"Actor: David Michael"

• The Professionals - Season 1 | DVD | (10/06/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £39.99

  An instant hit in 1977, The Professionals was a fast-moving and occasionally sharp-shooting action series about a couple of cool dudes in a fictional secret service organisation, CI5. The creation of Avengers veterans Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell it was often gritty stuff, leavened by the mildly subversive attitudes of Bodie (Lewis Collins) and Doyle (Martin Shaw) who ultimately are always loyal to their gruff boss George Cowley (Gordon Jackson). Helped by witty, if rampantly sexist, dialogue and trousers of sterility defying tightness, Bodie and Doyle enjoyed a good run as 1970s sex symbols. Jackson’s often exasperated Cowley kept them in line with just the right degree of Puritanical steel. The first series set the standard for five successful years, milking the dramatic potential of a rich gamut of scenarios, from international espionage to racism and religious evangelism; Bodie and Doyle usually being called upon to protect a controversial figure from the assassin's bullet. Shaw would later dismiss The Professionals for its stereotypical violence and for a long time refused to allow reruns. In fact, as cult television goes, it has weathered well. Many of its themes are as relevant today as they were then. The constantly elliptical script ("I want you to see that he's… well taken care of") is tremendous fun. And despite the macho drive, the whole thing has a camp archness which betrays its Avengers pedigree. Great for a nostalgic wallow. On the DVD: The Professionals on disc still displays the slightly ropey quality of late 1970s television film complete with brassy soundtrack. Presented in 4:3 format, the original production values disconcertingly recreate the original post-homework viewing experience. But the DVD extras are the thing here. Interactive menus allow you to drill down into the history of each of the 14 episodes, cross-referencing guest stars. And there's an appropriately camp fashion note.--Piers Ford

• Thunder Point | DVD | (30/06/2003) from £3.96   |  Saving you £-0.97 (N/A%)   |  RRP £2.99

  Discovering a World War II briefcase while scuba diving was the worst day of Henry Barker's and his daughter's life. The Fuhrer-sealed briefcase is of major interest to hard-nose Brit Brigadier Charles Ferguson and a U.S. hitman sent to kill Baker. With her father dead Jenny Baker now has the briefcase whose contents hold the key to resurrecting the fourth Reich - the Windsor Protocol. Smart criminal Sean Dillon (Kyle MacLachlan) is sent by Ferguson to prevent the Windsor Protocol from falling into Nazi hands and quickly finds himself at the top of everyone's hit list. Through hair-raising twists and turns the free world hangs in the balance as the new Nazi regime waits for the return of the Protocol

• Mary, Mother Of Jesus | DVD | (22/09/2003) from £19.59   |  Saving you £-17.60 (N/A%)   |  RRP £1.99

  The world's greatest story seen from the eyes of the Virgin Mary as she watches her infant son Jesus grow to manhood inspiring the known world with his miracles and teachings on the Word of God. The Angel Gabriel visits the 16 year-old Mary and tells her that she has been chosen to give birth to the Son of God. The child is born in Bethlehem and so begins a very human and touching story of love sacrifice and inspirational faith highlighting a real mother's concern for a son who knows that he must die on the cross so he can be born again.

• Pink Floyd the Wall | DVD | (25/01/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World (1998--TV movie) | DVD | (12/04/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  A lost world that time forgot populated by prehistoric creatures not seen on this earth for 50 million years - that is the astonishing possibility presented by Professor George Edward Challenger (Patrick Bergin) to the Royal Geographic Society of London England. A gruff impossible man Challenger calls for an expedition to prove - or disprove - this incredible claim first presented by Professor White who died on a prior expedition to this supposed lost world. Joined by the effervescent reporter Edward D. Malon the dashing big game hunter Peter Roxton Challenger's nemesis and Professor White's vivacious daughter Amanda (Jayne Heitmeyer) Challenger sets off on a journey to the edge of the earth. The explorers find a land-locked island that time and evolution forgot. By creating a primitive hot-air balloon the hardy adventurers manage to enter this dark cauldron of humanity's infancy venturing on to explore a world of stegosaurs and t-rex brontosaurs and raptors and finally make contact with a race of humanity's ancestors who make human sacrifices to their dinosaur gods. Beaten battered but triumphant Challenger and Amanda White return to England - but report their expedition as a failure. Humanity they have decided is not yet ready for the wonders they have seen.

• Ulterior Motives | DVD | (17/09/2001) from £6.55   |  Saving you £-0.56 (-9.30%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Ambitious and beautiful New York journalist Erica (Keller) has the scoop of her career: a Japanese businessman suspected of selling American secrets to Japan. When private investigator Jack Blaylock (Griffith) is hired to help her he finds himself entangled in a web of violence and corruption with a deadline whose fatal consequences leave no margin for error...

