DVD Reviews - R-Z
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'Under the Same Moon' DVD Review
Under the Same Moon (2007), alternately titled La Misma luna, is an emotionally engaging Spanish-language movie about a nine-year-old Mexican boy attempting to reunite with his mother in the United States.
Under the Same Moon (2007), alternately titled La Misma luna, is an emotionally engaging Spanish-language movie about a nine-year-old Mexican boy attempting to reunite with his mother in the United States.
'Vertigo' DVD Review
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo is a haunting, unsettling, twisted love story that involves deception, murder and two accidental deaths.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo is a haunting, unsettling, twisted love story that involves deception, murder and two accidental deaths.
'Youth Without Youth' DVD Review
Produced, written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Youth Without Youth is an adventurous film exploring multiple dimensions of human consciousness.
Produced, written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Youth Without Youth is an adventurous film exploring multiple dimensions of human consciousness.
'Starting Out in the Evening' DVD Review
If you've ever felt there can be something magical about reading a literary novel, you'll probably want to see Starting Out in the Evening. It's a fascinating character study of a retired academic and all-but-forgotten novelist whose health is failing.
If you've ever felt there can be something magical about reading a literary novel, you'll probably want to see Starting Out in the Evening. It's a fascinating character study of a retired academic and all-but-forgotten novelist whose health is failing.
'There Will Be Blood' DVD Review
Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, There Will Be Blood was nominated for a total of eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Read a review of There Will Be Blood on DVD.
Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, There Will Be Blood was nominated for a total of eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Read a review of There Will Be Blood on DVD.
'Sweeney Todd' DVD Review
Depp has given brilliant film performances over the years, and he turns in yet another as Sweeney Todd, the throat-slashing mass murderer.
Depp has given brilliant film performances over the years, and he turns in yet another as Sweeney Todd, the throat-slashing mass murderer.
'Summer Palace' DVD Review
Summer Palace is a Mandarin-language film about a willful, passionate young woman grappling with her feelings toward a man she falls madly in love with. A talented and appealing actress named Lei Hao gives an outstanding performance in the role of the central character.
Summer Palace is a Mandarin-language film about a willful, passionate young woman grappling with her feelings toward a man she falls madly in love with. A talented and appealing actress named Lei Hao gives an outstanding performance in the role of the central character.
'Throne of Blood' (Criterion Collection) DVD Review
The plot of this film is a streamlined and tweaked version of the one in Shakespeare's Macbeth, but the two works are otherwise markedly dissimilar. One striking difference is that Kurosawa discards virtually all of the Bard's poetic language.
The plot of this film is a streamlined and tweaked version of the one in Shakespeare's Macbeth, but the two works are otherwise markedly dissimilar. One striking difference is that Kurosawa discards virtually all of the Bard's poetic language.
'Sunshine' DVD Review
Sunshine is set in 2057 when the sun is putting out less and less heat, causing Earth to become colder and colder.
Sunshine is set in 2057 when the sun is putting out less and less heat, causing Earth to become colder and colder.
'Sicko' DVD Review
Healthcare is a topic that is dry at best and unpleasant at worst, yet in Sicko, Michael Moore has created a film on the subject that is witty and thought-provoking. The movie is flat-out agitprop, but it isn't boring.
Healthcare is a topic that is dry at best and unpleasant at worst, yet in Sicko, Michael Moore has created a film on the subject that is witty and thought-provoking. The movie is flat-out agitprop, but it isn't boring.
Talk to Me DVD Review
In Talk to Me, director Kasi Lemmons successfully navigates some tricky changes in emotional tone and gets powerhouse performances from Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
In Talk to Me, director Kasi Lemmons successfully navigates some tricky changes in emotional tone and gets powerhouse performances from Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Throne of Blood (Criterion Collection) DVD Review
The plot of Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood (1957) is a streamlined and tweaked version of the one in Shakespeare's Macbeth. The movie contains a stunning combination of music, sound effects and richly textured visual imagery.
The plot of Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood (1957) is a streamlined and tweaked version of the one in Shakespeare's Macbeth. The movie contains a stunning combination of music, sound effects and richly textured visual imagery.
The Threepenny Opera DVD Review
The Threepenny Opera was a big hit on the Berlin stage, and in 1930 the process of adapting it for the screen began. The movie version, which was released in 1931, is a masterpiece.
The Threepenny Opera was a big hit on the Berlin stage, and in 1930 the process of adapting it for the screen began. The movie version, which was released in 1931, is a masterpiece.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley DVD Review
Winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a powerful drama set during the Irish War of Independence and the almost-immediately-following Irish Civil War.
Winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a powerful drama set during the Irish War of Independence and the almost-immediately-following Irish Civil War.
Taxi Driver DVD Review
Taxi Driver is one of the best films ever made, and it's on many top 100 all-time lists. It's a well-made Hollywood studio movie, yet it has the feel of a European-style personal film.
Taxi Driver is one of the best films ever made, and it's on many top 100 all-time lists. It's a well-made Hollywood studio movie, yet it has the feel of a European-style personal film.
Zodiac DVD Review
Zodiac tells a long, intricate, sprawling, messy story. Based on Robert Graysmith's true crime books, Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked the movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr.
Zodiac tells a long, intricate, sprawling, messy story. Based on Robert Graysmith's true crime books, Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked the movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr.
Simon Schama's Power of Art DVD Review
I thoroughly enjoyed Power of Art, which felt to me more like a dynamic college-level lecture series than a documentary. The series mixes art photography, location shooting, and dramatizations with Schama's lectures. His intelligence and insight were what made the series sparkle for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Power of Art, which felt to me more like a dynamic college-level lecture series than a documentary. The series mixes art photography, location shooting, and dramatizations with Schama's lectures. His intelligence and insight were what made the series sparkle for me.
Raging Bull DVD Review
A review of Raging Bull on DVD.
A review of Raging Bull on DVD.
Reds DVD Review
Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Reds (1981) was co-written, directed and produced by Warren Beatty, who also plays the male lead. Read a review of the 25th Anniversary Edition DVD.
Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Reds (1981) was co-written, directed and produced by Warren Beatty, who also plays the male lead. Read a review of the 25th Anniversary Edition DVD.
Saraband DVD Review
Ingmar Bergman proclaimed that Fanny & Alexander (1984) would be the last film he ever directed, but years later he changed his mind. The result was Saraband (2003), a movie made for Swedish television that I consider to be outstanding. Read a review of Saraband on DVD.
Ingmar Bergman proclaimed that Fanny & Alexander (1984) would be the last film he ever directed, but years later he changed his mind. The result was Saraband (2003), a movie made for Swedish television that I consider to be outstanding. Read a review of Saraband on DVD.
Schindler's List DVD Review
A review of Schindler's List on DVD.
A review of Schindler's List on DVD.
School of Rock DVD Review
A review of School of Rock on DVD.
A review of School of Rock on DVD.
Seabiscuit DVD Review
A review of Seabiscuit on DVD.
A review of Seabiscuit on DVD.
Seven Samurai DVD Review
Ivana Redwine reviews Seven Samurai on DVD.
Ivana Redwine reviews Seven Samurai on DVD.
Seven Samurai Three-Disc Set DVD Review
A DVD review of Akira Kurosawa's 1954 masterpiece of world cinema Seven Samurai.
A DVD review of Akira Kurosawa's 1954 masterpiece of world cinema Seven Samurai.
Sexy Beast DVD Review
Ben Kingsley and Ray Winstone give splendid performances in Sexy Beast, an unconventional, character-driven gangster drama. Read a review of the movie Sexy Beast on DVD.
Ben Kingsley and Ray Winstone give splendid performances in Sexy Beast, an unconventional, character-driven gangster drama. Read a review of the movie Sexy Beast on DVD.
Sideways DVD Review
A review of this movie on DVD.
A review of this movie on DVD.
Sin City DVD Review
Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, and Clive Owen are among the many well-known actors appearing in "Sin City" (2005), a pulpy, noirish movie adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novels. Read a full-length review of Sin City on DVD.
Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, and Clive Owen are among the many well-known actors appearing in "Sin City" (2005), a pulpy, noirish movie adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novels. Read a full-length review of Sin City on DVD.
Singin' in the Rain DVD Review
This is one of the best-loved of all films, and it's long been one of my favorites. The movie has received a lot of critical acclaim as well.
This is one of the best-loved of all films, and it's long been one of my favorites. The movie has received a lot of critical acclaim as well.
Something's Gotta Give DVD Review
This movie is very lightweight. Still, I found this film both romantic and laugh-out-loud funny.
This movie is very lightweight. Still, I found this film both romantic and laugh-out-loud funny.
Spellbound DVD Review
I noticed that Spellbound (2002) was one of the nominees at the 2003 Academy Awards for Best Documentary, and I saw the rave reviews it was getting.
I noticed that Spellbound (2002) was one of the nominees at the 2003 Academy Awards for Best Documentary, and I saw the rave reviews it was getting.
Star Wars Trilogy DVD Review
Read a review of the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD.
