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.
Alien: 2003 Director's Cut (with introduction by Ridley Scott).
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by Ridley Scott, Sigourney Weaver and other cast & crew members.
Deleted Footage Marker (onscreen prompt indicating what was added).
Alien: 1979 Theatrical Release.
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by Ridley Scott, Sigourney Weaver and other cast & crew members.
5 Deleted and Extended Scenes.
Disc Two:
Navigation Options of viewing all featurettes, artwork or photos in continuous sequences.
Pre-Produciton: Star Beast (developing the story), First Draft of Screenplay by Dan O'Bannon, The Visualists (direction and design), Ridleygrams (original thumbnails & notes), storyboard archive, The Art of Alien (Conceptual Art Portfolio), Truckers in Space (casting), Sigourney Weaver's screen test with optional commentary by Ridley Scott, and Cast portrait gallery photo archive.
Production: Fear of the Unknown (Shepperton Studios, 1978), Production Gallery Photo Archive, Continuity Polaroids, The Darkest Reaches (Nostromo and alien planet), The Sets of Alien Photo Archive, The Eighth Passenger (creature design), The Chestburster (creature design) and H.R. Gigers's Workshop Photo Archive.
Post-Production: Future Tense (editing and music), 8 deleted scenes, Outward Bound (Visual Effects), Visual effects gallery Photo Archive, A Nightmare Fulfilled (reaction to the film), Poster Explorations, Special Shoot (Promotional Photo Archive), and Premiere Photo Archive.
Disc Three:
Aliens: Special Edition (with introduction by Jim Cameron).
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by James Cameron and various cast & crew members.
Deleted Footage Marker (onscreen prompt indicating what was added).
Aliens: Theatrical Release.
Running audio commentary by James Cameron and various cast & crew members.
14 Deleted Scenes.
Disc Four:
Navigation Options of viewing all featurettes, artwork or photos in continuous sequences.
Pre-Production: 57 Years Later (Continuing The Story), Original Treatment by James Cameron, Building Better Worlds (From Concept To Construction), The Art of Aliens (Conceptual Art Portfolio), Pre-Visualizations (Multi-Angle Videomatics), Anamatics, Preparing for Battle (Casting & Characterization), Cast Portrait Gallery Photo Archive.
Production: This Time It's War (Pinewood Studios, 1985), Production Gallery Photo Archive, Continuity Polaroids, The Risk Always Lives (Weapons and Action), Weapons And Vehicles (Photo Archive), Bug Hunt (Creature Design), Beauty And The Bitch (Power Loader Vs. Queen Alien), Stan Winston's Workshop (Photo Archive), Two Orphans (Sigourney Weaver and Carrie Henn).
Post-Production: The Final Countdown (Music, Editing and Sound), The Power Of Real Tech (Visual Effects), Visual Effects Gallery (Photo Archive), Aliens Unleashed (Reaction to the Film), Film Finish & Release, and Hidden Easter Egg (A Boy and His Power Loader).
Disc Five:
Alien 3: Special Edition (reassembled and not polished version).
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by various cast & crew members.
Deleted Footage Marker (onscreen prompt indicating what was added).
Alien 3: Theatrical Release.
Running audio commentary by various cast & crew members.
26 Deleted and Alternate Scenes.
Disc Six:
Navigation Options of viewing all featurettes, artwork or photos in continuous sequences.
Pre-Production: Development (Concluding the Story), Tales of The Wooden Planet (Vincent Ward's Vision), The Art Of Arceon (Conceptual Art Portfolio), Pre-Production Part III, Storyboards, The Art Of Fiorina (Conceptual Art Portfolio), and Xeno-Erotic (H.R. Giger's Redesign).
Production: Production Part I, Production Gallery (Photo Archive), Furnace Construction (Time-Lapse Sequence), Adaptive Organism (Creature Design), A.D.I.'s Workshop (Photo Archive), EEV Bio-Scan (Multi-Angle Vignette), Production Part II and Production Part III.
Post-Production: Optical Fury (Visual Effects), Music, Editing and Sound, Visual Effects Gallery (Photo Archive), Post-Mortem (Reaction To The Film), Special Shoot (Promotional Photo Archive).
Disc Seven:
Alien Resurrection: Special Edition (with introduction).
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and various cast & crew members.
Deleted Footage Marker (onscreen prompt indicating what was added).
Alien Resurrection Theatrical Release.
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and various cast & crew members.
10 Deleted and Alternate Scenes.
Disc Eight:
Navigation Options of viewing all featurettes, artwork or photos in continuous sequences.
Pre-Production: From the Ashes (Reviving the Story), First Draft Screenplay by Joss Whedon, French Twist (Direction and Design), Under The Skin (Casting and Characterization), Test Footage (Creatures & Costumes), The Mark Carro Photo Gallery (Character Designs), The Art of Resurrection (Conceptual Art Gallery), Storyboards, and Pre-Visualizations (Multi-Angle Rehearsals).
Production: Death From Below (Fox Studios Los Angeles, 1996), In the Zone (The Basketball Scene), Production Gallery (Photo Archive), Unnatural Mutation (Creature Design), and A.D.I.'s Workshop (Photo Archive).
