John-Rhys-Davies Movie Reviews

How do you get your elementary school kids to sit through a documentary about how we can believe the Bible? This show is more like a detective story with a middle-eastern flair! You may need to discuss with your kids that the explorers did use deception to get into the country (not very easy). But except for that blemish, the documentary is a very high quailty production, and interesting. My kids were so excited about the video that they 1) Begged Grandma to watch it, 2)Wrote a letter to Cornuke & Williams, and 3) Love playing the board game, "THE LOST MOUNTAIN OF GOD" based on this video. Watch after reviewing the story of Moses and the Exodus. Keep a globe or world map handy for some geographical references. Family education/entertainment with a message that God is awesome and the Bible is true!

Simply put, this is something that should be seen by all people of faith. The bible comes alive, under the feet of a couple of guys with a camcorder, maps and a bible.

It'll blow your youth group away.

This video will put you in awe of God's power. To actually see with your eyes the place where God came down and met with Moses is absolutely amazing! The evidence is so powerful that you know only God could have done it. I was so inspired that I went to the USGS website and bought two declassified spy photos that show the charred top of one of earths holiest sites.

This is a super show. I feel sorry for Piglet, because he is so scared of Halloween night. I first taped this off of the TV years ago. I just watched it for the first time in years a few days ago. I just love it. I just wish that Paul Winchell did the voice of Tigger. Although, Jim Cummings did a great job at doing the voice of Tigger.

This video is simply delightful! My family has enjoyed it immensely. The artwork is stunning and the story is just wonderful. This is definitely a great addition to your collection, and something you'll be watching year-round (not just at Halloween!)

i've always loved winnie the pooh...since the beginning of 4th grade to my college years. i would highly recommend this movie to anyone. its a great time to get closer with the ones you love or your friends. =)

Most of the reviews I have read of "Sphinx' have been savage in their condemnation of its quality as a motion picture referring to its "mummy like performances and hysterical leading lady" however I believe it is a terrific adventure story and being a history buff I can see the attention to detail and the painstaking research that went into its making to ensure that everything was as it should be when tackling such an awesome topic as Egypt and all her mysteries.

"Sphinx" tells the story of Erica Baron, an Egyptologist writing a paper on a rather unknown advisor to Pharoah Seti 1 of the 19th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She arives in Cairo to begin her work only to find herself engulfed in the sometimes extremely dangerous Black market in Egyptian Antiquities. She is shown a rare and very beautiful statue of Pharoah Seti 1 which is from his tomb which was supposedly robbed in ancient times. What develops is a very exciting and action packed adventure as Erica tries to unravel this great mystery, in the process finding herself almost sealed up for life in a hidden catacomb, shot at, the target of assasins, and finding herself on the run and not knowing who to trust.

The pace of the story really never lets up as she is thrown into one situation after another until through the lucky discovery of an ancient papyrus that came from Tutankhamun's tomb she discovers the truth about the still lost tomb of Seti 1 which contains treasures that make Tutankhamun's like insignificant.

Lesley-Anne Down, a fine British actress plays Erica and has , I believe, rarely had such an action oriented role in her career. She is great as the intrepid Egyptologist who will not be frightened off by threats or personal danger in her quest to find out the truth about this lost treasure. She is most ably supported in this production by the very talented Frank Langella, perhaps best known for his role of Dracula. He plays Ahmed Khazzan a mysterious and sophisticated Egyptian in charge of ferreting out the Black market dealers only to be revealed as one himself as he also knows the whereabouts of Seti's magnificent tomb and with his family has been systematically robbing it for years. Ahmed however personally see's the tomb as his private santuary rather than a source of income and it is this that finally allows Erica to discover the truth. The film also has alot of points of value to say about the sacred quality of Egypt's past and how it must be saved from corrupt dealers intent on selling their heritage. Those points alone make the film a good case for ensuring Egypt's treasures remain in Egypt where they rightly belong.

