First off, everything about "Gladiator" is big: the sets, the plot, the cast of characters, the battles, even the dialogue. Everything about this movie harkens to the classic epics of Hollywood. Don't mistake admiration for theft though, this movie is pure 21st century and very original.

Through the lavish use of computer graphics, as well as masterful costume work, the viewer is vaulted back to ancient Rome. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix both offer Oscar caliber performances, and the supporting cast is likewise excellent (of particular note is Djimon Hounsu of "Amistad"). The film is packed with action, but also relates a tale of political intrigue, and also deftly deals with issues of love and faith. Finally, the soundtrack is outstanding; in particular, some of the vocal arrangements are nothing short of haunting.

As for the DVD, it offers some outstanding feautures. I particularly enjoyed the TLC documentary on gladiatorial games, which does much to ground the movie in some historical fact. I also enjoyed the deleted scenes with commentary from the director. I enjoyed them all for what they added to the film, but I really liked the insight into the editing process that Scott's comments provided.

"American Beauty" is one of the most haunting, beautiful films to come around in a long time. With its stunning cinematography, amazing writing, and outstanding performances form every single member of the cast, it makes an eloquent statement about what's truly important in life. There are scenes in this movie that defy description, but which will capture your heart and touch your soul. "American Beauty" represents everything that modern film-making should be.

As for the DVD, it offers several outstanding features that wisely do not overshadow the movie itself. I particularly enjoyed the director's commentary. Of note, some people were upset that an alternate beginning and ending that were shot and discarded, were not included on the DVD. I, for one, am glad they weren't; to have included them would have irretrievably altered the audience's entire perception of the movie, and by so doing, might have ruined it.

When all is said and done, "American Beauty" should form the cornerstone of any DVD collection.

"Red Dragon" is often overshadowed by "Silence of the Lambs", but make no mistake, it is every bit as good. In fact, what many people don't realize is that Hannibal Lecter makes his appearence in this novel. While not as prominent as in SotL or "Hannibal", his menace is omnipresent.

I actually liked the killer in this novel better than "Buffalo Bill". He was slightly less loony, and the sane edge to his delusions only added to his menace.

As usual, Harris' writing is excellent, and he moves the reader along with excellent pacing. This is really an outstanding, smart thriller that should be considered on the same level with "Silence of the Lambs".

Unlike many horror/thriller novels, "Silence of the Lambs" is a smart, well written novel. Harris' excellent use of language and superb pacing grabs you from the start and never lets up. Of course, the centerpiece of this novel is Hannibal Lecter, truly one of the most vivid characters ever to appear in print. While he is not the "main character" his presence is overwhelming, and he is constantly lurking at the edges.

"Silence of the Lambs" is a great read that will keep you up well into the night.

Overall, I found "Virtual History" to be an excellent exploration of the value of counterfactuals in historical writing. There is no debating the quality of the writing in this book. From the rousing introduction, to the various essays, and the clever conclusion, the authors do a superb job of engaging the reader in their various areas of expertise. That said, the work overall is somewhat uneven.

I believe this stems from the fact that the various historians don't all share the same comfort level with projecting the consequences of their counterfactuals. Some barely scratch the surface of what might have been, while others go into extensive detail (in particular, "What if Hitler had Invaded England", my favorite). However, this complaint speaks more to the flow of the work overall, and not to the quality of each essay.

In conclusion, "Virtual History" is an outstanding work, that shows top notch research and excellent writing. My one caveat to the potential reader would be that this is not a particularly light, easy reading book. If you are looking for a somewhat less rigorous, less scholarly look at counterfactual history I would recommend "What If?" (Cowley ed.).

Never before or since has a movie taken hold of the American conciousness like "Jaws". To this day, people are scared to go near the water because of it; and the famous score is perhaps one of the most widely recognized pieces of music in the US.

The beauty of this film is that it's subtle; you don't even see the shark until halfway through the movie. The viewer isn't just scared of the shark, they are scared of everything that is unknown and uncontrollable. The superb acting and camera work only enhance the tension, and the fact that the action takes place in a summer paradise creates an uncomfortable dichotomy that pushes it over the top.

"Jaws" is one of the great films of all time. The fact that it is a genuine crowd pleaser makes it all the more special. For these reasons the bonus feature on the making of "Jaws" is all the more interesting, because it shows how a movie that seemed almost cursed became a hit.

A great movie, and a great DVD. Enjoy!

The director's cut of "Blade Runner" is a rare instance of a classic being improved. By removing the voice overs and original theatrical ending, the movie takes on a much more somber, tense feeling. Furthermore, the lack of narration serves to heighten the importance of the very spare dialogue, and reveals a great deal of nuance that had been previously masked. Finally, this is a movie that was begging for DVD. Its dark settings and towering buildings demand high resolution. While the DVD doesn't offer much else, it is worth buying for just this reason.

This film is an haunting masterpiece, and of the rare breed of movies that make you think. Enjoy!

"The Sixth Sense" is the most intelligent, well thought out thriller since "Silence of the Lambs". By turns touching and terrifying, this movie completely suspends the viewer's disbelief, and draws them into a world where the dead skirt the edges of our senses. The acting in this movie is top-notch and the cinematography is outstanding. What really sets this movie apart, however, is the spare dialogue which sets the perfect tone.

Furthermore, the DVD features are outstanding. In particular, I enjoyed the "Rules and Clues" feature. While I won't delve into it too much for fear of spoiling the movie, it reveals the constants the bind the movie together and drive it to its stunning conclusion.

Unfortunately, Kenneth Branagh's career thus far has been somewhat hit or miss, but "Henry V" is a solid hit. In fact, it is far and a way the best film adaptation of Shakespeare I have ever seen, surpassing even Polanski's "Macbeth". Through the use of lavish sets, beautiful costumes and old fashioned blood and guts battle scenes, Branagh brings the work alive in a way no one else could have. I particularly enjoyed his conception of the narrator as a modern day man wandering around the sets in between takes. Furthermore, the cinematography, is outstanding. By using many tight shots, Branagh captures the feel of a play being acted out. Branagh himself offers a mind-blowing performance as Henry, bringing tremendous emotion to the role. Finally, "Henry V" features, to my mind, the greatest original score ever recorded for a movie.

While the DVD doesn't offer much in the way of features, it does bring you the film in beautiful widescreen with outstanding sound, so you can experience the film the way it was meant to be. This is a must have for any DVD collection.

Perhaps what I enjoy most about Harris' books is his elegant use of language. His choice of words paints a lush, beautifully realized landscape. And it is this use of language that makes Hannibal Lecter such an appalling monster. He doesn't fit any of our presuppositions of what an evil person should be: he's educated, polite, cultured and refined. The reader is constanlty challenged because in the face of overwhelming evil, a small corner of the mind is always hoping he will escape justice.

Ultimately, "Hannibal" is a look at the dark side of human nature. While no sane person would ever commit the acts Hannibal does, his motives aren't mysterious. It's not impossible to imagine a person you know succumbing to the predator buried in their genetic make-up.

This is not an easy book to read. Aside from the gore, parts of it are profoundly disturbing. But it is a smart, haunting thriller, and anyone who approaches it with an open mind will surely enjoy it.