Read a review of the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD.
Syriana DVD
A review of Syriana on DVD.
A review of Syriana on DVD.
Team America World Police DVD Review
I got quite a few big laughs out of this comedy whose characters are puppets.
I got quite a few big laughs out of this comedy whose characters are puppets.
Thank You for Smoking DVD Review
Read a review of this satirical look at cigarette-related issues on DVD.
Read a review of this satirical look at cigarette-related issues on DVD.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin DVD
I got quite a few big laughs out of the raunchy, but sweet, comedy, Read a DVD review of The 40-Year-Old Virgin Widescreen Unrated Edition.
I got quite a few big laughs out of the raunchy, but sweet, comedy, Read a DVD review of The 40-Year-Old Virgin Widescreen Unrated Edition.
The 400 Blows DVD Review
Truffaut's The 400 Blows is a lyrical and accessible movie that appears on most lists of great films. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
Truffaut's The 400 Blows is a lyrical and accessible movie that appears on most lists of great films. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
The Blues Brothers DVD
The Blues Brothers is a 1980 comedy starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd that has become part of American pop culture consciousness. For me, it's the music that gives the movie its exuberance. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
The Blues Brothers is a 1980 comedy starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd that has become part of American pop culture consciousness. For me, it's the music that gives the movie its exuberance. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
The Constant Gardener DVD
I enjoyed this movie as a slick, smart entertainment, but I didn't make much of a connection with it emotionally. Read a review of The Constant Gardener on DVD.
I enjoyed this movie as a slick, smart entertainment, but I didn't make much of a connection with it emotionally. Read a review of The Constant Gardener on DVD.
The Da Vinci Code DVD Review
The Da Vinci Code is an entertaining movie for those intrigued by its ideas, and I wasn't bored for a moment by this film based on Dan Brown's novel.
The Da Vinci Code is an entertaining movie for those intrigued by its ideas, and I wasn't bored for a moment by this film based on Dan Brown's novel.
The David Lean Collection DVD Review
This boxed set deepened my appreciation of Lean's ability to create movies of epic grandeur.
This boxed set deepened my appreciation of Lean's ability to create movies of epic grandeur.
The Decalogue DVD Review
When I reflect on all the movies and television programs I've viewed at home over the years, the DVD version of The Decalogue ranks high among the very best.
When I reflect on all the movies and television programs I've viewed at home over the years, the DVD version of The Decalogue ranks high among the very best.
The Deer Hunter DVD Review
The Deer Hunter is a powerful drama starring Robert De Niro. The movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won five, including Best Picture. Read a review of The Deer Hunter on DVD.
The Deer Hunter is a powerful drama starring Robert De Niro. The movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won five, including Best Picture. Read a review of The Deer Hunter on DVD.
The Dreamers DVD Review
Bernardo Bertolucci's The Dreamers is not as deep or resonant as some of his other movies, but I nonetheless found it reasonably entertaining. I was impressed by the film's beautiful visual style.
Bernardo Bertolucci's The Dreamers is not as deep or resonant as some of his other movies, but I nonetheless found it reasonably entertaining. I was impressed by the film's beautiful visual style.
The Fog of War DVD Review
I can certainly see why this movie won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
I can certainly see why this movie won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
The Godfather Collection DVD Review
Read a review of this collection on DVD.
Read a review of this collection on DVD.
The Grapes of Wrath DVD Review
I found this great American classic film as moving as ever when I watched on DVD.
I found this great American classic film as moving as ever when I watched on DVD.
The Illusionist DVD Review
I enjoyed The Illusionist because it is a well-acted, well-crafted movie. But the film never pulled me in emotionally. On the basis of the combination of the bonus materials and the entertainment value of the feature film, I recommend this DVD. Find out more in this full-length DVD review of The Illusionist.
I enjoyed The Illusionist because it is a well-acted, well-crafted movie. But the film never pulled me in emotionally. On the basis of the combination of the bonus materials and the entertainment value of the feature film, I recommend this DVD. Find out more in this full-length DVD review of The Illusionist.
The Leopard DVD Review
Ivana Redwine reviews Luchino Visconti's masterpiece The Leopard.
Ivana Redwine reviews Luchino Visconti's masterpiece The Leopard.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King DVD Review
Read a review of this movie on DVD.
Read a review of this movie on DVD.
The Magic Flute DVD Review
Ingmar Bergman directed a 1975 made-for-television version of Mozart's The Magic Flute that I rate among the very best of the filmed operas. Read more...