"Sphinx" benefits greatly, as I stated before, by the great research that went into the production. The beautiful and historically accurate reconstruction of Egyptian treasures for the scenes inside Seti's tomb are nothing short of brilliant and I might add, breathtaking. The film having been filmed entirely on location in Egypt also helps immensely. The Cairo markets in all their squalor and excitement are there for the viewer to see. The scenes at the Pyramids and in the Valley of the Kings are matchless and the film crew had the great distinction of being allowed to film inside the famed Cairo Museum and so for the first time Tutakhamun's treasures are featured in the early scenes as Erica does her research in the museum files. The earlier flash back scenes to the time of the robbery of Tut's tomb are also excellent and give us a grisly indication of what ancient Egyptian justice was like for Tomb robbers!

The film tells an exciting story that never lets up for one moment. Erica comes close to death many times and we as the audience are kept on the edge of our chairs for almost the whole films running time while savouring all the scenic delights that Egypt has to offer. For Arm chair travellers or mystery buffs or individuals interested in Egypt's spellbinding past, you can't go by the excellent "Sphinx". You wont be disappointed!

Of course, in consideration of Egyptology, this story does have some vague accurate references to Egyptian history. Also the base line of the story about the antiquity black market can only be the tip of the iceberg. But the story itself is a good one. Frank Langella's character is intense and very appropriate for his stature and persona. Lesley Anne Down also plays her role well, but I've often wondered if they picked her for that role because she screamed well. The cinematography is very well done. The sights of Ancient Egypt are very awe-inspiring. The props used for the scenes are some of the best remakes of antiquities that I've ever seen. The movie made me want to jump on a plane to Egypt immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. END

There is murder and intrigue in Egypt. You can not tell the good guys from the bad. Lesley-Anne Down as Erica Baron is right in the middle of things and she won't "stay in the car". Frank Langella is convincing as Ahmed Khazzan the Egyptian authority and friend of those that are legal.

This is one of those movies that you will be compelled into repeated viewing.

I remember watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" for the first time as a child and wanting to go out and buy a whip and a hat. All of the Indian Jones movies have stood the test of modern time, surviving countless viewings and rentals. While I am personally a bigger fan of the second two films in the series, this movie is important for launching an extremely successful trilogy. I enjoy "Raiders" for its somewhat sloppy nature; the acting and dialogue is not as smooth as it is in the later films, Harrison Ford is not as sure of his character in this film, and the pacing of the movie is a bit rushed. This movie is all action with very little time to rest in-between. Despite these immaturities, the film is highly enjoyable and well suited for a popcorn-eating-good-time.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is refreshing to watch amid the slough of action films that are being produced these days. Indiana is not a perfect action hero; one of my favorite scenes is when Indiana swings on the vine to escape the villagers. Just when you think he'll successfully swing out to his awaiting plane, he falls in the water. The movie is constantly throwing in humor and antics to lighten up the pace. Additionally, despite some of the more grotesque scenes, most of the action is downplayed in this film, as Indiana is quicker to throw a punch than shoot someone. Indiana, like James Bond, always gets his girl-but he has to work at it. He is definitely not a ladies man, which is a refreshing take on the whole Bond/Bond Girl motif. In short, get this movie. You'll have a good time watching a classic battle of good against evil...and whips and archaeologists.

George Lucas, as a superb filmmaker, collaborated for the first time with director Steven Spielberg to deliver a 5-time Academy Award winning action-packed film called "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, and Karen Allen as a feisty ex-girlfriend, team up to en route themselves off the paths of the Nazis and search for the Lost Ark which holds the tables of God's Ten Commandments. Lawrence Kasdan's screenplay give way to what the film holds: a classic boulder ball running scene, and a surprise that the Nazis get to which the Industrial Light & Magic team create, in which you will be shocked. This is the magic jump start, by the way, to Ford's career as a hunky hero in two Indiana Jones sequels and other movies that he starred in. Paramount Pictures, Lucasfilm, Ltd., 1981, Rated PG, Color by Rank Film Labs, Prints by Metrocolor.

