Collection ID 796
Director: Fred F. Sears
Starring: Kathryn Grant, William Leslie, Tristram Coffin, Raymond Greenleaf, Charles Evans
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Clover Productions   Release date: 1957   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Dr. Conway has perfected a machine which he believes will predict earthquakes, and has determined that one will strike California within 24 hours. He and his patron, Dr. Morton, attempt to convince the Governor but he cannot bring himself to declare an emergency when there is no proof the machine works - which, within 24 hours, it is proven to do. More significantly, Conway is getting readings which indicate a series of additional, pending quakes around the world, which also begin to occur; and more still seem to be on the way. With his assistant "Hutch", to whose love for him he seems oblivious, Conway takes his equipment to the deepest point of Carlsbad Caverns, in hopes that being closer to the center of the earth will help discern the cause of the earthquake epidemic. It does, when they inadvertently discover a new element which lies dormant in watery pools deep within the earth but, when in contact with air, becomes violently explosive. Forces unknown appear to be pushing this ...
My Rating:
My Review: Directed by Fred F. Sears (Best movie - Earth vs the Flying Saucers (featured Ray Harryhausen special effects), worst movie - The Giant Claw). Starring Kathryn Grant, William Leslie, Tristram Coffin and others. This movie was one of six vintage sci-fi movies on a two-disc collection I purchased in Nov of 2015. In this movie Dr. Conway (Played by William Leslie) has invented a machine - The gigantic 'Datatron', an electric brain which predicts earthquakes. The first earthquake it predicts is a monster. A massive quake is predicted to strike California in the next 24 hours. With no 'proof' that there machine works, the Governor won't declare an emergency or evacuate the area of the predicted epicenter. The skeptics are all proven wrong when the earthquake hits and immense damage is dealt. Beyond the initially predicted earthquake, there are indications that a devastating series of earthquakes are coming up. In order to get better readings, the scientists head for Carlsbad caverns in New Mexico. The movie features rather poor special effects, poor acting, and worst of all the science and technology depicted was severely mocking, even for the 50s. The set of the military aircraft was amazingly bad, and the reliance on too much stock footage underscores how low production quality hampered this movie. I give it a 2 out of 5.

Collection ID 1513
Director: Fred F. Sears
Starring: Kathryn Grant, William Leslie, Tristram Coffin, Raymond Greenleaf, Charles Evans
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Clover Productions   Release date: 1957   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Dr. Conway has perfected a machine which he believes will predict earthquakes, and has determined that one will strike California within 24 hours. He and his patron, Dr. Morton, attempt to convince the Governor but he cannot bring himself to declare an emergency when there is no proof the machine works - which, within 24 hours, it is proven to do. More significantly, Conway is getting readings which indicate a series of additional, pending quakes around the world, which also begin to occur; and more still seem to be on the way. With his assistant "Hutch", to whose love for him he seems oblivious, Conway takes his equipment to the deepest point of Carlsbad Caverns, in hopes that being closer to the center of the earth will help discern the cause of the earthquake epidemic. It does, when they inadvertently discover a new element which lies dormant in watery pools deep within the earth but, when in contact with air, becomes violently explosive. Forces unknown appear to be pushing this ...
My Rating:
My Review: Directed by Fred F. Sears (Best movie - Earth vs the Flying Saucers (featured Ray Harryhausen special effects), worst movie - The Giant Claw). Starring Kathryn Grant, William Leslie, Tristram Coffin and others. This movie was one of six vintage sci-fi movies on a two-disc collection I purchased in Nov of 2015. In this movie Dr. Conway (Played by William Leslie) has invented a machine - The gigantic 'Datatron', an electric brain which predicts earthquakes. The first earthquake it predicts is a monster. A massive quake is predicted to strike California in the next 24 hours. With no 'proof' that there machine works, the Governor won't declare an emergency or evacuate the area of the predicted epicenter. The skeptics are all proven wrong when the earthquake hits and immense damage is dealt. Beyond the initially predicted earthquake, there are indications that a devastating series of earthquakes are coming up. In order to get better readings, the scientists head for Carlsbad caverns in New Mexico. The movie features rather poor special effects, poor acting, and worst of all the science and technology depicted was severely mocking, even for the 50s. The set of the military aircraft was amazingly bad, and the reliance on too much stock footage underscores how low production quality hampered this movie. I give it a 2 out of 5.

