Amazon.com Bookology
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99
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Editorial Review

"I contain both old and new. I start with 'in the beginning.... '" Have you got it yet? If the name of thisclassic book jumps to mind with just these two clues, you're ready to play Amazon.com Bookology. Theobject is to be the first player to fill your personal library with books from... you guessed it... Amazon.com,by collecting seven Book Cards that are earned by answering questions like the one above.

Players move around the board answering questions about books in various categories (e.g., classics,children's, nonfiction). Cards on the corner spaces--Novel Bits, Silver Screen, Poet's Corner, and Writer'sBlock--test general literary knowledge by asking players to fill in blanks in poems, "fix" intentionallyincorrect phrases ("An ounce of fertilizer is worth a pound of manure."), or answer movieor book trivia questions. Every correct answer earns another Book Card. To even out the playing field,players can opt to choose Novice, Avid, or Expert levels before the game begins, or, alternatively, agree asa group on which level all will play.

Amazon.com developed Bookology in partnership with University Games. It's a game for anyone wholoves books. So, whether you're a well-read board game player or a bookworm who loves to play games,Bookology is sure to keep you both challenged and entertained. (For two or more players; ages 12 andolder) --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Scat*ology
This game was given to me as a gift and I only hope the people that gave it to me got it for free.I thought Amazon.com gave the game away for people with large orders and had to look online to find out if it was free but it turned out to be $[some cash amount].Although I applaud the fact that the makers of the game hired the mentally challenged to write the instructions, the game doesn't really seem to rely on them to much anyway.I think most anyone could make a better game out of some twine and rusty cans.

a slight disappointment
I got this game thinking it would be a fun game for me and some of my friends to play (we're English graduate students), and a sort of study tool. But I was a little let down. Some of the questions had the most bizarre and useless clues. But some of them were fun and interesting. Playing the game was good for a laugh. It says that it is recommended for ages 12 and up, but I think most 12 year olds would have trouble with the bulk of this game. Selection question choosing could alleviate that problem. I'd have to say, its a risk to buy this game. You might like it, or you might not. I'd suggest taking the chance.

Family's Favorite Game
I gave Bookology to one of our adult sons for Christmas and it has quickly become the family favorite.We have a large family of adult children and most of them come home on Friday nights for pizza and games and the game is nearly always Bookology.We have discovered the same errors as the previous reviewers but haven't let them interfere with our enjoyment of the game.Our ages range from 24 to 65 and there are always at least ten people playing the game - we form teams. We would like to see additional game cards made available, as we will soon be repeating the cards.It's a great game. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J6Y3
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Trivia    4. Party Games    5. Grownup   

Cranium
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Spell a word backwards, hum a tune, answer a multiple-choicequestion, draw with your eyes closed, and more when you play Cranium.Unlike games that focus on only a few skills, Cranium offers 14talent-tapping activities designed to bring out the best in you and yourfriends. Cards from four decks, color-coded to match each of the crazycharacters--Star Performer, Creative Cat, Data Head, and WordWorm--describe activities that teams must complete in order to advance aroundthe board. If you choose a Sculptorades card from the Creative Catdeck, for example, you might be asked to sculpt a hamburger fromlemon-scented Cranium Clay while your teammates try to guess what you'recreating.

To win the game, teams have to make it to Cranium Central--the largepurple brain in the center of the board--and then successfully completeone activity from each of the four decks. The result is that the teamwith the best combination of abilities comes out on top. With itswonderfully diverse set of activities and top-notch design (artwork byillustrator GaryBaseman decorates the colorful board and decks of cards), Craniumoffers the best of all board game experiences--and it's a whole lot offun, too! (For 4 or more players) ... Read more

Reviews (496)

Hours of Fun, and Most of it is Spent Laughing
Cranium is the ultimate combination of every party game you love in one nice package.Acting, unscrambling, humming, drawing, there is always a new challenge to face that will have the entire group laughing.

You play the game in partners and will find the games level of difficulties ranging from spelling a word to 60's trivia. The competition is eased through the constant mishap whiletrying to complete the zany challenges which adds for a funner atmosphere.

The games design is modern and nicely done, and the replay value of the game is high since the card booster sets have been made and the first deck will last you a long time.Cranium doesn't get old fast, it's so entertaining I doubt it will ever get old.It is a must own game and definately the best of the new wave of party games.