George Lucas was hot off of his first two installments of his "Star Wars" series, when he hooked up with mega director Steven Spielberg to create a whole new series of films. Little did they know that this creation they've made would be so incredibly successful and beloved. Lucas' "Star Wars" hero, Harrison Ford, was on board as our star. This 1981 classic takes place in 1936, and Indiana Jones is a school professor who is also an archaeologist, which takes him on many dangerous and scary adventures all over the world. In this one, Indiana gets involved with the nazi's who are planning to use the mysterious powers of the ark in order to help them win the war. Along the way, Indy meets up with a feisty young lady(played by Karen Allen). This adventures gets Indy in a series of thrilling and death defying moments. The movie obviously draws inspiration from those old time Saturday morning serials of yore. Harrison Ford was the right choice. Is there anybody better?. Tom Selleck was the lead for this role, but dropped out because "Magnum PI" came up. Thank goodness for us, huh?. This series has become one of the most memorable and hailed film series in movie history. And rightfully so. There's no better evening entertainment than letting Indiana Jones take you all over the world on one exciting adventure after another. Get this movie and the rest of the trilogy as well. As perfect as perfect can get. Let's hope that Indiana Jones will someday ride again. Now, play that theme music and let's get going!!....

I remember watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" for the first time as a child and wanting to go out and buy a whip and a hat. All of the Indian Jones movies have stood the test of modern time, surviving countless viewings and rentals. While I am personally a bigger fan of the second two films in the series, this movie is important for launching an extremely successful trilogy. I enjoy "Raiders" for its somewhat sloppy nature; the acting and dialogue is not as smooth as it is in the later films, Harrison Ford is not as sure of his character in this film, and the pacing of the movie is a bit rushed. This movie is all action with very little time to rest in-between. Despite these immaturities, the film is highly enjoyable and well suited for a popcorn-eating-good-time.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is refreshing to watch amid the slough of action films that are being produced these days. Indiana is not a perfect action hero; one of my favorite scenes is when Indiana swings on the vine to escape the villagers. Just when you think he'll successfully swing out to his awaiting plane, he falls in the water. The movie is constantly throwing in humor and antics to lighten up the pace. Additionally, despite some of the more grotesque scenes, most of the action is downplayed in this film, as Indiana is quicker to throw a punch than shoot someone. Indiana, like James Bond, always gets his girl-but he has to work at it. He is definitely not a ladies man, which is a refreshing take on the whole Bond/Bond Girl motif. In short, get this movie. You'll have a good time watching a classic battle of good against evil...and whips and archaeologists.

George Lucas, as a superb filmmaker, collaborated for the first time with director Steven Spielberg to deliver a 5-time Academy Award winning action-packed film called "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, and Karen Allen as a feisty ex-girlfriend, team up to en route themselves off the paths of the Nazis and search for the Lost Ark which holds the tables of God's Ten Commandments. Lawrence Kasdan's screenplay give way to what the film holds: a classic boulder ball running scene, and a surprise that the Nazis get to which the Industrial Light & Magic team create, in which you will be shocked. This is the magic jump start, by the way, to Ford's career as a hunky hero in two Indiana Jones sequels and other movies that he starred in. Paramount Pictures, Lucasfilm, Ltd., 1981, Rated PG, Color by Rank Film Labs, Prints by Metrocolor.

George Lucas was hot off of his first two installments of his "Star Wars" series, when he hooked up with mega director Steven Spielberg to create a whole new series of films. Little did they know that this creation they've made would be so incredibly successful and beloved. Lucas' "Star Wars" hero, Harrison Ford, was on board as our star. This 1981 classic takes place in 1936, and Indiana Jones is a school professor who is also an archaeologist, which takes him on many dangerous and scary adventures all over the world. In this one, Indiana gets involved with the nazi's who are planning to use the mysterious powers of the ark in order to help them win the war. Along the way, Indy meets up with a feisty young lady(played by Karen Allen). This adventures gets Indy in a series of thrilling and death defying moments. The movie obviously draws inspiration from those old time Saturday morning serials of yore. Harrison Ford was the right choice. Is there anybody better?. Tom Selleck was the lead for this role, but dropped out because "Magnum PI" came up. Thank goodness for us, huh?. This series has become one of the most memorable and hailed film series in movie history. And rightfully so. There's no better evening entertainment than letting Indiana Jones take you all over the world on one exciting adventure after another. Get this movie and the rest of the trilogy as well. As perfect as perfect can get. Let's hope that Indiana Jones will someday ride again. Now, play that theme music and let's get going!!....

