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Reviewed
this month: Behind Enemy Lines,
Spy Game, Ali, Serendipity,
Original Sin,
Bandits, The
Deep End,
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The
Hunchback of Notre Dame II
At TimeForDVD.com, we understand that you would rather spend time
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just to see if the movie is worth
renting or buying. It is in this spirit that we have created the Quick Spins DVD movie
review format as featured on this page. We create a new page
each month and highlight the DVDs that we're watching. We
continually add to this page during the month of April, so check
back every week for new reviews.
 Behind
Enemy Lines
Movie A |
Video A | Audio A+
| Extras B+ | Recommended!
Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, Joaquim De Almeida,
David Keith, Olek Krupa
director John Moore | Fox Home Entertainment
2001 | Action - Thriller - War | PG-13 | 105 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
| anamorphic
widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio
DTS 5.1 |
Dolby Digital 5.1
Summary: When a navy fighter pilot and
navigator Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) stray off course and are shot down Behind Enemy
Lines, the carrier group commanding officer Leslie Reigart (Gene Hackman) must make
the tough decision between risking his career and renewing the threat of
war in sending a search and rescue team to extract Burnett, and playing
politics with the NATO senior commanding officer Piquet (Joaquim De
Almeida) to "keep the
peace". This superb, heart-pounding action-thriller will take
you on a gripping emotional roller coaster ride that is likely to stir
your anger, enlist your patriotism, and inspire your cheers. The
visual special effects are top notch and are well integrated into the
film. They were so well produced that I became too immersed in the
action to realize that many scenes were computer generated. The
surface-to-air missile scene was exemplarily produced in this
manner. Until I saw the bonus feature segment, I thought it was
filmed live action. The sound design is equally astounding and had
me taking cover numerous times. Both
DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1
soundtracks are available. Don't miss this one!
Special Features: behind-the-scenes
featurette, extended and deleted scenes, pre-visualization ejection sequence, Minority
Report trailer, director John Moore and editor Martin Smith audio
commentary, producers John Davis and Wyck Godrey audio commentary
DVD released on 4/23/2002 | Reviewed 4/4/2002
List $27.98 | online $18.49 | order from Amazon.com, Buy.com
for $18.49
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
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rental program absolutely free!
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 Spy
Game (Collector's Edition)
Movie A |
Video A | Audio A+
| Extras A- | Recommended!
Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack,
Stephen Dillane, Larry Bryggman
director Tony Scott | Universal Pictures & Beacon Pictures
2001 | Action - Thriller | R | 127 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
| anamorphic
widescreen 2.35:1 aspect
ratio
DTS 5.1 |
Dolby Digital 5.1
Summary: "Spy Game" is an action-thriller about the most top secret covert assignments in the CIA designed
to maintain America's influences internationally. CIA agent Tom
Bishop (Brad Pitt) is arrested by the Chinese government during a rescue
mission, and his mentor Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) has 24 hours to convince his
agency (or work the system) to help save Bishop from a quick execution.
The international spy action-thriller will keep you on the edge of your
seat through the whole film. The beautiful musical
scores nicely amplifies the emotional and gut-wrenching atmosphere of the film. The
equally aggressive and heart-pounding sound design is well presented in both DTS 5.1
and Dolby Digital 5.1
soundtrack options. This film and its DVD (with generous amounts of
bonus materials) certainly gets my emphatic node of approval. My
advice to fellow action/thriller fans: don't miss it!
Special Features: Clandestine OPS viewing
mode, feature commentaries with the director and producers, five deleted and four extended scenes
(including an alternate ending) with optional director
commentary, script-to-storyboard process featuring the director,
requirement for CIA acceptance, theatrical trailer, production notes, cast
and filmmakers, Spy Game soundtrack, Universal showcase, DVD-ROM
feature: Universal Studios Total Axess™ hotlink to
behind-the-scenes footage and more
DVD released on 4/9/2002 | Reviewed 4/2/2002
List $26.98 | online $18.49 | order from Amazon.com,
Buy.com
for $18.49
separate Full Frame version available: order from Amazon.com,
Buy.com
for $18.49
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
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rental program absolutely free!
