Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator Review

Purchased My first wind generator a month or so ago,and found that the shaft was turning inside the front bearing as unit would not start up in less than a 25mph wind,rma'd back to amazon (there the best) and no thanks goes to southwest,8 days for a reply....slow to say the least...anyhow I have my replacement unit,and it does spin up easier,however the output is nowhere near the rated 27amps,I am seeing 2-3 amps barely @ 30mph winds,so to close,I'm gonna keep this one,just for the fact that its here and it looks cool up on the pole,but in the future I think I will just keep expanding my PV array,seeing 5+ amps from 7 sunforce 15watt panels in winter sun....Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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27 Amps X 14 Volts = 378 Watts therefore 2-3 amps is unacceptable if batterys are low, unit is either defective or way over rated.... unless batteries were almost full then 2-3 amps is normal since regulator is tappering down voltage,Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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I am writing to help people understand about voltage(V), current(I) and power(W). First off, the max voltage and the current that the wind generator is rated at is probably in the form of Voc and Isc which stands for voltage(V)open circuit and current(I)short circuit. Voc is measured in parallel but Isc or current can ONLY be measured in series or in-line with the the source, NEVER in parallel. To get an accurate Isc reading you must "short" or close the circuit with the measuring device as the load of the Generator. Unless you have an AMP clamp, current transformer(CT) or some other way to measure higher current, you can't get an accurate measurement. Most multimeters can measure current BUT most CAN'T measure more than say 10 Amps. Anything more then that will usually result in a burnt fuse or worst, a burnt meter. This also describes how they got their figures(Watts and Amps). Under Voc and Isc the voltage can be about 21V and the current could be about 20-25 amps. Only under a load will the voltage go down to aprox. 13-14V and the amperage will also drop accordingly. The way they got their voltage, amperage, and wattage figures are in of course perfect wind conditions and typically will be much less on average. Therefore the figures are correct but they will never be seen unless you measure them in the perfect wind conditions under zero load as stated above. As for the Amperage, unless you have all the necessary charging equipment you dont want to see more then say 6-10 amps going to a wet cell battery anyway because you can overcharge or damage your battery or batteries, maybe even explode. I hope this makes scence and helps some people. I dont own this Generator but I would buy it if i had more wind where i live.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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Super. I like to write reviews with little to no context either. We have so much alike.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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Go to the Sunforce website to view the manual and check the power curve. The stated 400w output is at 28mph. The output at a more typical 15mph is 50w or 3.5amp considering the 14.1vDC regulator setting.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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First of all, this wind generator's output is preset to 14.1 volts (for charging batteries, you know. The preset can be adjusted from 13 to 17 volts, by the way). 14.1 volts divided into 400 watts is 28 amps, so the specs are correct as stated in the product description. Remember to always keep in mind the differences between 120 volt AC current and 12 to 14 volt DC current -- it's really important on this alternative energy stuff.

Naturally, you are only going to get close to the 400-watt maximum output with a steady 28 mph wind. But the unit won't "go up in smoke" at that point as some reviewer said -- all wind turbines have built in cut-out system that prevent them from going over their rated output and being damanged. C'mon, folks... the people who make these things are not dummies.

But it's true that there are not many places in the world where you get 28 mph winds blowing on a regular, continuous basis. The suggestion of other reviewers to figure on getting maybe a 15 mph average wind speed with output from the wind generator of 50 to 60 watts at 2 to 3 amps is a realistic evaluation of what most people can expect out this or any other small wind turbine on a fairly regular basis. On days when you've got more wind, you luck out and get more power is all.

That's why, for most people, the first alternative power choice is amorphous solar panels (they continue to work on cloudy days and with partial shade) because you can rely on the sun on a day to day basis more than you can on having a good steady wind consistently. The manual for this product states that the blades should start turning in a 7 mph wind, which is just a good breeze. The product manual is *outstanding* by the way, the most complete I've ever seen for any product and indicates the integrity and honesty of the company who makes these units. They obviously want their customers to have success with their product. You can view the manual in PDF format at the Sunforceproducts.com website at:

http://sunforceproducts.com/prodinfo/manuals/AirXManual.pdf

Anyone considering this purchase or looking into wind power in general should thoroughly check out the manual. Wind power can be wonderful in the right location and in many other places it can be *combined* with solar so that you get power from the sun when it's shinning and power from the wind when it's dark (the wind often blows well at night) or when it is really cloudy/stormy (that also usually means good wind).

