XAvenger's stats
- Review count169
- Helpfulness votes213
- First reviewSeptember 6, 2007
- Last reviewDecember 27, 2013
- Featured reviews2
- Average rating5
- Review comment count3
- Helpfulness votes2
- First review commentSeptember 24, 2011
- Last review commentOctober 12, 2011
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Posted by: XAvenger
This is one of my all-time favorites.
Blade Runner follows a police officer named Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) assigned to terminate renegade androids. Much of the movie explores what it means to be Human. Whether or not being Human is just a matter of birth or if there is something more to Humanity is the main subject matter of Blade Runner.
Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) and Rachel (Sean Young) are both androids who act and feel more Human than some of the Human characters in Blade Runner, Roy Batty especially comes to the verge of becoming Human (metaphorically if not literally). As for Deckard, he comes to question whether or not he is doing the right thing and even questions his own Humanity. All three characters are brilliantly played by thier respctive actors, Rutger Hauer gives an Oscar caliber performance in his role and you come to feel for all three of them.
The visual effects are fantstic and draw you in to the dystopian world of Los Angeles in the not-to-distant future. The music by Vangelis is exceptional and his mysterious tones really set the feel of the movie.
This four disc set features the theatrical, director's cut and final cut of Blade Runner, I like the final cut the best. The DVD restoration and transfer is flawless, all scenes are clear and sharp with no trace of a blemish. There is also an extras disc with extensive documentries on the making and impact of Blade Runner.
Blade Runner does have violent content, a little too violent in one or two scenes, so I would not recommend this for children (the movie warrants its 'R' rating).
This is really one of the finest films ever to come out of Hollywood, no science fiction collection could be considered complete without Blade Runner.
What's great about it: One of the best movies ever made
What's not so great: A little to violent in some scenes
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: XAvenger
Akira Kurosawa is best known in the US for his samurai eipcs, and these are two of his best. 'Yojimbo' and 'Sanjuro' are part of the 'Chanbara' genre, and such films focus on action (the word 'Chanbara' is based on the sound of clashing swords). Both movies are played for humor rather than for drama.
These two films follow a drifter played by the legendary Toshiro Mifune. We never learn anything about his past and he identifies himself as 'Sanjuro' (probably not his real name).
In 'Yojimbo' (which means Bodyguard), he comes upon a small village plagued by to rival crime bosses. Sanjuro engineers various situations to bring the conflict to a head in an effort to get them to destroy one another. In 'Sanjuro', the sequel to 'Yojimbo', Sanjuro helps a group of samurai rescue thier kidnapped lord.
Both films feature exciting sword duels with Sanjuro against a large number of sword swinging enemies. The duels are all deftly executed featuring brilliant directing and fight choreography. All of the action scenes show Kurosawa's amaing skill with the camera. In addition to the exciting action scenes, there is a lot humor in both movies, ranging from dark humor to scenes of incompetent criminal henchmen and none too bright samurai.
Sanjuro himself is brilliantly portrayed by the great Toshiro Mifune, possibly one of the finest actors who ever lived. Mifune's screen presence is both electrifing and captivating.
The extras in both movies give some keen insights into the making of both films. 'Sanjuro' features a segment on how the sound effects were created and both sets of DVD extras have inerviews with cast and crew members and other Kurosawa contemporaries.
There are a few problems with the source material in a few places, but these problems are not persistent. The restoration process on both films was very well done, and the picture and sound is clear throughout all of both movies. But there are a couple scenes where the condition of the source material is apparent. This will not affect your enjoyment of either movie. These problems are just in a few isolated segments and not throughout.
I recommend this for fans of Kurosawa or of Japanese cinema in general as well as for fans of action movies.
What's great about it: Two of Akira Kurosawa's best samurai movies in one set
What's not so great: Some source material issues here and there
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: XAvenger
Ah! My goddess is based on the longest-running manga ever to be published in English.
This season picks up where the first season leaves off. Keichi and Belldandy are still living at the abandonded temple with Belldandy's sisters Urd and Skuld. And the romance between Keichi, an average college student, and Belldandy, a goddess, is still going strong. This season introduces a fourth goddess named Peorth, who does a good job of shaking things up a bit.
The story is of the same high-caliber as the first season and Ah! My Goddess continues to be one of the most emotionally rewarding anime around, exploring the whole range of emotion. The animation is brilliant and fluid and ranks among the best TV animation.
