Gilligan's Island : The Complete First Season



Title:Gilligan's Island: The Complete First Season
Year: 1964
Director: 1. Two on a RaftJohn Rich, 2. Home Sweet HutRichard Donner, 3. Voodoo Something to MeJohn Rich, 4. Goodnight Sweet SkipperIda Lupino, 5. Wrongway FeldmanIda Lupino, 6. President GilliganRichard Donner, 7. The Sound of QuackingThomas Montgomery, 8. Goodbye IslandJohn Rich, 9. The Big Gold StrikeStanley Z. Cherry, 10. Waiting for WatubiJack Arnold, 11. Angel on the IslandJack Arnold, 12. Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta TalkRod Amateau, 13. Three Million Dollars More or LessThomas Montgomery, 14. Water Water EverywhereStanley Z. Cherry, 15. So Sorry, My Island NowAlan Crosland, Jr., 16. Plant You Now, Dig You LaterLawrence Dobkin, 17. Little Island, Big GunAbner Biberman, 18. X Marks the SpotJack Arnold, 19. Gilligan Meets Jungle BoyLawrence Dobkin, 20. St. Gilligan and the DragonRichard Donner, 21. Big Man on a Little StickTony Leader, 22. Diamonds Are an Ape's Best FriendJack Arnold, 23. How to Be a HeroTony Leader, 24. The Return of Wrongway FeldmanGene Nelson, 25. The MatchmakerTony Leader, 26. Music Hath CharmsJack Arnold, 27. New Neighbor SamThomas Montgomery, 28. They're Off and RunningJack Arnold, 29. Three to Get ReadyJack Arnold, 30. Forget Me NotJack Arnold, 31. Diogenes, Won't You Please Go Home?Christian Nyby, 32. Physical FatnessGary Nelson, 33. It's MagicJack Arnold, 34. Goodbye Old PaintJack Arnold, 35. My Fair GilliganTony Leader, 36. A Nose by Any Other NameHal Cooper
Rating: NR
Length: 916 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
1. Two on a RaftBob Denver
Alan Hale, Jr. [Alan Hale]
Jim Backus
Natalie Schafer

Plot:
A three-hour tour? No way! Not when you have all 36 Season-One episodes of Gilligan's Island plus a cargo of DVD extras that include the originally unaired pilot.

The S.S. Minnow first sailed into living rooms on September 26, 1964, and from there steered into legend. Certainly much credit for the show's three-year run and amazing afterlife goes to the remarkable cast whose characters managed to endure life on the island while never losing their comic timing. Bravo to Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Jim Backus, Natalie Schaefer, Tina Louise, Russel Johnson and Dawn Wells. It's a joy to be stranded with them time and again – here on Gilligan's Isle.

EPISODES:
[1] Two on a Raft
[2] Home Sweet Hut
[3] Voodoo Something to Me
[4] Goodnight Sweet Skipper
[5] Wrongway Feldman
[6] President Gilligan
[7] The Sound of Quacking
[8] Goodbye Island
[9] The Big Gold Strike
[10] Waiting for Watubi
[11] Angel on the Island
[12] Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta Talk
[13] Three Million Dollars More or Less
[14] Water Water Everywhere
[15] So Sorry, My Island Now
[16] Plant You Now, Dig You Later
[17] Little Island, Big Gun
[18] X Marks the Spot
[19] Gilligan Meets Jungle Boy
[20] St. Gilligan and the Dragon
[21] Big Man on a Little Stick
[22] Diamonds Are an Ape's Best Friend
[23] How To Be a Hero
[24] The Return of Wrongway Feldman
[25] The Matchmaker
[26] Music Hath Charms
[27] New Neighbor Sam
[28] They're Off and Running
[29] Three to Get Ready
[30] Forget Me Not
[31] Diogenes, Won't You Please Go Home?
[32] Physical Fatness
[33] It's Magic
[34] Goodbye Old Paint
[35] My Fair Gilligan
[36] A Nose by Any Other Name

Extras:
Audio Commentary
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
Unaired Pilot Episode, Trivia, Survival Guide


Decided to watch some of TV's golden oldies and where better to start than with everyone's 7 favorite stranded castaways.

Gilligan's Island reruns were a staple in my house growing up and it didn't seem to matter what time it was or whatever else you were doing when it came on, you sat down and watched it. The silly humor has held up well over the years and you can't help but laugh at some of the antics even though you know what's coming in most cases.

Some interesting things about Season 1... it is comprised entirely of Black & White episodes which does change to color somewhere later in it's run, Season 2 I am guessing. The first season's theme song does not mention The Professor or Mary Anne, instead singing '...and the rest...'. I learned that the song was changed at the insistence of Bob Denver (Gilligan) who threatened to leave the show if all cast members didn't get equal recognition. Good for him!

