Microsoft Xbox Console with Controller S
Average Customer Review:
Video Game
list price: $199.99
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Editorial Review

Take the power and flexibility of a dedicated computer gaming system and combine it with the easy-to-use, instant-on format of a high-end console system and what do you get? Well, if you also add in DVD playback ability and broadband Internet connectivity, you get Xbox.

The advanced components inside Xbox make it the undisputed powerhouse among current game consoles. A 733 MHz Intel main processor and 233 MHz graphics processor from industry leader nVidia deliver photorealistic graphics in real time. A cavernous hard drive stores saved games and characters, making flimsy memory sticks obsolete. The built-in Ethernet port enables super-fast multiplayer online gaming over a broadband Internet connection. Four game controller ports allow you and three of your buddies to play at the same time, or you can use them for other peripherals such as gamepads, light guns, and who knows what else?

But Xbox has more going for it than fancy innards. The Xbox's Windows-based operating system is a breeze to program on, earning it grateful accolades from Electronic Arts, Infogrames, THQ, and other game producers. The less time developers spend struggling with the operating system means the more time they spend tweaking gameplay, which ultimately results in better games. And games are what it's all about.

Well, games and the fun of owning a green-glowing game console that looks like it came from Darth Vader's living room.--Mike Fehlauer

The Xbox Video Game System with Controller S includes the Xbox console, the popular "S" style Microsoft controller, and all necessary cables. A DVD kit (sold separately) is required to access DVD playback ability.

... Read more

Reviews (278)

Notable features
*Games save directly to HD.
*able to rip audio CDs to HD.
*most games use 5.1 digital surround(with compatible hardware).
*DVD video REQUIRES remote control.
*Odd controller layout

Best system EVER
This is freakin awesome!I love the xbox!I can just play it for hours and never get bored.The best games are definatley halo, halo 2, and fable.If you get an x box you should get those titles.The graphics are incredible, everthing is just so smooth and crystal clear.If they'd let me give this system more than 5 stars, I would!

Waste of money
If you can give me a list of 3 video games that are only in the Xbox and are good I'd buy it. However it seems that whenever I ask this question to a Xbox user they just change the subject.

All the good games that Xbox users can be proud of are already available for the PC, with better graphics, better everything.

So unless you're one of those 9 year old kids that have rich parents that let him do whatever they want and live like in a TV soap opera, skip this product.

Besides most computers already have DVD players. And you can upgrade computers, customize them, make them more powerful than an Xbox.

Skip it. It's a waste of money. ... Read more

Asin: B00008H2IY
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Consoles   

HALO
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (09 November, 2001)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

More often than not, when a game is in development for more than threeyears, it does not live up to the hype. Bungie's Halo is the exception.Not only does it meet expectations, it greatly exceeds them. This sci-fifirst-person shooter is a nearly perfect blend of gameplay, graphics, and sound.

The story revolves around the conflict between humans and an alien race known asthe Covenant. The aliens have discovered a powerful artifact--on the ring-shapedplanet called Halo--that will shift the balance of power, and it's up to theplayer to stop them. In addition to several first-person-shooter levels, thegame offers numerous opportunities to engage in vehicular combat. Both the enemyand allied artificial intelligence are extremely impressive. Enemies will usethe terrain and layout to put you in tight spots. Allies will know when to coverand aid you. For instance, if you hop into a jeep, an ally will know to jump inand man the turret on the back of it.

The graphics are exquisitely detailed, but only move at 30 frames per secondrather than 60. The sound effects and voice acting are superb. The level designis among the best ever; most of the game is engaging and challenging withoutbeing frustrating. There's also high replay value thanks to the built-insingle-player, cooperative, and deathmatch modes.

Much like the outstanding GoldenEye 007 for Nintendo 64, Haloraises the bar for console first-person shooters. All console action games willbe measured against Halo for years to come. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• Outstanding game design
• High replay value
• Impressive AI

Cons:

• Several maps are used multiple times
• Save functions could have been better implemented
• Graphics move at 30 frames per second, not 60

... Read more

Features

• Huge Weapon Variety - Vanquish your enemies with a vast array of Human or Covenant weaponry ranging from the stealthy (semi-automatic pistols and needler guns) to the fierce (rocket launchers and blasters).
• Vehicle and Foot-Based Action - Tackle missions anyway you choose - be it storming an enemy base or taking the wheel or gunnery position of a variety of powerful vehicles. Vehicles range from stolen Covenant flyers to Human buggies and more.
• Indoor and Outdoor Combat - Fight seamlessly in Halo's ultra-realistic indoor and outdoor environments as you hunt the Covenant in a variety of single player missions and multiplayer battles.
• Intense Multiplayer Shoot-outs - Form a team, choose a role, and fight cooperatively with your friends, battle it out Deathmatch style via intense split screen, LAN-play or fight co-op with a friend through the single player missions.
• Incredible Mission Variety - Fight the Covenant in a variety of missions as you uncover the darksecrets of halo. Among your many objectives - attack enemy outposts, raid underground labs for advanced technology, rescue fallen comrades, steal alien vehicles and weaponry and snipe enemy forces.

Reviews (1606)

The xbox's first killer app
I was the biggest Sony fanboy for so long.I refused to believe that the stupid xbox could outshine my gorgeous PS2.This all changed in the summer of '04.That was the fist time I played Halo.Since them I've probably beaten the game 30 times.My xbox is now my best friend, and sometimes my PS2 and Gamecube just have to sit and watch.

Halo is no doubt the original killer app for xbox.Halo 2 has since taken the crown thanks to its phenomenal multiplayer, but every loves to go back to Halo and relive that first rush they got playing the game and beating it on Legendary.In fact, I believe that this game was made to be played on Legendary.It may be frustrating at times, but when you finally beat it, there's a sense of relief like no other.

The single player game is awesome.Sure, the levels may be slightly repetitive, but you'll have your finger on the trigger so much that you won't even notice walking through the same hall a dozen times.When the end product overshadows any little things that may bother some people, you know you have a winner.The AI is amazing, especially on Legendary.You may quickly find yourself being ambushed, and those brushes with death make the game truly shine.

Halo brought on what many people believe is the biggest multiplayer revolution since Goldeneye on N64.With the addition of vehicles, it was easy to spend hours playing 4 player FFA or 2 vs 2 team games.When I discovered that you could link 4 xbox's together to system link, I was in awe.8 vs 8 games of CTF on Blood Gulch is still classic.NOTE:Halo is NOT xbox live capable.PC owners are reviewing on the xbox game stating how fun it is to play online.This feature is PC only for Halo.If you want online play, go for Halo 2.

So if you were like me, a Sony, or even a Nintendo fanboy, I dare you to give Halo a try.You might find yourself going to Best Buy tomorrow to pick up your own xbox.And at a newly released Platinum price of 19.99, it's hard to say no.

Makes me dizzy
Halo and Halo 2 makes me dizzy when I play it. Maybe it's the running around for a long time doing nothing.I don't know why cuz Xbox Star Wars Republic Commando plays just find and I don't get sick.Republic Commmando is much more fun cuz you have squadmates and constant action.Halo is good cuz of co-op play though , unless your friends also get motion sickness from Halo.

The bestX-box launch game
When halo was previewed at e3 2000, It was buggy and wasnt recieved well at all. But when the game was released, it blew people away. I believe it was the first game to ever use spectral high lighting (the shiny effect) and bump mapping. It only ran at 30 frames per sec, but ran good.

One of the most impressive things about halo is the story. It was so well crafted and done so well, they could use the game script and make a movie and have it be good. It had so many twists and turns, it was just great.

The sound was good too. Halo and Halo 2 boasts one of, if not the best video game soundtrack of all time. The music is Oscar quality.

Overall, Halo is one of the best action games ever made.

(these scores are for the time when it was released)

Concept- Make the X-Box a power player when it comes to consoles by making a phenominal game

Presintation- 10- Box art is cool and the cinimatics could win oscars for the directing.

Graphics- 9.5- wow, halo was one of the best looking games of the x-box launch, if not the best looking. New wethods were introduces with this game.

Sound- 10-Best music in a game? Yes. Best voice overs in a game? Yes.

Playability- 10- it is so fluid and easy to controll. It really shows off the x-box controller.

Entertainment- 9.6- The best x-box launch title and one of the best action games ever made.

Replay Value- 9.4- This game came out before X-box live, so the only way to play multiplayer was either split screen or system link.