Collection ID 134
Director: Ralph Thomas
Starring: Richard Jordan, Oliver Tobias, David Niven, Elke Sommer, Gloria Grahame
Genre: Crime
Studio: S. Benjamin Fisz Productions   Release date: 1979   Rated:   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Pinky is released from prison and has decided to go straight from now on, but accidentally getting himself a job as a maintenance man at a large bank, gives him a lot of undue attention from Ivan the Terrible, the local hoodlum. By using Pinky, Ivan hopes to rob the bank and Pinky starts to liken to the idea of going back to his old ways!
My Rating:
My Review: An odd film for my collection - This British movie was a direct to VHS release. I picked up my copy from the 'previously viewed' bin at a mom-and-pop video rental store (a long time ago). Starring David Niven, Richard Jordan and other British actors. Screenplay and original story by Guy Elmes. Based upon the true story of a Bank Heist in Mayfair/London during the late 70s. The movie was directed by Ralph Thomas (see 1959 version of 'The 39 Steps'). The story is excellent. Richard Jordan stars as 'Pinky', a two-bit minor league criminal who's released from prison with some skills and a desire to go straight. Unfortunately for Pinky, his 'friends' take interest in Pinky's new job at the 'Bank of America' in Mayfair, London. David Niven (as the sophisticated crime boss 'Ivan') quickly explains the consequences of not helping the gang pull off a bank caper. What follows is a fairly suspenseful bank heist flick with a British sense of humor and some pretty good London shots/cinematography. The editing was excellent and the true story aspects made it all the more interesting. Smashingly good entertainment. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 917
Director: Ralph Thomas
Starring: Richard Jordan, Oliver Tobias, David Niven, Elke Sommer, Gloria Grahame
Genre: Crime
Studio: S. Benjamin Fisz Productions   Release date: 1979   Rated:   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Pinky is released from prison and has decided to go straight from now on, but accidentally getting himself a job as a maintenance man at a large bank, gives him a lot of undue attention from Ivan the Terrible, the local hoodlum. By using Pinky, Ivan hopes to rob the bank and Pinky starts to liken to the idea of going back to his old ways!
My Rating:
My Review: An odd film for my collection - This British movie was a direct to VHS release. I picked up my copy from the 'previously viewed' bin at a mom-and-pop video rental store (a long time ago). Starring David Niven, Richard Jordan and other British actors. Screenplay and original story by Guy Elmes. Based upon the true story of a Bank Heist in Mayfair/London during the late 70s. The movie was directed by Ralph Thomas (see 1959 version of 'The 39 Steps'). The story is excellent. Richard Jordan stars as 'Pinky', a two-bit minor league criminal who's released from prison with some skills and a desire to go straight. Unfortunately for Pinky, his 'friends' take interest in Pinky's new job at the 'Bank of America' in Mayfair, London. David Niven (as the sophisticated crime boss 'Ivan') quickly explains the consequences of not helping the gang pull off a bank caper. What follows is a fairly suspenseful bank heist flick with a British sense of humor and some pretty good London shots/cinematography. The editing was excellent and the true story aspects made it all the more interesting. Smashingly good entertainment. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 227
Director: Henry Selick
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix
Genre: Animation
Studio: Touchstone Pictures   Release date: 1993   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, German, Spanish (USA)
Summary: Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 944
Director: Henry Selick
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix
Genre: Animation
Studio: Touchstone Pictures   Release date: 1993   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, German, Spanish (USA)
Summary: Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 123
Director: Adrian Lyne
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Margaret Whitton, David Margulies, Christine Baranski
Genre: Drama
Studio: Producers Sales Organization   Release date: 1986   Rated:   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: An erotic story about a woman, the assistant of an art gallery, who gets involved in an impersonal affair with a man. She barely knows about his life, only about the sex games they play, so the relationship begins to get complicated.
My Rating:
My Review: This movie was (upon release) considered so erotic that it was shocking. Two versions are available an 'R' rated version and an 'Unrated' version. The 'Unrated' scene contains a few extra sex scenes. Directed by Adrian Lyne (following 'Flash Dance'), this movie is based upon a book, but the material wasn't adapted very well. It starred Mickey Rourke (as John - Some sort of wall street executive) and Kim Basinger (as Liz the art gallery employee). The movie lacks any character development to speak of. John and Liz establish a relationship based entirely on sex. John is pushing Liz to the limits of her sexual boundaries. The movie depicts a very steamy relationship. With plenty of fantasy, BDSM, and public sex, the movie raised plenty of eyebrows, but it really doesn't have any real story to speak of. At times the movie is quite slow, and the 80s sound track was a bit overdone. Sure there's plenty of nudity, but the sex scenes are choreographed and filmed in a way that allows an 'R' rating. After a while, the sex games get a bit boring, and the movie seems to play out as a series of music videos. The only reasons to watch this movie? Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke are both smoking hot in their steamy sex scenes and they seemed to have some chemistry in the movie. Aside from that, the plot (what little there was) and character development are pretty much non-existent in this erotic drama. I give it a 3 out of 5. It barely made the 'I liked it' rating.