Post-Production: Genetic Composition (Music), Virtual Aliens (Computer Generated Imagery), A Matter of Scale (Miniature Photography), Visual Effects Gallery (Photo Archive), Critical Juncture (Reaction to The Film), Special Shoot (Promotional Photo Archive), and Hidden Easter Egg (about an Alien Extra).
Disc Nine:
Interactive Screenplays for all Four Films.
Alien: Alien Evolution, Experience in Terror (promotional featurette '79), Ridley Scott Q&A, Laser Disc Archive, and Alien Trailers and TV Spots.
Aliens: Laser Disc Archive, 4 Trailers and 1 TV spot.
Alien 3: Advance Featurette, 6 trailers, and 7 TV spots.
Alien Resurrection: 1 Teaser, 1 Trailer and 4 TV spots.
Bob Burns Alien Collection
Dark Horse Still Gallery.
In 1979, director Ridley Scott teamed up with writers Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett to create one of the more gripping, sophisticated sci-fi thrillers in years. Mixing elements from old 1950's "B" sci-fi flicks like "It! The Terror From Beyond Space" (featuring a lone space creature hunting down a spaceship crew), "Twenty Million Miles to Earth" (with a space creature that just keeps on growing and growing), and adding some cool new features (acid for blood), they created one of the most menacing threats ever to hit the big screen.
The film was a big success and the inevitable sequel followed. Director James Cameron, however, didn't retread the monster in the haunted house setting, but instead turned "Aliens" into a thrilling action film that opened in 1986. Both films featured Sigourney Weaver as the unlucky lady who constantly has to battle the critters, and the second film was overflowing with them. Weaver received an Oscar nomination for her role and the movie did big business at the box office, meaning yet another sequel was on the way.
The third film, "Alien 3," arrived in 1992 and director David Fincher (who later went on to great critical success with "Seven" and "The Game"), took a different approach with it. Jettisoning any weapons the humans could defend themselves with, along with all of Weaver's hair, the film had a highly stylized look. The fact that the humans couldn't blast the aliens, however, left audiences rather dissatisfied (as did the fact that everything that was built up by the conclusion of the 2nd film was torn down during the opening credits of this one). Additionally, by making Weaver perish in the finale, everyone figured the series was finally done.
Yet with the three films grossing more than $200 million domestically, 20th Century Fox didn't want the series to end. After all, there had to be plenty of aliens left out there. The problem was, the series' heroine was dead, and Weaver had grown tired of playing that role (especially after having to shave her head). What was the studio to do? Well, after a lucrative contract and a little bit of resourceful sci-fi writing, Ripley came back in "Alien Resurrection." Helmed by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the film went after the style and feel of Cameron's "Aliens."
For the most part, and without taking into consideration the previous films, it was an okay sci-fi horror feature. Comparing it with the previous three, however, it comes out better than the last, but pales when measured against the first two. Its main problem, like many sequels -- particularly when the numbers extend beyond "2" -- was that we had seen just about all of the material before. There was the crew that's hunted down, the macho fighting men, the alien queen, a flame thrower scene (torching mutants instead of egg pods) and of course, the rest of the "sneering," drooling aliens, one of which always manages to make it onboard the getaway ship for a suspenseful ending.
For fans of these films, this is a must-have addition to their DVD collection, especially considering the plethora of supplemental features spanning the 9-disc set and 2 versions of each of the 4 films. Although the films are a mixed bag -- the first two are great while the latter two could be jettisoned without any real loss -- they do flow together well. Die-hard fans of the series will love to see all of this material again, but the rest of us will have something of a "been there, seen that" feeling considering the third and fourth installments.
Length: 105 minutes
Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9
Languages: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS
Sides: 2 Discs
Extras:
Disc One:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene (with moving images).
Brief DVD introduction by Jennifer Grey.
Running audio commentary by writer/co-producer Eleanor Bergstein.
Running audio commentary by various crew members.
Optional Trivia Track (onscreen text during the film).
Disc Two:
Interviews with Jennifer Grey, Kenny Ortega, Eleanor Bergstein and Miranda Garrison.
Jennifer Grey Screen Test (3+ minutes).
Emile Ardolino Tribute (13+ minutes).
Live in Concert (27+ minutes).
Theatrical trailer
Music Videos: Hungry Eyes, (I've Had) The Time of My Life and She's Like the Wind.
Trailer Gallery: Standing in the Shadows of Motown and Special Edition DVD trailer.
Exclusive Sneak Peek of the upcoming "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" (2+ minutes).
It's 1963 and the Houseman family has arrived at the Kellerman summer lake resort, an old-fashioned family place run by Max (JACK WESTON) and his grandson Neil (LONNY PRICE) where the entire family can relax and have fun. That holds true for dad Jake (JERRY ORBACH), mom Marjorie (KELLY BISHOP) and oldest daughter Lisa ( JANE BRUCKER), but not Baby (JENNIFER GREY), a girl in those awkward teenage years where she's trying to break free from her parents.
She gets the chance here when she meets Johnny Castle (PATRICK SWAYZE) and Penny Johnson (CYNTHIA RHODES), two of the resort's dance instructors. Seen by the management as second class citizens who are expected to entertain the guests but not fraternize with them, the dancers are attractive to Baby and she starts to hang out with them.
