Something of a cult item among British war movies (and brilliantly spoofed a few years back by a lager ad), The Dam Busters turns a minor World War II incident into a saga of heroic stiff-upper-lippery in the classic British style. A bombing raid is proposed on a strategically vital Ruhr dam, but its position is inaccessible. Enter eccentric inventor Dr Barnes Wallis (Michael Redgrave in best daffy professor mode) who comes up with a genius idea--a bomb that will bounce on water like a skimmed pebble. Naturally the top brass pooh-pooh it, but gallant Wing Commander Guy Gibson (Richard Todd) is persuaded, and between them flyer and boffin forge ahead. The touches of carefully understated emotion now verge on self-parody, but it's hard not to get caught up in the narrative sweep, especially when the bombers take off on their mission and Eric Coates' stirring march hits the soundtrack. The modelwork, state-of-the-art for its early 1950s period, still looks impressive, and the death of Gibson's beloved black Labrador (embarrassingly called Nigger) is a three-hanky moment to rival the shooting of Bambi's mum. --Philip Kemp
Three full-length feature films from the popular 'Babylon 5' science fiction series. Third Space (1998) When a mysterious artefact found discarded in hyperspace is recovered and brought back to the station for analysis the crew aboard Babylon 5 face an unexpected threat. Sinister mind altering thoughts take hold through foreboding dreams of a towering structure and giant ships as questions fly surrounding the origin of their discovery. Scientists battle against the clock to
Dambusters legend Richard Todd turned his talents to comedy to play a philandering travel agent with too many girlfriends for his own safety in this delightful romantic romp of 1961. Executive-produced by Todd and co-written by Oscar winner Frederic Raphael Don't Bother to Knock also features Golden Globe winner and Playboy sensation Elke Sommer June Thorburn John Le Mesurier and Nicole Maurey among a high-calibre international cast. The film is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. Bill Ferguson's troubles begin when he mislays the key to his flat and a friend helpfully presents him with several more with his name and address attached. Sentimentally he gives one to each of the glamorous girls he meets on a continental holiday - all of whom turn up at his flat just as he is about to marry his British fiancée! Special Features: Original Theatrical Trailer Image Gallery Original Promotional PDF
Todd McFarlane's hell-spawn returns to battle the forces of evil on earth in this powerful second feature-length installment of 'Spawn'. How can you avenge betrayal and murder? How can you fight for right in a world so steeped in evil? How can you protect those you love most from all that can do them harm? No man living - or dead - can tell you. But one trapped between both is struggling for an answer that can save the lives of his most beloved or plunge the world into eternal darkness. The cloak and chains of Spawn are back. Exploding from the comic book page onto the screen is a deadly tornado of untapped unwrapped merciless power.
A BRAND NEW RESTORATION COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORIGINAL WWII RAID A much-loved British classic, Michael Anderson's 1955 drama captures the tension and bravery of an audacious raid on the center of Nazi Germany's industrial complex and the quintessentially English combination of inventiveness and dogged determination. Split into two distinct sections, the film deals first with the fraught, but the ultimately successful development of a new bomb, by Dr. Barnes N. Wallis (Michael Redgrave). The second deals with the mission itself during the British raid on the Ruhr Dams, and its associated costs for the enemy and for the British airmen. Adapted by R.C. Sherriff from Paul Brickhill's book Enemy Coast AheadĀ and featuring superlative special effects photography by Gilbert Taylor (to say nothing of Eric Coates' stirring theme tune), The Dam Busters was Britain's biggest box office the success of 1955
Boy Dominic: The Complete Series (2 Discs)
The adorable animated children's movie Moomin and Midsummer Madness is based on the bestselling book by one of Scandinavia's most famous authors Tove Jansson. It's been a long hot summer in the Moomin Valley. All of the creatures are becoming bored with the unchanging season - until a volcanic eruption causes a major flood. As the Moomin family searches for refuge they are rescued by a floating abandoned house. But this is no house and it's definitely not abandoned. Occupied by the feisty Emma the Moomin learn that the building is actually a theatre. With plenty of costumes and props to occupy their time soon the family is engrossed in creating their own play - the first ever Moomin stage production!
Dr Barnes Wallis was possessed with a seemingly crazy idea - the creation of a bouncing bomb designed to destroy the Ruhr dams and paralyse the enemy's industrial nerve centre. He fought persistent scepticism and disbelief that such a feat was possible though even with the matchless skill of RAF Wing Commander Guy Gibson and his squadron could such a mission succeed?
A man shows up at Kimberley Prescott's villa claiming to be her brother Ward. But Ward died in a car accident a year ago. Despite Kim's protests that the stranger isn't her brother everyone else accepts him including their uncle. Kim begins to fear for her sanity and her life.
Dr Barnes Wallis was possessed with a seemingly crazy idea - the creation of a bouncing bomb designed to destroy the Ruhr dams and paralyse the enemy's industrial nerve centre. He fought persistent scepticism and disbelief that such a feat was possible though even with the matchless skill of RAF Wing Commander Guy Gibson and his squadron could such a mission succeed?