In this era of everything-is-made-in-China it's great to see a solid product that is price-competitive like this one which is actually made in the USA by Southwest Windpower Inc. of Flagstaff, Arizona. When I get around to adding some wind capability to my existing solar panel setup, this product would be a good choice because a 60-watt solar panel will run you around the same price. So you can add 60 watts of wind for about the same cost as adding 60 watts of solar -- and with a hybrid system you get to take advantage of both alternative technologies. Think outside the oil barrel!Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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I have this wind generator hooked up to
8 6 volt deep cycle batteries powering my 2 bedroom
off grid home. we run 2 televisions dvd players and compact
flourescent lights for bedrooms and kitchen without
having to turn on our generator. We dont have a microwave,
and our refrigerator runs on propane. But after using our loud
generator for 2 months at $15.00 for gas on a daily basis, The machine
will pay for itself quickly, The noise is minimal.The sounds it makes reminds me of birds chirping. You could not use it to run vacum cleaners
washer dryers and things like that but if you need a little energy for
lighting and small appliances this wind generator is great.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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made my own tower and installed windmill on top, have it about 30 feet and it works great, runs my ice box just fine, would buy more if i had the moneyGet more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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Folks, unless you live in one of the very few windy locations and most of those places are rural, what good is a wind turbin for $2,000+?

I can charge batteries for pennies, charge my shaver, my boat and RV batteries with utility power at 12 cents per kwh. Also, consume 120 or 240 power for the same cost. Yes, in the long run it adds up but I don't have to maintain the power supply either.

Wind energy is a long way from being feasisble to own and maintain let alone sell it's power to the grid.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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I have had one of these generators for a while. It did not work for me so I bought 6 blades and put them on and it works great now. I have found that by adding a battery at the base of the tower it works the best. My main battery supply is about 125 ft from the tower and by putting a battery at the base of the tower the generator will fill the battery at the base and that battery will tranfer the power to the other batteries. If one has their batteries far away from the tower,then the lost in the wire when the generator reads the battery will keep it from completely charging the far away batteries. Hsydrogen appliances sells the 6 blade kits to add to this generator, and gives advise on how to make a better tail for it. They have there blade kits on ebay under wind generator. The tail can be built from information on their web site.
I have not tried hydrogen appliances wind generator yet, but will one day.

My remote cabin uses the dc power to run lights and radio. One can even buy dc light bulbs that work great.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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This is my 2nd one that I purchased for saving electrical power.When it moves, you don't hear it.it is Just a wisper.One windy day can charge my 12 volt batterys.Follow the instructions and you have it made.I give it a 5.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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All your thoughts are very interesting and helpful if you have a BS in electrical engineering, however, for me I was just confused. Like most Americans, my husband and I want to find realistic alternative energy and have been tossing about the idea of a wind generator for our home to subsidize what we get from our electric company. None of the reviews I read gave me any indication as to whether or not the wind turbines advertised here were worth the price. Come on people, remember some of us have our BS degrees in sciences that do not require a lot of math or calculus.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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Nice generator BUT as it says, you need 28mph sustained wind at the generator to get the advertised power. I have had mine for 3 years and have yet to have it run for more than a few minutes, and I live in a very breezy area. Buy a windmeter for $30 and measure your area because there are not too many places in the country that get this sustained high wind enough to make one of these useful. The windmill only begins producing even just a little bit of power once above 20mph which is still a lot of wind. You also need a long heavy inductrial electrical cable as well as a tower and can either build your own or buy theirs. Either way, you'll spend another several hundred dollars and lots of time. I have solar also and would recommend one of those instead, unless you live in an extremely continuously windy area.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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I mounted my wind generator to the top side of the house that I am renting. The house happens to be in an area where there is a lot of wind on windy days. I did have some problems finding materials to mount to the side of the house. I could not find a 2" O.D. tube that the generator would fit onto. I did find a 1-3/4" O.D. tube that is used for electrical purposes. The tube is galvonized steel, light weight. I used some gasketing to make up the 1/4" that was needed to securely fasten the generator to the tube. I then cut an extension cord and wired one end to the leads on the generator. I ran the remaining 50' into the basement through a hole in the foundation that I drilled. The generator spins up and works! I am waiting for a windy day to start generating some electricity :)
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We have been involved with this product from the mid 90's. Initially the manufacturer (Southwest Windpower) had potted regulators inside the nifty cast aluminum housing on their 303 wind-machines. After installation the machine ran great (except for the unbelievable noise from the blades) for about 2 weeks until the uncooled regulator overheated and self destructed. We were living off the grid in a very remote part of Samoa at the time and literally depended on the output from our wind turbines and solar panels. We had a lot of experience with older types of permanent magnet wind generators and spruce (wood) blades. Our older Redwing generators never gave us any trouble except for the necessity to periodically replace the brushes. Southwest Windpower was contacted after our early debacle and this was the beginning of many overseas phone calls and 99 email correspondence over 4 years, fighting with them to stand behind their product and do some actual real world testing of their product. These people had a great idea but the bugs were not worked out and we were their unwitting test subjects. Jay Yaeger, Dave Snowberg, Sean Hickey: all Southwest Windpower muckety mucks get a big thumbs down for their lack of followup and support.
Initially Southwest Windpower was coerced into sending us replacement parts. Later after much wrangling we did mange to have the company send us updated versions/replacement machines. Many, many hours of troubleshooting for them, pulling wires, dismantling our installation, re-installation...etc. We installed these and guess what : more overheating and failures. In one long distance telephone conversation with Jay Yaeger at Southwest Windpower I asked him if they did any wind tunnel testing to be certain these machines would stand up to hours and hours of use. I asked if they did wind tunnel testing to check for vibration and blade noise. The response was NO!!! He told me they were not set up to do this. My interpretation over the years: this company, as well intentioned as they may be, are using us (the consumer) to test their product for them. Whilst they are using their consumers to this end, they offer very poor support and excuses.
This is all, of course, historical review of the product. It could very well be that this company has evolved (thanks to its early failures) and is now acting more responsibly.
My advise to anyone purchasing this product is to be certain you have the warranty parameters with your vendor clearly delineated.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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Well I bought this for my fish house and it works great. I bought the stop switch and AMP meter as a extra purchase, but it was a great add on. The product directions are quite detailed and explain everything excellent.