When it turns out that Penny is pregnant and Robbie Gould (MAX CANTOR), one of the rich waiter boys, is the father and won't take responsibility for his deeds, Baby gets money for Penny to have an abortion. Since Penny consequently can't compete in an important dance competition, Baby steps in and learns the moves.
Soon she and Johnny become lovers, much to her father's chagrin and from that point on, Baby must decide whether to please her father or stand up for what she believes is right.
While it's a rather enjoyable film with two engaging lead characters, its 1997 theatrical re-release was questionable at best and probably just a reaction to other such revivals. Sporting a new digital soundtrack, the re-release featured one of the stronger aspects of the film -- the period music and the dance numbers.
The movie does have an incredibly infectious feel to it stemming from the early 1960's rock and r&b songs and the many well-choreographed dance scenes. The inclusion of modern music (from the 80's when this film was made) is rather jarring and even includes a ridiculous moment when a character actually plays the modern tune that they're/we're hearing on a record player.
Of course the modern songs were included to sell the soundtrack album and from a purely marketing standpoint was a good idea. For the film, however, it ruins the period piece feel and the newer songs are nowhere as good or as enjoyable as the golden oldies.
Swayze and Grey are good in their roles (both received Golden Globe nominations) and they do have a certain chemistry together that works very well for the picture and during their dance scenes. With dancing in their blood (Swayze had professional training while Grey's father was a big Broadway star), the two look very natural on the dance floor and it's a great deal of fun watching her "learn" how to dance.
The plot, while not great, is serviceable and provides enough filler to sustain the scenes between the dance numbers. While neither Swayze nor Grey turned into the big stars everyone thought they would after this feature, they're enjoyable to watch in this lightweight, entertaining film.
007's Villains/Mayhem Montage (1+ minute with or without about textual title identifiers).
James Bond: The History (1 page of onscreen text).
From Russia With Love: Declassified - Links to clips about the Car, Gadgets, Girls and Villains in the film.
Hidden Page about S.P.E.C.T.R.E. (onscreen text).
Sean Connery returns as James Bond in this thrill-a-minute adventure with blistering action, romance and high-tech gadgetry. Boasting remarkable villains and exotic locales, it's a pulse-pounding experience that many fans consider to be the greatest Bond film of all.
The evil SPECTRE organization has hatched a plan to steal a decoder that will access Russian state secrets and irrevocably unbalance the world order. It is up to James Bond to seize the device first, but he must confront enemies that include Red Grant (Robert Shaw) and the ruthless Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) -- a former KGB agent with poison-tipped shoes. Even as Bond romances a stunning Soviet defector (Daniela Bianchi), he realizes he is being lured into a deadly trap, and he will need all of his courage, ability and cutting-edge technology to triumph over the forces that seek to destroy him.
Dazzling highlights include a riveting helicopter attack, a gypsy camp gun battle, and a bone-crunching brawl aboard the Orient Express. From the streets of Istanbul to the canals of Venice, From Russia With Love delivers slam-bang thrills laced with the humor and sex appeal of Agent 007 himself.
Length: 165 minutes
Screen Formats: 2.35:1, 16x9
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Sides: 2 Discs
Extras:
Disc One:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Commentary track with contributions from directors John Carpenter, John Milius & Alex Cox, film historians Sir Christopher Frayling and Dr. Sheldon Hall, and various cast and crew members.
Disc Two:
3 new making-of documentaries: An Opera of Violence (28+ minutes),The Wages of Sin (19+ minutes) and Something To Do With Death (18+ minutes).
Railroad: Revolutionizing the West (6+ minutes).
Locations Then & Now - Stills Gallery (4+ minutes).
Production - Stills Gallery (5+ minutes).
Cast Profiles.
Original trailer.
Now, for the first time, Sergio Leone's original uncut version of this monumental epic can be seen. The picture itself is as big as its Monument Valley locations, as grand as its fine, distinguished cast, as tough and bawdy as every kid imagines the Old West.
Henry Fonda plays the blackest character of his long career, and he's utterly convincing as Frank, the ruthless murderous psychopath who suffers no conscience pangs after annihilating an entire family. Jason Robards is the half-breed falsely accused of the terrible slaughter. Charles Bronson plays The Man, who remembers how his brother was savagely tortured. Brilliantly directed by Sergio Leone, this glorious picture re-established the Western'' significance to cinema art." (Studio Copy)
Following Leone's "Dollars" trilogy ("A Fistful of Dollars," "For a Few Dollars More" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"), the director unleashed this 1969 offering that's come to define the Western epic (at least, that is, after being reassembled back to its original form - presented here - rather than the original chopped up version that played in theaters).
With a brilliant turn by Fonda (that's shocking to those only familiar with the actor's more "friendly" work) and the rest of the great cast, a terrific and eclectic score by Ennio Morricone, and Leone's remarkable directorial touch, this is a must-see, must-own DVD for fans of the genre as well as overall excellent filmmaking.
Inside Her Majesty's Secret Service - 41+ minute featurette about the making of the film.
Inside Q's Lab - The Gadgets of 007 - 10+ minute look at the various gadgets seen in the Bond films.
Running audio commentary by director Peter Hunt and members of the cast and crew.
