"Actor: Michael Langdon"

• Knock Off | DVD | (10/05/2004) from £10.89   |  Saving you £-1.91 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Having based so much of his career on the films from the region, Jean Claude Van Damme heads to Hong Kong itself for his film Knock Off. Set in the 72 hours running up to the British handover to China (and released a mere year after the actual event), the film's action centres around the colony's thriving bootleg business, tied in with a rather convoluted plot concerning the CIA, Russian Mafia and an attempt to hold the United States to ransom through covert attacks. The opening section unwisely tries Van Damme's hand at knockabout humour with partner Rob Schneider but merely proves that the star is severely lacking the sort of humorous touch that Arnold Schwarzenegger has so successfully utilised. Once Knock Off descends into more familiar Van Damme territory, the film--and its leading man--are on surer ground. There are a good deal of spectacular fight sequences, some amazing stunts and a feisty female sparring partner in the form of Lela Rochen. Even the always-reliable Paul Sorvino pops up. Director Tsui Hark hits upon some interesting and initially invigorating visual effects but soon overdoes them, actually highlighting the lack of decent story rather than enhancing it. There is an incredible film to be made about this period in history but this isn't it. Knock Off is merely another undemanding, high-kicking, high-octane vehicle for Van Damme. --Phil Udell

• Britten - Billy Budd - Mackerras | DVD | (09/06/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £16.99

  1. Britten: Billy Budd - Opening Credits 2. I Am An Old Man Who Has Experienced Much 3. Pull My Bantams! 4. Boat Ahoy! 5. I Heard Your Honour! 6. Christ The Poor Chap! 7. Boy! My Compliments To Mr. Redburn 8. Any Danger Of French Notions Spreading This Side Sir? 9. We Are Sir. Claggart Is An Able One 10. Land On The Port Bow Sir 11. Blow Her Away Blow Her To Hilo 12. Come Along Dansker And Sing 13. O Beauty Handsomeness Goodness 14. Come Here. Remember Your Promise 15. Billy! Hist! Billy Budd! 16. Dansker Old Friend Glad To See You 17. I Don't Like The Look Of The Mist Mr. Redburn 18. This Is Our Moment 19. There You Are Again Master-At-Arms 20. O This Cursed Mist 21. Claggart John Claggart Beware! 22. The Mists Have Cleared 23. William Budd You Are Accused By Captain Vere 24. I Accept Their Verdict 25. Look! Through The Port 26. Here! Baby! Dansker Old Friend 27. Interlude 28. According To The Articles Of War 29. We Committed His Body To The Deep 30. Britten: Billy Budd - Closing Credits