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Comment on The Incredible Hulk – The Television Series Ultimate Collection by Luscious Luke "luckyluke1202"

Luscious Luke "luckyluke1202" — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:07:20 +0000

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

A wonderful collection!, October 4, 2004

Luscious Luke "luckyluke1202" (Salt Lake City, UT United States) -

This review is from: The Incredible Hulk - The Television Series Ultimate Collection (DVD)

The only reason I knocked a star of the rating of this collection is not because of the episodes themselves but because of how lazy Universal was in putting it together. What kind of boxed set arranges episodes in a completely random order and then fails to mark what the order is anywhere within the entire package. This one!

But this is such a great show and fans have been so desperate for a collection like this that that fact can almost be overlooked. I'm guessing after this release that Universal has scrapped any chance of releasing season by season collections. This is it folks! But that isn't so bad since the majority of the best episodes from the series can be found in this collection. Except for a few odd choices such as "Deep Shock," "Rainbow's End," and "Kindred Spirits" among others which certainly could have been replaced by better episodes. But as long as the very best are included, I'm happy.

Here is my brief reviews of each episode included:

Rainbow's End - 3/5 - This is a pretty average episode... possibly the least interesting in this set (not that the Hulk using his incredible super-abilities to steer a horse out of a burning barn isn't edge of your seat entertainment :b). But that's not saying much in a great collection of episodes like this.

Another Path - 3/5 - Not among the cream of the crop, but a decent episode with an interesting character in the old blind martial artist. The climax is pretty darn corny though... even for a series about a big green guy who likes to smash stuff.

The Disciple - 3/5 - This is sort of a sequel to "Another Path," but it is actually a worse episode. In fact, it is strange that this episode was even included considering that the main character in the story isn't even David Banner, but some "karate kid-like" character.

747 - 4/5 - This episode will definitely keep you gripped! Take the plot that is so often used in movies... an airplane full of passengers without a pilot and throw the hulk into the mix and you've got yourself a good time!

Death in the Family (2 parts) - 4/5 - This is a pretty good episode, but the weakest of the two-parters.

The First (2 parts)- 5/5 - This is my favorite episode of the entire series! It is just pure fun seeing another Hulk running around and the climactic battle between the two is probably the most entertaining scene of the series. A great script, eery atmosphere, and interesting characters make this a must-see episode for any fan of this show.

Kindred Spirits- 3/5 - This is possibly the most formulaic episode in the collection so it isn't particularly exciting, but it is decent.

Stop the Presses- 4/5- This one is for those Jack McGee lovers. This is the funniest episode in this collection and one of the better episodes of the series.

Mystery Man (2 parts)- 5/5- This two-parter episode is very well-done! Not only is it very exciting but it adds so much depth to the character of Jack McGee. There is a lot of brilliant psychological tension used brilliantly to build suspense. I'd rank this the 3rd best episode in this collection.

The Psychic- 4/5- This is a wonderful episode with a fantastic guest star-- Bill Bixby's own wife! And you can almost tell without me mentioning it... there is a lot of screen chemistry between the two and she does a great job in her role as a morally torn woman.

Prometheus (2 parts)- 5/5- This is probably the most famous Hulk episode ever created due to its vast production values. And it does indeed deserve the credit. This one is a very close second to "The First" as my favorite episode. The sets in this episode are probably more extensive than in most motion pictures of the time and the script is top-notch. This is an absolute MUST SEE episode!

Dark Side- 4/5- This episode is pure sadistic fun! After viewing so many other episodes, who hasn't gotten the itching to see a David Banner who isn't so morally pure and a truly homicidal hulk with no mercy? That fascinating twist alone makes this episode one to remember and a popular one with the fans.

Deep Shock- 3/5- This is another one of those very average episodes. It is decent but forgetable.

The Harder They Fall- 5/5- Bill Bixby gives one of his best performances in this episode as a man who suddenly loses his pride along with the use of his limbs. This episode plays on your heartstrings with so many likeable characters and points out the horrible trials that must be dealt with every day by the disabled. Of all the episodes in this collection, this one has the most heart.

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Comment on The Incredible Hulk – The Television Series Ultimate Collection by S. DE SEVE

S. DE SEVE — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:12:25 +0000

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

Great episodes, no extras and where are the titles?, October 27, 2003

S. DE SEVE (Montreal, Canada) -

This review is from: The Incredible Hulk - The Television Series Ultimate Collection (DVD)

I really enjoyed this series and I'm glad Universal is bringing some of the episodes into DVD. It comes in a nice presentation box, although a booklet would have been a welcomed addition, especially since the episodes are presented out of sequence, are not written on the DVD themselves and don't even match the sequence on the cover box. There are also no extras on any of the DVDs. The programs are presented in English-mono, with possibility of English-captions and subtitles in Spanish or French.

