TIMELESS OVERLOOKED GEM
931294
From the moment the riff kicks in, you know this one is gonna be something a bit special.
Senser mix an impressive array of conflicting styles without compromising any of them.
Crunchy metal guitars give way to spacy ambient keys, female vocals, funky drums, samples and scratches.
The male vocal is intelligent, wordy rap which beats any nu-metal mcs hands down and helps to tie Sensers bases together.
Although recorded in 94 (before Lame Biscuit and the like)this album sounds as ground breaking today.
If you want something to satisfy that metal urge but also provide peaceful and experimental passages with a top production- this is definately for you.
(...)
393795
It's amazing to think that this was recorded in 1978. It sounds timeless. This must have exercised a huge influence on the whole generation of ambient music that appeared in the following two decades, but still sounds  more interesting than most.
While sonically similar to Music for  Airports, the very brevity of the tracks here works in its favour. None  outstay their welcome, whereas with MfA, one's mind pretty quickly wanders  (though you might argue that that is precisely the objective -- in his  original sleevenotes, Eno suggests that all of the Ambient series be played  at barely audible levels.) While MfA is meditative enough for that to work  it would be a shame to use this CD in the same way. The structure and space  of each piece deserve close attention.
I don't know if any of these  tracks made it into films (I wouldn't be surprised) but many of them were  staple soundtrack fare for BBC documentaries for many years, as were tracks  from Eno's excellent "Apollo" album.
442429
This 1965 British film, set in Country Clare, Ireland, and London, is a coming-of-age story which, though firmly set in the values and attitudes of its day, attains a timeless quality by virtue of an intelligent, fluent script and fine ensemble playing by a top-notch cast. Sarah Miles plays the girl who leaves an Irish fishing village for London, hoping to be joined by her boyfriend, but, desperately lonely, ends up meeting a budding doctor. The story, which I won't spoil by going into more detail, is simple and universal. Anyone who has been in love can relate to it. The film-making shows distinct influences of the French 'New Wave' but uses these techniques judiciously and is creative in its own right. The score by William Alwyn is highly effective and the black-and-white photography lovingly captures the magnificent sky and seascapes of the Irish coast. It is a quiet, almost contemplative film, that uses flashbacks extensively. The weaving of these time transitions is very good, on the whole, but audiences that prefer a linear narrative and buckets of action are not likely to be satisfied. For me, I rate the film highly because I know I already want to watch it again.
532057
This was an absolutely beautiful film, the sort that Disney will probably never make again. It's unfortunately easy to forget it ever existed because, for one reason or another, it's never broadcast on TV anymore. It's scarcely mentioned in any capacity. When I rediscovered this film, I was overcome with emotions that had been deeply embedded in me from seeing this back in preschool days. If one were to summarize what makes it different from most 21st century children's movies, it would be the sparse dialogue and powerful performances. It allows the audience to think, to be drawn into the time period rather than bombarded with fart jokes and loud-mouthed flat characters.