Directed by DAVID LEAN and written by TERENCE RATTIGAN, THE SOUND BARRIER is about the men who challenged the speed of sound, told from the viewpoint of central character, Sir John Ridgefield (RALPH RICHARDSON). The oil tycoon and aircraft constructor is determined to manufacture a supersonic jet that will travel faster than the speed of sound. Ridgefield's desire to reach this goal has already led to the death of his test pilot son (DENHOLM ELLIOTT), and his daughter Susan's (ANN TODD) fighter-pilot husband (NIGEL PATRICK). Shocked at the death of her husband and her father's disregard of human life in his single-minded determination to achieve his goal, Susan walks out on him. Unperturbed, Ridgefield approaches another pilot with the challenge of piloting his test craft. The film marked a departure from the domestic or literary concerns which had characterized the director David Lean's choice of subject matter to date. Its heroics pre-empted his later films Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962).
When Doctor Martin arrives for a job interview at a secluded asylum for the incurable insane, he must prove himself by listening to the macabre tales of four inmates and deducing which is the former head of the facility who suffered a breakdown. One of the most chilling anthologies of terror from Amicus starring Peter Cushing, Robert Powell, Herbert Lom and Britt Ekland. Special Features: Audio Commentary with Director Roy Ward Baker and Camera Operator Neil Binney 'Two's a Company': 1972 On-set BBC report featuring interviews with Producer Milton Subotsky, Director Roy Ward Baker, Actors Charlotte Rampling, James Villiers, Megs Jenkins, Art Director Tony Curtis and Production Manager Teresa Bolland Screenwriter David J. Schow on Writer Robert Bloch Fiona Subotsky Remembers Milton Subotsky 'Inside The Fear Factory' Featurette with Directors Roy Ward Baker, Freddie Francis and Producer Max J. Rosenberg Theatrical Trailer Reversible sleeve subtitles for the hearing impaired
The four films presented in The British War Collection unapologetically embody the dogged spirit and pluck of an embattled nation during its greatest crisis; that they also represent the zenith of post-war British cinema is a testament to both their quality and veracity. First in chronological order is The Cruel Sea (1953), a rivetingly faithful adaptation of Nicholas Monsarrat's gripping novel (itself semi-autobiographical) in which Jack Hawkins is the epitome of determined professionalism in the face of ever-present disaster. Moving from sea to air, The Dam Busters (1954) uses the same documentary-style approach to storytelling, though combined here with the more overt patriotic appeal of Eric Coates' famous march theme. A similar never-say-die spirit pervades both The Colditz Story (1955)--an authentic retelling of PR Reid's narrative--and Ice Cold in Alex (1958). Coincidentally or not, both films star the always indomitable John Mills. In Colditz, Mills heads a distinguished ensemble of British thespians as they attempt to escape from the infamous fortress, while in Alex he and his marvellously tight-knit cast journey painstakingly towards what is probably the most famous glass of lager in the world. On the DVDs: The British War Collection comes in a neat fold-out package with postcard-style cards for each movie. All four discs are presented in their original aspect ratios (Cruel Sea and Dam Busters, 1.33:1; Alex and Colditz, 1.66:1). The black and white prints are in pretty good condition, and are accompanied by reasonably clean mono soundtracks. Other than the original theatrical trailers there are no extras. --Mark Walker
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.
June 6 1944 known as D-Day marked the beginning of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy France and the turning point of World War II that would ultimately end Nazi domination in Europe. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the largest military mission in history this triumphan D-Day Remembered film collection includes 8 of the greatest war movies of all time featuring powerful performances by Hollywood's biggest heroes! Films Included: The D-Day Sixth Of June The Longest Day A Bridge Too Far Patton Battle of Britain The Bridge At Remagen Attack Von Ryan's Express
It is a quiet sort of a day in the heart of the English countryside when Peter Susan Edmund and Lucy stumble through the back of an old wardrobe into the enchanted land of Narnia. They embark on an extraordinary adventure discovering talking fauns friendly beavers giants and flying horses. When the White Witch learns of their presence in Narnia their lives are in danger but there is talk that Aslan the Great Lion is on the move. Originally broadcast in 1988 this adaptation o
A collection of David Lean's finest films. Include: 1. The Sound Barrier (1952) 2. Hobsons Choice (1954) 3. Blithe Spirit (1945) 4. Brief Encounter (1945) 5. Great Expectations (1946) 6. Oliver Twist (1948) 7. Madeleine (1950) 8. The Passionate Friends (1949) 9. This Happy Breed (1944)
Films comprise: 1. The Colditz Story (Dir. Guy Hamilton 1955) 2. The Cruel Sea (Dir. Charles Frend 1953) 3. The Dam Busters (Dir. Michael Anderson 1954)
Directed by DAVID LEAN and written by TERENCE RATTIGAN, THE SOUND BARRIER is about the men who challenged the speed of sound, told from the viewpoint of central character, Sir John Ridgefield (RALPH RICHARDSON). The oil tycoon and aircraft constructor is determined to manufacture a supersonic jet that will travel faster than the speed of sound. Ridgefield's desire to reach this goal has already led to the death of his test pilot son (DENHOLM ELLIOTT), and his daughter Susan's (ANN TODD) fighter-pilot husband (NIGEL PATRICK). Shocked at the death of her husband and her father's disregard of human life in his single-minded determination to achieve his goal, Susan walks out on him. Unperturbed, Ridgefield approaches another pilot with the challenge of piloting his test craft. The film marked a departure from the domestic or literary concerns which had characterized the director David Lean's choice of subject matter to date. Its heroics pre-empted his later films Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962).
A sonic warfare unit is sent into the Malayan jungle to monitor the Japanese in 1942. Tensions arise when the radio malfunctions and a lone Japanese soldier stumbles across the patrol's location.
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