Everything's excellent for everyone's
favourite surf-speaking dudes. With their own apartment, a pair of bodacious princess babes and
a spot on the upcoming battle of the bands, life couldn't be any better. But all that goes down
the tubes when Bill and Ted's evil robot twins kill the San Dimas duo and then take over their
lives.
Replaced on the Earth by the bogus robots, the real Bill and Ted embark on a most unwanted
expedition... straight to hell! Now, their only hope is to give the Grim Reaper a wedgie, and
then challenge him to the Ultimate Death Match of all time! Can Bill and Ted cheat death, save
the world from evil, rescue the princess babes and be back in time to win the battle of the
bands? Or will their heinous metal twins change the duo's destiny forever?
Dom's opinion:
A sequel that wasn't quite as good as the original, but worth a look.
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Cadillac Man (£12.99, MGM)
Whether he's pitching himself, or his high-priced luxury cars at Turgeon Auto Sales, Joey O'Brien
(Robin Williams) never lets a day go by without "doing" someone good. But Joey's schmoozed
through life on cruise control for way too long... and now he's riding in the hot seat! An
impatient Mafioso wants his hide. He's rendezvousing with an obnoxious married woman. His space
cadet girlfriend needs more money. His ex-wife wants her alimony and his delinquent daughter is
nowhere to be found.
To top it all off, Turgeon Auto is relocating and inventory is priced to go - unfortunately, so
is Joey unless his sales pick up. He has just one last big day to do or die, and just when he
thought it could get no worse it does! With the showroom abuzz on D-day, in walks Larry (Tim
Robbins), a lunkhead terminator with an inferiority complex and an axe to grind. Larry's not
exactly looking for a new pair of whitewalls. He's loaded down with explosives and looking for
the man who's been "doing" his wife! Now in a life-or-death situation, Joey O'Brien is forced
to do what he does best... lie!
Dom's opinion:
An underrated comedy that's well worth checking out.
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Delirious (£12.99, MGM)
Writer Jack Gable's (John Candy) soap opera has it all: deceit, trickery, sex, sex and more
sex... and that's just behind the scenes. Candy is hilarious in this laugh a minute daytime
serial spoof which co-stars Mariel Hemingway, Emma Samms, Raymond Burr, and David Rasche. When
Jack clumsily bumps his head, he wakes up in the small town of Ashford Falls, the setting of
his popular soap opera.
But what begins as a nightmarish scenario turns into the opportunity of a lifetime as Jack
finds he can control the events around him... by writing them! With typewriter at hand, Jack
attempts to win the love of the shows beautiful bad girl (Samms) but while scripting his destiny
with her, he keeps running into, literally, an accident prone good girl (Hemingway). Will he be
able to win the woman of his dreams? Will he win the coveted Daytime Emmy? Only one thing's for
certain: his attempts to write his own ticket will leave you laughing deliriously...
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Interiors (£15.99, MGM)
An intensely provocative and searing dissection of human behaviour, Interiors marked a cinematic
watershed for Woody Allen. In his first serious drama, Allen's interest in the human condition
was not limited to quick wit and slapstick gags. Exploring the dynamics of a family in crisis,
Interiors is destined to become a landmark of American film-making.
When Eve (Geraldine Page), an interior designer, is deserted by her husband of many years,
Arthur (E.G Marshall), the emotionally glacial relationships of their three grown up daughters are
laid bare. Twisted by jealousy, insecurity and resentment, Renata (Diane Keaton), a successful writer,
Flyn (Kirsten Griffith) a woman crippled by indecision; and Joey (Mary Beth Hurt), a budding
actress, struggle to communicate for the sake of their shattered mother. But when their father
unexpectedly falls for another woman (Maureen Stapleton), his decision to remarry sets in motion
a terrible twist of fate with tragically unexpected consequences.
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
The January Man (£12.99, MGM)
Oscar-winner Kevin Kline heads an all star cast (including Susan Sarandon, Mary Elizabeth
Mastrantonio, Harvey Keitel and Rod Steiger) in this wildly entertaining murder mystery that'll
leave you gasping for breath. Eleven murders... eleven months. Faced with the grisly acts of a
serial killer and mounting pressure from a terrified public, New York City's Mayor orders Police
Commissioner Frank Starkey (Keitel) to reinstate the only man he knows who may be able to find
the serial killer: unorthodox ex-cop Nick Sharkey (Kline) who also happens to be Frank's
estranged brother.
In addition to pursuing the killer, Nick's hot on the trail of his ex-girlfriend (Sarandon) -
now Frank's wife - and a young witness (Mastrantonio) who also happens to be the Mayor's
daughter! Written by Oscar-winner John Patrick Shanley, directed by acclaimed Irish film-maker
Pat O'Connor, and featuring excellent support from Danny Aiello and Alan Rickman, The January
Man is a killer comedy...
Dom's opinion:
A dire so-called thriller. If you haven't seen it, wait until it comes on ITV.. and then go
out.
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Marilyn Monroe - The Diamond Collection (£79.99, Fox)
A stunning DVD collection of ten of Marilyn Monroe's best movies, plus a documentary about the
star's final, unfinished 1962 film Something's Got To Give.
Titles: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Bus Stop (1956), How To Marry A Millionaire (1953),
There's No Business Like Showbusiness (1954), Don't Bother To Knock (1952), Let's Make Love (1960),
Monkey Business (1952), Niagara (1953), River Of No Return (1954), The Seven Year Itch (1955)
and the documentary Marilyn Monroe - The Final Days (2001).
Note that Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Don't Bother to Knock, Monkey Business, Niagra and
Marilyn Monroe - The Final Days are in their original 4:3 ratio, while the rest are in
their original anamorphic cinemascope ratio (all 2.55:1, except There's No Business... and
Let's Make Love which are 2.35:1)
The Seven Year Itch - Special Edition: Documentary: 'Backstory: The Seven Year Itch' (20 min). 2 deleted scenes. 2 trailers. Movietone news: Sneak Preview. Restoration comparison. Stills.
