DVDpedia : Library : Title : E

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: Dreamworks Video

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 118

Summary: The "cell phone thriller" is becoming a genre unto itself, and "Eagle Eye" should be considered a key example of the form. Frankly preposterous but compulsively watchable, this movie puts Shia LaBeouf in a mess of trouble instigated by a mysterious telephone voice. If he doesn't follow orders, dire things will happen--although when he does follow orders, the consequences are pretty dire, anyway. Also being blackmailed is a single mom (Michelle Monaghan) receiving similar phone calls. Why are they being jerked around by the purring female voice, and why is the road leading to Washington, D.C.? Actually, you won't have time to contemplate these questions, because director D.J. Caruso (who guided LaBeouf in "Disturbia") keeps the action going at the customary breakneck pace. This is a wise move, because the real questions you'd likely be asking have to do with the plausibility of events on a minute-by-minute basis (most notably: how could Mysterious Phone Voice possibly know that the two pigeons would survive the hoops she makes them fly through, each one more death-defying than the last?). The actors tumble through this mayhem like scattering bowling pins, including Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson as government agents. Nobody has time to make much of an impression, and LaBeouf has much less room for puppydog charm than he did in "Disturbia". Even that would be all right within the movie's berserk parameters, but the really irritating thing is the way the tacked-on final scenes reverse what would have been a heroic climax. No guts, no glory. "--Robert Horton"




Stills from "Eagle Eye" (Click for larger image)

Theatrical: 1999

Studio:

Genre: Anime

Duration: 240

Summary:

Theatrical: 1994

Studio: Buena Vista Home Vid

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 127

Summary: Tim Burton's ED WOOD is probably one of his best films to date, showing he doesn't need big budgets and special effects to tell a good story. First and foremost, the underlying theme of this film is the joy of the art of filmmaking. In Ed Wood's case, inspiration far surpassed the perspiration. Therefore, in this biopic, Wood's optimism and the love of telling a story through film are characterized as a man who wanted to dream way passed his means and abilities as a writer, producer,and director. Also, it doesn't help that he is a cross dresser, an alcoholic, and is surrounded by some very weird people. Johnny Depp again takes on another unconventional role and pulls it off with humor, wit, and eccentricity of the man considered to be the worst director of all time and responsible for PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE. However, the outstanding performance is by Martin Landau of Bela Lugosi and deserved the Oscar for his supporting role as the pathetic, aged actor way passed his prime. Some of the scenes from 'Plan 9' are reinacted with great accuracy and loving tribute. Great supporting cast of Patricia Arquette, Sarah Jessica Parker, Bill Murray, wrestler George the Animal Steel, Lisa Marie, Vincent D'Onofrio, and it was nice to see veteran character actor Norman Alden (MAN'S FAVORITE SPORT) as Cameraman Bill.

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: ABC Studios

Genre: TV Series

Summary:

Theatrical: 1983

Studio:

Genre: Music

Summary:

Theatrical: 2002

Studio:

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 103

Summary:

Theatrical: 2001

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Drama

Duration: 131

Summary: Two Russian and German snipers play a game of cat-and-mouse during the Battle of Stalingrad.

Theatrical: 1998

Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone

Genre: Drama

Duration: 131

Summary: A lawyer becomes a target by a corrupt politician and his NSA goons when he accidently receives key evidence to a serious politically motivated crime.

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: Highlight

Genre: Action

Duration: 107

Summary: In a fascist future where all forms of feeling are illegal, a man charged with enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system.

Theatrical: 2006

Studio: Geneon [Pioneer]

Genre: Anime / Action

Duration: 575

Summary: The broadcast series "Ergo Proxy" (2006) attracted considerable attention because Radiohead let them use "Paranoid Android" as the closing theme. Detective Re-l lives in the domed city of Romdo, a pseudo-utopia where humans and robots exist under a Big Brother-esque government. When a powerful monster begins attacking the citizens of Romdo, Re-l discovers the word "awaken" scrawled on her mirror; she's attacked by the monster but somehow survives. As she investigates these events, she discovers the inevitable government conspiracy. "Ergo Proxy" borrows heavily from "Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C." and "Boogiepop Phantom", but the icy Re-l lacks Major Kusanagi's fascination. Director Shukuo Murase employs a monochromatic palette so dark it's difficult to see what's going on. He tries to distract the viewer from the extremely limited animation with camera moves and dialogue, but the hokey, oblique story feels recycled and uninteresting. (Rated 16 and older: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery) "--Charles Solomon"

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Duration: 104

Summary: It's what you have come to expect from the guys from Monty Python. It's silly, irreverent, and utterly strange. Erik the Viking is a light hearted dark comedy, and even though that sounds odds those of you who have seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail or The Life of Brian will understand. This will never be called a masterpiece of cinematography, acting or special effects. Then again it's not meant to. The movie does accomplish what it sets out to do.

The charm of the movie is all about executing some pretty silly situations. From Vikings flying off the ends of the Earth to Erik fighting a host of enemies thinking he is invisible. The special effect hardly rival that of other Python films made in the 70's, and this one was made in 1989. The performances from the Monty Python cast are not their best, however they are entertaining and satisfying. The thing is none of that is really important. Erik the Viking is a good, entertaining story with some thoughtful yet subtle observations on human condition and religion. Even the dark stuff ends up not being such a downer in the end.

