Based freely on the classic novels by CS Forester, Hornblower is a series of TV films following the progress of a young officer through the ranks of the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars. The series' greatest asset is the handsome and charismatic Ioan Gruffudd in the lead role, surely a major star in the making. For television films the production values are very good, though as Titanic, Waterworld and The Perfect Storm demonstrated, filming an aquatic adventure is a very expensive business, and it is clear that the Hornblower dramas simply make the best of comparatively small budgets. No more faithful to Forester's books than the 1951 Gregory Peck classic Captain Horatio Hornblower, the real inspiration seems to have come from the success of Sharpe, starring Sean Bean, which likewise featured a British hero in the Napoleonic Wars. Nevertheless, while rather more easygoing than the real British navy of the time, the Hornblower saga delivers an entertaining adventure, greatly enhanced by the presence of such guest stars as Denis Lawson, Cheri Lunghi, Ronald Pickup and Anthony Sher. --Gary S Dalkin
Set in the era when China was just beginning to establish relations with Europe, Once upon a Time in China 3 is a mixture of politics, intrigue, broad comedy, and kung fu action. Charismatic Jet Li stars once again as Wong Fei-hung, a legendary Chinese hero who is a doctor, a pacifist, and an amazingly skilled martial artist. Like many Hong Kong films, this movie has a woefully complicated plot: in summary, a kung fu competition not only sparks a bitter rivalry between different martial-arts associations, it also becomes the linchpin in an assassination plot. But this leaves out Wong Fei-hung's increasingly romantic relationship with his aunt (played by Rosamund Kwan), the rehabilitation of one of the villain's henchmen, and the introduction of a steam engine to a Chinese factory, among other subplots. Once upon a Time in China 3 is not the strongest in the series--the subtitling is unusually clumsy, the editing is rough, the plot is confusing, and the melodrama is more crudely played than in the other films--but there's still a clear, raw authority to the storytelling that is a hallmark of director-producer Hark Tsui (Peking Opera Blues, Green Snake). Though it seems to have been made in a rush, Once upon a Time in China 3 will still reward devotees of Hong Kong films, and the frequent and wild fight scenes will appeal to action fans. --Bret Fetzer --This text refers to the DVD edition of this video.
51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror.
There have been many film and TV adaptations of Oliver Twist but this 1948 production from director David Lean remains the definitive screen interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic. From the ominous symbolism of its opening storm sequence (in which Oliver's pregnant, ill-fated mother struggles to reach shelter before childbirth) to the mob-scene climax that provokes Bill Sikes's dreadful comeuppance, this breathtaking black-and-white film remains loyal to Dickens while distilling the story into its purest cinematic essence.Every detail is perfect--Lean even includes a coffin-shaped snuffbox for the cruel Mr. Sowerberry--and as young Oliver, eight-year-old John Howard Davies (who would later produce Monty Python's Flying Circus for the BBC) perfectly expresses the orphan's boyish wonderment, stern determination and waifish vulnerability. Best of all is Alec Guinness as Fagin, so devious and yet so delightfully appealing under his beak-nosed (and, at the time, highly controversial) make-up. (Many complained that Fagin's huge nose and greedy demeanour presented an anti-Semitic stereotype, even though Lean never identifies Fagin as Jewish; for this reason, the film wasn't shown in the US until three years after its British release.) Likewise, young Anthony Newley is artfully dodgy as Fagin's loyal accomplice, the Artful Dodger. Guinness's performance would later provide strong inspiration for Ron Moody's equally splendid portrayal of Fagin in the Oscar-winning Oliver! and while that 1968 musical remains wonderfully entertaining, it is Lean's film that hews closest to Dickens' vision. The authentic recreation of 19th-century London is marvellous to behold; Guy Green's cinematography is so shadowy and stylised that it almost qualifies as Dickensian film noir. Lean is surprisingly blunt in conveying Dickens's theme of cruelty but his film never loses sight of the warmth and humanity that Oliver embodies. --Jeff Shannon
Join television's popular angler and experience the fever-pitch anticipation and excitement of catching predatory species on a variety of artificial lures. These include spoons diving and surface-popping plugs spinners deer hair bugs and flies from lakes The broads and weedy summer rivers.This is both an entertaining and instructional DVD with super-clear underwater footage of how a large selection of varying artificial differ in their actions. John catches pike and chub from
Substitute teacher Mr Walmsley (John S. Davies) has just started his first day at a new school and it's been a baptism of fire. His class of unruly rude arrogant and spoilt students have turned the school into a place of fear and intimidation. But Mr Walmsley has a few unusual teaching techniques and his pupils are about to learn the hard way that not listening to teacher has very serious consequences.