Cranium's Crazy Contests earn it
A Bliss of 9

Good game
Cranium is a good game, but does not appeal to everyone in the group. Rigamarole is a lot more fun and there is something for everyone.

THE SMARTEST, WITTIEST, FUNNIEST, COOLEST, FUNNEST GAME EVER
This is without a doubt the best boardgame ever created! Friends of mine who hate boardgames love this one! It combines pictionary, charades, trivia, and a whole slew of other exciting games--all in one! Highly recommended for teenagers and adults. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DMBQ
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Brain Games    4. Learning    5. Family Favorites    6. Trivia    7. Party Games    8. Grownup   

Capresso C1000 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center with Claris Water Care System
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $1,100.00
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Editorial Review

Capresso's C1000 is a complete coffee-bar system that filters water, grinds beans, tamps the fresh grind, brews the espresso, steams the milk, and then rinses and shuts off automatically. Its 1,250 watt ThermoCoil heating system heats up in just 30 seconds, and then is ready for whatever coffee drink is wanted next. It's possible to brew just one shot of espresso or one cup of pressure-brewed coffee or up to 16 ounces, with adjustable settings for coffee strength. This system does not have a timer to start the machine in the morning, though (so you'll have to do that yourself), but it's so speedy that fresh-ground coffee is ready in a couple of minutes.

A 64-ounce removable water container filters water for fresh taste, removing impurities and adding an organic substance that removes carbon and decreases decalcifying. The integrated conical burr grinder has 6 adjustable settings for coffee bean type and coarseness of grind. Its bean container holds 10 ounces (the machine also works with preground coffee), while a "Frother Feature" offers continuous steam output, dual settings for lattes and cappuccinos, and a hot-water dispenser for tea.

The system must be cleaned after brewing 200 coffee drinks, using special cleaning tablets. Extra parts, filtering cartridges, and cleaning tablets are available from the manufacturer, and there's a toll-free customer-service number. --Marcie Bovetz

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 13 by 11 by 16 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Complete espresso center with filters water, grinds beans, and brews espresso
• 1,250-watt ThermoCoil heating system heats up in just 30 seconds
• 64-ounce removable water container filters water for fresh taste
• Brushed stainless-steel with black accents

Reviews (51)

Great Tasting, Multi Featured Time Saver
I bought this machine after going over many reviews from different machines.I couldn't decide between a semi-automatic or automatic, but finally decided on the Capresso C-1000 fully automatic.As a family of coffee drinkers with different tastes for coffee strengths, this machine is a crowd pleaser.Before I got this, I had to get up early in the morning to make one pot of weaker coffee for my wife, and another pot stronger for me,and then weaken that one just a bit for my daughter. With this you can make custom fresh ground coffee cup by cup and satisfy everyone(in way less time!!).The capuccinos and espressos are just great. It is a big unit and takes up a lot of counter space, but it looks "cool" doing it.I tried 100% colombian beans(8'oclock brand, recommended by a "consumer magazine we can't mention") and it is just wonderful with great aroma, body and flavor.The coffee is plenty hot if you drink it black.It is a bit cool if you add cold milk.It is super hot if you froth the milk first(I hot-frothed mine for a good while and burned my tongue big time).

As other reviewers said, it is a bit difficult at first to remember what does what.You definitely need your user guide for the first week of use.

I have one big complaint with this machine.Sure the dispenser adjusts to accept "little-bitty" espresso cups, but it will not adjust tall enough for my favorite coffee mugs.If your cup is over 3 7/8'' tall it will not fit under the dispensing unit.

Overall, I am very pleased with the convenience and quality of this machine(cool,impressive,"check this out" factor, too), and would buy it again.

C1000 has design flaw
the O ring that controls the water after temping the grounds is either to small for a piece of metal that holds it in place is off set causing the ring to be cut into.This allows the water to run straight thru the machine and onto the counter.
We have had 2 of the C1000's and neither lasted over 18 months.

Customer Service Review
We bought the Capresso model 101 several years ago. Obviously this wasn't the kind of sophisticated machine we're talking about here, but I think our experience says something about whether anybody should buy anything from Capresso. Our 101 worked for less than 1 year, then there was no water pressure. We paid the shipping and additional repair fee, but it only worked a little better before giving up again. This happened 3 more times ($40.00 per repair) before we gave up. The worst part was their customer service. From the beginning they were arrogant and unhelpful. After the last breakdown, the rep told me they couldn't waive their fee because we'd used the machine for 2 weeks, so it was a "new"(??) repair. Their literature says they will "repair or replace", but our model was discontinued, so too bad. If we're going to spend so much on something that should be fun, maybe good will toward customers should be part of the package. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SU1Q
Subjects:  1. (Coffeemakers)    2. Espresso Machines    3. (Espresso Makers)    4. (Expresso)    5. Kitchen    6. Small Appliances    7. Gifts    8. Cooking    9. Entertainment    10. Drip Coffee Machines    11. Coffee Makers   

Ateco 6-Piece Graduated Star Cookie Cutter Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $10.00
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Editorial Review

An outstanding set for every cookie-baking occasion, these six stars will help you make a whole constellation of tasty treats. Solid construction and a sharp edge make quick work of any dough, and smaller sizes are great for adding attractive trimmings to pie crusts. An extra band of metal wrapped around the top cutter edge improves grip and lessens the chance of injury. Just pop in the dishwasher for easy cleanup, and store them right in the handy metal container. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe
• Six star sizes
• Sharp cutting edges
• Nest in own container for easy storage
• 1-3/4 to 3-1/2 inches

Reviews (1)

Fun 4th of July Party Fixins
This looks like a wonderful addition for any 4th of July ,Memorial Day or Labor Day block party! I can think of dozens of ways to decorate these cookies! This should attach to the baking decorating supplies! ... Read more

Asin: B00004S1CL
Subjects:  1. Baking    2. Holidays    3. Christmas    4. (Xmas)    5. (X-mas)   

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) (Harry Potter)
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (08 July, 2000)
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $19.79
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling offers up equal parts danger and delight--and any number of dragons, house-elves, and death-defying challenges. Now 14, her orphan hero has only two more weeks with his Muggle relatives before returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Yet one night a vision harrowing enough to make his lightning-bolt-shaped scar burn has Harry on edge and contacting his godfather-in-hiding, Sirius Black. Happily, the prospect of attending the season's premier sporting event, the Quidditch World Cup, is enough to make Harry momentarily forget that Lord Voldemort and his sinister familiars--the Death Eaters--are out for murder.

Readers, we will cast a giant invisibility cloak over any more plot and reveal only that You-Know-Who is very much after Harry and that this year there will be no Quidditch matches between Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Instead, Hogwarts will vie with two other magicians' schools, the stylish Beauxbatons and the icy Durmstrang, in a Triwizard Tournament. Those chosen to compete will undergo three supreme tests. Could Harry be one of the lucky contenders?

But Quidditch buffs need not go into mourning: we get our share of this great game at the World Cup. Attempting to go incognito as Muggles, 100,000 witches and wizards converge on a "nice deserted moor." As ever, Rowling magicks up the details that make her world so vivid, and so comic. Several spectators' tents, for instance, are entirely unquotidian. One is a minipalace, complete with live peacocks; another has three floors and multiple turrets. And the sports paraphernalia on offer includes rosettes "squealing the names of the players" as well as "tiny models of Firebolts that really flew, and collectible figures of famous players, which strolled across the palm of your hand, preening themselves." Needless to say, the two teams are decidedly different, down to their mascots. Bulgaria is supported by the beautiful veela, who instantly enchant everyone--including Ireland's supporters--over to their side. Until, that is, thousands of tiny cheerleaders engage in some pyrotechnics of their own: "The leprechauns had risen into the air again, and this time, they formed a giant hand, which was making a very rude sign indeed at the veela across the field."

Long before her fourth installment appeared, Rowling warned that it would be darker, and it's true that every exhilaration is equaled by a moment that has us fearing for Harry's life, the book's emotions running as deep as its dangers. Along the way, though, she conjures up such new characters as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, a Dark Wizard catcher who may or may not be getting paranoid in his old age, and Rita Skeeter, who beetles around Hogwarts in search of stories. (This Daily Prophet scoop artist has a Quick-Quotes Quill that turns even the most innocent assertion into tabloid innuendo.) And at her bedazzling close, Rowling leaves several plot strands open, awaiting book 5. This fan is ready to wager that the author herself is part veela--her pen her wand, her commitment to her world complete. (Ages 9 and older) --Kerry Fried ... Read more

Reviews (4914)

HP - FOOLY SIK
Books 1,2,3 had a real lot going for them. I was worried that after 3 the rest would flop. I think the John Masden series of 7 books was a real mistake. Book three was a fine ending, but he went and added 4 more, in which nothing new happened.

Rowling shows that 4 books can be done and done brilliantly. I complained about the length of book 5 because so much of it was supurfluos, but book 4 is different. The plot is like a web of genius, or a jigsaw puzzle of plot-based intrigue, or a tapestry of etc etc. Plot, more than character, is what drives the Harry Poter books - Rowlings' stories are always huge and complete, and wrapped up so neatly. She gets the 'who dunnit' aspect of intrigue perfectly - unlike the boring pretentious Agatha Christie, Rowling creates Plots that make sence, plots in which the numerous hints she dropps actually add up to something.My problem with Christie is that she would always insert hints for every character who DID NOT 'do it', then, in the last 5 pages, would smugly tell us "no it was the cook Scaramangious fidel, who murdered beatrice whatsit, and THIS is HOW and WHY". Rowling actually goes to the trouble of working out the ending first, instead of just killing of characters until 2 remain, then telling us who the baddie is. I realy cant stand Agatha Christie.

Anyway HP4 is great. I still have respect for the character's, something that I lost in book 5 when they all started 'going out'. Read my review of 5 if u want. I'm sorryI just can't stand the way nobody in the whole of hogwarts seems to have any romance going on till book 5, then suddenly all the characters become soppie stars. I completely lost respect for Hermione, my favourite character, when she started dealing out Docter Phill style romance advice. I hate the way Ginny flits around from boy to boy without any of it meaning anything. She ditches her first guy friend because her team beat his team in QUIDITCH FOR@$@#!$'s sake. "Just choose someone better next time" says Ron. Ginny: "Well I've chosen Dean thomas would you say he's better".

ARRRGH!

awsome
My all time favorite is Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire. I liked it because I kike that series. I also did this book because it is very mysteries. This book is about Harry gets entered in a contest.

read me! (the book not the review)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth book in the Harry Potter series, is without a doubt the best book I've ever read. It's great how Rowling is able to put such suspense into her books. Even though it was scarey at the end, I liked that the books are getting darker. It makes things more interesting. But it's not "hide under the covers" scarey, which is good because I get nightmares. Now stop reading my review and start reading the book! ... Read more

Isbn: 0439139597
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft    4. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Imaginary place)    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. School & Education    9. Schools    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Wizards    12. Fantasy   

Linus & Lucy: The Music Of Vince Guaraldi
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 1996)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

While Vince Guaraldi's piano playing and composing have had a big influence on George Winston's work, there is little sense of direct imitation in this affecting tribute to the man who composed the memorable music for the television specials based on cartoonist Charles M. Schultz's Peanuts characters. Winston's solo piano style is fuller and more reflective than Guaraldi's, a hearty blend of powerful chords and subdued rhythms. It seems to embrace Guaraldi's tunes, both the Peanuts songs, like the title tune and "You're in Love, Charlie Brown," and Guaraldi's other music, like "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" and "Monterey," which seems to blend somber tones with an almost luminous quality. The warmth, wit, and whimsy here evoke memories of the best work of Guaraldi and Schultz. --Adam Rains ... Read more

Reviews (41)

"Top 1000 Reviewer" but not infallible!
I feel the review by "Mr. Marc My Words" below really missed the boat on this one.I think George Winston version rival Guaraldi's own recordings, which is saying alot.Give a listen.

It was a nice try...
I had the privilege of attending recitals of many of the 50's and 60's Jazz Legends - before they became household names.It was truly an honor and a blessing to be part of an era that will never come around again.I heard brief notes from this CD and I must agree that Mr. Winston did attempt to capture
Mr. Guaraldi's timeless expressions, but the this production did not have the same "golden flow" as the original.

A Workmanlike Rendition
Yuck. Winston totally misses the mark. The Guaraldi originals are mellow, fluid, jazzily relaxing. You can feel George Winston's effortful interpretations which sound like he's tried too hard to polish them and "interpret" them, but fails. The piano he chose is too bright, and the recording sounds wrong to me. It has a monotonous tone. It feels like he took the relaxed deeply-felt Guaraldi originals and fed them into some sort of George Winston conversion software, and a computer played these tunes instead of a person, let alone a musician. I suppose I could give it two stars, but a few people gushed about this cd in a way I don't understand, so I just took it back to the library, where I checked it out. I'm glad I didn't actually buy this one. ... Read more

Asin: B000000NLH
Subjects:  1. Neo-Classical    2. New Age / Meditation    3. Pop    4. Solo Instrumental   

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 September, 2000)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The first time you listen to this disc you will undoubtedly be transported directly back to your childhood. Charles Schulz's Peanuts characters will go toe-tapping and funky-dancing through your mind's eye. Play it a few more times, though (ignoring the dialogue snippets, if you can), and you will begin to truly revel in Guaraldi's wonderful, humorous, deep piano playing. You'll hear why he's such an influence on new age ivory tickler George Winston, but you'll also realize that Winston's holiday music never quite sparkles with the underlying passion, and humor, that twinkles in these grooves. Buy it for the nostalgia--keep it because it will remain one of the most enchanting albums in your holiday collection. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (151)

Christmastime is here, Happiness and Cheer...
Two things that make "A Charlie Brown Christmas" TelevisionSpecial so special is its classic and universal message of spirituality over materialism, and of course, the music.The animation may as well be primitive cave drawings compared to today's technical wizardry, but when you have something as heartfelt as this, I'll take it.Even if one has never seen the TV special, this CD stands on its own.The songs are suffused with a jazzy piano, and some even feature children singing.Forty years later the risk of incorporating these two elements have made this into a holiday classic for generations still to come.I dare anyone to keep still and not crack a smile when they hear "Skating".And yet what's alluring about almost all the tracks is how they can be somewhat melancholy, but never bleak, always teetering on the edge of childhood wonder and joy."Christmastime is Here" particularly comes to mind.It's a little sad in the delivery, but never distant.Its warmth and intimacy lie in the promise of invitation to brave the cold, scary world together. It should be a year-round sentiment.This is holiday music at its best and it rightly deserves a spot with the other Holiday classics.

A wonderful and fun interpretation of Christmas!
This is another one of my favorite Christmas collections.These are fun, lighthearted musical renditions and interpretations of old Christmas classics.The scores are done with class, creativity, and fun, and are very very enjoyable.This is great music to play during a Christmas get-together, or before Christmas dinner, and has become a staple in our home during the Christmas season.Although this is professionally done music that adult critics will appreciate, my kids like it, which means that it passes the "acid test" for our home.

The CD is reasonably crisp and clear, and the recording seems to be of fairly high quality.Recommended.

Twelve great tunes, twelve great memories
This wonderful CD contains twelve great tunes, twelve great memories, from the 1965 cartoon classic - A Charlie Brown Christmas. Originally put out in 1985, this CD (with a running time of about 40 minutes) is an excellent addition to your collection of Christmas music CDs, or even just for its own sake. My children love hearing the cartoon music again, and we listen to it quite often in the car. But, even more than that, this music is great for Christmas mood music, and I recently had it playing in the background for a Christmas party I hosted.

So, if you are looking for a great Christmas purchase, then this is the one to make. My family and I love this CD, and highly recommend it to you and yours! ... Read more

Asin: B000000XDJ
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Jazz    4. Cool    5. Holiday    6. Mainstream Jazz    7. Pop    8. West Coast Jazz   

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Special Edition)
by Danny Elfman
Director: Henry Selick
Average Customer Review:
DVD (02 March, 2004)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

For those who never thought Disney would release a film in which Santa Claus is kidnapped and tortured, well, here it is!The full title is Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, which should give you an idea of the tone of this stop-action animated musical/fantasy/horror/comedy.It is based on characters created by Burton, the former Disney animator best known as the director of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and the first two Batman movies. His benignly scary-funny sensibility dominates the story of Halloweentown resident Jack Skellington (voice by Danny Elfman, who also wrote the songs), who stumbles on a bizarre and fascinating alternative universe called ... Christmastown!Directed by Henry Selick (who later made the delightful James and the Giant Peach), this PG-rated picture has a reassuringly light touch.As Roger Ebert noted in his review, "some of the Halloween creatures might be a tad scary for smaller children, but this is the kind of movie older kids will eat up; it has the kind of offbeat, subversive energy that tells them wonderful things are likely to happen." --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Features

• Color
• DTS Surround Sound
• Animated
• Black & White

Reviews (293)

A must have
This is an all time great movie. I Love love love this movie and I think everyone should atleast see it once. Tim Burton is a genius. He makes things have emotions that you would never think of giving emotions to.

I love it
Tim Burton is one of the best directors out there. Words could not explain how good he is at making wonderful movies.

