Angelina Jolie brings the famous computer game archaeologist & adventurer to life in this action packed blockbuster.
A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes movie-making back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, Titanic, it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marvelling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marvelling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. Gladiator's plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--Saving Private Ryan. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and gravitas as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a Colosseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! --Mark Englehart, Amazon.com
Typically filled with tips on how to eke out one's pocket money, reports on the dangers of cigarettes and alcohol, wickedly accurate personality profiles, creative prose, poems and reviews, the school magazine offered a uniquely adolescent perspective on life during the 1970s. This ATV drama series for teenagers follows the progress and pitfalls of a group of fifth-formers at Oxford Lane Comprehensive School who, appalled by the blandness and timidity of their school's official effort, decide to launch a punchier alternative...A Bunch of Fives, starring Jamie Foreman and Lesley Manville, was devised by John Sichel with Colin Rogers and mostly written by BAFTA-winning writer Paula Milne. Every bit as hard-hitting and humorous as its BBC contemporary Grange Hill (which debuted inbetween series one and two of A Bunch of Fives) this release comprises both series, originally screened in 1977 and 1978.Pupil Chris Taylor is accused of something he didn't do and, in exasperation, writes about the incident for the school magazine. When games master Mr Buck refuses to print the article, Chris and some of the other fifth-formers decide to pool their journalistic talents: putting together their own magazine, 'A Bunch of Fives', they begin to seek out more relevant stories from the community in which the children live.
With his uniquely chaotic blend of fluffed magic and lame jokes, Tommy Cooper was a constant and instantly recognisable presence on television for four decades. A firm favourite with the public, his variety shows were always eagerly awaited Eric Sykes hailed Tommy Cooper as the funniest man in the world , so it's hardly surprising that it was noted he only had to walk on stage to cause hysterics ! First transmitted fifty years ago, Cooper's series for London Weekend followed hot on the heels of his phenomenally successful three-year-run of Life With Cooper and set him firmly on the path to television superstardom through the 1970s and beyond. This classic sketch series features a veritable galaxy of guest stars: Ted Ray, Stubby Kaye, Richard Briers, Arthur Lowe, Joan Greenwood, Bernard Cribbins, Patrick Cargill, Tricia Noble, Vincent Price, Michael Bentine, Ronnie Barker, Thora Hird, Diana Dors, Ronnie Corbett, Liz Fraser and Eric Sykes! This release contains all thirteen episodes, complete and uncut.
The 1994 movie Stargate was originally intended as the start of a franchise, but creators Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were distracted celebrating their Independence Day. Episodic TV treatment was the natural next step. Since neither Kurt Russell nor James Spader would be able to commit, it gave the producers licence to tinker with the cast and the universe they'd explore. Replacing the roles of Colonel Jack O'Neill and Dr. Daniel Jackson respectively are Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks. They're joined by Captain Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and guilt-stricken former alien baddie Teal'c (Christopher Judge) to form the teacher's pet primary unit SG-1 With a seemingly endless network of Stargates found to exist on planets all across the known universe, their mission is to make first contact with as many friendly races as possible. Chasing their heels at almost every turn are the "overlord" pharaohnic Goa'uld--the ancient Egyptian Gods who are none too chummy after the events of the original film. The welcome notion of a continued plot thread sees offshoots that follow the reincarnation of Daniel's wife, Sam's father literally joining a renegade faction of the Goa'uld, and Jack in an unending quest to out-sarcasm everyone. There's something of The Time Tunnel to the show's premise, but amid a dearth of derivative look-a-likes, Stargate has held its own with stories that put the science fiction back into TV sci-fi. "The Serpent's Song" is a cry for help from the team's nemesis--Apophis--who they've been fighting since the beginning. It's a morality showcase all-round. Although deserving a "Holiday", the team just can't leave alien artefacts alone, which gets them into all manner of trouble playing with Ma'chello's body-swapping machine. This episode gives everyone a fantastic opportunity to impersonate one another. "One False Step" of another kind lays a guilt trip on them all for accidentally infecting a race with a disease. Then in "Show and Tell" the central story arc takes a dramatic turn when a child arrives to warn that some survivors of a Goa'uld attack are determined to eliminate anyone who might host their enemy--which means Earth as a whole. --Paul Tonks
Robin Hood (Connery) is an old man when he returns with his best friend Little John to England after the Crusades. Maid Marian (Hepburn) has entered a nunnery King Richard is a raving lunatic his Brother John a moron and the age of great adventure has seemed to have passed Robin by. But when The Sheriff of Nottingham (Shaw) once again threatens Sherwood Robin gathers his faithful men and band of peasants to fight oppression in this high-spirited adventure in which Robin Hood and Maid Marian rediscover their love...
