Customer Reviews

Painted Hills [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Just shows that you can't trust anyone anymore! Not in the land of DVD, anyway. Based on my positive experience with Goodtimes' superior transfer of "Angel and the Badman," I went with Goodtimes for their version of this nice old Lassie flick.

At first, all looked well -- the title screen and the chapter preview pages are sharp and colorful. Imagine my shock when I selected "play movie" and a murky, ghost ridden, dirt speckled image darkened my screen! This is absolutely the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. Looks something like an old 8mm print projected on a bed sheet and transfered to video with a VHS-C camcorder!

Three additional things: First, I had to wait 3 months for it to arrive. Second, a tiny blurb on the rear of its el cheapo keep case reads: "Discs replicated in Hong Kong or Taiwan" (I'm not sure this means anything quality wise). And three, there is a disclaimer in the opening titles that reads, "Transfered from the best available material."

Bull tangy! There is a beautiful VHS version of this film that was put out a few years ago -- colorful and sharp! When VHS looks worlds better than DVD, something is very wrong! Admittedly, the price of this Goodtimes offering is low -- $...Hmm...do you think maybe consumers are supposed to swallow an unwatchable mess like this just because it only put them out $... plus postage?

The message very clearly is this: Steer clear of cheap DVDs, just as you would very wisely steer clear of cheap VHS movies, which are usually recorded in EP mode. The penalty in DVD land for low price seems to be that quality is extremely variable and unreliable. Sometimes the DVD will be okay, but often the quality will be just good enough to toss into the trash.

In fact, that's what will happen to this DVD of "The Painted Hills." I've opened it, so I can't send it back. It's so awful, I can't sell it on eBay or give it to anyone. The only thing left to do is to give it to the trash man (without his knowing it).

A total waste of money! But a lesson well learned.

BTW, sorry to have to give this "dog" one star. There really should be a BOMB option.

Why they do it, I don't know....but Amazon has reviews for different transfers of this movie combined. I have the Roan Group transfer, and let me say, it is a beautiful transfer. I can't imagine any of the major studios doing a better job.

This is a great movie to have, as Lassie's last movie before hitting the small screen. But it is more than just a typical "Lassie" movie...it is truly suspenseful and quite a pleasure to view.

Definitely a great addition to any DVD collection, especially anyone who enjoys westerns or animal movies!

This film, adapted (loosely-- there is no kid in the book) from Alexander Hull's SHEP OF THE PAINTED HILLS, is one of the great dog movies of all time! The story is strong, heavy stuff-- a brutal murder tale with a theme of retributive justice-- but it has a great moral: "the love of money is the root of all evil." Hence, it good for children to watch.

Also, this flick has two elements that really make it a standout among old children's films: A) it contains a positive presentation of native peoples (rare for a film from the '40s), and B) (even rarer) it has a protestant preacher character who is portrayed sympathetically without being watered-down and compromised. Add to these qualities the great location scenery and the result is a very superior film!

All in all, a real treat!

One word of advice: spend the extra bucks and buy the MGM-Turner tape-- it has a MUCH better print.

Al

After getting tired of watching Babe (you know, the pig movie) with our 2 year old, I went looking for another animal movie. I purchased this film after reading al ellefson's review. He's absolutely right.

There are two deaths in the film, but neither are very gruesome. In the first, a man falling off the side of a mountain is implied. However, in the second a fake body is seen falling down the side of a mountain from a very long distance. It might be disturbing to some children, but is incredibly mild compared to most current films, even those supposedly made for children.

There are so many good values and lessons in this film, it's impossible to mention them all. I'm glad we found this movie.

5 stars for Lassie; 1 star for this crummy VHS! Here's more good advice to stick to the MGM VHS! We just bought The Painted Hills in a stated Collector's Edition claiming a "Direct 35mm Film Transfer" by the Bridgestone Group. After you open it you find unwatchable garbage that refuses to track in automatic or manual settings on different vcrs! Good idea to email your seller and ask about the studio, these reviews are used at multiple sites, and although I entered the AISN before writing this, Bridgestone is not mentioned at this site, and I see several other reviews for DVDs! Caveat Emptor! Buyer Beware!

Good movie..Lassie stands out and avanges killer of his master..Good wins over evil..I like to see movies also that are family friendly.No cursing,nudity,etc..Just family enjoyment as this one is..Great movie.

Calvin

Magnificent scenery, reminds me of my vacations out west with my parents, when I was young. The video is of extremely poor quality, though. Could be very distracting during certain parts of the movie. If you are sensitive to video quality issues, you won't like it. Otherwise, enjoy!

I haven't seen anything this bad since the Lone Ranger! Plot: greedy man kills prospector, Lassie kills greedy man. What's the point? There are plenty of other Lassie movies far better than this one.

Good quality release from Roan of the last M-G-M Lassie film. No complaints. Don't get any of the other low budget DVD's or you will be disappointed.

This DVD is a treat for Lassie fans both young and old. The scenery is spectacular, and the story line was well written. I would highly recommend this film to everyone.