A master at manipulating audiences, Kaufman could generate belly laughs, stony silence, tears or brawls.
The Adventures of Mark Twain is an amazing journey of imagination humour and heart and a must for fans of Aardman Studios. The film features a series of vignettes extracted from several of Mark Twain's works built around a plot that features Twain's attempts to keep his appointment with Halley's Comet. Tom Sawyer Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn stow away with Mark Twain on an incredible journey in Twain's airship. The journey introduces the three friends to a variety of the author's characters from; The Diary of Adam and Eve Huckleberry Finn The Mysterious Stranger The Famous Jumping Frog of Caliverous County and Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven. The sequence based on The Mysterious Stranger reportedly received over ten million views upon being posted on YouTube. The sequence was allegedly banned from TV due to its disturbing content
A young boy confined to bed with the flu is less than thrilled when his grandfather (Peter Falk) arrives to read him the story of The Princess Bride. It tells the adventures of Buttercup the most beautiful woman in the world and Westley the man she loves in the fairy-tale kingdom of Florin. When Buttercup is kidnapped Westley has to overcome some pretty tough obstacles if he is to rescue her from the clutches of three kidnappers - scaling the cliffs of insanity battling rodents of unusual size facing tortue in the Pit of Despair... True love has never been a snap.
The Asian Hawk is back! Undeterred by nearly dying while making the first Armour of God, Jackie Chan returned to battle for a sequel that's bigger, better and even more daring. This time, Jackie's intrepid treasure hunter is on the hunt for some Nazi gold but recovering it will not be easy, let alone safe. The most expensive Hong Kong film produced at that time, Armour of God II: Operation Condor showcases some of Jackie's best stunts and action, building up to an epic climax that will blow you off your feet. The black belts at 88 Films are thrilled to present the UK Blu-Ray premier uncut! of this great fan favourite.
The Great British Garden Revival sees the nation's top television gardening talents stand up in a bid to restore Britain s rich horticultural heritage. In this popular and beautifully produced series, Britain's leading experts each champion a gardening style or group of plants which they feel passionately about. They share insider tips and offer practical advice on how to transform our gardens. They also meet inspiring experts and passionate amateur gardeners who share their enthusiasm in wanting to celebrate the beauty of overlooked historic gardening styles and traditions, and bring them back. Cottage Gardens with Carol Klein features: Carol Klein supports the cottage garden Tom Hart Dyke promotes house-plants Carol Klein shares her passion for the rock garden Toby Buckland looks at herbs
Computer operator Terry Dolittle (Goldberg) becomes involved in international espionage when a desperate message from a British Intelligence officer appears on her computer terminal...
Premier ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev makes his acting debut in this lavish story of the life of the famous silent screen actor Rudolph Valentino who caused female moviegoers to riot in the streets upon his death. Controversial director Ken Russell lavishly recreates the glitzy and decadent atmosphere of the roaring 20's and the presence of Nureyev as Valentino imbues the film with passion rarely found in Hollywood.
Collection of four classic children's films. 'Annie' (1982) is the story of the eponymous optimistic orphan (Aileen Quinn) who lives a miserable life in an children's home run by the awful Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). One day, she sees her chance to escape and sets off on a journey which will take her to the door of childless millionaire Daddy Warbucks (Albert Finney). In 'Oliver' (1968) young Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) escapes from the workhouse, where he has been brutally treated all of his life, and joins the gang of street urchins led by the rascal Fagin (Ron Moody). Oliver is trained as a pick-pocket, but ends up being caught for a crime he did not commit. However, this seemingly unfortunate accident brings him closer to his real family. 'Matilda' (1996) stars Mara Wilson as the exceptionally gifted and intelligent child who is ignored by her stupid parents Harry (Danny DeVito) and Zinnia (Rhea Perlman). A keen reader, her dearest wish is to be sent to school, but the establishment Harry selects is Crunchemhall, run by the tyrannical Miss Trunchball (Pam Ferris). Her cruelty to her pupils causes Matilda to vow revenge, and her newly discovered telekinetic powers give her the chance to do so. 'Madeline' (1998) stars Hatty Jones as the most mischievous of the twelve friends who live at a Parisian school run by Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand). Her sunny existence is threatened by starchy old Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne) who is on a campaign to have the school closed down. It is up to Madeline and her friends, who include the equally precocious Pepito (Kristian de la Osa) and a dog who saved her from drowning, to stop him.
MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS FULLY RESTORED IN HIGH DEFINITION FOR THE FIRST TIME! To celebrate the 50th anniversary of a genuinely iconic series, we present Monty Python s Flying Circus, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin in all its HD glory! This unrivalled restoration has been produced from the best available materials, painstakingly restored... and includes just the right amount of lovely spam, wonderful spam... Previously edited sketches have been returned to their original length, while filmed sequences and Terry Gilliam s animations have been newly scanned in High Definition, adding unimaginable depth and clarity to classic moments. From the archive come genuine rarities including previously unseen studio outtakes and extended versions of filmed sketch material, making this the ultimate in television restoration and a must-have for every generation of Python fan! SERIES 2 FEATURES: The Buzz Aldrin Show: Extended & unused filmed material Live from the Grill-O-Mat: Extended Ken Clean-Air System filmed material It's a Living: Reinstated content & alternative, censored sketch audio, extended Election Night Special and School [] Prizes filmed material How to Recognise Different Parts of the Body: Reinstated content & alternative, censored sketch audio Scott of the Antarctic: Extended filmed material How Not to Be Seen: Restored animation, unused film material, extended Conquistador Coffee sketch And Now For Something Completely Different: Vic Jamison's 1970 student film shot on location with the Python team Interview with Ian Macnaughton: Recorded in November 1971 at Imperial College London
A Fistful Of Dollars: - Languages: English (Dolby Digital Mono) ; Subtitles: English Clint Eastwood's stunning Spaghetti Western debut. When the Man With No Name rides into town the rival gangs of the Baxters and the Rojos soon find themselves fighting each other. As the lean cold-eyed cobra-quick gunfighter Clint became the first of the Western's anti-herores. The cynical enigmatic loner with a clouded past is the same character Eastwood fans have been savouring ever since. 'A Fistful Of Dollars' is the western taken to the extreme - with unremitting violence gritty realism and tongue-in-cheek humour. Leone's direction is taut and stylish and the visuals are striking - from the breathtaking panoramas (in Spain) to the extreme close-ups of quivering lips and darting eyes before the shoot-out begins. And all are accentuated by renowned composer Ennio Morricone's quirky haunting score. For A Few Dollars More - Languages: English and French (Dolby Digital Mono) ; Subtitles: English Dutch French Clint Eastwood had proven so successful in his first foray into European Westerns with 'A Fistful Of Dollars' that a follow up sequel was inevitable. Superbly scripted by Luciano Vincenzoni featuring an unforgettable alliance between ruthless gun-slingers to track down the notorious bandit El Indio played by Gian Maria Volonte. The film is also noted for its array of weaponry a veritable arsenal of rifles that became so startingly influential in future westerns. Sergio Leone's direction is both violent and operatic and Ennio Morricone's atmospheric score keeps the tension taut as the action moves from jail breaks and hold ups to spectacular gun battles. The Good The Bad And The Ugly - Languages: English (Dolby Digital Mono) ; Subtitles: English Dutch By far the most ambitious unflinchingly graphic and stylistically influential western ever attempted 'The Good the Bad and the Ugly' is an engrossing actioner shot through with a volatile mix of myth and realism. Clint Eastwood returns for a final appearance as the invincible Man With No Name this time teaming with two gunslingers (Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef) to pursue a cache of 0 000 - and letting no one not even warring factions in a civil war stand in their way. From sun-drenched panoramas to bold hard closeups exceptional camera work captures the beauty and cruelty of the barren landscape and the hardened characters who stride unwaveringly through it. Forging a vibrant and yet detached style of action that had not been seen before and has never been matched since 'The Good the Bad and the Ugly' shatters the western in true Clint Eastwood style. The complex plot of bloodshed and betrayal winds its way through the American Civil War filmed to resemble the French battlefields of WW1 to end in a climactic Dance of Death. Arguably the quintessential Italian Western this 1966 film boasts a fine Ennio Morricone score featuring a main theme that reached No.1 in the world's pop charts.
This highly regarded Thames anthology from the 1980s presented a diverse range of high-quality single dramas that would serve as pilots for possible future series. Among these screenplays were many notable successes: these included 'Woodentop', which introduced The Bill's much-loved characters PC Carver and WPC Ackland; 'Lytton's Diary', both created by and starring Peter Bowles; and linked screenplays The Traitor' and 'A Question of Commitment', featuring Alec McCowen in the role of master spycatcher Mr Palfrey. Episodes Comprise: Inspector Ghote Moves in. Judgement Day. Secrets. Woodentop. The Traitor. Lytton's Diary. King & Castle. Ladies in Charge. Thank You, Miss Jones. Making News. Snakes and Ladders. A Question of Commitment. Hunted Down. Special Features: Singles' Night: Starring Robin Nedwell. Originally produced as a Storyboard edition, this play was ultimately transmitted outside the series banner.
Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland – indeed all the delightful and famous Beatrix Potter characters – come to life in this colourful and imaginative musical interpretation of her tales, choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton, composed and scored by John Lanchbery, and danced by members of the Royal Ballet. Five of the famed Victorian author’s most well-known stories – with guest appearances of characters from other themes – have been linked to present an enchanting story-line that will thrill adults and children alike.
