Rating: 
Summary: Required viewing to understand MacArthur
Review: After viewing this tape, it is clear that the only thing that kept Douglas MacArthur from being one of the greatest Americans of all time was his belief that he was one of the greatest Americans of all time. His inability to even consider his own infallibility was very close to a fatal flaw. He was the commander of two of the greatest military defeats in the history of U. S. armed forces, the surrender of Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines and the rout of U. N. forces by the Chinese in the Korean war.
This film captures all of that, including his at times absurd pomposity. There is one scene where he is inspecting a military installation and he places his hands on his hips, arches his back and raises a leg. A decidedly non-military pose done solely for the camera. He looks ridiculous. In so many other scenes, it is clear that he is preening for the newsreel cameras, in fact, I cannot recall a single scene of MacArthur that appeared to be spontaneous. The best line about this aspect of MacArthur is from President Dwight Eisenhower, who said, "I studied dramatics for seven years under MacArthur."
His greatest mistake, which also proved to be his downfall, was his belief that the Chinese would not dare to intervene in the Korean War. Despite unambiguous signals from Mao that the Chinese would enter the war if U. N. forces moved north, MacArthur dismissed them as bluffs. He also failed to appreciate that the Chinese troops were combat veterans, having been at constant war for over a decade. There was really no excuse for such a blunder. However, he compounded that by clumsily trying to blame everyone else for the problem and trying to widen the war. His attempt to include the forces of the Chinese on Taiwan in the Korean War would have risked World War III and was one of the worst ideas of all time. There is also the classic scene where MacArthur met Truman and he failed to salute Truman. This was no accident and could have been nothing other than a deliberate snub on the part of MacArthur. There are two conflicting reports of the conversation between MacArthur and Truman in the car after that. One witness reported that the conversation was amiable and another who said Truman chewed MacArthur out, emphatically reminding him that Truman was the commander-in-chief. As a student of Truman, it is my firm belief that Truman would not have hesitated to yell at MacArthur.
It is a tribute to the innate sense of the American electorate that even though MacArthur was given a tremendous hero's welcome when he returned after being fired, it faded quickly. He had no political future and it was clear to the American electorate that a fundamental constitutional principle was at stake. The military is subservient to the elected civilian leadership and MacArthur was a direct threat to that principle. It is a tragedy that he failed to understand that. His inability to understand the broader political risks in Korea led to the Chinese intervention and a far more lengthy and costlier war.
However, no comment on MacArthur is complete without mentioning his personal bravery, although it was sometimes foolhardy. After watching this tape, I agree with the assessment that in terms of his surviving World War I, "He was the luckiest SOB in the whole U. S. army." He led a patrol where he was the only one that wasn't killed and he personally led charges armed only with a riding crop. These were attacks where approximately one fourth of the attackers were killed.
This is a powerful bit of film; I was particularly impressed with the detailed analysis of how well MacArthur handled Japan during the surrender and subsequent occupation. I would have liked to see more analysis of his command of the defense of the Philippines and the battles to retake them. The emphasis in the tape is on his political battles for resources and not on whether his campaign was really a military necessity. It is still a point of argument whether a concentrated northern island-hopping push through the northern areas of the Pacific was the best way to defeat Japan. I also would have liked to see more analysis of the consequences of his actions in Korea. After a point, the scenes of MacArthur acting for the cameras just grew repetitive.
The best description of MacArthur is a quote at the end of the tape. One of his military colleagues is quoted as saying that his greatest flaw was that he truly thought that his own ambitions were fundamental principles and should be national policy. I consider this tape mandatory viewing for anyone who wants to understand MacArthur, the pacific theatre of World War II, postwar Japan or the war in Korea.
Rating:
Summary: Superman?
Review: Am I missing something here? I thought Clark Kent was Superman, not Douglas MacArthur, but hey! what do I know?
Rating:
Summary: Lightning CAN Strike Twice
Review: Bruce Timm and Paul Dini prove that lightning can strike twice when they switched creative gears from the dark streets of Gotham City to the bright lights, big city look of Metropolis. This animated epic begins on Krypton but quickly travels to Earth, with the arrival of baby Kalel to the Kents. Eventually, Clark Kent's trials lead him to Metropolis, where a rival/love interest named Lois Lane fights for headlines while a greedy businessman named Lex Luther fights for control of the planet! Outstanding family entertainment about the man of steel! A must for any serious Super-fan!
Rating:
Summary: Terrific Exploration Of A Complex & Extraordinary American
Review: No one in modern American history stirs as much controversy and disagreement as does General Douglas MacArthur. In this terrific documentary which PBS originally presented as part of the "American Experience" series, narrated by noted historian and author David McCollough ("Truman") in an exhaustive four hour excursion into the remarkable, incredibly flamboyant and star-crossed life of Douglas MacArthur, a endlessly complex, brilliant, but vainglorious general so many Americans learned to either love or hate. It is all here, from his ignominious (although officially ordered) personal withdrawal from the Philippines by PT boat, leaving his entrapped garrison behind to the rebuilding of American presence in the south pacific, and the first tentative efforts to stem the tide of Japanese aggression in New Guinea. MacArthur was a virtual dynamo, and was instrumental in slowly but methodically turning the tide against the Japanese, first by leap-frogging his way slowly up the coast of New Guinea, and then by island hopping his way closer to a return to the Philippines. By late 1944 he was ready to invade the Philippines, and did so boldly and with a smashing success first in Leyte, and then eventually retook all of the islands. Finally, he oversaw the signing of the instruments of surrender in Tokyo Bay, and the terrific footage of the actual signing of the peace accords is by itself worth the price of the video. The documentary is full of informative details concerning MacArthur's life, from his obsession with equaling or surpassing his Medal Of Honor winning father's career as a late 19th century Army general to his fear and difficult relationship with his adoring but domineering mother, who actually cohabited with him as late as when he was Commandant of West Point in his mid-forties after World War One. We learn a great deal about the career thrust of "Dugout Doug" in this fascinating personal portrait of him which depicts him as vain, a publicity hound, and a wry but sometimes naïve politician and darling of the Republican right wing, who protected him from suffering the court martial and disgrace of the commanding general and admiral at Pearl Harbor. The historic and constitutionally charged clashes between President Harry Truman and MacArthur over the strategy in Korea are carefully examined, leaving this viewer both admiring MacArthur's position based on his knowledge of the combat situation as well as his resolve not to appease the Chinese, but yet also understanding that too much was at stake politically and strategically to be as aggressive and as provocative as MacArthur tended to be. This documentary provides the viewer with four hours of edifying detail concerning one of history's most instrumental and successful military leaders during his times at destiny's door. I really enjoyed this video, and suspect you will, too.
Rating:
Summary: The Man of Steel at his finest
Review: Superman: The Last Son of Krypton is a classic--the very first episode of the Superman animated series, which sadly, I was too young to appreciate when it came on TV regularly. The simple fact that Superman really does seem utterly invincible in this first episode (apparently before everybody and his cousin discovers Kryptonite)--that's enough to enjoy the experience. I, for one, enjoy seeing the good guys win. If you're into collecting the Batman animated series, then this, too, is a must-have. There's just no other way to say it--this is Superman at his finest.