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I installed this unit to reduce the use of my generator for my off-grid RV. The power output is so insignificant that it will never pay for itself. Unless you live in an area with non-stop 20/25 mph wind, it will never do the job. Think of how long it takes a 2-amp trickle charger to bring a battery up to full charge. This puts out less than 2 amps on a windy day. I purchased a Kyocera Solar KC130TM - 12 Volt, 130 Watt Solar Panel With Junction Box. The solar panel had an immediate impact on my bank of batteries. I watched my battery bank go from 12.1 volts to 12.9 volts in less than an hour. The cost of the solar panel and charge controller was less than half of the wind generator/tower combination with a much higher life expectency.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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I hate windy days. But now i can capture some of energy blowing about so its a good trade off. As for the the wind mill its self it is all that it claims to be.
Don't depend on it keeping up with demand on an off grid system unless you live in a vary windy zone or on top of a mountain. Keep in mind the tower kit can be made from standard supply's found at the local building supply or lumber yard it will save you a bunch of cash. I have added a solar panel to the battery bank just to keep the energy flowing.OK its not much bigger than those lawn ornament wind mills but at least its doing some good, so in my mind I'm doing good things in the battle of energy needs --DJJONGet more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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I mounted this turbine in my back yard on the recommended schedule 40 galvanized pipe at about 20' high. My location does not get consistent wind from one direction which is the only way this turbine will spin. Even in gusty conditions of 15-20 mph the turbine rarely spins more than a few revolutions and has not produced any measurable power after a month. If you don't have a steady wind from one direction this turbine will not produce any power at all. You would be better off with a vertical turbine or one with larger blade surface area. The specs say 8 mph start up, that means a consistent 8 mph wind from a single direction. For the money you would be better off with a single 80 watt solar panel.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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This wind generator makes a nice addition to a solar panel system with a small battery bank (my bank is 12vdc with 500 amp hours). The wind generator averages anywhere from 2 to 10 amps on most occasions here in northern Indiana. I have seen the wind generator put out as much as 25 amps during heavy wind conditions (i.e. storms). If you plan to run a large battery bank system then you may want to look into some of the larger KW wind generators or build a solar panel system. I do love the sound of this thing. I would not call it whisper, but it has a nice whirl sound to it when it is charging that puts me to sleep at night. By the way, know your math and do things right. You will find yourself installing some heavy gauge wiring to lower voltage drops that can be a bear to work with.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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6 years ago, I bought my first Air-X ( that's the model with the Southwest Windpower brand on it, this is their product) which ran for 2 years, then had a minor failure, fixed under warranty. It then lasted about a year, and the circuit board failed yet again. Again, it was warranted. The next failure, however, was not. So, I bought a kit from SWWP to "update" the turbine to the new "Air Breeze". That lasted 2 months, and it utterly melted down inside. It was a toxic swamp of caustic material from the insulation and other materials inside, which had gotten hot.

That was fixed under warranty and lasted ... a month. Then, I bought one of these. It was installed temporarily for about 4 months, and then moved to replace the dead Air Breeze (failed yet again, 3rd time). It lasted a month, and it too, melted down inside. Yes, the same location, the same load, the same everything the original one made 3 years without major issue, has now been through 4 rebuilds in a year and a half. In fact, I have had no significant use ANY of the generators since the original Air Breeze conversion. They have either sent me parts, or replacement generators (takes up to 2 months to get warranty fixes) and every one of them has failed the first time any significant weather system has come through. The Sunforce branded model worked through 4 months in a semi-sheltered area, and weathered ONE storm. It was taken down, stored for 2 months, and reinstalled in the original location for my first Air-x, and it died when the first rainstorm came through, as it melted down and the insulation or whatever it is, is literally dripping out the bottom of the unit, which is still on the tower. I'm not taking it down until I figure out what to do with it.

Basically, the maker started out with a decent product, somewhere along the lines, they have 're-engineered" it, and now it's garbage. Sad to say. The original was excellent and would still be in place if several years of running hadn't just simply worn out the front casting where the bearings ride. Each of my conversations with tech support has been a matter of just flat out insult, as they continue to claim they have no idea what's wrong, or that it's "my location". The original Air-X not only survived, but continued to work through a once-a-century windstorm that made national news. Nothing since it has been able to survive a single storm with 30-40 mph gusting.

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The device itself is nice and as others commented you will need a quite substantial wind if you want to produce significant amount of energy. That said, there are a couple of additional issues:
- to get good amount of winds, the turbine needs to be high and a 30' to 45' pole costs much more than the wind generator itself
- you might need an authorization from the town if you want to install such a big pole (some might not even allow it)
- keep in mind that when spinning the turbine generates a significant amount of noise and vibrations (increase with wind speed). We tried to install one on top of a building at work and the ceiling of the last floor was vibrating at a point that lights were shaking. So you definitely don't want to try that on your roof at home.

Note that this thing generates DC current and if you install it far from your house, you will need expensive cables if you don't want to lose too much by the time it reaches the inverter.

You can check [...]for the numbers of a live production of 1 solar panel and 1 wind turbine (this particular Sunforce model) in western MA.Get more detail about Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator.

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Granted I have not watched this since it's theatrical release, I must say that this was one of the worst films I have ever watched. I'm not one to pay for a movie and then walk out because I always have hope that a sinking film will somehow miraculously stay afloat, the Hollywood-way. Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, and Steven Spielberg - how can you go wrong, right? I can't think of anything that went right! The story was contrived and honestly, was there really that much of a story in the film? No, there wasn't. The attempt to pull your heart strings at the end of the film was transparent and laughable. Even the effects seem very blah, even for the time when the film was made. All I remember is waiting for the film to end and getting annoyed at the incessant screaming from Fanning. Save your money or use it to buy some good Science Fiction, like Alien (The Director's Cut) or Aliens (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), which are 5-star classics so please stop comparing this drivel to them.Get more detail about War of the Worlds [Blu-ray].

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Bought this movie after reading all the reviews and gotta say I sure don't agree. Even for it's time, the acting is lame, the set is mostly obvious backdrops, and the action scenes are so fake it's almost laughable. It was like watching a high school presentation without the benefit of seeing your kid. Don't waste your money, I'll give you my copy.Get more detail about Spartacus (50th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray].

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Kelly's Heroes/Where Eagles Dare (Action Double Feature) [Blu-ray] Top Quality

There might have been a time when reasonable people could debate whether Clint Eastwood deserved to be included in the pantheon of 'Great Film Makers.' As we enter the second decade of the 21st century however, it appears to be unanimous. So I would like to nominate Mr. Eastwood for a new award: 'The Greatest Career in Film.'

For starters, how many actors can go from action star to movie star to a three decade dynasty as top-grossing icon? But, while his fans were reading the Hollywood rags to find out when the next "Dirty Harry" sequel was to be released, Eastwood had already been busy for almost as long honing his skills as a director. Beginning in 1971 with not one but two films - "The Beguiled" and then "Play Misty for Me" - he brought the same steely resolve as the characters he played in front of the camera to his work behind the camera. Many directors would be satisfied and proud to win two best director Oscars and the praise of most critics in an entire career but Mr. Eastwood accomplished it in half the time while essentially working two jobs. He starred in a few dozen films while directing himself and many other increasingly notable and serious dramatic actors. As a sign of his prowess behind the camera, several of those actors have gone on to win Oscars with him at the helm; Sean Penn, Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins just to mention a few. As for Mr. Eastwood's two Oscars, they stand as two exclamation points, each one added to emphasize his remarkable achievements in BOTH arenas. Is there any doubt now that his name is as often modified by the word director as it is by the term movie star?!

If there is anyone out there who remains unconvinced about Mr. Eastwood's talent and integrity as a film maker, rent or buy some of his early films such as "Coogan's Bluff", "Where Eagles Dare" or "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot." My absolute favorite is "Kelly's Heroes." As an increasingly popular actor, his influence and imprimatur is undeniable in his choice of projects. To watch them is to become a fan of Clint Eastwood. You may not like the subject or genre but his movies are always first rate and well-constructed. That realization is fully manifested in Kelly's Heroes. Forget any apologies or qualifications about comedic efforts or in which genre it belongs, "Kelly's Heroes" is the best war film of all time. No, that isn't an exaggeration from a die hard fan. It is the natural conclusion after years of research watching ANY movie that could even tangentially be considered a war movie. There are indeed some good ones, and the best tend to dramatize the brutality and insanity of war. So when one takes a different route and exposes the greed and profiteering, undeniable constants in any conflict, and does so in a humorous way, should that somehow disqualify it from consideration as a great or artistic work? Watch Kelly's Heroes again, or for the first time if you were one of those poor souls locked up in a Soviet Gulag in Siberia. Watch a movie that is beautifully produced with a score and cinematography that is nonpareil.

To such a beautifully looking and sounding work add Mr. Eastwood, Donald Sutherland in a hysterical performance as the anachronistic hippy tank commander, Telly Savalas as the perfectly cast master-seargent promoted to cat-hearder desperately trying to keep a misfit unit together, befuddled by Eastwood's brilliant but treasonous leadership, and a plot that is as insane as it is believable. Who wouldn't do what Kelley and his little band of heroic entrepreneurs did if given the same opportunity...

I'm not going to reveal any more of the story and spoil this movie for anyone who might have forgotten this gem of a film. If you ever find yourself stuck inside on a rainy Saturday or Sunday afternoon, grab a big bowl and the whole box of microwave popcorn. While those molecules start getting excited, your's should as well. That should give you enough energy to get the DVD and turn on the TV. As inspiration, we like to play 'Beat the Microwave Clock' in our house: Before the bag and popcorn acquire the color and consistency of charcoal, start the movie and while the endless, insanity-producing FBI warning and remote-disabling previews run on, sprint to the refrigerator, grab your beverage of choice, lots of paper towls and a big bowl. As rationalization for the buttery-flavored blends, you can subtract the calories you burn as you buzz through the house in ravenous anticipation. If you are really good or well-practiced, and the kitchen is on the same floor, you should be able to punch the microwave escape hatch before the buzzer sounds and you have to start looking for the step-stool so you can unplug all the smoke detectors...

The trick is remain calm and remember to grab the popcorn bag by the corners. Movies just aren't as much fun when you have to watch them with bandages on your hands and ringing in your ears.

Even if you burn the popcorn and your hands, I promise you will quickly forget as you become immersed in what is simply a great and thrilling story. What I can't guarantee is how your sides will feel after you spend the entire afternoon laughing...Get more detail about Kelly's Heroes/Where Eagles Dare (Action Double Feature) [Blu-ray].

The Wolfman [Blu-ray] This instant

Before I saw this movie, I had read some pretty varied reviews about it, so I wasn't really sure of what to expect. I was quite happy with what I found, however.
First, I will list my impressions, and then I'll discuss the story (without too many spoilers, I hope :P). This is a dark film, and it can really immerse you. It is a bit gory, but you get so wrapped up in what's going on that it seems more like it belongs than not -- particularly as a counterbalance to the desire of the viewer to preserve (one of) the wolf-folk involved, as it shows just what devastation he causes. (Although, for viewers with kids, it's more than you'd probably want young ones watching.) The characters were well crafted, and -- even the very eccentric ones -- seemed believable. There were only one or two times, for me, when things seemed a little too "over the top". As far as casting, I thought it was perfect; Del Toro's Lawrence Talbot is perfectly dark and tragic; Emily Blunt's Gwen is ideal; Hopkin's Sir Talbot is perfectly monstrous (but in a good way!); Weaving's Inspector is equally well done; and the various superstitious/prejudiced/frightened villagers were superb in their roles.
Alright, on to the story -- and be warned, there will be **spoilers** here, although I will try to keep them to a minimum.

The story revolves around Lawrence Talbot, who receives a letter from his (recently dead) brother's fiance, Gwen Conliffe. He returns home to learn about his brother (Ben Talbot)'s death; the death of his brother aside, this is not, as you learn later (and guess immediately, by Del Toro's expressions), a pleasant return. His father -- who sent him to an asylum as a child after he witnessed the grisly death of Lady Talbot -- is morbidly distant and unconcerned, but Gwen is genuinely grieved and searching for answers. Ben's death was not only a murder, but a particularly gruesome one, and Gwen asks Lawrence to help find the killer. He sets out to do so.
Ben was torn to shreds in an inexplicable manner and left in a ditch, although some of the villagers "explain" the death by attributing it to a dancing bear that travels with some gypsies who have set up camp nearby, and others attribute the death to the work of a madman. Lawrence finds a clue that points him toward the Gypsies, so he goes to speak with them. It just so happens that -- you guessed it -- the night that he rides out is the night of a full moon.
Lawrence's investigative work is cut short by a werewolf attack on the camp; and Lawrence ends up with a life threatening wound. Gwen stays at the Hall to tend him. After a length of time, this wound rather miraculously heals; the doctor who attends Lawrence is stunned by this fact, and Lawrence is not a little surprised himself.
The next full moon arrives, and Lawrence -- seeing his father sneaking to his mother's crypt -- follows. He proceeds into a dungeon-ish room, where Sir Talbot locks himself away after a cryptic warning.
Lawrence witnesses part of his father's transformation, and turns into a werewolf himself; he proceeds to run about doing werewolf-like things (you know, ripping people to shreds and other such naughty behaviors) before collapsing/returning to human state on his father's property.
Lawrence is captured and taken back to the asylum, where he is tortured -- as well as taunted by his father who comes to "visit". Sir Talbot, when Lawrence suggests that he kill himself, declares that he will certainly not, but instead plans to keep letting the wolf take over rather than hiding every full moon in the dungeon. He also reveals that it was he who killed Ben after an argument and a bout of drinking, as well as reveals how he became a werewolf -- and the truth about Lawrence's mother's death.
The asylum incarceration continues until that full moon, when the werewolf emerges again and breaks free (destroying all that gets in his path). After returning to his human state, Lawrence seeks temporary refuge with Gwen, and then heads back to Talbot Hall to confront his father.
Gwen, meanwhile -- her and Lawrence's relationship having progressed from mutual grief at Ben's death to love -- seeks out a cure for lycanthropy -- and races to get to Lawrence before harm (or the redoubtable inspector, who has been doggedly tailing him from early on) finds him.
All of this leads to a hair-raising search through the ghoulish manor, a terrific fight, and a sad but necessary end -- with an interesting catch.

All in all, to reiterate, I thought the movie was very well done, with only a few things I would have liked changed. The acting was excellent, with only two or three lines of Del Toro's that I think could have been done better -- but, otherwise, his work was absolutely superb.
Wolfman is probably not a good one for youngsters because of the dark story and gore, but otherwise darkness/gore was appropriate.
It is not a work of genius, but all the pieces fit together very well, and stand up to scrutiny.
Finally, I would also like to note that some of the objections to Wolfman centered around the romance between Gwen and Lawrence -- namely, that there wasn't "more". I disagree; remember that Gwen is sincerely grieving Ben's death, and this romance is "accidental". If Gwen and Lawrence found themselves "in love" immediately -- or soon after -- one would be disinclined to think much of Ben and Gwen's bond, or of the character of either fiancé or brother. So, I think it was well done -- a natural, "accidental" progression.

All in all, a very good film.
Get more detail about The Wolfman [Blu-ray].

Beauty and the Beast (Three-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/ Blu-ray Packaging) Immediately

Ever since I was small Beauty and the Beast has been my favorite Disney movie, however that being said, my small sister who is currently ten could not watch it without being scared until just recently. The beginning of the movie does have some dark scenes that could scare children. It also has strong magic overtones if that is something that bothers you. That being said Beauty and the Beast is the only movie with a set strong-willed princess (Mulan & Pocohantas & Enchanted ladies excluded). She is smart, intelligent, and doesn't want to just get married but live a full life. Feminist's dream princess :DGet more detail about Beauty and the Beast (Three-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/ Blu-ray Packaging).

Alice in Wonderland (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/Digital Copy + Film Cell Photo Frame) (Amazon.com Exclusive) Best Quality

I can't speak for the DVD, but I saw this movie in the theater and was disappointed. I know Disney already did a good animated version of Alice In Wonderland, so perhaps this was supposed to be an update. And it does look good . . . It's done by Tim Burton, so what else? The animation is state of the art, if more than a little creepy in places, but the real disappointment is the story. For one; it isn't Alice In Wonderland. And it's not Through the Looking Glass, either. What we have here is really "Alice Grows Up and Goes Back To Wonderland." In this story, instead of nonsense, we have a rather clichéd, "classic battle of good against evil," updated. So if you like the "chicks rule" mindset, you might approve, but calling it Alice In Wonderland is rather a deception. Of course, if you're a Tim Burton fan, as many of us are, this is a real feast for the eyes, and it may even wear well with time.Get more detail about Alice in Wonderland (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/Digital Copy + Film Cell Photo Frame) (Amazon.com Exclusive).

