In the post-war years, the proliferation of transnational European co-productions gave rise to a cross-pollination of genres, with the same films sold in different markets as belonging to different movements. Among these, Riccardo Freda (I vampiri, The Horrible Dr. Hichock)'s Double Face was marketed in West Germany as an Edgar Wallace krimi', while in Italy it was sold as a giallo in the tradition of Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace, combining elements from both genres for a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. When wealthy businessman John Alexander (the legendary Klaus Kinski, giving an atypically restrained performance)'s unfaithful wife Helen (Margaret Lee, Circus of Fear) dies in a car crash, it initially looks like a freak accident. However, the plot thickens when evidence arises suggesting that the car was tampered with prior to the crash. And John's entire perception of reality is thrown into doubt when he discovers a recently-shot pornographic movie which appears to feature Helen suggesting that she is in fact alive and playing an elaborate mind game on him Psychological, psychedelic, and at times just plain psychotic, Double Face stands as one of the most engaging and enjoyable films in Freda's lengthy and diverse career a densely-plotted, visually-stunning giallo that evokes much of the same ambience of paranoia and decadence as such classics of the genre as One on Top of the Other and A Lizard in a Woman's Skin. Special Edition Contents: Brand new 2K restoration of the full-length Italian version of the film from the original 35mm camera negative High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation Uncompressed mono 1.0 LPCM audio Original English and Italian soundtracks, titles and credits Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack New audio commentary by author and critic Tim Lucas New video interview with composer Nora Orlandi The Many Faces of Nora Orlandi, a new appreciation of the varied career of the film's composer by musician and soundtrack collector Lovely Jon The Terrifying Dr. Freda, a new video essay on Riccardo Freda's gialli by author and critic Amy Simmons Extensive image gallery from the collection of Christian Ostermeier, including the original German pressbook and lobby cards, and the complete Italian cineromanzo adaptation Original Italian and English theatrical trailers Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Neil Mitchell
The pity of war has been a much-favoured film topic; the treachery of war much less so, though never more persuasively than in Paths of Glory, Stanley Kubrick's breakthrough feature from 1957. Kirk Douglas gives one of his finest screen performances as Colonel Dax, the idealistic First World War soldier appalled by the arbitrary court-marshal meted out to three of his men after an impossible attempt to storm German lines goes disastrously wrong. George Macready is an utterly believable Gerneral Mireau, obsessed with his own honour and standing, whom Adolphe Majou complements tellingly as the urbane and cynical General Bruler. Those who know Kubrick from his later sprawling epics will be surprised at the tautness and concision shown here, even though the screenplay--which he co-wrote--has a certain theatrical stiffness. On the DVD: Paths of Glory on disc reproduces well in full-screen format, and Gerald Fried's bitingly ironic score comes through powerfully. There are five dubbed and six subtitled languages. The original trailer is a masterpiece of gritty reportage, well worth reviving. Along with Dr Strangelove and 2001, this is Kubrick's most focussed and durable film. --Richard Whitehouse
Features SHOOT THE PIANIST, JULES ET JIM, THE SOFT SKIN, ANNE & MURIEL, A GORGEOUS GIRL LIKE ME, THE LAST METRO, THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR, FINALLY SUNDAY Extras Audio commentaries Presentations by Serge Toubiana on all titles Deleted scenes Trailers