This DVD is really hard to find, and to make matters worse Sony put together a Director's Cut, but so far never bothered to release it in the United States. If you have a region free DVD there is a Director's Son's Cut available in the U.K. so there is hope. If you do happen to find the rare feature-less U.S. release for any reasonable price I recommend getting it without question since Sony has made no announcements to do any reissues.

If you are a Monty Python fan then by all means see Erik the Viking. Those of you who dont get the whole Python-esque humor won't appreciate this either. If you like off the wall sort of humor mixed with some decent Norse mythical stories (and are not critical of low production budgets) then this movie should be a nice diversion from reality.

Theatrical: 2000

Studio: Capitol Home Video

Genre: Art House & International

Duration: 105

Summary: If you have ever traveled, ever been out of your element, not spoken the language, not been familiar with the culture... this is the movie for you. On that level alone, this film is a gem.
In addition, there is a wonderfully gentle but transcendent Zen message lying underneath. These two hapless German brothers prove that when you've hit rock bottom, the one thing that is guaranteed to help is looking at things differently. Watching two middle-aged German men achieve a certain degree of Buddhist enlightenment is not only hilarious, it's also heartwarming.
When you first start watching the movie, you will think to yourself, "man, these are cruddy production values. It looks like it's on video tape." But by the end of the journey you will understand. And you will love it all the more for its untraditional production values. Because ultimately, the value of the film is not determined by the film's budget.
You only have to fall into one of the following categories to love this movie:
1) anyone who's traveled abroad
2) anyone who's looking for the answer to life's riddles
3) anyone who's interested in Buddhism
4) anyone who likes German movies
If you fit more than one category, you'll be in cinematic heaven.

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: BMG International

Genre: Music

Duration: 184

Summary:

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Umvd

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 108

Summary: A couple (Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet) undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with.

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Bandai

Genre: Anime / Manga

Duration: 125

Summary: The 2005 broadcast series "Eureka Seven" offers snazzy aerial sequences that suggest snowboarding raised to the "nth" degree. Fourteen-year-old Renton Thurston lives with his mechanic-grandfather, but dreams of joining the elite pilot-mercenaries of the Light Finding Operation (LFO) aboard their ship the Gekkostate. When LFO pilot Eureka crashes her "mecha", the Nervash Type Zero, into his grandfather's shop, Renton is smitten with her beauty and her flying skills. He brings her the Amita Drive, a mysterious invention of his father's, that increases the power of the Nervash astronomically. Thurston's latent talents win him a place on the Gekkostate, but he has a long way to go before he's accepted as a real member of the team. "Eureka Seven" ranks as a noteworthy series in many ways. The aerial maneuvers and "mecha" battles are choreographed with exceptional "élan"; the handsome designs recall "Last Exile", but with a bolder palette; and Renton expresses the enthusiasm and insecurity of a rookie without becoming a pill. The storytelling is rather oblique, but once the filmmakers finish cutting through the thickets of back story, "Eureka Seven" should really soar. (Unrated, suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, tobacco and alcohol use) "--Charles Solomon"

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Drama

Duration: 106

Summary: Based on the critically-acclaimed novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, "Everything is Illuminated" tells the story of a young man's quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family's story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship.
DVD Features:
Additional Scenes
Theatrical Trailer

Theatrical: 1996

Studio: Miramax

Genre: Drama

Duration: 134

Summary: The hit musical based on the life of Evita Duarte, a B-picture Argentinian actress who eventually became the wife of Argentinian president and dictator Juan Perón, and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina.

Theatrical: 1999

Studio: Dimension

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Duration: 97

Summary: Director David Cronenberg's "eXistenZ" is a stew of corporate espionage, virtual reality gaming, and thriller elements, marinated in Cronenberg's favorite Crock-Pot juices of technology, physiology, and sexual metaphor. Jennifer Jason Leigh is game designer Allegra Geller, responsible for the new state-of-the-art eXistenZ game system; along with PR newbie Ted Pikul (Jude Law), they take the beta version of the game for a test drive and are immersed in a dangerous alternate reality. The game isn't quite like PlayStation, though; it's a latexy pod made from the guts of mutant amphibians and plugs via an umbilical cord directly into the user's spinal column (through a BioPort). It powers up through the player's own nervous system and taps into the subconscious; with several players it networks their brains together. Geller and Pikul's adventures in the game reality uncover more espionage and an antigaming, proreality insurrection. The game world makes it increasingly difficult to discern between reality and the game, either through the game's perspective or the human's. More accessible than "Crash", "eXistenZ" is a complicated sci-fi opus, often confusing, and with an ending that leaves itself wide open for a sequel. Fans of Cronenberg's work will recognize his recurring themes and will eat this up. Others will find its shallow characterizations and near-incomprehensible plot twists a little tedious. "--Jerry Renshaw"

Theatrical: 1999

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Thriller

Duration: 159

Summary: Tom Cruise plays a doctor who is married to an art curator. One day his wife admits that she almost cheated on him and that leads Cruise's character through an odyssey of sexual and moral discovery.