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Ok, so the title is a bit misleading. There weren’t top DVD movie releases (plural), as there was only one big theatrical release to make it to DVD this week. Here is the top DVD movie release for this week and the reviews of the film from the Epinions.com community.

Hannibal Rising

This is the prequel film to Silence Of The Lambs and is adapted from Thomas Harris’ novel of the same name. It follows a young Hannibal Lecter and shows his transition into the monster he would become. The film is directed by Peter Webber and was filmed in Prague. It stars Gaspard Ulliel in the Lecter role.

Epinions Reviews for Hannibal Rising

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I’d rather be at home with Ray (Charles)
I ain’t got seventy days
‘Cause there’s nothing you can teach me
That I can’t learn from Mr. Hathaway (Donny)
Amy Winehouse - Rehab

Amy Winehouse’s 2006 UK release Back To Black (released in the US in early 2007) has put the North London songstress on the map in North America. After 2003’s debut Frank, Winehouse disappeared for a bit, only to reappear with what many on Epinions are hailing as one of the best releases of the year. Winehouse’s soulful throwback vocals channel old era singers and the Motown-like sound is handled by producers Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, more known for their hip hop workings.

Reviewer Cletta1201 describes Winehouse as a once in a lifetime artist. She says, “Once in a great while an artist comes along that makes you sit up and listen. And not a tap your foot, nod your head listen to some flash in the pan artist who’s destined for obscurity - but something that stirs the soul a little and makes you happy that music is capable of evoking such sentiment.“. Chiliqueen adds, “If you love 1960s soul, Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” feels like a long-lost friend. “

Winehouse’s honest and at times, jaw dropping lyrics try to steal the show, but you can’t mistake that voice for anything other than one of the more powerful instruments in music today. The production by Remi and Ronson also compliments her raw talents so well. Kookytree says that with the title track (Back To Black), you have “a song dripping with menace” and “you won’t hear a finer single in 2007″. Producer Mark Ronson excels himself with an opulent pallet of sound, incorporating ethereal choirs of ooing Amys, sinister touches of spaghetti western guitar and what sounds like a full orchestra, whilst maintaining an elegant control.

Speeddemon531 loves the “swelling melody” on Tears Dry On Their Own. He adds, “Using a tasty sample of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, Winehouse creates a triumphant breakup anthem that you just have to sing along to.“

With six reviews on Epinions, Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black achieves a 5 star rating.

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This week, we found useful things for you to pack or bring wherever you go this Memorial Day weekend:

This week Productdose features the Jimi Plastic Wonder Wallet. This wallet is light and small and is made from recycled plastic for those of you who are environmentalists and want something fun and unique.

For those of you who are planning a weekend outdoors, Stuff Magazine recommends the Dakine MIA Kit. This bag’s got everything from a 21-piece first-aid kit to fire-starting fuel tablets. Nothing prepares you for a fun trip like rescue and safety!

If you’re going to have trouble getting out of bed on Tuesday consider upgrading your alarm clock. The Delight Blog recommends Clocky, an alarm clock that jumps off our your nightstand and rolls around the room. It makes noise until you get up, find it, and turn it off. Nice!

Splendora is spotlighting Hourglass Invisible Powder as an excellent addition to your makeup arsenal. This light, soft powder blends like a dream and is compact enough to fit into your weekend get-away bag.

This week Gizmodo raves about Boy Genius’ new HTC wing, with Windows Mobile 6, 3-megapixel camera with auto focus, GPS, WI-Fi, and Bluetooth. The best part is its inclusion of a GPS, which could come in handy this long holiday weekend.

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“One man’s magic is another man’s engineering.”
Robert A. Heinlein, 1907 - 1988

It’s the simple card trick that mystifies you every time. The car that disappears right before your eyes on stage. And the rabbit pulled out of the empty hat. Welcome to the world of sleight of hand. As any magician worth her wand will tell you, if you direct attention to where you want it, no one will notice what else is going on. Fashion works the same the way. Decide which feature you want to be the focus and the rest will disappear. Go ahead- practice a little magic while selecting your swimsuit this season.

Top Shelf

 If you’ve got great cleavage and shoulders, flaunt them. A halter top offers coverage and stability while showing off your assets. Make sure the suit doesn’t creep up when you lift your arms- you don’t want to spend the day repositioning yourself.

Waisted

Look for a suit with waist detailing, like embroidery, a belt, ruching, etc. to accentuate a well defined waist. If you choose a tankini style, the top should skim your body. Too tight tankinis cause stomach bulges in even the slimmest of figures.

Leg Up

Whether you’re strutting your stuff, or taking it in stride, a leg opening that runs about an inch below your hip bone will be the most flattering (and comfortable) for your legs and hips. Use your body as the guide, not the suit description.

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Mel Gibson and Clint Eastwood directed films lead the new releases this week. Here are the top three DVD movie releases for this week and reviews of them from the Epinions.com community.

