"Actor: Phil Davis"

• George Gently - BBC Series | DVD | (25/05/2009) from £17.98   |  Saving you £9.00 (56.29%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Inspector George Gently is one of the few good men at Scotland Yard his sense of public duty an increasingly rare commodity in a police force where corruption is rife and unchecked. But his relentless pursuit of notorious gangsters such as Joe Webster (Phil Davis Bleak House) leads to the murder of Gently's beloved wife Isabella a killing arranged by Webster himself in an act of revenge upon Gently. When a grieving Gently learns of the murder of a young biker Johnny Lister (Christian Cooke Where The Heart Is) who was part of a Northumberland drugs ring it has all the hallmarks of a Webster operation and he insists on being given the case deciding it will be his last...

• Stargate SG-1: Season 1 | DVD | (21/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £49.99

  Like the very best of SF TV, Stargate SG-1 began very simply. Of course it had the benefit of a movie preceding it--in which the alternate universe, its rules and its characters were largely established--so this premiere season was therefore able to concentrate on good storytelling. In 1997 not every new show was obsessed with securing a syndication-guaranteed franchise (same goes for Buffy debuting the same year), instead one-off episodes were the way of things, exploring interesting scenarios and conundrums. Naturally there were allusions to the feature film, but most were subtle and inspired. For example, a trip to retrieve the trapped professor who'd worked on the Gate decades ago was an unusual way of tying up loose ends. Some groundwork was laid for continuation should the show be renewed into an ongoing series. Knowing that these elements were pure wishful thinking at the time makes the tapestry of System Lords and the interlinks with our history and mythology all the more enjoyable in revisiting the show from its beginnings. With Richard Dean Anderson, leading the team in a far more charismatic and empathetic way than Kurt Russell in the movie, the series also benefited from some spot-on casting that instantly won audiences over. Special effects and use of studio sets may be less dazzling in these initial shows, but its solid grounding in old-fashioned SF won for the show a loyal audience. --Paul Tonks

• Whitechapel - Series 3 | DVD | (12/03/2012) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £8.74

  Meticulous and obsessional, DI Chandler and his unit are based in Whitechapel - an area drenched in dark history and sinister goings-on. It is where Jack the Ripper carried out his horrific crimes. It is where The Krays constructed their Empire of Crime based on sadomasochistic punishments. This series unearths a Whitechapel full of Gothic shadows, cobblestones and ancient hostelries. There's fear in the Huguenot weaving houses of Wilkes Street, and terrifying discoveries in the dark corners and rooftops around Brick Lane.Ed Buchan joins DI Chandler and hard-bitten DS Miles as their historical advisor - operating out of the bowels of the police station among musty tomes of the crime archive. Chandler is convinced crimes of the past hold the key to solving crimes of the present. The team is tested by bloody and vicious murders on their own doorstep. Do crimes such as the Thames Torso murders, HH Holmes, The Zodiac Killer and The Ratcliffe Highway murders unlock the truth? In Whitechapel history isn't dead, it's deadly.

• Living The Dream (Sky 1) | DVD | (11/12/2017) from £4.25   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Mal's bought an RV Park with plans for a booming family-run business, but it soon turns out that they are not going to be living the dream they hoped. Before they've even settled in, Mal discovers that the park is home to a group of eccentric residents who are not exactly thrilled to meet their new owners. Meanwhile, Jen has to learn how to survive American suburbia and the kids have to navigate a US high school. With culture clashes aplenty, life in Britain soon seems even further away than they'd thought it would. But with the support of each other and their crazy new friends, they begin to learn how to live the American dream.

• Bleak House | DVD | (20/02/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Acclaimed writer Andrew Davies turns his talents to one of Charles Dickens' most brilliant novels - arguably the greatest ever depiction of Victorian London. Fresh and imaginative yet faithful to the original this thrilling fast-paced adaptation is shot with a contemporary edge. At its heart is the story of the icily beautiful Lady Dedlock who nurses a dark secret and the merciless lawyer Tulkinghorn who seeks to uncover it. The generous John Jarndyce struggling with his own past and his two young wards Richard and Ada are all caught up like Lady Dedlock in the infamous case of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce which will make one of them rich beyond imagination if it can ever be brought to a conclusion. As Tulkinghorn digs deeper into Lady Dedlock's past he unearths a secret that will change their lives forever and which is almost as astounding as the final outcome of the Jarndyce case.

