DVD Collectors Online

Island of Fire, a review by Jon

Island of Fire
3 out of 5



Now available for the first time in its original widescreen format, this deluxe DVD presentation of "Island Of Fire" is the perfect home-video showcase for the most hard-hitting and controversial movie of Jackie Chan's prolific career. Paying homage to both "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Wild Geese", and featuring action legends Sammo Hung and Jimmy Wong Yu, the powerful action-drama recounts the experiences of four honourable men drawn together by fate in a corrupt prison regime. Fighting not only for their freedom but their lives, the stakes are raised higher and higher until one question exists. Will they survive?The Wild Geese blood and bullets.

I can honestly say, none of these three films are terrible!

(From Jon's Alphabet Marathon 2010 on July 10th, 2010)

The Patriot, a review by Rich

Title: The Patriot

Runtime:175
Certificate:15
Year:2000
Genres:War, Drama

Plot:In a picture that "has everything you want in an epic" ('Time'), Mel Gibson delivers "a powerful and effective performance" (Roger Ebert) as former war hero Benjamin Martin, who has renounced fighting forever-until the Revolutionary War arrives at his front door.
Faced with the harsh reality of fighting to protect those he loves, Martin takes up arms and commands a brave rebel militia in fierce battles against the well-armed English army, fighting for his family and his young nation's freedom.
My Review:
The Patriot looked remarkable on bluray, the colours are bright and vibrantly add realism to each shot, the contrast is superb, faces and costumes literally jump out of the screen, shadows and dark areas come alive. This attention to detail and work done on this catalogue transfer is as good as I have seen, and makes this release worthwhile purchasing just to highlight to others the benefits of HD viewing.
To really add a cherry on top, the audio is amazing, full use of surroundism is utilised, with bullets whizzing round the room, natures sounds popping out of all speakers, and the cannon fire delivered with whopping bassy realism.
For the film, of course it is a very watchable classic, a bit heavy in terms of its length, but totally absorbing, crisp and professionally directed, with history tweaked a bit for the viewing pleasure. The acting is generally magnificent, with Jason Isaacs being the stand out star for me.
Get this on blu-ray!


(From Riches Random Reviews on December 28th, 2009)

Smallville Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

9. GEMINI
There's something different about Clark when he comes back after weeks away at the Fortress. And there's little different about Grant and the Belle Reve inmate who plants a bomb on Chloe.

My Thoughts:
I completely forgot this episode was a Christmas episode. But that could be because Christmas is really only a backdrop to the episode. It is a pretty good episode. Not the best I ever seen... but entertaining.

My Rating:

10. PERSONA
Clark seems like a new person with Lana (and she's definitely not complaining). Meanwhile, BRAINIAC seeks a remedy to his plight, Grant reaches out to his father and a certain red-jacketed person resurfaces.

My Thoughts:
A pretty good episode but once again not a favorite. But it does have it's moments. I really don't care too much for the Grant storyline.

My Rating:

11. SIREN


My Thoughts:
Now this episode I really liked. One of my favorites. I mean we got the Black Canary, Green Arrow and Lois finds out Oliver's secret. Lots of fun!

My Rating:

12. FRACTURE
No exit. Lex is wounded and in a coma after locating Kara, so Clark uses experimental technology to enter his mind and discover Kara's whereabouts. He may never get back out: Lex flatlines, trapping Clark inside.

My Thoughts:
This is a good... but somewhat weird episode. But I think that is to be expected when we take a trip into Lex's mind. After a bit of a break we have Kara back. Even if she still has amnesia.

My Rating:

(From Smallville Marathon on January 3rd, 2010)