The Player [Blu-ray]
01. Jun, 2010 
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The Player [Blu-ray]
“Movies. Now more than ever!” That’s the motto of the movie studio where fast-tracking exec Griffin Bell (Tim Robbins) works. But rumor has it a power play could push Bell out. And a rejected writer who’s sending anonymous death threats could push him under. Robert Altman directs this acclaimed and satiric love/hate valentine to Hollywood, and from the bravura opening tracking shot to the spot-the-star cameos (60+!) to the inside skinny of studio life to the gleeful finale, you’re in g
Rating: 
(out of 88 reviews)
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Price: $ 18.99
Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
Watch the entire epic story of Lost – the series that redefined television – from its phenomenal opening scene to its magnificent final moment. Uncover the secrets of what caused Oceanic 815 to crash, what ultimately drew the passengers together, and relive their incredible journey as they battle to rewrite their own fate. Experience a landmark in the history of entertainment with Lost: The Complete Collection, featuring every episode of all six seasons and includes one full disc of never-be
Rating: (out of 55 reviews)
List Price: $ 279.99
Price: $ 194.99
Review by Dennis Littrell for The Player [Blu-ray]
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“Players only love you when they’re playing.” –Stevie NicksGriffin Mill, whose name has a kind of ersatz Hollywood feel to it (cf., D. W. Griffith/Cecil B. De Mille), is not a player with hearts so much as a player with dreams. He is a young and powerful film exec who hears thousands of movie pitches a year, but can only buy twelve. So he must do a lot of dissembling, not to mention outright lying, along with saying “We’ll get back to you,” etc. This is what he especially must say to writers. And sometimes they hold a grudge. In this case one of the rejected writers begins to stalk Griffin Mill and send him threatening postcards. And so the plot begins.Tim Robbins, in a creative tour de force, plays Griffin Mill with such a delightful, ironic charm that we cannot help but identify with him even as he violates several layers of human trust. The script by Michael Tolkin smoothly combines the best elements of a thriller with a kind of Terry Southern satirical intent that keeps us totally engrossed throughout. The direction by Robert Altman is full of inside Hollywood jokes and remembrances, including cameos by dozens of Hollywood stars, some of whom get to say nasty things about producers. The scenes are well-planned and then infused with witty asides. The tampon scene at police headquarters with Whoopi Goldberg is an hilarious case in point, while the sequence of scenes from Greta Scacchi’s character’s house to the manslaughter scene outside the Pasadena Rialto, is wonderfully conceived and nicely cut. Also memorable is the all black and white dress dinner scene in which Cher is the only person in red, a kind of mean or silly joke, depending on your perspective. During the same scene Mill gives a little speech in which he avers that “movies are art,” a statement that amounts to sardonic irony since, as a greedy producer, he cares nothing at all about art, but only about box office success. His words also form a kind of dramatic irony when one realizes that this movie itself really is a work of art. As Altman observes in a trailing clip, the movie “becomes itself.” The Machiavellian ending illustrates this with an almost miraculous dovetailing. This is the kind of script that turns most screen writers Kermit-green with envy.Incidentally, Joe Gillis, the Hollywood writer played by William Holden in Sunset Boulevard–personifying all unsuccessful screen writers–actually does call during the movie, but Mill doesn’t recognize the name and has to be told he is being put on, further revealing the narrow confines of his character.In short, this is a wonderfully clever, diabolically cynical satire of Hollywood and the movie industry. This is one of those movies that, if you care anything at all about film, you must see. Period. It is especially delicious if you hate Hollywood. It is also one of the best movies ever made about Hollywood, to be ranked up there with A Star is Born (1937) (Janet Gaynor, Fredric March); Sunset Boulevard (1950); A Star is Born (1954) (Judy Garland, James Mason); and Postcards from the Edge (1990).I must add that in the annals of film, this has to go down as one of the best Hollywood movies not to win a single Academy Award, although it was nominated for three: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing. I suspect the Academy felt that the satire hit a little too close to home for comfort.