Amazing movie plus awesome bonuses from the DVD
Words fail me when expressing how much I love this film. It first came out when I was in middle school and I have watched the film countless times since then; each viewing as entrancing as the last. I love this movie not only for it's visuals but also for its incredible music. I am a huge fan of Danny Elfman. Had he just put out an album with music like this without being attached to the movie I would have been happy, however, this incredible music is accompanied by spectacular visuals, ultimately creating an amazing experience.

It is obvious to me that Tim Burton is a fan of Edward Gorey; the influence is apparent in his artwork. All of the art in the movie is rather dark, and dreary. The whole movie is stop-motion animation yet the movie takes on an ambiance of being sketched with a pencil. The story is very creative and quit alluring. All the characters in the film are relatable in one way or another. Jack is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Though he is the King of fright, he longs for more in life, but he doesn't know what will fill that void. Then there is Sally. She longs to be free from her creator and wants to experience life on her own terms. Ultimately Jack discovers that the void he has been feeling is not from lack of fame but from lack of love, which he finds with Sally.

As far as the DVD itself, you get wonderful bonuses with it. The production, commentaries, and creating of the movie is very interesting. It's amazing the amount of work, patience, and talent that went into this movie. Then there is the short film Vincent which Tim Burton made years before his breakthrough in the film industry. Though it is only a few minutes long, it's so cute, creative and well done. I just love everything about this DVD; the movie itself plus all the extras.
... Read more

Asin: 6305949980
Subjects:  1. Musical   

Rockapella Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 2000)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Holiday music is a great tradition for vocal groups everywhere, so it seems a natural choice for a cappella quintet Rockapella. The rock-pop-jazz group that went from cult favorite to national Folgers Coffee phenomenon fills their first Christmas album with the standards you'd expect ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song") as well as three originals by member Scott Leonard: "The Hope You Hold," "Christmas Without You," and "Hold Out for Christmas" (a lovely ballad that had been included on their J-Bird debut). While the album as a whole is somewhat conservatively tilted toward jazz and doo-wop sounds, they enjoy a bit of whimsy with "Glow Worm," and fans of big bass Barry Carl will especially enjoy his featured spot on the funkiest track, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (22)

One of my Top 5 all-time Christmas CD's
Our family has an extensive collection of holiday music CD's we've collected over the last 15 years.
This album, Rockapella Christmas, always makes it into everyone's favorite to listen to.We all love it.They have beautiful voices and are perfectly in key and in tune and harmony with each other.It is a pleasure and a joy.I highly recommend it to anyone.

Christmas without instruments
This is a solid Christmas album from the male acapella group.Really fine five part harmonies on mostly traditional songs, witha few originals.If you like your Christmas music smooth, you should enjoy this.

AWESOME!
I love music and I love Christmas. This CD has something for everyone to love. Anyone who has sang in choir will really appreciate the talent here, and those who have not will be pleasantly surprised at this vocal delight. My Christmas music collection has everything - classic, country, pop rock, religous. This CD is at the top of my list and I will be listening to it all year long! If you want something different, that will please listeners of all ages, this is the Christmas CD for you! ... Read more

Asin: B00004WJDN
Subjects:  1. Acappella    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock   

Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (2 Pack)
by Tom Hanks Tim Allen
Director: John Lasseter
Average Customer Review:
DVD (17 October, 2000)
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $29.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Toy Story
There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney.

Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas

Toy Story 2
John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story.

Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus livingforever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Animated
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby

Reviews (472)

Abosolutely Marvelous!
In this review I actually have 3 subjects to brag about! First I am going to brag about Amazon.com. I really don't think they get enough praise for the work they do for us!
I went to the new 'Overstock' and they had one of five things I was looking for. The price was a couple of dollars lower but Amazon.com had ALL of the items and because my order was over $20 I got FREE SHIPPING! I have dealt with this company in the past and any time there has been a mistake it has been fixed immediately and the mistakes have been VERY MINIMUM! THANKS AMAZON!
Now for Toy Story. I never got to go the the movies to see it but being a Toy fanatic and having a broken leg at the time I ordered it from Amazon.com (who else?) and had it delivered straight to my door. It was fantastic and I do believe it could be Disney at his best!
So then part two came out and I had to go to the theatres to see it plus put it on pre-order from Amazon.com. So I went and saw it and it was so much better then the first. I'm not a Star Wars fan at all but I did get the little jokes in the movie and I can't help but be impressed but the 'life-like' impersinations of the human world. It was abosoultely marvelous.
Old and new characters and a similar but different story-line make this movie one of the very best from Disney. I can only hope they will make a part three.
Thanks a lot to Amazon.com and Disney for allowing us to get what we want when we want it!