• Avalanche | DVD | (05/05/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  A father and his two children struggle to escape certain death after an avalanche entombs their remote mountain cabin. A suspicious plane crash higher up in the mountains has caused the avalanche and swept the lone survivor a dangerous smuggler up against one of the buried cabin's windows. The unsuspecting family pull the stranger into the cabin and revive him. While the cabin slowly and dangerously buckles under the tremendous weight of the avalanche the smuggler forces his rescuers to abandon their escape plans and assist him in finding his stolen cache of diamonds. Time is running out all will surely die in this icy tomb if not from the collapsing cabin then from a bullet fired from the pistol of the cold-hearted stranger.

• Mr Saturday Night | DVD | (07/06/2004) from £21.72   |  Saving you £-11.73 (-117.40%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Comedian Billy Crystal invested a life's worth of experience into his directorial debut, starring in and cowriting it as well. Mr. Saturday Night is a fascinating alternate biography of the career he never had. From the 1920s to the 90s, the movie uses flashbacks to follow a comedian's turbulent journey from making the family laugh, to stardom, to retirement. Buddy Young Jr (Crystal) and his brother Stan (David Paymer) show us the decidedly unfunny behind-the-scenes family events that can bolster or destroy an act. It's unfortunate that the flip side of Buddy's comic face is a viciously cruel streak. Distanced from his daughter and with Stan's need to move on, the contemporary segments are tinged with tragedy. They're assisted immeasurably by some impressive old-age make-up (which so often fails), transforming Crystal into an unrecognisable cantankerous creature. The gags come thick and fast; there are numerous cameos and the good-natured tone of the movie make it universally appealing. If only more acts from Saturday Night Live had been handled as well. On the DVD: Mr. Saturday Night is a standard transfer with no frills in 4:3 and stereo. The extras package offers a series of mini-interviews that are interesting in themselves, but inexplicably repeated in the accompanying five-minute featurette. --Paul Tonks

• Used Cars | DVD | (11/03/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Used Cars, the 1980 film by director Robert Zemeckis, gives no indication of things to come in his career (Back to the Future, Contact, Forrest Gump), but it is representative of a certain cynical humour he shared early on with writer-partner Bob Gale. Kurt Russell and Jack Warden star in a sketchy comedy about competing used-car salesmen who resort to outrageous tactics to lure customers away from each other. The jokes, like the characters, are intentionally recycled, self-conscious comic fodder from a baby-boomer's lifetime (such as Gale's or Zemeckis') of immersion in pop culture. That makes Used Cars more pastiche than original (the film's title itself suggests that), but as such it has some good, if vaguely familiar, laughs in it. Russell, particularly, is very funny as a practiced con man. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com

• Playing God | DVD | (12/04/2005) from £6.82   |  Saving you £-0.83 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  From the outset, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was about conflict. Producers Rick Berman and Michael Piller challenged the utopian ideals of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek universe to create something totally different from its predecessors. That meant no familial camaraderie, squeaky-clean Federation diplomacy, or beige décor. Instead they wanted interpersonal friction, ruthless enemies (Gamma Quadrant Imperialists--The Dominion) and rebellion at every turn. The DS9 concept was originally facilitated by introducing the Cardassian/Bajoran war during The Next Generation's final days. After a muted first reception fans gradually came to accept the new look, but no one liked Star Trek without a starship and eventually the producers capitulated to viewers' wishes by introducing the USS Defiant (an apt name) in Season 3. Relying far less on technobabble than TNG, DS9 was unafraid to focus on matters of the spirit instead, demonstrating a ballsy independence from its parent shows. Taking up the gauntlet thrown down by Babylon 5, improved CGI space battles also became a fan favourite. Throughout the increasingly serialised story arc there were rebellious factions within the different establishments: Kira had belonged to the Shakaar resistance cell; the Maquis was Starfleet vs Cardassians; section 31 was a secret Starfleet group; the True Way was a Bajoran group opposed to peace; the Cardassians had their Obsidian Order and the Romulans their Gestapo-like Tal Shiar. Yet for all its constant bickering and espionage (even Bashir got to be James Bond), there was always some contemporary social commentary lurking: the Ferengi were used as a comedic foil to frown on materialistic greed; drugs were looked at via the Jem'Hadar foot soldiers' addiction to Ketracel White. Perhaps Sisko summed up the real heart of things: "Bajor doesn't need a man, it needs a legend". A future vision that retains a place for religion and spirituality turned out to be Deep Space Nine's first best destiny. --Paul Tonks

• Kill Bill Vol. 2 | Blu Ray | (03/11/2008) from £14.90   |  Saving you £9.09 (61.01%)   |  RRP £23.99

  The second part of Quentin Tarantino's deliriously stylish movie as The Bride (Thurman) continues her typically blood-soaked revenge quest... Having killed two of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad The Bride continues her mission to avenge the three remaining names on her death list that turned her El Paso wedding party into bloody carnage and left her for dead. Her attention turns to Budd (Michael Madson) Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) and finally the corpse littered path leads to Bill (David Carradine). However an unexpected survivor complicates matters...

