"Actor: Hugh"

• Black Swan/ The Fountain Double Pack | DVD | (04/06/2012) from £4.19   |  Saving you £8.80 (67.70%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Black SwanFeverish worlds such as espionage and warfare have nothing on the hothouse realm of ballet, as director Darren Aronofsky makes clear in Black Swan, his over-the-top delve into a particularly fraught production of Swan Lake. At the very moment hard-working ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman) lands the plum role of the White Swan, her company director (Vincent Cassel) informs her that she'll also play the Black Swan--and while Nina's precise, almost virginal technique will serve her well in the former role, the latter will require a looser, lustier attack. The strain of reaching within herself for these feelings, along with nattering comments from her mother (Barbara Hershey) and the perceived rivalry from a new dancer (Mila Kunis), are enough to make anybody crack… and tracing out the fault lines of Nina's breakdown is right in Aronofsky's wheelhouse. Those cracks are broad indeed, as Nina's psychological instability is telegraphed with blunt-force emphasis in this neurotic roller-coaster ride. The characters are stick figures--literally, in the case of the dancers, but also as single-note stereotypes in the horror show: witchy bad mummy, sexually intimidating male boss, wacko diva (Winona Ryder, as the prima ballerina Nina is replacing). Yet the film does work up some crazed momentum (and undeniably earned its share of critical raves), and the final sequence is one juicy curtain-dropper. A good part of the reason for this is the superbly all-or-nothing performance by Natalie Portman, who packs an enormous amount of ferocity into her small body. Kudos, too, to Tchaikovsky's incredibly durable music, which has meshed well with psychological horror at least since being excerpted for the memorably moody opening credits of the 1931 Dracula, another pirouette through the dark side. --Robert Horton The FountainScience fiction and romance collide in The Fountain, the ambitious third feature from director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), who laboured for four years to complete this epic-sized love story that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play lovers in each of the film's three settings--16th century Europe and America (Jackman is a Spanish explorer searching for Incan magic), the present day (Jackman is a doctor attempting to cure his dying wife), and the 26th century (Jackman is a space traveller seeking a gateway to the afterlife)-–who struggle mightily to stay united, only to lose each other time and again. Aronofsky may not have chosen the easiest presentation for audiences to absorb his theories on the lasting qualities of life and the transformative powers of death-–the final sequence, in particular, with a bald Jackman floating through space in a bubble, harks back uncomfortably to "head movies" of the late '60s-–but his leads have considerable chemistry (and look terrific to boot), which goes a long way towards securing viewers' hopes for a happy ending. Critical reception for The Fountain has been nothing short of bloodthirsty, with Cannes audiences booing, but there are elements to enjoy here, even if the premise throws one for a loop. Ellen Burstyn (who earned an Oscar nomination for Requiem for a Dream) delivers a typically solid performance as Jackman's boss in the present day sequence, and special effects (most done without the benefit of CGI) are also impressive given the film's low budget (spurred by a mid-production shutdown after original stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett ankled the picture). And science-fiction fans whose tastes run towards the metaphysical (Asimov, Le Guin) will appreciate the attempt to present the genre in a serious light. -- Paul Gaita

• No Orchids for Miss Blandish | DVD | (24/07/2006) from £6.98   |  Saving you £6.01 (86.10%)   |  RRP £12.99

  One of the most controversial films of the 1940s the gangster thriller No Orchids For Miss Blandish caused outrage amongst critics cinema audiences and censors alike on both sides of the Atlantic when it was first released in 1948. Virginal young heiress Miss Blandish (Linda Travers) is kidnapped by a couple of small time hoods only to find herself seized from them by gangster Slim Grissom (Jack LaRue). He isn't just interested in her for the ransom money - and neither are the other members of the Grissom gang. Despite her terrifying ordeal Miss Blandish finds herself perversely attracted to the gang leader. They plan to run off together but amongst gangsters life is cheap -and a double cross is always just around the corner. Based on the best-selling novel by James Hadley Chase No Orchids For Miss Blandish's mixture of sex sadism and gutter morals outraged the world. The book itself was ferociously condemned provoking George Orwell to defend it as 'a brilliant piece of writing'. It was also the most-read book amongst members of Britain's armed forces during the Second World.