During the early days of World War II, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms. As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman). While maneuvering his political rivals, he must confront the ultimate choice: negotiate with Hitler and save the British people at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds. Directed by Joe Wright, DARKEST HOUR is the dramatic and inspiring story of four weeks in 1940 during which Churchill's courage to lead changed the course of world history.
A major Columbia Pictures release in glorious Technicolor, The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad was one of Hollywood's first modern fantasy action blockbusters. On a mission to rescue his fiancée, the Princess Parisa (Kathryn Grant), Kerwin Mathews acquits himself well as Sinbad, while Torin Thatcher is a suitably malevolent magician who has shrunken the princess in a bid to get Sinbad to undertake a perilous quest. Truth be told, no one remembers Ray Harryhausen films for the script or the acting; the real stars are the still impressive action set-pieces, a battle with a cyclops, a giant Roc, a dragon, and a duelling skeleton; this last anticipating a much more lavish battle with skeleton warriors in Jason and the Argonauts. The cast may be all-American rather than Arab but even so, everything about this film works, from the fabulous set design of the Sultan's palace which evokes a real fairytale atmosphere, to Bernard Herrmann's truly classic score. On the DVD: The film exhibits a strong anamorphically enhanced 1.85-1 ratio image, with powerful mono sound. At about 80 minutes, the extras last almost as long as the movie. The most important and extensive addition is "The Harryhausen Chronicles", a documentary, while "This is Dynamation" gives an introduction to the stop-motion animation process itself. Ray Harryhausen is an affable host, a modest man who talks engagingly about his work in a way that really makes one appreciate the sheer ingenuity and skill which went into making not just The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, but also Jason and the Argonauts, the subject of a further featurette on the disc. On top of this there are trailers for the aforementioned films, plus one for the disappointing but still fun Golden Voyage of Sinbad. Overall, a first-class film on an equally good DVD. --Gary S. Dalkin
The sequel to the 1987 FBI action comedy, Another Stakeout sees the unlikely crime-fighting duo, again played by Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez, getting involved in, well, another stakeout. This time they are joined by Rosie O'Donnell (one of the comedienne's first film roles) as assistant DA and have to masquerade as the perfect nuclear family to flush out a star witness in their case against the mob. Pretty much the entire cast and crew from Stakeout are reunited by director John Badham for the sequel and, luckily, there is enough new material, slapstick comedy moments and solid performances from the trio of stars to ensure that this isn't just a rehash of the original. The film has a few laugh-out-loud moments, such as the dinner party the bogus family throw so that they can get the couple next door out of the house to enable Estevez to bug it, and there is a brilliant cameo performance from Dennis Farina (Get Shorty, Snatch) as the clueless next-door neighbour. This is not a classic by any means but is entertaining nonetheless. --Kristen Bowditch
Set in the 1930's this gangster spoof tells the comic tale of Johnny Kelly (Michael Keaton) who is forced into a life of crime in order to pay for his ailing mother's medical treatment. Attempting to keep his straight life and his life of crime separate Johnny takes the name Dangerously and is soon a powerful mobster flush with women and riches. The Dangerously name is about to be slandered though by the Kelly family when Johnny's brother (Griffin Dunne) becomes the district attor
When young businessman Bob Lessing (Dean Cain - Superman) lends his BMW to his brother he inadvertently becomes the target for Vic Haddock (Eric Roberts) a ruthless and psychotic criminal who mistakes Bob for the petty thief who accidentally made off with a large cache of his drug money. In an effort to reclaim his property Vic sends his young and beautiful protegee Camille (Lexa Doig) to seduce Bob - leading to a tale of lust violence and a revelation too painful to bear...