The saving grace is the episodes themselves and they are well selected. To assist buyers who'd like to watch these episodes in the order of airing dates, here is a list:

Episode 2:"A Death In The Family" (95 minutes, November 28, 1977 - Disc 5)
Episode 7: "747" (April 7, 1978 - Disc 5)
Episode 16:"Rainbow's End" (October 13, 1978 - Disc 1)
Episode 18: "Another Path" (October 27, 1978 - Disc 1)
Episode 21: "Stop The Presses!" (November 24, 1978 - Disc 3)
Episodes 27 & 28: "Mystery Man" (2 parts) (March 2, 1979, March 9, 1979 - Disc 3)
Episode 29:"The Disciple" (March 16, 1979 - Disc 1)
Episode 31: "Kindred Spirits" (April 6, 1979 - Disc 2)
Episode 52:"The Psychic" (February 22, 1980 - Disc 6)
Episodes 58 & 59: "Prometheus" (2 parts) (November 7 & 14, 1980 - Disc 6)
Episode 61: "Dark Side" (December 5, 1980 - Disc 4)
Episode 62: "Deep Shock" (December 12, 1980 - Disc 4)
Episodes 69 and 70: "The First" (2 parts) (March 6 and 13, 1981 - Disc 2)
Episode 71:"The Harder They Fall" (March 27, 1981 - Disc 4)

Note that episode 1 and 13 are available on "The Incredible Hulk: The Original Television Series Premiere" DVD (ASIN: B00008WFTU),
Episode 1: "The Incredible Hulk" (95 minutes, November 7, 1977)
Episode 13: "Married" (95 minutes, September 22, 1978)

Like others, I hope Universal will release a second boxset with additional great Hulk episodes. Meanwhile, this one is a great entry in the series, with complete and commercial free episodes.

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Comment on The Incredible Hulk – The Television Series Ultimate Collection by S. R.

S. R. — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:22:31 +0000

110 of 114 people found the following review helpful:

Classic Episodes on A Rushed DVD Release, August 21, 2003

S. R. (USA) -

This review is from: The Incredible Hulk - The Television Series Ultimate Collection (DVD)

This is a 6 disc set containing 18 episodes from the classic 1970s TV series starring Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby. The episodes are as listed:

DISC 1:
RAINBOW'S END- David Banner hopes that a Native American's special horse tranquilizer will cure his transformations.
ANOTHER PATH- David tries to use an old Chinese man's methods of mind-control in hopes of ridding himself of the Hulk.
THE DISCIPLE- David returns to the old Chinese man only to discover that he is dying.

DISC 2:
THE FIRST Parts 1 & 2- David discovers the existence of a Hulk from decades earlier that has now been cured.
KINDRED SPIRITS- David investigates evidence of a prehistoric Hulk-like creature.

DISC 3:
STOP THE PRESSES- David tries to stop a tabloid reporter from publishing a photo of him.
MYSTERY MAN Parts 1 & 2- David, facially bandaged and suffering from amnesia, is aided by Jack McGee in an effort to find his true identity.

DISC 4:
DARK SIDE- David's latest cure causes the evil side of his personality to surface.
DEEP SHOCK- An electrical accident leaves David with psychic abilities.
THE HARDER THEY FALL- David is forced to cope with paralysis after a car accident.

DISC 5:
747- David is forced to land an airline after the pilots are drugged.
DEATH IN THE FAMILY Parts 1 & 2- David befriends a heiress who is being slowly poisoned by her keepers.

DISC 6:
THE PSYCHIC- A psychic discovers David's secret and informs him of McGee's impending death.
PROMETHEUS Parts 1 & 2- The army captures the Hulk after David is stuck in mid-transformation due to radiation from a meteor.

There are some great episodes in this bunch, including 'The First', as well as the most expensive Hulk episode ever made, 'Prometheus'. The picture quality is about the same as the SciFi Channel reruns. No effort was made to clean up the original film prints as specks of dust and debris are visible on all episodes. The sound is Dolby Digital 2.0, which is what one would expect from such an old series. Unfortunately, there are no bonus features or even an interview with Lou Ferrigno. Worse still, one can't even tell what episodes are on each disc because none are numerically labeled, thus the episode order discrepancies on various sites. This was indeed a rushed DVD set from Universal meant to cash in on the publicity surrounding the 2003 Ang Lee Hulk movie. This release is definitely better suited to the budget-conscious casual fan wanting to relive some fond memories. For hardcore fans, The Incredible Hulk Complete Series set is better worth the investment since there were so many more great episodes from this classic TV series.