Why is this film so rarely known today? Is it because Natalie's father is a hard-working, humanized, sympathetic man who also happens to be a union leader?  Is it because she and John Cusack's character have a questionable age difference in their tacit (unconsummated) love?
In any case, it's a gritty story about innocence, with beautiful photography and an unforgettable soundtrack by James Horner.
Pick up a copy of this classic, it's chicken soup for the soul!
1153061
A very underrated film with talented character actors and a good Ring Lardner story.  Henry (not Harry)Morgan's only starring role, one that mirrors his cynical radio and subsequent TV personality, is a delight.  An early Carl Foreman adaptation and Stanley Kramer production that was directed with surprising inventiveness (for its day) by Richard Fleischer. This film hasn't surfaced for many years and deserves to be viewed by wider audiences that appreciate good post-war film-making.
4633589
Released in 1977, this obscure album is a rare gem that unfortunately fell through the cracks and came and went virtually unnoticed. Vitamin E was a Soul harmony vocal group with a strong Gospel influence and the title track deserved to have been a much bigger hit than it was. Produced by the great Norman Connors this album (like most R&B albums from the late 1970s)  features uptempo Disco numbers, sultry and soulful ballads and a mid-tempo number or two as well. The 2008-issued BMG Japan CD reissue of this obscure but very nice album features excellent sound quality and is well worth getting if you are into high-quality R&B/Soul music. Enjoy!
2987575
A very important, but long forgotten album. I have kept this album close to my heart for over 20 years now. It's a seminal album of abstract piano works. It came out in 1985, a time of chances and experimentation. Consider how it was produced in New York City and consider what was going on then in music. "New Age" and "Electronic Music" had yet to come into existence, yet we have this album of solo piano works by seminal, pioneering electronic musicians: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Eddie Jobson among others. Consider that, Piano One was released by Private Music, which was helmed by Peter Baumann of Tangerine Dream. This album defies catagorization. When I play it for people, they flip and cannot believe it is over 20 years old. It is timeless. If you find a copy, you will pay dearly for it, but it is a keeper for sure. A godsend.
650446
"Sounder" is a film of sublime beauty- one of the most powerful films for anyone to see. Even though the title made no immediate sense to me (it's the name of the family dog), the plot and script is choice and proves what I've always believed regarding most scripts: less is more. Films which feature close, reverent African-American families are still rare in the 21st century, and this was a *1972* release- which broke ground when it was nominated at that year's Academy Awards for lead actor (Paul Winfield), lead actress (Cicely Tyson), screenplay (Lonne Elder III), and best picture. Only director Martin Ritt was not nominated- which was a travesty, but the Academy is historically famous for bonehead decisions. At any rate, I was happy to see a film which shows family supporting each other- even in the event of the father's absence. I won't say why that happens, but it's only temporary, and his third act return- staged against a long stretch of open farm field and spotlighting a barefoot Tyson and limping Winfield running into each other's arms- is a bewitching, magical, sequence in the film. Everyone is a standout, including Kevin Hooks's pre-teen who needs to grow up overnight and to Carmen Matthews as the neighbor who supports and tries to help the family. Even more amazing is that this is a G-rated film; your whole family- black, white, or brown- will absolutely cherish it. Nice to have in any recording, it needs to be released to DVD.
2605370
The United States audience is missing a great version of this timeless classic. It was released in the PAL format in Europe and not here. As I have access to a pristine 16mm copy and have viewed this many times, I can tell you that the color work done by Technicolor Labs is some of the best Ive ever seen. The story takes place in the Moors in the 1600s and stars Richard Greene and Barbara Hale. When John Ridd (Greene) climbs the waterfall it is breathtaking. Emerging from a hole in rock at the top of the falls he first encounters the princess (Hale). This scene is one not to be forgotten it is so beautiful. The entire story has not only romance, but plenty of action, sword fights, and decent acting that is well paced. Again, its hard to believe that this has not been released by Columbia, as its a fine film all the way thru.
2337813
"Twilight" is an underrated gem, a modern classic that too few people have heard of and fewer seem to have seen. I usually get blank stares when I recommend it, but hear the movie's praises once people have watched it. If you're a fan of film noir, private eyes, mysteries or the trio of lead actors (Paul Newman, Gene Hackman and Susan Sarandon), "Twilight" should definitely take a spin in your DVD player.

It's the best "modern-day" film noir I've seen, and it proudly wears its noir origins on its sleeve. Whether it's Harry Ross' voice-over narration ("The door was unlocked, so I let myself in..." as he breaks the glass panel), or the cast itself (Newman played a variation of Lew Archer in two films, and James Garner played Rockford, as well as Philip Marlowe). The Amazon.com reviewer is right on the money. "Twilight" could have come out of 1940s or 1950s Hollywood.