Above It All - 5+ minute promo piece about filming part of the picture.
Release Trailer.
5 TV Spots.
7 Radio Spots & Open-Ended Interviews.
Stills Gallery.
Just as James Bond finally discovers true love, he is thrown into non-stop thrills and chills in this explosively entertaining action/adventure. George Lazenby leaps into the role of Agent 007 with supreme confidence and undeniable charisma.
When Bond's usual intelligence sources fail, he enlists the aid of crime boss Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti) to track down Ernst Blofeld (Telly Savales), head of the evil SPECTRE organization. The trail leads to the mountains of Switzerland, where Bond goes undercover in Blofeld's hi-tech headquarters. He encounters a bevy of seductive women, but none more beautiful then Draco's daughter, Tracy (Diana Rigg), who wins 007 over with her fervent independence, caustic wit and love of adventure. Bond pledges his eternal devotion to her, but there are more immediate concerns: Blofeld is poised to unleash horrific germ warfare weaponry, that will endanger every living thing on earth.
Artillery-laden ski pursuits, incredible stunts and even a spectacular avalanche drive this action-packed adventure to a sensational climax. And in developing the romance of Bond and Tracy, On Her Majesty's Secret Service builds to the most emotionally charged finale of any film in this dynamic series. (Studio Copy)
Length: 130 minutes
Screen Formats: 2.35:1, 16x9
Languages: English, French
Subtitles: English, French
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Sides: 1
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by director Terence Young and others.
Running audio commentary by Peter Hunt, John Hopkins and others.
Still Gallery.
The Thunderball Phenomenon - 27+ minute documentary about the film.
The Making of Thunderball - 31+ minute documentary about the film and its production.
Inside Thunderball - 3+ minute segment featuring facts about the film.
3 Trailers.
15 TV Spots.
10 Radio Spots.
Tomorrow Never Dies Playstation Game trailer.
Color Package Insert with facts about the film.
The thrills never let up as James Bond dives into this riveting adventure filled with explosive confrontations and amazing underwater action sequences. As Agent 007, Sean Connery brings his characteristic style, humor and magnetism to one of the most exciting films of the phenomenally popular series.
In a bold and deadly scheme, the evil SPECTRE organization hijacks a NATO plane and seizes two atomic warheads, each capable of killing millions of innocent people. As the world is held hostage by the threat of a nuclear nightmare, Bond jumps into action, racing against the clock as the trail leads him to tropical Nassau. There he meets Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi), a high-ranking agent of SPECTRE, and the stunning Domino (Claudine Auger), with whom he shares an irresistible attraction. The confrontation builds to an epic battle on the ocean floor, as Bond and his allies fight to avert a catastrophe of immense proportions.
From 007's thrilling jet-pack flight to his heart-stopping clash with Largo's killer sharks, Thunderball is a stupendous mixture of action, romance and edge-of-your-seat suspense (Studio Copy)
Length: 956 minutes
Screen Formats: Full Frame
Languages: English
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Sides: 4 Discs (Double-Sided/Dual-Layer)
Extras:
Commentary for the pilot episode (Disc 1).
Commentary for the "In Excelsis Deo" episode (Disc 2).
Commentary for the "Take This Sabbath Day" episode (Disc 2).
Commentary for the "Celestial Navigation" episode (Disc 2).
Commentary for the "What Kind of Day Has It Been" episode (Disc 3).
The Primaries - 17+ minute making-of documentary with interviews and clips.
The Inauguration - 29+ minute documentary about the show and its production.
Capital Beat - 8+ minute segment about the show's first year.
Sheet Music - 6+ minute segment about the show's score.
5+ minutes of Deleted Scenes
Gag Order - 3+ minutes of outtakes and bloopers.
The West Wing Suite - 1+ minute montage of scenes from the show.
Off the Record - 3+ minute segment of interview bits.
EPISODE 1. "Pilot" The entire White House staff bristles with
activity when it's learned that the President (Martin Sheen) injured himself
during a bicycle accident, and his absence becomes a factor as chief of
staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer) must juggle a host of impending crises,
including a mass boatlift of Cuban refugees approaching the Florida coast
and the reaction of conservative Christians to a controversial televised
comment by deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford). Meanwhile,
Sam Seaborn, (Rob Low), the trouble-prone deputy communications director,
unknowingly spends the night with a call girl (guest star Lisa Edelstein)
and then makes another critical error during a children's White House tour.
Moira Kelly, Allison Janney and Richard Schiff also star.
EPISODE 2. "Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc" Despite warnings from
fellow office workers, infatuated White House staffer Sam Seaborn, (Rob
Lowe) presses his luck when he continues to publicly pursue a high-priced
call girl (guest star Lisa Edelstein) with whom he shared a night of
passion. Press secretary C.J. Gregg (Allison Janney) tries tot defuse a
potentially nasty public clash between the President (Martin Sheen) and his
willful Vice President (Tim Matheson) concerning the Veep's quotes about a
bill favored by the chief executive. Exasperated political consultant Mandy
Hampton (Moira Kelley) drowns her troubles when her only client ignores her
advice and agrees to bottle up a key bill in committee that could have been
costly for the President if put to a vote. The President forges a kinship
with a young African-American Navy captain (guest star Reuben
Santiago-Hudson) who's substituting for his regular White House physician -
so much, in fact, that he asks him to assume the position on a full-time
basis. Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff also star.
