Collection ID 1313
Director:
Starring:
Genre: Educational, Concerts, Culture
Studio:   Release date:   Rated: NR   
Language (Country): (United States)
Summary: Horizons - DVD Trio
Polynesian Collection: Horizons evening show, Welcome to Polynesia, Fa'a Samoa

Horizons - Where the sea meets the sky
A cast of more than 100 enthusiastic Pacific Islanders present Hawaii's most spectacular Polynesian revue. Join us as we sail through the South Pacific and enjoy the music, dance and heritage of six island nations: Hawai'i, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, New-Zealand, and Samoa. (80 minutes)

Welcome to Polynesia
Adventurous Polynesians, braving winds and seas in search of faraway islands, arrived in Hawai'i more than a thousand years ago. Today, millions journey to experience the splendor that is Polynesia. This video treasure will relive your memories of these beautiful islands. (60 minutes)

Fa'a Samoa - The Samoan way
Fa'a Samoa: The Samoan Way, defines the enduring vibrancy of Samoan culture. With pride the Polynesian Cultural Center's chief Sielu Avea shares the dignity, excitement, and humor of all things uniquely Samoan. Join Chief Avea for an informative and delightful perspective on this dynamic society. (45 minutes)
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 744
Director: Eugenio Martín
Starring: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Alberto de Mendoza, Silvia Tortosa, Julio Peña
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Studio: Benmar Productions   Release date: 1972   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (UK, Spain)
Summary: An English anthropologist has discovered a frozen monster in the frozen wastes of Manchuria which he believes may be the Missing Link. He brings the creature back to Europe aboard a trans-Siberian express, but during the trip the monster thaws out and starts to butcher the passengers one by one.
My Rating:
My Review: A Trans-Siberian Express carries a deadly cargo. Eminent Archeologist Prof. Caxton (Played by Christopher Lee) has unearthed the remains of an ancient man-ape in Manchuria. The specimen is loaded aboard a Russian train and the Horror Express has departed the station. Only the Professor's academic adversary, Dr. Wells (Played by Peter Cushing) and the keen intellect of both men combined can avert a complete disaster as a plague of death spreads forward from cargo car to first class. The story is a campy, crazy, Tsarist era horror flick with an extra-terrestrial twist. I really liked the fact that nearly all the action takes place aboard a train set. The low budget effects, make up, and costumes were an added bonus. Some of the dialog was ridiculous, but that only added to the charm of this low budget movie. The creature's red glowing eyes were reminiscent of the Terminator, the confining spaces of the train heightened the tension. The pacing was perfect. The constant grinding, jarring motion and howling whistle also heightened the suspense. The dark Siberian countryside in the dead, dark, cold of winter was a perfect setting. The acting was a bit on the 'oh-so-proper' British side; broken only by the ridiculous cameo by Telly Savalas as Capt. Kazan, a flamboyant self-proclaimed Russian Cossack. The direction was excellent for such a low budget horror flick. The movie had much more going for it than I expected. Not only was it an enjoyable campy horror flick, it also contained far more surprises than I had hoped for. The plot twists were quite interesting, and the characters more than fodder for a bumbling Zombie thing. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 1430
Director: Eugenio Martín
Starring: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Alberto de Mendoza, Silvia Tortosa, Julio Peña
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Studio: Benmar Productions   Release date: 1972   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (UK, Spain)
Summary: An English anthropologist has discovered a frozen monster in the frozen wastes of Manchuria which he believes may be the Missing Link. He brings the creature back to Europe aboard a trans-Siberian express, but during the trip the monster thaws out and starts to butcher the passengers one by one.