Review by Michael Crane for The Player [Blu-ray]
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Can movies about the movie business actually be exciting and worth watching? “The Player” most certainly is an exciting and worth-while film that has many layers within it. At first glance, this appears only as an odd thriller that’s both bizarre and unbelievable–but upon further investigation, you’ll find out that this is something that is so much more than your ordinary thriller.Griffin Mill is a studio executive that listens to movie pitches on a daily basis. Some pitches are great while others aren’t as fantastic. One of the writers that Griffin never called back seems to have held a grudge against him, as he sends him threatening post-cards telling the exec that his days are numbered. Not knowing what else to do, Griffin decides to confront the suspected writer only to end up being involved in a murder. As he tries to cover his tracks and play it cool, it is clear that Griffin has been thrown into an uncontrollable scenario that could only be found in the movies.I admit that the first time I saw this film, I didn’t really know how to react to it. I didn’t know if I liked it, but I knew that I didn’t hate it. And, I confess that by the end of the movie, I was scratching my head in confusion. It was the second viewing where I really found out what the movie was all about and came to love it. The movie is not your typical thriller. It actually is more of a satire that targets the movie industry and movies in general. And, it’s done in such a way that you really don’t catch onto that with the first viewing, as you’re caught up in the story and are convinced that you’re watching nothing more than a thriller. This movie has a number of layers to it–even layers that I probably haven’t caught onto yet. You know a film has unquestionable power when you are tricked into believing that it is something else the first time and then come to realize that it is something completely different the next time around.The film is brilliantly directed by Robert Altman. There’s no way in heck that the movie would be the success it is had it been under a different director. He knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. The acting from Tim Robbins and company is really a sight to see. It’s also a treat to see so many cameos by different famous actors that we all know and love.The DVD has a few goodies to offer for those who enjoy DVD extras. The picture is decent looking–nothing extraordinary, but decent. It says on the back cover that it was remastered in “High Definition,” but I think improvements could’ve been made in certain areas. Extras on the DVD include commentary from the director and writer, a Robert Altman featurette, deleted scenes, the original trailer and more. A pretty nice package that doesn’t disappoint with exception towards picture quality in some areas.”The Player” is a superbly executed film that doesn’t jump out right away to let you know what it is really all about. On the first viewing, the movie appears to be nothing more than an off-the-wall thriller, but on a second viewing you will come to find that it is something more. It’s not a movie that will be loved by everybody, but for those who love odd films with hidden structures and meanings will absolutely love it. If you have an open-mind and want to take a chance by seeing something that isn’t so ordinary, “The Player” awaits for you. -Michael Crane
Review by Jason Stein for The Player [Blu-ray]
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This is a great film about film execs in Hollywood. A good mystery with biting humor and insight into the power/control world of movie-making. Tim Robbins is excellent in the lead role and Robert Altman’s directing is superior. The story is great, especially if you’ve been an actor, director, producer or anyone in dealing with stage or film making. This is a must have for Altman fans and for movie collectors.
Review by hardly_b for The Player [Blu-ray]
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Altman is terrific talking about his movies, and this is one my favorites. It is by no means a deep film (the book was more substantial, but I found it too heavy-handed), and it has a breezy, irreverant feel despite being a movie about treachery and murder. There are some deleted scenes on the disc that are interesting, too.
Review by max saravia for The Player [Blu-ray]
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“The Player” is one of those fascinating comedic thrillers with one defined dramatic plot, and various subplots dealing with the movie industry. Player is not a fast paced thriller, but rather an intelligent and laid back story surrounded by Hollywood and the business of film making. Tim Robbins plays Griffin Mill, a studio executive whose main job is to decide which scripts make it to the big screen. When he starts receiving threatening postcards, he suspects they come from a writer whose script was turned down. Hence, he tries to identify the writer in order to pay him off and stop the blackmail. Apparently he found the writer , apparently not. Murder. Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as detective Avery, investigating the murder, is simply wonderful and provides humor with her spicy language. For the rest of the plot, you must see the movie. Directed by Robert Altman (Gosford Park), Player’s cast include Greta Scacchi, Peter Gallagher, Fred Ward, Lyle Lovett and numerous cameo appearances by familiar faces such as Lily Tomlin, Bruce Willis, Robert Wagner, Susan Sarandon, Julia Roberts, Nick Nolte, Andie McDowell, John Cusack, to name a few. Besides the main plot, this is certainly a good perspective of how decisions are made in Hollywood, and the dynamics and politics of movie making . Player views the “film noir” and independent film making alternatives, and flirts with the concepts of dissociation of the big studios with the artistic (“Ars Gratia Artis”) philosophies of the old days, those being replaced with the “money-making-happy-ending” driving forces of modern day Hollywood. DVD version.
