PlayStation2 Action Gamer Pack
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $499.99
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Editorial Review

Looking for some hot gaming action? Check out our PlayStation2 Action Gamer Pack. This special bundle includes the new PlayStation2 console (with controller), a bonus Dual Shock 2 controller, and three games (Madden NFL 2001, Tekken Tag Tournament, and Ridge Racer V). At the heart of the PlayStation2 is the 128-bit Emotion Engine processor, which promises to bring lightning-fast gameplay and unprecedented graphics power to your TV screen. We've packed in three AAA action titles to get things started.

EA Sports' Madden NFL 2001 fully utilizes the PlayStation2's advanced hardware with ultrarealistic rushing, passing, blocks, and tackles. You can play the built-in AFC and NFC lineups, or even create your own player. The graphics power of PlayStation2 brings a new level of detail to the game. As play progresses, you'll see the field collecting scars of some of the rougher tackles, and the players will show some wear of their own, too.

If you're willing to break away from the football game, there's also Tekken Tag Tournament. With more than 30 characters to fight against or beside, this game allows you to pull off the ultimate human combo: tag-team fighting. By choosing two fighters with broadly divergent skills, you can increase greatly your threat to the other fighters.

The Action Gamer Pack also includes Ridge Racer V, the latest title in Namco's popular racing series. This graphically stunning racer truly showcases the horsepower of the PlayStation2. The vehicles have more polygons than we can imagine, and their reflective surfaces are just dazzling.

To help you go head-to-head with your opponents, this bundle also includes a bonus Dual Shock 2 controller. And, when you've finished playing games, you can use the PlayStation2 as a DVD video player. We've included the hit film Armageddon to get your DVD collection started.

About These Bundles:

Amazon.com and Toysrus.com are pleased to offer these special PlayStation2 bundles. When you select a bundle for purchase, Amazon.com will ship you your selection in a single box. Of course, you're free to add to your order additional PlayStation2 games or accessories. Depending on item availability, these additional items might ship separately. ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Tony Hawk 4
This game is awesome! Wanna inlock all the levels? Go to cheats and type in watch_me_xplode

Rising above the competion...
The Playstation 2 game console is of course better than the Gameboy Advance system and the Nintendo game cube.It has very graphic images which look life-like, not like little cubes running around when you play a game and the PS2 is multi-functional. It can do almost the exact same thing as the PS1, but it has bigger and better graphics and has the ability to playt DVD's. Its almost like a mini-PC. The only exception is the price. Thanks, for reading my review, Peace.

Not worth buying anymore
Aside from Gran Turismo 3 and Twisted Metal Black, all of Playstation 2's killer franchises are going over to XBOX.Plus, XBOX has a total of 40 1st and 2nd party studios making exclusive games for it, along with massive 3rd party support that eclipses even PS2's support.If you are looking for a console this christmas, look to the XBOX for superior graphics, better DVD playback, high definition gaming, builtin broadband adapter for internet gaming, 4 ports without the need for a multitap, hard drive for saving games instead of memory cards and for storing your own personal game soundtracks on, and realtime DD5.1 all for the same price as a PS2!In other words, the smart buy is XBOX. ... Read more

Asin: B000051WA5
Subjects:  1. Madden NFL 2001    2. Tekken Tag Tournament    3. Ride Racer V (five 5)   

Creative Labs NOMAD 6 GB MP3 Player Silver
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $349.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

One of our biggest frustrations with MP3 players has been their limitedstorage capacity. You'll typically get 64 MB via internal memory or memorycards, which provides just a little over an hour of near CD-quality MP3 audio.So when we heard that Creative was releasing a 6 GB player that can hold over100 hours of music, it sounded perfect. Soon we'd be rifling through a massivecatalog of tunes on our little player, from Elvis Costello to LL Cool J to MilesDavis, whenever the whim struck.

The Nomad Jukebox is essentially a portable hard drive with software that willplay MP3 audio. Since hard drives include spinning and moving parts, this playeris not ideal for active MP3 users from joggers to snowboarders.

We cracked open the box, inserted the rechargeable batteries (two sets of fourAAs are included), plugged in the AC adapter, and waited the recommended 12hours for them to charge initially. This is a very important step. This was oursecond set of batteries--we didn't bother to heed Creative's initial chargingdirections when we first got the product, and our first set of batteries soonlost the capacity to be recharged.

After installing the included software (we tested the Jukebox on a Macintosh G4using SoundJam MP; for PCs, Creative includes PlayCenter 2) and connecting theUSB cable, we quickly deleted 2 GB of starter MP3 and audiobook files andstarted loading our own music. We started with about 500 songs, but noticedafter the load had finished that not all the songs made it onto the Jukebox.Also, the SoundJam software didn't like us doing any other work on our Mac G4,stalling out the load whenever we switched to another program.

We found it was best to load in smaller numbers and to keep SoundJam up as theactive application (unfortunately, not the most efficient use of computer time).The transfer rate is about 6 minutes per 100 MB, which translates to around 25songs. (So far, we've loaded 861 songs and we still have over 2.3 GB left ofstorage.)

Once music has been transferred to the Jukebox, you need to create an activeplaying list by navigating one of three lists--artists, albums, and genres--thenadding songs to the queue. (This points out the need for creating thorough ID3tags, an electronic label that can include song title, track number, year, andmore. ID3 tags can be created via the PlayCenter and SoundJam software manuallyor be imported from the online CDDB database. For more information abouttagging, see the Amazon.comMaking MP3s Guide.) Playlists canbe saved in the Jukebox, though it can be a bit tedious (there's no keyboard),and you can't add songs to an existing playlist.

The Jukebox also sports some nice additions. It has a line-in recordingcapability (using an external microphone) that records WAV files that can beadjusted for optimal (or low-end) sound quality, and it can play audiobooks.

The biggest downside to the Nomad Jukebox is its portability. As noted, it doesrun on rechargeable batteries, but they'll last far less than the advertised twohours. Also, this isn't the device to take jogging; its internal hard drive,though somewhat shock and motion resistant, just won't take that kind ofactivity. It's really made for stationary play using its included AC adapter.

It also has a few playback glitches, the biggest being that you can't fast- forward or rewind within a song. Also, there's no bookmark feature for audiobooklistening--a necessity for long files.

Ultimately, the Creative Nomad Jukebox isn't perfect and isn't suited foreveryone's MP3 needs. But it has become a staple of our gadget life--it travelswith us daily to the office and hooks in nicely into stereo systems, both athome and at friends' houses. Someday, we'll all wonder what we did without anMP3 jukebox. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• 6 GB of storage is massive--over 1,000 songs
• Several methods for selecting playlist songs (artist, album, and genre)
• Line-out for connecting to stereo systems, and line-in for recording

Cons:

• Battery power is sucked up quickly
• Prone to skipping/stalling when used in heavy activity

... Read more

Features

• MP3 Audio
• ADPCM
• Plays MP3 files; upgradable to support other formats (such as WMA) and is SDMI compliant
• USB interface for fast digital transfer; compatible with Windows and Mac
• Weighs only 14 ounces and measures the size of a portable CD player
• Comes with headphones, rechargeable batteries, AC adapter, and carrying pouch; "In the Media: ""Creative Lab's Nomad Jukebox is a monster product for the serious digital music freak."" --Pen Computing"
• Portable digital audio player with 6 GB of built-in storage (over 100 hours of CD-quality music)

Reviews (113)

2 years later and still going strong
While my Nomad Jukebox's structural integrity depends heavily upon duct tape, it still works like a charm.I've managed to break it a few times, and it was always pretty easy to repair just by ripping off the fuzzy things on the bottom and unscrewing those delightful miniscrews to reveal the magical guts of the player.Sometimes it gets fussy if I start and stop and start and stop like 3 different songs, but that's what the reset button is for.My only complaint is that USB 1.1 just seems so slow these days, I wish there was a magic wand that would all of a sudden give it some firewire capability.