Marilyn Monroe: The Final Days: Movietone news: Cinemascope.
A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (£15.99, MGM)
Teeming with all the beauty of an impressionist painting, A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy is one
of Woody Allen's lightest and most sensual films. Starring Allen, Mia Farrow (here directed by
Allen for the first time), Jose Ferrer, Julie Hagerty, Tony Roberts and Mary Steenburgen, A
Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy is a dazzling, uproarious masterpiece from America's best comic
film-maker.
Love is in the air and magic is afoot when turn-of-the-century inventor Andrew and his wife
Adrian host a country wedding for the pompous Dr. Leopold and his young fiancée Ariel. But when
Andrew's best friend, the randy Dr. Maxwell Jordan, and his lusty nurse Dulcy turn up for the
festivities, the stage is soon set for thwarted seductions, mismatched mates and magical mayhem,
as Maxwell falls for Ariel, Ariel seduces Andrew, Leopold beds Dulcy - and the bride and groom
say "I do" to everyone... except each other.
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
The One (£19.99, Columbia)
Imagine that there are parallel universes. Imagine that someone has escaped one and is roaming
the streets of your city. Imagine that he has come to eliminate you. Imagine that he looks
exactly like you. From the director of Final Destination comes a wild action-packed trip to the
future starring Jet Li in an incredible dual role as a police officer in a fight for his life
and a universe-hopping assassin obsessed with terminating it. Also starring Carla Gugino, and
Jason Statham, The One is loaded with explosive action and jaw-dropping effects beyond your
wildest imagination!
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the extras include a director and crew commentary,
4 featurettes, Animatic comparison 'Re-shoot', Trailer, Filmographies and a Weblink.
Stargate SG1 Vol 24 (£19.99, MGM)
I don't have detailed episode summaries for the contents on this disc, but the episodes are:
Failsafe, The Warrior, Menace and The Sentinel, all in 16:9 anamorphic
widescreen.
The extras contain audio commentaries for each episode, an SG1 video diary with Richard Dean
Anderson, Volume 25 episode previews, 2 promo trailers and a Fan club spot.
WWF Backlash 2002 (£19.99, Silver Vision)
Filmed on April 21st 2002, it's another 176 minutes of mayhem with the Undisputed Championship,
Tag Team Championship, No.1 Contender Match, Intercontinental Championship, Women's
Championship and Cruiserweight Championship matches featuring such luminaries as
Triple H, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Trish Stratus.
Presented in 4:3 fullscreen, the extras include 5 backstage interviews, the Dudley Boyz
reunion, an interview with Trish Stratus and Brock Lesnar's impact!
Yakuza Graveyard (£15.99, Eureka)
In this 1976 yakuza thriller from Japanese director Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale), Tetsuya
Watari plays a brooding, misfit cop who develops a bond with a local crime-lord, leading him
on the trail of a group of corrupt money-laundering cops. However, when a rival gang
assassinates the mobster and the detective falls in love with the man's sister, Meiko Kaji
(from The Female Convict Scorpion series), he ultimately becomes involved in the turbulent
underworld that he investigates.
The DVD is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, English subtitles are available and the
only extra is a text profile of the director.
Zelig (£15.99, MGM)
Mr. Personality? Or Mr. Personality Disorder? Find out in Woody Allen's madcap mockumentary
about an identity crises of hilarious proportions! Thematically intricate, technically complex
and filled with some of the most astonishing special effects ever, Zelig is pure magic. Nominated
for two Oscars, this work of breathtaking virtuosity is further proof that Allen is among the
premier American film-makers of his day.
Leonard Zelig (Allen) is a social quick change artist whose insecurity forces him to mimic -
mentally and physically - whoever he's with. Treated by Dr. Eudora Fletcher (Farrow), Zelig is
slowly cured, and in the process goes from side-show freak to national celebrity - to Eudora's
fiance! But when misdeeds from Zelig's multiple personality past start to surface (larceny,
bigamy and unauthorized appendectomy), the human chameleon is on the run again, and Eudora must
search the world to find and save the only man who's every man she has ever wanted!
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Artistic, sensual and sacred passions unite in Babette's Feast. Written and directed by Gabriel
Axel from a short story by Out Of Africa's Isak Dinesen, this Oscar-winning film offers an
irresistable mixture of dry wit and robust humanity. On the desolate coast of Denmark live
Martina and Philippa, the beautiful daughters of a devout clergyman who preaches salvation
through self-denial. Both girls sacrifice youthful passion to faith and duty, and even many
years after their father's death they keep his austere teachings alive among the townspeople.
The film is presented in 1.66:1 widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Dog Eat Dog (rental DVD, VCI)
A British comedy about four London DJs who have trouble achieving their dreams. The cast includes
Melanie Blatt, John Thomson and Mark Tonderai, with cameos from Alan Davies, Gary Kemp and
Ricky Gervais.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen there are no extras given that it's a rental DVD, other
than trailers for forthcoming releases "K-PAX" and "Crush".
Happy Campers (£19.99, Entertainment in Video)
A group of college students take over the day-to-day running of the college after the director
is injured, in a film starring Brad Renfro, Dominique Swain, Emily Bergl and Peter Stormare.
The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
Killer's Kiss (£15.99, MGM)
Stanley Kubrick's second feature film, Killer's Kiss, made the world take notice of an
extraordinary talent. Kubrick won considerable acclaim for this dazzling film noir about a
struggling New York boxer (Jamie Smith) whose life is imperiled when he protects a nightclub
dancer (Irene Kane) from her gangster boss (Frank Silvera). Using his camera like a sandpaper
block, Kubrick stripped away the veneer from the prizefight and dancehall worlds. Killer's Kiss
not only lends considerable insight into future Kubrick classics, but is also a remarkable film
in its own right: the boxing match may be the most vicious this side of Raging Bull, and the
famed final battle remains an action tour-de-force.
The film is presented in the original 4:3 ratio and the only extra is a trailer.