EPISODE 3. "A Proportional Response" Still seething over the
downing of a fully loaded American jet in the Mideast, a vengeful President
Bartlet (Martin Sheen) overrules the joint chief's plan for a "proportional"
military strike and demands a more severe attack that would result in
thousands of enemy and civilian casualties. While Leo (John Spencer) and
other advisers try to cool off the Commander-in-Chief, Press Secretary C.J.
(Allison Janney) scolds a wayward Sam (Rob Lowe) over his potentially
explosive private crusade to rescue a well-known call girl from her
profession. Feeling overlooked during the hubbub surrounding the military
options, Josh (Bradley Whitford) interviews a shy African-American teen
(guest star Dulé Hill) as a potential personal aide to the President. Moira
Kelly, Richard Schiff also star. John Amos ("Good Times," "Roots")
guest-stars as the chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff.
EPISODE 4. "Five Votes Down" Presidential chief of staff Leo
McGarry (John Spencer) needs five more House votes to pass a bill
restricting the sale of automatic firearms - but the cost might be too high,
especially if he has to go to the unpredictable Vice President (guest star
Tim Matheson) to help put them over the top. The staff's annual financial
disclosure statements prove to be thorny for Toby (Richard Schiff), whose
innocent technology stock purchase last year proved to be wildly profitable,
which raises eyes due to his association with an expert in the field. In
addition, Leo's long hours on the job cause an unforeseen crisis at home,
and the President (Martin Sheen) unintentionally mixes up the potent
medications he receives for his ailing back. Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford,
Allison Janney and Moira Kelly also star. The episode was written by
political pollster Patrick Caddell and Lawrence O'Donnell.
EPISODE 5. "The Crackpots and These Women" Josh (Bradley
Whitford) is troubled when he receives a special card informing him of where
to safely go in the event of a nuclear attack - a privilege denied to most
of his White House co-workers - while Leo (John Spencer) instructs the
senior staff to meet with various special interest groups, some of whom have
wacky agendas. Prior to an important press conference, Toby (Richard
Schiff) voices strong opposition to many of President Bartlet's (Martin
Sheen) plans for an upcoming California trip and later checks out the rumor
that he was not the chief executives first choice for the job. The
President, meanwhile, virtually order his staff to sample his prized chili
when he arranges a reception for his Georgetown-bound daughter (guest star
Elizabeth Moss). Rob Lowe, Allison Janney and Moira Kelly also star. The
episode was written by series creator/executive producer Aaron Sorkin.
EPISODE 6. "Mr. Willis of Ohio" Toby (Richard Schiff) and Mandy
(Moira Kelly) work to convince some congressmen - including the nervous Mr.
Willis (guest star Al Fann), who assumed his late wife's office - to approve
a commerce bill that includes a vital census-counting provision, while the
President's daughter (Elizabeth Moss) gets into an ugly fracas in a
Georgetown bar along with Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Sam (Rob Lowe).
Elsewhere, C.J. (Allison Janney) swallows her pride and asks Sam for help to
understand the basic components of the administration's stance on random
census-taking in 2000, and peeved President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) scolds
Leo (John Spencer) when he learns that Leo's wife has left him.
EPISODE 7. "The State Dinner" As that night's stylish state
dinner honoring the Indonesian president looms in the background, President
Bartlet (Martin Sheen) keeps his eye on a spate of potentially explosive
problems: an FBI hostage standoff with dozens of militant survivalists, a
Class-4 hurricane bearing downs on a carrier group at sea and an impending
national trucker's strike. Behind the scenes, the gracious First Lady
(Oscar nominee Stockard Channing) prepares to host the dinner, a pushy
reporter (guest star Timothy Busfield) flirts with C.J. (Allison Janney),
Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Toby (Richard Schiff) corner an Indonesian
government official to ask a favor, and surprised Sam (Rob Lowe) spies his
call girl friend Laurie (guest star Lisa Edelstein) at the event. John
Spencer, Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 8. "Enemies" A crucial banking bill is at risk when
political rivals of environmentally sensitive President Bartlet (Martin
Sheen) attach a land-use rider to it that would allow strip mining some of
the Montana wilderness while C.J. (Allison Janney) tries to stamp out rumors
- however true - that the Chief Executive chastised the Vice President
(guest star Tim Matheson) during a cabinet meeting. An overworked Leo (John
Spencer) isn't too keen on his independent daughter Mallory (guest star
Allison Smith) dating the handsome Sam (Rob Lowe). C.J. continues to
fend-off the romantic charms of a perceptive reporter (guest star Timothy
Busfield, "thirtysomething" with a knack for sniffing out juicy stories.
Former lovers Mandy (Moira Kelly) and Josh (Bradley Whitford) clash over the administration's attempt to jettison the
land-use rider that might ruin passage of the more important banking bill.