The focus, of course, is on the characters. From the kind-hearted Belldandy to the child-like Skuld to the more seductive Urd and Peorth. There are some suspensful episodes in this season, but it is emoitional suspense rather than physical peril.
If you are an anime fan, then this series is an essential part of your collection. If you are not an anime fan, I'd still recommend watching this series because it is so outstanding.
The only problem is that the English dub just does not measure up to the original Japanese version (as is always the case with dubs), so when you watch these DVDs make sure you set it up for Japanese dialogue and English subtitles. The original Japanese version features Kikuko Inoue, one of anime's finest voive actors, as Belldandy. Her Belldandy is perfect.
What's great about it: Great caracters, great stories, brilliant animation
What's not so great: English dub
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Kiki's Delivery Service [2 Discs] [DVD] [1989]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Veteran animator Hayao Miyazaki directs this buoyant children's adventure yarn about a young witch striking out on her own. At her mother's behest, 13-year-old Kiki sets out on a year-long apprenticeship with her black cat in tow. With a shaky command of her broom, she ends up in a charming little coastal town that looks like a cross between the French provincial and San Francisco. Unfortunately, the local hotels have a strict "no witches" policy and the police have taken a dim view of her recent aerial mischief making. She's saved from the street by a kindly baker's wife who offers her room and board in exchange for her delivering by broom the baker's wares. Soon she befriends a college-aged artist, an old women who fusses over her, and a boy her same age who is nursing a massive crush. All is well until she wakes up one day and realizes that she can't make her broom levitate nor can she talk to her cat. What will Kiki do?
Posted by: XAvenger
This is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie! And Studio Ghibli has made some of the best animated feautres the silver screen has ever seen!
This movie is a coming of age tale that follows Kiki, a young witch, as she tries to make it in a new town. The focus of Kiki's Delivery Service is not on her magic but on the characters that populate the town where Kiki lives. Each character is very well-developed ands to the plot nicely. From Jiji, Kiki's long-suffering talking cat, to Tombo, a boy who immediately falls for Kiki, to Kiki herself a young girl who just happens to have some magical powers.
The animation is astounding and ranks with Disney as some of the best 2D cel animation ever to be produced. Everything is fluid and natrual looking and the backgrounds are like paintings by the great masters.
The English dub may have some good actors in it, but they are not of the same caliber as the origanl Japanese voice cast. Also, this movie was orginally made in Japanese, so the English cast was only a copy of the original performace.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes animation.
What's great about it: Very well-written, beautiful animation
What's not so great: English dub
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Learn more about Resistance 2 - PlayStation 3. (Flash demo) Humanity lies on the brink of annihilation. A deadly Chimera invasion has ravaged Europe, leaving humans struggling to survive and to repel the threat. Now the danger has expanded. In Resistance 2, you'll revisit the apocalyptic world of Resistance: Fall of Man to discover that the Chimera invasion, far from ending, has spread its devastating reach to North America. Arm yourself for battle on the perilous shores of the United States and prepare to make your last stand.Resistance 2 explodes with epic battle scenes set in massive environments that dwarf you with their scale and intensity. Take your life in your hands and go up against the dangers alone in a single-player campaign in which you'll encounter epic boss battles across a variety of unique United States locations. Join up to seven other gamers for standalone eight-player class-based online co-op featuring a separate story-driven campaign, or engage in competitive squad-based online battles incorporating up to an astonishing 60 players at once. New enemies and enhanced artificial intelligence behavior make the Chimera threat more deadly than ever before. Pick up your impressive new weaponry and get ready to give as good as you get.
Posted by: XAvenger
This is an outstanding first-person shooter!
The graphics are simply astounding and do a good job of showing what the PS3 is capable of. There were a few scenes where I actually took a minute or two just to look at the amazing detail in the environments because the graphics were so outstanding.
The controls work very well and there is a nice array of some very cool weapons. This game follows the war between Man and a race of monsters called the Chimera, and you get the chance to use both Human and Chimeran weapons as the game progesses. In addition to straight shooting weapons that most shooters have, Resistance 2 also features weapons that can shoot around corners or target and shoot enemies behind walls.
The enemies in this game are some of the scariest this side of Resident Evil. These enemies range from small crawly creatures to skyscraper-sized monstrosities. Many are fast and agile while others are large and powerful.