My Rating:
My Review: A Trans-Siberian Express carries a deadly cargo. Eminent Archeologist Prof. Caxton (Played by Christopher Lee) has unearthed the remains of an ancient man-ape in Manchuria. The specimen is loaded aboard a Russian train and the Horror Express has departed the station. Only the Professor's academic adversary, Dr. Wells (Played by Peter Cushing) and the keen intellect of both men combined can avert a complete disaster as a plague of death spreads forward from cargo car to first class. The story is a campy, crazy, Tsarist era horror flick with an extra-terrestrial twist. I really liked the fact that nearly all the action takes place aboard a train set. The low budget effects, make up, and costumes were an added bonus. Some of the dialog was ridiculous, but that only added to the charm of this low budget movie. The creature's red glowing eyes were reminiscent of the Terminator, the confining spaces of the train heightened the tension. The pacing was perfect. The constant grinding, jarring motion and howling whistle also heightened the suspense. The dark Siberian countryside in the dead, dark, cold of winter was a perfect setting. The acting was a bit on the 'oh-so-proper' British side; broken only by the ridiculous cameo by Telly Savalas as Capt. Kazan, a flamboyant self-proclaimed Russian Cossack. The direction was excellent for such a low budget horror flick. The movie had much more going for it than I expected. Not only was it an enjoyable campy horror flick, it also contained far more surprises than I had hoped for. The plot twists were quite interesting, and the characters more than fodder for a bumbling Zombie thing. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 434
Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Starring: Dennis Lotis (Richard Barlow), Christopher Lee (Alan Driscoll), Patricia Jessel (Elizabeth Selwyn / Mrs. Newless), Tom Naylor (Bill Maitland), Betta St. John (Patricia Russell), Venetia Stevenson (Nan Barlow), Valentine Dyall (Jethrow Keane), Ann Beach (Lottie), Norman MacOwan (Reverend Russell (as Norman Macowan)), Fred Johnson (The Elder), James Dyrenforth (Garage Attendant (as Jimmy Dyrenforth)), Maxine Holden (Sue), William Abney (Policeman), Andy Alston (Villager Lighting Pyre (uncredited)), Ted Carroll (Coven Member (uncredited)), Nickolas Grace (Minor Role (uncredited)), Anthony Lang (Coven Member (uncredited))
Genre: Horror
Studio: Vulcan Films   Release date: 1960   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (UK)
Summary: A young coed (Venetia Stevenson playing Nan Barlow) uses her winter vacation to research a paper on witchcraft in New England. Her professor recommends that she spend her time in a small village called Whitewood. He originally cam from that village so he also recommends she stay at the "Raven's Inn," run by a Mrs. Newlis. She gets to the village and notices some weird happenings, but things begin to happen in earnest when she finds herself "marked" for sacrifice by the undead coven of witches. It seems that the innkeeper is actually the undead spirit of Elizabeth Selwyn, and the "guests" at the inn are the other witches who have come to celebrate the sacrifice on Candalmas Eve. As one of them said when Nan walked away, "HE will be PLEASED."
My Rating:
My Review: Black & White film that came paired with another horror movie (Horror Hotel). Screenplay by George Baxt. Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey (Downfall (1964), Strangler's Web (1965) - Best known for television shows and made for TV movies: The Avengers, The Saint, Mannix, Dial M for Murder, The Night Stalker (led to the TV series: Kolchak the Night Stalker)). Starring Patricia Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Christopher Lee and others. This low budget production (British production) is quite a thriller. Some of the camera shots and angles are outstanding. The acting is so, so. Patricia Jessel plays an excellent screaming damsel in distress. Nan Barlow (played by Patricia Jessel) is a young student on vacation in New England. She decides to stay at a hotel rumored to have connections to witch craft. The sleepy town of Whitewood, Massachusetts hides a sinister secret beneath the Raven't Inn hotel. Nan should have heeded the warnings of the minister who declared "Leave Whitewood tonight. I beg of you. Leave Whitewood before it's too late!" The movie is quite a chilling production. Dark, foreboding and creepy, the soundtrack definitely helps to instill a sense of dread while watching this dreamlike black and white movie. If only this reproduction were better quality. I give the film a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 1151
Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Starring: Dennis Lotis (Richard Barlow), Christopher Lee (Alan Driscoll), Patricia Jessel (Elizabeth Selwyn / Mrs. Newless), Tom Naylor (Bill Maitland), Betta St. John (Patricia Russell), Venetia Stevenson (Nan Barlow), Valentine Dyall (Jethrow Keane), Ann Beach (Lottie), Norman MacOwan (Reverend Russell (as Norman Macowan)), Fred Johnson (The Elder), James Dyrenforth (Garage Attendant (as Jimmy Dyrenforth)), Maxine Holden (Sue), William Abney (Policeman), Andy Alston (Villager Lighting Pyre (uncredited)), Ted Carroll (Coven Member (uncredited)), Nickolas Grace (Minor Role (uncredited)), Anthony Lang (Coven Member (uncredited))
Genre: Horror
Studio: Vulcan Films   Release date: 1960   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (UK)
Summary: A young coed (Venetia Stevenson playing Nan Barlow) uses her winter vacation to research a paper on witchcraft in New England. Her professor recommends that she spend her time in a small village called Whitewood. He originally cam from that village so he also recommends she stay at the "Raven's Inn," run by a Mrs. Newlis. She gets to the village and notices some weird happenings, but things begin to happen in earnest when she finds herself "marked" for sacrifice by the undead coven of witches. It seems that the innkeeper is actually the undead spirit of Elizabeth Selwyn, and the "guests" at the inn are the other witches who have come to celebrate the sacrifice on Candalmas Eve. As one of them said when Nan walked away, "HE will be PLEASED."
