DVD Collectors Online

101 Dalmatians, a review by Danae Cassandra

101 Dalmatians
Year of Release: 1961
Directed By: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton S. Luske, Clyde Geronimi
Starring: Rod Taylor, J. Pat O'Malley, Betty Lou Gerson, Martha Wentworth, Ben Wright, Cate Bauer
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Animation

Overview:101 Dalmatians for the first time ever on Blu-ray and Digital HD!

Pongo, Perdita and their super-adorable puppies are in for thrills, hilarious spills and an epic action-packed adventure when they face off with Cruella De Vil, Disney's most fabulously outrageous villainess. Unleash all the excitement and suspense of Disney's 101 Dalmatians, a beloved classic you'll want to share with your family again and again!'

My Thoughts:
A lot of people don't seem to like the choice to use xerography in this film, but I like the scratchy look to the art. It gives Dalmatians a more unique look compared to earlier Disney films. No complaints about story either - this is a fun film that moves along quickly and easily. Recommended for just about anyone, but be prepared to say "no" when your kids beg for a dalmatian puppy. They're a high maintenance dog that requires an experienced hand.

Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail

Overall: 3/5

(From July Movie Marathon: Musicals (Yes... You read right!) on August 1st, 2016)

The Karate Kid, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: The Karate Kid
Year: 2010
Director: Harald Zwart
Rating: PG
Length: 140 Min.

Stars:
Jaden Smith
Jackie Chan
Taraji P. Henson
Wenwen Han
Rongguang Yu

Plot:
12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying - and the feeling is mutual - but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

My Thoughts:
My brother downloaded this movie to watch with Brittany (I don't normally like to do this but he always does it)... since it was a very good copy and I been anxious to see this one I had him send it over to my computer last night. Especially after Brittany giving it a full 5 star rating yesterday.

I don't know what to say about this movie that hasn't already been said. Was a remake needed? No... but we have it so may as well give it a chance. And I am glad I did as I did enjoy it very much. I wouldn't say it is a 5 Star movie... but it is definitely well above average and worth watching. I have seen people complain about Jaden Smith.... and how he is in movies do to his famous father. But even if that is the reason he is there... that don't take away from his talent as I feel he did a fine job. This is the first thing I ever seen him in... but I did enjoy watching him

Sure... the title can put you off... and maybe it would have been better to make it a movie of it's own instead of making it a remake of The Karate Kid. But I can easily look past that and enjoy it for what it is. I thought Jackie Chan as Mr. Han was great. It did seem he played this one a little more seriously. But that is a good thing... the role called for it. If there was a character I didn't care for... I would have to say it was Dre's mother. She seemed a little out there to me personally. But I even liked her too... just my least favorite of the main characters.

Over-all it is a good, entertaining movie that I look forward to eventually add to my collection. hopefully sooner rather then later. I imagine it will get a good special edition treatment. At least I hope so.



(From What Movies I Been Watching on July 21st, 2010)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete First Season marathon, a review by Dragonfire

7. The Demon Hand
Ellison digs into the history of Sarah Connor. Cameron sets out to find the Turk but discovers something else entirely.

My Thoughts

This was an interesting episode.  I liked that it tied back into some of the things from the second movie and even brought back that idiot Dr. Silberman.  Where he ended up at the end of the episode was just..perfect.  I loved that.    I did like that what he saw when Sarah escaped and the T-1000 was after her was addressed..as well as how the doctor and the staff dealt with it.  I didn't like one development as much...just because I didn't think it really fit with the character of Sarah.

8. Vick's Chip
What does a T-888 really think? John attempts to hack into a Terminator's memory chip in order to protect Cameron before it's too late.

My Thoughts

I thought this episode was entertaining and interesting as well..though I'm not sure why the plot outline said the hacking was done to protect Cameron.  I must have missed something..but it was late when I watched it.  Anyway, it was really interesting to see John doing more, though I did wonder how they could afford the computers and stuff while on the run.  I really want to know what is going on with Cameron...and exactly why Derek feels the way he does about her.  I'm thinking it is more than just her being a terminator...

I'll probably go watch the last episode here in a little while tonight.  Then I'll be anxious to see the 2nd season episodes.  lol  I may start tracking them down online.

(From Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete First Season marathon on January 27th, 2009)