And that's another ace up its sleeve. The plot is rich, but its themes are very simple. Love, jealousy, betrayal...murder. Such a tale could have been spun by Chandler, Hammett or MacDonald, and it's refreshing in an era of thrillers that love nothing more than to chuck out the plot of the movie in favor of a "gotcha!" twist ending. "Twilight" builds to its devastating climax, with each step taking us closer to the end, and bringing that ending into focus.

It's a relatively action-lite movie, with a pair of gunfights (and even they aren't all that intense). But the mystery is the draw here...if you want shoot-outs, look elsewhere. Besides, they would only distract from the meat of the movie: the acting and the crackling dialogue. Newman is surrounded by a top-notch cast, and virtually every cast member gets a chance to verbally spar with Harry Ross. Whether it's the dangerously flirtatious midnight conversations with Susan Sarandon, or the wry musings on aging and the past with James Garner and Gene Hackman, everyone shines. Characters who only make a brief appearance (Giancarlo Esposito, the late John Spencer, a young Liev Schrieber) make strong impressions on the viewer, the perfect marriage of a strong script and talented actors.

I'll avoid a plot summary, because I think it's better to go in and watch the mystery unfold around you, but I will say that the story doesn't cheat with you. The characters are real, tangibly real, and it makes what happens to them resonate with the audience. I'd suggest a rental, but with the cheap price on Amazon (and the fact that you'll want to see it again) I recommend a purchase of "Twilight."
3222642
This film has not made it onto the shelves of our personal library.  It seems to reside near the television where it gets popped into the player about once a month.  There is much to recommend this film--the exotic location and the outstanding cast for a start.  Dev Patel is outrageous, funny, thoughtful, conflicted and delivers an outstanding performance.  Like Moonstruck, Bread and Tulips, Tortilla Soup, Love Actually, Strictly Ballroom, Barefoot in the Park, Sunday in New York, etc., this is a film that is full of likeable characters and is both poignant and visually stunning.  It is rumored that there is a sequel.
1340512
As far as movies in this genre goes, this is really a good one. While the music in the film and some of the styles dates it as an older one, it stands the test of time. The acting is good and without going overboard on "heavy" it does have enough to engage the senses in other ways. This movie is weighty on coming of age sensuality, as well as the bond between family members, which at times can be both light hearted and tense. The small town setting lives larger than one would expect and is a more progressive one too. If this film was re-done for today, they wouldn't have had to do much to make it translate, especially if they threw in current events or political messaging, which is so popular in todays movies. But that would ruin it. This film does suspend time a little and lets you appreciate it for what it is...a simple but beautifully rendered production with fab actors, many whom you will recognize as successful industry actors today. This is not a film for young children, but would be OK for older teens or others who can appreciate the script and the acting.
331725
Like many I purchased this album after finally finding out the identity of "This Christmas" by the Shoes, however having gotten and listened to it I found the whole album to be a gem!

The fact that this hidden treasure of an album came out almost two decades ago now yet isn't better know, is astonishing and a shame.

The style of music is timeless, which probably owes to the fact that it came out in 1991, which was a time right after the 80's and right before the rise of the corporate-"alternative" sound which went on to infect so much of independent music.

All tracks are wonderful and can be listened to over and over again even outside the Christmas season. Well, maybe not "Piece for Christmas' by Big people, which is the only track I didn't care for much, as it's sentiments are outside the album's feel.

Most noteworthy of all has to be Herb Eimerman's "You Gave Me" which is one of the most heart-felt, warmest and sweetest songs, Christmas or otherwise, I've ever heard, an ultra-loving tribute to one's parents on Christmas.

I'm sorry these songs aren't better know, but atleast the album is still around and will continue to be discovered and enjoyed by countless people like myself.

