Topic: DVD

‘The Andromeda Strain’ revisted in slick A&E miniseries, now on DVD

By Christine Anne Piesyk | June 27, 2008 |

I’m not usually a fan of remakes, especially for a film I loved in its original form. The 2008 A&E production of Michael Crichton’s The Adromeda Strain overcame the odds to be at least as good as the original, if not better. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Crichton’s best novel of the same name was a taunt, tense, pre-computer age sci-fi thriller with Dustin Hoffman as scientist and protagonist Jeremy Stone, head of the Wildfire Biohazard Response team.

In this upgraded version, Director Mikael Salamon stuck to the story (Wow, what a concept!) and used 40 years of improved and expanded technology to rev up the action and adapt the film to 21st century science. It’s a place where the fiction is less improbable, the fantasy more believable, and, in the age of conspiracy theorists, corruption, terrorist threats and a new thrust toward space exploration are easily interjected into the film. «Read the rest of this article»

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For Valentine’s Day - “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”

By Turner McCullough Jr. | February 11, 2008 |

A Valentine’s Day DVD Recommendation!

Guys, Here’s a suggestion that’s sure to be a hit with your significant other! Get a copy of the DVD of the 1996 movie, “The Truth About Cats and Dogs.”

The movie is a romantic comedy loosely based on the classic French novel, “Cyrano De Bergerac.” Most of us are likely more familiar with the Steven Martin adaptation “Roxanne,” only here the gender of the love-smitten” and “the pursued” roles are reversed.

Janeane Garofalo and Uma Thurman gives this “Chic Flick” real entertainment value. Their portrayals are tight and really engaging.

Ben Chaplin plays the role of “Brian,” the duped love object of Garofalo’s “Abby.” He is captivating in his pursuit of his dream girl. The real question is, “Which Abby is the one he really loves?” Fortunately for him, “Hank, the rollerskating dog” helps him figure it out! «Read the rest of this article»

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