This classic comedy set in post-war Britain stars a host of familiar faces and is based on a screenplay by Alan Bennett.
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey 'Ever Decreasing Circles' was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in the second series of the popular suburban-set comedy. Episode 1: When Martin goes to collect Mrs Beardsmore for afternoon tea at the Bryce household Ann is horrified when he returns with a minibus full of her friends. Episode 2: The cricket season begins and Martin finds it increasingly difficult to avoid picking Paul for the team. Episode 3: In an attempt to vary the guests at their dinner party Ann suggests inviting Paul and his girlfriend. During the course of the evening however Paul's wife turns up unexpectedly. Episode 4: Ann is in hospital and Martin decides to spring-clean the entire house stubbornly refusing help from anyone in the Close least of all Paul. Episode 5: Martin is desperate to win the local snooker tournament. When the tournament favourite moves away he thinks he is in with a chance until Paul decides to enter. Episode 6: Ann decides there is more to life than being a suburban housewife. Episode 7: Martin is captivated by a psychiatrist he meets at Paul's party but dumfounded when Ann suggests he goes to see him professionally. Christmas Special: Martin's Christmas is ruined when Ann volunteers use of the Bryce home to house Paul's guests.
When Ben goes to Las Vegas, with the sole purpose of drinking himself to death, he meets a hooker, Sera, and one wild night of passion soon leads to a blowout love affair, with each vowing to not judge the others life. But when Sera asks Ben to see a doctor about his problem, Ben leaves Las Vegas. Going their separate ways, they both learn that they cannot live without each other after all. Directed by Mike Figgis (Timecode) and based on the poignant cult novel by John O'Brian, Leaving Las Vegas is an emotionally demanding and truly extraordinary film, starring Nicolas Cage and Elizabeth Shue in career defining roles.
This riveting mystery is a whodunit at its best. The legendary British sleuth Sherlock Holmes accompanied by his loyal sidekick Watson become wrapped up in yet another jewel-centered mystery when a beautiful young woman finds herself the surprised recipient of the world's second largest diamond. The master detective is summoned to figure out just who sent her the jewel and why.
The first BBC television adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Our Mutual Friend (1959) is now available for the first time to own on DVD. Starring Paul Danman and Zena Walker, and featuring Golden Globe nominee David McCallum and Oscar nominee Rachel Roberts. When waterman Gaffer Hexam (Julian Somers) and daughter Lizzie (Rachel Roberts) fish a battered corpse from the Thames, it is identified as that of John Harmon. Had Harmon lived, his father s will required him to marry pretty Bella Wilfer (Zena Walker). Instead, the substantial estate passes on to Mr and Mrs Boffin (Richard Pearson and Marda Vanne), a kindhearted couple who adopt Bella. The mysterious John Rokesmith (Paul Daneman) becomes their trusted secretary, and they engage one-legged schemer Silas Wegg (Esmond Knight) to entertain them with nightly readings. Lizzie is pursued by two suitors in the shape of work shy barrister Eugene Wrayburn (David McCallum) and wily Bradley Headstone (Alex Scott), and they become bitter rivals. But what of Rokesmith s true identity? And can the course of love and destiny run smooth?
