""I am become Death destroyer of worlds..."" - J. Robert Oppenheimer A thrilling miniseries biopic of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer who led the U.S efforts during World War II to develop the atomic bomb only to find himself suspected as a risk to national security from Communist sympathies stemming from an increasing ambivalence toward's his life's work... Nominated for a Golden Globe for Sam Waterston in the title role.
In an uncanny piece of art imitating life, Who Dares Wins came out in 1982 just after the infamous storming of the Iranian Embassy by the legendary British Special Air Services (SAS) unit. The plot builds up to that unshakeable image of black-clad troops abseiling the front of a stately home and smashing through the windows, and pays off expectations with a thrilling finale. Anyone expecting two hours of military instruction will be disappointed however. After the opening 10 minutes with the troops, the almost James-Bond-like story follows Lewis Collins (riding high in those days after TV's The Professionals) as he infiltrates a radical anti-Nuclear society. Operation: Destroy requires him to go undercover with their potentially insane leader Frankie (Judy Davis), ignoring his wife and child. The period detail is often the film's most entertaining feature as Collins tours across 1980s London constantly eluding spies on his tail. Apart from the endless permed hairdos and the fact that the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament hasn't got much to demonstrate about these days, there's the fashions and low-tech gadgetry to enjoy. In the US the film was called The Final Option. The DVD includes a photo gallery, and a history of the SAS. --Paul Tonks
Clever twists and a bona fide surprise ending make Primal Fear an above-average courtroom thriller. Tapping into the post-O J scrutiny of the American legal system in the case of a hotshot Chicago defence attorney (Richard Gere) whose latest client is an altar boy (Edward Norton) accused of murdering a Catholic archbishop. The film uses its own manipulation to tell a story about manipulation and when we finally discover who's been pulling the strings, the payoff is both convincing and pertinent to the ongoing debate over what constitutes truth in the American system of justice. Making an impressive screen debut that has since led to a stellar career, Norton gives a performance that rides on a razor's edge of schizophrenic pathology--his role is an actor's showcase and without crossing over the line of credibility, Norton milks it for all it's worth. Gere is equally effective in a role that capitalises on his shifty screen persona and Laura Linney and Frances McDormand give memorable performances in their intelligently written supporting roles. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Russell Crowe stars as "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, who pits his crew of the HMS Surprise against a much better armed and ruthless enemy in a chase that takes him all the way to the far side of the world.
THE WICKER MAN has had an enduring fascination for audiences since its release in 1973. A unique and bone-fide horror masterpiece, brilliantly scripted by Anthony Schaffer (Sleuth, Frenzy) and featuring an astounding performance by the legendary Christopher Lee. Director Robin Hardy's atmospheric use of location, unsettling imagery and haunting soundtrack gradually builds to one of the most terrifying and iconic climaxes in modern cinema. When a young girl mysteriously disappears, Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate. But this pastoral community, led by the strange Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) is not what it seems as the devoutley religious detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy. Can Howie now stop the cults ultimate sacrifice before he himself comes face to face with the horror of THE WICKER MAN? Product Features *Pop-up artwork coming soon 5-disc 4K UHD collector's edition rigid 'book' pop-up packaging, including all 3 cuts of the film restored in 4K , plus ; X1 exclusive EP featuring artists from Heavenly records covering songs from the soundtrack 64 page booklet, featuring brand new essays 3 'postcards from Summerisle' 2 posters (original theatrical artwork and new artwork) Extras included on the disc are: NEW - Locations featurette NEW - Shaffer and Hardy NEW - Robin Hardy's original script NEW - Interview with Britt Ekland Worshipping The Wicker Man The Music of The Wicker Man Interview with Robin Hardy (2013) Interview with Robin Hardy and Christopher Lee (1979) Making of commentary Trailers Stills gallery
After their roaring success in 'Top Hat' and 'Swing Time' 'Shall We Dance' is another classic Rogers/Astaire partnership. With the superbly exhilarating dance to 'They Can't Take That Away From Me' and 'Change Partners' the film also features one of the best known and fondly remembered dance routines ever performed by in 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' all on roller-skate!