Ingmar Bergman directed a 1975 made-for-television version of Mozart's The Magic Flute that I rate among the very best of the filmed operas. Read more...
The Manchurian Candidate DVD Review
Denzel Washington stars in The Manchurian Candidate, a political thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. This is an update of the famous 1962 film of the same name that starred Frank Sinatra and was directed by John Frankenheimer.
Denzel Washington stars in The Manchurian Candidate, a political thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. This is an update of the famous 1962 film of the same name that starred Frank Sinatra and was directed by John Frankenheimer.
The Motorcycle Diaries DVD Review
Although the movie drew me in slowly, by the end I was carried away by the high level of craft, including the strong performances by the lead actors, the superb cinematography and music, and the emotional power of the story. Read more...
Although the movie drew me in slowly, by the end I was carried away by the high level of craft, including the strong performances by the lead actors, the superb cinematography and music, and the emotional power of the story. Read more...
The Notebook DVD Review
I would describe the movie The Notebook as an unabashedly romantic tale about love, memories, and death. Read more...
I would describe the movie The Notebook as an unabashedly romantic tale about love, memories, and death. Read more...
The Passion of the Christ DVD Review
Read a review of this movie on DVD
Read a review of this movie on DVD
The Phantom of the Opera DVD Review
When the film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical finally came out in 2004, roughly two-thirds of the reviews were negative, and I never got around to seeing it on the big screen. But Phantom has been released on DVD, and although it was with trepidation that I sat down to watch it, I have to say I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself.
When the film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical finally came out in 2004, roughly two-thirds of the reviews were negative, and I never got around to seeing it on the big screen. But Phantom has been released on DVD, and although it was with trepidation that I sat down to watch it, I have to say I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself.
The Philadelphia Story DVD Review
There are certain films I like to renew my acquaintance with every few years, and one of these is The Philadelphia Story, which stars Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.
There are certain films I like to renew my acquaintance with every few years, and one of these is The Philadelphia Story, which stars Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.
The Pianist DVD
The Pianist eschews easy emotional connections and refuses to oversimplify, and I think it is one of the most powerful Holocaust films ever made.
The Pianist eschews easy emotional connections and refuses to oversimplify, and I think it is one of the most powerful Holocaust films ever made.
The Return of the King DVD Review
Read a review of the DVD set.
Read a review of the DVD set.
The River DVD Review
"The River" is an English-language Technicolor film that was directed and co-written by the legendary Jean Renoir. While I don't think this movie reaches the level of Renoir's great French-language films "Grand Illusion" and "The Rules of the Game," I nonetheless consider it a splendid cinematic achievement. Read a review of "The River" on DVD.
"The River" is an English-language Technicolor film that was directed and co-written by the legendary Jean Renoir. While I don't think this movie reaches the level of Renoir's great French-language films "Grand Illusion" and "The Rules of the Game," I nonetheless consider it a splendid cinematic achievement. Read a review of "The River" on DVD.
The Rules of the Game DVD Review
Cineastes rejoice! Jean Renoir's The Rules of the Game (1939), one of the greatest movies ever made, is finally available on DVD! And Criterion Collection has produced a two-disc set containing the film that I would say is probably the best DVD version I have seen so far of any classic movie.
Cineastes rejoice! Jean Renoir's The Rules of the Game (1939), one of the greatest movies ever made, is finally available on DVD! And Criterion Collection has produced a two-disc set containing the film that I would say is probably the best DVD version I have seen so far of any classic movie.
The Terminal DVD Review
I was flying economy class on a ten-hour flight when The Terminal was shown, and what a welcome diversion it turned out to be. Now DreamWorks has released this comedy on DVD, and when I watched it at home, I enjoyed it even more. Read more...
I was flying economy class on a ten-hour flight when The Terminal was shown, and what a welcome diversion it turned out to be. Now DreamWorks has released this comedy on DVD, and when I watched it at home, I enjoyed it even more. Read more...
The Third Man DVD Review
Ivana Redwine reviews this unusual film noir.
Ivana Redwine reviews this unusual film noir.
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada DVD
A review of The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada on DVD.
A review of The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada on DVD.
The Wizard of Oz DVD Review
A DVD review of this iconic movie and an in-depth look at what's on the DVD set.
A DVD review of this iconic movie and an in-depth look at what's on the DVD set.
Thirteen DVD Review
As much as I liked Thirteen, it's far from a perfect film. I give it high marks for theme and setting, but the narrative feels like a series of vignettes strung together.
As much as I liked Thirteen, it's far from a perfect film. I give it high marks for theme and setting, but the narrative feels like a series of vignettes strung together.