Rating: 
Summary: It's 3 episodes, not a movie
Review: Superman: The Last Son of Krypton is the first three episodes of the acclaimed animated series that ran on KidsWB! in the late 90's. As became par for the WB marketing department, rather than give fans fresh Superman material, they were content to edit and repackage episodes together into "movies". The resulting video is worth your attention and collection, but it's not a movie, and it's nowhere near the best that the series had to offer. Superman: LSK was produced by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and the many talented people that created Batman: The Animated Series, and later, Batman Beyond and Justice League. While the group has had no problems with Batman, they never quite got the hang of Superman, and it's evident in these episodes. Like Richard Donner's 1978 Superman movie, the origin of Superman is told in three distinct parts: Starting on Krypton, we learn of the planet's demise and follow scientist Jor-El as he rockets his son to Earth. We see Clark grow up in Smallville and learn of his heritage, then we move on to Metropolis and the introduction of Lois Lane, the Daily Planet, and Lex Luthor. The scenes on Krypton are the best part of the "movie". In a wise move, the villain Brainiac is re-imagined as Krypton's supercomputer, and lets everyone die so it can save itself. Kal-El is rocketed to Earth, and the "movie" starts going downhill. Too little time is spent on Clark finding out about his powers in Smallville. I would've liked to see more of Lana Lang, and more of Clark gradually accepting that he's different. The story skips by these important scenes too quickly as it moves us to Metropolis. Lex Luthor has designed a prototype battle suit that is appearantly stolen by terrorist John Corben. Too much time is spent on this plot thread, and at times it overwealms Superman's introduction to the citizens of Metropolis. I would've liked to see more of a shock among the bad guys when they find out they're being chased by a flying man, Superman's interview with Lois, and the scene of Superman finding acceptance after his final victory is too short. The fight sequences go on a tad too long, and Superman is knocked about repeatedly until he suddenly cuts loose and finishes the fights in a matter of seconds. Worst of all, the "movie" ends with the foreshadowing of the return of Brainiac. Nothing wrong with that, but it only makes sense in the context of the entire series. Fans who haven't seen the other episodes will be left hanging. Despite all this, there are also many positives. All the characterization is dead on, from eager Jimmy Olsen to hardened Perry White, Lana Lang, Jor-El, and especially the three big stars, Clark, Luthor, and Lois. While actors Tim Daly and Clancy Brown are still struggling with their voices here, they find themselves by the third episode's end, and give great performances. For those wanting to watch a "movie", try the "Batman-Superman Movie". It's the only other three episodes of the Superman series released, but its story is more self-contained and more enjoyable. Superman: The Last Son of Krypton is not the best introduction the character could've recieved, but it's still an important part of the series, and essential viewing.
Rating:
Summary: Long live Superman!
Review: The story begins of a little boy named Kal-El who was sent to earth by his parents Jor-El and lara, from the doomed planet krypton.He then later on discovers that he's got great powers greater than any mortal man.He then travels to a City named Metropolis by the name Clark Kent,and he turns into Superman whenever it is needed.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Biography
Review: This is one of the best biography's I ever viewed on video. Not only did it hold my interest from beginning to end, it was very educational and revealing. This work was well researched and well written. It presents an in-depth look at a man who had a significant influence on our nation's history. But it does not stop there. It also gives an in-depth look at ourselves, and our own history as a people. It helps us to reflect upon our moods and attitudes during World War II an the Korean war. It puts in perspective the history of America's relationships with The Philipines, Japan and China. Most revealing are the power struggles that take place behind the scenes at the highest levels of government. It puts a human face on superstardom. If you want to learn how Japan got to where it is today after loosing World War II, why we dropped the atom bomb, and why our relationship with China is what it is today, this video will help. General Douglas McArthur not only had a major influence on the history of his time, but because of his policies and actions, he is still a major influence on our history today, and will be for a very long time.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Biography
Review: This is one of the best biography's I ever viewed on video. Not only did it hold my interest from beginning to end, it was very educational and revealing. This work was well researched and well written. It presents an in-depth look at a man who had a significant influence on our nation's history. But it does not stop there. It also gives an in-depth look at ourselves, and our own history as a people. It helps us to reflect upon our moods and attitudes during World War II an the Korean war. It puts in perspective the history of America's relationships with The Philipines, Japan and China. Most revealing are the power struggles that take place behind the scenes at the highest levels of government. It puts a human face on superstardom. If you want to learn how Japan got to where it is today after loosing World War II, why we dropped the atom bomb, and why our relationship with China is what it is today, this video will help. General Douglas McArthur not only had a major influence on the history of his time, but because of his policies and actions, he is still a major influence on our history today, and will be for a very long time.
Rating:
Summary: Super Story
Review: This is the 90 minute pilot to the Superman cartoon series from Warner Brothers. The story is excellent. I am very pleased with the care that was taken in trying to retell the original Superman legend making it identifiable for adults and interesting for kids. The entire series was well produced and I sincerely hope that someday the series will be available as a DVD boxed set.
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