DVD Collectors Online

Black Sabbath, a review by Jon

Black Sabbath (1963)
4 out of 5



(From Mario Bava marathon on June 21st, 2009)

Nobody Knows, a review by Tom

Nobody Knows (2004/Japan) IMDb | Wikipedia Sunfilm Entertainment (Germany) Director: Hirokazu Koreeda Writing: Hirokazu Koreeda (Writer) Length: 141 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.66 Audio: German: Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: German

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Stars:Plot:
Based on true events that shocked Japan, this story of abandoned siblings is a "harrowing, tender film" (The New York Times) that "unfolds with leisurely beauty" (LA Weekly). Filmed over a year and featuring a performance by 12-year-old Yagira Yuya that won the Best Actor prize at the 2004 Cannes International Film Festival, this "haunting" (Newsday) tale is "heartbreaking brilliant" (The Boston Globe).

A childlike mother of four sneaks her children into their new apartment as if it were a game. One of the game's rules is that only Akira, the oldest, can go outside. Their mother leaves, first for a month, then possibly forever. As the money runs out and the utilities are shut off, Akira struggles to take care of his brother and sisters, determined that they stay alive...and together.

Awards:
Won:

Cannes Festival (2004)

Best Actor (Yagira Yuuya)

Nominated:

Young Artist Awards (2005)

Extras:

• Featurettes
• Photo Gallery
• Production Notes
• Scene Access
• Trailers

Despite its slow pace the movie was engaging throughout the runtime. All children did a great job. Although I would have preferred a proper resolution to the story. If only as a text describing something similar to the real-life happenings on which the story was based on.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on January 6th, 2011)

Tom's TV Pilots marathon, a review by Tom

The Cosby Show: Season One (1984/United States) IMDb | Wikipedia Carsey-Werner Distribution, UrbanWorks Entertainment (United States) Length: 527 min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Subtitles:

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Plot:
The Cosby Show appeared on NBC from 1984 to 1992, becoming one of the most popular programs in the history of television. The series depicted a close-knit and prosperous African American family (The Huxtables) that dwelled in New York City. Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, OB-GYN (Bill Cosby), and his attorney wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad), a happily married, dual-profession couple, had aspirations of raising their five children in an uplifting, positive environment. The Huxtables were truly a groundbreaking family for television.

The Cosby Show was an instant smash hit, holding TV's #1 slot for a record five consecutive years (1985 to 1990), and it remained in the Top 20 shows of all eight seasons it was on NBC. The Cosby Show's popularity was so intense that it has carried over into the 21st century, and in 2005 The Cosby Show is as relevant as it has ever been. The Huxtable's are adored around the world.

The Cosby Show
1.01 Pilot Presentation
Writer: Ed. Weinberger (Writer), Michael Leeson (Writer), Ed. Weinberger (Created By), Michael Leeson (Created By), Dr. William H. Cosby Jr., Ed.D. (Created By)
Director: Jay Sandrich
Cast: Bill Cosby (Cliff Huxtable), Phylicia Ayers-Allen (Clair Huxtable), Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable), Malcolm Jamal-Warner (Theo Huxtable), Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa Huxtable), Keshia Knight-Pulliam (Rudy Huxtable), Todd Hollowell (Rafael), Keith Reddin (Mr. McManus)

I grew up with the Cosby Show. I loved watching it. It's still one of the better sitcoms from the 80s. I especially love the scenes between Cliff and Theo in this pilot. It's classic how Cliff demonstrates Theo with Monopoly money, how "regular" people live. And Cliff's comeback after Theo tells his father, he should love him even if he was only regular people is great. Theo giving a typical sitcom speech and Cliff telling him that it's the dumbest thing he had ever heard.

Rating:

(From Tom's TV Pilots marathon on April 1st, 2011)