Richard Schiff and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 9. "The Short List" When a Supreme Court Justice
retires, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) has a golden opportunity to impact
the court's composition by nominating a favorite judge (guest star Edward
James Olmos) - but when further study reveals the candidate's conflicting
ideology and cloudy social affiliations, the President might change his mind
and opt for another judge. In addition, a headline-seeking congressman
(guest star Holmes Osborne) on the House Government Oversight Committee
accuses the White House staff of substance abuse - a dicey issue for one
important member. John Spencer, Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney,
Richard Schiff, Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 10. "In Excelsis Deo" As Christmas Eve approaches,
President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) eagerly sneaks out of the White House for
some last-minute Christmas shopping, while a haunted Toby (Richard Schiff)
learns more about a forgotten Korean War hero who died alone on the
district's cold streets while wearing a coat that Toby once donated to a
charity. In other hushed corridors, Sam (Rob Lowe) and Josh (Bradley
Whitford) ignore Leo's (John Spencer) advice and consult Sam's call girl
friend (guest star Lisa Edelstein) concerning her confidential clientele
when one political rival hints at exposing Leo's previous drug problem.
C.J. (Allison Janney) wonders aloud about the President's public response to
a notorious hate crime while her personal resolve weakens as a persistent
reporter (guest star Timothy Busfield, "thirtysomething") continues to ask
her out. Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 11. "Lord John Marbury" The Kashmir border powder keg
becomes more explosive when the Indian army invades Pakistani-held
territory, making the threat of a nuclear confrontation frighteningly real
to President Bartlet (Martin Sheen), who calls in Lord Marbury (guest star
Roger Rees, "Cheers"), an eccentric British diplomat with ties to both
warring nations - and a weakness for booze. An angry Josh (Bradley
Whitford) is subpoenaed to testify as the investigation into substance abuse
among White House staffers grinds on towards its inevitable target: chief
of staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer). Mandy (Moira Kelly) floats a trial
balloon among the staff to test their reaction to her notion of representing
a liberal Republican. The President is surprised when Charlie (Dulé Hill)
asks him if he can date his willing daughter Zoey (guest star Elizabeth
Moss). Rob Lowe, Richard Schiff and Allison Janney also star.
EPISODE 12. "He Shall, From Time to Time..." The White House
staff is in full crisis mode when President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) is found
unconscious as he prepares for the State of the Union speech while the
India-Pakistan border skirmish flares again when a fearful Pakistan gives
its field commanders control of its nuclear arsenal. While the President's
condition is officially blamed on the flu, the First Lady (Oscar nominee and guest star Stockard Channing) know better, and Toby (Richard
Schiff) is too busy to notice as he polishes his boss' upcoming address.
Equally distracting is the inevitable disclosure of Leo's (John Spencer)
former substance-abuse problem by political rivals, as well as the
reappearance of the amusing Lord Marbury (guest star Roger Rees) - a
besotted ladies' man who doubles as a key adviser on the India-Pakistani
conflict. Despite the crises, C.J. (Allison Janney) and Mallory (guest star
Allison Smith) express their romantic feelings about two very different men.
Bradley Whitford, Rob Lowe, Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 13. "Take Out The Trash Day" While President Bartlet
(Martin Sheen) and his staff debate the appropriate response to a
controversial new sex education study, there are fears that the parents of a
murdered gay teenager should be excused from attending the signing of a hate
crimes bill because of the father's embarrassment about his son's
homosexuality. Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Sam (Rob Lowe) meet with an
appropriations subcommittee which is investigating Josh's lack of
cooperation in the White House staff drug probe - all of which is designed
to expose Leo's (John Spencer) former substance-abuse problem. The
President tries to convince daughter Zoey (guest star Elizabeth Moss) to
drop a sociology class taught by a professor whose ideas offend him - not to
mention her new best friend Charlie (Dulé Hill). Toby (Richard Schiff)
relishes his verbal duel with some congressmen who have held up the newest
appointments for the Public Broadcasting Corporation. C.J. (Allison Janney)
is advised to save a few embarrassing stories for release on Friday to blunt
the effect on the media over the weekend, but she also finds time to
continue her frisky flirtation with a White House reporter (Timothy
Busfield). Moira Kelly also stars.
EPISODE 14. "Take This Sabbath Day" After the Supreme Court
refuses to stay the execution of a Federal prisoner convicted of killing two
drug kingpins, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) must decide whether or not
to commute his sentence in less than 48 hours, so he calls upon his
sagacious childhood priest (guest star and Oscar winner Karl Malden) for
guidance. Meanwhile, even Toby (Richard Schiff) feels the heat over the
controversial issue when he hears a sermon on capital punishment from his
rabbi (guest star David Proval). Elsewhere, a hearing-challenged, combative
campaign manager (guest star and Oscar winner Marlee Matlin) begs for an
audience with the President when her Democratic congressional candidate has
purposely been under funded by his party before the upcoming election to
unseat an incumbent. Rob Lowe, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Moira Kelly,
Allison Janney and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 15. "Celestial Navigation" Sam (Rob Lowe) and Toby
(Richard Schiff) are dispatched to Connecticut for some damage control and
to secure the secret release of President Barlet's (Martin Sheen) primary
choice (guest star and Emmy Award winner Edward James Olmos, "Miami Vice")
for the Supreme Court, who has been jailed for alleged drunk driving and
resisting arrest. Meanwhile, Josh (Bradley Whitford) is a guest lecturer at
a college class to talk about working for the President and he recounts the previous week's flare-ups, which include: his feeble attempt to fill in
as the White House spokesman at a press conference where he promises that
the President has "a HUD secretary (guest star CCH Pounder, "ER") who
publicly labeled a prominent Republican as a racist. John Spencer, Allison
Janney, Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 16. "20 Hours In L.A." President Bartlet (Martin Sheen)
and several of his staff head to Los Angeles for a whirlwind visit that is
topped off by a star-studded fundraiser hosted by a wealthy film honcho
(guest star Bob Balaban, "Seinfeld") who threatens to cancel the bash unless
Bartlet announces his opposition to a congressional bill banning gays in the
military. Back in Washington, Leo (John Spencer) tries to convince a
stubborn Vice President Hoynes (guest star Tim Matheson) to break the Senate
by voting deadlock over an ethanol tax credit favored by the White House.
