"Actor: Maria Schell"

• Superman | DVD | (17/04/2019) from £7.19   |  Saving you £6.80 (94.58%)   |  RRP £13.99

  Modern blockbuster cinema came of age with the release of three huge science fiction/fantasy extravaganzas in the late 1970s. In 1978 Superman was the last of these, a gigantic hit unfairly overshadowed by Star Wars (1977) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Christopher Reeve is completely convincing as both Superman and mild-mannered alter ego Clarke Kent, sparking real chemistry with Margot Kidder's fellow reporter Lois Lane. Very much a film of two halves, the opening tells the origin of Superman from the apocalyptic fate of Krypton to his nostalgically rendered boyhood in the mid-West. After a wonderful sequence introducing the Fortress of Solitude the film changes gear as the adult Clarke Kent arrives in Metropolis and Superman battles arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). Though the tone becomes lighter and introduces comedy, Superman succeeds because Donner plays the titular character straight. From Marlon Brando's heavyweight cameo to the surprisingly wrenching finale, Superman unfolds as an epic modern myth, a spiritual fable for a secular age and a fantastic entertainment for the young at heart. With breathtaking production design, still special effects, gorgeous cinematography, thrilling set-pieces, wit, romance and John Williams' extraordinarily rich music score, Superman has the power to make you believe a man can fly.On the DVD: Superman is presented in an extended director's cut which adds eight minutes to the theatrical original. The restored material is so artfully integrated many viewers may not even notice, but it would have been nice to at least have the opportunity to watch the original via seamless branching. The sound has been remixed into extraordinarily powerful Dolby Digital 5.1--the superb main title sequence is worth the price alone--and the anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 image is, except for some unavoidably grainy effects shots, pristine. The commentary by Richard Donner and writer Tom Mankiewicz reveals more about the background than all but the most dedicated fan will ever need to know, while film music aficionados will revel in the opportunity to listen to John Williams' score isolated in Dolby Digital 5.1. On the second side of the disc are a eight alternate John Williams music cues, a selection of deleted scenes and the screen tests of a variety of would-be Lois Lanes, introduced and with optional commentary by casting director Lynn Stalmaster. These are fascinating, and show how right for the part Margot Kidder really was. A DVD-ROM only feature presents the storyboards plus various Web features, while the real highlight is a 90-minute documentary divided into three sections covering pre-production, filming and special effects. The picture quality on all the extras is very good indeed. An enthralling package, DVD doesn't get much better than this. --Gary S Dalkin

• The Martian Chronicles | Blu Ray | (25/03/2024) from £24.97   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  From the mind of science-fiction giant Ray Bradbury spring what is perhaps his most epic vision. Capturing mankind's first venture into the colonization of another planet- and its tragic first contact with another species - The Martian Chronicles is a stunning achievement that will take you from the edge of your seat...to the stars. Earth is on the verge of extinction. To survive, mankind must find another place to live. And when three expeditions to Mars, headed by Col. John Wilder (Oscar® nominee* Rock Hudson), find suitable conditions for relocation, humans pour in by the shipload, bringing the old evils of Earth with them! As Wilder begins to heed the lessons of the dying Martian civilization, can he save humanity from repeating its doom?

• The Heart Of The Matter | DVD | (25/09/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Adapted from Graham Greene's novel Trevor Howard stars as Harry Scobie an assistant police commisioner working in Sierra Leone during WWII. Harry finds himself drawn to Helen a survivor of a U-boat attack and whilst the cat is away he decides that he can no longer stay married. However as his Catholic union threatens the outcome of both relationships Harry soon convinces himself that desperate measures need to be taken....

• The Odessa File | DVD | (08/03/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Originally released in 1974, The Odessa File is set in Hamburg a decade earlier. Its starting-point is the Nazi support network Odessa, and its involvement with Egyptian plans to destroy Israel. Peter Miller is a freelance journalist whose interest appears initially to be a professional one, before a personal dimension finally becomes apparent in his confrontation with SS Captain Roschmann. Kenneth Ross adapts a well-honed screenplay from Frederick Forsyth's bestseller, and director Ronald Neame captures a typically Cold War sense of individuals and organisations playing out a scenario of political right and wrong. John Voight, long before he became a cameo star, makes a sympathetic lead, able to judge between the moral and material aspects of his profession. Mary Tamm is photogenic, if uninvolving, as his girlfriend, while Maximillian Schell is a convincing Nazi stereotype. Andrew Lloyd-Weber contributes a serviceable score, centred on the catchy "Christmas Dream" sung by Perry Como. Not a classic suspense thriller, but an enjoyable and thoughtful one. On the DVD: the letterbox widescreen format preserves the 2.35:1 aspect ratio of the cinema release with decent if not exceptional clarity, with optional 16:9 TV enhancement. There are French, German, Italian and Spanish overdubs, and subtitles in 21 languages. Detailed filmographies for Neame, Voight and Schell are included and the theatrical trailer is to the point in a way they so rarely are these days. --Richard Whitehouse

• The Magic Box | DVD | (04/06/2007) from £7.94   |  Saving you £5.05 (63.60%)   |  RRP £12.99

  The story of one of the men responsible for the invention of motion pictures. It depicts his life and the effect of his concentrated passion for photography on it.