Hosted by Jon Pertwee and Edward Woodward, this massively popular 1970s panel game invited viewers to pit their wits against a team of celebrity sleuths to solve a fictitious murder mystery! Devised by comedians Lance Percival and Jeremy Lloyd, Whodunnit presents short dramas laden with clues and more than a few red herrings to be pieced together by the panellists who, having grilled the 'suspects', point an accusing finger at the likely felon... This complete set features every episode, starring regular panellists Patrick Mower and Anouska Hempel and a glittering line-up of guests and cast members, including Diana Dors, Kingsley Amis, Stephanie Beacham, Frank Windsor, Honor Blackman, Richard O'Sullivan, Barbara Windsor, Anthony Valentine, Dulcie Gray, Robert Lindsay, Harry H. Corbett, Billie Whitelaw and Sheila Hancock... to name but a few!
Four decades after its release in cinemas in 1973 the unique British cult classic The Wicker Man still holds an enduring fascination for audiences all over the world. In this 40th anniversary double play edition the film is presented as The Final Cut a version which has never before been restored and never before been seen in UK cinemas. Approved by director Robin Hardy The Final Cut is the finest and most complete version of The Wicker Man. Featuring brand new extras this 40th anniversary edition is every Wicker Man fan’s perfect ending to a much mythicised search for the most complete version of the film. Having left no stone unturned in the search for the original film materials the ghosts have now been laid to rest as we can finally and happily confirm that this is The Final Cut. Special Features: Disc 1: The Final Cut Interview with Robin Hardy The Music of The Wicker Man Worshipping The Wicker Man - Famous Fans The Restoration of The Wicker Man Disc 2: UK Theatrical Cut The Director's Cut (with Audio Commentary) Making of Audio Commentary (Short Film) Disc 3: Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man Documentary Written by Mark Kermode EX-S: The Wicker Man Disc 4: Trailer
A phenomenal global success, The Professionals has thrilled audiences for four decades, gaining a body of devoted fans and an enduring cult status. In the late 1990s its legend received a new lease of life with this explosive series starring veteran British actor Edward Woodward as Harry Malone, head of an expanded CI5 now a global agency with a multinational body of highly skilled operatives whose job is to combat 21st century threats in the form of global terrorism, ethnic cleansing, the mass slaughter of protected species and the emergence of powerful organised crime syndicates. Featuring scripts by The Professionals' original creator Brian Clemens, this set features all thirteen episodes, complete and uncut. Guest stars include Charlotte Cornwell, Gayle Hunnicutt, Denis Lill, Patrick Mower, Michael Brandon, David Threlfall and Ray Lonnen.
From visionary filmmaker Mark Jenkin, the Bafta award-winning director of Bait.Enys Men is a mind-bending Cornish folk horror set in 1973 that unfolds on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast. A wildlife volunteer's (Mary Woodvine) daily observations of a rare flower take a dark turn into the strange and metaphysical, forcing both her and viewers to question what is real and what is nightmare. Is the landscape not only alive but sentient? Shot by Jenkin on grainy 16mm colour film stock and with his trademark post-synched sound, the form feels both innovative and authentic to the period. Filmed on location around the disused tin mines of West Penwith, it is also an ode to Cornwall's rich folklore and natural beauty.DVD Region: 2Product FeaturesOn-stage Q&A interview with Mark Jenkin and Mary Woodvine by film critic Mark Kermode at BFI Southbank (2022)Film Sounds: A conversation between Mark Jenkin and Peter Strickland (2022): the director of Enys Men in conversation with filmmaker Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio, Flux Gourmet) as they discuss the subtleties of sound in filmHaunters of the Deep (1984, 61 mins): a Children's Film Foundation adventure that shares many of the same West Cornwall locations as Enys Men, and made quite an impression on its directorTheatrical trailerMore extras to be confirmed**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Fully illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film by William Fowler and Jason Wood among othersAll extras are TBC and subject to change
It must be stressed that, despite the fact that it was produced in 1973 and stars Christopher Lee, The Wicker Man is not a Hammer Horror film. There is no blood, very little gore and the titular Wicker Man is not a monster made out of sticks that runs around killing people by weaving them into raffia work. Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie, a virginal, Christian policeman sent from the Scottish mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl on the remote island of Summerisle. The intelligent script by Anthony Schaffer, who also wrote the detective mystery Sleuth (a film with which The Wicker Man shares many traits), derives its horror from the increasing isolation, confusion and humiliation experienced by the naïve Howie as he encounters the island community's hostility and sexual pagan rituals, manifested most immediately in the enthusiastic advances of local landlord's daughter Willow (Britt Ekland). Howie's intriguing search, made all the more authentic by the film's atmospheric locations and folkish soundtrack, gradually takes us deeper and deeper into the bizarre pagan community living under the guidance of the charming Laird (Lee, minus fangs) as the film builds to a terrifying climax with a twist to rival that of The Sixth Sense or Fight Club. --Paul Philpott On the DVD: The Wicker Man can finally be seen in its glorious entirety on DVD, thanks to the restoration of some 15 minutes of previously lost material. Since the original negative long ago disappeared (apparently dumped beneath the M3 motorway) the picture quality for the added scenes is dubious, but what's much more important is the regained richness in the depiction of Summerisle's society (including a wonderful deflowering ritual set to music) and the added depth to Howie's character. Almost redundantly this excellent two-disc package provides the butchered theatrical cut as well, which comes with a good new documentary explaining both the genesis of the film and its turbulent history. Christopher Lee and director Robin Hardy pop up in an archival interview from the 1970s and are also reunited with Edward Woodward in the brand-new and first-rate commentary track for the director's cut: Lee in particular remains passionate about the movie and still angry about its shabby treatment. Both versions of the film are widescreen 1.85:1; the theatrical cut is in remastered Dolby 5.1, but the director's cut remains in mono. --Mark Walker
Before coming to America to make such acclaimed films as Tender Mercies and Driving Miss Daisy, Australian director Bruce Beresford made a lasting impression with this compelling courtroom drama, considered one the finest films of the Australian new wave of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Based on a true story about three soldiers in the Boer War who are served up as political scapegoats of the British Empire, the film uses a flashback structure to dramatise the courtroom testimony. It begins when the three Australian soldiers are railroaded for the justified killing of a German missionary and placed on trial for court-martial not as a matter of justice, but to mollify the German government for the sake of political expediency. Burdened with a competent but inexperienced and hopelessly disadvantaged lawyer, the soldiers realise that their fate has been sealed and the outcome of their trial is a fait accompli. Unfolding with urgent precision and a riveting focus on its well-drawn characters, Breaker Morant was the all-time box-office hit in Australia at the time of its release in 1980, and it remains one of the very best historical dramas ever made. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Simply Media are delighted to announce the DVD release of the critically acclaimed dystopian drama 1990: The Complete Collection, on 20th November 2017. This collection contains all 16 episodes from series 1 and 2, originally broadcast on BBC Two in 1977. 1990 has been lauded as a TV landmark by Junsui Films Limited, a minor miracle it has been finally released by We Are Cult, and a well-crafted British character drama by Archive TV Musings. The Guardian has described the series creator Wilfred Greatorex (Secret Army) as one of the most prolific and assured television script-writers and editors from the 1960s into the 1980s. 1990 tells a chilling tale of a bleak and nightmarish future Britain where individual rights have been replaced by rights only for the common good. Government bureaucracy is out of control. The lives of ordinary citizens are in the hands of the Home Office's corrupt and overbearing Public Control Department (PCD), which has its watchful eye on everyone to monitor and expose all possible and imaginary threats to the country. Greatorex described his series as Nineteen Eighty-Four plus six because of the parallel themes with Orwell's prophetic novel. The PCD uses sophisticated surveillance systems to expose anyone threatening the status quo. Special State-sanctioned brainwashing units, cunningly disguised as caring rest-homes, are ruthlessly used to suppress independent thought and cure dissidents. A strict rationing of food, alcohol and travel is imposed, and ID cards are required to work, which can be withdrawn by the state at any time. Free speech is forbidden, censorship is rife, and with no rule of law to protect the vulnerable, all citizens are left at the mercy of the state's tyrannical control. Or so it seems.... 1990 stars Golden Globe winner Edward Woodward (The Wicker Man) in the lead role as the calm, witty and charming rebel Jim Kyle. He's a journalist working for one of the last remaining independent newspapers, and a secret dissident who is fighting the corrupt establishment by covertly helping others escape. He risks prison or even death if identified. Woodward leads a strong supporting cast including Robert Lang (Othello (1965)), who gives an unforgettable performance as the PCD's ruthless controller Herbert Skardon; and Barbara Kellerman (The Sea Wolves) shines as his provocatively alluring deputy, Delly Lomas. Series two sees Lynn Blake (Lisa Harrow) join the cast as Kyle's ex-lover, who becomes the new Deputy Controller of the PCD. She's even more determined to expose his informer and finally get her man. 1990 also takes a rare and fascinating original spin on the dystopian fiction genre, unusually depicting a totalitarian regime where the government follows a socialist agenda, instead of the more usual fascist regime. In a society today where the Snoopers Charter has been passed by the British Government, justified as a means of combating terrorism, Greatorex's fictional vision of the future may not be so different from our real present.
