DVD Collectors Online

The Polar Express, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Polar Express
Year of Release: 2004
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari
Genre: Fantasy, Animation

Overview:My Thoughts:
A personal favorite, and just about my favorite modern (post 1980) Yuletide film (the other being Tokyo Godfathers). This is a film that really puts me in the Yuletide spirit.

The animation falls into two categories: absolutely stunning visuals and somewhat off-looking people. I expect the people problem is because of the limits of early mocap, and I find that each year I watch the film I notice less and less that the people don't move right. The environment, however, is brilliantly realized and absolutely magnificent. When we saw this at the IMAX in 3D, the sequences where the train goes downhill on the tracks are fabulous.  The use of movement in the film always strikes me, even watching this in 2D.  I'd love to see it up on the big screen again.

I also really enjoy the characters, especially the girl in the group. She's refreshingly different from most female characters in American animation, breaking stereotypes and being the leader of the group that she is. But all of the main child characters are portrayed rather realistically, which I like.

A modern holiday classic - recommended without reservation.

Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Pass

Overall: 3.75/5

(From Christmas 2016 on December 22nd, 2016)

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, a review by Tom

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
Cinderella comes to life in this echanting version of the most beloved fairy tale of all time. A sparkling fantasy of music, magic and romance, RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA captivates from overture to finale with a delightful score and glittering performances from an all-star cast. Academy Award nominated LESLEY ANN WARREN is charming as the raggedy waif turned belle of the ball with Broadway star STUART DAMON as the Prince. Also starring Academy Award nominated WALTER PIDGEON, Academy Award Winner GINGER ROGERS and Academy Award Winner CELESTE HOLM as the Fairy Godmother, CINDERELLA will waltz into the hearts of the entire family and live happily ever after as one of the most irresistible musicals ever made.

My thoughts:
A remake of above live-broadcast. I liked it even better.
But why do the songs of Roger & Hammerstein all sound the same 
A few of the song reminded me of The Sound of Music.

(From Weekend Movie Marathon: Cinderella Stories on January 19th, 2008)

Tom's TV Pilots marathon, a review by Tom

Voyagers! The Complete Series (1982/United States) IMDb | Wikipedia Universal Studios Home Entertainment (United States) Length: 972 min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital 1 Subtitles: English

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Plot:
Journey back in time with all 20 episodes of Voyagers! The Complete Series. Join former pirate Phineas Bogg (Jon-Erik Hexum) and 12-year-old orphan Jeffrey Jones (Meeno Peluce) on their amazing, action-packed adventures through history, guided by the mysterious Omni device. From rescuing Cleopatra to saving the Founding Fathers and joining Robin Hood's merry men, these intrepid travelers do whatever it takes to make sure past events happen the way they're supposed to. Popping up throughout their adventures are such timeless guest stars as Ed Begley Jr., Miguel Sandoval, Shannen Doherty, Mako and more.


Voyagers!
Season 1.01 Pilot
Writer: James D. Parriott (Writer)
Director: James D. Parriott
Cast: Jon-Erik Hexum (Phineas Bogg), Meeno Peluce (Jeffrey Jones), Ed Begley, Jr. (Wilbur Wright), Donald Petrie (Orville Wright), Sondra Currie (Agnes Spence), Peter Frechette (Eddie Rickenbacker), Faye Grant (Mary), Jeanie Bradley (Aunt Elizabeth), Terrence O'Hara (Tom)

This is the first time I ever saw an episode of this series. It was a blind buy. I am not aware if this ran on German television. I enjoyed this first episode. I like time travel and this is why this series made it into my collection.

Rating:

(From Tom's TV Pilots marathon on November 14th, 2012)