Less filling than our full-length reviews but still informative, our DVD capsule reviews offer technical and supplemental information for each release, along with a quick look at whether the title is any good and/or entertaining or enjoyable.
Length: 660 minutes
Screen Formats: Full Screen
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Sides: 5 Discs
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Behind the Scenes: The Civil War Reconstruction - 8+ minute behind the scenes look at the production of the documentary.
Running audio commentary by director Ken Burns.
Additional interviews with filmmaker Ken Burns, writers Shelby Foote, George Will, and Stanley Crouch and musicians Jay Unger and Molly Mason.
Ken Burns: Making History -7+ minute look at the documentary filmmaker.
A Conversation with Ken Burns - 10+ minute interview with the filmmaker.
Interactive Battlefield Maps.
Civil War Challenge: 1861 - Trivia Questions.
Civil War Biographies.
Hailed as a film masterpiece and landmark in historical storytelling, Ken Burns's epic documentary brings to life America's most destructive - and defining - conflict. The glories and horrors of this unforgettable event are recounted in the words of the participants themselves, through diary entries, letters, still photographs and illustrations of the time, with a soundtrack comprised of war-era tunes played on period instruments.
Tracing the course of the U.S. Civil War from the abolitionist movement, through the major battles, to the death of President Lincoln and the beginnings of Reconstruction, this highly acclaimed 11-hour mini-series captured the attention of viewers across the country during its initial broadcast in 1990.
With digitally enhanced images and new, 5.1 surround sound, Ken Burns's The Civil War is the saga of celebrated generals and ordinary soldiers, a heroic and transcendent president and a country that had to divide itself in two in order to become one.
Length: 110 minutes
Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Sides: 1
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene (with moving images).
Running audio commentary by director Stephen Frears, screenwriter Donald E. Westlake and actors John Cusack and Angelica Huston.
The Making of the Grifters - 16+ minute look at the film and its production, including clips from it, behind the scenes stills, publicity materials and various interviews.
The Jim Thompson Story - 8+ minute look at the author of the work.
The Grifters Scrapbook - Production and Publicity Stills.
Sneak Peeks for "Serendipity," "High Fidelity," "Gross Point Blank" and "40 Days and 40 Nights."
When con artist Roy Dillon (John Cusack) is visited by his conning Mother, Lilly (Angelica Huston), she forces him off to the hospital because of a blow to the gut he suffered while working the grift. Roy's girlfriend Myra (Annette Bening), the third con artist, comes to visit Roy and we discover that Lilly and Myra don't get along. After he's released from the hospital, Roy and Myra go on a little trip, where he is propositioned to be partners in crime with Myra. Everything soon falls apart for the three con artists, which leads to a bloody climax. (Studio Copy)
Length: 109 minutes
Screen Formats: 2.35:1, 16x9
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Sides: 1 (Dual Layer)
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Theatrical trailers for this film as well as "The Shipping News," "Backflash," "Pinero," "Teaching Mrs. Tingle" and "Miramax Year of Gold."
Thrilling and provocative, HEAVENLY CREATURES is the highly acclaimed, true-life story of the shocking crime that stunned a nation! When circumstances bring together two bright and highly imaginative teenage schoolgirls, they quickly form an unwavering bond, creating a fantasy world that only they can share.
But soon their parents, disturbed by the intensity of the friendship, threaten to keep them apart. In retaliation, the girls vow to stay together, devising a secret plan that leads to shocking consequences! With captivating performances and startlingly original visual effects, HEAVENLY CREATURES is gripping entertainment you won't soon forget! (Studio Copy)
Based on the real-life murder committed by two young New Zealand teens that shocked the nation in the 1950s, this 1994 film marked the debut of actress Kate Winslet as well as the first "big" film from director Peter "Lord of the Rings" Jackson. Offbeat, imaginative and truly original, the film isn't for all viewers, but is quite intriguing and engaging for those who can get into it. The film's original screenplay was nominated for an Oscar.
The Making of Monsoon Wedding - 7+ minute look at the film and its production, including clips from it, behind the scenes footage and various interviews.
Running audio commentary by director Mira Nair.
Theatrical trailer.
For the first time since her Academy Award-nominated "Salaam Bombay!" acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair explores a contemporary, global India - one where the new dot.com society co-exists with ancient tradition in improbable harmony.
