"Actor: D"

• Gugielmo Tell - Rossini | DVD | (23/04/2004) from £17.93   |  Saving you £-4.94 (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  A performance of Rossini's 'Guglielmo Tell'. Sung in Italian with subtitles.

• Tarzan (1999) Disney - Collector's Edition (2 Disc) | DVD | (04/09/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  After viewing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote to Walt Disney about adapting his novel of an ape-man into a feature animated cartoon. Sixty odd years later, the tale is finally told with brilliant design work that looks unlike any previous animated film. The story is a natural for Disney since the themes of misunderstood central figures have been at the heart of most of its recent hits. Disney's Tarzan doesn't wander far from the familiar story of a shipwrecked baby who is brought up by apes in Africa. What gives the film its zing is its clever use of music (the songs are sung by Phil Collins himself rather than onscreen characters) and the remarkable animation. Deep Canvas, a 3-D technology, was developed for the film, creating a jungle that comes alive as Tarzan swings through the trees, often looking like a modern skateboarder racing down giant tree limbs. The usual foray of sidekicks, including a rambunctious ape voiced by Rosie O'Donnell, should keep the little ones aptly entertained. The two lead voices, Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Minnie Driver as Jane, are inspired choices. Their chemistry helps the story through the weakest points (the last third) and makes Tarzan's initial connection with all things human (including Jane) delicious entertainment. Disney still is not taking risks in its animated films, but as cookie-cutter entertainment, Tarzan makes a pretty good treat. On the DVD: It's the dish--mistakes, unused footage, creative differences, embarrassing behind-the-scene stories--that makes collector's editions so much fun. Unfortunately, this goes against the Disney philosophy of picture-perfection, and this two-set disc shows it; only half of the new material is engaging. The other half of this second disc, the "Tarzan Archives," is a slickly produced filler--more publicity fluff than real insight on the development of the film and the animation process. Much better are the three abandoned scenes (with voices and storyboards), including a much fiercer opening and ending, plus dozens of sketches made over the years as the designers pursued the luscious look of the film. The original audio demos Phil Collins made for the film are also intriguing (mostly filled with dummy or place-holding lyrics). The new audio commentary (by the producer and two directors) is a "fireside chat" variety, hardly worth more than one listen. Two side-by-side comparisons of storyboards to final film are a great tool to show youngsters how the animated process works, as is animator Glen Keane's talks on animating Tarzan. Also for kids: a read-along book and trivia game. --Doug Thomas

• Jazz - A Film By Ken Burns | DVD | (08/10/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £79.99

  The BBC, sceptical about the British appetite for extended documentary programmes, edited Ken Burns' epic 17-hour history Jazz back to around 12 hours. That's what's presented in this box set of the series, and while the flow of the original is preserved, so are its idiosyncrasies. The film dwells at length on early jazz, particularly on its origins in New Orleans, and there's a good deal of absorbing history here. On the other hand, in suggesting that the important work of jazz was done by 1975, Burns gives us cause to question how much of his earlier research is awry too. There isn't much here to reflect the brimming vitality of post-1960s jazz, and many listeners and musicians have been enraged by Burns' neglect of such pivotal figures as Joe Zawinul, Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Pat Metheny and Michael Brecker--all players whose work responds vigorously to the question that Burns thinks nobody can answer: "Where are the modern equivalents of Armstrong, Ellington, Parker and Coltrane?" Armstrong and Ellington are the touchstones of Burns' film, providing the narrative thread around which the stories of other major figures turn, among them Bechet, Basie, Goodman, Parker, Miles Davis and Coltrane. Burns also finds populist mileage in the politicisation of jazz, making dramatic capital out of racial divides that most jazz players, black and white, have ignored. The fact is that almost all jazz players, regardless of race, have felt like outsiders. Despite such distractions, Jazz is the longest jazz documentary yet produced, and it's rich in musical examples and classic, rare and unseen footage. Even when working with simple stills, Burns uses seductive camera work and Keith David's epigrammatic narration to maximum effect. There's plenty to enjoy here, but viewers should be aware, as Joshua Redman points out in Musicians' Views in our Ken Burns' Jazz shop, that Burns' film is an often compelling perspective on jazz, not a definitive study. --Mark Gilbert

• Gang Law | DVD | (20/12/2002) from £4.98   |  Saving you £9.01 (180.92%)   |  RRP £13.99

