"Director: Lewis John Carlino"

• Class | DVD | (06/01/2003) from £19.39   |  Saving you £-6.40 (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  As rites-of-passage films featuring a young man's sexual initiation in the arms of a beautiful woman go, Class (1983) has plenty going for it, not least its attractive cast: Andrew McCarthy as Jonathan, Rob Lowe as Gatsby-ish best friend Skip and Jacqueline Bisset as the beautiful woman who is old enough to know better and just happens to be Skip's mother. Lewis John Carlino's film has moments of insight, taking a few well-aimed shots at the vaguely sinister network of American public school life. In the first reel it neatly subverts the bullying scenario that threatens when the geekish Jonathan arrives at the school, while offering the briefly intriguing sight of Lowe in scarlet bra and pants. And there's a subplot of deceit and complicity that both strengthens and threatens the friendship that rapidly forms between Skip and Jonathan. In many ways, though, the most interesting element of the picture--Skip's relationship with his dysfunctional family--is left unexplored. Jonathan's deflowering and subsequent interludes are merely titillating. And Bisset's Ellen, a desperately sad character, becomes superfluous once the revelation that she is the "teacher" sets the boys' friendship on the path to fraternal solidarity. On the DVD: Class is presented in widescreen anamorphic format and looks as good as its leading players, although the Dolby Digital mono soundtrack has odd moments of flatness that detract from the cinematic experience. Extras are limited to the cinema trailer that now looks like a red rag to the puritanical objectors who were appalled by the graphic scenes in which Jonathan loses his virginity to the predatory Ellen. --Piers Ford

• The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea | DVD | (02/06/2008) from £37.89   |  Saving you £-21.90 (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  This adaptation from Yukio Mishima's novel was hailed as one of the most controversial and provocative films ever made. When English widow Anne who lives by the sea with son Jonathan meets rugged American sailor Jim they embark on a passionate love affair. Jonathan's dislike of Jim leads him to join a fascist group of young boys who enjoy perverse acts such as vivisecting a cat. With frank love scenes and disturbing acts by the boys this film has become a timeless classic. With powerhouse performances exquisite cinematography and a haunting score this makes for a beautiful and eerie film.

• The Phantom Of The Opera | DVD | (28/07/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  The Phantom Of The Opera