First Generation Jukebox, functional but has quirks
I bought this jukebox about a year ago before the version 2 came out.And boy did I get buyer's remorse when a few months later Creative introduced the Jukebox 2 with lithium batteries.I could not get more than 1-1/2 hrs with the enclosed batteries, and the Jukebox would reboot sometimes when going over a bump in the car.However I do enjoy the 6 GB of storage (now they have Jukeboxes with 40Gigs!), and since my CD collection isn't so large, I get to have it all with me.I bought a car adaptor, [it was out of stock in the Creative online store for months, and I did not get it until 6 months later].In the meantime, I could only use it for getting to sleep hooked to the AC adaptor.

One more thing, to the person who said that his jukebox would not even turn on with and without the batteries.You need to stick a pin or paper clip into the reset hole in the back while turning it on or off [if it is hung in the off position].I read how you bought all those accessories and feel for you.

Serious QC Problems
Do not buy Creative lab products.After contacting customer service multiple times about a warranty item, I talked to one of their techs, who said that they estimate 10% product failure on their products.My options were to pay to have it fixed, with another 10% chance that the repair could fail, or get the broken part back.They do not stand up behind their products.Don't throw your money away. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XO1V
Subjects:  1. 6 (MB) megabytes    2. Portable Audio    3. MP3 MP 3 Player    4. Jukebox    5. MP3 Player (MP 3)   

Pioneer DV-626D DVD Player
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $644.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Pioneer DV626D is a single-disc DVD player with component video output and built-in Dolby Digital decoding. It features 10-bit video and 24-bit (96 kHz) audio digital-to-analog converters. Convenience features include a joystick and jog-shuttle dial, illuminated remote control, and an advanced onscreen graphical user interface (GUI) display.

The Pioneer DV626D offers advanced digital noise reduction that recognizes film sources based on a frame-recurrent algorithm. This model includes an all-field display of the slow-step trick-play processor as well as a video encoder with picture parameter control and sharpness control that process in both horizontal and vertical domains. Along with the component video output, this player features coaxial and optical digital-audio outputs as well as an S-output to deliver the best possible audio and video quality. The Pioneer DV626D comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Component-video outputs
• Built-in 5.1-channel surround processor decodes both Dolby Digital and DTS
• Coaxial and optical digital-audio outputs
• Full-function remote control with backlight
• Digital noise reduction enhances video quality

Reviews (18)

broken in 14 months
This is a fine player--when it played.Unfortunately it began skipping after 14 months...not what we expect in an item allegedly near the top of Pioneer's consumer product line.My entire system is pioner from the Elite projection T.V. to the surround receiver.Everything else has been fine.

A DVD player that plays almost any DVD's
It's an excellent DVD player I must say. My husband and I did extensive research on DVD players before buying this one, last summer. We were told Pioneer players have reputation for crisp picture which is true. Audio is good. For someone who never owned a stand-alone DVD player in the past, remote control may be a little confusing at first but you will be pleased that you can choose audio/subtitle track with a click of a button.

While I'm satisfied that this player can play most titles including ones some people seem to have trouble with (Saber Marionette J discs to name a few), it does not seem to like the certain layer changeover in Rurouni Kenshin #5 disc. For your information, no one mentions this is a Region-coded player (R1) so you cannot play import DVD's which is one feature I would have liked to have.

The minute they come back in stock... buy it.
I have read some of the reviews on this player and I have to agree, it is a little flimsy looking... But I don't stare at the player, I watch the movie! No problems since I took it out of the box. I have played at least 40 DVD's so far (and several at least twice), not one problem. I have a Jenson Audio + Video Receiver that I purchased in 1982, and a Panasonic 27 inch TV (with the "S" connector) that is fairly new. Everything hooked up fine, I was playing the Matrix within 5 minutes from the time UPS pulled away from my door.

Well, I think I hear Flash Gordon calling me (did I mention I was a SciFi junky). Drop me a line if you need more specifics.

Thank you Amazon.com for another great product. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RD8L
Subjects:  1. Digital Versatile Disc Players    2. DV, 626, D, DV626, 626D    3. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

Canon PowerShot S20 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
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Editorial Review

The Canon PowerShot S20 is one of the smallest 3.3-megapixel digital cameras in its class. Its half-inch 3.34-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD) creates full-color and B&W high-resolution images up to 2,048 x 1,436 pixels.It offers a 2x optical zoom lens and a range of shooting modes.The zoom can be enhanced at the touch of a button with a digital teleconverter (2x/4x) for seamless zooming up to 8x.

The PowerShot S20 features an extremely compact design that is only 4.1 inches long, 2.7 inches high, and 1.3 inches wide.In addition, the PowerShot S20 weighs just 9.5 ounces. Despite its small size, this camera features large easy-to-control buttons. You can take one digital picture after another.With IC signal processing, the camera speeds up the interval between shots to 2 seconds.It also stores and plays back images eight times faster than previous digital cameras. It has complete USB compatibility.Cables are supplied for transferring images to your Mac or PC with either a serial or USB port.You can record at three levels of JPEG compression: superfine, fine, and normal. The camera is compatible with JFIF and CIFF file formats.

The centrally located mode dial makes perfect shots easy.It offers five shooting modes--auto, manual, image (landscape, night scene, B&W, slow shutter, and high-speed shutter), stitch assist, and flash.With these modes you have the flexibility to get great shots at any time of day and in any kind of weather.The PowerShot S20 also offers red-eye reduction, a self-timer, and continuous shooting.

The Canon PowerShot S20 uses CompactFlash type I and II memory cards and also supports IBM's 340 MB Microdrive, capable of storing the equivalent of 10 rolls of pictures at a time.The PowerShot S20 comes with a comprehensive software package that is fully compatible with PC and Macintosh computers.It includes Adobe PhotoDeluxe ZoomBrowser EX, PowerShot Browser, Time Tunnel, SlideShowMaker, PhotoStitch, PhotoRecord, and PhotoAlbum for both Mac OS and Windows.The package includes a wrist strap, a video cable, interface cables, a lithium battery, an 8 MB CompactFlash card, a case for the CompactFlash card, and a user's manual. ... Read more

Features

• Smallest 3-megapixel zoom camera available
• 3.3 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality prints at 8 x 10 and beyond
• 2x optical plus 4x digital Canon autofocus zoom lens
• Uses Type I or II CF cards, including Microdrive; Included 16 MB card holds 31 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port; uses 2CR5 disposable lithium battery (included) or optional rechargeable battery kit

Reviews (38)

Poor quality and terrible customer service
If possible, I would have given the camara some negative stars.

I was glad when I first got the camera. But it did not function at all after I used the camera for less than 10 times within a year. I called customer service and was told to send it back to factory. I was told I would be charged about $160 to fix the camera. I asked what the problem was and was told they did not know what the exact problem was until they took the camera apart and gave a close check!

If you want to find a reliable digital camera, try some other brand but not canon.

Good camera after getting around a few weak points.
I have one of these in my glove box and use it all the time. My other Camera is a G2 and admit the G2 is far better than the S20. As most will agree the battery is flat too soon to trust for more than 20 mins. I've built some Li-ion batteries for this camera and solved the problem. I now can run almost 3hrs. beforea charge in needed. Canon made a big mistake powering this with 5 AAA Ni-MH cells, should have been the Li-ion's like my G2. The G2 goes forever on a charge and the Li-ion batteries hold a solid charge with a very low rate of static dicharge.
The S20 is still a valid camera in my bag and many of my local news photos are shots taken with my S20. Its been a solid kick around digital thats hit the floor many more times than any plastic model could ever take, and if its too heavy for some then I guess you'd be crying about why Canon made the case out of plastic. Yes I have dents in my S20 but the case is why my S20 has lasted the many miles and bumps it has. OK so the S20 is a basic camera in todays market but as a used 3.3MP (Amazon's, header incorrectly states 3.2)
Digital its been time and road tested to be an Excelent example.

Everything Wrong!
Bought it 2 years ago for $$$ and $$$$ for battery pack.
POSITIVE:
NONE!