  Kool finds out the dangers of life in the streets where drugs gangs and a corrupt justice system are a distubing way of life. Kool is a young kid trying to do right in this world of chaos through the disciplines of the martial arts. He is befriended by his mentor ""Master Koyangi"" is deeply in love with his girlfriend Lashawana and his dream of becoming a rap star has guided him positively toward his goal. But when Lashawana is wrongfully charged with the murder of a police office

• Laurin | DVD | (08/09/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Laurin a pretty nine year old girl lives with her young mother in a remote ivy-clad cottage in the middle of a forest. After her mother dies in mysterious circumstances Laurin is plagued by visions of a murderer who haunts the local castle and she sets out to defeat him...

• LX 2048 | Blu Ray | (15/02/2021) from £5.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  In the year 2048, the sun has become so toxic people can no longer leave their houses in daytime, and normal life is conducted mostly inside the virtual realm. Adam is a husband and father who discovers that he has a mysterious heart disease. With no possibility for an organ transplant, he is now scheduled to be replaced by a cloned upgrade an improved version of himself that will be supplied to his estranged wife as part of the Premium 3 government insurance plan. Spiraling out of control, Adam starts living on borrowed time, seeking to find a solution before his replica will be sent to raise his kids and replace his existence across the board.

• Ja'mie: Private School Girl | DVD | (16/06/2014) from £19.75   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Ja'mie: Private School Girl is the story of Ja'mie King (Chris Lilley) a conniving Year 12 student and Queen Bee of Hillford Girls Grammar. As School Captain and unchallenged diva she stops at nothing to climb her way to the top dissing Boarders and conquering members of the opposite sex. Clothes cars boys parties and a hot-girl entourage... Ja'mie has it all until her quest to win the Hillford Medal triggers a series of outrageous events that change her life forever.

• The Last Line Of Defense | DVD | (24/01/2000) from £4.99   |  Saving you £1.00 (20.04%)   |  RRP £5.99

• Fire in the Sky (Imprint # 26) | Blu Ray | (25/12/2020) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Where The Wild Things Are | Blu Ray | (10/05/2010) from £6.92   |  Saving you £16.07 (232.23%)   |  RRP £22.99

  Maurice Sendak's classic book "Where the Wild Things Are" comes to the big screen in an adventure tale for every generation.

• Dark Silence | DVD | (06/02/2017) from £7.85   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Craig moves with his daughter, Jennifer, into a new home after the death of his wife. It's not long before the pair discover the house is haunted by a dark presence that wants to take over the child. One day Jennifer disappears and Craig must face a terrible truth in order to find his daughter.

• Bilitis | DVD | (10/04/2006) from £9.97   |  Saving you £4.02 (40.32%)   |  RRP £13.99

  The story takes place in England around the beginning of the 20th Century. Sensually exploring a young schoolgirl's awakening to love during her summer vacation. The young girl, Bilitis, is shocked when she witnesses her friend Melissa and her husband making love. Melissa encourages Bilitis to discover the aspect of love by seeing a young photographer, Lucas. He tries to make love to Bilitis, and she rebuffs him and runs to Melissa, who in comforting Bilitis finds herself responding to her kisses. But she tells Bilitis there must be nothing more between them. Bilitis discovers Melissa's husband is with another woman, so she decides to find another man for Melissa. Doing so Bilitis is realising she is not yet ready herself for adulthood.The English photographer David Hamilton has achieved unusual visual beauty in making his first motion picture enhanced by the music of Francis Lai.

• Bad Girls From Valley High | DVD | (11/06/2007) from £2.89   |  Saving you £7.10 (245.68%)   |  RRP £9.99

  High school can be hell but popularity can be murder! In the halls of Valley High no one's hotter sexier or more ruthless than the well-dressed ""Huns"" - beautiful Danielle (Julie Benz Taken) ditzy Tiffany (Nicole Bilderback Bring it On) and brainy Brooke (Monica Keena TV's Dawson's Creek). They rule the school with a manicured fist until a mysterious and gorgeous foreign exchange student arrives on the scene and steals away the attention of seriously hunky Drew. What's a sassy trio of popular girls to do? Murder of course! Starring Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future trilogy) and acclaimed actress Janet Leigh (Psycho) Bad Girls from Valley High is an all-new screamingly funny thriller that proves that high school can be hell but popularity can be murder.