... Read more

Asin: B00005NZ1G
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Midtown Madness 3
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (16 June, 2003)
list price: $49.99
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Features

• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Genre: Racing
• Mission: Compete in exciting races through awesome landscapes and popular cities around the world

Reviews (37)

Awesome
This game tops my chart of the greatest graphics of any game on X-Box. Paris and Washington are huge and the graphics are crazy. I like cruising down the subway. I also like the jumps. All three games are fun. Either if your working undercover in different missions and in many different cars. Or maybe you wanna simply race they made the races incredible and just about hard enough for you to take a couple turns before winning.And the blitz is also fun where u have to indivually race the clock to the finish. All 3 are great and the levels and ability to unlock cars is great. It's also real fun racing a friend. But the thing that stands out for me is the incredible graphics. They're just awesome. And also a really fun game. Best racing game ever.

My favorite game
Okay, so I only have a handful of games for Xbox and haven't owned a home video system since Atari 2600, but this game is hands down my favorite.

Sure, there are negative aspects to it like the level of difficulty on the final Blitz races (hard!) and trying to unlock certain cars. But overall, the graphics are great, the scenery is quite lifelike and depictive of the real D.C. and Paris, and it's the coolest feeling to tool around both cities jumping stairs at famous monuments and knocking each and every lamppost out all around the White House.

The game is the epitome of fun. Where else can you race a garbage truck up the steps of the Capitol building or do doughnuts under the Eifel Tower? My one peeve: players can't get inside the White House fence. Oh, the things I could do....

This game kicks booty!
I loved this game!! The graphics are fantastic and the handling is superb.Plus, that guy in the black leotard and yellow clown-noses is sooo hot!I can't stop watching the stop-motion video.Michael White is a god! ... Read more

Asin: B000086JXB
Sales Rank: 2074
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Racing    5. Flying   

Medal of Honor Frontline
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (01 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (115)

history game
from the beaches of omaha so many americans gave their lives I recomend this game and the movie the longest day
are soldiers were so brave and the english,irish,french and french resistence. There are so many games that don't have omaha beach on it as a first person shooter. Brave through the Nazi defense line as LT. JIMMY PATTERSON as you take normandy from NAZI controlI love history games based on world war II. I also recommend secret weapons over normandy just don't forget to put medal of honor frontline on your list.

best game in a while
this is the best game i have played in a while better then halo 2 halo 2 was fun but not this fun halo 2 you cant wait tell the end mohf you want it to keep on going i just think you have to be a big gamer to enjoy this or just like war games i hate 1st person games but this is fun get this

I Love MOH
I'm not a hard-core gamer, because I have a job and a life, etc., but I got completely addicted to this game.I love the aim function.You can either move and shoot at the same time -- reasonably accurate, depending on your coordination -- or you can stand still and pull the left trigger to take dead aim on a target.With any weapon the target enlarges slightly, and with the sniper rifle you get an excellent, easily-controlled scope.I found this to be much more realistic than other games where you can just spray bullets in the general direction of the target and hit it.With this game, you have to actually aim correctly, and you have to hit your target in the head or the middle of the chest to kill him on the first shot (except with bazookas).The fact that you cannot save in the middle of a level is annoying, but does make it more challenging.I have completed the entire game on Easy and Normal, and on Difficult I was stuck at The Golden Lion for at least 6 months before getting through it with a gold star.The various medals you win along the way look very nice in your medal case.I love this game because I love using actual WWII weapons, not sci-fi weapons that don't exist (plasma rifle? gimme a break), and I love the history behind it. My only other complaint is that I wish there was a rated-M version for adults with more blood and gore. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JC48
Sales Rank: 802
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

James Bond 007: Nightfire
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (21 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The latest installment in the James Bond series, 007: NightFire is a worthy sequel to 2001's outstanding Agent Under Fire. The game retains the overall look of its predecessor--including some familiar recurring characters and gadgets--but is designed to feel more like an actual Bond movie than a video game. After the familiar gun-barrel opening shot, you're introduced to the game via a precredits action sequence through the streets of Paris that leads into an original theme song with corresponding surreal imagery.

The pacing of the game is natural, with each objective leading smoothly to the next. You even get to holster your PPK, don a tuxedo, and infiltrate a cocktail party at your adversary's mansion, making small talk with his henchmen, flirting with female party guests, and eavesdropping on secret conversations. Of course, within minutes you'll be shooting your way out of the place to make a daring escape in true 007 fashion, complete with Bond's trademark one-liners. The story line combines espionage, action, and innuendo in just the right proportions to evoke a real Bond-movie atmosphere.

The game's overall playability is improved by some nice attention to detail, not the least of which is the addition of smarter and less predictable villains (they can hear you coming, they communicate with each other, and they're better at finding cover and sneaking up behind you). You also have more tactical options (there are many ways to reach each objective, so the game is highly replayable) as well as a better arsenal of gadgets and weapons. And best of all, the multiplayer mode incorporates classic characters from many Bond movies. More than any other 007 game to date, NightFire was designed with the die-hard Bond fan clearly in mind. --Maile Bohlmann

Pros:

• Well-developed story line
• Authentic Bond-movie atmosphere
• Great graphics, sound, and music
• Smart, crafty villains
• Wide range of controller settings

Cons:

• Precredits action sequence is far too easy
• They still don't have Bond's voice quite right (Maxwell Caulfield?!)
• Fans of nonstop action might not appreciate the extended cutscenes

Note: This review refers to the PlayStation2 version of this game. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

whatever
EA still hasn't gotten Bond right. It's not terrible, but it's not great.

First of all, it's pretty short. 11 missions, and not very long missions at that. The a.i. is tolerable, but the only reason the a.i. gets you is because the game throws wave after wave of them at you, not because they're actually intelligent. I breezed through the first half of the game, but then it got tedious. There's a part where you are out amongst cranes and crates trying to fight off snipers on the roofs. Problem is, you can't really see them, and there's so many of them you can't get out a shot without being torn to shreds. It's sort of like EA thought that part in Half-Life where you fight those fast ninja-like assassins was really great and they'd try knocking it off. It failed.

Mostly, the last half of the game felt like that. EA being cheap to make up for poor a.i. and me just speeding through everything I could, taking plenty of damage, but squeezing out nonetheless.

You get to drive an underwater version of the Aston Martin in the game too. It's cool for the first minute and a half, but then you have to navigate through an underwater mine field in a very tight tunnel and that's when the icky control problems really make themselves known and next thing you know KABOOM.

But there are some fun parts. The tutorial mission is actually quite good. I had a blast on the first rail shooter level, and the first vehicle driving level. The level where you fight your way down the skyscraper is intense and fun.

The multiplayer is decent, but EA's little GOOD or BAD thing is here again, as it was in The World is Not Enough for N64. This means Bond is GOOD, and so are the Bond girls, and so they cannot fight each other. Ever. The BAD players can fight each other all they want, because, you know, BAD people do that. But not GOOD. Nope. This is annoying because you get your round setup and everything, and you're like "THIS IS GONNA BE SO COOL" and then it tells you that you can't have GOOD players fighting each other. It's even worse than it was in TWINE, too, because TWINE at least had a lot of characters.

The multiplayer levels are kinda blah, too. And there's not many of them.

The bots are ok because you can alter the characterstics of the generic characters. Sadly, you can't do this for the characters you unlock which is annoying.

The gamemodes they introduced probably seemed good when they were making them, but they're not very good here. Goldeneye strike, where you collect two halves of the goldeneye key and one person is automatically struck dead, sounds pretty neat, yeah? Too bad it's kinda confusing, and the deaths are very anticlimatic. King of the Hill would be good if it had a Mobile Hill option instead of just fighting it out in one spot the whole time.

But still, there is at least an ounce of fun in here. If you like James Bond, you should get this, because it's cheap and you'll enjoy it every now and then. Or, better yet, if you want an EA Bond, get the first shooter they made, The World is Not Enough on N64. Nightfire just felt like a poorly designed version of that game(which wasn't the best itself) except with much better graphics(the graphics in Nightfire are the only thing I have no complaint about.)

A cool Bond game.
This game rocks. For a new timer at James Bond game I can hounestly say it was good. Graphics were good guns perfect. What i didnt like was they only had one driving level. :( But over all it was excellent. I recommend this game.