• Friends - Complete Series 10 (The Final Series) Box Set | DVD | (16/08/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £79.99

• The Beiderbecke Collection Complete | DVD | (27/11/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £39.99

  'The Beiderbecke Collection' is a charming mix of comedy and drama that has all the hallmarks of a classic detective thriller. Follow the exploits of jazz fan Trevor and his long-suffering girlfriend Jill as they find themselves embroiled in various mysteries which follow them to Amsterdam and Edinburgh and include dodgy businessmen black economies refugees and much much more.... 'The Beiderbecke Affair' (1984) - Follow the exploits of Jazz nut Trevor Chaplin (James Bolam) and his long-suffering girlfriend Jill Swinburne (Barbara Flynn). Whilst trying to track down a set of missing records they encounter a mystery platinum blonde who weaves a complex web of intrigue that soon escalates to dealing with dodgy businessmen 'black economies' and council corruption. 'The Beiderbecke Tapes' (1987) - Feature length mystery with Trevor and Jill as they continue to embroil themselves in all sorts of clandestine meetings and intrigue. Nuclear waste in the Yorkshire Dales sinister conversations and a missing barman take Trevor and Jill on a whirlwind mystery from the Dales to Amsterdam and Edinburgh. 'The Beiderbecke Connection' (1988) - Trevor and Jill are now parents to a baby boy however their old pals Big Al and Little Norm prevail upon them to give sanctuary to a homeless refugee. It is not long however before they are again caught up in a complex deception of a musical kind featuring the music of jazz supremo Frank Ricotti.

• Sci-Fi - 10 movies | DVD | (07/12/2009) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £7.99

  Timecop Set in the year 2004 where time travel is a reality and a new breed of crime has emerged. It is now possible to alter history and the Time Enforcement Commission has ruled that no-one goes back in time. But someone has broken the rule and Timecop Max Walker must prevent a change in history - and prevent the murder of his wife... Cyborg 1 When a mysterious package arrives on his doorstep Jack Ryan a former member of the DEA immediately suspects that something is wrong. He discovers that the package contains a plea for help from his brother Phillip on a DEA assignment on the Caribbean Island of St. Keith. Cyborg 2 The new generation of Cyborgs are more lethal powerful dangerous and smarter than the computers that programmed them. So intelligent they are capable of regenerating themselves without human control - a chilling prospect for the civilized world. Cyborg 3 Enter the dark world of sythentic humanoids where ruthless recyclers scavenge cyborg parts and sell them to the highest bidder. Moon 44 The year is 2038. Giant intergalactic corporations have taken control of the universe locked in a ruthless battle for planets where men and robots mine the priceless chemicals that are now Earth's only source of fuel. Space pirates are systematically hijacking the vital space shuttle from the moon 44 mining base which is also the location of an experimental defence programme using highly advanced helicopter gunships. It is undercover investigator Felix Stone's task to hunt down the hijackers. But if Moon 44 base is attacked the orders are to sacrifice the men and save the robots. Apex Black Moon Rising Tommy Lee Jones is Quint a shrewd and tough professional thief working for the government. He has hidden a computer disc containing vital evidence in a sleek fast prototype automobile which is stolen by a sophisticated car theft ring in Los Angeles. Quint the owners of the car and the killers who want the disc back are forced into a high-risk raid on the impenetrable fortress of the car thieves in this taut action-filled suspense adventure. Earth Alien Salena Incident Roswell was just the beginning... During a routing transport exercise a group of prisoners overpower their guards and take them captive. But their well executed escape plan turns into something far more menacing. When they enter the supposedly peaceful town of Salena the prisoners and guards are faced with an alien threat far more powerful than anything imaginable! The Sender

• Epoch | DVD | (10/02/2003) from £12.41   |  Saving you £-2.42 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Across the planet sudden increases in earthquake activity is causing massive damage and worldwide panic. Mason Rand (David Keith) a young nuclear weapons expert is recruited by the President's science advisor to investigate some additional strange activity over the giant Himalayan mountains. With the Earth's life support system in the balance Rand and his team fly to Bhutan to join a top secret U.S. task force. What they discover will change man's view of history forever...

