DVD Collectors Online

Old Dogs, a review by Dragonfire

I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look.

Old Dogs

(From Old Dogs on December 24th, 2009)

James and the Giant Peach, a review by Danae Cassandra

James and the Giant Peach
Year of Release: 1996
Directed By: Henry Selick
Starring: Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Susan Sarandon, Paul Terry
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Animation

Overview:
In an all-new digitally restored special edition from Tim Burton, the acclaimed director of Alice In Wonderland, comes the astounding film that captured the hearts of fans and critics all across the world. Inspired by Roald Dahl's beloved children's book, Burton, Denise Di Novi and Director Henry Selick combine a fascinating mix of live-action, stop-motion animation and computer-generated special effects to create a world beyond your imagination.

After the daring rescue of a spider, a young boy named James gains possession of some magic crocodile tongues. When James spills them in the garden, out sprouts an enormous peach! Climbing inside, he meets an astonishing cast of characters and embarks on a magical odyssey full of thrills and adventure. Voiced by an all-star cast, including legendary actors Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Simon Callow and Jane Leeves, and featuring the celebrated music of Randy Newman, this classic story is delicious entertainment for the whole family!

My Thoughts:
This is a whimsical, fantastical adventure, more than a bit absurd and bizarre, but if you put aside a need for it to conform to the real world, it's a fun story. 

I almost think that the over-exaggeration of things in the film reflects a child's mindset.  James is like 7, and the movie is taking you into the world as he sees it, where things are bigger, scarier, more colorful than they actually are. 

The animation and character designs are really outstanding.   The color, the designs, and the care put into the puppets is simply wonderful.  If you love stop motion the film is worth seeing simply for that.

There are also several good messages for kids:  Family are the people who love you.  The smallest acts of kindness, even to the smallest of creatures, may have consequences and benefits you cannot see.  Stand up for yourself and stand up to your fears - that which has power over you only has the power you give it. 

Recommended for animation lovers, folks who like the works of Tim Burton (he's a producer here), and older kids who won't mind things being a bit creepy or scary. 

Bechdel Test:  Pass

Overall: 3.5/5

(From Within My (Mom's) Lifetime Marathon on February 10th, 2015)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Dharma & Greg
When free-spirited yoga instructor Dharma Finkelstein meets conservative attorney Greg Montgomery, it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no love in the air when Dharma's hippie parents finally meet after their children have already married at a drive-thru chapel in Reno. With friends and family all suggesting that a quick annulment would be best, it's no surprise that the couple begins to second-guess their impulsive nuptials. But it's soon evident that nothing can stand in the way of true love!

Pilot


My Thoughts:
Unrealistic? Sure... but this is an extremely fun and entertaining show. This is the first time I ever seen Jenna Elfman in anything... but I have liked her every since. I enjoyed watching this pilot so much that right after watching it.. I re-watched it with the commentary on. Definitely a fun sitcom I would recommend. Unfortunately we only ever got season one on DVD.

My Rating:

(From Pete's Pilots on December 28th, 2009)