"Actor: Michael Aherne"

• The Commitments | Blu Ray | (02/09/2024) from £9.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• The Commitments | DVD | (28/07/2003) from £6.95   |  Saving you £6.04 (86.91%)   |  RRP £12.99

  An irresistible, comic drama from director Alan Parker (Evita, Mississippi Burning), overflowing and alive with passion, humor and music, The Commitments showcases some old R&B standards in a new light. A headstrong, fast-talking, ambitious young Dubliner (Robert Arkins) fancies himself a promoter of talent, and sets about assembling and packaging a local Irish R&B band. His group of self-absorbed, backbiting, but stunningly talented individuals begin to succeed beyond his wildest dreams, until petty jealousies and recrimination threaten to scuttle the whole deal. A moody, vivid and soulful exploration of the Dublin club scene as well as a showcase for some wonderful unknown actors, the film (and its wonderful soundtrack) also features the actual band covering classic soul tunes from the likes of Otis Redding and Sam and Dave. It's that combination of soul and soul music that makes The Commitments a special little film. --Robert Lane, Amazon.com --This text refers to the VHS edition of this video

• 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 Commitments (Special Edition) | DVD | (14/03/2005) from £12.99   |  Saving you £-3.00 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

• The Commitments (Special Edition) | DVD | (08/02/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  This is based on the first story of Roddy Doyle's 'Barrytown Trilogy'. Dubliner Jimmy Rabbitte is a man with a vision - to bring soul music to Dublin. His friends Derek and Outspan ask him to manage their band and Jimmy agrees but only on his terms. He places an ad in the local paper which simply reads have you got soul? If so the World's Hardest Working Band is looking for you. And so were born The Commitments... However all does not go smoothly and soon their success on stage is overshadowed by their off-stage rivalry. This is one of the best Irish feel-good movies of the early 1990's it is guaranteed to have you laughing cringing and singing along. Watch out for the bit parts and cameos by Andrea and Jim Corr and the man himself Alan Parker. Strong soul music soundtrack.

• The Commitments | DVD | (31/10/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  This is based on the first story of Roddy Doyle's 'Barrytown Trilogy'. Dubliner Jimmy Rabbitte is a man with a vision - to bring soul music to Dublin. His friends Derek and Outspan ask him to manage their band and Jimmy agrees but only on his terms. He places an ad in the local paper which simply reads have you got soul? If so the World's Hardest Working Band is looking for you. And so were born The Commitments... However all does not go smoothly and soon their success on stage is overshadowed by their off-stage rivalry. This is one of the best Irish feel-good movies of the early 1990's it is guaranteed to have you laughing cringing and singing along. Watch out for the bit parts and cameos by Andrea and Jim Corr and the man himself Alan Parker. Bonus CD Tracklisting: 1. Mustang Sally - Andrew Strong 2. Take Me to the River - Andrew Strong 3. Chain of Fools - Angeline Ball 4. Dark End of the Street - Andrew Strong 5. Destination: Anywhere - Niamh Kavanagh 6. I Can't Stand the Rain - Angeline Ball 7. Try a Little Tenderness - Andrew Strong 8. Treat Her Right 9. Do Right Woman Do Right Man - Niamh Kavanagh 10. Mr. Pitiful - Andrew Strong 11. I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) - Maria Doyle 12. In the Midnight Hour - Andrew Strong 13. Bye Bye Baby - Maria Doyle 14. Slip Away