NEGATIVE:
1. OVER PRICE.
2. TERRIBLE PICTURES.
3. BATTERY ONLY LAST 20 TO 30 MINUTES (40 PICTURES).
4. 2X ZOOM ?? CAN'T DO A THING!!
5. NO UNDERWATER CASE

MUST BE BLIND TO SAY IT IS A GOOD CAMERA!
SKIP IT! NOT WORTH A DIME!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TCTK
Subjects:  1. S 20    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Toshiba TW40X81 40 Theater Wide HDTV-Ready Projection TV
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,799.99
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Editorial Review

The Toshiba TW40X81 40-Inch Wide HDTV-Ready Projection Television combines new technologies in audio and video to bring the look and feel of professional theaters into your living room. See movies at their wide-screen original best. The Toshiba TW40X81 is designed for letterboxed DVDs, VHS tapes, and satellite broadcasts, eliminating the black bars that appear on the top and bottom of the screen.

The Toshiba TW40X81's TheaterBright screen is tinted for increased contrast and uses a surface layer diffuser, which concentrates the tinting on a thinner layer of the surface of the screen. The result is a high-resolution, high-brightness screen with a wide 160-degree viewing angle for use in any room. A digital comb filter converts the analog signal into a digital signal for more accurate processing, virtually eliminating dot crawl or cross-color interference for a superior picture. Dynamic quadruple focus ensures that even the edges and corners also have a precise beam spot for a sharp, uniform picture from corner to corner.

Audio enhancements include surround sound, as well as a multichannel television sound decoder, which enables the television to accept and decode broadcast stereo. Unlike some systems, which delete dbx, MTS provides the full quality of the original stereo broadcast. Secondary Audio Program (SAP) enables the reception of bilingual broadcasts, when available. Also featured is a sub-bass system (SBS) that creates a bass boost at and around the 100-cycle audio frequency area. This creates a noticeable increase in bottom end and overall fullness for an improved home theater sound.

This television includes an intelligent universal remote, which is preprogrammed to operate the TV as well as most brands of VCRs and cable boxes. Virtually all TV functions can be easily accessed using only your thumb and the four cursor buttons.The Toshiba TW40X81 also offers dual built-in tuners, allowing picture-in-picture capability without the use of a VCR. In single-box mode, you can change the size of the subpicture, move it to different locations on the screen, or freeze it. Other options include six- and nine- box modes. ... Read more

Features

• Intelligent (learning) universal remote
• 40-inch projection High Definition TV with dual-tuner picture-in-picture
• High-output PowerFocus cathode ray tubes with dynamic quadruple focus
• TheaterBright high-definition screen with (SLD) surface layer diffusion and 3-D Y/C comb filter
• MTS stereo/SAP with dbx, surround sound, and sub-bass system

Reviews (1)

great tv, but remove the reflective screen
i've had this tv for almost 5 months, and i love it.for those of you trying to decide between widescreen (16x9) and normal (4x3) tv's, do yourself a favor--get the widescreen, you won't regret it.the tv gives you different viewing modes for 4x3 material--letterbox, stretch (uniformly or nonuniformly), or crop.i usually stretch the 4x3 material--for the first day the images look wide, but you stop noticing after that.

i love the component inputs, and that the tv will accept progressive scan materal.i haven't done any hdtv viewing, but 480i, 480p, and 540p material looks great!you'll definitely want to pair this tv with a progressive scan dvd player like the toshiba 5109 or 6200.

it's definitely worth getting the set calibrated by an ISF professional--they can adjust overscan, focus, colors, etc.if you're daring, you can look online for sites that will tell you how to do this stuff yourself.

the only two shortcomings that i have with this tv are: that it doesn't accept native 720p input and that the reflective screen makes it hard to watch tv in a bright room--sometimes it's likelooking into a mirror.you'll need to get yourself some drapes or you can remove the reflective layer yourself (not for the faint of heart).

beware, though, there is a new toshiba model that replaces the TW40X81--the new model is the 40H80.i think for most people the differences are not significant. ... Read more

Asin: B000022UHG
Subjects:  1. High Definition (HDTV)    2. 40 Inch    3. enroute    4. Television (Televisions, TV, T.V., TVs)    5. Projection    6. Big Screen    7. HDTV (HDTVs)    8. High Definition Television    9. Television (TV)    10. Televisions (TVs) - Digital   

Droid Develop Kit
Average Customer Review:
Toy

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

LEGO Mindstorms has created a kit that includes everything you need to make your own moving, bleeping, thinking, interacting Star Wars robot. The Droid Developer Kit is the height of robotic recreation for tinkering kids (and adults!). The kit has 657 LEGO pieces. R2-D2 and Destroyer Droid components are easily distinguishable from other building pieces, which are smaller and less detailed. But the heart of the matter is the kit's Micro Scout microcomputer. It features seven built-in programs, memory to add new programs, and facilitates the use of light-sensory and motor functions. CD-ROM software specific to the Droid Developer kit is also included with broad-based building instructions, activities, programming tips, robotics tips, and fan club and registration forms. A "Constructopedia" gives full-color, illustrated examples of the special features that can be built from the kit.

Depending on aptitude--and prior knowledge of robotics and computers--slightly older users may have a deeper appreciation of the kit. The primary objective of Mindstorms kits is to be creatively challenging, allowing the intellectual and artistic processes of Mindstormers to take full reign without any nudging from the manufacturer. For that reason, LEGO purposefully does not include a step-by-step instruction booklet.

Minimum system requirements for the Droid Developer Kit: Windows 95 or Windows 98, a 133 MHz microprocessor (such as a Pentium), 16 MB of RAM, 50 MB of disk space, a 4x CD-ROM drive, a Windows-compatible mouse, a 256-color display, and video and sound cards.You'll also need two AA batteries to operate the droid's motor. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Great Introduction to Mindstorms
The LEGO Mindstorms series has taken off on a scale much larger than predicted. A whole lineup of sets based on the Mindstorms brick have been released, one of them is the Microscout.

The Microscout is the brick that powers the Droids in the Droid Developer kit. It has a built in light sensor, motor and seven programs. Instructions are included in print format for a variety of Droids. On the CD-ROM are customizations and more robot instructions.

The droids take some time to build as they are complex, but the LEGO instructions are as always extremely easy to read with big pictures. Once your Droid is built, the seven programs built into the Microscout limit what it can do. Unlike the RCX, the original Mindstorms brick, it cannot be programmed from the computer, or on the keypad. This makes for robots, which cannot do a whole lot.

As with all LEGO bricks, they are interoperable. The Mindstorms RCX can be fitted into the droids with some work, and then programmed on the computer.

Overall this kit is a good introduction to the Lego Mindstorms lineup, and requires some experience for building. Anyone looking for a more powerful robot will need to consider a more advanced set.

Cool toy
This is my only mindstorms set right now, mainly because it is the only one I can afford. It is a really cool set though. I do think it is hard not to lose all the pieces. My favorite part was the "Knight Level" because it had a lot of things to build.

Fun, educational, useful-What more could you ask for?
I am so glad I bought this ... It's great fun, an educational tool, and is also a great conversation piece for fellow nerds, as well as Star Wars fans. I also use it as a prop for teaching computer subjects. Both adults and children respond positively to it. ... Read more

Asin: B0000326NB
Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Robotics    4. Electronic   

FrancisFrancis! X1 Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $849.99 -- our price: $849.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

In chic stainless steel, this espresso machine from FrancisFrancis! is for those who relish sleek, modern design in their kitchen and an industrial decor. Leave it out on the counter, as it's too heavy to move around much. Besides, part of the fun is looking at it. The machine is 10-by-12 inches in overall size and has an instrument panel look on the front: flip switches, pilot lights, and a temperature gauge to allow for more precise temperature control, which helps prevent overheating the espresso. There's also a pull-out drawer in the bottom section to house the drip grill, a removable plastic bin at the back for the water supply, a built-in cappuccino feature, and a circular wire holder on top for warming inverted coffee cups.