One of the most successful martial arts movies of all time, if not the best, Enter the Dragon (filmed in 1973) was Bruce Lee's last completed film and the first significant meeting of Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema. But it wasn't an entirely harmonious marriage, with on-set communication breakdowns and rows resulting in some poor scripting, editing and overdubbing. Lee plays a Shaolin fighter recruited by British intelligence to spy on renegade Shaolin master and crime overlord Han (Shih Kien) by entering the martial arts tournament held on Han's fortress island. If the plot sounds a touch contrived, it is. Han's fluffy white cat, clawed hand and ruthless megalomania suggest nothing so much as a classic Bond villain, and the plot has holes you could pilot a large Junk through (Lee's discovery that his sister committed suicide rather than submit herself to Han's men is particularly weak). Nonetheless, Lee is utterly compelling. At the height of his skills, he choreographed, directed and performed fight scenes which are among the most gripping ever filmed, including the classic underground scene which, in this uncut version, contains Lee's incredible (and previously deleted) nun-chuck display. John Saxon and karate champion Jim Kelly ably support him as fellow contestants, with the massive Yang Sze playing Bolo, Han's lieutenant. Despite being cheesy and overblown, Enter the Dragon is a highly entertaining and accessible Kung Fu film and a showcase for Bruce Lee's considerable skills. --Duncan Thomson
Titles Comprise: Cars: From the acclaimed creators of Toy Story The Incredibles and Finding Nemo comes a high-octane adventure comedy that shows life is about the journey not the finish line. Hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen is living life in the fast lane until he hits a detour on his way to the most important race of his life. Stranded in Radiator Springs a forgotten town on the old Route 66 he meets Sally Mater Doc Hudson and a variety of quirky characters who help him discover that there's more to life than trophies and fame. Revved up with a sensational soundtrack and exciting bonus features including the exclusive short movie Mater And The Ghostlight Cars is full of freewheeling fun for everyone. Cars toon: Mater's Tall Tales: Rev up your engines for this unforgettable collection of Cars Toons starring Mater the loveable and hilarious tow-truck from the hit movie Cars. From the creative minds of Disney-Pixar come nine highly entertaining Tall Tales involving bullfights drag races rock concerts monster truck showdowns and even UFOs - plus check out the new never-before-seen Cars Toons Mater Private Eye and Moon Mater. Join Mater the heart and soul of Radiator Springs and all your favourite characters from the world of Cars as they take you on a fun-filled ride that will have your family roaring with laughter!
1989 live performance of Tommy filmed at the Universal Amphitheatre in LA during the band's 25th Anniversary Tour. Tracklist: 1. Overture 2. It's A Boy 3. 1921 4. Amazing Journey 5. Sparks 6. Eyesight To The Blind 7. Christmas 8. Cousin Kevin 9. The Acid Queen 10. Pinball Wizard 11. Do You Think It's Alright? 12. Fiddle About 13. There's A Doctor 14. Go To The Mirror! 15. Smash The Mirror 16. Tommy Can You Hear Me? 17. I'm Free 18. Extra Extra/ Miracle Cure 19. Sally Simpson
When Riya falls in love with Aryan her father Dr Malhotra disapproves. This causes Riya to clash with her protective father. Soon however it is clear that Aryan's love for Riya borders on the obsessive...