I remember watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" for the first time as a child and wanting to go out and buy a whip and a hat. All of the Indian Jones movies have stood the test of modern time, surviving countless viewings and rentals. While I am personally a bigger fan of the second two films in the series, this movie is important for launching an extremely successful trilogy. I enjoy "Raiders" for its somewhat sloppy nature; the acting and dialogue is not as smooth as it is in the later films, Harrison Ford is not as sure of his character in this film, and the pacing of the movie is a bit rushed. This movie is all action with very little time to rest in-between. Despite these immaturities, the film is highly enjoyable and well suited for a popcorn-eating-good-time.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is refreshing to watch amid the slough of action films that are being produced these days. Indiana is not a perfect action hero; one of my favorite scenes is when Indiana swings on the vine to escape the villagers. Just when you think he'll successfully swing out to his awaiting plane, he falls in the water. The movie is constantly throwing in humor and antics to lighten up the pace. Additionally, despite some of the more grotesque scenes, most of the action is downplayed in this film, as Indiana is quicker to throw a punch than shoot someone. Indiana, like James Bond, always gets his girl-but he has to work at it. He is definitely not a ladies man, which is a refreshing take on the whole Bond/Bond Girl motif. In short, get this movie. You'll have a good time watching a classic battle of good against evil...and whips and archaeologists.

George Lucas, as a superb filmmaker, collaborated for the first time with director Steven Spielberg to deliver a 5-time Academy Award winning action-packed film called "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, and Karen Allen as a feisty ex-girlfriend, team up to en route themselves off the paths of the Nazis and search for the Lost Ark which holds the tables of God's Ten Commandments. Lawrence Kasdan's screenplay give way to what the film holds: a classic boulder ball running scene, and a surprise that the Nazis get to which the Industrial Light & Magic team create, in which you will be shocked. This is the magic jump start, by the way, to Ford's career as a hunky hero in two Indiana Jones sequels and other movies that he starred in. Paramount Pictures, Lucasfilm, Ltd., 1981, Rated PG, Color by Rank Film Labs, Prints by Metrocolor.

George Lucas was hot off of his first two installments of his "Star Wars" series, when he hooked up with mega director Steven Spielberg to create a whole new series of films. Little did they know that this creation they've made would be so incredibly successful and beloved. Lucas' "Star Wars" hero, Harrison Ford, was on board as our star. This 1981 classic takes place in 1936, and Indiana Jones is a school professor who is also an archaeologist, which takes him on many dangerous and scary adventures all over the world. In this one, Indiana gets involved with the nazi's who are planning to use the mysterious powers of the ark in order to help them win the war. Along the way, Indy meets up with a feisty young lady(played by Karen Allen). This adventures gets Indy in a series of thrilling and death defying moments. The movie obviously draws inspiration from those old time Saturday morning serials of yore. Harrison Ford was the right choice. Is there anybody better?. Tom Selleck was the lead for this role, but dropped out because "Magnum PI" came up. Thank goodness for us, huh?. This series has become one of the most memorable and hailed film series in movie history. And rightfully so. There's no better evening entertainment than letting Indiana Jones take you all over the world on one exciting adventure after another. Get this movie and the rest of the trilogy as well. As perfect as perfect can get. Let's hope that Indiana Jones will someday ride again. Now, play that theme music and let's get going!!....

This film was an excellant mix of outstanding acting, fantastic script and overall an uplifting story. I totally enjoyed the film and could not even start to tell you why without a mile long list. I would strongly suggest that you buy it and you will understand. This is an excellant investment. The truth is even better than fiction and I now have a new found understanding and respect for Q. Crisp. One of the strongest persons, that I know of in the past 100 years. Be inspired!! Be grateful for the times we live in. A tool to help find pride in the victories of the past.

This is an amazingly good film with a superlative performance by John Hurt in the role of Quentin Crisp, a flamboyant English homosexual in the days when being such was anything but comfortable. Brilliantly played by Hurt, Crisp was a born in 1908 and was aware that he was different from an early age. He grew up in an era where homosexuality was not an option as a life style. Still, he managed to make it in a world that was decidely unfriendly to those like him. Witty and self assured, he lived his life as he wanted, despite the hardships he faced due to his self professed homosexuality. He was a trailblazer and poster boy for an alternative life style.