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Comment on Pilates for Men 3: Challenge Ball Workout by Mom moves fast

Mom moves fast — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:33:25 +0000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Where is the warm up?, August 25, 2011

Mom moves fast (USA) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Pilates for Men 3: Challenge Ball Workout (DVD)

My second rating of the "pilates for men" series. I wish I could give it 5 stars, but just like the #1 dvd, a warm up is missing. I'd also like to see more instructions for breathing. Sometimes it looks like the guys are holding their breath! Since men are probably not familiar with all the "toys" out there for exercise, some instructions on what type of ball to purchase would be helpful. Some might think its a weighted ball. It's a pilates ball filled with air. All the exercises can also be done without the ball for beginners. Great work out! My husband says it's "kicking his butt". Just got the band workout. Another review coming soon.

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Comment on Something the Lord Made by Lawrance M. Bernabo

Lawrance M. Bernabo — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:35:29 +0000

123 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

A superb mixture of medical and human drama from HBO, March 5, 2005

Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) -

This review is from: Something the Lord Made (DVD)

For me the worst bigots are not the ones who carry shotguns and engage in lynchings. Underneath their hatred is a fear born from knowing in the marrow of their bones that they are not as good as the people they are oppressing and that on an equal playing field they will be the ones who end up on the bottom. I am always outraged more by those bigots whose racism is embodied in what they say and how they say it, as well as by the gestures they demand to keep Jim Crow in place despite the evidence of their eyes and the assumption what they see actually gets into their brains. In "Something the Lord Made," there is a moment where a white doctor at the most prestigious hospital in the country makes a point of leaving his office and go into a laboratory just to have a black man fetch food and drink. I look at such a man and wonder what he is thinking, knowing that whatever it is, it is just not right.

Racism is the subtext of "Something the Lord Made," an HBO movie that dramatizes the story first told in the "American Experience" documentary "Partners of the Heart." This is the story of Dr. Alfred Blalock, who pioneered cardiac surgery in 1944 when he and Dr. Helen Taussig developed the Blalock-Taussig technique, a surgical procedure that repaired the faulty blood vessel in the hearts of babies that was causing a lack of oxygen. This fatal birth defect turned babies a light shade of blue, resulting in their being commonly called "blue babies" (Fallot's tetralogy). The story of "Something the Lord Made" is about not only this pioneering medical work, but also the relationship between Blalock and Vivien Thomas, a lab technician. Blalock (Alan Rickman) is white and Thomas is black (Mos Def), which is why racism keeps rearing its head throughout the tale.

Blalock is a brilliant but brash physician doing pioneering work on the treatment of hemorrhagic and traumatic shock (Blalock demonstrated that surgical shock resulted primarily from the loss of blood, and therefore encouraged the use of plasma or whole-blood transfusions as treatment). Thomas has been saving his money to go to medical school but has been working as a carpenter's assistant when he gets a job sweeping and cleaning Blalock's laboratory and dog kennels (experimental techniques are developed working on dogs, once a condition comparable to what is found in humans is created). But the doctor quickly discovers that Thomas has a quick and inventive mind and the Great Depression ends Thomas' dream of going to medical school. What starts off as a relationship between master and servant (or at least boss and employee), becomes that of teacher and student. By the time Blalock moves to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and takes Thomas with him, the two have become joined at the brain. There is a delightful scene where Blalock is kicking around ideas with his new colleagues and Thomas keeps making comments and bouncing ideas off the doctor until they are involved in an intense discussion and everybody is watching dumbfounded.

Director Joseph Sargent ("Colossus: The Forbin Project," "Miss Evers' Boys") has two major stories to tell here. One is the medical story of the invention of cardiac surgery and the other is the human story of whether Vivien Thomas would ever be recognized for his invaluable assistance in that effort. Thomas does the work of a lab technician, but is paid as a janitor. He has to use the back entrance at Johns Hopkins when he comes to work and students flock to see the great Dr. Blalock assisting Thomas when operating on a dog. Even after they achieve their greatest success, there are colleagues who laugh at Blalock because he needed Thomas' help to do the impossible, their bigotry making it impossible for them to realize doing the impossible is no mean feat.

