DVD Collectors Online

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)

Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, a review by Tom

---

Title: Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha
Links: IMDb | Wikipedia

---

Year:	1998 / India
Director:	Anees Bazmee
Writing:	Anees Bazmee (Story By), Anees Bazmee (Screenwriter)
Rating:	PG
Length:	157 Min.
Video:	Widescreen 2.35
Audio:	Hindi: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Subtitles:	English

---

Stars:
Ajay Devgan as Shekhar
Kajol as Sanjana
Bijay Anand
Kashmira Shah
Tikku Talsania

Plot:
All alone in paris and all alone in the world. Naturally all Sanjana's Love focused on the one person she can call her own - her fiancee Rahul. And then out of the blue. Rahul - on a business trip to India - calls up Sanjana to tell her he's found someone else. He no longer loves her. Sanjana is shattered but determined to win him back. With this firm resolves in mind she files down to India.
On the flight she meets a charming young man Shekhar. What she doesn't realise is that Shekhar is a crooked, a jewel thief who's stolen a valuable Diamond Necklace. Knowing that the police are watching out for him at the airport, Shekhar does the unexpected. He hides the necklace in Sanjana's luggage. And so begins Pyar To Hona Hi Tha. With a desperate Sanjana running after Rahul to win him back. And an even more desperate Shekhar running after Sanjana to get his necklace back. A crazy, wonderful journey that takes Sanjana and Shekhar from the Neon lit streets of the city to the rustic charms of village. A journey that brings about laughter and tears; adventure and heart-break; sacrifice and realisation.
And above all.........Love !
After all Pyar to Hona Hi Tha.

Awards:

Filmfare Awards	1999	Nominated	Best Actress Award	Kajol
Filmfare Awards	1999	Won	Best Female Playback Award	"Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha": Jaspinder Narula
Filmfare Awards	1999	Nominated	Best Movie Award
Filmfare Awards	1999	Nominated	Best Music Director Award	Jatin-Lalit
Filmfare Awards	1999	Nominated	Best Supporting Actor Award	Om Puri

Extras:
Bonus Trailers
Music Videos
Scene Access

This is a Bollywood remake of Meg Ryan's "French Kiss". I haven't seen "French Kiss" for ages (I will have to get the DVD soon), but as far as I remember the basic plot is identical, though I think the ending is different.
I bought this movie because of Kajol. Sadly she doesn't make many movies anymore, so I am looking to get my hands on some of her old stuff. She makes this movie fun to watch, even though the picture quality is not the best. What is great about her is that she can play serious scenes just as good as silly scenes. The role of Kevin Kline's character is played by Ajay Devgan, whom Kajol married one year after they made this movie.

While searching for this movie on youtube, the first hit was a video with the full movie. Maybe someone is interested to check it out. Though be warned, that the Bollywood movies of that period cannot compete with Hollywood movies in regards of production values. But as a study how an American movie transfers to Bollywood it is interesting to watch. Or you are a fan of Kajol like me



Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on August 11th, 2010)

The X-Files Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

17. E.B.E.
Original Air Date: February 18, 1994
Scully and Mulder discover evidence of a government cover-up after they learn of an unidentified flying object that was shot down in Iraq had been secretly transported to the United States.

Guest Stars:
Jerry Hardin as Deep Throat
Allan Lysell as Chief Rivers
Peter LaCroix as Ranheim
Bruce Harwood as Byers
Dean Haglund as Langly
Tom Braidwood as Frohike


My Thoughts:
This is a good, interesting episode. And it is the first time we meet The Lone Gunmen.  I don't normally care for the episodes involving aliens as much... but this one was done well.

My Rating:

(From The X-Files Marathon on April 8th, 2010)