Letters From Iwo Jima

Clint Eastwood’s war picture was nominated for Best Picture by the Academy this year. It follows the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers and features Ken Watanabe as lead actor. The film compliments Flags Of Our Fathers, his 2006 film that was released theaters just two months before.

Epinions Reviews for Letters From Iwo Jima

Apocalypto

Mel Gibson lets his directing skills take over for this 2006 release. Based on a look through one man’s eyes during the decline of ancient Maya civilization, Apocalypto was fairly well received by critics. Earning over $50 million in US box office, the film stars little known Rudy Youngblood in the lead role.

Epinions Reviews for Apocalypto

Epic Movie

Spoofing films like Pirates Of The Caribbean, Harry Potter and The Chronicles Of Narnia, the Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer directed film is similar in style to recent parody films like the Scary Movie series. Predictably not a critical success, this DVD release has additional wacky extras like a gag reel and an alternate ending.

Epinions Reviews for Epic Movie

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This week, we found designer trends and favorites from our blogger friends to keep you up-to-speed with the fast pace of fashion:

If you’re shopping for shoes, Splendora is stylin’ the Classic Chanel Spectator Pumps for all you lovely ladies to look fabulous! Not only do they go with everything, but you can consider them somewhat of an investment purchase and get tons of mileage out of this classic designer shoe.

SheFinds.com touts the trendy big, beautiful pendants in bold shapes with so many styles to choose from. Celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears love this look!

StyleBites boasts that designers have taken inspiration from cheaper brands like Trashy.com and are showcasing stripper-esque shoes on their runways. Since it’s hard to differentiate between the haute and “trashy” versions, save yourself the extra $$ and skip the designer labels for this trend.

The Runway Scoop remembers Emilio Pucci and his colorful and geometric aesthetic turned into wearable fashion. Pop a bottle of bubbly and celebrate Emilio’s 60th birthday this weekend.

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“I’ll be wearing a space suit, and a cowboy hat would not be a wise fashion accessory.”

Brian Walker

Rattan, wicker or straw…Call it whatever you want, but be certain to carry it this spring. For those of us who summer in the same place we winter, it’s a great way to bring a bit of vacation into our daily routines. And those of you with seasonal homes should buy several since you have the closet space to store them.

Clutch

Wishing you were some place tropical and stylish? Add a dash of Palm Beach to your wardrobe with a straw clutch. Look for one with a removeable wrist strap so you can keep your hands free if you need to.

Tote

Whether you’re spending a day at the beach or daydreaming about it at the office, a straw tote is perfect for carrying sunblock or files.

Organize

We all know that beauty is only skin deep and it’s what’s on the inside that counts. So keep the contents of your purse corralled and spill-proof with darling make up bags.

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A lot of my girlfriends are May babies, meaning that May is birthday party season for my group of gals. It’s important to look fabulous when you’re the birthday girl, and what better way to imbue your birthday diva-ness, than in a party dress?

You had one on at your parties when you were little with the matching tights, the Mary Janes, the bows in your hair. But being all grown up doesn’t mean you can’t throw on a girly girl dress on your special day. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your b’day dress quest.

Definitely go for the F’s when looking for a dress - flirty, feminine, fun, frilly, flouncy…you get the picture.

This beautiful strapless “borboleta dress” from Anna Sui has a bright, bold pattern on a dark chiffon background, and a great rouched bodice. Classy, but still fun.

At $418, it’s not a bargain, but worth it for a milestone birthday, like 30.

60’s mod is back, so why not give a nod to the throwback with this empire waisted-mini dress by Milly? Pair this fun geometric green print with some Lucite accessories, and you’ll definitely be the show-stopper at your fête.

For a hot and sultry look, how about this Nicole Miller black stretch silk strapless number? If you’ve been working hard at the gym, show off your curves in a sophisticated evening-soirée type of way.

 ¡Feliz cumpleaños!

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Yard stompers lead this week’s list of DVD releases. Here are the top three DVD movie releases for this week and reviews of them from the Epinions.com community.

Stomp The Yard

This film about steppin’ garnered a good sized audience on the way to over $60 million at the box office. Directed by Sylvain White and starring Columbus Short as DJ, the movie centers around DJ’s recruitment by campus fraternities who want him on their dance squads. The movie also features Meagan Good and R&B artists Chris Brown and Ne-Yo.

Epinions Reviews for Stomp The Yard

Pan’s Labyrinth

This 2006 Academy Award nominated film is directed by Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and was well received by audiences all over the world. It accumulated nearly $40 million in box office in the US and over $70 million worldwide.

Epinions Reviews for Pan’s Labyrinth

Arthur And The Invisibles

Part animation, part live action, this children’s film features Freddie Highmore as Arthur, a 10-year old boy who tries to save his grandmother from being evicted from her house. Also starring Mia Farrow as Arthur’s grandmother, Madonna, Jimmy Falon, Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel and Snoop Dogg voice the animated characters in the film.

Epinions Reviews for Arthur And The Invisibles

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews!

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