THX 1138 DVD Review
Before the Star Wars films and American Graffiti made George Lucas famous, he co-wrote and directed an excellent movie titled THX 1138 (1971) starring Robert Duvall.
Before the Star Wars films and American Graffiti made George Lucas famous, he co-wrote and directed an excellent movie titled THX 1138 (1971) starring Robert Duvall.
Tokyo Story DVD Review
Universal in theme, humanistic, and accessible, Tokyo Story is one of the greatest masterpieces of world cinema. To my mind, this movie's incredible power comes from its seeming simplicity, which allows emotions to build slowly and subtly, much as they do in real life.
Universal in theme, humanistic, and accessible, Tokyo Story is one of the greatest masterpieces of world cinema. To my mind, this movie's incredible power comes from its seeming simplicity, which allows emotions to build slowly and subtly, much as they do in real life.
Transamerica DVD Review
Ivana Redwine reviews of Transamerica on DVD.
Ivana Redwine reviews of Transamerica on DVD.
Tristram Shandy: A Cock & Bull Story DVD
A review of this movie on DVD.
A review of this movie on DVD.
Tsotsi DVD Review
Tsotsi is the gritty tale of a brutish young hoodlum finding his humanity because of a chance encounter with a baby. Read a DVD review of Tsotsi.
Tsotsi is the gritty tale of a brutish young hoodlum finding his humanity because of a chance encounter with a baby. Read a DVD review of Tsotsi.
Ugetsu DVD
A review of this movie on DVD.
A review of this movie on DVD.
United 93 (Special Edition) DVD Review
This is one of the most powerful you-are-there films ever made. But it is heartbreaking, and there's no question that for many viewers, it is too harrowing. Read a full-length review of United 93 on DVD.
This is one of the most powerful you-are-there films ever made. But it is heartbreaking, and there's no question that for many viewers, it is too harrowing. Read a full-length review of United 93 on DVD.
Vanilla Sky DVD
Ivana Redwine reviews Vanilla Sky on DVD.
Ivana Redwine reviews Vanilla Sky on DVD.
Vanya on 42nd Street DVD Review
Vanya on 42nd Street is a richly textured, beautifully acted study of human nature and subtle, complex family dynamics.
Vanya on 42nd Street is a richly textured, beautifully acted study of human nature and subtle, complex family dynamics.
Venus DVD Review
Venus starts out darkly comic, then moves into pathos and finally comes back with an upbeat ending. The tonal transitions are daunting, and they are not always handled smoothly. Read a review of Venus on DVD.
Venus starts out darkly comic, then moves into pathos and finally comes back with an upbeat ending. The tonal transitions are daunting, and they are not always handled smoothly. Read a review of Venus on DVD.
Vera Drake DVD Review
Vera Drake is a powerful British drama that was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. As far as I am concerned, the movie was one of 2004's best. Read more...
Vera Drake is a powerful British drama that was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. As far as I am concerned, the movie was one of 2004's best. Read more...
Volver DVD Review
Volver is one of the best ensemble pieces you'll ever see. In addition, this movie is a highly original work that is perfectly accessible to mainstream audiences. Read a review of Volver on DVD.
Volver is one of the best ensemble pieces you'll ever see. In addition, this movie is a highly original work that is perfectly accessible to mainstream audiences. Read a review of Volver on DVD.
Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit DVD
Ivana Redwine reviews Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit on DVD.
Ivana Redwine reviews Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit on DVD.
X2: X-Men United DVD Review
X2 is the sequel to X-Men (2000), and all the main stars return, including Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos.
X2 is the sequel to X-Men (2000), and all the main stars return, including Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos.
Yi Yi DVD Review
Yi Yi is a humanistic Mandarin-language movie featuring great visual beauty, narrative complexity and convincing ensemble acting. Read a review of Yi Yi on DVD.
Yi Yi is a humanistic Mandarin-language movie featuring great visual beauty, narrative complexity and convincing ensemble acting. Read a review of Yi Yi on DVD.
Young Mr. Lincoln (Criterion Collection) DVD Review
Young Mr. Lincoln is a lyrical, poetic and satisfyingly cinematic biopic about Abraham Lincoln as a young adult. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
Young Mr. Lincoln is a lyrical, poetic and satisfyingly cinematic biopic about Abraham Lincoln as a young adult. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
RENO 911! The Complete First Season DVD DVD Review
A review of this TV series on DVD.
A review of this TV series on DVD.
Runaway Jury DVD Review
A review of this movie on DVD.
A review of this movie on DVD.