This Game Rocks
This game is soooo cool. The graphics I give a 9.5 Weapon choices 9.9. There's so much you can do on this game. If you are alone at home and don't want to do a mission or you just feel like picking some people off with a sniper rifle by yourself, just go to multiplayer and set it up for one player. I'm an only child so I really have no one else to play this game with. When I don't deel like playing a mission I just go to multiplayer and play there. Overall I give this game a 9.9 ... Read more

Asin: B00006JN5J
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (08 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Completely new, non-linear career mode lets skaters choose the level and goals they want. Challenge pros head-to-head to beat their best tricks, take off to a competition, or just skate solo to conquer a gap.
• Evolving levels change depending on the specific skater's goals and accomplishments. Toggle different skate elements on and off (quarterpipes, benches, kickers) to change up lines. Randomize events in multiplayer mode for ever-changing elements.
• Go Pro! Play through 9 levels as an amateur, then conquer your pro's special challenge to unlock the more difficult professional world.
• New, upgraded Ultimate Skatepark editor allows user-set objectives like high scores, hidden tapes, and combo completion. Create a dreampark and give it to a friend to session. Even place lights, insert gaps and modify ground type throughout the park.

Reviews (26)

{TONY HAWK 4 = THE BEST IN THE SERIES!}
TONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER 4 *****, Anything less would be a crime!Drop in the ultimate challenge!Pros challenge you to make your mark in huge free - roaming levels, taking on 190 progressively harder goals with no time limits to hold you back!Decide when you're ready to take on your Pro Challenge and move into the pro ranks, where it's a whole new game.Build your skills, earn respect, and show that you've got what it takes to Go Pro...

"Gamepro magazine rates THPS 4 5.0!"All new tricks - skitch behind cars, skate on moving objects, and transfer over spines!New multiplayer and system link modes including Combo Mambo and Capture the Flag!14 of the world's top pros challenge you to prove your skills.1 - 2 players, Custom Soundtrack, In - game Dolby Digital, System Link 1 - 8 players at once and is also HDTV 720p capable!Only the XBOX version offers all of this along with smoothed graphics, and faster loading time, oh how sweet THPS 4 and XBOX go together!

It'z KooL!!
Tony hawk iz a kool and exiting game. It has one of the best 2 player mode i've ever seen, cause there is so many thingz u can do.But the Creer mode is very challenging, u have to be a pro just to get past the 1rst level at the college. But whaen u get 2 the next level it's worth the wait. Also u can create ur own park, buy boards , grip tape wheels ,secret skaters,and even parks.U can also can also go to parks that are alredy made and they are TIGHT!!!!

Well that's it i reccomend this game if u have 2 share ur system wit a brother. Because 2player mode is awesome. or just play by yourself.

Good, but not the best of the series
I'm one of those rare people who get every action-trick sports games, granted some I wait on, and others I will get day of release, and well I waited on THPS4 and glad I did.

First off the game went under major reconstructive surgery for this incarnation, pretty much throwing away the 2:00 clock. I have serious problems with that, it's what made THPS, trying to do the goals within the time frame. Also out is the tape system, and again I'm seriously upset, just like I was for the arrival of THPS2.

The gameplay is THPS without a question. Its a little dulled down from the sharpness of THPS3, but gives a little more realism to the game, but if I wanted that, I'd go out and pick up the deck and go skating. Many of the challenges are excrutiatingly tedious. Actually about 90% of them are tedious, I like the races, and the traditional collect SKATE of find 5 whatevers in 2 minutes, but then the competitions don't have the skate park feel to them. The levels are big, but fairly unimaginative (Chicago from Mat Hoffman 2....I won't say more)

If you're looking for a THPS game, I would go 3 and maybe even 2x before 4, but if you're looking for new levels and don't have 4, pick it up now that it is at a platnium price, and be glad you didn't spend twice as much on it. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LELT
Sales Rank: 3933
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Sports    5. Outdoors   

The Hulk
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (30 May, 2003)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $20.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Two types of gameplay: Employ the powers of brains and stealth as Bruce Banner or take control of the of the incredible strength and rage of the Hulk.
• 30 massive, highly-detailed levels featuring environments both directly from the film and exclusive to the game
• Fully destructible and interactive environments: Virtually anything can be manipulated, picked up, destroyed or used as a weapon. The Hulk can smash through walls, use semi-trucks as weapons, throw enemies through billboards and more.
• Take down the Hulk's foes with over 30 devastating attacks, including super attacks like the Sonic Clap and Gamma Slam.

Reviews (25)

For Fans only!
Good: Solid Graphics, nice gameplay, great cheat codes, more gamma characters.
Bad: Sometimes the Hulk appears seethrough or transparent,no backround music playing, Lacks realism from movie and not consistant with movie.
This game has many positives. Although it has many negatives as well. This game appealed to me because of the Hulk smashing things and kicking some a**. The new gamma creatures are strong and difficult to kill which makes you strive for a better game. The gamma created dogs, three in the movie, are numerous and attack in groups of 3. This was a real letdown considering there were only a total of 3 dogs in the movie.
Playing gets tiresome towards the end a little bit of music could have done this game wonders. After the game is done you just put it down and forget about it. There is not much extra to do than repeat the levels.
All in all if you dont think you will get tired of the smashing and smashing and killing and smashing then get this game, or if you are a Hulk fanatic.
-Out

Green Man For The Fans Only !!!!
If you are into the Hulk then you will enjoy this game. Smashing, crashing and wreaking havoc on environments, dogs, larger enemies and guards is alot of fun. The storyline is average but the creators have captued the sprirt and look of the more recent film, mixed it with a good level of comic book scenerios and cel-shaded the entire mix to please those green loving individuals.

However, non-Hulk fans and casual gamers beware. This game is repative, frustratingly annoying as Banner and short in length.
I found the Hulk parts to be amuzing and semi-engaging. The first few hours of crashing and breaking everything was fun but soon narrowed itself down to " another room, more to smash yawn".

The storyline is good but predictable and there are no real surprises here.

The much talked about Banner sections ARE annoying and break up the momentum felt playing the Hulk in previous levels. Banner uses really simple stealth tactics and no matter how good you are there is no way you will get through these levels in one go. The AI seems super sensative in these areas and it doesnt take much to make one guard aware of yah presence and then you will have many running in your direction. When this happens don't both, just let them kill yah cause Banner has the weakest fighting system i have ever encountered. Your punches are weak and often miss as you are surrounded by enemies. I mean even the scientist can kick you into the next world. Don't get me wrong, i have no issues with hard stealth action, (Splinter Cell was great and challenging), but these give you no chance are ill conceived as part of the gameplay. This to me seems like sloppy development. You go for being a strong bone crushing green menace with a above average fighting system to a small, weak loser that can't battle his way out of fight with a Backstreet Boy, (no there are no Backstreet Boys in the game but wouldn't it have been cool to pick one up and swing him through a window).

The overall game is not that lengthy nor has an epic feel as described in other reviews. This epic feel may be due to the many restarts for the Banner sections, which may give the game a more lengthy feel that what is actually there.

The first time i played this it took me about 12 hours over two nights. The second i played with cheats and got through it in about 6 hours. Overall, not a lengthy game and i only played it again cause i was curious to how the cheats would assist me in the game. It helped in getting through the game quicker but it was still repative and dare i say it a bit boring.

The only real benefit to the cheats is that you can get through the Banner sections quicker though even if you get seen with cheats it takes some time to finally knock out all the guards surrounding you by doing flips and punches. Also i noticed that in some levels all doors will lock on you when you are spotted, so forget about running through a door to get away. You are stuck there for the long haul, so FIGHTING is yah only way to unlock the doors.Even with cheats this becomes frustrating because guards are relentless and will butt u with the butt of there rifle. It still quite difficult to punch as well cause the guards move about frantically. Once again i don't mind a challenging fight but these are just frustrating and really poorly excuted. The Banner section really needed more work done on it and really kills what is a fun average smash em.

So, in conclusion, unless your a die hard hulk fan i'd rent the game over a weekend and gey yah moneys worth. There are just too many faults, short storyline and no repeat value to the game. You play it once your done.There are much better fight games out there that have environment crumple, excellent controls and good storylines to waste yah time on than this. Granted the fluro Hulk looks good and for some reason the green colour peaked my interest but what we have here is another average movie tie in that really needs some re-working...

Rent it !!!!!!