Buzz Light Year impostor ruined it for me
This movie was going good until the whole Buzz Light Year impostor apsect came into the movie and the secret of Zorg being revealed. This movie wasn't clicking on all cylinders like the 1st one. Toy Story 1 fans you're in for a let down. Don't waste your time with this movie!

Entertaining.
A good sequel to the smash hit Toy Story. A great family film in which the whole family with enjoy due to the humor and the charismatic characters that are involved.With great voice overs by actors and great directing that made this a great film. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U9WQ
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Play-Doh Case of Colors
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $7.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

For endless creative fun, roll out the Play-Doh. This colorful set includes 10 cups of the soft,squishy, nontoxic dough in a variety of colors: red, purple, orange, hot pink, green, white, black, lightbrown, and two blues. Dough does not stain hands or work surfaces and can be neatly stored in theprovided lidded cups for reuse.--Kathryn Gustafson ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Shipping is almost as much as the toy
I would have bought this item, but the shipping ($5.53) was almost as much as the item itself ($5.99).Thanks, but no thanks.I'll go to a competitor.Weird thing is -- other Play-Doh items are listed with FREE shipping!

Fun and cheap
Lasts a while, but not so good at making things.The colors run together if you press too hard.

Ah play-doh...the look, the smell...
My daughter's friend got this set for her birthday. I was amazed at the range of colors, and so were the kids. They all dug right in and started playing. My favorite was the unique black play-doh, which I assume is for goth children. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWIT
Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Art Supplies    3. Dough    4. Clay   

LEGO Classic Power Bucket (4288)
Average Customer Review:
Toy

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

LEGO has long had an impressive reputation for quality andinnovation, and this Classic Power Bucket helps explain why. The sturdyred container (featuring a convenient carrying handle and snug lid)contains 400 LEGO building pieces, including a large base, two figures,eight tires for building various vehicles, and many other accessoriesand tools to add a touch of realism to your child's playtime creations.Children can build boats, planes, buildings, cars, helicopters--theonly limit is their imagination. This set is a terrific start for aLEGO collection, or the perfect way to expand an existingset. --Matthew Mason ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Creative lego fun for the beginner legomaniac
I got these for my son who wasn't old enough yet at 3, and just stored them for later.Then at 3.5, I saw him playing with "little legos" (which is what he calls them) on vacation at a friend's house.I couldn't believe the attention span he had for these things.So, when we got home I got out our little "power bucket", and he has since been playing like a lego maniac.I am not sure when the appeal will wear off, but for now he loves this box.This box specifically has lots of wheels and vehicle parts and pieces...something my son loves to construct.

If you have a child who likes to build, and is into cars and vehicles of every sort and would like to make them, and see them roll etc.This is a good starter bucket for any little person.At 3 my son may be a little young according to the age that legos has on the bucket...but he sure loves them, and I am amazed at what he makes ALREADY!There is a little booklet enclosed with photos of things you can make (no directions though).My son has made almost everything in that book...what fun!

let's be honest...
all right. i know these are wonderful for our kids and we want every kid we know to enjoy legos as much as we did... and they will. but i wouldn't just recommend this big bucket for the tots. adults and children alike can exercise their imagination and re-learn simple fun with legos. much better than the kits, which limit legos' build-ability, just the basic bucket allows for years of new creations. and you can either pull out this bucket when you are alone, when you have writer's block or when having your neice sleep-over. it's also a great cheap date-topper or creative fun-with-your-spouse... for eleven dollars! find out what they dream about. what a great toy and a great tool!

Terrific starter package
Our daughter received this bucket as a birthday gift - it is a terrific start into the world of Lego's.I enjoyed Lego's myself when I was a kid and am not a big fan of the specialized sets (for making Star Wars ships, etc.).Just give us a big box of basic blocks and a few cool pieces and we're having fun!

Whether you are a long-time fan, or new to Lego's, this bucket has a little of everything.And that's the only problem - too little.I'm picking up another one of these buckets (to get more wheels, rotors, hinges, etc.) and a big box of basic pieces.All-in-all, a great teaser to building a bigger set. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TY07
Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Blocks    3. Building Sets