Review by Lindsey Peterson for Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
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Contrary to some confused reviewers, all six seasons will be included in this collection. Since the newest season is not yet complete, they can not list a synopsis in the product description. That being said, Lost is the most original and creative television series of all time, and I’m sure this collection will be bursting with easter eggs and plenty of behind the scenes info for die hard fans. I love Lost!!
Review by Michael T. Sullivan for Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
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A lot of people are going to debate back and forth about this finale, the final year and whether or not it turns this elaborate performance piece into a show worth it’s place in the history of great storytelling or a complete waste of time. Were enough questions answered? Did we find out everything we need to know? Why was Walt so important? Where did the Dharma pallets keep coming from? Who was Libbie’s husband and how did he die? Why was she in the mental institution?
Who cares?
Although the mysteries were tantalizing, Lost wasn’t merely a show about devises and red herrings. It was about people. The Variables. How they affect us and how they change everything that we thought our life should be. It was about destiny and free will and how the two are not exclusive. It’s about how a world is only worth saving if there is love within it. Though the story is told through Jack Shephard’s rise, fall and redemption, it is truly a tale of community. And it is only with that community that we are really able to transcend ourselves too an enlightenment none of us could ever know alone. It is only with each other that Jack and Locke become one full man. With each other Sawyer and Juliet are able to lower their armor. Hurley and Ben protect the island. Claire and Kate raise Aaron.
The characters and their enlightenment was the focus of the writers, actors and all involved. That is what made Lost great. That is what made the mysteries so compelling. And that Is why i will often revisit this show. It was a gift.
Review by Steven Herring for Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
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LOST has been an amazing ride. Never has a show sucked me in quite like Lost. From the opening episode I knew I was hooked and I never looked back. It has the best writers on the planet and they constantly keep you on your toes as you fall in love with this strange world. I can’t even start to explain the amount of depth that this show is made up of. Every episode is important as it adds something new to the mythos of the series and to the characters themselves. At its core Lost is all about it’s characters. Seldom does the plot get more spotlight then the characters themselves. This leads to some amazing characters that feel like real life human beings instead of fictional creations. They are all given a fair share of the spotlight through flashbacks that tell their story before the island.
Lost was never a show afraid to take risks. None of the characters were ever safe and Lost took no prisoners as main cast members meet the grave with some regularity throughout the series. It also never became stale as the actual narration theme changed every season which kept the series fresh and new every week. I won’t elaborate on how the theme changed, but let’s just say that every season had a unique focus. The actors all should recieve alot of praise as there is never a moment where they fail to utterly shock you with their brillance. After all the writting would be nothing without great actors to bring these characters to life, and bring them to life they did.
LOST was not always perfect though. No series is as season five was a rare point where the characters were thrust into the background as the plot itself set the pace. Lost was always best when it told its story through it’s characters. The rest of the series is amazing though. Even season five where it is disappointing it still finds ways to impress you with some stellar episodes mixed in.
Lost constantly referanced previous episodes, which I loved. You felt really rewarded for seeing a connection that your family or friends didn’t recognize. Also there are alot of literary refereances throughout the series along with philosophy, mythology and history. It really has a deep framework that it built its story on.
The main arguement to the series is the most interesting part of the show. The old science vs religion is a major theme to the series. The main character Jack is a man of science. While another character Locke is a man of faith that believes everything happens for a reason. Seeing these two men argue both points throughout the series is always top notch entertainment. All of the characters evolve greatly from the person they were in the pilot to who they are in the end, but these two have the greatest arcs as both men change to understand eachothers point in different ways.
Now without giving anything away the series finale was brillant. Never has a finale finished off a series so perfectly. Yes some of the answers are left to ponder, but that is one thing that makes Lost great. You have to use your brain in order to figure out some of the lesser mysteries, but I assure you there are clues to be found to figure them out. We simply haven’t noticed them yet. Lost is a series that has a lot of replay value as you constantly catch pieces of the puzzle that you missed before, and with plots and characters this detailed you won’t mind rewatching the series for decades to come.