The Killing (£15.99, MGM)
When ex-con Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) says he has a plan to make a killing, everybody wants
to be in on the action. Especially when the plan is to steal $2 million in a racetrack robbery
scheme in which "no one will get hurt". But despite all their careful plotting, Clay and his
men have overlooked one thing: Sherry Peatty (Marie Windsor), a money-hungry, double-crossing
dame who's planning to make a financial killing of her own... even if she has to wipe out
Clay's entire gang to do it! Co-written by legendary pulp writer Jim Thompson and director
Stanley Kubrick, The Killing is tough, taut, tense, and one of the greatest crime noirs ever
made.
The film is presented in the original 4:3 ratio and the only extra is a trailer.
La Cage Aux Folles (£15.99, MGM)
One of the most successful foreign films ever shown in the U.S., La Cage Aux Folles is a
wildly hilarious French farce - giddy, unpretentious and an entirely loveable film that was
remade as The Birdcage. When young Laurent returns to exotic St.Tropez, he bears big news for
his beloved father, Renato. Laurent has found the girl of his dreams and they are engaged!
What's more, she and her family are on their way over for dinner at Ranato's home to meet the
in-laws-to-be.
The film is presented in 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen and the extras are the English and
French trailers for the film.
Paths of Glory (£15.99, MGM)
Safe in their picturesque chateau behind the front lines, the French General Staff passes down a
direct order to Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas, in one of his greatest performances): take the Ant
Hill at any cost. A blatant suicide mission, the attack is doomed to failure. Covering up their
fatal blunder, the Generals order the arrest of three innocent soldiers, charging them with
cowardice and mutiny.
The film is presented in the original 4:3 ratio and the only extra is a trailer.
The Phantom of the Opera: Special Collector's Edition (£19.99, Eureka)
Made in 1925, this is the original version of Gaston Leroux's legendary book The Phantom Of The
Opera is an awesome monument to the Golden Age of Hollywood starring "The Man of a Thousand
Faces", Lon Chaney. In the film, Chaney is Erik, the horribly disfigured Phantom who leads a
menacing existence in the catacombs and dungeons beneath the Paris Opera.
When Erik falls in love with a beautiful prima donna (Mary Philbin), he kidnaps her and holds
her hostage in his lair, where he is destined to have a showdown with her fiancé and the secret
police. This version has been colour tinted according to the specifications of original
Universal Pictures cutting continuity, and the Bal Masque Sequence is in its original two-colour
Technicolor. There is an orchestral score composed by Gabriel Thibaudoux, featuring soprano
Claudine Coté.
Presented in 4:3 fullscreen, the extras are an essay by R Dixon Smith and commentary by Russell
Cawthorn.
Shooters (£12.99, Universal)
Shooters is a gritty British gangster flick that doesn't tart itself up with smart suits and
clever dialogue, but instead goes for a refreshig, authentic and underground edge. When Gilly
gets out of prison all he wants to do is collect the money he's owed and start a new life. But
his friend J has other ideas and has invested the money in a drugs for guns deal..
The cast includes Adrian Dunbar, Emma Fielding and Ioan Gruffudd and the film
is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with the only extra being a trailer.
WWF Stone Cold Steve Austin: What? (£17.99, Silver Vision)
This DVD features wrestling action from The Rock, Vince McMahon and Chris Benoit, runs for
148 mins and is in 4:3 fullscreen.
Prepare to enter this astonishing nightmare of hyper-reality created by one of the world's
leading animation directors, Otomo Katsuhiro. 2019. Neo-Tokyo is about to explode. Old gods
return to do battle with Akira and something more than comic book ultra-violence is unleashed.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the extras are random motion menus, easter eggs,
'Making Of Akira' feature, Photo gallery, Make your own Akira trailer, Hyperlink and
Multiple choice quiz incorporating website.
The Believer (£19.99, Fox)
Danny Balint (Ryan Gosling, in an acclaimed performance) is a young Jewish man. Living in the
world's most cosmopolitan city by night he studies his religion's scriptures and teaches Hebrew.
But by day an entirely different personality manifests itself. Danny has become magnetised by a
force which stands in direct contradiction to his heritage: neo-fascism. Based on real events,
this compelling psychological saga from writer and director Henry Bean charts one man's descent
into a world of violence.
But this is not just the violence which explodes on the streets or which comes from the extremist
meetings at the home of the svengali-like cultist, Lina Moebius (Theresa Russell). The Believer
is about the inner violence and struggle in the mind of a man who still cannot escape his true
Jewish identity. Danny's battle to reconcile the two warring sides of his character leads him
to the very borders of sanity, and on to the path of self-destruction...
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the only extra is a trailer.
Bull Durham (£12.99, MGM)
Baseball season gets off to a rocky start when the Durham Bulls new catcher, "Crash" Davis
(Kevin Costner), punches out the cocky young pitcher, "Nuke" Laloosh (Tim Robbins), he's just
been hired to train. Then sexy Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon) informs both men that each season
she chooses one player to share her bed - and Nuke and Crash are this year's draft picks.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the only extra is a trailer.
Buried Treasure (£19.99, Granada)
John Thaw plays Harry Jenkins, a gruff and self-obsessed estate agent used
to getting his own way. Until, that is, he returns from a game of golf to find the police on
his doorstep with news of his estranged daughter's death, and discovers for the first time that
he is the grandfather of a mixed-race little girl. Saffron, his spirited and strong-willed
granddaughter proves to be quite a match for him, and a trip to London in search of her father
forces Harry to face up to a few home truths. He realises that things need to change if he is
to play a part in Saffron's life...
The DVD is presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a 20-minute On Location
featurette.
Cast a Giant Shadow (£12.99, MGM)
Part fact, part fiction, Cast a Giant Shadow powerfully dramatises Israel's heroic 1947-48
struggle for independance. Both realistic war story and passionate romance, the film centres
on the legendary David "Mickey" Marcus, whose motto was "Life isn't a spectator sport - you've
just got to get involved". Kirk Douglas gives a strong, compassionate performance as Marcus,
an American Jew and World War II hero who got involved by becoming a volunteer military advisor
to the new state of Israel and the country's first general in 2000 years.