• The Odessa File (Standard Edition) | Blu Ray | (22/03/2021) from £9.85   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Hamburg 1963. German journalist Jon Voight (Midnight Cowboy, Deliverance, Coming Home) finds himself in possession of a diary detailing the unspeakable crimes of cruelty, torture and mass murder perpetrated by an SS captain, now veiled as a top industrialist. Neame's compelling mix of conspiracy thriller and action-adventure, adapted from Frederick Forsyth's bestseller, is a fine addition to the post-war spy thriller genre, and features an outstanding performance from Voight and glorious location photographed by the great Oswald Morris (Lolita, The Pumpkin Eater). Extras 2K restoration Original mono audio The BFI Interview with Ronald Neame (2003, 67 mins): archival audio recording of the award-winning filmmaker in conversation with Matthew Sweet at London's National Film Theatre The BFI Interview with Oswald Morris (2006, 62 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated cinematographer in conversation with Anwar Brett at the National Film Theatre Safe But Real (2018, 3 mins): new and exclusive interview with stuntman Vic Armstrong Foreign Friends (2018, 7 mins): new and exclusive interview with continuity supervisor Elaine Schreyeck Super 8 version (17 mins): original cut-down home cinema presentation Original theatrical trailer Image gallery: promotional photography and publicity material New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

• The Bloody Judge | Blu Ray | (19/06/2023) from £14.09   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  If you thought the Witchfinder General was a wrong 'un, wait until you meet The Bloody Judge!Charged by the king to sniff out witchcraft and treason, Judge Jeffries the legendary Christopher Lee is a man who enjoys his work, especially the opportunities it affords for torture and sexual violence. But his brand of legal sadism creates enemies: His Honour cannot escape justice forever... Filled with the sort of depravity you might reasonably expect from director Jesus Franco, the law-abiding lads at 88 Films are proud to present English language blu-ray premier of this classic of seventies Euro horror, beautifully restored and completely uncut. Extras High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray™ presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio Lossless 2.0 English Mono Optional English Subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Audio Commentary with Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw Deleted and Alternative Scenes Theatrical Trailer More TBC

• 99 Women | DVD | (28/01/2013) from £6.73   |  Saving you £3.26 (48.44%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Sleaze epic in which three women are sent to a kind of 'Devil's Island' prison where aside from the sinister Governor Santos (Herbert Lom) the inhabitants are all either sex-crazed female prisoners or sex-crazed female guards (who also happen to be sadists...) Features copious amounts of lesbian torture and sex numerous displays of hot and sweaty semi-naked women - all wearing stockings and very little else.

• Gervaise | DVD | (07/01/2013) from £8.98   |  Saving you £10.00 (166.95%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Gervaise is a 1956 French film directed by Rene Clement and based on the novel L'Assommoir by Emile Zola. Gervaise Macquart, (Maria Schell, Le Notti Bianche) a young crippled laundress, is left alone with two young children when her lover, Auguste Lantier decides to leave. Despite many struggles she works hard to turn her life around and marries Henri Coupeau, a roofer and fulfils her dream of buying her own laundry, however things takes a turn for the worse as her old lover returns and her husband starts drinking heavily.

• The Angel With the Trumpet | DVD | (05/10/2015) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  A British adaptation of one of post-war Austria's most significant films, The Angel With the Trumpet is the powerful, panoramic story of a family's tribulations from the last decades of the nineteenth century through to the dark days of Nazi rule. Featuring the great dramatic actress Eileen Herlie in her first starring role, this film also stars Basil Sydney, Norman Wooland and Anthony Bushell, who also directed. It is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.When Francis Alt, the head of the famous family of Viennese piano makers, decides to marry socialite Henrietta Stein, his family object due to her Jewish heritage and known dalliance with the Crown Prince Rudolph. When the marriage goes ahead despite their objections the Prince commits suicide, leaving Henrietta a note...SPECIAL FEATURES:Image GalleryPromotional Material PDFs

• So Little Time | DVD | (09/11/2015) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Marius Goring and Maria Schell give intense performances in this poignant romantic drama set in Nazi-occupied Belgium. Based on Noelle Henry's novel Je ne suis pas une heroine, So Little Time's love story between a young Belgian woman and a German officer proved highly controversial on its release in 1952, ensuring that it has never been released on home video until now. It is featured here in a brand-new digital transfer, with its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. When war clouds burst over Europe for the second time in a generation, the Belgians again suffer the humiliation of occupation; Madam de Malvines and her daughter Nicole find their chateau outside Brussels partially requisitioned by Colonel von Hohensee, the local German commander. Despite their initial hostility, however, Nicole and Hohensee find they have something in common: a love of music. Nicole eventually begins to see Hohensee as an artist first and a soldier second and comes to realise that she is hopelessly in love with him and that he, too, deeply loves her... SPECIAL FEATURES: Original theatrical trailer Image gallery Promotional material PDF

• Graham Green Collection | DVD | (25/09/2006) from £24.28   |  Saving you £5.71 (23.52%)   |  RRP £29.99

  The Third Man (Dir. Carol Reed 1949): This classic noir mystery from the team of Carol Reed and Graham Greene is regarded to be the best filmwork of both of these extreme talents. 'The Third Man' features Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins a pulp novelist who has come to post-WWII Vienna with the promise of work from his friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). When he finds that Lime has just been killed in a questionable car accident he decides to remain in the city to investigate his friend's mysterious death. 'The Third Man' is a masterpiece of melancholia featuring extraordinary writing acting and directing as well as a classic zither score by Anton Karas. Brighton Rock (Dir. John Boulting 1947): The elegant and respectable facade of Brighton hides a sinister underworld ruled by intimidation and terror. Richard Attenborough stars as Pinkie a ruthless and sadistic young criminal whose trail of killings and double crossings lead to his eventual downfall when savage justice is finally meted out in a thrilling and memorable climax... Fallen Idol (Dir. Carol Reed 1948): A lonely young boy is caught up in a sinister and intriguing murder-mystery in this classic British film based on a short story by Graham Greene and directed with great style by Carol Reed both of who received Academy Award nominations. It was the first film on which Greene and Reed collaborated and remains both a moving portrayal of lost innocence and a genuine classic of British cinema. Heart Of The Matter (Dir. George More O'Ferrall 1953): Adapted from Graham Greene's novel Trevor Howard stars as Harry Scobie an assistant police commisioner working in Sierra Leone during WWII. Harry finds himself drawn to Helen a survivor of a U-boat attack and whilst the cat is away he decides that he can no longer stay married. However his catholic union threatens the outcome of both relationships. Harry soon convinces himself that desperate measures need to be taken...

• Just A Gigolo (Standard Edition) | DVD | (08/11/2021) from £6.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Superman / Superman 2 | DVD | (24/09/2001) from £8.89   |  Saving you £22.10 (248.59%)   |  RRP £30.99

  Modern blockbuster cinema came of age with the release of three huge science fiction/fantasy extravaganzas in the late 1970s. In 1978 Superman was the last of these, a gigantic hit unfairly overshadowed by Star Wars (1977) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Christopher Reeve is completely convincing as both Superman and mild-mannered alter ego Clarke Kent, sparking real chemistry with Margot Kidder's fellow reporter Lois Lane. Though the tone becomes lighter and introduces comedy as Superman battles arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) the film succeeds because Donner plays the titular character straight. From Marlon Brando's heavyweight cameo to the surprisingly wrenching finale, Superman unfolds as an epic modern myth, a spiritual fable for a secular age and a fantastic entertainment for the young at heart. With breathtaking production design, special effects, gorgeous cinematography, thrilling set-pieces, wit, romance and John Williams' extraordinarily rich music score, Superman has the power to make you believe a man can fly.Although Superman II is credited to director Richard Lester the film is largely the work of Richard Donner, who shot 70 per cent of the footage back-to-back with Superman at a staggering combined cost of $55 million. Indeed, while each film works perfectly well alone, together they form four-and-a-half hours of the finest fantasy in cinema history. Superman II sees the release of the three super-villains exiled at the beginning of Superman, then without the need to tell Superman's origins offers a full two hours of rip-roaring comic-book action. The villains, led by a marvellously menacing Terrance Stamp, prove stronger adversaries than Lex Luthor, while Clarke's romance with Lois Lane is developed through polished comedy and a serious subplot in which Superman must chose between love and duty. From an atom bomb on the Eiffel Tower to an epic battle amid the skyscrapers of Metropolis (New York) the action and special effects are superb, the characters portrayed with verve and the story delivered with just the right amount of seriousness. A rousing entertainment very nearly as fine as its predecessor, the wirework battles paved the way for Hong Kong's seminal Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain (1983) and ultimately The Matrix (1999).On the DVD: Superman is presented in an extended director's cut which adds eight minutes to the theatrical original. The restored material is so artfully integrated many viewers may not even notice, but it would have been nice to at least have the opportunity to watch the original via seamless branching. The sound has been remixed into extraordinarily powerful Dolby Digital 5.1--the superb main title sequence is worth the price alone--and the anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 image is, except for some unavoidably grainy effects shots, pristine. The commentary by Richard Donner and writer Tom Mankiewicz reveals more about the background than all but the most dedicated fan will ever need to know, while film music aficionados will revel in the opportunity to listen to John Williams' score isolated in Dolby Digital 5.1. On the second side of the disc are a eight alternate John Williams music cues, a selection of deleted scenes and the screen tests of a variety of would-be Lois Lanes, introduced and with optional commentary by casting director Lynn Stalmaster. These are fascinating, and show how right for the part Margot Kidder really was. A DVD-ROM only feature presents the storyboards plus various Web features, while the real highlight is a 90-minute documentary divided into three sections covering pre-production, filming and special effects. The picture quality on all the extras is very good indeed. An enthralling package, DVD doesn't get much better than this. In contrast to the fantastic Superman DVD the Superman II disc is a bare-bones release with the original trailer being the only extra. The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 image is absolutely first-rate, but if Superman can be presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound with an isolated score there is absolutely no excuse for the sequel being offered in lacklustre stereo. --Gary S Dalkin