Super-highly recommended!!
1294132
There is probably only one reason to buy this and other discs in the Reel Values set, and that's the little-known or rarely seen gems from television's Golden Age that are added with more famous shows. This disc is no exception, with a hidden treasure added with the sample of the better-known program (although we all love Andy Griffith). Paired with "The Andy Griffith Show" are three episodes of the overlooked classic "Life With Elizabeth".
"Life With Elizabeth" starred Betty White, who also produced (a female producer was rare in those days, other than Lucy). Betty White is clearly the star of the show, playing the title character, while Del Moore seems to be more of a straight man for her antics as wife Elizabeth.
What makes "Life With Elizabeth" so interesting is that it captures that amazing moment in the medium's evolution when television shows were a cross between radio and stage plays.
Unlike the standard sitcom formula we're all familiar with, "Life With Elizabeth" was basically a series of skits (three per show), about married situations between a husband (Del Moore) and wife (Betty White). In between each skit, a host (the uncredited Jack Narz), would introduce and even play an introductary part in each skit, and wrap up the segment by thanking the audience for their applause. Another character would occasionally drop by, but for the most part, the skits centered on various stages of married life. Time is turned on its head as some skits purposely go back to newlywed days for the couple with no attempt to create a "flashback" scenario. Each skit is a stand-alone vignette, dependent only upon the audience understanding the basic set-up of the two characters and their domestic life.
So, in many respects, the show draws more on radio and stage than television techniques, with few purely "television" visuals, directing, or styling. The inclusion of announcer/host Jack Narz is clearly a radio influence, while the skit comedy formula was both a stage and radio standard.
Probably the best skit here is when husband Alvin is going on a business trip, the first time the newlyweds will be separated. That being said, there really isn't a klunker in the sampling of "Elizabeth" episodes that the Navarre Corporation offers us on the disc. When Betty first gives you that wink in the opening credits, you know the show is fun, clean, and entertaining.
The "Andy Griffith" episodes consist of two early ones, and a well-known classic (an ex-con Andy captured years ago is being released from prison, and lets Andy know he's coming by Mayberry in order to "settle things" between them). Barney and Opie steal the show, as always, while Andy gives good-natured lessons to them both with his patented brand of country wisdom.
Highly recommended here is the "Richard Diamond, Private Detective/ Highway Patrol/ Boston Blackie" disc in the Reel Values set, if you can find it.
4336367
Just revisited this gem of a coming-of-age novel after about 20 years, and it's still every bit as striking as it was back then. Scout Finch will always stay as one of my favourite characters of all time as she witnesses the goings-on of Maycomb county where she is growing up in post-Depression America way in the Deep South where prejudice against the blacks was still rampant.

Written almost 40 years ago, the issues of what makes a person human, what courage means, how bigotry and ignorance begets prejudice and becomes a threat to the individual, the family and society, are all still valid issues we're grappling with today.

Narrated through the innocent perspective of a child, the novel is so much more poignant for the unadulterated logic a child possesses and becomes a foil for the folly and terror of man's ways.

Saying any more than this about this timeless classic would only take time away from actually reading the novel. Please read it.
3889486
Gift was a band I stumbled upon by accident. I saw this album years ago in a used record store and was intrigued by the cover. I remembered reading that this was an excellent obscure album that was never issued in the United States, so I figured I'd try it out. What a great piece of music! Great keyboards ala Jon Lord and fantastic guitar playing make this a must hear! Deep Purple fanatics would love this. So much of the seventies music still holds up today, and this is truly one of those albums.
1016805
I first saw this film at the New Mayfair in Philadelphia when I was nine years old, and being a kid, I was absolutely enthralled by it.  Adventure, action, suspense--what more could an impressionable kid ask for?  As an adult, I always wanted to see it again (for old time's sake), but I could never find a copy of it.  Until now.  Surprisingly, it still holds up after all this time. Cornel Wilde is at his swashbuckling best, and Jean Wallace is as smoldering as ever.  It was well worth the wait.  It remains an enjoyable movie, one that I will revisit from time to time.