A few favorite episodes from Season 1... the one where they encounter the Japanese soldier who doesn't know the war was over was a riot! The Jungle Boy episode was interesting because the young boy was played by none other than Kurt Russell!!

I can't say that I have a favorite character from Gilligan's Island. I have always admired Alan Hale Jr. (Skipper) and have been actively seeking out some of his early and few movie roles. I was never stuck on Mrs. Howell who is terribly one dimensional and Ginger (Tina Louise) I find annoying with her constant preening and posturing. I know it is supposed to be characterization but they went overboard with her. And while I like Russell Johnson as The Professor I find it preposterous that this pre-Maguyver genius can make a nuclear reactor out of a couple of coconuts if he wanted to but can't build a lousy raft... 

Fun stuff... season 2 is out and ready to go!

KC

Rating:

Across The Tracks



Title:Across the Tracks
Year: 1991
Director: Sandy Tung
Rating: R
Length: 96 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:

Stars:
Rick Schroder (1970)
Brad Pitt
Carrie Snodgress
David Anthony Marshall
Thomas Mikal Ford

Plot:
A fast-paced and emotional story of sibling rivalry where a family learns that life is about making choices...and standing by them.

Billy (Rick Schroder) has just returned home from reform school after being implicated in a car theft. His mother is overjoyed that he's home but Billy is now an outsider - especially to his brother Joe (Brad Pitt), a track star in school. When Billy can't find an outlet for his energies, he decides to try out for the track team at a rival high school. Meanwhile Billy's friend Louis tries to lure him into his old ways hoping to involve him in illegal business.

The conflict between the brothers ultimately brings them together as they learn each other's ways and come to respect what they find.

Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers


Early film for Pitt which sees him and Ricky Schroder playing estranged brothers who try to rebuild their relationship after Schroder's character comes back from reform school. Their bond quickly grows with track & field being the common interest that brings them together.

This was pretty good for what I was sure must be a made for TV movie until about a half hour in when the profanity started. This was a no budget, moral of the story type flick that gave it a network television kind of feel but upon looking at the IMDB jacket on the film it appears that this was what must be one of the earlier straight-to-video movies... circa 1995.

Regardless, I liked it and I thought Schroder's performance was pretty good in spite of all the praise and hype given to Pitt on the dvd artwork. Carrie Snodgrass plays the mother, probably best known for her role as the miner widow in Pale Rider. I've never cared for this actress as she always plays these holier-than-thou, goody two shoes type characters and comes off as arrogant every time. Even her last name bugs me... Snodgrass. If ever there was a case to take on a stage name this is it. 

KC

Rating:

Vice



Title:Vice
Year: 2008
Director: Raul Inglis
Rating: R
Length: 98 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: :
Subtitles:

Stars:


Plot:
KILL BILL stars Michael Madsen and Daryl Hannah reunite for this gritty crime thriller. Along with Mykelti Williamson (FORREST GUMP), the pair plays cops who are involved in a drug bust gone wrong. After they discover a large quantity of heroin--which then goes missing--the detectives involved begin dying off, and it appears that there may be a traitor in their midst. VICE marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Raul Inglis.

Extras:
Scene Access



Straight to video flick starring Michael Madsen and Darryl Hannah, both of whom must be praying that Tarantino or any other director of note gives them a call. It's really sad to see how so many A-List stars from not that long ago are now nothing more than STV or reality TV fodder. 

This wasn't half bad considering the low expectations I went into watching it with. Story about a unit of Vice cops, some dirty, trying to find out who swiped a bunch of drugs from a bust while they gradually get rubbed out one by one. I guessed correctly very early on who the elusive figure was and while the story was nothing original I thought it held up pretty good.

Madsen, who is obviously now a firm believer in quantity over quality, seems to crop up in 1 out of every 4 STV movies and in fact I heard that he has signed on for no less than 28 films for 2011, apparently desperate for cash as he fights money troubles with the IRS. Here's to hoping that someone notable will view him as a reclamation project and give him another chance as happened for the likes of Mickey Rourke & Robert Downy Jr.

KC

Rating:

Unleashed



Title:Danny the Dog
Year: 2005
Director: Louis Leterrier
Rating: R
Length: 102 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Jet Li
Morgan Freeman (1937)
Bob Hoskins
Kerry Condon
Vincent Regan

Plot:
Raisedito beia mindless killer,ia man escapes his masterito liveia normal life. But when his master returns, he must returnito his violent ways if he wantsito stay free.

Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Music Videos


Great action with a decent story to go with it. The fight sequences are outstanding! While Li is known more for his martial arts prowess I thought his acting was above average in this one, more from his body language and facial expressions as his Danny character has limited dialogue at first.

Seemed like an odd combination with Jet Li, Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins as three vastly different types of actors you'll likely never find but each performed well in their respective comfort zones. Hoskins in particular was superior as a vicious gangster with colorful vernacular. Always been a big fan of his.

This is a can't miss for action fans.

KC

Rating:

Kevin if you like this one Shout Factory! release a new tranfert of it in june. there is a commentary with the director and Willem Dafoe. The price is nice and Gordon's War is the second feature included.

Amazon Canada link

House M.D. Season Two



Title:House M.D.: Season Two
Year: 2005
Director: 1. AcceptanceDaniel Attias [Dan Attias], 2. AutopsyDeran Sarafian, 3. Humpty DumptyDaniel Attias [Dan Attias], 4. TB or Not TBPeter O'Fallon, 5. Daddy's BoyGreg Yaitanes, 6. SpinFred Gerber, 7. HuntingGloria Muzio, 8. The MistakeDavid Semel, 9. DeceptionDeran Sarafian, 10. Failure to CommunicateJace Alexander, 11. Need to KnowDavid Semel, 12. DistractionsDaniel Attias [Dan Attias], 13. Skin DeepJim Hayman, 14. Sex KillsDavid Semel, 15. CluelessDeran Sarafian, 16. SafeFelix Alcala, 17. All InFred Gerber, 18. Sleeping Dogs LieGreg Yaitanes, 19. House vs. GodJohn F. Showalter, 20. Euphoria (Part 1)Deran Sarafian, 21. Euphoria (Part 2)Deran Sarafian, 22. ForeverDaniel Sackheim, 23. Who's Your Daddy?Martha Mitchell, 24. No ReasonDavid Shore
Rating: NR
Length: 1050 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish

Stars:
1. AcceptanceHugh Laurie
Lisa Edelstein
Omar Epps
Robert Sean Leonard

Plot:
Golden Globe® winner Hugh Laurie is on call as sardonic Dr. Gregory House in Season Two of the smash-hit House, television's most intelligent and provocative drama. This 6-disc collection features all 24 innovative episodes, exclusive bonus materials and some of today's brightest guest stars, including Sela Ward, Ron Livingston, LL Cool J and Cynthia Nixon. Be a part of this medical mystery-solving team as House and his staff take on baffling cases in the gripping show critics are calling "both hilarious and heartbreaking; this could be network TV's best current series." — David Kronke, Los Angeles Daily News.


EPISODES:
1. Acceptance
2. Autopsy
3. Humpty Dumpty
4. TB or Not TB
5. Daddy's Boy
6. Spin
7. Hunting
8. The Mistake
9. Deception
10. Failure to Communicate
11. Need to Know
12. Distractions
13. Skin Deep
14. Sex Kills
15. Clueless
16. Safe
17. All In
18. Sleeping Dogs Lie
19. House vs. God
20. Euphoria (Part 1)
21. Euphoria (Part 2)
22. Forever
23. Who's Your Daddy?
24. No Reason

Extras:
Audio Commentary
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Outtakes/Bloopers
Alternate Takes: The Valley Girl Version


Breezed through season 2 of House and are still firmly hooked even if each episode seems to follow a similar pattern. I think the major fascination comes from waiting to see what rude but witty comment that will come out of House's mouth next.

We saw out first two part episode which involved one of his team members brushing close with death which I predicted early to my wife was bound to happen eventually. The early seeds of a relationship between House and Cuddy are planted about mid season which I saw from commercials for Season 7 of House which eludes to a full blown romance between the two.

The season finale was an odd episode in which House gets shot by one of his many disgruntled former patients and it was hard to determine how much was real or hallucinations and I'm just hoping the first episode of Season 3 sheds some light on it.

I currently own the first 5 seasons of House and predict we will be through them all in no time. 

KC

Rating:

Masters Of The Universe



Title:Masters of the Universe
Year: 1987
Director: Gary Goddard
Rating: PG
Length: 105 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Dolph Lundgren
Frank Langella (1938)
Meg Foster
Billy Barty
Courteney Cox

Plot:
Planet Eternia and the Castle of Greyskull are under threat from the evil Skeletor, who wants to take over the planet. A group of Freedom Fighters led by the heroic He-Man are accidentally transported to Earth by a mysterious Cosmic Key which holds the power to make Skeletor all-powerful. Once on Earth, He-Man joins alliances with two teenagers as they attempt to find the key and return home.

Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
Character Profiles


Big screen adaptation of the old He-man cartoon I used to watch occasionally after school as a kid. While most of the central characters were re-created for this it was mostly a laughable, cornball movie. 

Dolph Lundgren makes for a good likeness of He-Man although his thickly accented dialogue was rather atrocious. Man At Arms, Teela, Evil-Lyn (played by Meg Foster with her freakish eyes!) and Skeletor (Frank Langella) all make an appearance. The only one missing was the green tiger that used to follow Man At Arms around... can't remember his name. Langella as Skeletor was surprising as I wouldn't think he'd lower himself to be included in the likes of a film like this. A very young Courtney Cox is in this too.

For die hard fans of the old cartoon series only...for which I'm not.

KC

Rating: