Caprica (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was extremely skeptical when I heard about the proposed prequel to the greatest television science fiction saga of this generation. Attempting to cash in on the success of Battlestar Galactica so soon after the series ended seemed like a losing proposition doomed to mar an amazing franchise. Well, consider those fears alleviated. The first taste of "Caprica" is absolutely amazing. With no space battles and the themes of humanity's destruction and survival at the hands of their own creation already done to death, I feared for a lack of compelling material to further immerse me in the pre-genocide human society of the twelve worlds. All politics and no spaceships makes science fiction a dull genre. But what BSG did for the space opera, "Caprica" is set to do for cyberpunk. If BSG was Star Trek and Babylon 5, "Caprica" is Ghost in the Shell and The Matrix. I am beyond impressed.
The story unfolds as a terrorist attack by a youth seeking to draw attention to his monotheistic cause (most worship the old Greek gods). The result tears two families apart and in half a century's time will lead to the destruction of human society. But before that there is one hell of a story to be told. The themes on the social commentary buffet so far includes a much more bold dialogue on religion then even BSG gave us, a different angle on the definition of human as we know it, a frank look at a racist society, and an exploration of the logical extremes of future virtual existence. This is to say that once the internet and virtual reality become compatible, one hell of a can of worms will be opened.
Since this series premiere comes to us in movie form, the gods have shined upon us. As far as it's predecessor pushed the sexual envelope for a tv show, "Caprica" has easily bested it here. I don't know how they are going to cut this for television. There is abundant nudity, group sex, and some serious girl-girl going on in this film. Virtual human sacrifice in underground virtual hacker clubs speaks volumes about the social issues to be confronted and is damned disturbing. There is one violent death featuring a but of arterial spray as well. Still think science fiction is for kids? The idea of creating a virtual copy of yourself by hacking the information in your own brain and uploading it to a digital avatar, thereby achieving a brand of immortality is brilliant and the Frankenstein complex that leads a father who lost his daughter to cross lines that should never be crossed is stroke of absolute genius.
Familiarity with it's parent show will certainly deepen your appreciation of "Caprica", but it is not at all necessary. This is great science fiction, period. Now's your chance to get on board with what promises to be the best series in coming years. Don't miss it. Battlestar maniacs will get to see one of that show's enduring heroes in his formative years and witness the birth of the first Cylon in a heart-rending accident. But at it's heart this show -like Galactica- is about two things: massive universal concepts of humanity, and intimate relationships with the characters who inhabit this work of fiction. One cannot improve on that formula. There is no television show, no movie, nothing in entertainment that I am currently looking forward to more then this. If you are a fan of adult science fiction in any way, then this is what you need to be watching. And that goes double for BSG fans.

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An astonishing breakthrough is taking shape on the planet Caprica. The rapidly evolving spheres of human and mechanical engineering have collided, along with the fates of two families. Joined by tragedy in an explosive instant of terror, two rival clans led by powerful patriarchs, Joseph Adama (Esai Morales, Jericho) and Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz, The Butterfly Effect) duel in an era of questionable ethics, corporate machinations and unbridled personal ambition as the final war for humanity looms.The latest phenomenon from the executive producers of Battlestar Galactica (Ronald D. Moore and David Eick), set in a time over 50 years earlier, Caprica is entirely its own world - provocative, thrilling and startling relevant to our own.

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The New Maverick (Pilot) Review

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(More customer reviews)What a joy it was to see James Garner return to the role that made him famous! The character has aged like fine wine and the sharp Garner tongue is still firmly planted in the cheek. I agree only in part with the other reviewers - we do want to see the original Maverick on DVD! But this will serve as a nice appetizer until the main course comes along. And personally I can't see reviewing a product that you have not bothered to take the time to watch.

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NEW MAVERICK - DVD Movie

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Blossom: Seasons 1 & 2 Review

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(More customer reviews)Everytime I think of 'Blossom', I remember myself watching it, at the age of 8 or 9, while eating lunch, getting ready to go to school (I used to see it on its morning reruns) and having great fun. It was probably one of the very first TV series I actually cared about.
I grew up watching this show and it's been a long , long time since I saw it for the last time. I can't even remember the show precisely! I do remember some moments, some situations and of course, those delightful characters that always made me laugh so hard. So, I guess it'll be simply great to revisit the series after so long; I bet it'll be like having a whole new experience.
Well, it's been virtually a decade that I've waited for these DVD's, so I'm really looking forward to this pack with Season 1-2. I'm glad there are extras in the pack, such as commentaries from the director and cast, and interviews with Mayim, Joey and the others!!
Thank you 'Shout!' for bringing these DVDs, and I truly hope it doesn't take long for the other seasons to come!! I'm sure this will be a sucess on DVD.EDIT (February 22, 2009):
So here I am, finally through with the complete seasons 1 and 2. And I couldn't be happier! As a matter of fact, there was little I actually remembered about 'Blossom' - moments, a few lines, few storylines. I just knew I had loved it. But I was very surprised to realize that I still think, over 10 years later, that this is a good, well-written, funny show.
The actors did a wonderful job and the plots were interesting. The teenagers were never underestimated, very believable. I realize I appreciate the show now on a whole new level, taking into account aspects I sure didn't years before.
And the special features are great! We get to see all the actors nowadays reflecting back on their experiences on the show. There are a couple of featurettes on their friendship, the style of the show etc. and also commentaries on the episodes; not to mention the original pilot, quite different from the show itself. Very nice.
Overall, it was worth the wait. Bring on Season 3!!EDIT (May 5, 2010)
And here I am again, over a year later, to complain about the fact that there's still no news of Season 3 being released anytime soon! That's just mean! Shout Factory gave us a taste of what we had missed and now leaves high and dry? Come on! Time to start writing them about it!

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In 1991 NBC changed the face of prime-time sitcoms by introducing young audiences to an eccentric teenaged girl from a broken home on the mend. A video blogger predating the Internet, Blossom Russo (Mayim Bialik) chronicled the events of her teenage life in full, hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking detail, providing inspiration to youngsters and their families for five very special seasons. Now the groundbreaking Emmy nominated series first two seasons, 37 episodes, are available for the first time in one deluxe DVD box set. Starring: Mayim Bialik (Beaches, Curb Your Enthusiasm), Jenna von Oÿ (The Parkers), Ted Wass (Soap), Michael Stoyanov and Joey Lawrence in the role that made him an international heartthrob! Bonus Features: * Original Pilot* Blossom Trivia* A Very Special Show: A retrospective look at the series creation and impact on television, including brand-new interviews with creator Don Reo and stars Mayim Bialik, Jenna von Oÿ, Joseph Lawrence and Ted Wass.* A Very Special Friendship: An examination of the onscreen friendship of Blossom Russo and Six LeMeure, as well as the off-screen relationship between actresses Mayim Bialik and Jenna von Oÿ.* Audio Cast & Creator Commentaries

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Wings - The Complete First and Second Seasons (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)'Wings' is one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, if not the greatest. Very few shows offer as many constant laughs and endearing, heart warming stories with characters that became comedy legends. Who can forget Joe Hackett, the patriarch of the airport family, or his brother Brian, the casanova ladies' man who always had problems in the game of love. Then there's Helen Chappel, future wife of Joe and proprietor of the airport's snackbar, who was always pulling out hairs due to the crazy antics of her co-workers. Then there's Roy Biggins, the sleazy, slick yet somehow still lovable manager who's constantly scheming new ways to make a buck. Sort of like Roy's arch-nemesis, Fay Cochran is like everyone's grandmother: sweet, caring, funny with a bit of a mischevious side. Next is Lowell Mather, the bumbling, goofy but always well-intentioned plane mechanic who consistently brought golden comedy moments. A character that was introduced later on but who became an invaluable addition to the cast was Antonio Scarpacci, played by Tony Shalhoub who has gone on to further fame with his TV hit series entitled 'Monk'. Antonio's subtle, slightly neurotic portrayal of an insecure immigrant brought a great deal of humor as well as heart to the show, a character who nearly everyone could empathize with. Finally, a character who didn't enter 'Wings' until a few seasons later but added a tremendous amount to the show's comedy was Casey Davenport, actress Amy Yasbeck and widow of the late great John ritter. She played the on again off again girlfriend of Brian Hackett, and together they shared many hilarious episodes as they failed at dating.
Truly a classic sitcom, one that I personally love and never tire of, so I cannot wait to finally get my hands on this wonderful DVD collection after waiting all these years. Here is a brief rundown of all episodes from the first two excellent seasons:
Season 1
1. 'Legacy'- Joe and Brian Hackett reunite after a 6-year separation due to Brian stealing Joe's fiance' and end up making amends, which was their late father's dying wish.
2. 'Around the World In 80 Days'- Fay helps a pilot who's attempting a world-record flight around the globe. Helen auditons for the Cambridge Orchestra as a cellist.
3. 'Return To Nantucket: Part 1'- Brian travels to reunite with his ex-wife Carol, while Joe and Helen try to stop Brian from making a big mistake.
4. 'Return To Nantucket: Part 2'- Drama ensues as Brian wants to bring Carol back with him to Nantucket, despite Joe and Helen urging him not to.
5. 'There Once Was A Girl From Nantucket'- Brian sets Joe up on a blind date with a girl who has a bad reputation.
6. 'All For One and Two For Helen'- Brian, Joe and Helen want to go to Boston to see a Boston Celtics basketball game, but Joe's forced to cancel due to Fay and Roy arguing over the building of a new hangar.
Season 2
7. 'The Puppet Master'- Brian plays a prank on Helen by hiring a guy to pretend to be a pilot for the purpose of Helen falling in love with the pilot, which will break her rule of never dating pilots. Trouble ensues as Joe gets jealous.
8. 'The Story of Joe'- A writer from American Flyer Magazine stops by the Nantucket airport to do a story, which Joe is very enthused about, but his enthusiasm is quickly crushed when the writer is more interested in Brian's wild adventures than in Joe's airport.
9. 'A Little Nightmare Music'- The conductor of the Minneapolis Philharmonic Orchestra comes to Nantucket and Joe and Brian convince Helen to audition for the cello position.
10. 'Sports & Leisure'- Roy is invited to join the rest of the gang to a Trivial Pursuit party. Being teamed up with Lowell for the game, Roy gets frustrated by Lowell's participation.
11. 'A Standup Kind of Guy'- An old high school class mate of Joe asks him to be the best man at his wedding, but there is a problem, Joe does not remember who this class mate is!
12. 'It's Not the Thought, It's the Gift'- Joe and Brian compete with each other over who can buy Helen the best gift.
13. 'Hell Hath No Fury Like A Police Woman Scorned'- Joe gets arrested for Brian's unpaid parking tickets, so Brian tries to bail Joe out by wooing the police woman. Unfortunately for Brian, the police woman falls hard for him, and so he struggles with trying to break it off.
14. 'High Anxiety'- A doctor grounds Joe from flying due to his high blood pressure, and out of frustration he takes it out on his brother, which leads to Brian wanting to leave and join up with TWA airlines instead.
15. 'Friends or Lovers?'- Joe and Helen go out on a date while Brian spies on them with a faulty radio.
16. 'There's Always Room For Cello'- Roy has his boy RJ sign up with Helen for cello lessons.
17. 'A Terminal Christmas'- The airport crew goes over to Fay to celebrate Christmas, but find it hard to get into the holiday spirit with Fay all depressed over the loss of her late husband.
18. 'Airport '90'- Encouraged by Helen's support, Joe creates a flight school.
19. 'Love Is Like Pulling Teeth'- A dilemma forces Joe to choose between helping Helen out after her visit to the dentist or going to the big basketball game between Providence and Boston College.
20. 'The Tennis Bum'- Joe and Roy accidentally destroy Lowell's RC airplane model that he was going to enter into a contest. Meanwhile, Brian attemps to cheer up Fay by letting her beat him in a game of tennis. Unfortunately for Brian, word gets around of his loss and everyone gives him a hard time. Helen confronts Roy over sex discrimination in the hiring process.
21. 'My Brother's Back- And There's Going To Be Trouble'- Joe's back is injured which forces him to stay at the hospital, so Brian takes over management of the airport. Brian has lots of creative ideas on how to improve business but they are less than successful.
22. 'Plane 9 From Nantucket'- Joe and Brian see a UFO during a routine flight, and after reporting it to the FAA, UFO observers arrive at the airport to study the phenomenon. Helen accuses Fay of not paying her lunch bill, and they end up settling it with an arm-wrestling contest.
23. 'Looking For Love In All the Wrong Places'- Joe and Helen plan a special day together on Valentine's Day. Roy strikes gold with a blind date with the woman beating all his low expectations, which convinces him that there must be something wrong with her.
24. 'Love Means Never Having To Say Geronimo'- Brian is kicked out of the house as Joe and Helen wants some time alone. The next day Brian brings his own girlfriend back to the house, and after a few passionate days they decide to get married in an airplane. With Joe and Helen as the best man and bridesmaid, they get caught up in the excitement and decide to get married at the same time.
25. 'All In the Family'- Brian is dating a new woman, but the woman's son is not too happy about their relationship. At the same time, Helen and Joe fight over their right to privacy.
26. 'Mother Wore Stripes'- Brian and Joe get a surprise visit by their long-lost mother who left their family many years ago, which leads to many buried emotions rising to the surface.
27. 'Murder She Roast'- Joe and Brian's house is fumigated, so Brian has to stay with Fay after Joe refuses Brian from staying with him and Helen. While staying at Fay's, Brian suspects Fay of being a murderer after seeing her doppelganger on TV.
28. 'Due For Plane and Cello'- Helen auditions for the Maine State Symphony and is hired, which catches Joe off guard. They fight over her new job and it ends up with Helen leaving for NYC. Back at the airport, Fay and Roy argue over a seemingly lost passenger who does not speak English. Fay wants to help her but Roy wants the woman to leave.
The first two seasons do not have Antonio Scarpacci, unfortunately, but we can all look forward to him in the third season at which point he becomes a regular. This is such a wonderful show and I'm glad that all its fans finally get to enjoy it on DVD!

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Brothers Brian and Joe Hackett (Steven Weber and Timothy Daly) attempt to run a Nantucket-based airline while surrounded by their various wacky friends and employees. Series featured an outstanding supporting cast, including Crystal Bernard, Thomas Haden Church (Sideways), Tony Shalhoub (Monk) and Amy Yasbeck. Solidly funny sitcom that ran for several years.

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