Simply Media are delighted to announce the release of the much sought after cult sci-fi classic series Star Maidens on DVD 17th April 2017. Originally shown on ITV and not seen on British television since 1978, this unique Anglo-German production has largely been shrouded in mystery. Today Star Maidens is regarded as a rare and bizarre curio by TV sci-fi enthusiasts, has a place in television history books and provides a fascinating snapshot of the sexual equality revolution at the time. Now all 13 episodes will be available to own on DVD in a two-disc digitally re-mastered set. Starring iconic sci-fi actor Gareth Thomas, three years before he would go on to play space rebel Blake in the BBC sci-fi classic Blake's 7. This DVD release also contains a bonus interview with the late, great actor. Featuring episodes directed by double Oscar-winner Freddie Francis (The Elephant Man), and cinematography by Ken Hodges (David Copperfield (1970)) and Alan Hume (Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi), this stunning series was shot on location in Windsor, Bracknell, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, locations that would later be used again in Blake's 7. Created by Eric Paice (Dixon of Dock Green) and co-written by John Lucarotti, who had previously been a contributing writer for Doctor Who and The Avengers, and fellow Doctor Who writer Ian Stuart Black, Star Maidens is set on the futuristic planet Medusa in the solar system of Proxima Centauri. It's a perfect world ruled by women known as Star Maidens, and where men are the inferior sex. While the males are relegated to performing menial tasks, women are regarded as the superior intellectual beings and are assigned personal male domestic servants to satisfy all their needs and desires. This peaceful matriarchy, however, is threatened when a comet blows them out of their solar system and into our own, entering the orbit of Earth a primitive, crude and disappointing planet rumoured to be ruled by men! When headstrong rebel Adam, played by French heartthrob Pierre Brice, flees his keeper, the beautiful supreme councillor Fulvia (Judy Geeson Poldark (1975)), along with his faithful friend Shem (Gareth Thomas) they steal a space yacht and head for Earth to claim political sanctuary. Outraged by their disobedience, tough security chief Octavia (Christiane Krüger Anne of Green Gables) decides to take two Earth scientists captive on their own planet, enslaving the male while treating his female assistant like a Queen, as they hunt down their insolent missing men. Much hilarity ensues from the clash in cultures between the two planets, with Adam and Shem having many comedic misunderstandings on landing on our own male dominated Earth for the first time. And the Star Maidens are shocked that women could ever be treated as a man's assistant! Alongside the comedy this series stands out for being one of the first of its time to bluntly address issues of sex discrimination head on. Filled with all the wonderful and wacky tropes you would expect from a 70s cult sci-fi series, including ray guns, over-the-top colourful costumes and impressive retro-futuristic sets from Emmy-winning production designer Keith Wilson (Space: 1999), this is a not-to-be missed series for sci-fi fans, comedy fans and nostalgia hunters.
Between the dystopian paranoia of The Night of the Hunted and the visceral excesses of The Living Dead Girl, director Jean Rollin takes a surreal detour into the Parisian demi-monde with The Escapees (Les Echappées, also known as Les Paumées du petit matin). When two young women, the wayward Michelle (Laurence Dubas) and the withdrawn Marie (Christiane Coppé), escape from an asylum, they find themselves drifting through a nightmarish world of burlesque troupes, lascivious sailors, and hardened criminals. After a violent confrontation, the police close in... With its supporting cast of key collaborators, including actors Brigitte Lahaie (Fascination), Louise Dhor (Requiem for a Vampire), Bernard Papineau (The Night of the Hunted), Jean-Loup Philippe (Lips of Blood), Natalie Perry (The Nude Vampire) and composer Philippe D'Aram (Two Orphan Vampires), The Escapees is at once atypical, yet unmistakeably Rollin. INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES New 4K restoration from the original negative by Powerhouse Films Two presentations of the film: Les Ãchappées, Jean Rollin's original version; and Les Paumées du petit matin, the alternative version with re-ordered scenes Original mono audio Audio commentary with film expert Tim Lucas (2024) One Day in Paris (2008): far-reaching interview with Rollin in which he discusses The Escapees and his other films Quant à Louise (2024): regular Rollin collaborators Natalie Perrey and Jean-Pierre Bouyxou remember actress Louise Dhour Previously unseen interview with actor Jean-Loup Phillipe (2024) Critical appreciation by author and musician Stephen Thrower (2024) Image gallery: promotional and publicity material, and behind the scenes New and improved English translation subtitles Limited edition exclusive 80-page book with a new essay by Lucas Balbo, archival writing on the film by Jean Rollin, an archival interview with the director, an archival interview with composer Philippe D'Aram, a tribute to Rollin by fantastique cinema expert Nicolas Stanzick, and full film credits Limited edition of 10,000 individually numbered units (6,000 4K UHDs and 4,000 Blu-rays) for the UK and US
