Rating: 
Summary: de gustibus non disputandum est
Review: Phrases like 'cult classic' and 'sci-fi classic' inevitably lead to purchases and then to questions: why is this movie a classic, what am I missing. Sadly, the answers to these two questions are no and nothing. The premise of the movie is what happens when dreams come true -- as might be expected, little good although everything turns out pretty well for our hero in the end. My problems with the movie are several: the story-line is lame and there is no real narrative drive -- if the movie had simply been on tv, I am sure I would have bailed-out during a commercial; the acting is poor -- some of the major players would have difficulty winning parts at good drama schools; and, finally, the film is obviously a low-budget, made-for-tv film that is poorly produced. Not recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: substandard picture and sound quality
Review: Evidently the original film of this movie was lost, so the DVD was remastered from the best available 2" broadcast quality videotape. Still, this is a title not to be missed.
Rating: 
Summary: THE DREAMER AND THE SHRINK
Review: In COLUSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT. somebody said that Frankenstein ought to be reqired reading for scientists. Well, I think this film---and the Usrla LeGuin novel from which it sprang---ought to be the same for shrinks! Never has there been a more chilling portral of the power of psychiatrists and, by implication, the dangerous social/political use of that power. You think this is merely a low-budget sci-fi flick created by PBS 20 years ago to compete with Star Wars? You must've never heard of Sigmund Freud, a guy whose biology-is-destiny claptrap set back women's rights fora good chunk of the last century.
Rating:
Summary: ¿¿is but a dream within a dream.¿
Review: Available again after a 20-year absence, "The Lathe of Heaven" has lost none of its power or impact. Not only a compelling story, enhanced by fine acting, but an invitation to consider the philosophical and ethical questions it raises. You'll discuss this with like-minded friends afterward! Proof positive that good science-fiction is about ideas, not special effects. The essence of this film will never be dated - highly recommended to all thoughtful viewers.
Rating:
Summary: The Lathe of Heaven
Review: I happened to see this movie on PBS shortly after moving to Dallas in 1979. At that time, absolutely nothing was opened in the downtown area on the weekends. Especially on Sundays, walking around the downtown area was very "Twilight Zone." It was like you were in a world where 1/3 of the population had died over night. I can't wait to see this movie again. My wife and I are big movie buffs, and she's never even heard of it. The though of it soon being released on VHS has me up at 3am on a Monday night.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Kept Secret of TV
Review: A friend of mine and I accidentally stumbled upon the re-release of this PBS original and were absolutely captivated by its grand dialogue, special effects, and synthesized soundtrack. We have watched it repeatedly since then and cannot wait for the release of the video and dvd. It effectively captures the philosophic and scientific essence of Ursula LeGuin's novel and is a must see for anyone interested in science fiction, or just about anything else for that matter. I think it's safe to say that this relatively unknown production will rapidly become huge following its release.
Rating:
Summary: Only one thing...
Review: I have a copy of the original airing from 20 years ago and the song by the Beatles, played near the end of the story, was sung by Ringo Starr. Unfortunately, the re-issue has been altered perhaps due to the cost of the rights to M.Jackson who owns the rights to "With a Little Help from my Friends". That was the only disappointment for me in this re-issue of this marvelous story/video. I still hear the Beatle's version with Ringo singing it though, in my mind when I saw the re-release air on PBS a few months ago. So, with a little imagination, you just need to listen for Ringo and the original version in place of the re-mix.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely worth the wait
Review: I've been waiting for 20 years to see this again, and it was worth the wait. Some may say it is dated, but I think it remains as powerful a film as ever. The psychological effect of seeing George Orr's small world constantly change around him is unsettling and exciting. How fragile is our existence (and memory?) without our knowing about it?All these years I wondered what ever happened to this film (and what it's title was!). I only saw it once and it has stuck in my mind for two decades. This film has so many unforgettable images. Hopefully PBS will recognize the popularity of material like this and produce similar projects. Its been a long wait, and finally, I can enjoy this wonderfully original film once more.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic in 1970's Sci-Fi
Review: The Lathe of Heaven, a wonderful novel by Ursula K. LeGuin, translates marvelously well to film. It aired only once on PBS and was finally reaired and put up for sale on video and DVD. The basic plot - an everyman, George Orr, has the power to make his dreams come true, and the results have endless possibilities. The intense pyschological drama of this movie, coupled with its futuristic look, and the twist ending, make it an absolute classic in science fiction. The interview with the author at the end of the film brings many different interpretations and analystic choices, and answers a few questions viewers might have about the film. If you saw the original airing of the movie, you'll be thrilled with the re-release. It's been 20 years in the waiting.
Rating:
Summary: Great PBS movie, must see for all sci-fi fans
Review: I saw this once during the original airing on PBS. Eversince then I have been searching for it on video. Now my search is over. Brilliantly produced with excellent acting. Superb adaptation of Ursula LeGuin's work. This is one of PBS's finest productions and ranks up there with I Claudius and Upstairs, Downstairs. The story is about George Orr who has effective dreams, they become reality. When a corrupt and greedy psychiatrist becomes involved the trouble starts. Telling any more would deprive you of having the enjoyment of seeing this modern classic.
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