Elsewhere, Josh (Bradley Whitford) learns that feisty campaign manager Joey
Lucas (guest star Marlee Matlin) is staying in his Los Angeles hotel and he
eagerly anticipates seeing her again. The President takes a meeting where
he is warned about not supporting an amendment banning flag-burning and
later checks up on Secret Service security for his daughter Zoey (guest star
Elizabeth Moss) - and is unafraid to close down a celebrity-filled
restaurant where she's lunching. Rob Lowe, Richard Schiff, Allison Janney
and Dule Hill also star. Jay Leno, Model/Actress/Writer Veronica Webb and
David Hasselhoff guest star as celebrities attending the Hollywood bash.
EPISODE 17. "The White House Pro-Am" The President's (Martin
Sheen) and First Lady's (guest star Stockard Channing) staffs feud over
rival agendas when her public statements about foreign child-labor abuse
inspires a Congresswoman (guest star Amy Aquino) to attach an amendment that
will surely torpedo a long-delayed international tariff bill favored by the
President. What's more, when the revered chairman of the Federal Reserve
dies, the President is under pressure to name the former head's top
lieutenant as his successor - the same handsome man who seriously dated the
First Lady in college. Away from the White House, Zoey (guest star
Elizabeth Moss) clashes with her boyfriend Charlie (Dulé Hill) when she
suggests that they not step out together at an upcoming club opening at the
request of the Secret Service which is concerned about recent hate letters
concerning their interracial relationship. Josh (Bradley Whitford) asks
opinionated Toby (Richard Schiff) to mind his manners prior to parleying
with two important Congressmen. Rob Lowe, John Spencer and Allison Janney
also star.
EPISODE 18. "Six Meetings Before Lunch" When Zoey (guest star
Elizabeth Moss) attends a college fraternity party in which one of her
friends is busted for using illegal drugs, C.J. (Allison Janney) struggles
to keep the embarrassing story out of the press while the White House staff
celebrates the confirmation of their nominee, Judge Mendoza (Edward James
Olmos, not seen), for the Supreme Court. An uncomfortable Josh (Bradley Whitford) is assigned to talk with the administration's
controversial nominee (guest star Carl Lumbly, "Cagney & Lacey," "EZ
Streets") for assistant attorney general for civil rights who advocates that
African-Americans receive financial reparations for slavery. Elsewhere, Sam
(Rob Lowe) crosses swords with Mallory (guest star Allison Smith) over the
issue of private school vouchers while Mandy (Moira Kelly) lobbies to secure
two new pandas for the National Zoo. Martin Sheen, John Spencer, Richard
Schiff and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 19. "Let Bartlet Be Bartlet" Rumors percolate about a
scathing memo that outlines the weaknesses of President Bartlet's (Martin
Sheen) administration for his political rival and grip the White House until
C.J. (Allison Janney) learns it came from one of the trusted staff. C.J.
finally discovers that the memo is in the possession of one reporter and
tries to dissuade him from publishing it. Meanwhile, Sam (Rob Lowe) and
Toby (Richard Schiff) meet with opposing military officers and congressmen
to discuss amending the current "Don't Ask, Don't tell" policy towards gays
in the armed forces. When two members of the Federal Election Committee
resign, Josh (Bradley Whitford) sees opportunity and moves fast to meet with
contentious senators to suggest that the President appoint two Democrats as
replacements instead of sharing one spot with the Republicans. Leo (John
Spencer) not only has trouble with the White House's faulty e-mail system,
he confronts the President and issues a challenge that could define or
destroy his administration. Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 20. "Mandatory Minimums" A newly energized President
Bartlet (Martin Sheen) bucks tradition and throws down the gauntlet when he
names two Democrats - both campaign finance reformers - to the Federal
Election Commission despite threats from his political opponents to
introduce embarrassing legislation that would dare him not to sign. Early
reactions to his announcement are not encouraging, especially from top-notch
pollster Al Kiefer (guest star John de Lancie, "Star Trek: The Next
Generation"). However, Kiefer's arrival means his attractive cohort, Joey
Lucas (Oscar-winning guest star Marlee Matlin), accompanies him, and she
again draws a smitten Josh's (Bradley Whitford) attention. Toby (Richard
Schiff) agrees to seek out his ex-wife (guest star Kathleen York), a breezy
congresswoman, to gauge her response to any future narcotics legislation
that would emphasize prevention over enforcement. Leo (John Spencer),
uncomfortably aware of his own brush with drugs, agrees to be the Chief
Executive's front man for positioning the high-voltage issue of revising
drug laws. Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Moira Kelly and Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 21. "Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics" While President
Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his staff nervously await the results of a poll
to determine his favorability rating, he begins a heady transfer of
ambassadors and members of the Federal Election Committee designed to kick
start campaign finance reform and defuse an embarrassing incident overseas.