John Hurt deservedly won the British Best Actor award for his incisive portrayal of Quentin Cristp. It is no wonder that his performance was critically acclaimed. It is nothing short of brilliant. His is a touching and sympathetic portrayal of an individual who wanted nothing more than to be able to be himself. It is a performance that is not to be missed. The film is an absolute gem.

"John Hurt", quoth Quentin Crisp, "is my representative on earth." And so he is. The two men become indistinguishable. I bought this film because I wanted to see John Hurt and didn't really care in whatever character - in fact I was afraid this might be a silly exploitative fairy comedy like "A cage of fools". But then I got captivated, and not only because Hurt makes a really cute fairy (and shows so much skin). The film has a lot of atmosphere, there are many witticisms - my favorite is Quentins reason why he thinks he'd make a good soldier: "Anyone can get killed. Even I can do that." There is so much that is ridiculous and sometimes repulsive, so much that is sad, or funny, or deeply moving like the courtroom scene. In the end the film left me wondering why a man must suffer so much for simply being different, when his being different hurts no one.

This Blake Edwards film is a sort of valentine to the many gifts of his amazing wife Julie Andrews more than ten years since her last musical, and wouldn't you know it, it was a gigantic hit. It helped that the book poked a great deal of fun at the homophobia of the nascent Reagan era, that James Garner, Alex Karres, Robert Preston and (especially) Lesley Ann Warren (in her funniest role ever, as the idiot dancehall bimbo Norma). But the real reason the film takes off is because of Julie Andrews. She may be utterly unbelieveable passing as a man, but she does get to show her great gift for dry humor, and she sings several fine, fine songs, including what may be one of her absolute careeer highlights, "Le Jazz Hot." No one has ever been less appropriate for a jazz number than Julie--she of course sings every single note exactly on the beat, and with her siganture perfect diction--, but she gives the number so much zing and warmth and excitement it just doesn't matter. When she's up there in her Josphine Baker outfit snapping her fingers and smiling expansively, and showing off her astonishing and perfect vocal range, she is every bit as showstopping and iconic as when she was spinning round the Salzburg mountaintops in THE SOUND OF MUSIC: she's up there in movie history heaven at such moments. And if that weren't enough, you also get to hear her pronounce the word "heterosexual" (several times!) like no one before or since.

Is she a women pretending to be a man, pretending to be a women? Blake Edward's hilarious gender-bender has Julie Andrews impersonating a count, who is hired to perform as a female impersonator in a posh Paris nightclub circa 1920's. If you think it sounds confusing, it does, but so magnificently pulled off that one hardly minds stretching the mind to believe that anyone could ever mistake the fabulous Ms. Andrews as anything but all woman. The musical numbers are as hot as the comedy. Robert Preston plays Toddy, a gay impressario who is destine to make "Victor" the toast of Paris. James Gardner is a big time bootlegger who discovers the truth and falls in love with Victoria. Leslie Ann Warren is a hilariously, if at times grating, dumb blond.
Warner Brothers has done a wonderful job remastering this DVD. Colors are warm, rich and vibrant. For the most part, details are sharp. The newly remastered 5.1 stereo mix thunders across in the musical sequences and is very ambient throughout. Not much in the way of extras but oh, what a treat to see and hear this fun loving flick as never before.

