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In brief...

In the fourth of an occasional series, we highlight the latest arrivals for review at DVDfever Towers and while we aim to review as much as we can, it's not always possible to do so, but at least with this page we can give some space to everything that comes in.

All of the following DVDs can be bought or pre-ordered from Blackstar by clicking on the link from this site either at the top of this page or at the bottom.

Note that for those without cover art the pictures are not available yet.

Full reviews of some of the following will appear online soon, but we're looking for feedback on this section as to how useful it is for visitors to this site. Please click on the "Email Dom" link on the left-hand menu to do so.

Of course, all the DVDs and many of the games can be bought or pre-ordered at Blackstar


DVDs released in August 2002 :

news page pic Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (£15.99, MGM)

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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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)

DVD Features:

  • Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Trailer. Movietone news. Restoration comparison. Stills gallery.
  • There's No Business Like Show Business: 3 trailers. Restoration comparison.
  • Let's Make Love: Trailer. Restoration comparison. Stills gallery.
  • How To Marry A Millionaire: 3 trailers. Restoration comparison.
  • Bus Stop: Trailer. Restoration comparison. Stills gallery.
  • Niagra: Trailer.
  • River Of No Return: Trailer.
  • Don't Bother To Knock: Trailer. Restoration comparison. Stills gallery.
  • Monkey Business: Trailer. Restoration comparison. Stills gallery.
  • 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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!

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.


DVDs released in July 2002 :

news page pic Babette's Feast (£15.99, MGM)

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.

news page pic 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".

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.


DVDs available now :

news page pic Akira: Limited Edition (£19.99, Fox)

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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.


Games released in November 2002 :

news page pic All Star Baseball 2003 (Xbox, £44.99, Acclaim)

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.

Games released in August 2002 :

news page pic Formula One Arcade (PSX, £19.99, Sony)

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.

Games released in July 2002 :

news page pic Drakan: The Ancient Gates (PS2, £39.99, Sony)

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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic Next Generation Tennis (PS2, £19.99, Wanadoo)

A budget-priced tennis game, also released to cash in on Wimbledon at the time.

news page pic 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.

Games available now :

news page pic Alfred Chicken (PSX, £19.99, Sony)

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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic 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.

news page pic Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee (Xbox, £44.99, Microsoft)

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.

news page pic 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.

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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