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.
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.
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.
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
Among an illustrious cast that includes Joss Ackland, Peter Vaughan, Richard E. Grant and Denholm Elliott, Edward Woodward (Callan) stars opposite Ian Charleson (Chariots of Fire) in a taut and skilfully plotted Cold War thriller.Thought to be one of the last great made-for television spy series, produced as the Cold War era came to an end, Codename: Kyril offers complex characterisations and an intelligent treatment of the classic espionage theme of trust and betrayal. This compelling, evocative series is adapted by the award-winning John Hopkins - whose previous credits include Smiley's People and Z Cars - and co-produced by Primetime Emmy winner Patrick Dromgoole (Robin of Sherwood). This release presents the complete two-part mini-series (usually only seen these days in a radically edited 'TV movie' form), originally screened in 1989.The KGB has a particularly evasive spy to eliminate: a high-ranking Kremlin traitor who has been leaking crucial secrets to London. Bucharensky, code-name Kyril, is ordered to defect to catch the attention of the intelligence services of both East and West, setting himself up as a target and drawing fire from all sides as he makes his way across Europe to London; the object of his mission is to panic the traitor into making a mistake. But waiting in London is Kyril's deadliest enemy: Royston, a KGB mole whose life now depends upon silencing Kyril before he can disclose Royston's identity as a Soviet double agent...
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?
In the melting pot of 1890s London, Sergeant Cork works for Scotland Yard's newly formed Criminal Investigation Department. Astute and years ahead of his time, he enthusiastically employs the pioneering techniques of modern forensic science to investigate crimes born of poverty and deprivation, passion, vengeance and greed, ably assisted by the youthful and equally dedicated Detective Bob Marriott.
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 4-discs including all 3 cuts of the film restored in 4K Extras: 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
Edward Woodward leads his gang of binmen on to the highways and driveways of William Ivorys award winning drama. Refuse collectors cope with the realities of redundancy in this much loved comedy drama. Nev and the lads are back in another series of the award winning bittersweet comedy drama. This second series takes a new direction with the story moving on into a brave new world. The men face the harsh realities of privatization and redundancy which stretches friendships to a breaking point l.
The Wicker Man has had an enduring fascination for audiences since its release in 1973, commanding a devotion that most films can only dream of. A unique and bone-fide horror masterpiece, brilliantly scripted by Anthony Shaffer (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 devoutly religious 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? Extras: THE FINAL CUT (2013 version APPROVED BY ROBIN HARDY)BURNT OFFERING: THE CULT OF THE WICKER MAN DOCUMENTARY WRITTEN BY MARK KERMODE WORSHIPPING THE WICKER MAN FAMOUS FANS FEATURETTE THE MUSIC OF THE WICKER MAN FEATURETTE INTERVIEW WITH ROBIN HARDY INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHER LEE & ROBIN HARDY (1979) RESTORATION COMPARISON TRAILER
United Kingdom released, Blu-Ray/Region B DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Dolby Linear PCM ), English ( Mono ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: When a British government undercover agent is assassinated, a radical anti-nuclear group is held responsible. SAS agent Skellen (Lewis Collins) is called upon to infiltrate the group and put an end to their terrorist activities.He is welcomed into the group by its fanatical leader Frankie Leith (Judy Davis) and gets closer to uncovering her plan to attack a major political target. The group raids the American embassy and Skellen, from within the residence, must use all of his skill and courage to support and guide his SAS colleagues to save the lives of the high-ranking hostages being held captive.Who dares wins was inspired by the SAS rescue of hostages at the besieged Iranian Embassy in May 1980.Special Features interviews featurette on witthe Producer and special featurette with Lewis Collins.commetary with Ian Sharp and Euan Lloydoriginal ITV behind the scenes programme ...Who Dares Wins ( 1982 ) ( The Final Option ) (Blu-Ray)
BBC Drama starring Edward Woodward set in a nightmarish 1984 style future, where government bureaucracy has run riot.
Simply Media are delighted to announce the first DVD release of the critically acclaimed dystopian drama 1990: Series 2 on 1st May 2017, after the successful release of series 1 by Simply Media to the delight of fans earlier this year, with series 1 referred to 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. Originally broadcast on BBC Two in 1978, this will be the very first time the second series of this cult sensation will be available on any home video format. It brings the chilling tale of one man's fight against a corrupt and overbearing system to a satisfying conclusion. The series creator, Wilfred Greatorex (Secret Army / 'Allo 'Allo), is described by the Guardian 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 in order to monitor and expose all possible and imaginary threats to the country. Greatorex himself described his creation as Nineteen Eighty-Four plus six because of the parallel themes with Orwell's prophetic novel. The PCD uses sophisticated surveillance systems in order 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 in order to work, which can be withdrawn by the state at anytime. 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. Unrest is growing in series 2, as a 'pentagon', one of a growing number of dissident groups, prepares to take on the PCD, and Kyle continues his renegade activities against the Establishment. But Kyle's actions are not going unnoticed... 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 series 2 introduces Lisa Harrow as Lynn Blake, Kyle's ex-lover, as the new Deputy Controller of the PCD. 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 proposed 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.
Edward Woodward and Jane Wymark star in a light-hearted drama tracing the unlikely romance between two seemingly mismatched runaways. The bass player is George Mangham, a world-weary, out-of-work jazz musician. The blonde is Terry, a beautiful, wealthy and decidedly determined young woman who fancies herself as a singer. He is twice her age and penniless - but she is in love with him. Having whisked Terry from under the nose of her bridegroom on her wedding day, Mangham flees with her in his battered Mini, and the unconventional couple begin their uphill struggle for acceptance amid see-sawing fortunes and the interventions of Terry's furious father, Charlie. Released for the first time, this set brings together the ITV Playhouse pilot of 1977 - scripted by Roy Clarke (Last of the Summer Wine) - and the highly popular three-part series screened the following year, co-written by Ian Lindsay and Phil Redmond. With a combined cast featuring Ronald Fraser, George Sewell, Sam Kydd, Jeremy Sinden, Alfie Bass, Stanley Lebor and Barry Linehan, The Bass Player and the Blonde is directed by Dennis Vance (Special Branch) and features music specially composed by Jack Parnell. Episodes Rondo Allegro Andante
Ebulliently imaginative and far more cleverly presented than you would expect from a TV miniseries, this adaptation of Gulliver's Travels succeeds by never pandering to the lowest common denominator. Closely based on Jonathan Swift's 1726 classic, it is enhanced by dazzling special effects from Jim Henson Productions and a superb, multi-ethnic cast. The biggest surprise is Ted Danson in the title role--one of his best performances, even if he is the only person in England with an American accent. He conveys amusement, amazement and intelligence as he travels from one strange country into another. Not that anyone back in Blighty believes Mr Gulliver's tales of little people or giants. The story is told in flashback from an insane asylum, where he is forcibly confined. This far outshines several previous adaptations of Swift's satirical novel. --Rochelle O'Gorman, Amazon.com
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