Specifically, wheeler-dealer Bartlet recalls the married ambassador to
Bulgaria (guest star Lawrence Pressman) who is discovered to be romancing the daughter of the country's prime minister, but faces another
crisis at home when Sam (Rob Lowe) is photographed by a newspaper giving a
graduation gift to a known call girl (guest star Lisa Edelstein).
Meanwhile, C.J. (Allison Janney) anxiously paces the White House corridors
and wonders if she is being marginalized by Leo (John Spencer) for past
mistakes. In addition, Josh (Bradley Whitford) clashes with opinionated
pollster Joey (guest star Marlee Matlin). Richard Schiff, Moira Kelly and
Dulé Hill also star.
EPISODE 22. "What Kind of Day Has It Been" In the season finale,
President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) prepares for a town hall meeting with
college students while the U.S. military races to find a downed American
pilot in the Iraqi desert before the Iraqi military captures him. C.J.
(Allison Janney) doesn't relish the notion of misleading the press over
rescue preparations. Likewise, Toby (Richard Schiff) tries to ignore
updates from the distressed orbiting shuttle which includes his brother, a
payload specialist aboard the craft which cannot close its cargo doors.
Meanwhile, a huffing Josh (Bradley Whitford) is dispatched to run down and
convince the wayward Vice President (guest star Tim Matheson) to re-think
his position on campaign finance reform. John Spencer, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill
and Moira Kelly also star.
From Creator Aaron Sorkin and Director Thomas Schlamme ("Sports Night") and Executive Producer John Wells ("ER," "Third Watch"), and featuring one of the most talented ensemble casts ever to star in a drama series, "The West Wing's" Fall 1999 debut on NBC immediately received an extraordinary reception from viewers and television critics alike.
The high-profile drama series uniquely documents the daily activities of a fictitious U.S. President's (Martin Sheen as U.S. President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet) highly talented administration portrayed by Dulé Hill as President Bartlet's aide Charlie Young, Allison Janney as Press Secretary C.J. Cregg, Moira Kelly as Media Consultant Mandy Hampton, Rob Lowe as White House Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn, Richard Schiff as White House Director of Communications Toby Ziegler, John Spencer as White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry and Bradley Whitford as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman.
Also starring in the award-winning series is Stockard Channing as First Lady Abigail Bartlet and Janel Moloney as Assistant to Deputy Chief of Staff Donna Moss. Both went on to become regulars on the show. Guest stars during The West Wing's first season include Timothy Busfield ("Thirtysomething"), Tim Matheson ("Martha Inc.") and John Amos ("Coming to America").
Quickly establishing a strong mandate among audiences, The West Wing burst onto the American entertainment and political arenas as one of the finest portrayals in entertainment of The Oval Office's inner sanctum.
In addition to generating impressive ratings, The West Wing's historic first season resulted in securing 18 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning in nine categories. Emmy's The West Wing received for its first season include Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Schiff), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Janney), Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Sorkin and Rick Cleveland for "In Excelsis Deo"), Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Schlamme for the "Pilot") and Outstanding Main Title Theme Music (W.G. Snuffy Walden), among others. (Studio Copy)
Length: 89 minutes
Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9
Languages: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Sides: 1
Extras:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by Jacques Perrin.
Making of Featurette - 52+ minute look at the film and its production.
Creating the Music Featurette - 17+ minute segment.
Filmmaker Interviews - About the Film (9+ minutes) and Further Insights (14+ minutes).
Photo Gallery with filmmaker commentary (13+ minutes.
Trailers for this film and "Cirque Du Soleil: Varekai."
DVD-ROM: Links to the CTHV Newsletter, Website and Theatrical Website for this film.
Directed and narrated with passionate enthusiasm by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker
Jacques Perrin (Z, Microcosmos), WINGED MIGRATION is the exquisitely beautiful and jaw-
dropping documentary about birds in flight around the world.
Shot over a three-year period, WINGED MIGRATION follows the breathtaking journey of a variety of bird species through 40 countries and every continent, covering landscapes that range from the Eiffel Tower and Monument Valley to the remote reaches of the Arctic and the Amazon. From the vantage point
of planes, gliders, helicopters, and balloons, over 450 people including 17 pilots and 14 cinematographers flew above, below and alongside these winged creatures to bring an intimately close look at the staggering marvel of the natural world. (Studio Copy)
Simply put, this is a completely engaging, mesmerizing and visually wonderful documentary. A must-see.
![[Logo]](/images/screenit_logo2.jpg){kind=logo}
![[Thunderball]</TD](/images/posters/dvd/big/thunderball.jpg)
![[The West Wing - The Complete First Season]](/images/posters/dvd/big/west_wing1.jpg)
