DVD Collectors Online

Larks on a String, a review by samuelrichardscott

Larks on a String (1990) R0 UK

Shortened Review:
Larks on a String is a bleak and tragic story right from the outset. As the film progresses you see how the oppressive regime affects different people, from the imprisoned female scrapyard workers who tried to defect to the west, to the workers who are there 'voluntarily' to pay for their 'crimes' (such as the chef who refuses to work on the Sabbatical). More importantly, at least in my opinion, you also see how it affects the guards who may be as oppressed as the prisoners themselves. One part romantic comedy, one part political satire, the film manages to move between the two with ease with rapore between the male and female prisoners and although the characters make light of their situation, the way the story is told also manages to show how tragic all their lives are.

Full review:
http://www.dvdcompare.net/review.php?rid=2382

(From Never Ending Movie Marathon (short reviews) on March 20th, 2011)

Batman Begins, a review by addicted2dvd

Batman Begins
In 'BATMAN BEGINS', acclaimed director Christopher Nolan explores the origins of the legendary DARK KNIGHT. In the wake of his parents' murders, disillusioned heir BRUCE WAYNE (CHRISTIAN BALE) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. With the help of his trusted butler ALFRED (MICHAEL CAINE), detective JIM GORDON (GARY OLDMAN) and his ally LUCIUS FOX (MORGAN FREEMAN), Wayne returns to GOTHAM CITY and unleashes his alter ego: BATMAN, a masked crusader who uses strength, intellect and an array of high-tech weaponry to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

My Thoughts:
Christian Bale is the most recent actor to take on the role of Batman. This one of course is to be separate from the previous movies. And is back to a darker version of Batman.Once again it is a nice change from what I was currently watching. I think they did a wonderful job on this movie I enjoyed every second of it. I especially enjoyed Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman. I also enjoyed the Scarecrow storyline. Actually I can't think of much of anything I didn't like. It is a long movie.. clocks in at 2hrs and 19min... but you wouldn't know it while watching as time just flies by as you are watching. I never got to see the sequel to this (The Dark Night) as I never go to the theaters anymore... but can't wait to check it out.

(From Batman Marathon on August 30th, 2008)

Twilight Zone, a review by addicted2dvd

82. One More Pallbearer (1/12/62)
Eccentric millionaire Paul Radin offers the use of his bomb shelter to three people who wronged him. But the price - an apology - may be too high.

My Thoughts:
This is one I seen once or twice before. It is a good episode... but not the best I ever seen. I thought that the way this episode ended was very interesting. Shows how fragile the human mind can be. Attached to the end of the episode is an old public service announcement about wearing seat belts. The only extra to go along with this episode is The Twilight Zone Radio Drama starring Morgan Britanny.

83. Dead Man's Shoes (1/19/62)
A vagrant steps into a murdered gangster's expensive shoes and is taken over by the dead man's ghost, who vows to remain on Earth to seek revenge against his killer.

My Thoughts:
This is one of the several that I have never seen before. I normally do not like anything dealing in any way with organized crime... but in this case I really enjoyed this episode. I thought the storyline was really good. Attached to the end of this episode was a TV Spot for Gunsmoke. The special features that go with this episode are a clip from the 1985 remake "Deadf Woman's Shoes" and an Isolated Score.

84. The Hunt (1/26/62)
An old hillbilly (Arthur Hunnicut) and his hound dog find themselves walking on an unfamiliar path and meet a gatekeeper, who tells them they're at the entrance to heaven. One problem: dogs are not allowed...

My Thoughts:
Another one I never seen before. And another one that enjoyed quite a  bit. I always liked stories about people that died... only didn't know they were dead at first. And this story has an added bonus of a dog helping him make the right decision. Attached to the end of this episode was a public service announcement urging families to go to church and worship together. The extras that go with this episode includes an interview with Earl Hamner and an isolated score.

85. Showdown with Rance McGrew (2/2/62)
TV cowboy star Rance McGrew (Larry Blyden) finds himself in a real Old West saloon where Jesse James (Arch Johnson) challenges him to a showdown over television's negative depiction of outlaws.

My Thoughts:
This is yet another episode I never seen before. It is a decent episode... but not one I would call a favorite. I think the previous Western episodes were better then this one. Attached to the end of this episode is a TV Spot for Gunsmoke. The extras that go with this episode includes a Commentary with Robert Cornthwaite and an Isolated Score.