• Aida | DVD | (02/06/2008) from £12.65   |  Saving you £2.34 (18.50%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Aida Live From Royal Opera House July 1994

• Shakespeare Wallah | DVD | (28/04/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Elegiac and atmospheric Shakespeare Wallah made in 1965 was the feature film that really put Merchant Ivory Productions on the international movie map winning them great critical acclaim. It is now recognised as a classic.Starring a young FELICITY KENDAL SHASHI KAPOOR and MADHUR JAFFREY the film's inspiration lies behind the real-life adventures of Felicity Kendal's family as a travelling theatre troupe in India during the twilight days of English colonial rule. Essentially a culture-clash romance which blends Shakespeare and British tradition with the emerging Indian 'pop' culture the film traces the developing relationship between Lizzie one of the members of the acting troupe with Sanju a wealthy Indian playboy. But their romance is beset by hindrances not the least being the machinations of Manjula a fiery Indian cinema star who is also in love with Sanju.

• 5150 Elms Way | DVD | (30/05/2011) from £9.29   |  Saving you £3.70 (28.50%)   |  RRP £12.99

  5150 Elm's Way is located at the end of a quiet street in a small town. When Yannick fell off his bike he knocked at the door of the Beaulieu residence so he could clean the blood off his hands. But Jack Beaulieu and his family had other plans for Ian. Beaulieu is a righteous psychopath and fanatic chess player who wants to rid the world of evil. And even though Ian has done nothing wrong he is beaten tortured and tormented before Beaulieu makes him an offer: win at chess and he is free to go. And so Ian is now a pawn in Beaulieu's game. A game in which he will either lose his mind or his life.

• Bounce | DVD | (05/11/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Ben Affleck is a man who switches plane tickets with another who dies in a plane crash. A year later he seeks out the widow (Gwyneth Paltrow) and begins to fall in love with her..

• Love Liza | DVD | (14/07/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting award at the 2002 Sundance film festival, Love Liza features a tour de force performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman, as Wilson Joel - a man in trouble.

• Home Alone / Home Alone 2 / Home Alone 3 / Home Alone 4 | DVD | (20/10/2003) from £14.79   |  Saving you £15.20 (102.77%)   |  RRP £29.99

• Verdi - Falstaff / Graham Vick, Bernard Haitink, Royal Opera House | DVD | (10/10/2001) from £24.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  The Graham Vicks production of Falstaff opened the new Covent Garden Royal Opera House, and was not to everybody's taste; the garish primary colours of the costumes, especially Falstaff's unusually hideous get-ups, go several steps beyond the Breughelian effect Vicks intended. The staging is effective--the complicated counterpoint of the ensembles is reflected in unobtrusive blocking that keeps the vocal lines clear and separate, especially in the final fugue. Bryn Terfel's Falstaff is a memorable creation, self-mocking and self-aggrandising at the same time--so much so, in fact, that he almost does not need the vast prosthetic body he has to wear for the part. Desiree Rancatore is an admirably sweet-toned Nanetta; Bernadette Manca di Nissa an appropriately sardonic Mistress Quickly; Roberto Frontali as Ford, in his Act 2 scena, perfectly distils and parodies every jealousy aria ever written, including Verdi's own. Haitink's conducting is exemplary in the lyrical passages, gets almost everything out of the fast and furious comic sections. --Roz Kaveney On the DVD: The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is powerful and filled with detail, capturing the excitement of the performance and the atmosphere of the Royal Opera House superbly. The anamorphically enhanced 1.77:1 widesceen image is very clear, and while given the source inevitably not up to the highest feature film standards, is among the best live classical titles yet released on DVD. The bold colours are particularly well realised, though the red lighting of the Garter Inn scenes causes the image to falter a little. There are optional subtitles in English, French and German. These are presented directly over the picture and would be easier to read had they been a little larger, or outlined in some way. The special features consist of a brief synopsis by James Naughtie, taken directly from the original television broadcast, a minute-long "comment" by conductor Bernard Haitink and short but interesting interviews with Bryn Terfel and director Graham Vick. Finally there is a nine-minute episode from the series of short BBC films, Covent Garden Tales on the 1999 modernisation of the Royal Opera House. --Gary S Dalkin