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 Ali
Movie B+ |
Video A | Audio A-
| Extras D
Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van
Peebles, Ron Silver, Jeffrey Wright, Mykelti Williamson
director Michael Mann | Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
2001 | Action - Political Thriller | R | 157 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
| anamorphic
widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio
Dolby Digital 5.1
Summary: Ali is as much an action film
about the heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad
Ali as it is a political thriller about the civil unrest surrounding the prime
of Ali's life, from 1964 to 1974. Director Michael Mann portrayed
Malcolm X as a supporting character and incorporated a brief reference Dr.
Martin Luther King as part of the movie. The movie ends with an unforgettable
showdown between George Foreman and Muhammad
Ali in a world-championship fight in Zaire. Will Smith gives an awesome, knock-out performance of
the feisty and articulate boxing champ. Unfortunately, this DVD release is basically a movie-only edition
of Ali, as bonus material is anemic. If you're a fan of this
movie, you're better off waiting until Columbia TriStar does justice to
this movie by releasing a bonus feature-rich Special Edition or
Deluxe Edition. I think this is a must for a film of this stature.
The teaser trailers of the upcoming theatrical releases of Spider-Man and Men In Black II are
cool. [Editors Note: Columbia TriStar has informed us that a Special
Edition DVD of Ali is in the works.]
Special Features: theatrical trailers
of Spider-Man, Men in Black II, and Ali
DVD released on 4/30/2002 | Reviewed 4/16/2002
List $27.96 | online $17.99 | order from Amazon.com, Buy.com
for $17.99 (36% off)
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
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 Serendipity
Movie A |
Video A | Audio A-
| Extras B+ | Recommended!
John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Molly Shannon,
Jeremy Piven, John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Eugene Levy
director Peter Chelsom | Miramax Films (Buena Vista)
2002 | Romance - Comedy | PG-13 | 91 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
| anamorphic
widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio
DTS 5.1 |
Dolby Digital 5.1
Summary: Two strangers meet by chance and
instantly hit it off. Jonathan (Cusack) wants to keep in contact
with Sara (Beckinsale), but both are currently involved in different
relationships. Sara refuses to give Jonathan her last name or phone
number after their first attempt was spoiled by an unexpected wind gust.
She is a strong believer in destiny and fate, and wants to test if their
serendipitous meeting was meant to be or just a fluke. The near misses are
incredibly humorous as Jonathan and Sara wonder about the "what ifs" and
resume their search for each other even as they're about to commit to
their current partners. The script and the leading actors' chemistry
for each other are sure to charm you and sweep you off your feet!
Even the supporting characters are marvelously portrayed in their idiosyncrasies.
Serendipity is a delightful romantic comedy that lives up to its
name. Highly recommended.
Special Features: feature commentary track
with director Peter Chelsom, behind-the-scenes Starz Encore "On the
Set", Peter Chelsom's on the set diary, deleted scenes with optional
commentary ( Original Bloomingdale's Opening, Jonathan Gets Cubed, The
First Kiss, Time Marches On, Is This Garfinkles Department Store?, A
"New Age" Approach To Romance, I Ching-ing In The Rain, Sales
Associate, Turn-offs: Bald Fascists, Who Pick Their Noses), still frame gallery, storyboard comparisons, theatrical trailer,
Sneak Peeks (Serendipity soundtrack, Soapnet promo, Bounce, About
Adam, Bridget Jones Diary)
DVD released on 4/9/2002 | Reviewed 4/1/2002
List $29.99 | online $19.99 | order from Amazon.com,
Buy.com
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
- Try the " Unlimited" DVD
rental program absolutely free!