The Adventures Of Hal 5: Hal 5 is a very old Austin with great character owned by the Hayward family. A wicked garage owner plots to steal the car to sell for a great deal of money but the Hayward children are out to stop him... Egghead's Robot: 'Eggheaed' Wentworth adapts his father's robot to perform the chores but forgets to programme him to stay out of trouble...
From the producers of '300', Immortals is a visually stunning and bloody retelling of the epic Greek legend of Theseus in awesome 3D. The ruthless King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) leads his bloodthirsty army on a murderous rampage across Greece to find a deadly weapon that can kill the Gods themselves. Only Theseus (Henry Cavill), a mortal chosen by Zeus, King of the Gods, can lead the fight against Hyperion and his evil army with the fate of mankind and the Gods at stake. Special Features: It's No Myth Carravaggio Meets Fight Club (Tarsem's Vision, A Matter of Persepctive, Immortal Warriors, Settling a Score) Alternative Opening Scene - Young Theseus Alternative Endings - This Is Our Last Embrace and Theseus Kills Hyperion Excerpt from Immortals: Gods & Heroes Comic Book (50-60 Still Images) Deleted Scenes Theatrical Trailer
When Her Majesty the Queen Mother died peacefully in her sleep aged 101 the nation lost one of its best-loved royals. Through out her extraordinary life spanning the whole of the 20th century the Queen Mother had a remarkable ability to reach ordinary people. Her life was one of duty serving the nation. Although her great age and ill health had left her frail in the latter years she tirelessly continued her public duties determined not to disappoint her people. Lady Elizabeth Bow
Craig Sterling (Damon) Sharron Macready (Bastedo) and Richard Barrett (Gaunt) are agents for an international intelligence organisation called NEMESIS. After a plane crash and being rescued by an unknown civilisation the trio make their way back Geneva to continue their work only to discover they have mysteriously developed super-human abilities like telepathy amazing memories and abnormal strengths. Instead of telling anyone about these developments they keep their secret quiet but use their new powers to help complete a range of dangerous assignments... The Dark Island: When three agents fail to return from a tropical island the Champions are sent to investigate. The Fanatics: When Richard Barrett infiltrates a gang of fanatical assassins he learns that Tremayne is to be their next victim. Will he be able to stop the killers in time? Twelve Hours: Richard and Sharron accompany a visiting President and his wife on a submarine journey but an assassination attempt means that they will require all of their powers to save him... The Search: After stealing an atomic submarine loaded with four nuclear weapons a neo Nazi regime holds London hostage...
Classic adaptations of P.G. Wodehouse's short stories. Each story is introduced by the author in one of his last recordings. The stories are based around three general themes: The Mulliners relating to the rather bizarre extended family of Mr. Mulliner; The Oldest Member stories which take place in and around the golf club; and The Drones Club an all male society whose members include Freddy Fitch-Fitch and Adolhus Stiffham.
After Wyatt Earp's (Henry Fonda) brother James is murdered by cattle rustlers the frontier legend becomes Tombstone's marshal and sets out to avenge the younger man's death. Torn between his badge and his fury Earp confronts the likely killers the notorious lawless family of Old Man Clanton (Walter Brennan) setting the for the famed shootout at the O.K. Corral. Along the way Earp falls in love with a schoolteacher named Clementine (Cathy Downs) which also pits him against the can
Nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award 1995, this boldly inventive and expertly orchestrated crime saga is now available as a two disc DVD set that includes such extras as deleted scenes, interviews and a documentary.
Stay Single And Live Forever.... Series Two of Sam adapted from the book by John Finch. Mark McManus stars as Sam in this fondly remembered TV series.... Episodes comprise: Stay Single And Live Forever / Credit / Sins Of The Father / The World As It Is
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