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Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy
$5.00
Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy (1973), gave us the first incarnation of the band to feature its most famous instrumental configuration...i.e., no female vocals, no saxophone, no flute. No lyrics at all, pure music. We get the more conventional rock instrumentation for which the band would become famous; guitar, keyboards, bass, drums. There would be additional lineup changes to follow, but the basic formula was in place and set the stage for a run of excellent studio efforts from the group.
This probably is not Return to Forever's best album, but it is my personal favorite. There is a heavy vibe here, with a very distinct proto-metal sound. However there is also a significant emphasis on latin themes, and you can hear it, especially in the percussion and in some of Chick Corea's more rhythmic playing. Compositions are well laid-out, and while there is ample space provided for extended jamming, the jams are well-structured, particularly the work of Stanley Clarke on bass and Corea on keys. Bill Connors is the guitarist here, and while he is clearly not the equal of Al DiMeola, he is no slouch. A lot of times I appreciate his expressive style more than DiMeola's mathematical precision. Lenny White's importance here on percussion cannot be understated either, as he keeps the other band members from careening off the planet with this propulsive drumming.
This album features several great tracks: After the Cosmic Rain, Captain Senor Mouse, and Theme to the Mothership are all monstrous compositions, featuring solos at breakneck speed, on-a-dime time changes, and key shifts to keep even the most seasoned listeners on their toes. The title track is a tight little number that has more in common with progressive rock than it does fusion.
The mastering is not great, it is from 1990 and is fairly flat unfortunately. The packaging doesn't include much beyond a track listing. This has never been remastered...then again none of the RTF catalog has. It seems to me this band should be next in line to get the proper remastering treatment, the way Mahavshnu Orchestra, Weather Report, et al, have (ahem!)
Overall, a great place to start for most RTF newbies. The discs that followed this, however, are considered by most to be superior efforts and if you enjoy this disc, they shouldn't be missed: Where Have I Known You Before (1974), No Mystery (1975), and Romantic Warrior (1976).

Return to Forever: Returns - Live at Montreux [Blu-ray]
$24.98
For lovers of RTF and jazz/rock fusion this is the real deal !
For reference, my playback system is comprised of a 61" HD monitor, KEF 5.1 playback system with a Marantz SR6003 receiver, and blu-ray player.
This Blu-Ray disc shines when played back using the lossless uncompressed DTS HD Master audio option.
The bass is tight and deep and the instrument placement in the mix is "spot on" to the show I saw them do in NY last year.
The camera work is excellent and affords the viewer a great view of each player with great close-up view during their solo segments.
Also of note, the bonus tracks filmed on the US leg of this tour offer an interesting drum solo from Lenny White and "Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant" which is not included on the main program, is a a high speed musical gem.
Highly recommended for lovers of this musical genre !

Return to Oz
$14.99
This movie is probably the only live-action (I'm not counting live action/animation)Disney film that is dark, but awesome. It's more attached to the books than the sugar-coated 1939 version ever was. If L.Frank Baum was alive in the 1980's, then he would have loved this movie.
(spoilers)
Probably the scariest scene in the entire movie is when she is trying to get the powder of life from one of Mombi's cases. She's about to get it, and then this happens:
Mombi:Dooorthy Gaaale!
Heads from various women begin to scream as the real headless Mombi rises from her bed. Dorothy quickly grabs the powder of life and runs like there's no tomorrow.

This movie is so underrated and it's much better than the films these days, like those High School Musical crap (where are the goths, nerds, pregnant teens, and rapper-wannabees?) and Twilight (sorry, but I really hate these books/movies).

If you want a good fantasy film, go with this one. Enjoy!

Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst
$19.99
The disc was delivered as promised and in good condition. The game is wonderful at first but then has puzzles to solve which are practically unsolvable. There are no clues to solve the puzzles and once stuck you cannot get unstuck. The game does not allow you to visit other areas of the environment when stuck in one area so that you can enjoy them too. There should be an opportunity to skip a puzzle one cannot solve so that the forward movement of the game is not blocked.