"Actor: Marshall Bradford"

• The Day The Earth Stood Still | DVD | (03/03/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  The very epitome of a cult SF classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still is more often referenced than seen, which is a pity since it remains even now one of the most thought-provoking examples of the genre. The title is a misnomer, a mere tease to entice 1950s audiences into the cinema in the expectation of seeing another sensationalist B-movie about murderous aliens (i.e. Communists). In fact, Robert Wise's film of Edmund North's screenplay is a thoughtful Cold War allegory about a Christ-like visitor (Michael Rennie) who comes to Earth preaching a message of salvation for mankind, only to be spurned, killed then finally resurrected (significantly, Rennie's character Klaatu adopts the pseudonym "Mr Carpenter" while on the run from the authorities). Aside from its philosophical message, the film also boasts memorable imagery--notably the giant robot Gort--a much-quoted catchphrase in "Klaatu barada nikto", and one of composer Bernard Herrmann's most admired scores, featuring the theremin and other electronic instruments that must have sounded very otherworldly back in 1951. The result is a bona fide landmark in cinema SF with a central message about "weapons of mass destruction" that's still uncannily relevant today. On the DVD: The Day the Earth Stood Still has been splendidly restored for its DVD incarnation from the original 35 mm print, and the results are demonstrated in the "Restoration Comparison" feature. Also included is a fascinating 1951 newsreel showing Klaatu receiving a certificate of merit amid stories of Communist threats, the Korean war and beauty pageants ("Pomp and pulchritude on parade in Atlantic City"). Best of all is an absorbing commentary track with director Robert Wise in conversation with Nicholas Meyer (both men have Star Trek movies on their CV). --Mark Walker

• The Chamber | DVD | (06/06/2005) from £7.14   |  Saving you £-1.15 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  With just 28 days until before his impending execution young attorney Adam Hall sets out to trace the events of a grisly event in an effort to prevent his grandfather from going to the gas chamber for a racist murder... Chris O'Donnell and Gene Hackman star in this electrifying thriller based on the novel by John Grisham with a screenplay from Oscar winner William Goldman.

• The Chase | DVD | (06/12/2004) from £11.97   |  Saving you £1.02 (8.52%)   |  RRP £12.99

  A breathless explosive story! When a convict (Robert Redford) escapes from the state penitentiary heads for home and becomes involved in a murder the peace of a small Texas town is shattered. Most of the citizens led by a banker/oil tycoon (E.G. Marshall) see him as a criminal to be hounded and brought to justice. Only the town sheriff (Brando) believes him to be innocent and prepares to stand by him; but when the mob decide to take the law into their own hands even he is power

• Film Noir Thrillers | DVD | (03/02/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99