• Poldark - Series 1-2 | DVD | (07/11/2016) from £16.85   |  Saving you £18.14 (107.66%)   |  RRP £34.99

  Poldark is the beloved BBC mini series set against the stormy sociopolitical backdrop of 18th-century England. The year is 1780, and Captain Ross Poldark has just returned to Cornwall from his battles in the American War. He hopes to settle down with his inheritance and his beloved Elizabeth, but false reports of his death preceded his arrival, resulting in heartbreaking circumstances. In addition, Poldark must also contend with his fetching new housekeeper and the family copper mines which threaten to fall into the hands of his greatest archenemy. This volume contains all of the remaining episodes from the series' first season. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

• Wall Of Silence | DVD | (21/05/2007) from £8.98   |  Saving you £3.00 (42.92%)   |  RRP £9.99

  The tale of a gang killing near a south-east London council estate

• Whitechapel - Series 4 | DVD | (14/10/2013) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  DI Chandler (Rupert Penry-Jones) DS Miles (Phil Davis) and unpaid historical advisor Edward Buchan (Steve Pemberton) have yet to make a conviction in Whitechapel 'the birthplace of the serial killer'. This season sees the pressure become greater - and this time highly personal. The team are confronted by dark twisted gothic murders that reach right into their fears and superstitions... someone is killing suspected witches; flayed bodies suggest the murderer is more interested in the victims' skin than in their death; and the sewers of Whitechapel threaten with an additional layer of horror. In Whitechapel history isn't dead it's deadly...

• Alan Clarke at the BBC (1969-1989) (Blu-ray box set) | Blu Ray | (29/08/2022) from £53.85   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Although probably best remembered for the controversial and groundbreaking dramas Scum, Made in Britain and The Firm, the breadth of Alan Clarke's radical, political, innovative, inspirational work, along with his influence on generations of filmmakers, such as Gus Van Sant, Paul Greengrass, Andrea Arnold, Harmony Korine, Clio Barnard, Shane Meadows, should see him rightly regarded as one of Britain's greatest ever filmmaking talents. This collection brings together twenty-two stand-alone BBC TV dramas that Alan Clarke directed between 1969 and 1989, including such neglected classics as To Encourage the Others, Horace, Penda's Fen, Diane, Contact, Christine and Elephant, and also includes Scum and Clarke's original Director's Cut of The Firm, assembled from his personal answer print, discovered in 2015. This 12-Disc Box Set also includes a raft of additional materials, including David Leland introductions, extracts from BBC discussion shows Open Air and Tonight, and recently-produced documentaries and audio commentaries. Films: The Last Train through Harecastle Tunnel (1969) Sovereign's Company (1970) The Hallelujah Handshake (1970) To Encourage the Others (1972) Under the Age (1972) Horace (1972) The Love Girl and the Innocent (1973) Penda's Fen (1974) A Follower for Emily (1974) Diane (1975) Funny Farm (1975) Scum (1977) Nina (1978) Danton's Death (1978) Beloved Enemy (1981) Psy-Warriors (1981) Baal (1982) Stars of the Roller State Disco (1984) Contact (1985) Christine (1987) The Firm: Director's Cut (1989) The Firm: Broadcast Version (1989) Elephant (1989) Product Features Alan Clarke: Out of His Own Light (2016, 270 mins) Three short introductions by David Leland (1991) Eight audio commentaries (Diane, Scum, Bukovsky, Contact, Christine, Elephant, The Firm (x2)) Bukovsky (Alan Clarke, 1977, 50 mins) + outtakes Archival BBC discussion programmes (77 mins total) Interview with A F N Clarke (2016, 22 mins): interview with the writer of Contact Alan Clarke interview (1989, 10 mins) Stills galleries

• Dissent & Disruption: The Complete Alan Clarke at the BBC (Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set) | Blu Ray | (13/06/2016) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £149.99