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the only extra is a trailer.
Dead Man's Curve (£19.99, Tartan)
Chris and Tim are a couple of college students whose hopes of getting into Harvard are fading
fast. But they have a plan. A little known college charter would guarantee them the grades they
need - no work required. The catch? Their roommate, Rand, has to kill himself and then they'll
automatically receive straight 'A's to help them get over their grief. So, figuring Rand
deserves to die anyway, Chris and Tim plan to murder him. Scheming to make it look like he took
his own life, they plan to be on their way to Harvard quicker than you can say "suicide"...
The DVD is presented in 4:3 fullscreen and the extras are star and director filmographies, a trailer, Miles Fielder
film notes and the World Cinema trailer reel.
Elvis: The Great Performances Vol.1 (£19.99, AvIvA)
Volume One of this collection showcases some of the star's greatest performances
including Money Honey, Love Me Tender, Heartbreak Hotel, Ready Teddy,
Teddy Bear, King Creole, Jailhouse Rock, Guitar Man, Suspicious Minds and a
pelvis-grinding performance of Hound Dog that caused much controversy on the
Milton Berle Show in 1956.
Also included is rare footage of the first ever motion picture of a young Elvis
as captured with Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, and Carl Perkins backstage at a
high school gig by a fan in 1955, plus an original Paramount Pictures screen
test of the Elvis performance of Blue Suede Shoes that earned him a 3-picture
deal plus footage of one of the few press conferences he ever gave and a moving
rendition of Unchained Melody as recorded at his last televised
concert in 1977.
Presented in 4:3 fullscreen, the only extra is a photo gallery.
Freddy Got Fingered (£17.99, Fox)
Outrageous MTV star Tom Green blows away the boundaries of good taste again - violating so many
sacred cows (not to mention horses, elephants and deers), it makes Freddy Got Fingered a
must-see comedy. Anything goes when wannabe animator Gord Brody leaves the safety of his
parents' basement to make it big in Hollywood and meet the paraplegic nymphomaniac of his
dreams. With lots of hilarious scenes - and so many reasons to be offended - it's no wonder
people can't stop talking about Freddy Got Fingered.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the extras consist of an audio commentary by Tom
Green, Six deleted scenes, 'Kid Friendly' three minute version of the movie with narration,
MTV special 'Making of', Four TV spots, Theatrical trailer, Audience laugh track and Easter egg.
Grand Canyon (£15.99, Fox)
When a lawyer's (Kevin Kline) car brakes down in a dangerous Los Angeles neighbourhood, a
tow-truck driver (Danny Glover) arrives just in time to save his life. The two men begin a deep
friendship that sets off a chain of unsettling and surprising events involving their families
and friends for years to come. Lawrence Kasdan's powerful, uplifting film about the harsh
realities of contemporary urban life co-stars Steve Martin, Mary McDonnell, Mary-Louise Parker
and Alice Woodard.
Dom's opinion: One of the best films I saw in 1991, it was one which took me by
surprise even though I'm usually into action films, because this couldn't be any more
different and when released to buy on video in 1992, it was one of the few mainstream videos
released in widescreen-only.
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the brief extras are a trailer and a featurette.
The Hole (£17.99, Fox)
Liz (Thora Birch) staggers towards her exclusive school, bloodied and deeply traumatised. Whilst
a police psychologist is trying to figure out what happened to her she reveals this twisted and
chilling tale. Three rebellious friends, Mike, Geoff and Frankie, are desperate to avoid a
school fieldtrip to Wales. Martin, the school nerd, helps them hide away in an old underground
bunker and his only condition is that his friend Liz joins them.
The DVD is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and the extras are a theatrical trailer,
teaser trailer, deleted scenes, director's commentary and filmographies.
The Hoobs: Groove's Wish (£12.99, Columbia)
In Groove's Wish, Groove is waggling and woofing in the Clutter Cupboard. How he wishes he
could do it all day and not have to worry about Hoob News! Will his wish come true?
The Fair - Roma is coming on a visit and the other Hoobs want to build a fair in the Hoobmobile
to entertain her! But how do you make a fair? Also contains the episodes The Fair and The Drip.
Presented in 4:3 fullscreen, the extras are "Introducing the Hoobs", Hoobyjiggle Dance-along
song, Iver's tour, 2 sing-alongs, Puzzles, Trailers and a Hoobs brochure with colouring pages.
Intimacy (£19.99, Fox)
Jay (Mark Rylance) and Claire (Kerry Fox) are total strangers but every Wednesday they meet to
have sex. Passionate, wordless, and until Jay begins to follow her home, seemingly meaningless
sex. Being the manager of a trendy bar and recently split from his wife and young family, Jay's
days are long and lonely. Claire's visits fit in with his new life perfectly. But the more he
finds out about her the more he discovers she has a life of her own and that she is in fact the
one using him.
Set against the harsh exteriors of London life, the talents of director Patrice Chereau (La
Reine Margot) and writer Hanif Kureishi (My Beautiful Laundrette) combine here to make a
memorable film with a truly European feel.
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen there is only a trailer in the extras dept.
The Kingdom (£21.99, ICA Projects)
Once fog-wreathed marshland, now a state of the art hospital complex, The Kingdom stands as a
testament to medicine and the mastery of science. But beneath its echoing corridors the
gateways to the spirit world swing loose on their hinges. Some secrets are too terrible to stay
buried. It is a time of arrivals at The Kingdom. The infamous Swedish surgeon Stig Helmer has
taken up his new post, much to the distress of his Danish colleagues. The position promises to
be an eventful one - while Helmer is inducted into the sinister brotherhood of surgeons and
performs surgery on a patient who cannot be anaesthetised, his involvement with a brain-damaged
patient leaves him open to legal proceedings and a blackmail plot by the idealistic Dr Krogshøj.
And there are other, less wholesome presences beginning to make themselves known in the
labyrinthine hospital.
Directed by Lars Von Trier, this 2-disc set contains all five episodes from the series
in 4:3 fullscreen and the extras include "Tranceformer - A Portrait of Lars von Trier",
directed by Stig Bjorkman.
Lagaan (£24.99, Columbia)
Set in Queen Victoria's India after the rebellion of 1857, the British crushed every uprising,
large or small. In exchange for protection, the farmers in India paid a tax to the British
called the lagaan. This is a story of a battle without bloodshed fought by a group of unlikely
heroes led by Bhuvan, a young, courageous farmer, helped by Elizabeth; a beautiful English girl
and Bhuvan's pillar of strength; Gauri, the young and beautiful village girl who dreams only of
a home with the man she loves. Will a game of cricket stop three years of lagaan for the Indian
people?
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and with the film spread across two discs,
the extras consist of 15 minutes of deleted scenes, plus filmographies and trailers.
Little Man Tate (£12.99, MGM)
Jodie Foster makes an impressive directorial debut with Scott Frank's compelling and bittersweet
screenplay about a child prodigy caught in the harsh spotlight of fame. Starring Oscar winners
Foster and Dianne Wiest, Little Man Tate is s stirring and magnificent portrait of the human
spirit. Fred Tate (Adam Hann-Byrd) is a gifted pianist, a math genius, an incredible artist...
and he's only seven years old. But this child prodigy is also adrift. Shunned by his peers and
bored by his schoolwork, Fred is stifled by his environment.
Desperate to encourage his potential, yet afraid that he will miss out on a normal childhood,
his single mom Dede (Foster) reluctantly allows a psychologist (Wiest) to enroll Fred in a
school for exceptional children. But when he's rushed headlong into academia, Dede's worst
fears are realized - Fred is more isolated and alone than ever. And it's up to Dede to become
what little Freddy's been looking for all along... a Mom.
Dom's opinion:
An engaging directorial debut from Foster that's well worth seeing for anyone looking for
something a bit different.
The DVD is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and the only extra is a trailer.
M*A*S*H: Special Edition (£19.99, Fox)
Hailed as one of the best comedies ever made and nominated for 5 Academy Awards® including
Best Picture, Robert Altman's classic Korean war movie focuses on army surgeons who develop a
lunatic lifestyle in order to handle everyday horrors encountered in a mobile Army Surgical
Hospital. Though highly-skilled and deeply dedicated, this irreverent madcap mob led by MDs
Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland) and 'Trapper John' McIntyre (Elliott Gould) are equally
adept at making a shambles of army bureaucracy.
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the extras are a Robert Altman audio commentary,
'Backstory: M*A*S*H*' featurette, 'Enlisted' the story of M*A*S*H* documentary, 'M*A*S*H*: Comedy
Under Fire' documentary, 'M*A*S*H* Reunion' feature, Stills gallery and Theatrical trailer.
Monkeybone (£17.99, Fox)
It's rude! It's raunchy! It's totally outrageous! Brendan Fraser goes bananas in this balls-out
comedy that breaks all the rules. After a car crash sends repressed cartoonist Stu Miley
(Fraser) into a coma, he and the mischievous Monkeybone, his hilariously horny alter-ego, wake
up in a wacked-out waystation for lost souls. When Monkeybone takes over Stu's body and escapes
to wreak havoc on the real world, Stu has to find a way to stop him before his sister pulls the
plug on reality forever! Bridget Fonda, Chris Kattan and Whoopi Goldberg co-star in this
inventive blend of live action and stop-motion animation, loaded with must-see, eye-popping
special effects and some of the crudest, laugh-out-loud humour.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the extras are an audio commentary by director
Henry Selick, Eleven extended scenes, Seven monkey secrets revealed, Three TV spots, Image
gallery, Theatrical trailer, DVD Rom content and Easter Egg.
The Pope of Greenwich Village (£12.99, MGM)
Turn up the Sinatra, put on the leather jacket, and slip into a rollicking high-voltage movie
that produces tears of laughter. Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts and Daryl Hannah create emotion-charged
characters who tingle with energy and play with conviction in this modern day classic that's as
robust and powerful as Italian espresso. In New York's Little Italy, smooth-talking hustler
Charlie (Rourke) works in a restaurant and dreams of one day buying his own with his girlfriend
Diane (Hannah).
His wiry wheeler-dealer cousin Paulie (Roberts) waits tables, skims money off checks and is
always scheming to score big. But they're all about to pull a scam on the wrong guy - Bed Bug
Eddie (Burt Young), the Mafia king of Greenwich Village. Now these small time con men are in
big time trouble so big that even their mobster uncle might not be able to save them.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the only extra is a trailer.
The Red Squirrel (£19.99, Tartan)
The Red Squirrel is an anti-macho parable by Spanish director Julio Medem (Sex And Lucia, Vacas,
Lovers Of The Arctic Circle). An intriguing story that draws its characters and audience into a
complex game of lies and deceit, it demonstrates the director's extraordinary and fresh visual
style. Contemplating suicide as he stands against the parapet of a pier one summer night,
ex-pop star Jota (Nancho Nova) is interrupted by a sudden motorcycle crash. Rushing to the scene
he discovers the biker to be a young attractive woman with amnesia (Emma Suarez).
Masquerading as her boyfriend, he names her Lisa, invents a shared history for the two of them
and whisks her off on a holiday to the Red Squirrel campsite. Here he reinforces his deception
by parading the facade of their long-term relationship in front of other the campers. However,
it is not long before Jota has to confront the surprising consequences of his lie, as there is
more to Lisa than meets the eye... A film full of ingenious, mesmerising and cryptic images,
The Red Squirrel made a huge impact at Cannes Film Festival in 1992.
Presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen with English subtitles, the extras are star and director filmographies,
Robert Stone notes, the original theatrical trailer, the World Cinema trailer reel
and it's region-free.
Riding in Cars with Boys (£19.99, Columbia)
From director Penny Marshall comes the true story of a girl who did everything wrong but got
everything right. Make way for Beverly (Drew Barrymore), a smart, beautiful young woman who
can't wait to grow up, much to the frustration of her police sergeant father (James Woods). Her
life takes its first detour when she gets pregnant at age sixteen. The baby's father, her
husband (Steve Zahn), turns out to need more mothering than her newborn son. But through all
the trouble, Beverly makes a life that's more than she ever imagined and lives a story that's
waiting to be told. Join the ride and watch Beverly kick life where it counts.
The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with extras in the form of an audio
commentary by Drew Barrymore, HBO making of featurette, Drew's Trailer Tour featurette, Bev and
Ray's House: Recreating reality featurette, The Cars featurette, Beverley and Jason: Sons and
Lovers featurette, Trailer and Filmographies.
Riverdance 2002 (£19.99, VCI)
Over 13 million people wordlwide have now seen Riverdance since its premier in Dublin in
February 1995. It is still the most successful and biggest dance show in the world. This
recording, filmed lived in Geneva in 2002, captures the show's ground breaking numbers, new
costumes and dance routines.
Presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, the extras are a 'Story so Far' and a photo gallery.
Say It Isn't So (£17.99, Fox)
Gil Noble (Chris Klein) has it all - great job, great bank account, and a great girl, Jo
(Heather Graham). In fact, Jo's the girl of his dreams, and to make double-sure of his luck,
he's just about to tie the knot! But the wheel of fortune has a nasty habit of turning when you
least expect it, and Gil's career and love-life come crashing to the ground... when a private
detective reveals Jo could be his sister!! A year on, once the truth's been uncovered, Gil's
determined to get Jo back. But there's just one snag... she's marrying someone else! Her wealthy
fiancé, not to mention her social-climbing mother-in-law are not about to let Gil come back and
ruin it all. It takes a lot to get your girl back - and in Gil's case, this brings with it some
hilarious consequences!
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the extras are an audio commentary by director
James B. Rogers, Six deleted Scenes, 'Making of' featurette, 5 TV spots and Theatrical trailer.
Stargate SG1 Vol 21 (£19.99, MGM)
Red Sky: SG-1 are welcomed on K'Tau by the planet's religious leader who takes the
reddening sky concurrent with their arrival as a sign from the Gods. In reality it is a
solar reaction caused by SG-1's wormhole that spells death for the planet.
The Rite Of Passage: As teenager Cassandra (Singularity) enters puberty, an electro-magnetic
field is triggered within her. SG-1 and her adoptive parent Dr Fraiser fear they may not be
able to stop the life threatening change caused by this legacy of Goa'uld Nirrti genetic
experiments.
Beast Of Burden: Daniel's Unas friend Chaka (The First Ones) is captured by a pre-industrial
civilisation that uses Unas as slaves. While attempting to free Chaka from this cruel regime,
Daniel risks not only SG-1's safety but also the stability of an age-old system.
The Tomb: On a rescue mission to recover Russian soldiers missing in action on a
previously undisclosed trip, SG-1 get trapped in Goa'uld tomb. Here they discover not only the
remains of the Russian soldiers, but a killer alien from which they must now escape.
The programme is in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen and
the extras contain audio commentaries for each episode, an SG1 video diary with Michael Shanks,
Volume 22 episode previews, 4 promo trailers and a Fan club spot.
Stargate SG1 Vol 22 (£19.99, MGM)
Four more episodes from the series.
Between Two Fires: SG-1 return to Tollan to discover the Tollans have reversed their
policy on technology sharing and are now willing to trade advance weaponry with Earth. But
Carter's friend Narmin warns that this spells great danger for Earth and the team must return
to uncover the real agenda behind the deal...
2001: SG-1 discover an exciting opportunity to form an alliance with a highly advanced
race, who are willing to share their life-extending medical technology. They are the Aschen,
the danger from whom we have already seen (2010). Will the truth be revealed before it's too
late for the future?
Desperate Measures: A Russian vehicle is ambushed and its cargo, a Jaffa, is taken.
Elsewhere, Carter is also abducted. While investigating, O'Neill is contacted by Col. Maybourne,
in whom SG-1 are forced to trust in order to save Sam and solve the connection to the Jaffa.
The trail leads to deadly experiments conducted by a reclusive billionaire.
Wormhole X-Treme: A ship heading for Earth is linked to the pod found through the Alien
Marty (Point Of No Return). Investigating what he knows, SG-1 find that Marty has become
Consultant on a sci-fi series called Wormhole X-treme!, with a plot-line uncannily like the
Stargate programme. Yet Marty has no memory of their past relationship or of the real SGC.
Presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, the extras come in the form of audio commentaries
for each episode, previews of the episodes to come on Vol.23 and a 10-minute SG1 video diary
with Christopher Judge.
Storytelling (£19.99, Entertainment in Video)
Director Todd Solondz's Storytelling is comprised of two separate stories about the trials and
tribulations of high school and college life in America. Following the paths of its young,
hopeful and troubled characters, it explores issues of sex, race, celebrity and exploitation.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the only extra is a trailer.
Turkish Delight (£19.99, Tartan)
Carefree artist Erik Vonk (Rutger Hauer) lives a life of excess. Existing according to his own
rules, he pursues women with an almost predatory glee. But everything changes when he meets the
beautiful and sexually voracious Olga (Verhoeven regular Monique van de Ven). Caught in a
whirlwind of intense erotic pleasure, the couple decide to marry. Soon, however, events take an
unforseen and tragic turn, and Erik is left facing the most difficult choice of his life.
Directed with typically raw energy by Paul Verhoeven, and photographed by Jan de Bont (future
director of Speed and Twister), Turkish Delight caused a sensation when it was first released,
and has come to be known as the most popular movie in Dutch history.
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen with English subtitles, the extras are star and director filmographies,
Jonathan Carter film notes, the original theatrical trailer, the World Cinema trailer reel
and it's region-free.
Under Fire (£12.99, MGM)
Russell Price (Nick Nolte) is a gutsy photographer who gets caught between his love for reporter
Claire Stryder (Joanna Cassidy) and his friendship with her husband Alex Grezier (Gene Hackman).
He's also caught in the horns of a dilemma where he's asked to take sides instead of pictures
in the war between the Nicaraguan government and the Sandinista rebels. But when he loses sight
of his objectivity and becomes involved in the skirmish, Russell could lose both hands and his
life, as he comes Under Fire from all sides...
Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the only extra is a trailer.
WWF Before They Were Famous (£17.99, Silver Vision)
In no-hold-barred interviews, backed up with tons of exclusive footage, learn what Kurt Angle,
Stacy Keibler, Christian, Edge, Lita, Spike Dudley, Mighty Molly, The Hardy Boyz, Bradshaw,
William Regal and Billy Gunn did before joining the Federation and becoming the world-famous
celebrities and Federation superstars. Which two Federation superstars have been best friends
since sixth grade? Who preceeded his Federation career as a bull rider in a rodeo? Which
Federation superstar has pursued a showbiz career since the age of three?
The DVD is presented in 4:3 fullscreen and runs for 134 minutes.
WWF Best of 2001 (£17.99, Silver Vision)
The 10 best matches of 2001 as voted by the fans. Plus, the top 5 shocks, kisses, slaps, put-downs
& food moments of the year!
Fight programme: Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho, Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Triple H, Esge &
Christian vs. Hardy Boyz vs. Dudley Boyz, Undertaker vs. Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin &
Triple H vs. Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle vs. Shane McMahon, Jeff Hardy vs. Rob
Van Dam, Torrie Wilson vs. Stacy Keibler, Team World Wrestling Federation vs. Team Alliance.
The DVD is presented in 4:3 fullscreen and runs for 137 minutes.
WWF Funniest Moments (£14.99, Silver Vision)
For the first time ever, all the best gags and antics of the World Wrestling Federation are in
one spot. Witness the birth of Mr Socko! Check out Shawn Michaels and D-X’s most outrageous
exploits. See Debra’s Pie and hilarious outtakes never-before-seen on TV! You will smell what
the Crock is cookin’. From the 80s to today, we’ve got every laugh covered. Hell, with a
chicken suit and midgets, what more could you want?
The DVD is presented in 4:3 fullscreen and runs for 63 minutes.
WWF Royal Rumble 2002 (£19.99, Silver Vision)
The fight programme features: The Rock vs. Chris Jericho, Ric Flair vs. Vince McMahon, Jazz vs.
Trish Stratus, William Regal vs. Edge, Dudley Boyz w/ Stacy Keibler vs. Spike Dudley and Tazz.
The DVD is presented in 4:3 fullscreen, runs for 195 minutes and the extras include
The return of Triple H, Four interviews, Match review and Promos.
The X-Files Season 4 (£89.99, Fox)
This seven disc box set features all 24 episodes from The X-Files Season 4. Further testing the
relationship between Scully and Mulder, this season sees both the agents struggling with personal
demons in their battle against the Government's deepening deceptions. In a thrilling two-parter
(Tunguska and Terma), Scully risks contempt of Congress to shield her partner as he battles
against the Black Oil and the treacherous Krycek in a brutal Russian experimental camp.
Presented in 4:3 fullscreen and Dolby Surround, the extras are: "The Truth About Season Four"
featurette, 5 interview clips, 6 special effects clips with audio commentary, 9 deleted scenes
with optional commentary and white rabbit branching option, 13 'Behind the Truth' TV Spots,
30 promotional TV spots, International clips from 6 episodes, Alternate audio streams and a
24-page collector's booklet.
Acclaim is one of the few developers and publishers to bring the console version of the
'acclaimed' sport to British shores with any success, and All Star Baseball 2003 looks set to
reinforce that winning streak.
Placing the disc in the machine, diehard baseball fans are soon greeted with a somewhat
enthusiastic introduction piece offering a sneak preview of what is to follow, setting the mood
for the game.
Eager to get into a real game, players are immediately able to choose from any of 30 Major
League teams, complete with official names, uniforms, accurate player statistics for that much needed
element of strategy, and a variety of familiar and realistic stadia.
Taking a light hearted approach to the emulation of Formula One racing, F1 Arcade does pretty
much what it says in the title, delivering a simple and accessible arcade-style simulation of
the popular motor sport.
Officially licensed by Formula One Management, all the teams, tracks and data from the 2001
season have been included. Play is much more straightforward than most F1 sims, however, as
time-consuming elements like car set-up have been omitted, in favour of simplified menu systems
and all round speedier access to the action.
Drakan is all about a woman and her dragon on a quest to defeat the evil Emperor of the Desert
Lords in an RPG game that's three times the size of its predecessors and offers 40 hours of
gameplay.
Gran Turismo Concept (PS2, £22.99, Sony)
Released exactly a year after GT3, this one stands alone from that and has the emphasis on arcade-style gameplay.
Drive up to 100 cars, including brand new models from Japan, Korea and Europe Includes special
concept vehicles usually only seen at motor shows; the Lotus Elise Type 72, the Volkswagen W12,
the Mercedes SL55AMG, the Audi Abt TT and the Toyota Pod.
There are 5 courses including GT favourites; Midfield Raceway; Autumn Ring; Swiss Alps; Tahiti
Maze and new street circuit, Tokyo R246.
The Hoobs (PSX, £19.99, Sony)
Inside the Hoobmobile, Hubba Hubba appears on the visual intercom and explains why the Hoobs
have been sent to earth and how they can help the Hoobs in their quest for knowledge. Select one
of five locations to explore (jungle, arctic, beach, barnyard, or mountains), after which Hubba
Hubba will set the question of the day. The answer to the question of the day can only be
discovered once the player explores the chosen location, and completes a mini game with both of
the two tiddlypeeps in the location. By interacting with the tiddlypeeps the player can discover
the answer to the question of the day.
NB. The picture on the right is the DVD cover for "Groove's Wish", since I couldn't find
one for the game.
Next Generation Tennis (PS2, £19.99, Wanadoo)
A budget-priced tennis game, also released to cash in on Wimbledon at the time.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (PC, £39.99, Eidos)
The transformation of the Orcs society is one of the core themes of Warcraft III. Traditionally,
Orcs are brutal, depraved creatures who serve only to cause strife and chaos amongst other
enlightened societies. However, Warcraft III will show that the Orcs not only came from a noble,
highly spiritual culture, but that they are actively returning to it.
The game features five different races to command including Orcs, Humans, Demons and Undead,
each possessing unique units, magical abilities and weapons of war; Legendary heroes lead powerful
forces while completing quests, gaining experience and acquiring special items; Fully interactive
3D world that incorporates non-player characters; wandering monsters; neutral towns, strongholds
and temples; and environmental effects; Skeletal and skinning animation process allows infinite
frames of animation resulting in true fluid movement of 3D models; Campaign editor allow players
to create custom 3D maps and complete missions with scripts for units, spells and event triggers;
Expanded multiplayer options over Battle.net including a larger number of players per game and
multiple game types including team play and questing.
A bizarre platform game, made for kids, which is just as well since it's hardly the most
demanding game for this adult, as you send Alfred bouncing round the screen.
Azurik: Rise of Perathia (Xbox, £44.99, Microsoft)
Azurik: Rise of Perathia classes itself as "Multi-Genre" - combining elements of epic adventure,
fast console-style gameplay and intriguing, story-based RPG gameplay.
Without breaking too much from the norm, as far as typical role-players are concerned, the story
involves a young man with a mysterious past on a heroic adventure, an ancient apocalyptic
prophecy and a planet spiralling towards the edge of oblivion. A slightly greater dilemma than
that of your average Joe Public, but nothing that our spikey blue-haired protagonist can't
handle.
Britney's Dance Beat (PS2, £29.99, THQ)
It's one of those "press the button to the beat" dancing games, which features her songs
"...Baby One More Time", "Oops! I Did It Again", "Stronger", "I’m A Slave 4 U" and "Overprotected",
you can select from a variety of unique dancers with individual moves and styles, access
exclusive behind the scenes footage and concert video, see the 360 degree immersive video that
lets you control the camera, watch Britney Spears realistically transformed into a detailed 3D model
and play it with a dance mat.
What you can't do is boo her as the power fails on-stage, or watch her collapse from a cabbage
diet.
Burnout (Xbox, £44.99, Acclaim)
Burnout plays over 16 levels and actually encourages reckless driving. If you want to fill your Burnout meter, then
driving towards oncoming traffic and nearly missing other cars is the way to do it. Your Burnout
gauge is similar to a boost of nitrous oxide, a healthy turbo charge with which you can surge
into the lead at the last second. A change of depth of field plus a motion blur effect gives a
great sensation of speed.
At the end of each race, you can replay the crashes from a variety of different angles and
adjust the replay speed. Crashing while turbo-ing yields the best results. You can almost
imagine the insurance guy with his head in his hands.
Frequency (PS2, £34.99, Sony)
A game which lets you mix and remix hit songs from many genres, it features hip hop, alternative,
rock, and electronic styles. Artists include No Doubt, Orbital, Paul Oakenfold and Fear Factory,
it contains 21 diverse levels, the modes include Solo Game and Net Remix and there are both
single- and multi-player modes.
Grand Theft Auto 3 (PC, £34.99, Rockstar Games)
You know the drill, and now it's on the PC.
Obviously the PC version is graphically superior to its PS2 predecessor with a much higher level
of detail, possible resolutions of up to 1600x1200 in 32 bit and a re-designed character skin,
complete with tight jeans and moustache. Other enhancements include the ability to listen to
your own MP3s, via the car radio, the added dismember feature (well-aimed shots can now remove
limbs - lovely) and a mouse/keyboard control system.
Sadly, since I'm one of the unlucky few using a Voodoo 3 graphics card, the
game locks up before I can turn a corner. I need to invest in a new card.
However, I still can't wait for the next game in the series, Grand Theft Auto: Vice
City, set in the 80s, released in November on PS2.
Legends of Wrestling (Xbox, £44.99, Acclaim)
Developed by Acclaim Studios Salt Lake, Legends of Wrestling is the first-ever wrestling video
game to assemble the greatest superstars of all-time to find out who is the true king of the
ring. Legends of Wrestling is highlighted by more than 40 of the greatest grapplers, such as
King Kong Bundy, Ricky ``The Dragon'' Steamboat, Rob Van Dam, The Road Warriors and Terry Funk,
and will offer an exciting array of features.
Humour, a superb control system and excellent animation combine to lift what is basically a 3D
platform and puzzle game right to the top of the genre. In the game, you control either Abe or
Munch. That's not to say that you can choose which character you use, rather you are forced to
swap between characters depending on what level you are on. Each has different characteristics
and abilities.
Using whichever character you are currently controlling, you must proceed through the level
using your skill and timing, and as the game progresses, increasingly your brainpower, to negotiate
the obstacles that stand in your way. You can interact with your fellow characters, and even
enlist them to fight, or perform spells on your behalf to open gates and so on.
All of this is held together with some absolutely beautiful intro animations, and superb
in-game characterisation.
Smash Court Tennis (PS2, £34.99, Sony`)
A tennis game for 1-4 players as you play as 1 of 8 top-ranked tennis professionals including
Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Anna Kournikova. The tournaments include Wimbledon, the US Open
and the Australian Open, with realistic motion-captured animation.
DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV
connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and
played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.
PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
Since Nov 2005: Intel Pentium D 830 3.0Ghz, 1Gb RAM, 128Mb nVidia GeForce 6700XL, Windows XP
Since Aug 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.66Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb GeForce4 MX440 graphics, Windows XP
Since May 2003: Intel Pentium 4 2.6Ghz, 512Mb RAM, 128Mb ATI Radeon 9600TX graphics, Windows XP
Since Jun 2002: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, 64Mb ATI Radeon 8500LE
Since May 2000: Intel Pentium III 600Mhz, 384Mb RAM, Windows 98 SE, Voodoo 3 3000 AGP