DVD Collectors Online

The Black Swan, a review by Rogmeister

The Black Swan  (1942)  Technicolor   85 minutes
Directed by Henry King
Cast: Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Laird Cregar, Thomas Mitchell, George Sanders, Anthony Quinn, George Zucco
Music composed by Alfred Newman
Oscar-winner for Color Cinematography
Oscar-nominated for Special Effects and for Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture

DVD Extras
Commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer and actress Maureen O'Hara
Restoration Comparison
Theatrical Trailer

It's time to buckle that swash!  Join Tyrone Power and his cronies (including every whiskey drinker's favorite seaman, Captain Morgan) as they join him in Jamaica after being pardoned by the king of England...until another seaman (played by George Sanders in a bright red wig and beard) continues his evil ways attacking the king's ships and stealing their bootie.  It's a rollicking high adventure shot in beautiful Technicolor.  It also has an interesting audio commentary featuring actress Maureen O'Hara who revealed that in her first color film, she got "klieg eyes" due to overpowering lights and vowed to never shoot another color film again until cinematographer Leon Shamroy surprised her with the low level lights he would use.  This is certainly an incredible-looking picture with vibrant colors and terrific battle sequences both at sea and in castles on the mainland.  If you enjoy a good pirate adventure, this is one you need to see.

(From DCO third annual November Alphabet Marathon - discussion/review/banter thread on November 5th, 2009)

Witchouse 3: Demon Fire, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: Witchouse 3: Demon Fire
Movie Count: 8
TV Ep Count: 1
Time Started: 12pm
Plot:My Thoughts:
Also a part of the "Haunted by the Past" boxset. This movie is actually the reason I bought this boxset. I have... and enjoyed the first 2 Witchouse movies.... but never seen the 3rd one. so When I spotted this set of 4 movies for only $5.99 I figured even if I only like the one movie... it will be worth the price. After watching it.... I have to say it is my least favorite of the Witchouse movies... but It was good enough that I am not sorry that I bought the set. I would have been disappointed if I paid more for it. but at the cheap price I got it for... no problems. Though if you watch these movies... I would suggest stopping at part 2... unless you get part 3 very cheap.

(From Month-Long Horror/Halloween Marathon on October 2nd, 2007)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Commander in Chief


Pilot
Mackenzie Allen, who serves as Vice President of the United States, has a tough decision to make, whether or not to go against the wishes of the dying current President. He has asked her to step down and let someone a little more appropriate take his place in the Oval Office. However, it's not only the President that is calling for her resignation, it's her entire party which elected her as the Vice President to start with.

My Thoughts:
When this show originally aired it was one of my favorites. I know there was many that didn't care for it. But you know how I like to be different!  I always thought Gina Davis was a great choice for the part. And I was sorry to see it not come back for the second season. When I first got the DVD release I still enjoyed it quite a bit and was happy I was able to complete the series (get both volumes). After watching the pilot episode today I found while still a good show that my interest in it wasn't as strong. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it when I watched it... but I think as much as I always liked the show... the re-watch value is low on it. I think it is the type of show that I really have to be in the mood for to watch. And don't think this one is a very good candidate for marathon viewing.

My Rating:

(From Pete's Pilots on November 23rd, 2009)