"People will see what they want to see," a conspiratorial Robert Preston tells double-cross-dresser Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria." Indeed, the many admirers of Blake Edwards' 1982 musical will want to see this DVD to relive all the fun from the best seats in their house. Part of a quartet of Edwards comedies just released on DVD, "Victor's" charms include handsome colors, slinky sound and a feel-good commentary from Edwards and Andrews, his wife and star. Edwards ("The Pink Panther," "10") speaks with great pride of "Victor/Victoria" as his favorite Blake Edwards movie. "It's as good as I can do," the director says softly. "A well-made film in all departments. ... It was just perfect." Warner wisely has released "Victor/Victoria" in widescreen only, working with a new transfer and a soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital. Rhino and Turner Classic Movies get into the act with a new soundtrack CD featuring 11 previously unreleased Henry Mancini tracks. The DVD has minor speckling throughout. Colors are especially vibrant during Andrews' musical numbers, with the stage bathed in randy rouges or sparkling blues. Cinematographer Dick Bush's warm color scheme for Paris of the early 1930s looks great, with subterranean blacks providing plenty of contrast for the browns, amber yellows, pinks and off-whites. Bush ("Sorcerer") had a fine eye for widescreen composition, and his is work displayed to full effect here. Edwards and Andrew's talk should be required listening for those who belittle Hollywood marriages. The commentary is truly heartwarming -- filled with affection, wit, insight and appreciation for their friends and collaborators. It's as though you're watching a film with the couple in their living room, and when it's over you wish for a double feature.

This Blake Edwards film is a sort of valentine to the many gifts of his amazing wife Julie Andrews more than ten years since her last musical, and wouldn't you know it, it was a gigantic hit. It helped that the book poked a great deal of fun at the homophobia of the nascent Reagan era, that James Garner, Alex Karres, Robert Preston and (especially) Lesley Ann Warren (in her funniest role ever, as the idiot dancehall bimbo Norma). But the real reason the film takes off is because of Julie Andrews. She may be utterly unbelieveable passing as a man, but she does get to show her great gift for dry humor, and she sings several fine, fine songs, including what may be one of her absolute careeer highlights, "Le Jazz Hot." No one has ever been less appropriate for a jazz number than Julie--she of course sings every single note exactly on the beat, and with her siganture perfect diction--, but she gives the number so much zing and warmth and excitement it just doesn't matter. When she's up there in her Josphine Baker outfit snapping her fingers and smiling expansively, and showing off her astonishing and perfect vocal range, she is every bit as showstopping and iconic as when she was spinning round the Salzburg mountaintops in THE SOUND OF MUSIC: she's up there in movie history heaven at such moments. And if that weren't enough, you also get to hear her pronounce the word "heterosexual" (several times!) like no one before or since.

Is she a women pretending to be a man, pretending to be a women? Blake Edward's hilarious gender-bender has Julie Andrews impersonating a count, who is hired to perform as a female impersonator in a posh Paris nightclub circa 1920's. If you think it sounds confusing, it does, but so magnificently pulled off that one hardly minds stretching the mind to believe that anyone could ever mistake the fabulous Ms. Andrews as anything but all woman. The musical numbers are as hot as the comedy. Robert Preston plays Toddy, a gay impressario who is destine to make "Victor" the toast of Paris. James Gardner is a big time bootlegger who discovers the truth and falls in love with Victoria. Leslie Ann Warren is a hilariously, if at times grating, dumb blond.
Warner Brothers has done a wonderful job remastering this DVD. Colors are warm, rich and vibrant. For the most part, details are sharp. The newly remastered 5.1 stereo mix thunders across in the musical sequences and is very ambient throughout. Not much in the way of extras but oh, what a treat to see and hear this fun loving flick as never before.

"People will see what they want to see," a conspiratorial Robert Preston tells double-cross-dresser Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria." Indeed, the many admirers of Blake Edwards' 1982 musical will want to see this DVD to relive all the fun from the best seats in their house. Part of a quartet of Edwards comedies just released on DVD, "Victor's" charms include handsome colors, slinky sound and a feel-good commentary from Edwards and Andrews, his wife and star. Edwards ("The Pink Panther," "10") speaks with great pride of "Victor/Victoria" as his favorite Blake Edwards movie. "It's as good as I can do," the director says softly. "A well-made film in all departments. ... It was just perfect." Warner wisely has released "Victor/Victoria" in widescreen only, working with a new transfer and a soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital. Rhino and Turner Classic Movies get into the act with a new soundtrack CD featuring 11 previously unreleased Henry Mancini tracks. The DVD has minor speckling throughout. Colors are especially vibrant during Andrews' musical numbers, with the stage bathed in randy rouges or sparkling blues. Cinematographer Dick Bush's warm color scheme for Paris of the early 1930s looks great, with subterranean blacks providing plenty of contrast for the browns, amber yellows, pinks and off-whites. Bush ("Sorcerer") had a fine eye for widescreen composition, and his is work displayed to full effect here. Edwards and Andrew's talk should be required listening for those who belittle Hollywood marriages. The commentary is truly heartwarming -- filled with affection, wit, insight and appreciation for their friends and collaborators. It's as though you're watching a film with the couple in their living room, and when it's over you wish for a double feature.