This machine is designed for use with prepackaged coffee "pods," specifically Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods, or with regular ground coffee--handles for both are included. --Marcie Bovetz

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Ideal for making coffee specialty drinks at home; hot water dispenser for tea
• Temperature gauge provides precise control; steam nozzle heats milk to make cappuccinos
• Circular wire holder on top warms inverted coffee cups
• For use with packaged coffee pods or ground coffee; powder-coated steel finish
• Measures 10 by 10-1/4 by 12 inches; 3-month product warranty; 1-year service warranty

Reviews (44)

2001 model still going strong! Great espresso
Having worn out a Capresso machine after daily brewing 4-6 shots of espresso in making lattes/cappuccinos, etc. I went looking for a more durable machine.

I bought an X1 in 2001/2 when it was a brand new model (in stainless) and it is great:

1. It heats up quickly.
2. It brews VERY consistently.
3. The ESE thing is the best mess-preventer ever.
4. Separate steam-temperature setting is great. Heats milk much faster than other, cheaper consumer models.
5. Machine has capacity to steam enough milk for at least 3 tall lattes before needing a quick "refill" of water from the pump switch.
6. I like the simplicity and total manual operation. The switches aren't labeled, but there's only 3. Kind of a morning meditation for me.

The most important, non-obvious things:

1. Don't leave a pod in the holder and move temperature to steam setting. When you unhook the pod holder, steam will instantly blow apart the ESE pod, which, given that it is more than boiling hot, will hurt, plus will dry instantly on the wall.
2. Use INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED ESE pods, unless you use them all within 2-3 hours of opening the tin. They sour very quickly, even in the freezer. I am partial to Starbucks pods, given my household's addiction to that brand, but I think that is more of a preference than a quality issue. Illy tastes fine, but you have to use them all quickly.
3. If you serve a lot of guests, the double unit (X3?) might be better. With the dual-temperature settings, you'll spend a lot of time running water through the unit to cool the steam setting back down to brew the next batch of espresso. Lots of refills of the water container, which is a bit of a pain to remove from the back of the machine.

Overall, a great performer after 4 years of daily, multiple use. This thing is a great machine.

GIVES YOU A PHENOMENAL ESPRESSO IF YOU HANDLE CORRECTLY
Two months ago I bought the X1 from the new serie "X1 by appointment" at the online store azone.ch. Discount price about 500 USD including a box of 18 E.S.E pods from AMICI. The inventor of the machine Francesco Illy is a "pope" of the coffee industry. He founded the "Francis Francis" Company in Switzerland. His father and grandfather are the founder of the "ILLY" coffee brand. A name for sophisticated taste of coffee. Francesco Illy started to launch his own brand "AMICI". There are actually 4 different E.S.E. pods available. My favourites are the "Espresso" (silver box with red stripe) and "Ristretto" (..with black stripe). Please check amici.ch for more information. So, that's a little bit about history and now my review: When I read the negative postings I wonder why there are some problems when using the machine or why the coffee gives some people only average joy. Here my suggestions for a real espresso experience:

Rule 1: Strictly use the E.S.E. pods....the one from AMICI or LAVAZZA I can suggest. Not try to use non-E.S.E. pods. They will not fit perfectly.

Rule 2: Buy some high quality espresso cups. If the porcelain is robust and thick it can keep and lead the warmth much better.

Rule 3: Always use pre-heatened cup. Place them on top of the coffee machine. I never turn off the machine. If you switched of the machine, wait about 20 minutes before preparing coffee.
And important: Pour one espresso cup of water before inserting any pod. This guarantees, that the cup gets his temperature and that the machine gets its operation temperature.

Rule 4: Keep your machine clean. After every use clean the pad-holder. Put it in the machine (be sure there are no pods inside) and simply pour water for about 10 seconds trough it.

Rule 5: For the ones who experienced damages, I think, they didn't threat it correctly! After using the steam YOU MUST SWITCH BACK to the espresso mode and activate the toggle switch for espresso. Simply pour water about 20 seconds. Now the boiler will not overheat and protects the machine. If you do not follow that rule your machine could be damaged seriously!

Final commentary: Those people who wants to compare the X1 with any one from Braun for about 99 USD and think the taste is the same, I must only say, that they have no concept of good coffee taste. The Francis Francis is nothing for people who confuse real espresso flavor with the over-sweeted plastic or paper taste of any Mc Donalds or Dunkin' Donuts sewage.
The first time I have seen the X1 I knew, soon or less I will purchase it. The unmistakable design didn't relinquish myself anymore. Every day walking to the kitchen, the Francis Francis X1 smiles at me. A machine to take into one's heart.

Marcel Dubach, ZURICH

Great looker, with faults. but i think it is great.
I am going t give this machine 2 stars for looks and an extra star for function this makes it a 3 star machine.I will review it to counter another review about this machine.The review was written by : Diego Frare.
1-**You can only get a perfect espresso from a professional machine and only if you use it to make dozens of coffees every day. I think the average bar in Italy makes hundreds of cups a day, and in places like some highway service areas they easily make over one thousand every day.**
a-I don't know how is this relevant
b-It is not true, If you teach yourself the art of making espresso, then you can make "great" espresso from many machines that are on the market today, but making the "perfect" espresso is a debatable for even the professional machines.
2-**The most annoying one is the lack of a pressure relief valve, so the water remains under pressure for minutes after you finish brewing your coffee, and you cannot remove the portafilter without getting coffee grounds sprayed all over. **
a-I believe the machine has a pressure valve, that does not allow the pressure to go above a certain amount (my guess 11 or 12 bar). What Diego is referring to is the absence of a 3 way pressure relief valve.This crates what is called "portafilter sneeze" which he describes.
b-The solution for that is in the same box as the machine came with. I guess you need to read the instructions to get the best out of your machine.
c-The solution is using the providedTamping / Anti "Sneeze" Gizmo, with it you car remove the Portafilter (PF) right away with no worries of any mess.
3-**. Another flaw is the finish, too prone to get scratched, at least in the black version. **
a-I have the red one, and I do not have any problems keeping it scratch free.
4-**. Also, the front panel of the plastic drip tray should have been made of stainless steel: because it's made of regular steel, you need to remove the front panel every time you wash the tray, otherwise it will rust easily. It wouldn't be too bad if it popped out and snapped back in, but you have to unscrew the knob to remove it. **
a-I am not sure which machine is Diego reviewing here. I am completely lost.What I have is a cover plate made of stainless steel (your cup would sit on there), then I have the drip tray, and it slides out like a drawer (you could detach it completely for ease of cleaning, this is the knob you see in the picture)
5-**. I closely looked at the spouts, and it's a one piece die cast unit, so I don't think it's my particular example that's bad, but it's a design flaw or a bad die cast template **
a-This is not true. The PF is cast but the spouts are screwed into the threaded part of the PF, the cause for that problem is most probably uneven tamping.
6-**if you put a fraction of a gram too much, the system will not be tight enough and water will leak from the top of the portafilter and fall into your cup.**
a-the machine comes with two baskets, one single shot and one double shot. Single is supposed to filled with 7 grams. I filled mine with 9 grams (using an accurate electronic scale [error is 0.1]) and I had no leakage at all.I guess if you go above this for the single basket (which I do not see why) you will have a problem.
7-** consistently decent espresso with a home machine ** (steps)
a-great instructions which I think everyone should use

In summery Diego might have a bad apple, and should have sent it back to the company under it's warranty.But also it might have been an older X1, the new X1's have been almost completely rebuilt as of 2004.
MY NEG for this machine are as follows:
1-Single shot basket is hard to perfect (I still have not perfected it), yet for sure you will need to put more ground coffee than what the instruction say.
2-The new boiler thermo controller is very accurate è it turns on and off the boiler at least 3-4 times during the process of brewing 1 shot of espresso. This is good, yet the problem is when the boiler goes on again, there seems to be a small drop in electricity to the pump that is driving the coffee through.I think this is missed thing when the company made the 110V version of their European 240V.
3-Stem wand is too short and that strong.It is hard, but you can do some micro foaming with it, but not with too deep of a pitcher.

