DVD Collectors Online

Brazil, a review by Tom

Title: Brazil
Year: 1985
Director: Terry Gilliam
Rating: FSK-12
Length: 137 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Surround, German: Dolby Digital Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: English, German, Spanish

Stars:
Jonathan Pryce
Robert De Niro
Katherine Helmond
Ian Holm
Bob Hoskins

Plot:
Brazil is a surrealistic nightmare vision of a 'perfect' future where technology reigns supreme. Everyone is monitored by a secret government agency that forbids love to interfere with efficiency.

Jonathan Pryce and Robert De Niro star with Michael Palin and Bob Hoskins in this chilling black comedy directed by former Monty Python member Terry Gilliam.

When a daydreaming bureaucrat becomes unwittingly involved with an underground superhero and a beautiful mystery woman, he becomes the tragic victim of his own romantic illusions.

This offbeat fantasy blends biting humour with pointed commentary to come up with an unforgettable look at a delightfully dastardly tomorrow.

Awards:

Academy Award	1985	Nominated	Best Art Direction	Norman Garwood (Art Direction); Maggie Gray (Set Decoration)
Academy Award	1985	Nominated	Best Writing, Original Screenplay	Terry Gilliam, Tom Stoppard, Charles McKeown
AFI	1985	Nominated	100 Years... 100 Movies (1998)
BAFTA	1985	Won	Production Design	Norman Garwood
BAFTA	1985	Won	Special Visual Effects	George Gibbs, Richard Conway
Hugo Award	1986	Nominated	Dramatic Presentation

Extras:
Featurettes
Scene Access
Trailers

I really liked the portrayal of the "future" technology. It has a nice steam-punk feel to it. I really enjoyed the first half of the movie, which sets up the ludicrous bureaucratic dystopia. But towards the end I constantly thought that they could finally come to an end now. But it seemed to continue and continue. I liked the ending though. Even if it is predictable.

Rating:

(From December Marathons - DISCUSSION AND REVIEW THREAD on December 3rd, 2009)

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)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

RAY MEARS WILD FOOD - SERIES 1 - EPISODE 1 AUSTRALIA



Australia: Ray travels to the other side of the planet to hear from Australian Aboriginals about what food means to a hunter-gatherer and the role it plays in their culture as well as their society.

I fancied a change from the typical fare, so dipped into a couple of documentary series around cooking/nature. Not sure what it is about survival programmes and how to live off the land, but with Ray Mears the series are always fascinating and enlightening. This original episode from Wild Food is no exception, and was totally absorbing, following the traditional methods of Australian Aboriginees and their diets and hunting/gathering in the wild.




(From My PILOT Marathon on May 28th, 2008)