Search - Paradise Lost 2 - Revelations on DVD

5 Stars, though not quite on a par with the first

T. Falk | Tustin, CA USA | 07/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paradise Lost introduced us to what may be the most frightening onscreen villain in years : a biased judicial system. 24 jury members (2 separate trials) that had made up their minds before they had even set foot into the court room. And like any good villain, it has to slaughter a few innocents to be really scary. PL2:Revelations shows us the aftermath of said slaughter: The seemingly destroyed lives of Jessie Misskelly, Jason Baldwin, and Damien Echols (Even though they seem to have come to terms with their fate. That doesn't mean we should). Just like a good horror sequel, it shows us that the monster is even bigger and more powerful than previously guessed. The prejudice towards the 3 innocents spreads a lot further than the original trial courtroom. We have some heroes along the way in the name of the Free The West Memphis 3 organization, and seemingly at the center of it all, John Mark Byers, one of the parents of the 3 murdered children, and the mysterious death of his wife. Just like the first, this film moves, touches, infuriates, frustrates, and compels everyone I know who has come in contact with it. It is a testament to how powerful a film camera can truly be, and regardless of your opinion on whether or not the 3 are innocent, it is impossible to walk away from this film and forget it. This, like the first, is one of those film experiences that will haunt you for a long, long time. Don't miss it."

An important and profoundly disturbing documentary

Michael J. Mazza | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 03/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Paradise Lost 2: Revelations," a documentary film by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, is a sequel to their earlier documentary "Paradise Lost." These films investigate the aftermath a a horrific triple child murder and the conviction of three young men who continue to maintain their innocence.PL2 picks up where the first film left off. We meet the three convicted young men--Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, all older and still imprisoned. Damien, the only one of the three to receive the death penalty, is appealing his conviction, and his life-and-death situation gives PL2 a particular power and urgency.There is extensive interview footage with many of the individuals involved in the case: the original judge, Jessie's defense attorney, and more. Especially poignant is the footage with the family members of the convicted. But as in the first film, the most indelible character is undoubtedly the controversial John Mark Byers, the angry stepfather of one of the murder victims. One issue PL2 explores is the question whether Byers was actually involved in the actual murders.Also fascinating is the footage featuring members of the support group of people who believe that Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were all unfairly convicted. The young men have become known as the "West Memphis Three" to their supporters, and PL2 tells about the origins of the WM3 Web site.I will warn potential viewers that this film contains graphic photographs of the murdered children, one of whom was sexually mutilated. Overall, PL2 is a gripping and, in my opinion, important film. It's more than just a real-life human drama. The film raises compelling issues about crime, justice, punishment, prejudice, truth, and the impact of the media. Highly recommended."

Scary that this can happen here in the U.S. ...

Michael J. Mazza | 05/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a West Memphis Three supporter since 1999. It is of upmost importance that everyone who sees this documentary and is shocked, interested, or angry, pass the word on! The more people who know about it, the better chance of getting Damien, Jason, & Jessie new trials. Not everyone is convinced of their innocence (I, after lots of research, am. Everyone should should study up & come to their own conclusions. All the info you need can be found at [the website]) but EVERYONE will agree that this trial was a sham. An 18 year old boy was sent to death row based on nothing but someone else's word & a bag of black t-shirts. The fact that this has been allowed to happen in this country in the 20th century is both embarrasing & horrifying. Evidence was lost, not followed up on, and the trial took place in a community where all three were tried and convicted before they ever set foot in a courtroom. If it happened to them, it could happen to you, or your child, your sister/brother, friend, etc."

An eye opening view of our judicial system

Kerry Delf | 06/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After seeing both of the Paradise movies, I have to say I am shocked by our legal system.. I believe in some cases, our judicial system may have failed, but in this case, I believe it has failed terribly. This movie makes one feel sorry for the 3 murdered children, and also for those convicted of the crime, conviction based only on allegations.
Everyone should see this and then visit www.wm3.org"