  Although probably best remembered for the controversial and groundbreaking dramas Scum, Made in Britain and The Firm, the breadth of Alan Clarke's radical, political, innovative, inspirational work, along with his influence on generations of filmmakers, such as Gus Van Sant, Paul Greengrass, Andrea Arnold, Harmony Korine, Clio Barnard, Shane Meadows, should see him rightly regarded as one of Britain's greatest ever filmmaking talents. This long-overdue collection finally brings together all twenty-three of the surviving stand-alone BBC TV dramas that Alan Clarke directed between 1969 and 1989, including such neglected classics as To Encourage the Others, Horace, Penda's Fen, Diane, Contact, Christine and Elephant, and also includes Scum and the first ever presentation of Clarke's original Director's Cut of The Firm, assembled from his personal answer print, discovered in 2015. Among the extensive extras, which include David Leland introductions, extracts from BBC discussion shows Open Air and Tonight and newly-produced documentaries and audio commentaries, this Limited Edition 13-Disc Box Set also includes a bonus DVD of Clarke's Half Hour Story episodes, made for Associated Rediffusion during the late-60s. Extras: All BBC TV filmed productions newly remastered in HD; all VT productions newly remastered in SD Alan Clarke: Out of His Own Light (2016): multi-part documentary, featuring actors, writers and producers Arena ˜When is a Play Not a Play?' (1978): archive BBC TV documentary exploring the impact of then-new TV plays that blurred the lines between documentary and drama Plus: Audio commentaries; Extracts from BBC TV discussion programmes Open Air and Tonight; David Leland introductions; previously-unseen Clarke material Extensive booklet with new essays by writers including Richard Kelly, David Rolinson, Lizzie Francke, Nick Wrigley, Ashley Clark and Kaleem Aftab, with an introduction by Danny Leigh and a foreword by Molly Clarke Bonus DVD including seven of Alan Clarke's Half Hour Story episodes made for Associated Redifussion: Shelter (1967), The Gentleman Caller (1967, previously considered lost), George's Room (1967), Goodnight Albert (1968), Stella (1968), The Fifty Seventh Saturday (1968) and Thief (1968, previously considered lost)

• The Firm: Director's Cut (Blu-ray) | Blu Ray | (23/05/2016) from £8.69   |  Saving you £11.30 (130.04%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Gary Oldman is Clive ˜Bex' Bissell, an intelligent family man with a good job, who also happens to be the leader of the notorious East London hooligan firm, the Inner City Crew. Bex plans to unite rival gangs into a national firm to take to the European Championships, but that will mean defeating Oboe's Birmingham crew and the South London Buccaneers led by arch rival Yeti (Phil Davis). As Bex's craving for violence becomes an obsession, events spiral out of control. Alan Clarke's unflinching drama courted much controversy when it was first broadcast in a toned down version on the BBC. Now, it is rightly considered a masterpiece, due in no small part to the brilliance of Oldman's central performance one of the finest of his career. Newly transferred in HD, and available on Blu-ray for the very first time, The Firm is presented here in two versions: the never-before-seen Director's Cut, which re-instates a number of bold sequences previously considered too controversial for audiences; and the original BBC TV broadcast version. The complete Alan Clarke at the BBC is also available in DVD and Blu-ray box sets from the BFI.

• Vera Drake | DVD | (15/11/2021) from £7.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  A new restoration of the acclaimed British period drama VERA DRAKE by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky, Another Year, Mr. Turner, Peterloo). London, 1950: Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton) lives with her husband Stan (Phil Davis) and their grown-up children, Sid (Daniel Mays) and Ethel (Alex Kelly). They are not rich, but they are a happy, close family. Vera cleans houses, Stan is a mechanic in his brother's garage, Sid works for a tailor and Ethel works in a factory testing lightbulbs. But selfless Vera has a side-line which she keeps secret from all of those around her: without accepting payment, she helps young women to end unwanted pregnancies. When one of these girls is rushed to hospital following an abortion, the police investigation leads to Vera and her world comes crashing down. With a phenomenal British cast also featuring Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan and Jim Broadbent, Vera Drake was nominated for three Academy Awards (Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Director) and won the BAFTAs for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.

• Doubt | DVD | (06/07/2009) from £4.98   |  Saving you £13.01 (261.24%)   |  RRP £17.99

  "Doubt" is a gripping story about the quest for truth, the forces of change and the devastating consequences of blind justice in an age defined by moral conviction.

• A Simple Man | DVD | (18/02/2005) from £2.49   |  Saving you £17.50 (702.81%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the painter L.S. Lowry in 1987 this BAFTA award-winning dramatic ballet celebrates the life and work of a unique artist. Created by Gillian Lynne in collaboration with the composer Carl Davis this memorable production filmed in 1987 is performed by the Northern Ballet Theatre led by ex-Royal Ballet stars Christopher Gable and Moira Shearer. Re-mastered for DVD with the addition of recent interviews with Lynne and Davis it gives a fascinating insight into the creation of an inspirational work in the history of dance which remains as fresh as ever.