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: French ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), German ( Mono ), Italian ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: ***ATTENTION***The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach - German audio & English subtitles***Sicily! - Italian audio & English subtitles***A visit to the Louvre - French audio & English subtitles*** Chronicle Of Anna Magdalena Bach (1968): This film, which covers the years of Bach's life from his marriage to Anna Magdalena to his death in 1748, is at once a love story, a documentary, a socio-political statement, and a film of the music of Bach. Sicilia! (1999): Based on Elio Vittorini's seminal 1938-1939 anti-fascist novel Conversations in Sicily, banned by the Fascists in 1942, Sicilia! is a four part film which follows Silvestro, an emigrant who is returning home after fifteen years spent in America. His conversations, with his mother, on the train, or on the price of oranges, as well as the recurrent shot of arid landscape outside the train window, supply some of the most intense and memorable moments in contemporary cinema. Un Visite Au Louvre (2004): As the camera shows us some of the masterpieces held in the Louvre, Julie Kotaï speaks the comments made about the paintings by Cézanne which were put into writing by the poet Joachim Gasquet. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Berlin International Film Festival, ...Danièle Huillet & Jean-Marie Straub - 3 Film Collection - 2-DVD Set ( Chronik der Anna Magdalena Bach / Sicilia! / Une visite au Louvre ) ( The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach / Sicily! / A visit to the Louvre )
From the creators of the best-selling documentary Food Matters comes another hard-hitting film certain to rock your world. Hungry for Change exposes shocking secrets the diet weight loss and food industry don't want you to know about: deceptive strategies designed to keep you coming back for more. Find out what's keeping you from having the body and health you deserve and how to escape the diet trap forever. Featuring interviews with bestselling health authors and leading medical experts plus real-life transformational stories with people who know what it's like to be sick and overweight.
A high school teacher's unusual experiment to demonstrate to his students what life is like under a dictatorship spins horribly out of control when he forms a social unit with a life of its own.
At 12 she smoked cannabis. At 13 she was hooked on heroin. At 14 she was working the streets. A documentary-style film using non-professional actors this is one of the most shocking and controversial films ever made telling the true story of a young girl's descent into the drug scene of 70's Berlin.
After being initiated into the ways of sadistic relationships - receiving basic training in the rules of submission, with special emphasis on being chained and being whipped - a young woman named 'O' finds herself much in demand. This infamous slice of soft-core art-porn was refused certification when originally submitted to the British Film Censors in the mid 1970s but was eventually passed uncut.
Between the dystopian paranoia of The Night of the Hunted and the visceral excesses of The Living Dead Girl, director Jean Rollin takes a surreal detour into the Parisian demi-monde with The Escapees (Les Echappées, also known as Les Paumées du petit matin). When two young women, the wayward Michelle (Laurence Dubas) and the withdrawn Marie (Christiane Coppé), escape from an asylum, they find themselves drifting through a nightmarish world of burlesque troupes, lascivious sailors, and hardened criminals. After a violent confrontation, the police close in... With its supporting cast of key collaborators, including actors Brigitte Lahaie (Fascination), Louise Dhor (Requiem for a Vampire), Bernard Papineau (The Night of the Hunted), Jean-Loup Philippe (Lips of Blood), Natalie Perry (The Nude Vampire) and composer Philippe D'Aram (Two Orphan Vampires), The Escapees is at once atypical, yet unmistakeably Rollin. INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION 4K UHD SPECIAL FEATURESNew 4K HDR restoration from the original negative by Powerhouse Films4K (2160p) UHD presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)Two