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After the high drama of the parachute drop on D-Day, Easy's greatest trial comes during the Battle of the Bulge, when they are besieged at Bastogne in the depths of winter. In one of the most harrowing and credible depictions of war ever committed to film we see the men enduring the repeated artillery attacks of the German forces and experience, if only vicariously, some of the sheer terror of the assault, while being humbled by the soldiers' courage and determination. Such feelings are enhanced by the series' masterstroke--bookend interviews with the surviving members of Easy Company, who talk with barely suppressed emotion of the experiences we see recreated. The endorsement of these veterans elevates Band of Brothers beyond any mere "war film"--its extraordinary achievement is that it shows the horror and savagery of war without gloss or jingoism, and yet celebrates the fraternal bonds and dogged heroism of the men who fought.

On the DVD: Band of Brothers arrives handsomely packaged in a six-disc box set with two episodes on each of the first five discs. Sound (Dolby 5.1) and picture (1.78:1 widescreen) only enhance the series' epic credentials. Disc 6 contains all the extras, the meatiest of which is the marvellous 80-minute documentary "We Stand Alone Together" about the real men of Easy Company. There's also a first-rate, genuinely interesting 30-minute "making of" feature about actor boot camp, visual effects and blowing up fake trees among many other things. This is complemented by actor Ron Livingston's revealing Video Diaries of boot camp. Additionally there's a "Who's Who" section and footage of the HBO premiere at Utah Beach, plus a TV spot for car company Jeep. --Mark Walker
Outstanding, apart from the snow in episode 6!, 2008-05-02
As all have said, this is a magnificent series, and a wonderful companion piece to 'Saving Private Ryan', despite giving my son the impression that World War 2 started in 1944.

The only criticism I can make is of the snow in Episode 6. It is so clearly artificial. And because the episode is shot in a studio, it feels almost like Narnia. Some of the actors aren't even good at looking cold.

However the Bastogne story is totally redeemed by Episode 7, which can stand on its own as a lesson in appalling and great leadership. And they get the snow right too!

The big new idea for Lost season four, as introduced in the cliffhanger at the end of the previous run, is flash-forwards, where we see some of the characters after they?ve left the island. This freshens the show immensely, and gives the writers some much-needed new meat to chew on. As a result, characters are more convincingly fleshed out, and more fun is had with the narrative in general.

There are still a few of the ailments that have hindered Lost in the past. Whenever Matthew Fox?s Jack takes centre-stage, for instance, it still tends to be an episode to forget, while one or two sub-plots are allowed to meander a little more than they should. Yet it?s a transitionary season, moving the show towards its final two years by beginning to fill in some of the blanks we?ve been lacking. And with a cliffhanger at the end that, once more, has the potential to firmly pull the rug from under your feet, it?s very clear that Lost has plenty more tricks up its sleeve to come. A terrific season of an increasingly bold show. --Simon Brew
Lost returns to form with possibly the best season yet!, 2008-10-28
Lost has always been thought of as a tv program best viewed on dvd because of its complex and lengthy story arcs. Therefore, the enjoyment of watching this high-class show can only be increased by purchasing the boxset.

The 4th season of Lost is arguably the best so far. The cliffhanger that ended season 3 has introduced a new plot device which adds greater excitement and mystery to the show. Although this season was shortened by the writer's strike in the USA, this benefits Lost as all episodes have a faster pace. Each episode is thrilling yet intelligent, building up to the shocking climax. The explosive season finale concludes this series' major plot and opens up more questions which will keep viewers hooked for the next two seasons.

In his last completed role before his tragic death, Ledger is fantastic as the Joker, a volcanic, truly frightening force of evil. And he sets the tone of the movie: the world is a dark, dangerous place where there are no easy choices. Eckhart and Oldman also shine, but as good as Bale is, his character turns out rather bland in comparison (not uncommon for heroes facing more colorful villains). Director/co-writer Christopher Nolan (Memento) follows his critically acclaimed Batman Begins with an even better sequel that sets itself apart from notable superhero movies like Spider-Man 2 and Iron Man because of its sheer emotional impact and striking sense of realism--there are no suspension-of-disbelief superpowers here. At 152 minutes, it's a shade too long, and it's much too intense for kids. But for most movie fans--and not just superhero fans--The Dark Knight is a film for the ages. --David Horiuchi
Instantaneous classic, 2008-11-08
No much to add to other 'five-star' reviews. This is a classic and by miles the best comic book based film ever made. I would like Nolan to revisit the character once again but after having created such a brilliant plot, character development and poetic ending, maybe he shouldn't...

Just brilliant!

Prince Caspian is epic, evoking memories of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. (Some of the battle elements may seem too familiar, but they were in Lewis's book.) And it's appropriate for kids (Reepicheep could have come out of a Shrek movie), though the tone is dark and there is a lot of death, albeit bloodless. After two successful films, Disney and Walden Media's franchise has proved successful enough that many of the characters are scheduled to return in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. --David Horiuchi, Amazon.com
Excellent family entertainment, 2008-11-13
I'll keep it short and sweet - great performances, great effects, true to th ebook while still fleshing out the story and characters a little more. Fantastically fun action adventure that's suitable for all the family without patronising kids or sanitising the darker elements of the story. Parents should not object to being forced to sit through it with the kids!

In his last completed role before his tragic death, Ledger is fantastic as the Joker, a volcanic, truly frightening force of evil. And he sets the tone of the movie: the world is a dark, dangerous place where there are no easy choices. Eckhart and Oldman also shine, but as good as Bale is, his character turns out rather bland in comparison (not uncommon for heroes facing more colorful villains). Director/co-writer Christopher Nolan (Memento) follows his critically acclaimed Batman Begins with an even better sequel that sets itself apart from notable superhero movies like Spider-Man 2 and Iron Man because of its sheer emotional impact and striking sense of realism--there are no suspension-of-disbelief superpowers here. At 152 minutes, it's a shade too long, and it's much too intense for kids. But for most movie fans--and not just superhero fans--The Dark Knight is a film for the ages. --David Horiuchi
Destined to be a Bestseller!, 2008-10-08
I know this is not out yet on Blu-Ray but i have watched the first 5 mins
of Dark Knight on Blu-Ray as it is on the special features on my Batman Begins Blu-Ray disc and judging by that this will be probably a must own title.

Honestly the opening scene of Dark Knight on Blu Ray on a big high definition TV with the sound cranked up is a jaw dropping experience!