The computer software industry loves sequels almost as much as Hollywood does. For the past few years, Microsoft has annually released an updated version of “Cinemania,” its popular movie database CD-ROM.
“Cinemania ’97” offers a cornucopia of features for the movie buff, including reviews of more than 25,000 films, profiles and filmographies of more than 4,000 actors and directors, 1,000 photographs, 150 dialogue clips (so you can hear for yourself that Bogey didn’t actually say “Play it again, Sam”) and 30 video clips.
But here’s the best news of all: According to Monica Harrington of Microsoft, “There won’t be a ‘Cinemania ’98.”‘ Why is that good news? Because all of the features of “Cinemania ’97,” and much more, are now available on-line for free.
So instead of paying $35 each year for a new version of “Cinemania,” you can just log on to cinemania.msn.com, a Web site that is updated weekly. Even though the week after Labor Day seldom brings many new movies releases, “Cinemania” on-line had detailed reviews of eight just-released films, from mainstream fare like “Julian Po” to offbeat work like “Latin Boys Go to Hell.”
The site is still a work in progress. I couldn’t get the video clips to work, but Harrington says that that feature is being fixed and that many clips will be added as the site grows, even including trailers for coming films.
But the site is still a hoot to explore. For example, a search on “Chasing Amy” brings up one of the most thoughtful reviews of that movie you’ll ever read, a detailed biography of star Ben Affleck and even a list of Web sites devoted to co-star Joey Lauren Adams.
The bottom line: “Cinemania ’97” is a great database, but save your money and use the on-line site instead. Its only drawback is some annoying ads, but what do you want for free? (star) (star) (star) 1/2 (out of four).