After making his first bonafide classic in Ride the High Country, director Sam Peckinpah took a step towards the epic with Major Dundee. The film would, in many ways, define the rest of his career both on screen and off, as the drama behind the camera matched the action in front of it. Charlton Heston stars as Major Amos Dundee, a vainglorious Union Cavalry officer, who mounts an expedition to hunt down Apache war chief Sierra Charriba. Building his own army of criminals, ex-slaves and Confederate POWsamong them one Captain Ben Tyreen (Richard Harris), whose intense former friendship with Dundee is tainted with a sense of betrayal on both sidesDundee heads into Mexico, his eye fixed firmly on a last shot at greatness. Beautifully shot and with a stellar supporting cast including James Coburn, Warren Oates, and L.Q. Jones, Major Dundee remains a stunning achievement and an essential experience for anyone interested in the life and cinema of Bloody Sam. The film is presented in its extended version, alongside a wealth of illuminating extras. Special Edition Content High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation from a 4K scan by Sony Pictures DTS-HD MA 5. 1 surround audio with new score by Christopher Caliendo Lossless original mono audio with original score by Daniele Amfitheatrof Optional English subtitle s for the deaf and hard of hearing Audio commentary with Nick Redman, David Weddle, Garner Simmons, and Paul Seydor Audio commentary by historian/critics Glenn Erickson and Alan K. Rode Audio commentary by historian/critic Glenn Erickson Moby Dick on Horseback, a visual essay by David Cairns Passion & Poetry: The Dundee Odyssey, a feature-length documentary about the making of Major Dundee by Mike Siegel, featuring James Coburn, Senta Berger, Mario Adorf, L.Q. Jones, R.G. Armstrong, and Gordon Dawson Passion & Poetry: Peckinpah Anecdotes, nine actors talk about working with legendary director Sam Peckinpah, featuring Kris Kristofferson, Ernest Borgnine, James Coburn, David Warner, Ali MacGraw , L.Q. Jones, Bo Hopkins, R.G. Armstrong, and Isela Vega Mike Siegel: About the Passion & Poetry Project, in which filmmaker Mike Siegel talks about his beginnings and his ongoing historical project about director Sam Peckinpah Animated stills galleries, featuring rare on set, behind the scenes, and marketing materials 2005 re-release trailer Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Air Bud is the proud father of five adorable puppies B-Dawg RoseBud Bud-Dha MudBud and Budderball. But these puppies have a secret - they can talk! And the hilarious hair-raising exploits of these barking talking ball-playing pups will have you cheering as they run off on a daring rescue mission to save their parents!
A bus of fifty French tourists lay dead. While the driver makes a call, a wanderer, Victorien (Tom Novembre, Denti), boards the bus and robs all the passengers. Returning home he visits his aunt Amanda (Catherine Deneuve, The Hunger), and lets her in on his secret, unwittingly bringing her to the attention of icy hitman Alex (Richard Bohringer, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover). A conspiracy thriller reminiscent of Hitchcock, Jean-Pierre Mocky's wonderfully eccentric mystery has a light comic touch that carefully balances its grotesque flourishes. Featuring a wonderful cast including César-nominated Dominique Lavant, Pierre Arditi and Kristin Scott Thomas in only her second screen appearance.BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:New 4K restoration, available on Blu-ray (1080p) for the first time outside of FranceUncompressed mono PCM audioArchival interview with and on-set footage of Catherine Deneuve in Agent Trouble (1987, 5 mins) Archival interview with Richard Bohringer on Agent Trouble (1987, 4 mins) Interview with Eric Leroy, Mocky's friemnd and long-time colleague, on Agent Trouble (2022, 13 mins) Interview with Olivia Mokiejewski, documentaryian and Mocky's daughter, on Agent Trouble (2022, 5 mins) New and improved optional English subtitlesSleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
WARN THAT MAN At the height of World War II, the Germans discover that a certain British personage is due to stay at Lord Buckley's country estate. They devise a cunning plan of subterfuge and brute force wherein they intend kidnap Lord Buckley's guest and take him back to Germany... THE HASTY HEART Burma, 1945: a group of Allied soldiers languish in a military hospital, each man longing for the day he can return home. When told they will be joined by a young Scot who unbeknown to him has only weeks to live, they react with a mixture of compassion and trepidation. SO LITTLE TIME 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. THE MAN FROM MOROCCO With the ending of the Spanish Civil War, a dispirited band of volunteers from the International Brigades seek refuge in France. But on reaching the frontier the band is disarmed, detained and sent to Morocco to work on the Sahara railway for the Germans.
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