This Blake Edwards film is a sort of valentine to the many gifts of his amazing wife Julie Andrews more than ten years since her last musical, and wouldn't you know it, it was a gigantic hit. It helped that the book poked a great deal of fun at the homophobia of the nascent Reagan era, that James Garner, Alex Karres, Robert Preston and (especially) Lesley Ann Warren (in her funniest role ever, as the idiot dancehall bimbo Norma). But the real reason the film takes off is because of Julie Andrews. She may be utterly unbelieveable passing as a man, but she does get to show her great gift for dry humor, and she sings several fine, fine songs, including what may be one of her absolute careeer highlights, "Le Jazz Hot." No one has ever been less appropriate for a jazz number than Julie--she of course sings every single note exactly on the beat, and with her siganture perfect diction--, but she gives the number so much zing and warmth and excitement it just doesn't matter. When she's up there in her Josphine Baker outfit snapping her fingers and smiling expansively, and showing off her astonishing and perfect vocal range, she is every bit as showstopping and iconic as when she was spinning round the Salzburg mountaintops in THE SOUND OF MUSIC: she's up there in movie history heaven at such moments. And if that weren't enough, you also get to hear her pronounce the word "heterosexual" (several times!) like no one before or since.

Is she a women pretending to be a man, pretending to be a women? Blake Edward's hilarious gender-bender has Julie Andrews impersonating a count, who is hired to perform as a female impersonator in a posh Paris nightclub circa 1920's. If you think it sounds confusing, it does, but so magnificently pulled off that one hardly minds stretching the mind to believe that anyone could ever mistake the fabulous Ms. Andrews as anything but all woman. The musical numbers are as hot as the comedy. Robert Preston plays Toddy, a gay impressario who is destine to make "Victor" the toast of Paris. James Gardner is a big time bootlegger who discovers the truth and falls in love with Victoria. Leslie Ann Warren is a hilariously, if at times grating, dumb blond.
Warner Brothers has done a wonderful job remastering this DVD. Colors are warm, rich and vibrant. For the most part, details are sharp. The newly remastered 5.1 stereo mix thunders across in the musical sequences and is very ambient throughout. Not much in the way of extras but oh, what a treat to see and hear this fun loving flick as never before.

"People will see what they want to see," a conspiratorial Robert Preston tells double-cross-dresser Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria." Indeed, the many admirers of Blake Edwards' 1982 musical will want to see this DVD to relive all the fun from the best seats in their house. Part of a quartet of Edwards comedies just released on DVD, "Victor's" charms include handsome colors, slinky sound and a feel-good commentary from Edwards and Andrews, his wife and star. Edwards ("The Pink Panther," "10") speaks with great pride of "Victor/Victoria" as his favorite Blake Edwards movie. "It's as good as I can do," the director says softly. "A well-made film in all departments. ... It was just perfect." Warner wisely has released "Victor/Victoria" in widescreen only, working with a new transfer and a soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital. Rhino and Turner Classic Movies get into the act with a new soundtrack CD featuring 11 previously unreleased Henry Mancini tracks. The DVD has minor speckling throughout. Colors are especially vibrant during Andrews' musical numbers, with the stage bathed in randy rouges or sparkling blues. Cinematographer Dick Bush's warm color scheme for Paris of the early 1930s looks great, with subterranean blacks providing plenty of contrast for the browns, amber yellows, pinks and off-whites. Bush ("Sorcerer") had a fine eye for widescreen composition, and his is work displayed to full effect here. Edwards and Andrew's talk should be required listening for those who belittle Hollywood marriages. The commentary is truly heartwarming -- filled with affection, wit, insight and appreciation for their friends and collaborators. It's as though you're watching a film with the couple in their living room, and when it's over you wish for a double feature.