Collection ID 907
Director: Adrian Lyne
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Margaret Whitton, David Margulies, Christine Baranski
Genre: Drama
Studio: Producers Sales Organization   Release date: 1986   Rated:   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: An erotic story about a woman, the assistant of an art gallery, who gets involved in an impersonal affair with a man. She barely knows about his life, only about the sex games they play, so the relationship begins to get complicated.
My Rating:
My Review: This movie was (upon release) considered so erotic that it was shocking. Two versions are available an 'R' rated version and an 'Unrated' version. The 'Unrated' scene contains a few extra sex scenes. Directed by Adrian Lyne (following 'Flash Dance'), this movie is based upon a book, but the material wasn't adapted very well. It starred Mickey Rourke (as John - Some sort of wall street executive) and Kim Basinger (as Liz the art gallery employee). The movie lacks any character development to speak of. John and Liz establish a relationship based entirely on sex. John is pushing Liz to the limits of her sexual boundaries. The movie depicts a very steamy relationship. With plenty of fantasy, BDSM, and public sex, the movie raised plenty of eyebrows, but it really doesn't have any real story to speak of. At times the movie is quite slow, and the 80s sound track was a bit overdone. Sure there's plenty of nudity, but the sex scenes are choreographed and filmed in a way that allows an 'R' rating. After a while, the sex games get a bit boring, and the movie seems to play out as a series of music videos. The only reasons to watch this movie? Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke are both smoking hot in their steamy sex scenes and they seemed to have some chemistry in the movie. Aside from that, the plot (what little there was) and character development are pretty much non-existent in this erotic drama. I give it a 3 out of 5. It barely made the 'I liked it' rating.

Collection ID 395
Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford
Genre: Horror
Studio: Artisan Entertainment   Release date: 1999   Rated: R   
Language (Country): German, English (Spain)
Summary: A rare book dealer seeks out the last two copies of a demon text draw him into the middle of conspiracy with supernatural overtones.
My Rating:
My Review: The Ninth Gate - 1999 (Mystery, thriller, horror) Directed by Roman Polanski (yes that Roman Polanski - Chinatown, Rosemary’s Baby, Repulsion, Knife in the Water, The Pianist), starring Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, and a mesmerizing Emmanuelle Seigner. The music by Wojciech Kilar was fantastic. This gothic noir mystery revolves around the main character's investigation of a book. Supposedly co-authored by Lucifer himself, the 'book detective' is hired out to discover the mystery behind this tome. The plot is incredibly rich and intriguing. A horror/mystery where a book finder is the main character. One of the things that makes this movie so rewarding is the unlikely basis of the story and the main character. The pacing is perfect, and Polanski manages to create an eery creepy feel throughout - without resorting to exploding special effects or cgi. The supernatural elements of the movie are subtle and extremely well done. The camera work, color, lighting, costumes, locations, sets, artwork and props were all outstanding. The ending of the movie is masterful. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1116
Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford
Genre: Horror
Studio: Artisan Entertainment   Release date: 1999   Rated: R   
Language (Country): German, English (Spain)
Summary: A rare book dealer seeks out the last two copies of a demon text draw him into the middle of conspiracy with supernatural overtones.
My Rating:
My Review: The Ninth Gate - 1999 (Mystery, thriller, horror) Directed by Roman Polanski (yes that Roman Polanski - Chinatown, Rosemary’s Baby, Repulsion, Knife in the Water, The Pianist), starring Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, and a mesmerizing Emmanuelle Seigner. The music by Wojciech Kilar was fantastic. This gothic noir mystery revolves around the main character's investigation of a book. Supposedly co-authored by Lucifer himself, the 'book detective' is hired out to discover the mystery behind this tome. The plot is incredibly rich and intriguing. A horror/mystery where a book finder is the main character. One of the things that makes this movie so rewarding is the unlikely basis of the story and the main character. The pacing is perfect, and Polanski manages to create an eery creepy feel throughout - without resorting to exploding special effects or cgi. The supernatural elements of the movie are subtle and extremely well done. The camera work, color, lighting, costumes, locations, sets, artwork and props were all outstanding. The ending of the movie is masterful. I give it a 5 out of 5.