presentations of the film: Les Ãchappées, Jean Rollin's original version; and Les Paumées du petit matin, the alternative version with re-ordered scenesOriginal mono audioAudio commentary with film expert Tim Lucas (2024)One Day in Paris (2008): far-reaching interview with Rollin in which he discusses The Escapees and his other filmsQuant à Louise (2024): regular Rollin collaborators Natalie Perrey and Jean-Pierre Bouyxou remember actress Louise Dhour Previously unseen interview with actor Jean-Loup Phillipe (2024)Critical appreciation by author and musician Stephen Thrower (2024)Image gallery: promotional and publicity material, and behind the scenesNew and improved English translation subtitlesLimited edition exclusive 80-page book with a new essay by Lucas Balbo, archival writing on the film by Jean Rollin, an archival interview with the director, an archival interview with composer Philippe D'Aram, a tribute to Rollin by fantastique cinema expert Nicolas Stanzick, and full film creditsWorld premiere on 4K UHDLimited edition of 10,000 individually numbered units (6,000 4K UHDs and 4,000 Blu-rays) for the UK and US
This gorgeous adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic children's story is well worth watching with the whole family. Produced for Canadian television, it's one of those rare productions that actually sticks to the book and even enhances it through first-rate performances and an excellent script. Set on bucolic Prince Edward Island in the late 19th century, Anne of Green Gables is the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and headstrong orphan. When brother and sister Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew work the farm, they are astonished when Anne arrives at the train station by mistake. "What use is she to us?" grumbles the gruff Marilla. "We might be of some use to her", answers Matthew, who has taken an instant liking to the talkative Anne. As Anne grows up, her adventures are both hilarious and moving. It's a delight to watch as she forms a friendship with the beautiful Diana and her admirer--the dashing Gilbert Blythe--then dyes her hair green, cracks a slate over Gilbert's head when he calls her "Carrots", and finds a sympathetic teacher who encourages her to attend college. Richard Farnsworth is perfect as the shy and gentle bachelor Matthew, who confides to Anne that he never went courting because "I would have had to say something". Colleen Dewhurst delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Marilla, a seemingly cold-hearted spinster whose no-nonsense exterior conceals a warm heart. And as Anne, Megan Follows strikes the perfect note, maturing from freckle-faced orphan to elegant and poised young woman. --Elisabeth Keating
Castella is a successful industrialist out of boredom he allows his wife to drag him to an amateur stage show. Much to his surprise he is overwhelmed by the power of the lead actress Clara. He becomes so infatuated with her that he goes back to the play night after night. His world is turned upside down and his obession impacts on the lives of everyone around. Winner of 4 Cesars including Best Film.
Francois Truffaut's classic tale of a love triangle which takes place over 20 years both before and after World War I. Jeanne Moreau stars as Catherine the beautiful and unpredictable woman who maintains a delicate relationship with two friends the quiet German Jules (Oskar Werner) and the romantic Parisian Jim (Henri Serre). The War intervenes and drives the men to the opposing fronts; afterwards the two quickly resume their friendship but the balance of their relationship with Catherine is now upset by more adult concerns.
This film is based on the hugely successful S&M novel that has been read by millions of people worldwide. The author Pauline Reage tells the story of a beautiful young woman known only as 'O' who is taken by her boyfriend Rene to a chateau just outside Paris. There 'O' is trained in bondage and sexual perversion. 'O' is deeply in love with Rene and in order to prove her love she allows herself to be subjected to all kinds of degradation and abuse. Finally, Rene discharges a personal debt by transferring possession of 'O' to his stepbrother Sir Stephen. In the film which produced in 1975, Just Jaeckin the director explores the cruel world in which 'O' finds herself. A world of sado-masochism and kinky and bizarre sexual practices. The film was refused certification when it was originally submitted, has now been passed uncut by the BBFC.Also available in a Box Set together with the novel.