One thing Resistance has that most FPS franchises lack is a well-developed story. The story of the Man-Chimera war is very well thought out and is very dramatic as it unfolds. This game picks up where Resistance: Fall of Man ends and leaves the story open for further sequels (the war's not over yet).
My only complaint is that the game is a little short. Still, I would say this game is an essential part of any gamer's library. Resitance 2 is yet another good reason to buy a PS3.
Now I'm hoping for Resistance 3!
What's great about it: Brilliant graphics and excellent gameplay
What's not so great: A little on the short side
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Stargate: Atlantis [Original Television Soundtrack] [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7541/7541939_sa.jpg)
Posted by: XAvenger
This CD is the soundtrack to 'Rising', the pilot episode of Stargate: Atlantis.
The soundtrack starts of with one of the finest opening themes ever recorded, a fantastic piece that features an impressive orcehestra and even a chorus. A fitting anthem for a lost civilization.
The rest of the score sets the tone for the TV series with some very nice orchestral compositions. Where Stargate SG-1 based its music on Egyptian motifs, Atlantis creates its own musical environment. From excting action-driven tracks to music that has the feel of some of the great composers of the past.
This is truly one of TV's best musical scores. Highly recommended for anyone who likes great music.
What's great about it: More great Stargate music
What's not so great: I'd like to see more Atlantis CDs
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Best of Stargate SG-1 [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1064/10649319_sa.jpg)
Posted by: XAvenger
This CD collects some of the best compositions from the first season of Stargate SG-1.
This collection features the usual symphonic and Egyptian elements that can be heard throughout the TV series, as well as some great action themes. In addition to these pieces, there is also some more etherial music associated with the more mysterious events in SG-1.
Every composition on this CD is outstanding, the soundtrack of Stargate SG-1 features some of the finest compositions of any TV series. The tracks on this CD range from exciting and breathtaking to etherial and mysterious. Each one complements the particular episode it is taken from perfectly.
The liner notes included in the CD booklet give some insights into the process of making the music for Stargate SG-1 and have some nice color pictures.
If you are a Stargate fan, you know you audio collection will not be complete without this CD. If you like symphonic scores, check this out.
What's great about it: Some of the best music for TV
What's not so great: I wish they would make a CD for every season
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Stargate SG-1 [Milan] [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3293/3293448_sa.jpg)
Posted by: XAvenger
This CD is the soundtrack to 'Children of the Gods', the pilot episode for the long running TV series Stargate SG-1.
The score captures the soaring feel of the soundtrack to the orignal Stargate movie and establishes the score for the rest of the TV series very well. As with the movie soundtrack, this CD combines Egyptian musical motifs and more modern symphonic elements very effectively creating a dramatic and exciting musical experience.
The opening theme is based on the opening theme for the movie, but where the movie theme was like the overture of a classical concert, the TV theme is an exciting action theme that captures the sense of adventure in Stargate SG-1.
Most of the music on this CD is used throughout the entire SG-1 series, and helps to make the action even more exciting.
Stargate SG-1 boasts one of the best musical scores of any TV series and this CD is essential for any sci-fi fan's audio collection.
What's great about it: Outstanding compositions
What's not so great: Nothing really
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: XAvenger
Both of these movies take place after the TV series 'Stargate SG-1' and resolve two major story arcs left unfinished by the TV series.
'Ark of Truth' follows SG-1's efforts to find a weapon to defeat the O'rii, an alien army bent on wiping out all life in our galaxy. 'Ark of Truth' gives us some glimpses into the history of the O'rii and of the Stargate itself. As with the TV series, there is plenty of intergalactic action and some very impressive visual effects.
In 'Continuum', Ba'al, the last of the Goa'uld System Lords, awaits execution. Using the Stargate's time travel capabilities, he alters history and uses his knowledge of future events to dominate the Goa'uld and launch a campaign to conquer Earth. SG-1 escapes into the new timeline and has to work to stop the invasion and set things right. 'Continuum' also features a guest appearance by Richard Dean Anderson'. This features the exciting action that is the series trademark.
If you are a Stargate fan, this set will complete your collection.
What's great about it: Two great Stargate adventures in one set
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Posted by: XAvenger
Stargate SG-1 is one of the longest running, and one of the best, sci-fi series on TV. SG-1 ranks among the likes of Twilight Zone in terms of quality.