The exuberant ensemble comedy links the stories of far-flung family members, their servants, and secret lovers. As a Punjabi family in Delhi reunites for their daughter's wedding, love and conflict are sparked, and true confessions are blurted out even on the way to the altar.
A celebration of the sensual pleasures of cinema, of love at any age, and of the importance of family, the film invites the viewer into a Punjabi household and the bacchanalian revelry of kebabs, whiskey and music that is a Punjabi wedding.
Length: 96 minutes
Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Sides: 1 (Dual Layer)
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene (with moving images).
Running audio commentary by director Doug Liman and editor Stephen Mirrione.
Illustrated action commentary with stars Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn (or audio only).
Making It In Hollywood - 49+ documentary about the film, including information on its script, getting it made, the culture in it and life after the film (with clips from the film and various interviews).
The Cutting Room Floor - 5 Deleted Scenes.
Swingers Mania Gallery - Stills and promotional materials.
"Swingblade" - 3+ minute spoof of mixing "Swingers" and "Sling Blade."
Cast & Crew Filmographies.
Sneak Peeks for "Pulp Fiction," "Jackie Brown," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and "40 Days and 40 Nights."
Mike (JON FAVREAU) is a fledgling actor/comedian who's arrived in L.A. seeking fame and fortune. He's also trying to get over the fact that his girlfriend, Michelle, dumped him months ago. But he can't get over her and he compulsively checks his answering machine for any message from her. His friends can't stand this, so they try to get him back out into the real world.
Trent (VINCE VAUGHN), his best friend, takes him to Las Vegas for a little gambling and to meet some women. When that doesn't work out, his other single, dateless, and aspiring actor friends, Rob (RON LIVINGSTON), Sue (PATRICK VAN HORN) and Charles (ALEX DESERT), take him out to the bars and swing clubs hoping that he'll find someone who will make him forget about Michelle. With all of their rules about returning calls to women and pick up lines, his friends are as pitiful as he is, but eventually things begin to change for him.
If a big screen version of the TV show "Friends" were to be made, focusing solely on the guys and allowing them to curse like sailors, you'd have this movie. This film, however, is much funnier and emotionally deeper than its small screen cousin.
The dialogue is witty, the characters are richly drawn, and their stumbling and bumbling with the opposite sex can be appreciated by nearly everyone. It's almost as if the guys were high schoolers (or maybe middle schoolers) by the way they wonder if a woman is looking their way, and telling their friends not to look over at her, etc.
Audiences will begin to root for Michael in a big way to finally overcome his devotion to his ex-girlfriend and to get on with his life. The movie is full of sweet surprises (with some fun bits of film homage), big laughs, decent performances, and we heartily enjoyed it. If you don't mind the excessive swearing and the little bit of sex in it, you might as well.
Length: 116 minutes
Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Sides: 1
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Eddie Murphy established himself as a comedy superstar in his role as street-wise hustler Billy Ray Valentine. Fellow Saturday Night Live alumnus Dan Aykroyd co-stars as Louis Winthorpe III, a wealthy investment executive at Duke Brothers, a Wall Street firm.
The fun begins when the rich and greedy Duke Brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) wager a bet over whether born loser Valentine could become as successful as the priggish Winthorpe if circumstances were reversed. The Dukes have the money to make this happen, but when Valentine and Winthorpe catch on they arrange for a rich and riotous payback! (Studio Copy)
From director John Landis ("Animal House," "The Blues Brothers") came this 1983 comedy that featured Murphy in just his second role (after "48 Hours" the year before) and marked the high point of his career (with "Beverly Hills Cop" following in '85).
Featuring good writing and terrific comedic performances from Murphy and Aykroyd, as well as supporting ones from Ameche, Bellamy, Denholm Elliot and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film thankfully transcends its high concept premise and surprisingly turns into a delightfully funny and engaging comedy. We highly recommend it.
![[Logo]](/images/screenit_logo2.jpg){kind=logo}
![[The Civil War]](/images/posters/dvd/big/the_civil_war.jpg)
![[The Grifters]](/images/posters/dvd/big/the_grifters.jpg)
![[Heavenly Creatures]](/images/posters/dvd/big/heavenly_creatures.jpg)
![[Monsoon Wedding]](/images/posters/dvd/big/monsoon_wedding.jpg)
![[Swingers]](/images/posters/dvd/big/swingers.jpg)
![[Trading Places]](/images/posters/dvd/big/trading_places.jpg)