• Closer/Scenes Of A Sexual Nature/Cruel Intentions | DVD | (21/01/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Scenes Of A Sexual Nature: Seven couples. Seven Stories. One Common Ground... Sex and love. Some seek it some need it some spurn it and some pay for it but we're all involved in it. Set on one afternoon on Hampstead Heath London the film investigates the minutiae of seven couples. The film is a comedic and erotically charged look at what makes us tick and it seems that what makes us tick is complex dark and ludicrously funny. Cruel Intentions: Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) are two gorgeous filthy rich manipulative step-sibblings from Manhattan's upper east side. Bored of the girls he has so easily seduced in the past Sebastian has set his sights on the ultimate challenge - the beautiful virginal headmasters' daughter Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). Kathryn sees the perfect opportunity for a wager. If Sebastian fails to lure Annette into his bed he will have to surrender his priceless vintage Jaguar; if he succeeds he will win the most tempting prize of all - Kathryn. Sparks fly in this wickedly sexy tale of seduction as Kathryn and Sebastian play a dangerous game of sex and betrayal... Closer: If you believe in love at first sight you'll never stop looking... Writer Patrick Marber adapted the screenplay from his own scathing stageplay in which a chance meeting between Englishman Dan (Jude Law) and American visitor Alice blossoms into a troubled relationship bringing together and then affecting a second couple involving Larry (Clive Owen) and Anna (Julia Roberts). Sex and love are explored capturing all the vulnerability and brutality of people falling in and out of love...

• Poirot - Agatha Christie's Poirot - The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd | DVD | (12/05/2003) from £10.09   |  Saving you £-0.10 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  The Murder of Roger Ackroyd opens with a retired Poirot (David Suchet) cursing vegetable marrows in his country garden. When his old friend is found stabbed in the neck, Poirot begins an investigation that reunites him with Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson) and uncovers a chain of furtive phone calls and secret romances. Unfortunately, the restructuring necessary to adapt the story from text to film takes away some of the shock value of Christie's original ending, which caused quite a controversy when the book was first published in 1926. --Larisa Lomacky Moore

• Judy Garland:Me and My Shadows | DVD | (04/02/2002) from £5.38   |  Saving you £14.61 (73.10%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Dorothy found the rainbow; Judy spent her life looking for it. 'Life With Judy' follows the amazing life story of American icon Judy Garland. Based on New York Times best seller from daughter Lorna Luft 'Life With Judy' is a deeply moving testament to the healing powers of embracing one's past facing one's demons and charting a course of self-love and discovery.

• Ealing Studios Boxset 2 | DVD | (16/10/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £29.99

  A superb box set featuring 4 golden Ealing classics. Includes: 1. The Lavender Hill Mob (Dir. Charles Crichton 1951) 2. Titfield Thunderbolt (Dir. Charles Crichton 1953) 3. Hue & Cry (Dir. Charles Crichton 1947) 4. Dead of Night (Dirs. Alberto Cavalcanti & Charles Crichton 1945)

• Poirot - Agatha Christie's Poirot - Dumb Witness | DVD | (14/07/2003) from £24.93   |  Saving you £-14.94 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Poirot and Hastings are in Windermere watching Charles Arundel's attempt to break the world water speed record. They return to the Arundel's family members. The situation is exasperated when Aunt Emily falls down the stairs. Poirot suspects foul play and his suspicions are confirmed when she is found dead the following day. It becomes clear to Poirot that the only one who knows who murdered Emily is Bob the resident fox terrier. Poirot understands that this dumb witness must find its own way of telling him what he has seen...

• Brimstone And Treacle | DVD | (25/10/1999) from £10.95   |  Saving you £-0.96 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  In Dennis Potter's Brimstone And Treacle Sting delivers one of his finest performances as Martin Taylor a mysterious stranger who arrives on the doorstep of the Bates household and soon worms his way into their lives. Mr and Mrs Bates (Denholm Elliott and Joan Plowright) soon grow to trust Martin but his intentions are less than honourable when it soon becomes clear that he is lusting after their comatose daughter...

• Game Of Death | DVD | (08/07/2013) from £8.08   |  Saving you £1.91 (23.64%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Featuring the Legendary One-On-One Nunchaku Battle between Bruce Lee and Top Jeet Kune Do Instructor Dan Inosanto. Directed by Enter the Dragon's Robert Clouse the full uncut 1978 version features Bruce Lee as Billy Lo a martial arts master on the run from a vicious crime syndicate who will stop at nothing to secure his formidable talents. In addition is an incredible 40 minute edit of the amazing pagoda fight sequence in accordance with Bruce Lee's original script notes from 1972. Much of the footage featured was lost for over two decades. Special Features: Feature-length audio-commentary with Bey Logan Animated Biography Deleted Scenes

• Ice Road Truckers - Season 3 | DVD | (10/05/2010) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  A job to die for! ICE ROAD TRUCKERS brings you to the most treacherous landscape on earth: northern Alaska. In Prudhoe Bay (250 miles north of the Arctic Circle) a network of ice roads in the tundra criss-cross river systems and open ocean to connect America's booming North Slope oil fields to dry land. Every winter truckers have less than three months to shuttle critical supplies over the ice. The only problem is that there's just one way to get to this remote location: 400 miles of ice-covered mountainous terrain known as the Dalton Highway. It's the most dangerous road in North America and has claimed the lives of more than 400 people since it was built just 30 years ago. The next chapter in the hit HISTORY series returns this season with veteran drivers Hugh Rowland and Alex Debogorski new drivers and more heart-stopping adrenaline than ever before. Episodes Comprise: 1. Deadliest Ice Road 2. Rookie Run 3. Canadian Invasion 4. Blinding Whiteout 5. Accident Alley 6. Arctic Ice 7. Wicked Weather 8. Killer Pass 9. Turn and Burn 10. Ocean Run 11. Busted Parts & Breakdowns 12. Race for the Finish 13. Arctic Thaw

• Outnumbered Series Two | DVD | (26/11/2010) from £5.89   |  Saving you £17.09 (589.31%)   |  RRP £19.99

  It s a well-known adage: never work with children or animals. Outnumbered ; Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin s (creators of Drop the Dead Donkey) BAFTA nominated comedy ; puts three young children at the very centre of the story - and allows them to improvise into the bargain. The second series of Outnumbered sees Pete and Sue continue to ride the rollercoaster of daily family life; work ; money ; elderly relatives ; super mums and of course ; the children. Karen has developed a keen sense of mor...

• River Cottage - Summer | DVD | (01/08/2011) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Summer's here and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall returns to River Cottage HQ to explore and celebrate the very best food that the season has to offer. Using delicious local produce Hugh offers up an array of seasonal offerings. From the first crop of peas to some barbecue favourites Hugh cooks up indulgent summer delights from the edible joys of the garden seashore field and stream. In this series River Cottage celebrates the strawberry with a 500-person summer fete Hugh spends an evening fishing for trout goes shrimping on the beach and takes drastic action against the slugs that have been scoffing the young cabbages in the River Cottage kitchen garden!

• Fire Engine Fred 1 | DVD | (12/07/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Includes the episodes 'Fred And The Windy Day' and 'Fred And The Diving Contest'. Plus see a real fire engine in action!

• X-Men | DVD | (01/07/2013) from £4.96   |  Saving you £5.03 (101.41%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Born into a world filled with prejudice are children who possess extraordinary powers - the result of unique genetic mutations. Under the tutelage of Professor X (Patrick Stewart) the outcasts learn to harness their powers and must now protect mankind from the evil Magneto (Ian McKellen). This first chapter of the X-Men saga features an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman Halle Berry Anna Paquin and Rebecca Romijn. Including all new DVD artwork bonus features include Deleted Scenes Charlie Rose/Bryan Singer Interview Clips TV Spots Trailers 2 Featurettes Hugh Jackman Screen Test Storyboard Animatics and Still Galleries.

• Twelve O'Clock High | DVD | (03/05/2004) from £6.87   |  Saving you £6.12 (89.08%)   |  RRP £12.99

  The war-time memories of surviving World War II bomber squadrons were still crystal clear when this acclaimed drama was released in 1949--one of the first post-war films out of Hollywood to treat the war on emotionally complex terms. Framed by a post-war prologue and epilogue and told as a flashback appreciation of war-time valour and teamwork, the film stars Gregory Peck in one of his finest performances as a callous general who assumes command of a bomber squadron based in England. At first, the new commander has little rapport with the 918th Bomber Group, whose loyalties still belong with their previous commander. As they continue to fly dangerous mission over Germany, however, the group and their new leader develop mutual respect and admiration, until the once-alienated commander feels that his men are part of a family--men whose bravery transcends the rigours of rigid discipline and by-the-book leadership. The film's now-classic climax, in which the general waits patiently for his squad to return to base--painfully aware that they may not return at all--is one of the most subtle yet emotionally intense scenes of any World War II drama. With Peck in the lead and Dean Jagger doing Oscar-winning work in a crucial supporting role, this was one of veteran director Henry King's proudest achievements, and it still packs a strong dramatic punch. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com