My Rating:
My Review: Black & White film that came paired with another horror movie (Horror Hotel). Screenplay by George Baxt. Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey (Downfall (1964), Strangler's Web (1965) - Best known for television shows and made for TV movies: The Avengers, The Saint, Mannix, Dial M for Murder, The Night Stalker (led to the TV series: Kolchak the Night Stalker)). Starring Patricia Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Christopher Lee and others. This low budget production (British production) is quite a thriller. Some of the camera shots and angles are outstanding. The acting is so, so. Patricia Jessel plays an excellent screaming damsel in distress. Nan Barlow (played by Patricia Jessel) is a young student on vacation in New England. She decides to stay at a hotel rumored to have connections to witch craft. The sleepy town of Whitewood, Massachusetts hides a sinister secret beneath the Raven't Inn hotel. Nan should have heeded the warnings of the minister who declared "Leave Whitewood tonight. I beg of you. Leave Whitewood before it's too late!" The movie is quite a chilling production. Dark, foreboding and creepy, the soundtrack definitely helps to instill a sense of dread while watching this dreamlike black and white movie. If only this reproduction were better quality. I give the film a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID HM005-2007
Director:
Starring:
Genre: Home Video
Studio:   Release date:   Rated:   
Language (Country): ()
Summary: On the 29th of June, 2007, Kim, myself, Ted, Sharon, Chantelle and Amber went on a Hot Air Balloon Ride (operated by Adventures Out West). On Day 8 of a multi-day vacation: No rest for the weary. It's a good thing we got home early last night, because today was the earliest day of the vacation. We were up at 0400! After we gulped down some coffee, we packed up the Volvo, and headed out onto the highway. The trip to Castle Rock was a short one, but we had to wait a little for our next event. After a brief delay, we were on our way to a hot air balloon ride - Up, up and away! in a silent ride, high above Colorado. The views were magnificent, and the weather fantastic. Floating high above the busy city, we enjoyed the spectacular views and serene experience.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 674
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy, Robert Popper, Joe Cornish
Genre: Action & Adventure
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 2007   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French, Spanish (UK)
Summary: It is a hilarious satire done superbly well. It blends and spoofs from our collective conscience all those police action adventure movies. I won't say much. Watch it you won't regret it.
My Rating:
My Review: Written (in part) and directed by Edgar Wright (of Shaun of the Dead). Based on the strength of Shaun of the Dead, I bought this movie sight unseen. When a super cop in the big city (London) puts everyone else to shame, his superiors banish him to a backwater village in rural England. When he arrives he struggles to fit in with the rest of the cops. Eventually, he starts to notice some peculiar things, like 'a lot' of 'accidental' deaths. Teamed with his partner, together they unveil the insidious plot of this peaceful little village. British humour at it's best. Never overplayed or heavy handed, the casting and acting were excellent. I did notice some interesting twists in the depictions of violence. There seemed to be two types of violence in the movie - Violence committed by the good guys never killed anyone. Shoulder and leg shots. Violence committed by the bad guys killed people, sometimes in ridiculously cartoonish ways. In addition to the high level of violence (especially in the second half of the movie), there was also a disturbing editing technique introduced in the second half of the movie. Extremely fast cuts. While they were well timed, they were so short that they left me dizzy and disoriented. The over the top hollywood satire/spoof was excellent - Bruckheimer eat your heart out! I really liked the fact that none of the villains were archetypical. Old folks and kids, ordinary citizens willing to kill in order to achieve their goal. An excellent buddy cop comedy.