• The Mark | DVD | (10/09/2012) from £21.02   |  Saving you £-8.03 (-61.80%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Three years ago, Jim Fuller (Stuart Whitman) attempted to assault a young girl. Now he’s out on the streets again, thanks to the recommendation of his psychiatrist Dr McNally (Oscar winner Rod Steiger). Fuller moves to a new town, gets a new job and tries to rebuild his life. But then the flashbacks start – and the nightmares. As he struggles with his past, he falls in love with a work colleague, Ruth (Maria Schell) – not knowing she has a 10-year-old daughter of her own… and when a young girl is murdered in the town, suspicion once again falls upon Fuller and his life starts to fall apart…

• The Angel With The Trumpet | Blu Ray | (12/08/2019) from £16.35   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  A British adaptation of one of post-war Austria's most significant films, The Angel With the Trumpet is the powerful, panoramic story of a family's tribulations from the last decades of the nineteenth century through to the dark days of Nazi rule. Featuring the great dramatic actress Eileen Herlie in her first starring role, this film also stars Basil Sydney, Norman Wooland and Anthony Bushell, who also directed. It is presented here as a new High Definition remaster from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. When Francis Alt, the head of the famous family of Viennese piano makers, decides to marry socialite Henrietta Stein, his family object due to her Jewish heritage and known dalliance with the Crown Prince Rudolph. When the marriage goes ahead despite their objections the Prince commits suicide, leaving Henrietta a note... Special Features: Image gallery Promotional Material PDFs

• Midnight Express/The China Syndrome/The Odessa File | DVD | (06/09/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Midnight Express: Brad Davis and John Hurt star in this riveting true story of a young American's nightmarish experiences in a Turkish prison and his unforgettable journey to freedom. Busted for attempting to smuggle hashish out of Istanbul, American College student Billy Hayes (Davis) is thrown into the city's most brutal jail. After suffering through four years of sadistic torture and inhuman conditions, Billy is about to be released when his parole is denied. Only his inner courage ...

• 99 Women | DVD | (11/06/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  For his epic shocker of caged women gone wild legendary director Jess Franco brought together a once-in-a-lifetime cast of International beauties including Maria Schell Luciana Paluzzi Rosalba Neri and Maria Rohm. Oscar winner Mercedes McCambridge and Herbert Lom co-star as the sadistic wardens of an island prison where abused yet luscious young lovelies surrender to their own depraved desires. Behind bars... without men... experience the unchained passion of 99 WOMEN!

• The Bloody Judge | DVD | (31/01/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Starring horror icon Christopher Lee 'The Bloody Judge' (Franco's version of the classic 'Witchfinder General') was a much darker look at the infamous witch-hunter Judge George Jeffreys whose real life excesses allowed Franco to portray copious amounts of nudity and sadistic torture. This letterboxed version was passed uncut by the UK state censors the BBFC.

• 99 Women | DVD | (26/08/2014) from £7.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  This is classic Jess Franco in a genre that he almost created single-handedly - Women in Prison or WiP! Here three women amongst them the beautiful Maria Schell (The Odessa File) and Luciana Paluzzi (James Bond - Thunderball) are sent to a kind of Devil's Island prison. Here aside from the sinister Herbert Lom (Mark of the Devil The Pink Panther series) the inhabitants are either sex-crazed female prisoners or sex-crazed female guards who also happen to be sadists! 99 Women features copious amounts of lesbian rape torture and sex along with numerous displays of semi-naked women making this a true sleaze epic!