The series picks up where the movie left off (an ancient alien device called the 'Stargate' is used for interstellar travel) and expands on the universe created in the movie. Stargate was a good movie, but SG-1 takes the concept and improves on it. All of the actors do a fantastic job as their respective characters, Richard Dean Anderson's portrayal of O'Neill and Christopher Judge's Teal'c are partcularly noteworthy.
As in the movie, SG-1 works Egyptian mythology into the story very effectively, and also incorporates Norse and, in later seasons, Arthurian mythology as well. All very well tthought out.
Most Sci-Fi TV tends to be cerebral, SG-1 focuses more on action. There is no shortage of action scenes in Stargate SG-1. The action scenes are exciting to watch and feature some of the best visual effects ever seen in weekly TV.
The music complements the series nicely. As with the movie, the soundtrack features a mix of symphonic music and Egyptian motifs and even some great choral arrangement.
The DVD extras feature in-depth looks at the production of the series, from set construction and costume design to the amazing visual effects. There is even an interview with Christopher Judge where he relates his exeriences at his first Sci-Fi convention appearance.
The pilot episode, 'Children of the Gods' is outstanding and serves as both a sequel to the movie and a pilot to the TV series. It takes a few episode for SG-1 to hit its stride, but it hits its stride about midway into the first season and is really one of the most consistently outstanding series on TV.
If you are a fan of Sci-Fi, then check out Stargate SG-1, one of the best franchises in TV history! And this collection gives you the whole series in one set.
What's great about it: One of the best series on TV in one set
What's not so great: Takes a few episodes to get up to speed
I would recommend this to a friend!
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XAvenger's Review Comments
Relive the unforgettable moments and experience the spectacular adventure of STAR WARS the Complete Saga in a way only Blu-ray can deliver. This incredible collection unites all six Episodes together for the first time in stunning high definition with the purest digital sound in the galaxy. With over 40 hours of thrilling special features, including all-new content created exclusively for this , you can journey deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover more than ever before. Feel the Force of STAR WARS the Complete Saga on Blu-ray!
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5Bad disc - TWICE
By QuoteMe
from Los Angeles, CA
About an hour into Episode II, the disc freezes a bit and seems to skip. Returned to store for a hassle free exchange. The same problem with the new disc at the exact same spot!!!! Haven't had a chance to view all the other discs but what a disappiontment. Question is do I exchange again or simply ask for a refund???? Anyone else have similar problem?
XAvenger
I've had no problems
September 24, 2011
You might want to try sending the discs to 20th Century Fox for a replacement.
I've had no problems whatsoever with any of the movies. Of course, I've plyed them on my PS3.
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Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Good Movie If You Don't Have A Sony or Samsung
By Enchanter
from Trenton, MI
Lots of talk with the First Class movie not working with Sony. It would not work with my Sony BDP S350. Which is NOT 3D. I had to disable the internet connection "Do not allow disc to access internet" or some such. Then I had to delete the data file the Xmen movie had already installed when I tried to watch it the first time. This isn't easy either as it normally doesn't display the stored data in the setup menu. I had to do this by inserting an invalid disc. In this case the digital copy. Then I got the menu to delete the First Class data file. What a pain, I'm watching this now and it BETTER be good, lol. If your not up to this then get the DVD. Hope this helps someone.
XAvenger
October 12, 2011
I have had no problems with watching the Blu-Ray on my PS3 (a Sony player). You may want to update your firmware
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Relive the unforgettable moments and experience the spectacular adventure of STAR WARS the Complete Saga in a way only Blu-ray can deliver. This incredible collection unites all six Episodes together for the first time in stunning high definition with the purest digital sound in the galaxy. With over 40 hours of thrilling special features, including all-new content created exclusively for this , you can journey deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover more than ever before. Feel the Force of STAR WARS the Complete Saga on Blu-ray!
Overall
4 out of 5
4 out of 5Good value for the money. One BRD issue.
By burrisd
from Fredericksburg, VA
As a Star Wars fan I find this a good value for the money. I have a problem with the blu-ray discs, which is in no way a fault of Best Buy. Every single disc seems to enter a pause mode during the movie and then speeds up without audio. I have to stop playing the disc and restart it again. This happens regardless of which blu-ray player I use. Other than that, I would recommend this product.
XAvenger
October 12, 2011
I've had no problems with any of the Blu-Ray discs. I've been playing them on my PS3.
Your firmware may need to be updated.
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