• Up The Creek | DVD | (12/07/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  The forgotten H.M.S. Berkley has been without a commanding officer for two years in which time the skeleton crew has gone into the racketeering business with the landlord of a coastal village. When the Navy appoint Humphrey Fairweather as a long overdue replacement his unhealthy obsession with missile construction and the landlord's beautiful niece threatens to upset the balance of business.

• Friends: Complete Series 9 | DVD | (08/09/2003) from £13.98   |  Saving you £86.01 (86.00%)   |  RRP £99.99

  Nine years is a long time for any group of Friends to stick so closely together, but somehow the gang are still as daftly charming as ever. After the birth of Emma, Rachel comes to terms with being a mother surprisingly well. It's how everyone else deals with it that makes things interesting. Joey's accidental proposal creates weird friction between him and Ross, who breaks his finger throwing the show's first ever punch. Monica becomes desperately broody and attempts all manner of convoluted ways of persuading Chandler to father a child (unfortunately he inadvertently bankrupts them in a move to Tulsa!). Phoebe, on the other hand, occupies herself in the dating game, holding on to Mike (Paul Rudd) in the longest guest-star relationship anyone's ever had. Other surprise guests this year include Freddie Prinze Jr as an overly sensitive nanny (in the 200th episode), Christina Applegate as another of Rachel's sisters and Jeff Goldblum playing himself on the set of another movie on which Joey is trying to get a break. As always the sparks occasionally fly between Rachel and Ross, while the others manage to strain their own relationships to the max. The real reason for watching now is the one-off kooky scenarios in which they--or rather Joey--get into. His endless dating finally sees him stuck for remembering if he's already slept with a girl; he botches an attempt at eyebrow waxing; and he manages to make Chandler think Monica's after a breast enhancement! A 10th series and potential movie spin-off were announced well before the year was over, meaning six very rich actors will be supplying the fun for some time yet to come. --Paul Tonks

• Suckers | DVD | (28/07/2000) from £6.98   |  Saving you £-0.99 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Bobby Deluca is a nice guy in a lot of trouble! He owes money to a couple of bone-breaking loan sharks and is forced by his wife to take a job at a car dealership. Desperate for money Bobby becomes a reluctant car salesman. The dealership is the domain of the legendary silk tongued Reggie. He has trained his diverse team of misfit salesman to sell the hell out of the cars whilst extracting every last penny from the customers. What Bobby and the other salesman don't realize is that Reggie is not only dealing in cars but is also running an illegal drug smuggling operation using the imported vehicles as couriers...

• Evil Beneath Loch Ness | DVD | (11/02/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £10.99

  Professor Gus Egan and his team of scientists are exploring the depths of Scotland's mysterious Loch Ness to prove his theory that it was once a prehistoric breeding ground for ancient marine reptiles. Suddenly a fault-line ruptures deep below the surface of the Loch and Gus disappears in an underwater earthquake. Unbeknownst to the team the rupture has reopened a passageway to the depths of the North Sea and given new life to the most fabled creature ever known to man - the legendary Loch Ness monster.

• Brian Wilson - Smile | DVD | (13/06/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Smile? In 1966, the legendary abandoned Beach Boys' album and "teenage symphony to God" left its visionary, Brian Wilson, with the devil to pay. Disc One of this double DVD set offers David Leaf's glorious documentary "Beautiful Dreamer", interviewing all those involved with the project's development (save, bizarrely, any of the surviving Beach Boys, least of all Smile's most trenchant naysayer Mike Love) and charting Brian Wilson's ascendancy to the cusp of creative immortality and subsequent crash-and-burn to a bedridden, burnt-out recluse. In the South Pole-style "production race" with The Beatles for popular music's brave new frontier (a contest more self-justificatingly important to Wilson than to Lennon/McCartney) it was to be The Beatles who planted the flag and Wilson who perished in the snow; Smile was to be Brian Wilson's nemesis. The albums' eventual completion and re-recording (hats off to Brian Wilson's musical sidekicks The Wondermints) in 2003 was the happiest and unlikeliest conclusion to pop music's most fascinating and infuriating chapter. The entire live performance of Smile in Los Angeles - beautifully filmed on Disc 2 - is a fitting happy ending. The work - especially the waxing and waning chorales of the "Child Is Father Of The Man" section - is a marvel; beautiful, bold, coherent and deft enough to leave the myth - the great "what if?" of 20th Century music history - intact. --Kevin Maidment