• Comrades | Blu Ray | (27/02/2012) from £15.99   |  Saving you £7.00 (43.78%)   |  RRP £22.99

  Bill Douglas’ beautiful film Comrades tells the epic story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, six Dorset labourers deported to Australia in the 1830s for forming a trade union. Unfolding in the pastoral haze of Dorset and the blinding light of Australia, Douglas has created a film rich with carefully layered visual illusions and nuances. With lovely, profound performances throughout, the story – a compelling account of struggle and injustice – becomes an epic tale about history, storytelling and the way we see our world. This three disc set from a director of singular vision – better known for his autobiographical Trilogy (My Childhood (1972), My Ain Folk (1973), My Way Home (1978) is presented in a new HD restoration on DVD and Blu-ray, with a wealth of special features.

• High Hopes | DVD | (06/04/2020) from £12.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  High Hopes by award-winning Writer and Director, Mike Leigh (Mr Turner, Secrets Lies) depicts a slice of the lives of Shirley (Ruth Sheen) and Cyril (Philip Davis), a working-class couple in London. Cyril finds it hard to cope with his family; especially when his elderly Mum (Edna Dore) locks herself out and must ask her yuppie neighbours for help, and his social-climbing sister Valerie and her crass husband decide to throw a surprise party for their mum's 70th Birthday which has disaster written all over it. On top of all of this, Shirley wants a baby but how does this fit in with Cyril's Marxist ideals of a perfect world?

• Bounty | DVD | (12/03/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

• High Hopes | Blu Ray | (06/04/2020) from £14.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  High Hopes by award-winning Writer and Director, Mike Leigh (Mr Turner, Secrets Lies) depicts a slice of the lives of Shirley (Ruth Sheen) and Cyril (Philip Davis), a working-class couple in London. Cyril finds it hard to cope with his family; especially when his elderly Mum (Edna Dore) locks herself out and must ask her yuppie neighbours for help, and his social-climbing sister Valerie and her crass husband decide to throw a surprise party for their mum's 70th Birthday which has disaster written all over it. On top of all of this, Shirley wants a baby but how does this fit in with Cyril's Marxist ideals of a perfect world?

• Next Stop Wonderland | DVD | (06/09/2010) from £4.49   |  Saving you £11.50 (71.90%)   |  RRP £15.99

  The critically acclaimed romantic comedy of the year Next Stop Wonderland is a light-hearted story about a man and a woman who seem destined to be together.... and the hilarious chain of accidents that seem determined to keep them apart! Dumped by her loser boyfriend Erin thinks that her love life has hit rock bottom. In reality the all-time low comes when her overbearing mother places an embarrassing ad for her in the personals section of a local newspaper! Erin's disgust turns to curiosity however when the calls start pouring in -- all 64 of them! As she searches for the right guy in a hilarious series of disastrous dates a lonely ex-plumber named Alan clumsily searches for his dream job.... all the while narrowly missing one chance meeting with Erin after another! Filled with delightfully unexpected surprises you're sure to love every minute of this smart and funny adventure into the wildly unpredictable world of dating.

• Janacek: Jenufa -- Glyndebourne | DVD | (22/06/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Janacek's masterpiece Jenufa, captured in this 1989 Glyndebourne Festival Opera production, is among the most revived modernist works. Compared with much grand opera, the story of one woman's struggle to rise free from social constraints at a terrible cost is remarkably poignant, credible and accessible. Scenes are short and intense. The music shimmers with Janacek's characteristic blend of sweetness and sharp dissonance. His men are damaged and angry; his women kick against the expectations of convention. Tragedy is inevitable, but here, unusually, hope triumphs. In the title role, Roberta Alexander is utterly convincing as the stepdaughter of the Kostelnicka Buryja, placing her love and trust in the wrong man with dire consequences. As the Kostelnicka, Anja Silja turns in an equally towering performance, unravelling with the awful consequences of her pragmatism. Alexander's fluid soprano reveals the extraordinary beauty of some of Janacek's finest arias: the moment when she becomes supernaturally aware of her baby's fate--it's "as if death was peering into the house!"--and is actually singing prayers for its soul is quite overwhelming. This Jenufa is sung splendidly; a revelation of the essential humanity which lurks at the heart of the greatest operas. On the DVD: This production was filmed for Channel 4 and has all the hallmarks of a 1980s television broadcast: standard 4:3 picture format which limits the impact of Tobias Hoheisel's magnificent expressionistic set; PCM stereo which somewhat dulls Andrew Davis' sterling, powerful work at the helm of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (although the principal singers shine through); poor subtitles; and static freeze-frame links between scenes. As a record of an important production, though, it suffices. --Piers Ford