Hulk XBOX
I forgot to mention in my last review if you open all levels
you also open up all the challenge modes which include endurence
mode 1 and 2 were you fight waves and waves of different enemies
to try to beat the high score.There are 50 waves for 1 and 50
waves for 2.In 1 you fight missile soldiers,alpha guards,
and gamma dogs.On 2 you fight soldiers,gamma guards and gamma
dogs.On both levels you have a lot of weapons at hand.If you use
invanurability you will get thru these levels and wicked punch
will make quick use of the dogs.Than there's time attack level
1 and 2 were you have a certain amount of time to take out as
many enemies as possible.The last one and my favorite is
the hulk smash mode were you have 4 minutes to destroy as
many objects as possible.Remember if you want to open
challenge mode you have to open up the all levels in the cheats
or you'll only be able to get to certain ones by getting to
certain levels.Also if you turn on rage mode in the cheats

which is angmngt you will stay enraged and do a lot of
damage. By using the gamma crusher in rage it will take
out and kill a lot of enemies and make the ground crack
to.And Super sonic clap in rage will also take out a lot
of enemies by what I like to call flash frying them.If you
don't turn rage on in the cheats you will have to wait
for your rage meter to fill up. ... Read more

Asin: B00008I803
Sales Rank: 4082
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Action    5. Adventure   

How The West Was Won
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 May, 2003)
list price: $26.98 -- our price: $24.49
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Editorial Review

For a band with such an overarching legacy, the official record of Led Zeppelin's legendary--and unpredictable--live act has heretofore been poorly represented by the disappointing, scattershot soundtrack to The Song Remains the Same. But this triple-disc live set (culled from 1972 Long Beach/LA shows in advance of Houses of the Holy) addresses history with a vengeance, if a few decades late. These shows have rightfully assumed cult status in the bootleg market, showcasing a band at the peak of its creative and performing powers. Zep faithful will welcome the belated release as evidence for enduring loyalty, but younger fans may find its diversity and dynamics even more enlightening--indeed, whole careers have since been built on the musical ideas Jimmy Page and company toss off here as decorative filler. Crucially rooted in the amped-and-hammered American blues of the guitarist's former band, the Yardbirds, the marathon workouts of"Dazed and Confused" and "Whole Lotta Love" (which consume nearly an hour all by themselves) somehow encompass Ricky Nelson, Morocco, James Brown, Holst,Elvis Presley, and Muddy Waters amidst their trademark sturm und drang, while the acoustic set that closes out disc one showcases the band's--and particularly Robert Plant's--good-natured, crypto-Celtic folk appeal with energetic aplomb. Bigger and brasher than just about any rock act that followed in its historic wake, yet ever fan-loyal to its myriad influences, Led Zeppelin's live juggernaut finally gets the monument it deserves. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (354)

one of the greatest live albums ever
how the west was won was one of the greatest live rock albums along with live at fillmore east from the allman brothers.this fantastic live album contains brilliant versions of classics like dazed and confused,whole lotta love,rock and roll,black dog and more.an absolute must have.very very highly recommended.five stars.

one of the greatest live albums ever
I cant get enough words to describe how good this superb album is.this awesome double live album contains all their hits like rock and roll,black dog,whole lotta love,dazed and confused and the classic.stairway to heaven.hugely recommended with black sabbath's reunion and blue oyster cult's extraterrestrial live.

THIS CD ROCKS!!
Whoever wrote this cd sucks and should listen to creed should get sucker punched in the balls. Creed SUCKS Zeppelin RULZ!!!!!!!!THis cd is amazing get it NOW!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00008OWZC
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. British Blues    5. British Folk-Rock    6. British Metal    7. Hard Rock    8. Heavy Metal    9. Pop    10. Rock    11. Rock & Roll   

Static Age
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 July, 1997)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Reviews (75)

just great, earnest, ballcrushin rock n roll!
No matter what you feel about the Danzig phenomenon or where you stand in relation to stripped down guitar... Simply put, this is just a damn fine, energetic, frenetic, unself-conscious rock n roll masterpiece! So, whether you have the hoodie or not, whether you put the patch on your backpack or not- I don't know you, kid, and I don't care. Going on almost 27 years after they hashed this moster out in the studio, This Misfits album is one of the best of the late-70's, call it whatcha will, fearless, boundless, badass music. So pick it up, turn it up and grin real big as you stomp around your bedroom, spazzing out like you never would at a show, yelling, "I got somethin to say-ay! I killed your baby today!"

...It doesn't matter much to me... Yeah

When DO creatures rape your face...?
Wow. Misfits. I can honestly say I like the Misfits much more now than I did when I first got into them. I just got Static Age and Walk Among Us, both good, the former sweeter than the latter. As you may or may not have noticed, there is a new, or, "gay" "Misfits" floating around nowadays, which completely ruins the image/music of the the old, or, "real" Misfits. Among the stupid things they are responsible for, (i.e. naming a live album exactly the same as the "real" Misfits, making up stage names like Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, etc.) This "new" "Misfits" really tries to pass themselves off as the "real" Misfits and it sucks. Stay away from American Psycho, etc. I liked this review:

every bit as good as their old stuff- only heavier, January 20, 2005

Reviewer: Will (baltimore, md) - See all my reviews
"i didnt much listen to the misfits old stuff, but after picking this up i sampled some of it from collection 1 and 2. and i agree with lloyd, this is every bit as good as old misfits. glenn danzig was a pretty good frontman, but i really like Michale Graves, he has a very good punk voice. i never much cared for punk before, i always found it kind of just like noise, but this totally changed my outlook on punk rock. warning: not for posers."

There you have it, if you are a "poser" you won't be interested in the "new" Misfits. I like the fact that the reviewer has:

a) Only listened to Collection I & II of the "real" Misfits (Basically "best of")

b) Admitted he is not a fan of punk rock, furthermore, refers to it as "noise"

c) Recommends a "new" Misfits album, as opposed to a "real" Misfits album

d) "warning: not for posers."

Jesus Christ, I would demand blood if I ever met this guy, as would Glenn Danzig. Actually Glenn would would probably just take it. (He wanted to kick Randy Newman's ass for that song "Short People". Yikes!)

awesome!
Since I've first put this cd into my cd player,it is the ONLY thing I've been listening to.I fell in love with this right after I put it in.Of course,you can find most of these tracks on "Legacy Of Brutality".But it does not compare to this cd.This has to be by far the best Misfits cd that you can listen to from start to finish.Even though Walk Among Us and Earth A.D. have some of the good hits,it still doesn't compare to this. ... Read more

Asin: B000000I2R
Sales Rank: 36341
Subjects:  1. American Underground    2. Hardcore Punk    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Let's Go
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 June, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (67)

fast, loud, and like Green day
The second album from Rancid is fast and less hardcore. it still is catchy, and it is filled withcatchy choruses and solos. its an album withmore pop, but still punk. it's just like greenday.

since each song is short, it's easy to blow through tracks. Some are like a minute. And there grooves. each song is good until the end, 23 is a bad song, so the Cd ends there.

It's still has the Rancid feel with solo and bass, where Freeman sings. It's filled with ngreat choruses, and verses. Sometines the verses exceed the chorus. Some good songs are Salvation, nilhism,radio, Sidekick, and I really liked tenderloin too. others were St. Mary, Burn, I am the one and......Just Buy it.

It's one of there earely CD's too. there is no ska or that hardcore like their fith. It's like Greenday. It's the first CD to feature lars. Just avoid 23 if you are like me.

Rancid in their prime
Rancid is one of the best bands to come out of the 90's, let alone one of the best punk bands to do so.If you enjoy a good cali punk band, and you've either exhausted all of your NOFX sources or are just looking for something different, then Rancid is the band for you.As long as Tim's voice doesn't annoy you (I'll admit it may be an acquired taste), there are enough songs on this cd to make any punk rock enthusiast happy.This is Rancid at their prime, with not too much punk to make them hardcore, and just enough ska to get you bobbing your head to the beats, this album is, in my opinion, the definitive Rancid cd to purchase.Rancid is both a good band to cut your punk rock teeth on, and a great band to listen to no matter how long you've enjoyed the punk scene.All in all, this is an essential cd for any collection.

This May be the best album of the ninteys
It seriously may be. Strangly, it came out the same year as nofx punk in drublic, and green day dookie. They all gave thanks to eachother to. and billy joe co-wrote the song radio with rancid. Kinda cool. But watever. If your not a green day fan(which i can understand) and your a punker, you'll still probebly love this cd. Nihilism is an incredible song. catchy, but very punk. Thats what this cd is. It's real punk, but somehow rancid made it catchy. Radio is possibly the best song on the cd. Sidekick, salvation, tenderloin and let's go are an incredible stream of perfect songs. Then there is as one, not bad but the chorus is so boring, which is the core of most rancid songs. I'm not going to say every song but i'll tell you that ballad of jimmy and john, gunshot, ghetto box, dope sick girl, and 7 years down will blow you away. this is rancid, before they met good charlotte. And they are PUNK! ... Read more

Asin: B000001IPP
Sales Rank: 5587
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Punk Revival    4. Punk-Pop    5. Rock    6. Ska-Punk    7. Third Wave Ska Revival   

The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/The Temple of Doom/The Last Crusade) - Widescreen
Average Customer Review:
DVD (21 October, 2003)
list price: $69.99 -- our price: $52.49
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Editorial Review

As with Star Wars, the George Lucas-produced Indiana Jones trilogy was not just a plaything for kids but an act of nostalgic affection toward a lost phenomenon: the cliffhanging movie serials of the past. Episodic in structure and with fate hanging in the balance about every 10 minutes, the Jones features tapped into Lucas's extremely profitable Star Wars formula of modernizing the look and feel of an old, but popular, story model. Steven Spielberg directed all three films, which are set in the late 1930s and early '40s: the comic book-like Raiders of the Lost Ark, the spooky, Gunga Din-inspired Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and the cautious but entertaining Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Fans and critics disagree over the order of preference, some even finding the middle movie nearly repugnant in its violence. (Pro-Temple of Doom people, on the other hand, believe that film to be the most disarmingly creative and emotionally effective of the trio.) One thing's for sure: Harrison Ford's swaggering, two-fisted, self-effacing performance worked like a charm, and the art of cracking bullwhips was probably never quite the iconic activity it soon became after Raiders. Supporting players and costars were very much a part of the series, too--Karen Allen, Sean Connery (as Indie's dad), Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri, Denholm Elliot, River Phoenix, and John Rhys-Davies among them. Years have passed since the last film (another is supposedly in the works), but emerging film buffs can have the same fun their predecessors did picking out numerous references to Hollywood classics and B-movies of the past. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Box set
• Dolby

Reviews (426)

He will Always be the Name of Adventure
In 1975 Steven Speilberg took you into a sea of terror, in 1977 George Lucas took you into a galaxy full of heroes,villians and many creature species. These two legends came together to introduced as the ultimate hero in the ultimate adventures. The legendary Harrison Ford as the legendary wip cracking archeologist Indiana Jones. The greatest adventure films of all time that truly embody Hollywood history are on DVD, All 3 of Indy's epic adventures, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Now bring home these classic treasures because theres no adventure hero like Indiana Jones. I'm thrilled for Indy's 4th adventure. If you have never seen these movies and your an adventure fan, well your missin out on adventure masterpieces that has a household name and pop culture icon. These films spawned the TV series Young Indiana Jones and two Disney theme parks; Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spetacular in WDW and Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland. Bring home the legendary adventures of the legendary Indiana Jones. These are treasures you been waiting to open. "snakes, why it have to be snakes?"

All together now
Everyone is going to have a favorite film. However these work well as a set and are worth the purchase. And the extra goodies or special features of the set add to the experience.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

This is the first in a series of fun to watch action packed movies based on what an archeologist should be. Being a first you will not notice the pattern of the film unless you are used to Saturday matinees.

We hit the deck running on this one as we see Indiana Jones making a John Wayne type of entrance. So much that you do not notice the dubious looking character next to him Statipo (Alfred Molina). Until he says "Give me the Idle and I will give you the whip."

Now settled down, after his near miss with the natives, Harrison Ford is a professor (Indiana Jones) teaching the fact that archeology is a search for facts not some thrill ride.

That very afternoon he is confronted by some government agents. It seems that his old professor Abner Ravenwood has disappeared. They picked up some radio transmissions that contained the name of Abner and a city Tannis. Immediately Indiana Jones knows that the Nazis (natural bad buys) are looking for the Ark of the Covenant (which can be used as a weapon of unspeakable power) and somehow he must bet them to it for the sake of the world.

He is helped by an old love interest Marion (Karen Allen) and rivaled by an old nemesis Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman).

Does it really exist?
How can he beat them to it?
Why is he on the outs with Abner?

Hold on for a thrill a minute and don't eat any bad dates.
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

The "now standard Indiana" formula is there and there are a lot of fun parts to this movie. However the bad guys are too bad and the situation is too spooky. Be sure to watch "Riders of the Lost Ark" first even thought this takes place chronologically earlier.

Once again James Bond has nothing on Dr. Jones (Harrison Ford) as he negotiates for a treasure and is double crossed at every turn, barely escaping with his life, also the acquisition of a steriotipical blond singer Wilhelmina Scott (Kate Capshaw), and his new sidekick Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan).

In his hasty retreat he does not realize that there are greater forces at work insuring that he fulfill his destiny to recover a sacred object and all the children of a beleaguered village.

Is he up to the challenge?
In this case does being blond help or hinder?
Will Short Shot prove that size does not matter?
Take heart!

Be prepared for a dark passage "a little too dark for my taste".
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

It may just be coincidence but this time Harrison Ford that was a carpenter is not Dr. Indiana Jones (Junior) and his last crusade (until the next film) is to obtain a cup of a carpenter.

Even though this film can stand on its own, it can be more fully understood if you watch "Raiders of the lost Ark" first.

Once again we start out with a young Jones trying to save an artifact from pillagers. This lets us know of his heroic energy and introduces his father Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery) and his obsession with the Holy Grail, even to the exclusion of his relationship with Junior.

Now grown Dr. Indiana Jones gives a class and explains that Archeology is a pretty strait forward science and not some search for legends. He receives a mysterious piece of post.

He is then approached by group of rich people that are in search of the Grail. It turns out that their top researcher has disappeared. Yep it is Professor Henry Jones. What can Indiana do but go looking for his father. He is accounted by his best friend who runs a museum Dr. Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliottt) as they team up with the last person to see his father Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody.) He gets a final warning "Do not trust anybody."

Will he find his father?
If he dies what will they have to talk about?
Does the Grail really exist?
Who are the mysterious people following him?

One of my favorite scenes is where Dr. Jones disguised in a German uniform bumps into Hitler (Michael Sheard of Star Wars fame).

Have fun watching this great film with the banter between Hennery and Junior. And remember "do not trust anybody."

The greatest series of films ever made
I am a writer for www.theindyexperience.com and I thought it would be fun to do a review here. I have been an Indy fan for sixteen years and I am stunned by the amount of reviews here on Amazon. It's great to see so many people reviewing my favourite series of films.

Firstly, Raiders of the Lost Ark is my favourite movie out of the trilogy. Last Crusade is very personal to me, but I'll get to that later. I won't explain the plot, because that has already been covered here.

In my opinion, Raiders of the lost Ark is a visually stunning masterpiece and the greatest film ever made. I have been lucky enough to see this movie on the big screen three times in the last two years, and it just emphasises what a truly great movie it is. From a DVD point of view, when this wonderful trilogy was released on this format, I was thrilled beyond words. I have to say that Lucasfilm have done an absolutely fantastic job of restoring these films. After many years of watching these films on VHS, the DVD format is a blessing. I despair of anybody out there who has not seen this movie, as I feel that it is better than anything that has been released in the cinema for almost the last 25 years. Raiders was made at a time when there was no CGI, and films were made using models, props, miniatures, matte paintings and traditional moviemaking techniques. Raiders has to be one of the best loves movies ever released and it's great to see that this film receives positive comments, even now. Harrison Ford is absolutely magnificent as Indiana Jones, the archaeological adventurer searching for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. The supporting cast are wonderful, and Karen Allen gives a fantastic performance as Indy's old girlfriend, Marion Ravenwood. The locations and sets are a sight to behold and Spielberg's direction is perfect and one of his greatest achievements to date. John Williams' adventurous score adds to the greatness of this movie, and every piece of music is perfectly crafted for each scene.

Regarding Temple of Doom, it's a real shame. Not a shame about the movie, because I love it, but because of the negative comments about it. Okay, Indy's second cinematic adventure can be incredibly dark in places, but saying that, it makes up for in sheer fun. One of my favourite posters for this film is English, and I basically like it for its positive comments. "Spellbinding, wonderful stuff!" says one. "Thrill a minute blockbuster, the pace never lets up...you're left breathless with excitement", says another. I have to say, I totally agree with these reviews. I think it's a great movie and such a shame that others don't enjoy this for the great film it is. The mine cart chase is great adrenaline rush and the rope bridge is one of the best scenes in the film. Once again, the locations are stunning, and even though most of this movie takes place indoors, the sets are pretty impressive.

Moving on to Last Crusade, this was the film that made me the Indy fan in the first place! I know that many people like this movie and I think that one of the reasons is because the wonderful chemistry between Harrison and Sean is fantastic! I remember the first time I saw this movie in the cinema. I was totally blown away. It's funny, exciting, adventurous and has some of the funniest scenes that I've ever seen. If I had laughed any louder in the cinema, they would have probably thrown me out!

Okay, so we all know that George Lucas created Indiana Jones, but lets face it, Harrison Ford was the one who breathed life into the character and made him three-dimensional, and what a performance! In my opinion, this guy deserved an Oscar for at least one of those movies! I'm sorry to be biased, but Harrison being my favourite actor was incredible in these films. Not only is his acting magnificent and believable, it has to be said that he also looks absolutely gorgeous! Oh, those hazel eyes...

Ahem, well, on to the bonus disc...
Not to sound negative, but personally, being a huge Indy fan, I would have loved to have seen more stuff on this disc. The trailers are pretty cool, check out the Raiders re-release one: "Indiana Jones, befriended by Sallah, pursued by Belloq, and loved by Marion..." Very interesting. The documentaries are both interesting and informative, and there was some footage there that I had never seen before. I'm surprised that they did not include the fantastic documentary known as: `The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark' as I'm sure there are many fans out there would have really enjoyed seeing it. The only thing that I am unhappy with regarding the bonus disc is the cut scenes, and there are at least ten from Last Crusade. Having said that though, perhaps they are going to save them for a future release.

There are many great film series out there, but for me none is as quite a good as this trilogy. You have a wonderful set of movies here and the bonus disc is both informative and fun.

If you haven't bought these movies yet, please do yourself a favour and buy them as soon as possible. There is a lot of good stuff out there today, but I feel that nobody can make films quite as good as this. ... Read more

Asin: B00003CXC5
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-action/Adventure   

Star Wars Trilogy
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (21 November, 2000)
list price: $39.98 -- our price: $31.98
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Editorial Review

The Star Wars trilogy had the rare distinction of becoming more than just a series of movies, but a cultural phenomenon, a life-defining event for its generation.On its surface, George Lucas's original 1977 film is a rollicking and humorous space fantasy that owes debts to more influences than one can count on two hands, but filmgoers became entranced by its basic struggle of good vs. evil "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," its dazzling special effects, and a mythology of Jedi Knights, the Force, and droids.

In the first film, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) gets to live out every boy's dream: ditch the farm and rescue a princess (Carrie Fisher).Accompanied by the roguish Han Solo (Harrison Ford, the only principal who was able to cross over into stardom) and trained by Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Luke finds himself involved in a galactic war against the Empire and the menacing Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones).The following film, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), takes a darker turn as the tiny rebellion faces an overwhelming onslaught.Directed by Irvin Kershner instead of Lucas, Empire is on the short list of Best Sequels Ever, marked by fantastic settings (the ice planet, the cloud city), the teachings of Yoda, a dash of grown-up romance, and a now-classic "revelation" ending.The final film of the trilogy, Return of the Jedi (1983, directed by Richard Marquand), is the most uneven.While the visual effects had taken quantum leaps over the years, resulting in thrilling speeder chases and space dogfights, the story is an uneasy mix of serious themes (Luke's maturation as a Jedi, the end of the Empire-rebellion showdown) and the cuddly teddy bears known as the Ewoks.

Years later, George Lucas transformed his films into "special editions" by adding new scenes and special effects, which were greeted mostly by shrugs from fans.They were perfectly happy with the films they had grown up with (who cares if Greedo shot first?), and thus disappointed by Lucas's decision to make the special editions the only versions available. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Box set
• NTSC

Reviews (1959)

I Just Don't See The Point
Okay, just relax you Star Wars-movie-viewing cult.You are probably ready to jump down my throat, so just calm down.I am pretty mad right now too.You see, when I was younger I never happened to catch The Star Wars like so many of you did.Sure, I was aware of it quite a bit, and had heard OF it a lot.As a kid there were plenty of times when bullys would punish me whith wiffle-bats that they pretended were light-sabers, and I would always get drafted to play a Speeder-biker or an Ewok when everyone else got to be main-characters.Obviously these things left a bad taste in my mouth about the Star Wars.I started getting my parents to buy me the action-figures and vehicles, and that brought plenty of kids over to my house, and people THOUGHT I had seen it because I had quite a collection.

So when I finally saw some of the novels at the library, I gave-in and picked up the first in the series.It completely captivated me and made me realize exactly what was going on, and I didn't even HAVE to see the movie.I moved on to the next 2 books shortly after, and now reading them has become a yearly tradition for me.I was enthralled by the Socio-Political struggles and the in-depth character building so much in fact that I began to realize something.That something truly this special would be significantly weakened by condensing them into 3 ridiculously short Hollywood-style movies.The concept of these movies is just laughable to me that they would even TRY something like this.I therefore established "The Star Wars Movie Boycott Movement".

You see, when I read the novels I have very vivid pictures of what certain space-ships, monsters or planets look like, and the best part is that I can imagine whatever actors I want playing the main-characters.I obviously imagine myself as Luke because I feel that I really capture the character well (especially in the 3rd book).My best picks for the other characters is how I visualize Han-Solo as being Patrick Swayze.He has that dashing charisma that the character MUST have.I imagine Darth-Vader's voice as this guy Lance I know who is a real bully-type just like the character.Another one I have is harder to explain but I will try.I chose my dog Morris to be Chewbacca, but now he is 8 feet tall and can stand on 2 legs.If an element of the story is too hard to imagine, that is the ONLY time I will accept an out-side influence and refer to my action-figures.

Do you see what I'm doing here?I am able to personalize the story, whereas you can only imagine it how the movie tells you it is.I can now enjoy the story far more, and on so many more levels than you can.In conclusion, I know that quite a few of you have seen these movies, so I guess it's too late for you to imagine what is actually possible.The people I am trying to get through to are the people that are looking up this DVD because they don't know if they should see it or not.The answer is NO.Buy the books instead, and save yourself a ton of money in the proccess, and imagine it how YOU want to.Not greedy Hollywood movie-makers.Join me in "The Star Wars Movie Boycott Movement" if you want to realize the true power of the Trilogy.Soon you will be able to actually sign up for it on my web-site.Later.

Review it for what it is, not for what it's not...
First off, I want to say that I think people that haven't purchased and viewed these DVDs shouldn't be writing any reviews about them. If you love the originals so much, you can hunt them down on vhs and laserdisc on several online auction sites. Lucas released this set to co-exist with the new movies Episodes I-III, so that when this generation, and future generations, discover these movies, they will all fit together as a whole body of work. I hate to say this, but the Special Editions, including the new changes found in this DVD set only, were necessary so that not only would the storyline fit more completely, but because the original films, from a pure technical standpoint, would have been a let down when compared to Episodes I-III. Future generations would have been let down by the originals from a visual fx standpoint, after being blown away by the visuals from Episodes I-III.
Now, yes the original films are better, yes Han should have shot Greedo first and yes it's a shame that the original cuts that my generation loves, will never be released again. However, if Episodes I, II and III were going to be produced, these changes and enhancements HAD to be made.
Episode III did an excellent job of convincing me that these changes needed to be made. After seeing that movie, you will even understand why Lucas placed the spirit of the young Anakin Skywalker at the end of Jedi and removed the older one. All the changes were made, as I said,to keep everything together as one body of work. Another great change was made to my favorite of all the films, the Empire Strikes Back. As a kid I always thought the scene were Vadar receives a video message from the Emperor to be a little...hockey. The make-up on the actor playing the Emperor looked silly with his eyes all bugged out. Well, that actor has been replaced with the same actor playing the Emperor in Episodes I-III. It works beautifully, and reminds us of the chilling scenes from Episode III between the Emperor and Skywalker.
As for the DVD set itself, the packaging is a box set slipcase that holds 4 amaray style DVD cases (these are the standard black plastic cases that DVDs are shipped in). You get all 3 movies, Episodes IV-VI plus a fourth disc dedicated to bonus material, which is dominated by the ultimate Star Wars documentary explaining in great detail the making of Episodes IV-VI, along with information on the Special Editions and the new films. The packaging itself is similar to the way Episodes I and II are packaged as far as the artwork goes. When I opened the DVD boxes, I was pleased to see the original movie poster artwork displayed on each DVD disc itself. Each DVD also includes a traycard for quick chapter refrence. One thing that I thought was really cool, is that each DVD contains random DVD menus, meaning that different menu styles will appear each time you view the movies. The menus are highly interactive and contain a great deal of animation, the animations are of actual scenes from the films that have been broken apart digitally so that you can move thru them in 3D...too cool. These are some of the best DVD menus I've ever seen.
The set-ups are loaded with options. You can choose between stereo English, Spanish and French, English 5.1 surround sound sound and audio commentaries which are supplied by Lucas, Fisher, Burtt and Muren with each one offering insights into their own fields: acting, directing and technical aspects.
Overall, this is an excellent collection. We've all seen the movies, you either love them or hate them. To avoid this set simply because of the changes is ridiculous. Bottom line, all the charm of the original films remains intact, it's just that now, they are part of a much larger picture.
So, stop taking it all so seriously and just enjoy the films.

Many changes but......
....these changes were so good because they really tied both trilogies together. Granted, the movies have changed a lot since they were first released in the theaters. But, considering how high-tech and clean Episodes I, II, and III look, the original trilogy just didn't seem to make the whole saga flow without all the changes that were added to the DVD set.

In Episode IV, not much has changed except for the fact that they made the lightsabers much brighter and more colorful. Much better then the original or even Special Edition versions. Also, a rather funny change was the added "clang" when the stormtrooper bangs his head against the ceiling on the Death Star :)

In Episode V, there is only one major change. The Emporer/Darth Vader conversation in the asteroid field now contains Ian McDiarmid instead of whoever it was the played the Emporer originally. There's also a few added lines in the scene.

In Episode IV, there is also only one major change, which I believe most people know about. Hayden Christensen now replaces Sebastian Shaw as a blue glowie. Personally, I think it is a much better choice because Christensen will forever be thought of as the man inside the Darth Vader suit now. It just makes the final closing connection that most people want to have.

So there's the rundown of the changes. Remember, people, these are George Lucas's movies. He finally has them the way he wants them. If you don't like it, don't buy the DVD. Stick with the VHS movies that came out back in 1995. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XPP0
Subjects:  1. Science Fiction   

Star Wars Saga Video Pack (The Phantom Menace/Attack of the Clones)
Director: George Lucas
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (12 November, 2002)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $28.48
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Editorial Review

George Lucas transports audiences back to the future with Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace, the first installment of a prequel trilogy in which the director imagines the foundation for the entire six-part saga. Despite receiving a storm of adverse criticism (notably for Jar Jar Binks), Lucas continually fascinates with his ability to place his characters--some new, some old, some CGI--in the same dramatic situations posed in the original trilogy: whether it be the juxtaposition of primitives with technologically advanced societies or the timeless battle between good and evil, the very familiarity of these recurring scenarios and rhythms galvanizes the viewer. Of course, the state-of-the-art visual effects contribute mightily to the final impact: the kinetic Pod Race sequence, the epic military battles, the Romanesque grandeur of Naboo, the underwater city of Otoh Gunga, the decadent brio of Tatooine, and the dizzying skyscrapers of the city planet Coruscant. --Kevin Mulhall

If The Phantom Menace was the setup, then Attack of the Clones is the plot-progressing payoff, and devoted Star Wars fans are sure to be enthralled. Ten years after Episode I, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), now a senator, resists the creation of a Republic Army to combat an evil separatist movement. The brooding Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is resentful of his stern Jedi mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), tormented by personal loss, and showing his emerging "dark side" while protecting his new love, Amidala, from would-be assassins. Youthful romance and solemn portent foreshadow the events of the original Star Wars as Count Dooku (a.k.a. Darth Tyranus, played by Christopher Lee) forges an alliance with the Dark Lord of the Sith, while lavish set pieces showcase George Lucas's supreme command of all-digital filmmaking. All of this makes Episode II a technological milestone, savaged by some critics as a bloated, storyless spectacle, but still qualifying as a fan-approved precursor to the pivotal events of Episode III. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Reviews (38)

One okay movie, one better movie.
I was one of the many people who didn't like the Phantom Menace, and considered it a major disappointment from the last three movies. I was not impressed by the acting and script, and found Jar Jar Binks to be annoying. I liked the visual effects and everything else in the movie to consider it an OK film, but could've been alot better.

I was very anxious to see Attack of the Clones when it came out at the movies, because of the good word of mouth on it. When I saw it at the movies, I loved it very much. It had almost everything I was looking for in a Star Wars movie, except for the good acting from the two leads, and better romantic dialogue. But I still loved it as much as the other films. You shouldn't buy both movies together, because you may not like one of them, or both, but what I would suggest is renting The Phantom Menace first, then Attack of the Clones to make a decision if you want to buy both movies.

One okay movie, one better movie.
I was one of the many people who didn't like the Phantom Menace, and considered it a major disappointment from the last three movies. I was not impressed by the acting and script, and found Jar Jar Binks to be annoying. I liked the visual effects and everything else in the movie to consider it an OK film, but could've been alot better.

I was very anxious to see Attack of the Clones when it came out at the movies, because of the good word of mouth on it. When I saw it at the movies, I loved it very much. It had almost everything I was looking for in a Star Wars movie, except for the good acting from the two leads, and better romantic dialogue. But I still loved it as much as the other films. You shouldn't buy both movies together, because you may not like one of them, or both, but what I would suggest is renting The Phantom Menace first, then Attack of the Clones to make a decision if you want to buy both movies.

Nearly unwatchable....
The Phantom Menace suffers from a horrendous script,but it actually has a couple of scenes that are genuinely entertaining.On the other hand,Attack of the Clones is quite possibly the worst big budget motion picture ever made.The script is even worse than Phantom Menace (and by a long way),and the movie is tedious,almost beyond belief.There is no 'acting',to speak of,rather just lame pronouncements from the various actors.I borrowed a friend's dvd,just to give it a viewing,and I wanted to walk out,even while in my own living room.These movies illustrate,if there was any remaining doubt,that Lucas has lost whatever talent he may have once had.I'm of the opinion that he had very little to begin with. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JE6T
Subjects:  1. Science Fiction   

Band of Brothers
Average Customer Review:
DVD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $119.99 -- our price: $79.99
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Editorial Review

An impressively rigorous, unsentimental, and harrowing look at combat during World War II, Band of Brothers follows a company of airborne infantry--Easy Company--from boot camp through the end of the war. The brutality of training takes the audience by increments to the even greater brutality of the war; Easy Company took part in some of the most difficult battles, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the failed invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the liberation of a concentration camp and the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest. But what makes these episodes work is not their historical sweep but their emphasis on riveting details (such as the rattle of a plane as the paratroopers wait to leap, or a flower in the buttonhole of a German soldier) and procedures (from military tactics to the workings of bureaucratic hierarchies). The scope of this miniseries (10 episodes, plus an actual documentary filled with interviews with surviving veterans) allows not only a thoroughness impossible in a two-hour movie, but also captures the wide range of responses to the stress and trauma of war--fear, cynicism, cruelty, compassion, and all-encompassing confusion. The result is a realism that makes both simplistic judgments and jingoistic enthusiasm impossible; the things these soldiers had to do are both terrible and understandable, and the psychological price they paid is made clear. The writing, directing, and acting are superb throughout. The cast is largely unknown, emphasizing the team of actors as a whole unit, much like the regiment; Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston play the central roles of two officers with grit and intelligence. Band of Brothers turns a vast historical event into a series of potent personal experiences; it's a deeply engrossing and affecting accomplishment. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Box set
• Dolby
• DTS Surround Sound

Reviews (780)

Well Done!
Saving private ryan was a good movie, but i always wanted more character development, more battles, stories upon the stories and the whole scope of the company, regiment and battalion, Band of Brothers delivers that wish and more. Excellent portrayal of the heros who were in those situations, and the true to life stories the series is based on are heartfelt and honest.

Thanks Easy Company....
I was a little late viewing this movie regrettably, this DVD gives a new meaning to Memorial and Veterans day..This classic should be required viewing for our school students...oh yeah, and the french...God bless you, Easy Company...and our troops

Good to go!
I am so glad that some one got these mens story before the silent artillery of time silenced them. This is a great look at the Men who helped pulled the plug on some of the greatest evil to face our nation. ... Read more

Asin: B00006CXSS
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)
Director: Peter Jackson
Average Customer Review:
DVD (12 November, 2002)
list price: $39.98 -- our price: $27.99
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Editorial Review

In every aspect, the extended-edition DVD of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring blows away the theatrical-version DVD. No one who cares at all about the film should ever need to watch the original version again. Well, maybe the impatient and the squeamish will still prefer the theatrical version, because the extended edition makes a long film 30 minutes longer and there's a bit more violence (though both versions are rated PG-13). But the changes--sometimes whole scenes, sometimes merely a few seconds--make for a richer film. There's more of the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien, embodied in more songs and a longer opening focusing on Hobbiton. There's more character development, and more background into what is to come in the two subsequent films, such as Galadriel's gifts to the Fellowship and Aragorn's burden of lineage. And some additions make more sense to the plot, or are merely worth seeing, such as the wood elves leaving Middle-earth or the view of Caras Galadhon (but sorry, there's still no Tom Bombadil). Extremely useful are the chapter menus that indicate which scenes are new or extended.

Of the four commentary tracks, the ones with the greatest general appeal are the one by Jackson and cowriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, and the one by 10 cast members, but the more technically oriented commentaries by the creative and production staff are also worth hearing. The bonus features (encompassing two complete DVDs) are far superior to the largely promotional materials included on the theatrical release, delving into such matters as script development, casting, and visual effects. The only drawback is that the film is now spread over two discs, with a somewhat abrupt break following the council at Rivendell, due to the storage capacity required for the longer running time, the added DTS ES 6.1 audio, and the commentary tracks. But that's a minor inconvenience. Whether in this four-disc set or in the collector's gift set (which adds Argonath bookends and a DVD of National Geographic Beyond the Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring), the extended-edition DVD is the Fellowship DVD to rule them all. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Director's Cut
• DTS Surround Sound
• Color
• Box set
• Widescreen

Reviews (3516)

The best!
Its a wonderful movie, amazingly brought onto the screen without making much changes to the book version. Bringing a beautiful fantasy to something which you can watch is wonderful! I am proud to own all the 3 of the extended editions of the movie on dvds :-)
I say, it is a must to watch all the movies, appreciate the creativeness of the writer (Tolkien) and also the people who made it possible to be got onto the screen. I think it is the best trilogy which has ever been made and which will ever be made.

Favorite movie i ever watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lord of the rings THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING is my favorie movie i ever watched.It is a cool action movie. I ecspecaly like the troll & the Belrog. I would also recomend reading the book first and you should watch the extended edition. This cool movie is 3 1/2 hours long (the extended editon) so make sure you have enough time before watching it. I personaly Wouldn't recomend it for children under 10 but it is your choice. or maybe children under tenif taking the scary parts uot. If you havn't seen it already go get it from your nearest movie store. Youl love it!!!

Its About Addiction
Lord of the Rings is not an epic struggle between "good" and "evil". That level of analysis is more appropriate for pop trash, such as Lucas' Star Wars.

Lord of the Rings is about addiction. Any addict, or anyone who works with addicts, will immediately recognize the ring's affect on its bearer as quite similar to the affect of serious addictive elements on the addict, such as that found in heroin addiction, alcohol addiction, or religion addiction. There are numerous parallels between the power of the ring and addictive behavior: the transformation that occurs in Bilbo, Frodo, Gollum and the Ringwraithes; the insipient, all-consuming desire to use the drug, but also the fear to do so; Frodo's desire to see Gollum restore to Smeagol, so that Frodo may hope to also return to a pre-addictive state; the inability to return to a pre-addictive state, as with Bilbo and Frodo; the overwhelming temptation to use, even among those who are cognizant of its terrible descrutive power, as with Galadriel and Gandalf; the development of multiple personalities, as with Gollum/Smeagol; the isolation of addiction, as with Gollum living alone in the depths of the Misty Mountains for countless years with his "precious"; the discarding of loved ones, as with Frodo to Sam or Smeagol to Deagol; the delusion of strength acquired by addictive usage, such as with Boromir and Faramir; the deterioration of perceived strength over time, and ultimate corruption of the soul, as with Gollum and the Wraithes. These are all highly correlated with serious addictions.

With this understanding of addiction in mind, it is a painful yet inspirational experience to view the epic journey that occurs in the three LOTR movies. So much is familiar. Even Frodo's and Bilbo's decision to accompany the elves across the waters to live out their days is indicative of a life that has been utterly and irreversibly changed due to past addiction - the addict is never really cured.

Thank you so much Peter Jackson, for bringing Tolkein's books to life. Now, how about The Hobbit?
... Read more

Asin: B000067DNF
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-action/Adventure   

The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers (Widescreen Edition)
Director: Peter Jackson
Average Customer Review:
DVD (26 August, 2003)
list price: $19.97 -- our price: $14.98
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Editorial Review

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a seamless continuation of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. After the breaking of the Fellowship, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power with the creature Gollum as their guide. Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) join in the defense of the people of Rohan, who are the first target in the eradication of the race of Men by the renegade wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee) and the dark lord Sauron. Fantastic creatures, astounding visual effects, and a climactic battle at the fortress of Helm's Deep make The Two Towers a worthy successor to The Fellowship of the Ring, grander in scale but retaining the story's emotional intimacy. These two films are perhaps the greatest fantasy films ever made, but they're merely a prelude to the cataclysmic events of The Return of the King. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
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Reviews (1928)

Better than the first. Still part of single great work.
`The Two Towers' is the second of the three movies capturing the novel, `Lord of the Rings' by philologist J. R. R. Tolkien. This is one of the most influential popular novels of the 20th century. Other bases of big motion pictures such as `Ben-Hur' and `Gone With the Wind' can't hold a candle to it as it had an influence far beyond its role as the basis for a movie script. For starters, `Lord of the Rings' has had a large and growing readership from its original publication in the mid 1950s to the present, while I suspect practically no one reads Lew Wallace's `Ben-Hur' any more and few people have recently read Margaret Mitchell's `Gone With the Wind'. Another `Lord of the Rings' offspring is the whole `Dungeons and Dragons' role playing games phenomenon. This game originally appeared a few years after the second blooming of `Lord of the Rings' popularity in 1965, when the books were published in paperback by Houghton Mifflin in response to a pirated copy published by Ace. This is when I first became enraptured by the stories of Middle Earth.

It is impossible to speak of any one of the three movies by themselves as they do not in the usual sense of the word form a trilogy of three independent films related by common characters, location, and history. `The Lord of the Rings' was a single novel which was serialized in three volumes published over two and a half years in the mid 1950's. When the three titles are published in a single volume, it is not hard to see that the work is really not much longer than `Gone With the Wind' and it is certainly shorter than some notable novels such as `Atlas Shrugged'. One virtue we did get from the division into three titles by Tolkien is that Peter Jackson had a valid basis on which to split a single story into three long movies totaling close to 10 hours of viewing time.

Unlike the movies of the first and third books, almost every major scene of the book `The Two Towers', is captured in the movie. The chapters of Merry and Pippin with Treebeard and the Ents are shortened a bit. Seems as if the Ents are much too slow for 21st century cinema. One thing the movie did get wrong in its promotional artwork is the suggestion that the two towers of the title were Orthanc and Baradur, the fortress of Sauron. Actually, the second tower of the title is Minas Morgul, the city of Gondor, originally named Minas Ithil, but renamed when the Nazgul captured it several years before the start of the events in `Lord of the Rings'. Minas Morgul plays a much bigger role in the middle of the story than does Sauron's stronghold. Part of this change of tower may be due to the fact that some of the action involving Minas Morgul was moved to the third movie, `The Return of the King'.

The only piece of action I really miss is the role of Fangorn in the defeat of the besiegers of the Hornburg. And, in one of the very rare Peter Jackson additions to the story, I thought the skirmish between the Rohrrim / Aragorn and Saruman's warg riders was great cinema action, but just too much of a replay of Gandalf at the bridge in Moria, where a principle character is thought to have been killed and lost.

I have read `The Lord of the Rings' at least 10 times, and the story of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli from the banks of the Anduin to the victory at the Hornburg is by far one of my favorite parts of the novel. Treebeard comes in a close second, as he is a part of the same ancient history of Middle Earth to which only the faintest hints are given in the stories of Fangorn, The Old Forest by the Shire, and Tom Bombadil. Basically, Bombadil and the Ents stand for what is most worth saving from the evil of Sauron. This innocence is something that is tainted even in the sheltered lives of the Hobbits.

In contrast, after about the third or fourth reading, I often became anxious to get through the chapters about Frodo, Sam, and Gollum as quickly as possible. One of the greatest of Jackson's accomplishments in the films was to breath life into the characterization of Frodo Baggins, who always seemed to be to be something of a wimp, drawn along by the inexorable hand of fate. Sam, on the other hand, was pursuing the quest entirely out of love and grit. Another great service of the movie was the realization of Gollum. I think that Gollum's implementation may be about as close as we will come for a long time in seeing a computer generated character be nominated for an Academy Award for acting.

Even though `The Two Towers' is the middle third of a very long three part movie, it really has a much more satisfying ending than `The Fellowship of the Ring'. One starts to see how it may be possible to defeat the great evil challanging all the good guys in the story, but of course, the difficulty of Saruman's defeat is just a way of showing that defeating Sauron will be just that much more difficult.

The second of the great three part classic!

The book is better
But this said, I believe that there couldn't be a better movie.It captures the epic sweep and the pain and turmoil as Frodo and Sam approach the cracks of doom.It