Life (narrated by David Attenborough) [Blu-ray] Get it now!

I just bought the blu-ray from Amazon.uk, couldn't wait for the US release (and when you live in Brazil the freight cost pretty much the same from there), and there is nothing else to add about the documentary, it just has all the BBC quality already demonstrated on others like Planet Earth, but I was amazed with the image quality, they really improved that on Life, some images are even more clear than in Baraka (which is a high standard when it comes to image quality). Just a note for those buying it from Amazon.uk: the blu-ray is recorded on 50hz (PAL) and that won't run on a US PS3 or some BD players that don't support 50Hz (instead of the standard US 60Hz NTSC). Bottom line, great show, highly recommend it!Get more detail about Life (narrated by David Attenborough) [Blu-ray].

Alice in Wonderland (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) Buy Now

I saw the coming attractions to Alice In Wonderland in an IMAX theater, in 3-D, in summer of 2009. I actually CLAPPED and cheered at the end of the coming attractions, which is the first time in my life I have ever clapped and cheered a coming attraction. So I was anxious to see the whole movie, and I had to wait 8 full months for it to be released... a long wait... but well worth waiting for.

I won't go into the details of WHY I loved the movie... I loved it, and I want to have it in my library...

But IF IT IS NOT IN 3D, I will not buy it for home viewing, and I will not recommend it to anybody.

Alice in Wonderland, the movie, gets 5 stars in 3D, and zero stars in 2-D. I won't even THINK of buying it in 2-D.

HOW DUMB DO THEY THINK WE ARE? 3-D television has arrived. What are they waiting for to release it in 3D?Get more detail about Alice in Wonderland (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy).

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (+ BD-Live) [Blu-ray] Order Now

But he does, in the sixth installment of the Harry Potter epic. Once you read the seventh and final book, Dumbledore's death becomes clear in the context of his own story: you could say that he was already dead - just on borrowed time (given to him by Snape, the character we all love to hate). Of course, with such detailed and complex stories it's always a challenge to bring them to the screen in a way that makes sense, and especially for HP and the Half-Blood Prince it's essential to have read all the books up to and including this one before you see the film. The backstories, the build-up, the carefully crafted plots and subplots and all of their twists and turns can become muddled and confusing without having read the books first, but the filmmakers have done a good job delivering the story. There are a few changes which don't seem to make a lot of sense; for instance the burning of the Burrow, and an anti-climactic kiss between Ginny and Harry in the Room of Requirement, but overall the story is as exciting on film as it is in the pages. What's really noteworthy about the climax of HBP is that Harry has all along been saying Snape and Draco are the bad guys, and lo and behold it looks as if he was finally right. But is he really? Look for the upcoming film versions of The Deathly Hallows, but read it first! Two or three times!

Meredith Kennedy, author of The Red JacketGet more detail about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (+ BD-Live) [Blu-ray].

Monsters, Inc. (4-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray] Decide Now

Upgraded the firmware to the lastest version (version 20), installed a usb memory drive (after formating it per Sony's instruction, hard-reset the player per Sony's insturction, even obtained a second Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray disc to play on the Sony BDP-BX1. Disc was stuck after the director's intro. Sony could not provide an answer as to why this blu-ray disc would not play on Sony BDP-BX1. Tried the disc on a newer Sony BDP-S360, and it played fine.Get more detail about Monsters, Inc. (4-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray].

The Bourne Trilogy (The Bourne Identity | The Bourne Supremacy | The Bourne Ultimatum) [Blu-ray] Right now

This trilogy is a must have for Blu Ray player owners. If you have not seen them yet I would recommend them. Great action movies that are geared to be more realistic and not so over the top.Get more detail about The Bourne Trilogy (The Bourne Identity | The Bourne Supremacy | The Bourne Ultimatum) [Blu-ray].

Lowest Price Blu-Cube 20-Pack Bundle ($299.99 Value) [Blu-ray]

These movies appear to be copies, they are definitely not from the original Manufacturer since they are not factory sealed and have no UPC code but instead state that they are not for Individual resale which means if you ever want to sell them you can't unless you sale them as a 20 piece set and use the UPC code provided for that.Get more detail about Blu-Cube 20-Pack Bundle ($299.99 Value) [Blu-ray].

Low Price Braveheart (Sapphire Series) [Blu-ray]

I didn't think this flick can get any better and then when I watched it on bluray, i was blown away. INCREDIBLE!!Get more detail about Braveheart (Sapphire Series) [Blu-ray].