4-The absence of a pressure gauge.

I will not go and list the PLUS things since the Negatives should be a good indicator of the quality of the machine. If you need to read more go to coffeegeek.com and check their review of this machine.
[...] ... Read more

Asin: B00004RBRD

Juicelady JL500 Pro Electric Juicer
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $229.99
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Editorial Review

Fruit and vegetable juices are fat-free and loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, betacarotenes, and other good stuff. Made by Salton, this handsome, 14-inch tall by 11-inch deep by 8-inch wide, heavy duty Juicelady juicer makes it possible to create juice-bar style juices at home. No need to peel most foods; simply feed pieces through the tube in the clear plastic top--pulp is ejected into a molded white plastic container--and the juice pours through the stainless-steel spout into a pitcher or tumbler. Two power settings handle hard vegetables like carrots and soft fruits like bananas and tomatoes. Wash with warm, soapy water with occasional dishwasher cleaning of some parts. An easy, yummy way to a more healthful diet, the Juicelady Pro comes with a one-year limited warranty and a recipe pamphlet. --Victoria Jenkins ... Read more

Features

• Left- or right-hand assembly option
• 1/2-horsepower motor for commercial quality results
• High/low switching system for hard and soft fruits and vegetables
• Stainless-steel juice bowl and motor base
• Titanium coated cutting blade

Reviews (18)

Bang for the Buck
This product is very powerful and reliable.I have owned the cheaper models and this is much much better.I don't know how it compares to a Champion though because I haven't ever used one.To clean the screen/blade simply use a vegetable brush, it won't get completely clean but it will do an acceptable job.You won't be able to use the brush for anything else, probably, but that is an extremely small loss for higher quality of life.
When I get into a massive load of vegetables, unfortunately I usually forget to clean the pulp inside which leads to problems as most of you probably know.I am not a friendly user when it comes to electronics and sort, but this has lasted me well over 5 or 6 years, although I confess I do not juice quite as often as I would like...averageing about once a month.

Great Juicer Good Price - Find it on sale!
I like this juicer a lot. The only downside is that it is a little loud and for optimum juice production you have to clean the spinning mesh screen every couple of items.Because I liked juicing so much, I thought maybe a more expensive Omega 2005 model would be even better. I bought the Omega but found out that it produced slush instead of juice. I am returning the Omega and staying loyal to Juice Lady. They say that centrifugal juicers heat up juice and kill nutrients, but I think that juicers of this sort have do little damage to the nutrients. Yes it spins and creates some friction, but the juice is not even warm when it comes out. When I tried using the Omega 2005 model, I juiced carrots and apples. I was dissapointed that the quantity of the juice was so bad. The omega produced less than 1/4 of the juice that the Juice Lady did on the same amount of carrots and apples.

Great For The Serious Health-Conscience Juicer!
I purchased the JuiceLady JL500 Juicer as a Christmas Gift for my boyfriend. He is very pleased with the amount of juice it produces and the easy clean-up! He takes keeping healthy seriously, juices regularly, and would highly recommend the performance and quality of this item. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SGGN
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Juice Extractors    4. Juicers    5. Juicing    6. Juice Machines    7. (Juice Lady)   

Zircon 55588 The Repeater 25' Tape Measure with Built-In Voice Recorder
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $40.60
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Editorial Review

This useful addition to Zircon's popular line of handy job site gadgetry is a great tool for any worker with a questionable short-term memory. The built-in digital voice recorder can save up to 20 seconds of information, ensuring that your cuts match your original measurements every time. While the sound quality isn't designed to impress audiophiles, this is carpentry, not the New York Philharmonic Orchestra; we think the Repeater sounds just fine considering its intended use. The tape measure itself is equal to most we've tried, and we had no problems. While the Repeater may not be the best buy for a carpenter with a photographic memory (a creature we have yet to meet), we think it's a great timesaving idea for the rest of us. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Contractor-grade tape measure with revolutionary twist
• Simple-to-use voice recorder records up to 20 seconds
• Rigid tape extends to 7 feet without buckling
• Fits neatly into standard-size tape holders and tool belts
• One-year warranty

Reviews (12)

Broke First Time It Was Used
In two words- cheap junk.

The first time it was used to measure something the hook at the end of the tape broke off and the tape coiled up inside the housing.

The talking tape measure
With its voice recording capability, it's great to "take notes" without writing. It doesn't record for very long, but it's usually enough for a series of measurements. The recording quality is pretty good. It's very handy. I'm surprised it's not sold in more places. It makes a terrific gift. Be careful not to get sand into it though, or the speaker will rattle.

I've had mine for several years and it's still going strong. How often have you had to measure something and it's " just a little more than 25 and 5/16"? With this, when you're standing at the saw and can't remember exactly, your own voice can verify so you can "measure twice and cut once."

Good Gag Gift For Your Cut Man-But Nothing More
This tape lasted approx. 2-3 weeks before it was history.I got it for my cut man for X-mas as a joke (well- not really!) and it didnot last till February.The end of the tape broke quickly and on cold mornings the voice recorder did not work at all. Bad investment-my current Stanley 30' Max Steel is about 9 months old and still strong as ever. ... Read more

Asin: B00002254R
Subjects:  1. Measuring & Layout Tools    2. Tape Measures   

Gerber 05500 MP400 Compact Sport
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $37.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Limited lifetime warranty
• 11 tools including wire cutter and Fiskars scissors
• Compact multi-tool
• Stainless steel construction
• Weighs 6.0 ounces

Reviews (9)

Gerber 05500 MP400 Compact Sport
This is a sweet multitool, the only disadvantage of which is it needs regular lubrication for the one-handed opening to work really easily. It would also be nice to have a ruler engraved on the side like other models.

The selection of blades is decent; as another reviewer noted, the scissors turn out to be really helpful. I also like the wire-snips for cutting small cable-ties and those annoying plastic tags that retailers put into sweaters.

A quality product with no great drawbacks.

Worthy alternative to the Leatherman Wave
I've had this tool for over a year. The blade holds its edge well and is half serrated, giving it extra cutting power for rope and other tough-to-cut items. The pliers are literally available at the flick of a wrist: they pop-out instantly with a little skill. If you want to use the pliers often or need a top-quality knife, this is a better choice than the Wave. However, the Wave's blade is easier to access so that is the way to go if you expect to do more cutting than pliering.

Little Wizard!
Just got one of these for Christmas.It gets 5 stars for now because: You really can access the pliers with a flick of the wrist, you've just got to keep it oiled which you should do anyway.It is very lightweight, going unnoticed on the belt.Phillips head is the closest I've seen to a #2 in a multi-tool.It may not be a true #2 but others I've seen/used are clearly #1's.I don't know if giver purchased it from Amazon, I hope so. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TR4S
Sales Rank: 4100
Subjects:  1. Hand Tools    2. Multi-tools    3. (Swiss Army Knives)    4. (Knife)    5. (Multitools)   

Batman
Director: Tim Burton
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (05 January, 1998)
list price: $14.95
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Editorial Review

Thanks to the ambitious vision of director Tim Burton, the blockbuster hit of 1989 delivers the goods despite an occasionally spotty script, giving the caped crusader a thorough overhaul in keeping with the crime fighter's evolution in DC Comics. Michael Keaton strikes just the right mood as the brooding "Dark Knight" of Gotham City; Kim Basinger plays Gotham's intrepid reporter Vicki Vale; and Jack Nicholson goes wild as the maniacal and scene-stealing Joker, who plots a takeover of the city with his lethal Smilex gas. Triumphant Oscar-winning production design by the late Anton Furst turns Batman into a visual feast, and Burton brilliantly establishes a darkly mythic approach to Batman's legacy. Danny Elfman's now-classic score propels the action with bold, muscular verve. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Dolby
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Reviews (291)

Still one of the best Batman movies
Keaton and Nicholson made this one a keeper. Michael Keaton
was perhaps at his publicized peak as an actor. He delivered
a good deal performance as Batman. Kim Basinger was
also good as Vicki Vale. Jack Nicholson as only Jack can do
was on fire and always knows how to be the in your face
pyscho villian.

Tim Burton's direction was right on, effective, mischevious
and alert. Burton's magic touch at this point in his career
was self evident, way before such flops such as Planet
of the Apes.

The action was well done with special effects, and you got
to love the whole new darker and gruesome tone than the original
Adam West serial.

As Roger Ebert says, thumbs up.

Batman (Four Stars)
This review refers to the Warner Bros. DVD edition of the film.

THE WHO'S WHO: Starring Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Tracey Walter. Based Upon Characters Appearing in Magazines Published By DC Comics, Inc. Casting By Marion Dougherty. Score Composed By Danny Elfman. Songs Written and Performed By Prince. Based on Batman Characters Created By Bob Kane. Co-Produced By Jon Peters. Co-Produced By Peter Guber. Directed By Tim Burton. (PG-13) For Violence and Very Mild Profanity; 126m.; 1989.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?: Latter day superhero movies ("Spider-Man", "Hulk", etc.) all owe a debt of gratitude to the one film which brought them back into the spotlight. "DC Comics" megastar Batman arrived on the silver screen with more cinematic glory than any action hero since the original Superman adventure. Director Tim Burton imbues the Dark Knight's revival with flashy fight scenes and grand comic one-liners but never avoids dealing with the heart of the matter. Both Batman and his arch-nemesis the Joker have their origins adequately explored and the viewer has the distinct feeling that they can understand where both sides are coming from. The Joker's tortured insanity is deeply rooted in the betrayal he suffered as Jack Napier while Batman's quiet suffering and need for vengeance stems from the death of his parents when he was a mere child. The two are destined to fight mano-a-mano to see whether good or evil will prevail, but it's really not their final confrontation that matters in this film. It's how we get there that counts. Along the way, we are treated to a bountiful barrage of toys from both combatants. The Joker has a few nifty items including an acid-spewing posy, a telescopic revolver, a gang of hyperbolic goons that seem to pop out of thin air and a noxious gas that leaves people smiling...whether they want to or not. Batman, on the other hand, has his Batmobile, Batwing and a few other notable BatToys to play with. We also bear witness as the BatSignal is used for the very first time. Both of the lead actors deliver key performances. Michael Keaton's droll, acerbic portrayal of Batman offsets Jack Nicholson's disturbed, slightly manic Joker perfectly. Burton also gives Jack Palance a chance to chew the scenery as mob boss Carl Grissom, and the fleshed out supporting cast benefits heavily from veteran actors Michael Gough and Pat Hingle (who would both be stalwarts of the series long after Keaton and Burton had departed). However, not all of the cast members deserve such high praise. Kim Basinger seems out of place in her role as Vicki Vale, even slightly confused about what emotional directions she should be taking her character in. At least she tries her best, unfortunately Billy Dee Williams remains unequivocally miscast as District Attorney Harvey Dent. Mercifully, Williams screen time is limited to a bare minimum. Overall, the movie has the effect of outweighing the sum of its parts, a trait that Burton's sequel ("Batman Returns") would remedy when it employed a better cast and much more stylized set pieces.

THEY SAY THEY'RE SPECIAL BUT...: We start off this DVD with a 1.85:1 widescreen presentation which looks like it has been transferred from an old VHS copy of the film. The movie sometimes appears worn and faded while annoying spots of grain appear at regular intervals. The darkest moments of the film are the most realistic in appearance. Where this disc really shines is in its audio. A Dolby 5.1 surround sound track has been added which brings a thunderous, all encompassing buffet to the viewer's sense of sound. The car crash outside of the Monarch theater is particularly memorable as well as the Batmobile's charge through Axis Chemicals. Explosions are bright and resonate through the spine of the viewer as if they were standing right next to them. There's also a French Dolby 2.0 surround sound alongside English, French and Spanish subtitles. The subtitles are presented within the borders of the film and are clear and easy to read. Sadly, the rest of this DVD does not live up to the sparkling audio. The package itself features an emblazoned, gold and black "Batman" symbol on its front cover with a surprisingly lackluster back cover which looks absolutely terrible when compared to later entries in the "Batman" series. The inside of this atypical Warner Bros. paper case features a much better photograph from the film and also gives the thirty-one chapter stops for this two hour plus presentation. Regrettably, this is a flip disc with the widescreen version on one side and a horribly chopped pan-and-scan 1.33:1 full screen version on the other side. The paltry special features on the disc itself add up to nothing more than a few insignificant blurbs and icons. There's an extraordinarily brief section on cast and crew information. There's an informative, although not very imaginative, series of production notes. There's a "Film Flash" section which is nothing more than video covers for other films Warner Bros. recommends. All of it adds up to a tiresome affair that features none of the inventiveness of the movie itself. There's not even an original theatrical trailer to supplement the film. Granted the trailer was a meager affair, but it would still have been worthwhile to include it on such a lightweight DVD as this.

THE YOLK'S ON YOU: As with most early release Warner Bros. DVDs, there are no hidden easter eggs. Not unless they hid them better than Bruce Wayne hides his Batcave.

THE LEWD AND NUDE ALERT: Please. Kim Basinger is the only form of sex appeal featured in this movie and she often times looks frumpy and unattractive. Even when she tries her best to be the sex kitten she was during her more adventurous movies, she falls miserably flat. She comes off more as a giggling schoolgirl than a sensual photo journalist.

THE GORE REPORT: At one point during this film, the Joker spits out a pair of chattering teeth which is accompanied by some fairly lifelike blood. There's also a sequence where a mob goon becomes a little "hot under the collar" when the Joker fries him with a handheld joy buzzer. That's as close as this movie franchise will ever come to having bloodshed.

SAY AGAIN: "Winged freak terrorizes. Wait'll they get a load of me." - The Joker (Jack Nicholson)

THE FINAL SAY: Yes, I recommend buying this DVD. Begrudgingly, I have to admit that this slight affair is worthwhile for fans of the film. While the video quality is sometimes shifty to say the least, the audio more than makes up for it. Even without special features of any worth, the DVD is still essential because the movie is such a wonderful event. There's also no new version slated for release, which makes this Warner Bros. DVD the only digital version currently available.

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM: "The Future" Performed By Prince. "Vicki Waiting" Performed By Prince. "Electric Chair" Performed by Prince. "Partyman" Performed By Prince. "Trust" Performed By Prince. "Scandalous" Performed By Prince. "Theme From a Summer Place" Performed By Percy Faith and His Orchestra. "Beautiful Dreamer" Performed By Hill Bowen & Orchestra. Soundtrack Available on Paisley Park Compact Discs, Cassettes and Records. Score Available on Atlantic Compact Discs, Cassettes and Records.

A CRUCIAL BRIDGE
Actually, 4 1/2 stars would be more accurate. For those of you who follow my reviews, you know that I like most things that have to do with Batman. As a child, I really liked the Adam West episodes. Sadly, Adam West's wonderful series was cancelled after only 3 seasons. Well, 20 years later, Tim Burton would ressurect Batman. Obvioulsy, it wasn't the 60s anymore. It was the 80s. And Tim Burton did a really great job of bringing back some of the original foundation, but at the same time bringing enough of his own dark and gothic signatures into the picture to allow Batman to transcend into the 80s. Well, all of that said, Michael Keaton did a great job of respecting Adam West's patterns, but at the same time not copying him. Keaton does in fact capture the essence of the loose and easy going Bruce Wayne and the dark, serious, and very sad Batman. Gough is excellent as the ever loyal Alfred. While Gough does remain faithful to the role, he does add a side of Alfred where he says things now and then that Bruce Wayne//Batman may not want to hear. Jack Nicholson did a very good job of taking the baton from Cesar Romero and bringing the Joker into the 80s. And I certainly did not mind the new element that the Joker was a loyal second in command to a crime boss, who was double crossed, but somehow came out of it alive and flipped the tables. Nicholson also made sure we realized that while the elements of psychosis were brewing before the double cross, they did not come into play until AFTER the double cross. Bassinger is fine as the lady in Bruce Wayne // Batman's life who carries some intelligence, purpose, and dignity. Alexander Knox is fine as the character who in doing his job crosses the path of Bruce Wayne // Batman. Finally, the scenery, musical tracks, suspense, and acting are all top notch. My only real complaint (and why I am deducting a half star) is that the final fight between Batman and Joker lacks a climactic edge. (I would like to say look at the fight between Patrick Swayzee and Jimmy in "RoadHouse"), but I'll keep it closer to home. Look at the confrontation in the episode "Joker Is Wild." Cesar Romero's Joker made his own utility belt, and there was a brutal nearly even fight between him and Batman in the end. In an animated episode, Kevin Conroy's Batman, and Mark Hamil's Joker had a brutal fight on a roller coaster, and after some wrestling,the Joker had Batman pinned down. Batman got in a lucky kick, and the Joker fell screaming. But that said, we must thank Tim Burton not only for bringing the character of Batman back from the 60s, but paving the way for the excellent animated series that were to follow. If you like this movie, be sure to see Part 2 "Batman Returns." ... Read more

Asin: 6301562143
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-action/Adventure   

Red Dwarf - Series 1, Byte 1: The End
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (25 February, 2003)
list price: $4.96 -- our price: $4.71
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Reviews (18)

Oh Smeg!It's Red Dwarf!
By the late 1980's, Doctor Who was in its dying days, with plummeting ratings.Meanwhile, based in Manchester, Rob Grant and Doug Naylor came up with ideas for a sci-fi sitcom called Red Dwarf.It was the name of the title ship, the size of a city, with a crew of 169.The weekly show debuted on 15 February 1988, and this video comprises the first three episodes of Red Dwarf's first season, which are its freshest and funniest stories in the canon.

For the majority of the first two seasons, the beginning of each episode, starting with "Future Echoes" began with this intro from Holly, the ship's computer."This is an SOS distress call from the mining ship Red Dwarf.The crew are dead, killed by a radiation leak.The only survivors were Dave Lister, who was in suspended animation during the disaster, and his pregnant cat, who was in the hold.Revived three millions years later, Lister's only companion is a lifeform evolved from his cat, and Arnold Rimmer, a hologram simulation of one of the dead crew."Holly would then make a smart-aleck remark, like "I've got the IQ of 6000, the same IQ as 6000 PE teachers."Ouch!And love that rock-guitar title theme, which has a girl singing lyrics during the end credits.

The debut episode "The End", introduces us to the situation that befell Lister and to the cast who will star for the first two seasons.There's Lister (Craig Charles), the lowest ranking member of the crew, third class maintenance technician.He's an Afro-British, with a bunch of rasta pigtails hanging down his back, cheery, laid back, fun-loving, lazy, wanting fun and excitement.In contrast, his immediate superior Rimmer (Christopher Barrie) is uptight, sensible to a fault, irritable, and wanting to become an officer to the point of writing exam answers on his bare legs and arms.Then there's the Cat (Danny John-Jules), who's got a lively personality, call him a jive-talking Morris Day, Little Richard, and James Brown rolled up in one.He is funny, obsessed with how he looks, and with even fangs of a cat, and a fancy dresser at that.And Holly (Norman Lovett), the ship's computer, who appears as a disembodied head on a screen and speaks in a deadpan manner with some personality--it's his lines that are funny.Oh, this introduces us to the classic Red Dwarf insult--smeghead.

When one goes into faster than lightspeed, one sees "Future Echoes" which involves catching up with things you're about to do before you've actually done them.The scene in the drive room between Rimmer and Lister is a hilarious example of that.Another highlight, is Rimmer, who wanting a crewcut, gets rude and calls Holly a "stupid, jumped-up filo-fax."In retaliation, Holly gives Rimmer a Helen Shapiro hairdo, which is sidesplitting.

In "Balance Of Power" Lister is missing Christine Kochansky, Red Dwarf's navigation officer he saw as his ideal woman.He wants to bring her back but Holly can only sustain one hologram at a time, and we know what that means for the "obnoxious, ruthless, insensitive, single-minded" Rimmer.Lister decides that outranking Rimmer is the only way to get Kochansky's hologram disk.The lively party scene Lister reminisces over is a highlight, as is the Cat getting fish from the food dispenser.

This is a blend of creative story ideas and side-splitting dialogue, with an assorted bunch of gags in each story.In one, Lister is happily spraying his underarms.He then sprays another bottle on his chin, stares aghast, only to realize he had accidentally sprayed shaving cream on his underarms.Rimmer also advises Lister to listen to more classical music, "Mozart, Mendelssohn, Motorhead."American audiences who haven't seen Red Dwarf may remember Christopher Barrie (Rimmer) playing Lara Croft's butler in the first Tomb Raider movie.And Claire Grogan (Kochansky) was the lead singer of the Scottish 80's group Altered Images, who later fronted Universal Love School.

Boyz from the DWARF!!!
This is a great place to start if you wish to find more out about this phenomenon known as Red Dwarf, however, if you have a DVD player I would spring for the set on DVD of which you can now find series I and II (more soon to be released). If you still don't have a DVD player and are looking for a good excuse the Red Dwarf series on DVD is it.
The first episode "The End" - is really the beginning and explains how Lister's life is about to become a whole lot more interesting and important aboard the ship Red Dwarf.
The second installment is "Future Echoes" - one of my favorites where visions of the future provide hilarity in not only this episode but even set up jokes that are to come later in the series.
The final episode in series 1, byte 1 is "Balance of Power" provides us with Lister's struggle to outrank Rimmer and by doing so be able to shut the smeghead off.

just buy the smeggin tapes!
This collection of the first 3 episodes of Red Dwarf are a must to anyone as an introduction to the outrageous show.I was infected with the Dwarf bug about 10 years ago by a friend living in Florida.He came to visit one summer and brought me tapes of the first 2 seasons of Red Dwarf and I was immediatly hooked.I hadn't heard of Dwarf before because it wasn't broadcast on any of the PBS stations in my area.
The story is about Dave Lister a crew member on the spaceship "Red Dwarf",he and his bunkmate Arnold J.Rimmer are in charge of maintaining the chicken soup dispensers.
Lister is basically a simple guy with a plan,to save all his pay and buy a farm on Fiji (which sank below sea level during a volcanic eruption)so land there is very cheap.He smuggles aboard an un-quarrentined pregnant cat and is put into stasis as punishment for not turning over the kitten carrying Frankenstein.
After Lister is in stasis there is a radiation leak that kills all aboard except for Frankenstein because she was hidden in the hold and protected from the killing radiation.
Lister is revived 3 million years later by Holly the computer because the radiation has reached safe limits.After learning of the fate of his shipmates and resurrection of his bunkmate albiet as a hologram,he meets "Cat" a decendent of Frankenstein.
So begins the adventures of the crew(?) of Red Dwarf and their journey back to Earth.
I was a bit dismayed to find that the original theme was changed to one that was used in later episodes and certain scenes were changed and even the design of the ship was altered.Having the original TV broadcast episodes and seeing the changes which I feel shouldn't have been made,I still recommend this series highly.I only wish the music from the series was available.
Would I buy the collection? I smeggin would!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004WG9R
Sales Rank: 21842
Subjects:  1. Television   

Babylon 5 - The Collection
Director: Richard Compton
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (05 November, 2002)
list price: $29.98
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Editorial Review