86. Kick the Can (2/9/62)
Has an old man at Sunnyvale Rest Home discovered a secret to regaining youth? After playing a simple child's game, he and the other residents are rewarded with rejuvenating powers!

My Thoughts:
This one I have seen before. If I am not mistaken it was on one of the vol. discs I had before getting this complete series set. It is another good episode. though once again not one of my favorites. Attached to the end of this episode is a special announcement for Radio Free Europe Fund... a help fight Communism add. The only extra available for the extra is an Isolated Score.

87. A Piano in the House (2/16/62)
Fitzgerald Fortune, a cynical critic (Barry Morse), uses a magical player piano to disclose his party guests' hidden selves. He delights in the game, but when the tables are turned, a painful truth is revealed.

My Thoughts:
This is one I never seen before. It is a good episode. But I have seen better. I like the idea of the piece of music bringing out the true thoughts of people... but I thought the outcome was a little disappointing. I guess I just expected a little more of it. That really says something about this series when even the episodes are not as good... you still have an entertaining episode. Because even though there were episodes that were not as good... through out this series (up to this point) there hasn't been a single episode I would call bad. Attached to the end of this episode is a TV Spot for Gunsmoke. The extras available with this episode includes a Marc Zicree Interview with Buck Houghton and Earl Hamner as well as an Isolated Score.

88. The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank (2/23/62)
Ever since he came back to life at his own funeral, Jeff hasn't been the same! The townspeople want him out of town, but Jeff says they have no reason to fear him. Or do they?

My Thoughts:
This is one of the few episodes I have seen before. It is one I liked alot. James Best (Dukes of Hazzard's Sheriff Roscoe) has a big part in this episode playing Jeff Myrtlebank. Since before know all I knew James Best from is The Dukes of Hazzard it was good to see him playing a country boy in this one as well. So far I would say this is one of my favorites. Attached to the end of this episode is a public service announcement to help fight mental illness. The only extra for this episode is an Isolated Score. I have a hard time calling an Isolated Score an extra... but it is in the special features menu.

89. To Serve Man (3/2/62)
The Kanamits, 9-foot tall aliens, arrive on Earth with one lofty goal: To Serve Man. They end war, they end famine. They make the military wonder: What's the catch?

My Thoughts:
Another favorite episode of mine. I have probably seen this episode 3 or 4 times before on TV. Which is a bit weird considering I have never seen most episodes of this series. Even the first time I watched this episode I found the ending to be somewhat predictable... but even so I still enjoyed every minute of the show. Attached to the end of the episode is



Episodes I seen for the First time on this set include:

   1. Judgment Night (Episode 10)
   2. And When The Sky Was Opened (Episode 11)
   3. What You Need (Episode 12)
   4. I Shot an Arrow into the Air (Episode 15)
   5. The Hitch-Hiker (Episode 16)
   6. The Purple Testiment (Episode 19)
   7. Elegy (Episode 20)
   8. Mirror Image (Episode 21)
   9. A World of Difference (Episode 23)
  10. Long Live Walter Jameson (Episode 24)
  11. People Are Alike All Over (Episode 25)
  12. Execution (Episode 26)
  13. The Big Tall Wish (Episode 27)
  14. A Nice Place to Visit (Episode 28)
  15. Nightmare as a Child (Episode 29)
  16. The Chaser (Episode 31)
  17. Mr. Bevis (Episode 33)
  18. The Mighty Casey (Episode 35)
  19. A World of his Own (Episode 36)
  20. The Man in the Bottle (Episode 38)
  21. A Thing About Machines (Episode 40)
  22. The Howling Man (Episode 41)
  23. A Most Unusual Camera (Episode 46)
  24. Dust (Episode 48)
  25. Back There (Episode 49)
  26. The Whole Truth (Episode 50)
  27. Twenty-Two (Episode 53)
  28. The Odyssey of Flight 33 (Episode 54)
  29. Static (Episode 56)
  30. The Rip Van Winkle Caper (Episode 60)
  31. The Silence (Episode 61)
  32. Shadow Play (Episode 62)
  33. The Mind and the Matter (Episode 63)
  34. Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up (Episode 64)
  35. The Arrival (Episode 67)
  36. The Mirror (Episode 71)
  37. Still Valley (Episode 76)
  38. The Jungle (Episode 77)
  39. A Quality of Mercy (Episode 80)
  40. Dead Man's Shoes (Episode 83)
  41. The Hunt (Episode 84)
  42. A Piano in the House (Episode 87)

(From Twilight Zone on April 20th, 2009)