One of television's all-time-great sitcoms, Please Sir! stars John Alderton as Bernard Hedges, a newly qualified teacher thrown in at the deep end when he is assigned to sort out an unruly class of teenagers at Fenn Street Secondary Modern School. Helped (and sometimes hindered) by his fellow teachers, he has to combat the wiles of the devious school caretaker as well as the full might of class 5C! Created by comedy giants John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, who would go on to further success with Get Some In!, The Good Life and Ever Decreasing Circles, this collection contains Features: Please Sir! all 55 episodes of the original series Please, Sir! the 1971 feature film The Fenn Street Gang all 47 episodes of the Please Sir! sequel Bowler all 13 episodes of the Fenn Street spin-off
Carl Kolchak (McGavin) is a reporter for Chicago's Independent News Service; a magnet for situations involving the supernatural. Kolchak turned his investigative skills to vampires werewolves zombies and all manner of legendary creatures. Episodes Comprise: 1. The Ripper 2. The Zombie 3. They Have Been They Are They Will Be... 4. The Vampire 5. The Werewolf 6. Firefall 7. The Devil's Platform 8. Bad Medicine 9. The Spanish Moss Murders 10. The Energy Eater 11. Horror In The Heights 12. Mr R.I.N.G. 13. Primal Scream 14. The Trevi Collection 15. Chopper 16. Demon In Lace 17. Legacy Of Terror 18. The Knightly Murders 19. The Youth Killer 20. The Sentry
This Disney 2-Pack collection will have you seeing spots as it includes Disney''s live-action 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians. 101 Dalmatians Cruella De Vil dognaps a litter of Dalmation puppies--as well as every other Dalmation pup in London--and the litter''s parents must rally all the animals to their rescue. 102 Dalmatians Cruella De Vil is released from prison and is soon plotting another fur-ocious scheme to get her ultimate dalmatian coat.
Annie Hall is one of the truest, most bittersweet romances on film. In it, Allen plays a thinly disguised version of himself: Alvy Singer, a successful--if neurotic--television comedian living in Manhattan. Annie (the wholesomely luminous Dianne Keaton) is a Midwestern transplant who dabbles in photography and sings in small clubs. When the two meet, the sparks are immediate--if repressed. Alone in her apartment for the first time, Alvy and Annie navigate a minefield of self-conscious "is-this-person-someone-I'd-want-to-get-involved-with?" conversation. As they speak, subtitles flash their unspoken thoughts: the likes of "I'm not smart enough for him" and "I sound like a jerk". Despite all their caution, they connect, and we're swept up in the flush of their new romance. Allen's antic sensibility shines here in a series of flashbacks to Alvy's childhood, growing up, quite literally, under a rumbling roller coaster. His boisterous Jewish family's dinner table shares a split screen with the WASP-y Hall's tight-lipped holiday table, one Alvy has joined for the first time. His position as outsider is incontestable when he looks down the table and sizes up Annie's "Grammy Hall" as "a classic Jew-hater".The relationship arcs, as does Annie's growing desire for independence. It quickly becomes clear that the two are on separate tracks, as what was once endearing becomes annoying. Annie Hall embraces Allen's central themes--his love affair with New York (and hatred of Los Angeles), how impossible relationships are, and his fear of death. But their balance is just right, the chemistry between Allen's worry-wart Alvy and Keaton's gangly, loopy Annie is one of the screen's best pairings. It couldn't be more engaging. --Susan Benson
And Now for Something Completely Different, Monty Python's first feature, is a reworking of their best skits from the first two seasons of the TV series. Originally made for the US market (where the show had yet to be aired), it was shot on film outside the usual studio sets ("Nudge Nudge", for example, is set in a tavern filled with passers-by). The writing and performances are fine and the film is packed with some of their best bits: "How to Avoid Being Seen", " Hell's Grannies", "Blackmail", "The Lumberjack Song" and "The Upper Class Twit of the Year", among others. Many of the sketches have been shortened, however, and the loss of the overly bright video sheen (the film has a muddy, dull look to it) and the invigorating presence of a live audience leaves the film sluggish at times. They're still feeling out the possibilities of the feature length, which they conquered with their next movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974). --Sean Axmaker
The Adventures Of Mark Twain is an amazing journey of imagination humour and heart and a must for fans of Aardman Studios. The film features a series of vignettes extracted from several of Mark Twain's works built around a plot that features Twain's attempts to keep his appointment with Halley's Comet. Tom Sawyer Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn stow away with Mark Twain on an incredible journey in Twain's airship. The journey introduces the three friends to a variety of the author's characters from; The Diary of Adam and Eve Huckleberry Finn The Mysterious Stranger The Famous Jumping Frog of Caliverous County and Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven. The sequence based on The Mysterious Stranger reportedly received over ten million views upon being posted on YouTube. The sequence was allegedly banned from TV due to its disturbing content
Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his sceptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story. And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity... The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. --Sam Sutherland
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