There are social victories along the way. Not so much that Blalock is finally persuaded to do something about his invaluable assistant's salary as the young doctors who come up to Thomas and ask if they can work with him in their spare time (although their accents are invariably not of the south). But Blalock is getting his picture on the cover of "Life" and the only one in the operating theater not in the group photographs are Thomas and the nurse, and there is an element of sadness that it was over a decade after Blalock died that Thomas received his overdue recognition. Was Blalock's problem that he was egotistical or that the man was so focused? The film suggests it was the latter and that the work was what mattered. Indeed, the most memorable scene in this 2004 film is when we see with our own eyes the miracle that Blalock, Thomas, Taussig, and these others wrought in 1944.

"Something the Lord Made" won the 2004 Emmy for outstanding made-for-TV movie, due in part to the marvelously understated performances by Rickman and Def. The DVD includes audio commentary by Sargent, writer Peter Silverman, and... Read more

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Comment on Something the Lord Made by K. Corn "reviewer"

K. Corn "reviewer" — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:32:57 +0000

93 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

Great portrait of two outstanding figures in medicine, October 21, 2004

K. Corn "reviewer" (midwest, United States) -

This review is from: Something the Lord Made (DVD)

For once, they got it right, offering a glimpse into the drama/suspsense of the early days in heart surgery, as well as giving a revealing look at two pioneering figures in the field - one well-known (the white doctor) and the other an unsung hero (his afro-american lab assitant). Neither saccharine or unrealistic, the film offers an unflinching look at both the genius and unbridled ambition of Dr. Blalock while countering it with the steadfast loyalty and dedication of his assistant, Vivien Taylor, destined to live in the doctor's shadow for much of his life. This is one I am adding to my personal collection. It is simply that good.

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Comment on Something the Lord Made by CC

CC — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:05:53 +0000

107 of 109 people found the following review helpful:

Superb acting in a wonderfully-written film, December 7, 2004

CC (Clarkston, MI United States) -

This review is from: Something the Lord Made (DVD)

Alan Rickman and Mos Def give superb performances in this wonderfully-written film about the triumph of intelligence and creativity over the effects of racial prejudice.

"Something The Lord Made" is the real-life story of Dr. Alfred Blalock and technician (later Dr.) Vivian Thomas, both of whom pioneered open-heart surgery in America in the mid-twentieth century.

Rickman, as Blalock, gives a flawless, charismatic portrayal of an egotistical surgeon who gains nobility of spirit while he defies (and yet is simultaneously confined by) the customs of his society. Rickman's performance is all the more impressive because he is British, and Blalock was an American from the south; nevertheless, Rickman's southern accent is natural and effortless.

Rickman brings likability and humanity to what could otherwise be an unsympathetic character; and this core humanity gives "Something The Lord Made" a depth not often seen in tales of bigotry within American society. Too often, tales of this sort delineate the bad guys from the good guys in an almost cartoonish fashion, but Rickman's Blalock is both good and bad, reflecting more accurately the reality of the times in which both characters lived.

Mos Def gives a subtle, moving and sympathetic performance as Vivian Thomas, a gifted man who is caught in the trap of prejudice and the expectations of an unenlighted society. The film clearly demonstrates that Thomas is the intellectual peer of Blalock; it is society and circumstance that for years robs Thomas of the practical opportunity to become Blalock's actual peer in terms of status. Def gives us the portrait of a man who chooses patience over reaction; through him, we feel outrage at the denial of the respect due Thomas, time and again.

The writing in this film is low-key and highly effective. Because American society has in some ways changed since the mid-twentieth century setting of this film, younger viewers may not understand the actions and choices made by Blalock and Thomas, both within this film and within real life. Nevertheless, "Something The Lord Made" gives an extremely uplifting and surprisingly accurate portrayal of life as it really existed in those times, and should be appreciated both as an historical and enlightening film.

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Comment on Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials by oldbigben

oldbigben — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:19:09 +0000

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

Well, it's about time! Ol' big ears' Xmas specials in their entirety!, November 9, 2010

oldbigben (Austin, TX USA) -

This review is from: Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials (DVD)

I've been oh-so looking forward to this! These specials always showcased outstanding performances, and for me it's a great trip back to simpler years! Christmas was never the same without a Bing Crosby Christmas Special. My favorite (although not on these discs) was the 1973 special because it was filmed on location in real snowy weather, and had all the guests (like Michael Landon) in a real horse-pulled sleigh. None of these I fully remember as a kid except Bing's final special that featured David Bowie singing that now-famous duet with him, "The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth", which is included here. (I remember how we all commented on Bowie's hair.) I had seen the highlights show (narrated by Gene Kelly) for most of my life and could not remember seeing any uncut shows on TV after the early eighties. A few years ago, I bought a copy of the Sinatra holiday team-up (a nice bonus feature included with this) and love it! I am excited to get to share these year after year with my friends and family! Thank you so much for releasing these! Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials

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Comment on Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials by Malcolm Macfarlane "Mac"

Malcolm Macfarlane "Mac" — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:22:09 +0000

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

Wonderful memories!, November 17, 2010

Malcolm Macfarlane "Mac" (Cheshire, UK) -

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This review is from: Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials (DVD)

This second DVD release from the Bing Crosby Archive has four of Bing's Christmas specials and while I have had poor video versions of these for many years, it's wonderful to have them at last in great quality. In particular, the 1961 special filmed in England is a revelation. Several of my friends were at the filming of this and they have always raved about it. The 1962 show was Bing's first in colour and even if the quality is not as crisp as the 1961 special, it's still much better than I have ever seen before. On disc 2 are Christmas shows from 1971 and 1977 (Bing's last) and these are perfection itself. The bonus items of outtakes from the 1962 show, the Sinatra show from 1957, Bing's Britain and the Toys for Tots PSA are excellent and make this package a very attractive one indeed.

These are great Christmas shows which are bound to bring back some wonderful memories.

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Comment on Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials by Jon Oye

Jon Oye — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:24:07 +0000

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

Christmas - just like the ones we used to know!, November 20, 2010

Jon Oye (IL, US) -

This review is from: Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2- The Christmas Specials (DVD)

If you're a baby boomer you likely grew up watching Bing Crosby on television at least once a year, in his annual and much anticipated Christmas specials. They may have even been the only things you knew him for, if you were too young to remember the astonishing career that preceded those festive end-of-year broadcasts. Bing's holiday shows with his family, which began in the 1960s when he hosted the Hollywood Palace's (ABC's answer to the Ed Sullivan Show) Christmas programs, and continued into the 1970s when he and his family starred in their own Christmas specials, were practically an institution back in the 3-channel, pre-cable days. If you were born prior to the Second World War you likely remember Bing as the most beloved entertainer of the 20th century, with the TV Christmas shows serving as an endearing coda to a legendary performer's long career. In either case, this set of four vintage Crosby specials (plus a bonus show, outtakes and TV spots), not seen in more than three decades, should be a warm and welcome sight to your world weary eyes. This is "comfort television" of the highest order.

Bing's first two holiday TV specials--which weren't entirely devoted to a Christmas theme--comprise the first of the two discs. 1961's "Bing Crosby Show," which was filmed in England and aired on December 11th, features Terry-Thomas and Shirley Bassey, with a surprise appearance by one of Bing's old buddies. "The Bing Crosby Show for Clairol," from December 24th, 1962, was Bing's first color special, and his guests are broadway star (and two-time movie co-star with Bing) Mary Martin and pianist-conductor-composer André Previn. Filling out disc 1 are outtakes from the Clairol Special and the half-hour "Happy Holidays with Bing and Frank" (Dec. 20, 1957), in which Frank Sinatra shares a "toddy for the body" with guest Bing, in Frank's faux late-`50s swingin' bachelor pad.

Disc two features a pair of the best of Bing's 1970s Christmas shows with his wife Kathryn and children Harry, Mary Frances and Nathaniel. The first, "Bing Crosby and the Sounds of Christmas" (December 14, 1971), is truly a feast for the eyes and ears, and a rare example of just how appealing that oft-denigrated genre, the variety show, could be, with bravura comedy and musical performances by Robert Goulet and Mary Costa, and sublime caroling by the Mitchell Singing Boys choir. Finally, perhaps the best-remembered and most beloved Christmas special of them all, "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas," taped just weeks before Bing's death and aired posthumously on November 30, 1977, closes out this delightful set. Shot in England, it of course features Bing's now legendary--but at the time surprising and anomalous--duet with David Bowie, "Little Drummer Boy"/"Peace on Earth," as well as engaging performances by supermodel pioneer Twiggy, Brit comedians Stanley Baxter and Ron Moody, and The Trinity Boys Choir.

Produced by veteran DVD maven Robert S. Bader ("The Dick Cavett Show - Hollywood Greats," "Groucho Marx: You Bet Your Life - The Best Episodes"), the visual and audio quality of these 33- to 53-year-old shows has been beautifully restored. In fact, they look and sound better than they did when they first aired--whether your television set had rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna!

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