The Woman Next Door (1981) Madame Jouve the narrator tells the tragedy of Bernard and Mathilde. Bernard was living happily with his wife Arlette and his son Thomas. One day a couple Philippe and Mathilde Bauchard moves into the next house. This is the accidental reunion of Bernard and Mathilde who had a passionate love affair years ago. The relationship revives... A somber study of human feelings. The 400 Blows (1959) For his feature-film debut critic-turned-director Franois Truffaut drew inspiration from his own troubled childhood. The 400 Blows stars Jean-Pierre Laud as Antoine Doinel Truffaut's preteen alter ego. Misunderstood at home by his parents and tormented in school by his insensitive teacher (Guy Decomble) Antoine frequently runs away from both places. The boy finally quits school after being accused of plagiarism by his teacher. He steals a typewriter from his father (Albert Remy) to finance his plans to leave home. The father angrily turns Antoine over to the police who lock the boy up with hardened criminals. A psychiatrist at a delinquency center probes Antoine's unhappiness which he reveals in a fragmented series of monologues. Shoot the Pianist (1960) Charlie Kohler is a piano player in a bar. The waitress Lena is in love with him. One of Charlie's brother Chico a crook takes refuge in the bar because he is chased by two gangsters Momo and Ernest. We will discover that Charlie's real name is Edouard Saroyan once a virtuose who gives up after his wife's suicide. Charlie now has to deal wih Chico Ernest Momo Fido (his youngest brother who lives with him) and Lena... Jules and Jim (1962) Acclaimed French director Franois Truffaut's third and for many viewers best film is an adaptation of a semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roch. Set between 1912 and 1933 it stars Oskar Werner as the German Jules and Henri Serre as the Frenchman Jim kindred spirits who while on holiday in Greece fall in love with the smile on the face of a sculpture. Back in Paris the smile comes to life in the person of Catherine (Jeanne Moreau); the three individuals become constant companions determined to live their lives to the fullest despite the world war around them. When Jules declares his love for Catherine Jim agrees to let Jules pursue her despite his own similar feelings; Jules and Catherine marry and have a child (Sabine Haudepin) but Catherine still loves Jim as well. Anne and Muriel (1971) Story of two British sisters who are in love with the same Frenchman over a period of 20 years. Screenplay by Francois Truffaut Jean Grault Based on the novel by Henri-Pierre Roche. Finally Sunday! (1963) Claude Massoulier is murdered while hunting at the same place than Julien Vercel an estate agent that knew him and whose fingerprints are found on Massoulier's car. As the police discovers that Marie-Christine Vercel Julien's wife was Massoulier's mistress Julien is very suspected. But his secretary Barbara Becker while not quite convinced he is innocent defends him and leads her private investigations...
Paul and Nelly have what appears to be the perfect life; happily married a wonderful son and a successful business in their idyllic lakeside hotel. For Paul it all seems too perfect and he begins to suspect his wife of having an affair. Tormented by nightmares and visions his paranoia soon threatens Nelly as his jealousy descends into madness...
A 60 kilometer wide meteor is on collision course with Earth. The anticipated strike zone is right in the middle of Europe. Estimated survival rate: Zero. The United States try to knock the meteor off course with nuclear weapons, but fail. All of Europe is on the run. A family do whatever they have to do to survive when the world spins out of control.
Francois Truffaut's classic tale of a love triangle which takes place over 20 years both before and after World War I. Jeanne Moreau stars as Catherine the beautiful and unpredictable woman who maintains a delicate relationship with two friends the quiet German Jules (Oskar Werner) and the romantic Parisian Jim (Henri Serre). The War intervenes and drives the men to the opposing fronts; afterwards the two quickly resume their friendship but the balance of their relationship with Catherine is now upset by more adult concerns.
Gustav Flaubert's celebrated novel of obsessive ardour undergoes a dazzling retrofit for the screen, courtesy of French neurosis-master Claude Chabrol. The basic story (a woman's selfish quest for happiness ends up obliterating all she holds dear) may be the same but Chabrol's talent for biting through to the dark marrow of passion makes this a startling experience, even for people familiar with the source material or the numerous other cinematic adaptations. Casting Isabelle Huppert in the title role (she's at least a decade older than the standard conception of this wilfully tragic heroine) was a potentially risky gambit that paid off big; underneath her glorious surface lies a startling foundation of brilliant ice. The same can be said about this stunning film. Viewers intrigued by this potent actress-director pairing may also want to check out The Story of Women and the wonderful La Ceremonie. The film is in French with English subtitles. --Andrew Wright
Please wait. Loading...
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy