's monster shop) and their evil overlord (Jeremy Irons in wicked, pigmentless makeup). Trading Wells's social commentary for pure adventure, director Simon Wells (the author's great-grandson) maintains the story's legacy of wonder, despite a few hokey embellishments. Catering to a younger audience, this Time Machine is fun without being particularly distinguished--a treat for the eyes, if not the brain. --Jeff Shannon

The Cat From Outer Space

Here's today's trivia question: What Disney movie costars both colonels from television's M*A*S*H--that is, Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) and Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan)? Heck, that's easy: 1978's The Cat from Outer Space, a family comedy about a feline extraterrestrial named Jake (voiced by actor Ronnie Schell, who also plays Sergeant Duffy). Eerily similar to the plot of Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, released four years later, Cat finds Jake stuck on Earth and in danger of being trapped here forever if his fellow space kitties can't rendezvous with him soon.

While a gruff Army general (Morgan) tries to scare up some answers about the whereabouts and agenda of the purring alien, Jake allies himself with an unorthodox scientist (Ken Berry), plus the latter's friend (Stevenson)--a compulsive gambler--and mathematician girlfriend (Sandy Duncan). Together, they try to raise the scratch to purchase expensive materials to make Jake's ship run again, and in short order. Norman Tokar, an old Disney hand (The Happiest Millionaire) directing his final film before he died the following year, gets the comic machinery going with his slick cast of character actors (Roddy McDowall, Jesse White, Hans Conried), sly one-liners, and lots of enjoyable suspense. A kid-pleaser for sure. --Tom Keogh

There's magic in the memories as great Disney moments are captured right here for you and your family to enjoy. Cosmic comedy is on the prowl when an extraterrestrial cat named Jake is forced to crash-land his spaceship on Earth. Jake then proceeds to lead a physicist, his girlfriend, the Army, and a team of baffled scientists on endless escapades during his unscheduled and hilarious visit!

Ren & Stimpy - The Complete First and Second Seasons

The delirious animated series Ren and Stimpy makes its DVD debut in a three-disc set that features seasons 1 and 2, as well as a handful of extras to please its devoted fan base. The surreal adventures of short-tempered Chihuahua Ren and good-natured but simple cat Stimpson J. Cat caught on like a house afire with teen and college audiences during its 1991-96 run on Nickelodeon, despite regular battles between the network and creator John Kricfalusi (who also voiced Ren and several other characters) over allegedly objectionable content in certain episodes. The conflict eventually led to several episodes suffering edits, much to the chagrin of the show's creators and audience alike; the unedited versions of these episodes have become much sought-after and traded items among collectors. And while this set attempts to rectify that situation by presenting the show in its uncut form, die-hard fans should know that several episodes retain minor cuts; however, many others, most notably the pilot, "Big House Blues," and "Powdered Toastman" are presented in their original, uncut versions. Extras include commentaries on seven episodes by Kricfalusi and the show's creators, storyboard galleries, a featurette, and the "banned" episode "Man's Best Friend." --Paul Gaita

Join Ren and Stimpy in their bizarre and gross world that features the oddly lovable duo in some outlandish situations coupled with hilarious jokes. THE REN AND STIMPY: THE COMPLETE FIRST AND SECOND SEASONS - UNCUT feature the guest voice of music star Frank Zappa and consist of amusing episodes combined with the gross-out humor that became popular when the show first premiered on Nickelodeon in 1991.

Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 9 - Classic Holiday Stories (The Small One/Pluto's Christmas Tree/Mickey's Christmas Carol)

The adventures of Mickey Mouse and friends during the holiday season.
Genre: Christmas
Rating: NR
Release Date: 27-SEP-2005
Media Type: DVD

Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas

Mickey and his friends are computer generated in these Christmas adventures.
Genre: Children's Video
Rating: G
Release Date: 9-NOV-2004
Media Type: DVD

Mickey Mouse and his friends enter the realm of eye-catching computer-generated animation in this five-episode, 68-minute Christmas celebration. The holidays are a time for celebration, but when Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and host of other Disney characters become obsessed with holiday preparations, the frenzy of activity leaves everyone feeling stressed, selfish, and full of regret. A skating contest leads best friends Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck down a path of jealousy and hurt feelings in "Belles on Ice," and "Christmas Impossible" finds Huey, Dewie, and Louie selfishly scheming to get on Santa's "good list" at any expense. In "Christmas Maximus," Goofy's son Max is mortified by his father's silly antics and, in "Donald's Gift," Donald's craving for peace and quiet threatens to ruin the whole family's holiday fun. "Mickey's Dog-Gone Christmas" finds Mickey so absorbed in planning the perfect Christmas party that he lashes out at Pluto and almost loses a very special friend forever. While the animation style is new, what hasn't changed is Disney's commitment to stories with wholesome values: Mickey and the gang remind viewers that the holiday season is not about selfishness, flashy parties, and expensive gifts, but about selflessness and the celebration of family and friends. (Ages 2 to 11) --Tami Horiuchi

The Ren and Stimpy Show - Seasons Three and a Half-ish

Though the third season of John Kricfalusi's much-loved Ren and Stimpy animated series has been the subject of much controversy among devotees of the show and its creator, there is still enough cat/dog insanity to warrant viewing. Some fans' problems with the season revolve around the fact that Nickelodeon, which was airing the program, removed Kricfalusi and his Spumco team from the show's production and replaced them with Games Animation, which reproduced Ren and Stimpy's signature artwork, but without the absurd spark of the first and second seasons (at least by those fans' estimation). However, a perusal of the 29 episodes compiled on this three-disc set (which offers the entire third season and a smattering of the fourth, which concludes on the Season Five and Some More of Four set) does turn up some worthwhile episodes, most notably "Ren's Pecs" (Ren develops a rippling physique after injecting fat from Stimpy's posteior), "Jimminy Lummox" (Stimpy's conscience takes the form of a monstrous singing lout), "Powdered Toast Man vs. Waffle Woman" (no explanation needed there...), and the surreal "House of Next Tuesday" (R & S visit the title domicile to escape giant ants). All this, plus several visits to "Untamed World," appearances by the irascible Wilbur Cobb, Jerry the Bellybutton Elf (who resides inside Stimpy's navel)--and scads of commentary tracks, including eleven from Kricfalusi and his Spumco team, and two from Ren and Stimpy themselves. Though the loyal may be divided on these seasons, completists will want to add this round of lunacy to their DVD animation collections. -- Paul Gaita

Did you REALLY think you were safe from the insanity and stupidity of Ren and Stimpy? Well, the demented duo is back for more madness with their friends Powdered Toastman, Jimmy Lummox, Jerry the Bellybutton Elf, crazy Wilbur Cobb, deranged circus midgets, and more! From girl scouts to brain surgery, from prehistoric times to Washington, D.C., from inside Stimpy Bellybutton, to inside Ren's face, get ready for a whacked-out ride! Oh, joy of joys!