Collection ID 1368
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy, Robert Popper, Joe Cornish
Genre: Action & Adventure
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 2007   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French, Spanish (UK)
Summary: It is a hilarious satire done superbly well. It blends and spoofs from our collective conscience all those police action adventure movies. I won't say much. Watch it you won't regret it.
My Rating:
My Review: Written (in part) and directed by Edgar Wright (of Shaun of the Dead). Based on the strength of Shaun of the Dead, I bought this movie sight unseen. When a super cop in the big city (London) puts everyone else to shame, his superiors banish him to a backwater village in rural England. When he arrives he struggles to fit in with the rest of the cops. Eventually, he starts to notice some peculiar things, like 'a lot' of 'accidental' deaths. Teamed with his partner, together they unveil the insidious plot of this peaceful little village. British humour at it's best. Never overplayed or heavy handed, the casting and acting were excellent. I did notice some interesting twists in the depictions of violence. There seemed to be two types of violence in the movie - Violence committed by the good guys never killed anyone. Shoulder and leg shots. Violence committed by the bad guys killed people, sometimes in ridiculously cartoonish ways. In addition to the high level of violence (especially in the second half of the movie), there was also a disturbing editing technique introduced in the second half of the movie. Extremely fast cuts. While they were well timed, they were so short that they left me dizzy and disoriented. The over the top hollywood satire/spoof was excellent - Bruckheimer eat your heart out! I really liked the fact that none of the villains were archetypical. Old folks and kids, ordinary citizens willing to kill in order to achieve their goal. An excellent buddy cop comedy.

Collection ID 787.5
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Natalie Portman, Waris Ahluwalia, Michel Castejon
Genre: Short, Drama, Romance
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures   Release date: 2007   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA, France)
Summary: Grief? Depression? Ambiguity in a Paris hotel room. Jack Whitman lies on a bed, ordering a grilled cheese sandwich from room service. His phone rings; it's a woman on her way to see him, a surprise. He readies the room, moving without affect, drawing a bath, changing his clothes. She arrives, as does the food, and the complications of their relationship emerge in bits and pieces. He invites her out on the balcony to see his view. Will they make love? Is the relationship over?
My Rating:
My Review: Included on the Blu-Ray disc (for the movie 'The Darjeeling Limited') is a prequel titled 'Hotel Chevalier'. Starring Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, this 13 minute short featured a nude Natalie Portman and some great music. This short, like the feature length movie itself, is extremely languid, slow, pointless and numbing to watch. On the other hand, you get to see Portman naked, and that is well worth it.

Collection ID 1575.5
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Natalie Portman, Waris Ahluwalia, Michel Castejon
Genre: Short, Drama, Romance
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures   Release date: 2007   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA, France)
Summary: Grief? Depression? Ambiguity in a Paris hotel room. Jack Whitman lies on a bed, ordering a grilled cheese sandwich from room service. His phone rings; it's a woman on her way to see him, a surprise. He readies the room, moving without affect, drawing a bath, changing his clothes. She arrives, as does the food, and the complications of their relationship emerge in bits and pieces. He invites her out on the balcony to see his view. Will they make love? Is the relationship over?
My Rating:
My Review: Included on the Blu-Ray disc (for the movie 'The Darjeeling Limited') is a prequel titled 'Hotel Chevalier'. Starring Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, this 13 minute short featured a nude Natalie Portman and some great music. This short, like the feature length movie itself, is extremely languid, slow, pointless and numbing to watch. On the other hand, you get to see Portman naked, and that is well worth it.