At its best, Babylon 5 functioned more like chapters in an epic than stand-alone episodes in the Star Trek vein of science fiction shows. These initial episodes, like much of the first season, are in that latter tradition: short, mostly self-contained stories that nonetheless serve to expand our understanding of the Babylon 5 universe. The series pilot "The Gathering" is a conspiratorial adventure with a futuristic twist, set in the murky web of alien alliances and intergalactic political tensions. "Midnight on the Firing Line," set six months after the pilot, is the first broadcast episode of the series proper and introduces five new series regulars. As deadly raiders plunder space freighters around the galaxy, the Narn invade a Centauri colony in an act of revenge for wrongs done to their race decades ago, hinting at the blood fury that will drive these races to even greater evils against one another. "Soul Hunter" introduces a race that imprisons the souls of great artists and leaders at the moment of death. When one of them arrives on the station, it sets off a near panic in the alien races and an emotional response from the usually circumspect Delenn (Mira Furlan) that borders on homicidal. "Born to the Purple" plays on the weakness of Ambassador Londo Mollari (Peter Jurasik) for pretty young women and drink, in a plot by a manipulative information peddler (guest star Clive Revill) to secure secret blackmail files (which, we find out, is the only coin worth anything in Centauri politics). "Infection" stars David McCallum as an archeologist who draws his former protégé Dr. Richard Franklin (Richard Biggs) into a scheme involving a technological find that carries a deadly secret. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Box set
• NTSC

Reviews (12)

Babylon 5 is what Sci Fi was meant to be!
When Babylon 5 first came around, I thought, bah, just another sci fi show. I'll just go watch DS9. Eventually, my friends talked me into watching it. Fortunately, a friend had copied all the episodes to tape. Thus, I was able to view them in sequence from the beginning, to what was then current...without commercials. I was HOOKED. I now own a complete set of episodes (or at least, very close)... Political intrigue, characters with depth, POWERFUL story, no "perfect" society. And a side comment, though the picture on the box appears to be the station "upsidedown". There is no "up" in space, and therefore, it cannot be upsidedown. :)

Beginning of a very deep rich sci-fi experience
I could write a review of each B5 video, but instead I decided to consolidate my thoughts into 1 review at the start of the published series. As a 48 year old professional man who has historically had little interest in sci-fi, I was deeply touched and engrossed in B5, when it originally aired on UPN, and subsequently moved to TNT. This is a series written by a master story teller, mapped out with great detail and depth with a 5 season plan. Not like your typical TV sci-fi show (e.g., the perennial Star Trek derivatives that seem to often rely on the "monster/alien invasion/crisis of the week" and contain characters who march around in skin tight military body suits doing their non-thinking duty like the personified ideal of some totalitarian society of the future), B5 portrays a world of real human beings. There is still poverty, corruption, back biting, political pressure, dirt, grime, swearing, humor, mourning, hope, charity and kindness. In other words, the future is still a REAL PLACE, not a white washed Disney Land where high technology has somehow solved all mankind's problems so we can focus on testosterone goals, such as boldly going where we were not invited!

Instead, B5 (in a sense a huge metaphor for our times), shows a cosmos populated with the self-interest of bickering alien races and the attempts of the crew of B5 to maintain a space station created by earth (after a devastating war that almost destroyed human kind) to bring them all together to discuss peace (yet another attempt at a UN that works?). The eventual acknowledged failure of that goal leads to interplanetary war between 2 "older races", the Vorlons and Shadows with the younger races being caught in the middle, (a metaphor for the cold war when America and Russia were at each other's throats and the other nations of the planet were pawn pieces?).

If you are looking for an ADULT sci-fi masterpiece that evolves via a continuing connected story line over 5 seasons, try B5. Although not a rich man, I have bought ALL the published videos to enjoy the greater visual quality, even though I taped many of them from the original live TV broadcast.

My only complaint is much of seasons 3 and 4 are not available via Amazon.com. I would hope this will be remedied at some point in the future. If you did not have access to these seasons of B5 on TV (now showing them on the sci-fi channel), you may be a bit lost if you must rely only on the tapes available on Amazon.com for the complete story line.

Final note: do not judge the series by the first tape in this series. I understand it was originally a made-for-TV movie that was later transformed into the weekly series. Characterizations were still weak at that point, the scenery was much more murky (dark) than what became standard in the series, and some of the major characters (who I also saw as weak) were replaced by the first episode of the TV series. So much the better! Evolution is the word that springs to mind for this series, not filler between internet provider commercials (casting a final aspirsion upon Star Trek, the boom-bam show that high tech advertisers cattering to yuppie boredom love...).

Masterpiece of Fiction
Having long been a fan of the early and newer Star Trek shows,I was somewhat apprehensive about this series when it first premiered...HOWEVER,boy was I floored!!..This show is what Star Trek never really was.While Star Trek always seemed to present the future in rose colored glasses,with thouchy feely episodes.Babylon 5 offered a more REALISTIC view of the future..And more importantly,the series had a beggining and end..From the very first episode to the last,the series was building charachter and plot lines that would lead to its 5 year conclusion...Simply outstanding actors and performances,allowed for the viewer to become part of this universe,and learn from both its good and bad personalities..Everyone in this show had a purpose,and every episode,(unlike many Star Trek)was fascinating..Actually,you really couldnt miss an episode because of the many subtle hints that were key to the finale...This show probably offered the best view of ourselves and our "growth" as a species,and didnt resort to gimmicky "beam me up" and "hollow deck" technological fantasies...Ok,yes Im being hard on what was considered the best sci-fi of all time..However,after experiencing the run of Babylon 5,I now KNOW that the best vision,storytelling and charachter developement in a sci-fi drama belongs to Babylon 5.....I have all the old and new Star Trek shows,(voyager also) recoreded...However,I only find myself drawn back to view my collection of Babylon 5 episodes...I think you will also..! ... Read more

Asin: 0790736950
Subjects:  1. Television   

Genesis 0-1
Director: Akira Takamura, Hiroyuki Ishidô, Tetsuya Watanabe, Masahiko Ôtsuka, Tsuyoshi Kaga, Hideaki Anno, Seiji Mizushima
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (20 August, 1996)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $28.48
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

One of the most popular anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion offers interesting characters, sophisticated direction, and solid storytelling. A giant meteor struck Antarctica in 2000, devastating much of the Earth. Since then, humans and the mysterious aliens known as Angels have been locked in a deadly struggle. In 2015, scientists at the NERV Center in the fortress-city of Tokyo 3 are developing ways to combat the Angels, notably the Human Enhancement Project and the giant battle robots called Evangelions. Fourteen-year-old Shinji Ikari, whose aloof father heads these research projects, is drafted to pilot Evangelion Unit 01. Shinji is a reluctant hero, as many mecha pilots are, but his reluctance is not just an arbitrary whim; it's rooted in his estrangement from his father. Shy and socially maladroit, Shinji displays a likable warmth the grimly taciturn teenagers in ordinary mecha shows lack. Rounding out the cast are Rei Ayanami, the silent, albino pilot of Unit 00; irrepressible Misato Katsuragi, who serves as a substitute mother to Shinji; technical expert Ritsuko Akagi; and Shinji's classmates Toji Suzuhara and Kensuke Aida. Evangelion offers a dark vision of the future, but director Hideaki Anno (Nadia) presents it very skillfully. Episodes include: 1. "Angel Attack," 2. "Unfamiliar Ceiling." Not rated; suitable for ages 14 and up: robot versus robot violence, brief nudity, and minor profanity. --Charles Solomon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (114)

mind blowing
i started off reading the excellent manga of n.g.e, but then i tried evangelion and i fell in love with the anime! the music is awesome, the animation is spectacular, and the characters are hilarious! (along with shinji's girl like screaming)
i reccomend it to people who like gundam! or people who like epic tales with drama!

Watch out! Spoilers written in reviews!
This is a fantastic series. Watch out, though, some little toad wrote about the ending of the series in the first few lines of his review below!

A good series.
I would have given it five stars if it hadn't been edited for the US and I am quite angry that the company refuses to tell us that. Also, I would have given it less stars if I was able to find a place that sells Japanese imports of this series. ... Read more

Asin: 6304123531