Save Michael Jackson: This Is It [Blu-ray]

Michael Jacksons This Is It video made his music come to life. The efforts he put into making his concerts great are captured in this movie. I wish I could have afforded to fly to London to see the production. This is my daughters review.Get more detail about Michael Jackson: This Is It [Blu-ray].

Discount X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Two-Disc Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

I am a fan of the X-Men series movies and this is the first one that I got in BD. Well now I have to go back and replace al my previews movies to BD. Love BD.Get more detail about X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Two-Disc Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray].

Cheapest Watchmen (Director's Cut + BD-Live) [Blu-ray]

WTF ? Huh ? There is never any indication that a story is unfolding. Other than the skull hatcheting piece by bloody bandage head guy and the arm sawing through the jailhouse bars scene, there's little to discuss or keep you interested except maybe well-hung blu guy Dr. Manhatten driving girl to glowing blue extacy. A freaking, jigsawing, nightmare. Intended strictly for comic book advocates who enjoy speed viewing tales of their super heroes.
Get more detail about Watchmen (Director's Cut + BD-Live) [Blu-ray].

Cheap Terminator Salvation (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]

I had high hopes, like many, going into this film. As a fan of the franchise, I was looking forward to that "blown out of my seat" experience the other films of this saga have given me. Besides which, this is the film we've all been waiting for since the beginning, right? The future war! The resistance vs. Skynet! It couldn't possibly be bad, could it? Oh, you couldn't be more wrong!

This film lacked anything in the way of atmosphere or suspense. The mood of the film was extremely flat from almost the start and never really came to life. On top of that, I feel too much time was spent on the machines and not enough on John Connor and the humans (whom you'd think we should be rooting for). Sam Worthington's character, of the man made into a machine, never gained any sympathy or interest from me. The fact they gave away the "secret" to his character in the trailers, certainly didn't help that, either. His character's actions are schizophrenic, at best, half the time making little sense, if any, and almost never ring true. A major flaw, to be sure, with how much time he gets on screen. And where is the dark dystopian world, filled with death and destruction? One where humans are an endangered species, that are the prey to the machines that now rule? The glimpses we've seen in the past films are completely ignored here, which hurts the continuity of the franchise and this film's place within it.

Then you have Christian Bale, who plays John Connor as a "Batman-lite" affair. He uses the same kind of voice here, that he did in "The Dark Knight" and it just doesn't work. He portrays none of the charisma and leadership that we know the character is supposed to have. All the emotions we've felt for him in the past are all stripped away here, as he comes off like a whiny and self-absorbed jerk. Hardly one you'd want being the savior of the human race. None of the other resistance members get enough screen time to make any kind of impression on you, so you never develop any bond in what might happen to them. I don't know if the cast just didn't care about the film, or if the script just gave them nothing to work with, but there is no fire in any of the performances.

And even if the script doesn't let the actors down, it has more than a few problems itself. They never really explain why Sam Worthington's character is the one chosen by Skynet. The story never gives you any feelings of dread or panic, despite tons of action on the screen. And while those action sequences are well shot and choreographed, they lack any real excitement. It never gets your pulse pounding. Plus there are tons of little things in the film, like Connor's wife being pregnant, which get no explanation or even a passing mention. I mean, what's the point in doing that, if it doesn't mean anything? And why is Skynet herding people into camps (ala the Nazis)? Shouldn't it simply be destroying all human life, to protect itself and win the war? It is another plot point that makes no sense, nor is given any reasoning for, in a script filled with them. Worst of all, and the one major flaw that ruins the whole film for me, is how, after Skynet has captured Kyle Reese (played by Anton Yelchin, in one of the few decent performances in the film), it doesn't kill him immediately, but uses him as bait to lure John Connor into a rescue mission. This kind of thinking, in terms of revenge and greed, is an emotional human failing Skynet should not have. It is a machine. It should know the simple equation: "Kill Kyle Reese, John Connor is no more!" The only reason for it, is to provide the big end battle, where Connor faces the Terminator 101-model (with CGI used to show Arnold in his prime). It's all just a wasted effort and doesn't deliver any thrills.

Many folks blasted "T3" for some of the inconsistencies it had, but compared to this mess of a film, it was sheer cinematic brilliance! "Terminator Salvation" could truly be considered a franchise killer, on par with the fiasco that "Batman and Robin" was for the Batman one. Old school fans of this saga will not find this enjoyable, and any attempts to bring in new fans will be dashed at the overly-complicated back-story used to get them up to speed on this film. In short, this is a film that will appeal to few people, be they fans of these films or not. It is a complete waste of time, money and talent. And that is the purest definition of the term "whipped up movie," which this effort most assuredly is, that I can think of! It is easily one of the most disappointing films I've seen in some time.Get more detail about Terminator Salvation (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray].