Translate languages with ease with Talkman on Sony PSP...
Every now and then we like to review something that's just a little bit
different and how about this - a translating device for the Sony PSP that'll
be perfect for anyone going on holiday (to the five destinations where the
principal language is featured in this title - France, Germany, Italy, Spain
and Japan).
More than just an extended phrasebook, this will allow you to speak into it
and translate them on the spot for you as well as translating back the replies
and coming up with key phrases you will need to get across while off on your
hols.
The Beach Boys continue the long hot summer on CD & DVD...
If there's one thing better than a Beach Boys CD compilation to listen
to during the long, hot summer, it's a re-release that includes a bonus
DVD of their hits and
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
counts down their hits.
The Firefly series concludes with Serenity on DVD...
Creator of Buffy and Angel, Joss Whedon, probably thought that another of his
offspring, Firefly, would be equally successful, but it was cancelled
after just one series.
To wrap the lose ends, he brought us the spin-off movie, Serenity, to
tell all the fans what happened next.
This review comes courtesy of
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen.
Ridley Scott had already brought back the "swords 'n' sandals" epics with
2000's Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, but audiences didn't go for
this outing with Orlando Bloom in the lead hero role, aided by Liam Neeson,
Edward Norton, David Thewlis and Jeremy Irons, but with a 4-disc Special
Edition on the horizon, is there anything to recommend this movie?
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen
'crusades' on and tells us whether it's a thumbs up or thumbs down.
Go back in time with That 70s Show Season 4 from 21st August on DVD...
Step back in time once again and chill out this summer with the groovy kids from That ‘70s Show, as
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment releases Season 4 on DVD. The hilarious sitcom, which launched
the careers of Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher, disco dances its way onto DVD on 21st August 2006 and
includes all 27 episodes (RRP: £29.99).
Donning their flares and platform shoes the eclectic group of friends begin to realise that nothing lasts
forever. Hanging out in the humble basement may become a thing of the past when Eric (Grace, In Good
Company, Mona Lisa Smile) and Donna (Laura Prepon, King of the Hill) break up. Eric’s mum Kitty, (Debra
Jo Rupp, Garfield, Friends) decides to redecorate the basement, while Kelso (Kutcher, Guess Who, Cheaper
By the Dozen) continues his crazy on-off relationship with Jackie (Mila Kunis, Family Guy).
While Eric ponders life and wishes he and Donna had never kissed, an angel comes to him in the middle of
the night to show him what life would be like if he had never met her. Meanwhile, Fez (Wilmer Valderrama)
is very excited about going out with Big Rhonda and Donna is thrilled to be dating Kelso’s older brother
– much to Eric’s horror!
Party on with a collection of funky special features including an audio commentary, a featurette about
writing the show and the 100th Episode Featurette!
Presented in 4:3 fullscreen, extras include: Audio Commentary On Selected Episodes, Promo Spots For
All Episodes, “Season Four In Four Minutes” Featurette, “Writing That ’70s Show” Featurette,
100th Episode Featurette and Character Profiles.
Click on the three links below for preview clips from the series, and click
on the packshot on the right for more info on the DVD.
Given the way the weather's heading, perhaps if we were all 'eight miles high'
then we'd be somewhere a damn sight cooler and escaping this heatwave,
but in the meantime here's
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts'
review of a 24-track CD compilation for The Byrds.
Not so long ago Nouvelle Vague released an album of diverse cover versions
including Love Will Tear Us Apart, I Melt With You, In A Manner of Speaking
and Teenage Kicks, and with some tracks appearing in the background
of popular shows like Sugar Rush and in adverts, the sound is certainly
reaching out to a large audience. So, can the solo album from their singer,
Camille, match up to this?
The Sleepy Jackson's Personality shines out on CD...
Released today:
Taking influences from the likes of the Beach Boys and the Beatles,
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
confirms that this Australian band are setting the tone for summer releases.
Horror movies where people end up in peril and are picked off one by one
are ten a penny, but does The Descent have something different about
it? Well, it certainly has a group of hot chicks heading for disaster including
Natalie Mendoza and MyAnna Buring, the latter of which was recently seen on
Doctor Who in "The Impossible Planet".
This review comes courtesy of
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen.
Ease into the hot weekend with Daddy Cool on CD...
As we head into the weekend,
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
brings us a 40-track compilation of classic soul and funky tracks by the likes
of Kool & The Gang, Booker T & The MGs and Ben E King, but surprisingly it
doesn't include the classic Boney M track.
Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of the films showing at
Manchester Showcase Cinema
can be found on this page, and won't differ much from what's on in the rest
of the country.
The new films out include: The Break-Up, Stormbreaker and
Garfield 2
Doctor Who Series 2 - Full Series review at Dan Owen's Blogspot site...
When the second revamped series began, I thought, after seeing him in a few
things previously, that David Tennant could succeed at being offbeat where
Christopher Eccleston had failed by gurning too much. Unfortunately, most of
the scripts were complete crap and it was a largely depressing experience.
Even though Dan had more positive things to say about most episodes in this
series than was going through my mind, so much of what he says in this series
retrospective rings so true, and if Russell T. Davies continues to rest on
his laurels then the programme will become a laughing stock, even if it is
getting the ratings - but then what competition is there on a Saturday night?
(or ever on ITV, or with the dreadful dullness that Big Brother has become
on Channel 4)
Series 2 came to a head a week last Saturday on BBC1 and if you click on the
'24' packshot (right) you'll be taken to Dan's site, the only place to read
his engaging review of a series of largely missed opportunities.
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen returns with his
regular movie news section which looks at future releases and features US and UK
top 10 cinema listings, UK release dates, websites and trailers.
Ok, so the World Cup may be over now but there are many people who still can't
get enough of it. I'm one of them, but not because of the football (which I
hate) but because whenever England played, one of my favourite pubs was
always empty :)
That aside,DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
treats us to 11 class tracks from the likes of 17 Hippies, Lee 'Scratch' Perry
and Richard Thompson.
Premonition: time to cancel the daily paper on DVD...
One of the first new titles in the "J-Horror" series of Japanese terror
titles from Tartan Video, Premontion explores what happens when the
newspaper tells the future and it certainly isn't what you want to find out.
This film is certainly a world away from the series Early Edition!
Dance away the Monday blues with Guys & Dolls on DVD...
It's a musical epic that doesn't really need much introduction. You know
it stars Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons and it's set in New
York, so I'll let
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Helen Jerome
take over.
Last Sunday,
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
enjoyed a fantastic day out at this year's Oswestry Music Live festival
and here he recall all of the highlights and class music heard throughout.
Oswestry Music Live 2006
is online now and the review links to many of the bands featured at the event.
CHARTS: Lily Allen vs. Rogue Traders - who got the No.1...?
The release dates for singles go up until late September
with albums also until early Oct 2006.
COMPETITION: 13 DVD/PC/PS2/PSP comps...
The new competitions online are as follows:
Civilization IV: Warlords Expansion Pack (PC)
Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War (PC)
Prey (PC)
Miami Vice (Sony PSP)
The Ant Bully (PS2)
Infection (DVD)
Fellini's Orchestra Rehearsal & We of the Never Never (DVD)
Final Destination 3 & She's The Man (DVD)
Stargate Atlantis Vol 2.4 & SG1 Vol 9.5 (DVD)
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Borg (DVD)
Goodnight Sweetheart Series 5 (DVD)
Dark Knight Season 1 (DVD)
Thomas & Friends Series 4 (DVD)
Who is The Inside Man? Find out on July 31st on DVD...
Directed by Spike Lee, The Inside Man is the story of a tough cop, Detective Frazier (Denzel
Washington), who matches wits with a clever bank robber, Dalton (Clive Owen). As the dangerous cat-and-mouse
game unfolds, a wild card emerges: Madaline (Jodie Foster), a power broker with a hidden agenda, who
injects even more instability into an already volatile situation.
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, with extras to be confirmed, this DVD out out on July 31st
for £19.99 from Universal Pictures International. Click on the packshot for more info.
(C) 2006 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS and GH TWO LLC. All Rights Reserved. Artwork (c) 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The Stereophonic bring out their latest live gig on DVD...
July 31st sees the release of Language. Sex. Violence. Other?, the live concert to accompany
their No.1 album, which spawned the hits Dakota, Superman, Devil & Rewind.
This DVD contains the following tracks: 1. Superman, 2. Doorman, 3. Madam Helga, 4. Mr Writer,
5. Local Boy In The Photograph, 6. I'm Alright (You Gotta Go There To Come Back), 7. Maybe Tomorrow,
8. Deadhead, 9. Just Looking and 10. Dakota.
Presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, with extras to be confirmed, this DVD out out on July 31st
for £15.99 from Pinnacle Vision. Click on the packshot for more info.
New DVDs out this week...
This week's new releases are as follows:
A Kid in King Arthur's Court (19.99, Buena Vista)
Bob and Margaret Series 2 (15.99, Maverick)
CSI New York Season 2.1 (39.99, Momentum)
Count Duckula Series 1 (19.99, Fremantle)
Date Movie (19.99, Fox)
Failure to Launch (19.99, Paramount)
Gilmore Girls Season 3 (35.99, Warner)
Glastonbury SE (19.99, Fox)
The James Bond Collection BS (2006 release) (299.99, MGM)
KYTV Series 1 (15.99, VCI)
Law and Order Criminal Intent Season 2 (44.99, Universal)
Law and Order Season 4 (44.99, Universal)
Marple Series 1 & 2 (59.99, Granada)
Metropolitan (17.99, VCI)
Mutant X Season 1 (69.99, Contender)
Nearest and Dearest Series 4 (12.99, Network)
No Angels Series 3 (29.99, Contender)
On the Buses Series 5 (19.99, Network)
Population 436 (19.99, Columbia)
Pride 11 & 12 (19.99, Silver Vision)
Pride 29 Fists of Fire (17.99, Silver Vision)
Romance and Cigarettes (16.99, Warner)
Roobarb and Custard Too Vol.1: Here Comes Trouble (12.99, Fox)
Stargate SG1 Season 9 Volume 48 (19.99, MGM)
Still Game Series 3 (14.99, 2 Entertain)
Tarka the Otter (12.99, Network)
The Pink Panther (2006) (19.99, MGM)
The Proposition (19.99, Tartan)
Tsotsi (19.99, Momentum)
Two For the Money (15.99, Universal)
Ultimate Force Series 1-4 BS (69.99, Granada)
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? SE (16.99, Warner)
Danko Jones snooze through their latest release on CD...
This Canadian trio have recently released their latest album, Sleep is
the Enemy, but as
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
confirms, they probably haven't had a lot of sleep as they've put together
11 tracks with no merit that'll put all their audience to sleep...
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen returns with his
regular movie news section which looks at future releases and features US and UK
top 10 cinema listings, UK release dates, websites and trailers.
The Man in Black displays his personal file on CD...
In amongst 'best ofs', soundtrack albums and American songbooks there's room
for a low-profile release such as this 49-track budget-priced offering
from Johnny Cash and, as
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
says,
'One man: one guitar = masterpiece'.
Grand Theft Auto's Tony Cipriani returns to the PS2...
Back in 2001, Tony Cipriani sorted out the men from the boys when a top-down
world went 3D in Grand Theft Auto III, but this prequel first appeared
on the PSP just before Xmas last year and for those who missed out you now
have a chance to play a whole new storyline whilst revisiting Liberty City...
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon have worked together on a number of occasions and
even share a production company, and so a strange way to continue this
relationship would be to film an "unfilmable" story, Tristram Shandy,
and also feature as not only the characters but as themselves.
Confused? If so then learn more from
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Helen Jerome.
Last year,
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen
kept us up to date with the latest ongoings for the then-new Doctor, Christopher
Eccleston, but how does his tenure fare now he's become David Tennant?
This week, the Daleks fight the Cybermen at Torchwood and The Doctor says
goodbye to Rose...
Doctor Who 2.13: Doomsday
is online now and the Doctor will return on Xmas Day at 7pm with The
Runaway Bride.
CHARTS: Lily Allen vs. Shakira - who got the No.1...?
His life was cut short at 40, but, as
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts
tells us, he was a classy blues keyboard player who recorded this 28-track
album just a year before he died. Ease into the weekend with this mellow
offering.
Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of the films showing at
Manchester Showcase Cinema
can be found on this page, and won't differ much from what's on in the rest
of the country.
The new films out include: Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest and
the Beastie Boys'
Awesome: I Fuckin' Shot That!
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen returns with his
regular movie news section which looks at future releases and features US and UK
top 10 cinema listings, UK release dates, websites and trailers.
There's a couple of adverts (although it seems like more... might only be
one, though) which use the High Priestess of Soul's song Ain't Got No, I
Got Life and that's just one of 21 tracks on this CD (well, technically,
two since it features a remix of the same track) dissected by
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts.
24 Season 5 - Full Season review at Dan Owen's Blogspot site...
24 is one of my favourite TV shows in recent years and it has a style
that has become aped by the likes of Lost and Prison Break, in
that it's a continuing story, but never equalled. And even when it does get
a bit daft you can forgive such moments as it packs in so much entertainment
at all other times.
Season 5 came to a head on Sunday night on Sky One and if you click on the
'24' packshot (right) you'll be taken to Dan's site, the only place to read
his engaging review of Jack Bauer's latest hellish day...
Last year,
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen
kept us up to date with the latest ongoings for the then-new Doctor, Christopher
Eccleston, but how does his tenure fare now he's become David Tennant?
This week, ghosts appear and the Doctor and Rose take a trip to Torchwood,
meet an old friend and two old enemies...
Also worth a look is Doctor Who Confidential which always follows
on BBC3, and each new adventure is preceeded by Totally Doctor Who
on BBC1 each Thursday at 5pm (repeated several times throughout the week
on CBBC), as it features studio interviews with cast members such as
David Tennant and Noel Clarke.
Oswestry Music Live Festival 2006 this Sunday...
OSWESTRY MUSIC LIVE 2006: The Family Friendly Music Festival SUNDAY JULY 9, 2006
MIDDAY – 10.30PM
CAE GLAS PARK, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE
ENTRY: £5 - Pay on gate
The sixth Oswestry Music Live, a musical feast for all the family returns
on Sunday July 9 with last year’s winning formula - great music for everyone!
In 2005, an estimated 15,000 people turned out.
Acts from around the globe will perform on two stages – the bandstand and
main stage between midday and 10.30pm. Now considered one of THE events on
the national music calendar, OML 2006 promises to better than ever.
Headliners Big Town Playboys, formed in 1985, make their OML debut. Fusing
R&B, Jump Jazz, Rock’N’Roll and Boogie, the band comprises of Chad Strentz
on vocals, Dave Wilson guitar, Ian Jennings double bass, Mike Morgan drums,
Jools Webster-Greaves tenor / baritone sax and Matt Empson on keyboards.
Their thrilling shows have been seen on USA TV, and supported Eric Clapton,
Jools Holland and Jeff Beck.
They’ve even performed at Tommy Hilfiger’s birthday party, onboard his
private yacht.
Event organiser Phil Beaumont pops up as drummer for penultimate act – A
Little Bit Of Chaos.
Well known in the area and nationally for their superb shows, the quartet
also includes singer-guitarist Paul Sturman, Amos Cooper guitar, and
bassist Mike Edwards. Formed from outfit Total Chaos, their music has
evolved over the past 15 years, alongside many covers, playing music that
fits somewhere between Jack Johnson and REM. By end of August they should
have completed their new album.
Manchester five-piece Strangefish makes a welcomed return, on the main stage,
after their excellent acoustic set last year. Voted Best New Band by Classic
Rock Society, they now have their second album Fortune Telling under their
belt, recorded in Oswestry’s Forge Recording Studio. Being featured in
German music magazine Eclipsed has inspired the band to gig in Europe, whilst
still working on their third album.
Also returning is outstanding American red-head Blues songbird Lisa Mills,
who gave a master class in the genre at last year’s event. A subtle mix of
Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin and Etta James, she’s also played recent gigs in
the UK, with a gig at The Walls Restaurant on July 14.
USA is represented again by Blanco Diablo. Hailing from North Carolina, the
trio – Jamie Ray, Jeff Nunnery and Patrick Jason promise to blast their
infectious Rock’N’Roll across Cae Glas Park.
Helen Boulding, draws her influences from Joni Mitchell to Sheryl Crow,
creating a sound that cuts to the soul and soothes it. Working her way to
the top she now has a record deal with Main Spring Records.
Local favourites Blindsyde – Matthew Feaks, Scott Tudor, Kev Griffiths,
Darren Hill, Andrew Feaks and Paul Smith return to blast their inimitable
indie-rock, and will no doubt bring their legions of fans once again. Other
local five-piece Seven Days To Sunday, will excite the crowd with an eclectic
mix of rocky, acoustic funky numbers. Together for four years, they play
self-penned songs, and are influenced by The Counting Crows, Bright Eyes
et al.
Having already achieved notoriety, Vendetta Copy later head for Birmingham’s
NEC to appear at the Pop And Rock Festival, not before lighting up OML with
their catylistic influences, from Pink Floyd to Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Libby Gliksman promises to bring her unique fusion of power and blues. With
the re-emergence of Punk, there’s no better way to fill the slot than
bringing on Smokin’ Tequila, a trio currently recording at Forge Recording
Studio. The first band to rock OML 2006 will be quartet Gatecrashers –
self-described as “fun and upbeat” whilst they playing their mix of
Rock’N’Roll to Ska.
On the acoustic stage, acts will include – Adam Howes, The Figurines,
Mango Tree, Catrin Jones, Mark Hayward, Nick Turner and the Porthywaen
Silver Band.
Along with some truly great music, family features include, bouncy castles,
charity stalls, funfair, food and drink and the now famous ‘Hog Roasts’!
The day will finish with a spectacular fireworks display.
Tim Page, Programmes Editor at BBC Radio Shropshire said, "BBC Radio
Shropshire’s James Bond, on-day presenter at OML 2006, is part of the
furniture at this event. We’re always keen to be involved in an event like
this which brings the best in local music to a wider audience in the county."
Gail Holloway of Oswestry Town Council added, "OTC is has been involved
with OML since it began 5 years ago. The event has gone from strength to
strength, attracting artists from the international stage. It gives an
opportunity for local up-and-coming musicians to gain experience whilst
performing in a professional arena. OML has become an integral part to the
Oswestry calendar, attracting members of the community of all ages and
background, together with visitors to the town."
Co-organiser Phil Beaumont also said, "I’m very pleased to have an
excellent eclectic choice of music, played by international and national
artists. I’m proud we have the Big Town Playboys playing alongside our own
local bands."
For further information:
Elly Roberts, Oswestry Music Live Press Officer – 01978 266297 / elly2000@ freenet.co.uk
Phil Beaumont – Oswestry Music Live co-organiser – 01691 – 658550 / phil@ systemsworkshop.com
Event website –
Oswestry Music Live.com
Attempting a CGI-filled remake of 1933's King Kong was a big task, but it was
Peter Jackson's favourite film as a child and he certainly had the backing to
make it after the mega-successful Lord of the Rings trilogy.
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen
tells us just how successful this remake is.
If you remember the single Pilot of the Airwaves from 1980 then you'll
remember the name Charlie Dore and, courtesy of
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts,
this is a review of her first new album in two years.
Last year,
DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen
kept us up to date with the latest ongoings for the then-new Doctor, Christopher
Eccleston, but how does his tenure fare now he's become David Tennant?
This week, amongst the backdrop of the 2012 London Olympics, a mysterious
force in a suburban street is causing children to disappear, but who's behind
it and what to do when the Doctor disappears...
Also worth a look is Doctor Who Confidential which always follows
on BBC3, and each new adventure is preceeded by Totally Doctor Who
on BBC1 each Thursday at 5pm (repeated several times throughout the week
on CBBC), as it features studio interviews with cast members such as
David Tennant and Noel Clarke.
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