• Wanted: Dead Or Alive | DVD | (28/08/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Wanted: Dead Or Alive

• Luther | DVD | (21/02/2005) from £11.30   |  Saving you £8.69 (43.50%)   |  RRP £19.99

  An adaptation of John Osborne's play based on the Augustinian Monk Martin Luther and his pivotal role in the political social economic and religious revolt against the medieval Catholic Church.

• Breaking Glass | DVD | (22/10/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  An old, old story as told circa 1980, Breaking Glass, written and directed by Brian Gibson, follows the path of Stardust not to mention A Star is Born and most other films about showbusiness, by following the rise of a talented young hopeful who learns that success comes with strings. Kate Crowley (Hazel O'Connor) begins as a bleached New Wave ranter, fly-posting on the tube and yelling songs about dehumanisation over fascist chants in rowdy pubs, but ends up a stoned glam zombie dressed as a robot, packaging her anger for the benefit of corporate music biz baddies and retreating to a sanatorium. The plot may be familiar, but the film still works, thanks to persuasive central performances from O'Connor, who wrote her own songs and shows real acting muscle that sadly didn't lead to anything like a film career, and Phil Daniels as her hustling manager/boyfriend/conscience. The fine supporting cast includes Jon Finch and Jonathan Pryce as a Bond villain-style record producer and a deaf junkie sax player, with glimpses of later perennials such as Jim Broadbent and Richard Griffiths. Made and set at the start of the 1980s, it catches its times exactly: a "Rock Against 1984" outdoor gig that turns into a riot, a routine police harrassment of a band rehearsal, a power cut that transforms a concert into a before-its-time "unplugged" session. Credits trivia: the executive producer was Dodi al Fayed. On the DVD: A nice letterboxed transfer looks a bit soft and grainy--but that's the way it's supposed to be. The only extras are cribbed-from-the-IMDB filmographies, a trailer with a wonderfully unconvincing narration and an image gallery (posters, ads and stills). --Kim Newman

• X-Men 3 - The Last Stand | DVD | (01/07/2013) from £2.29   |  Saving you £7.70 (77.10%)   |  RRP £9.99

  After a controversial cure is discovered mutants can choose to give up their unique gifts and become normal. But when peaceful mutant leader Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) clashes with his militant counterpart Magneto (Ian McKellen) their opposing viewpoints trigger the war to end all wars! Hugh Jackman Halle Berry Ellen Page and Anna Paquin co-star in the third chapter of the legendary X-Men saga. Including all new DVD artwork bonus features include Audio Commentary by Brett Ratner Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg Audio Commentary by Avi Arad Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter 22 Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary 3 Alternate Endings with Optional Commentary Easter Eggs plus a Sneak Preview of 'The Simpsons Movie'.

• Les Miserables From Book to Stage & Screen - Featuring: Cameron Mackintosh; Hugh Jackman; Tom Hooper; Amanda Seyfried; Anne Hathaway; Frances Ruffelle | DVD | (04/03/2013) from £6.59   |  Saving you £6.40 (97.12%)   |  RRP £12.99

  From Victor Hugo's classic French novel of the nineteenth century to Tom Hooper's award winning blockbuster this year, Les Misrables has undergone one of the most successful transitions from book to stage to screen. When Cameron Mackintosh decided to make a musical of a French man’s search for redemption against the backdrop of the French Revolution, theatre critics slated its first London performance in 1985. But nearly thirty years later over 60 million people have seen the stage play and many more will watch the movie. In this new documentary, the scintillating journey of Hugo's universal story is traced from book to stage to screen with contributions from many who have starred in or helped to create this entertainment phenomenon. Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Alfie Boe, Hugh Jackman, Tom Hooper, Frances Ruffelle, Amanda Seyfried and Anne Hathaway recount the amazing story of why Les Misrables has captured a place in everyone's hearts through all it’s mediums. Also included is an intimate interview with a young Cameron Mackintosh in which he describes his passion for the theatre, his abject failures and his eventual triumph over adversity with Les Misrables.