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 Bandits
Movie B+ |
Video A- | Audio A-
| Extras B-
Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thorton, Cate Blanchett,
and Troy Garity, Brian F. O'Byrne, Stacey Travis, Bobby Slayton
director Barry Levinson | MGM
2001 | Action - Comedy | PG-13 | 123 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
| anamorphic
widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio
Dolby Digital 5.1 and Full screen
Summary: Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thorton
star as the "Sleepover Bandits", a notorious duo of career bank
robbers who force themselves into the bank manager's home and sleepover
the night before the heist. Their strategy works fine until they
have a run-in with a neglected housewife played by Cate Banchett. This is not
your typical heist flick, it's more about the duo bandits and their
friendship as they face interesting challenges in their line of work and
in their personal lives. The characters are unique and richly
developed. I enjoyed this comedy, finding myself laughing out loud
uncontrollably. I particularly like the sleek
ending. If you're looking for a funny heist movie,
"Bandits" may be your steal.
Special Features: alternate ending
"Who's The Dad?" with optional commentary by Cate Blanchett; deleted
scenes: "The Millers' Other Problem", "We're Gonna Need
Your Vault Keys", "Maybe It's Time To Quit", "A Walk
Around The World"; "Creating Scene 71" featurette, Inside Bandits,
theatrical trailers: Bandits, Windtalkers, Hart's War,
Rocky Special Edition, soundtrack spot
DVD released on 4/2/2002 | Reviewed 4/15/2002
List $26.98 | online $18.49 | order from Amazon.com,
Buy.com
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
- Try the " Unlimited" DVD
rental program absolutely free!
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 Hunchback
of Notre Dame
Movie A |
Video A | Audio A+
| Extras B+ | Recommended!
voice talents of Kevin Kline, Demi Moore, Jason
Alexander, Tom Hulce, Tony Jay, Paul Kandel, Charles Kimbrough, David
Ogden Stiers, and Mary Wickes
directors Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise
Walt Disney
Feature Animation (Buena Vista)
1996 | Disney - Animation - Family | G | 91 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
|anamorphic
widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio
DTS 5.1 | Dolby Digital 5.1
Summary: This original animated Disney
feature is finally available on DVD-Video. Based on Victor
Hugo's classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of a
malformed hunchback, Quasimodo (voice talent of Tom Hulce), whose life is
restricted to the bell towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral. He finds
comfort in his solitude and his friendship with the animated
gargoyles. But one day, a beautiful gypsy girl (voice talent of Demi
Moore) comes to town and changes Quasimodo's life forever. Kevin Kline
rounds out this star-studded cast as he provides the voice talent behind
the beloved Captain Phoebus. The animation is superb, as only Disney
can do it. And with this DVD, we can see the entire feature
animation in its original theatrical aspect
ratio of 1.85:1. Like many Disney feature animations, the music
is as wonderful as the animation, thanks to Disney-veteran composer Alan
Menken. The soundtrack and sound design are delightfully captured on
both DTS 5.1
and Dolby Digital 5.1
soundtracks. I wholehearted recommend this movie and this DVD to
viewers of all ages. It's guaranteed to warm your hearts.
Special Features: The making-of The Hunch
Back of Notre Dame, audio commentary by the producer and directors, Topsy Turvy Underground game,
sing-along "Topsy Turvy", "A Guy Like You"
multi-language reel, and theatrical trailers for Beauty and The Beast,
Tarzan and Jane, and Max Keeble's Big Move,
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II, Disney DVD, The Many Adventures
of Winnie The Pooh,
Schoolhouse Rock: 30th Anniversary Edition, American Legends
DVD released on 3/19/2002 | Reviewed 4/4/2002
List $29.99 | online $21.49 | order from Amazon.com,
Buy.com
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
- Try the " Unlimited" DVD
rental program absolutely free!
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 Hunchback
of Notre Dame II
Movie B+ |
Video A | Audio A+
| Extras B-
voice talents of Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jason
Alexander, Tom Hulce, Kevin Kline, Demi Moore, Michael McKean, Charles
Kimbrough, Jane Withers, and Haley Joel Osment
director Bradley Raymond
Walt Disney
Feature Animation (Buena Vista)
2002 | Disney - Animation - Family | G | 68 minutes
Region 1 | DVD-9
|anamorphic
widescreen 1.66:1 aspect ratio
DTS 5.1 | Dolby Digital 5.1
Summary: Disney releases this self-titled
sequel as a direct-to-DVD and home video release. Most of the
original cast return for this reunion, and they are joined by the likes
of Jennifer Love Hewitt. The sequel follows the original some years
later, after Esmeralda and Phoebus wed and have a boy, Zephyr.
Zephyr becomes Quasimodo's new best friend, as both are devoted to each
other. But one day, Quasimodo
begins to yearn for "someone special". This exciting, new adventure
takes place during the highly
anticipated Jour D'Amour (Day of Love) festival. Just prior to this event, a
traveling circus run by the evil magician Sarousch (voice talent McKean) comes to
town. Upon first sight, Quasimodo falls head-over-heel with the beautiful assistant
Madellaine (voice talent of Jennifer Love Hewitt). The evil Sarousch forces Madellaine to use her
newfound friendship with Quasimodo to steal the beloved jeweled bell, La Fidele.
How will Quasimodo handle this betrayal? This sequel is not as good as
the original, but it's quite good as sequels come and certainly far passes
most other "direct-to-video" releases. I was pleasantly surprised. Good values are
reinforced by the heart-warming storyline. Interestingly, most of the
animation is done by Disney's Japanese studio. Jennifer Love Hewitt
did a fine job in her performance of "I'm Gonna Love You (Madellaine's
Love Song)", but the recording lacks dynamic range and didn't seem to
do her singing voice justice. But kudos to Disney for offering both DTS 5.1
and Dolby Digital 5.1
soundtracks. It's a worthy addition for Disney fans and collectors.
Special Features: Festival of Fun activity,
behind-the-scenes with Jennifer Love Hewitt, A Gargoyle's Life: It's Not
Easy Being A Gargoyle, and theatrical trailers for Beauty and The Beast,
Tarzan and Jane, and Max Keeble's Big Move,
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney DVD, The Many Adventures
of Winnie The Pooh,
Schoolhouse Rock: 30th Anniversary Edition, American Legends
DVD released on 3/19/2002 | Reviewed 4/4/2002
List $29.99 | online $19.99 | order from Amazon.com,
Buy.com
Rent this DVD from NetFlix
- Try the " Unlimited" DVD
rental program absolutely free!
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<< last
month
More Quick Spins reviews: March
2002, February
2002, January
2002
Additional Notes: Unless we specify otherwise, the
video and audio quality are very good when their grades are "A-"
or better. Only the highest number of channels of surround sound
format is listed (e.g., Dolby Digital 5.1). If there are both Dolby
Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 soundtracks, then both are listed. All
DVD-Video discs are backwards compatible with stereo-only playback
systems.
Let us know what you think about our Quick Spins DVD
reviews, write to us at Staff@TimeForDVD.com.
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Associated equipment used in evaluation: Sony
DVP-S7700 reference DVD player, Sony
KP-61V45 61" rear projection TV (4:3 screen aspect ratio), Sony ES STR-V444ES A/V receiver, four
B&W CDM 9NTs as left/right main speakers
and left/right surrounds, B&W CDM CNT center channel speaker, Monster Cable M-series S-Video cable MSV-500, Monster
Cable Interlink LightSpeed 100 (Toslink) optical cable, Monster Cable
Interlink 400 MKII interconnects, Monster Cable
Original speaker cables in bi-wire configuration with Monster Cable twist-on gold-plated banana plug
connectors, Lovan Sovereign T HiFi audio
rack, and Sony MDR-V600 studio monitor headphones. Our home theater equipment was calibrated
with the Video
Essentials DVD.
Be sure to check out our Top 10 DVDs of the year
2001 and our list of this year's Oscar winners on DVD.
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