If you’ve never seen the series or are just buying it to relive the greatest series of all time I highly recommend the series to fans of serialized dramas. I envy all of you new comers to Lost as you are at the beginning of the adventure. I wish I could relive it for the first time again as it is sorely missed in my life. For the rest of us that have taken the journey already we have to use this set to remember and to let go.
Review by J. A. Stewart for Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
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Source: G4TV & [...]
Michael Emerson dropped by the G4′s “Attack of the Show” this week and revealed that the “Lost: The Complete Collection” Blu-ray and DVD sets, coming to stores on August 24, will have more on Hurley and Ben Linus’ story after where the series finale ended.
“Well, for those people that want to pony up and buy the Complete Lost Series, there is a bonus feature, which is, uhm, you could call it an epilogue, a lost scene,” he said. “It’s a lot, it’s 12 or 14 minutes that opens a window onto that gap of unknown time between Hurley becoming number one and the end of the series.”
Asked if that could lead to a spin-off series with Hurley and Ben Linus, he added, “It’s self-contained, although it’s a rich period in the show’s mythology that’s never been explored, so who knows what will come of it.”
Review by E. A Solinas for Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
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It’s a vast mass of mysteries, bizarre twists and supernatural occurrences — and it’s brilliant. “Lost: The Complete Series” has some bumps along its way (particularly in the second season), but it blossoms once it finds its footing, and starts working towards a brain-bending, epic clash between the forces of light and darkness. Think of it as “Swiss Family Robinson” by way of Stephen King.
A plane crashes on a remote tropical island, leaving a terrified band of survivors including a doctor named Jack (Matthew Fox), a spoiled brother and sister, a single dad and his strange son, an Iraqi ex-soldier, a Korean couple, chubby lottery winner, an escaped prisoner, a hostile con-man, a man cured of paralysis, and a junkie rocker.
Unfortunately, the island has countless perils that crop up as the survivors try to survive there, and strange people are hidden in its depths. What’s more, the island has a history that stretches back countless years — there are remnants of a powerful organization called Dharma, a collection of “Others” living in a luxurious modern village, a metal hatch with a button that MUST be pushed, and ancient statues and temples from ancient times.
The survivors do their best to keep alive and to fight back the Others, but they lose many of their number as they struggle to survive. And when a small band of them do escape the island, they find that they have somehow disrupted the island’s primal forces, and even the fabric of time itself. But even when they fight their way back to the island, they find that not all is as it should be. In an effort to set things right, they must take the ultimate risk… or the evil force imprisoned on the island will destroy them all.
Yes, it’s a weird show — “Lost” might make more sense if you’re drunk or stoned, because it can swing wildly from the downright surreal to the mundane. But in the midst of shallow sitcoms and endless reality TV, it’s refreshing to see a twisty-turny show like this one — religious symbolism, horror, science fiction, and a mythic storyline that stretches through the centuries.
The lush landscape is a contrast for such a dark storyline, although the writers do stumble occasionally (the first half of the second season is a total misfire). Adams never reveals everything, which keeps up the suspense, and he twines together dozens of mysteries — the island’s nature, its prior inhabitants, and its countless mysteries. Every time Adams unravels one puzzle, it just reveals a new one — and while he fails to answer all the mysteries (Walt and the animals!), the answers to the main ones are truly spellbinding.
And “Lost” is truly an ensemble show — every character gets to shine (including some we don’t care about), and flashbacks (and flash-forwards) reveal what makes them tick. Some like Jin, Sun and the haunted, smart-alecky Sawyer evolve into whole new people.
Matthew Fox is given a lot of attention, and he is a good actor… even though the self-righteous Jack eventually gets kind of annoying. Fortunately, there’s a brilliant supporting cast — Dominic Monaghan, Jorge Garcia (“Dude, that was a Jedi moment!”), Terry O’Quinn, Evangeline Lilly, the brilliant Naveen Andrews and Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Daniel Dae Kim. Michael Emerson is awesome as the creepy-eyed Other leader, as is Henry Ian Cusick as ex-soldier/monk Desmond.
“Lost” is a well-written, well-acted show that brings a bit of mystery back into prime-time television. Creepy, funny, romantic, tragic and sometimes just weird.