The lives and relationships of those within a British traditional touring stage company provide the backdrop for the 'The Dresser' nominated for 5 Oscars in 1983 a compelling study of intense relationship between the leader of the company and his dresser. Sir (Albert Finney) a grandiloquent old man of the theater has given his soul to his career but his tyrannical rule over the company is now beginning to crack under the strain of age and illness as he prepares for his 227th
When a young girl mysteriously disappears Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote island to investigate. But this pastoral community led by the strange Lord Summerisle (a brilliant performance by the legendary Christopher Lee) is not what it seems as the devout Christian detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy. Can Howie now stop the cult's ultimate sacrifice before he himself comes face to face with the horror of the Wicker Man?
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Edward Woodward leads his gang of bin men on to the highways and driveways of William Ivory's BAFTA-nominated comedy drama. The six-man crew proves troublesome, not just for some of their 'customers' but also for the suited bureaucrats at the council offices who are ready to wave the threat of privatisation over their rebellious heads. On their rounds, Nev and his crew know every trick in the book, but life is changing and the bin men are facing the stark realities of a corporate take-over and even redundancy. Staunchly fighting for their survival, they still manage to have fun. The popular series first screened on the BBC in 1994 also features Paul Kember, Stephen Lord, Richard Ridings, Kathy Burke, Douglas Henshall and Saeed Jaffrey. ...Common As Muck (Complete Series 1) - 2-DVD Set ( Common As Muck - Complete Series One )
This 1984 version of the Dickens' classic `A Christmas Carol ' directed by Clive Donner stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. A miserable old man who hates the festive season is taught the true meaning of Christmas in this definitive version of Dickens' Yuletide tale.
Bastian Balthazar Bux (Mark Rendall) is an average twelve year old boy whose life revolves around going to school watching TV and playing video games. That is until he discovers a magical book `The Neverending Story' in a fascinating curiosity shop owned by the mysterious Carl Coreander (John Dunn Hill). Bastian's imagination is inspired by the book's tale of an enchanted world called Fantasia; a world ruled by the Childlike Empress (Audrey Gardiner) and inhabited by an assortment o
The on-screen infatuation with serial killers continues with Messiah, an absorbing, intelligent two-part BBC TV film that's a close cousin to David Fincher's Seven. Based on the novel by Boris Starling (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Messiah follows Detective Chief Inspector Red Metcalfe (Ken Stott) in tracking down someone with a Christ complex in a murder-case involving 12 "Apostles". A fine line is trod in presenting enough horror so as to intrigue, but not so much as to repel. Decapitations, cut out tongues and flayed skin are all masked in shadow or reflection. More attractive to the eye is a strong cast including Edward Woodward as the case's religious consultant and the keeper of Metcalfe's wayward brother and Michelle Forbes as his deaf wife (the actress learnt sign language in six days for the part). Other notables are Ron Berglas as the unemotional expositional pathologist and Gillian Taylforth as the beleaguered wife of corruptible copper Duncan (Neil Dudgeon). With fine supporting work from Frances Grey, Jamie Draven, Art Malik and 25,000 flies, you'll be racking your brains to spot the killer. Expect to jump several times along the way. On the DVD: a 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary interviews all the key cast members on their thoughts of grisly imagery and working with one another. The producers have plenty to say on the original script and use of red herrings to distract us. Writer Boris Starling is comically talked to while in make-up as one of the victims. A few (wisely) deleted scenes, text biographies of cast and crew and a gallery of 12 photos round out the extras package. --Paul Tonks
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