"Actor: Huckleberry Fox"

• Terms Of Endearment | DVD | (05/11/2001) from £6.41   |  Saving you £6.58 (102.65%)   |  RRP £12.99

  When Terms of Endearment was released in 1983, director and writer James L Brooks was lauded for his depiction of a complex mother/daughter relationship. For his leading ladies he chose actresses with two of the strongest personalities in Hollywood, but armed with an exceptionally witty script and endless patience he eventually drew magnificent performances from Shirley Maclaine as Aurora and Debra Winger as her daugher Emma, assisted considerably by Jack Nicholson's considerate professionalism. As the philandering retired astronaut who beds Maclaine and then provides her with surprising support in the film's dark later moments, Nicholson shines with comic brilliance which earned him an Oscar. It was no secret that Maclaine and Winger could barely contain a mutual antipathy on set. Yet they strike sparks off each other on screen. When comedy turns to tragedy with the development of Emma's cancer, the laughs continue even while the tear ducts are being given a good work out. In the glory days of Hollywood, this would have been acknowledged a great "women's picture" and its weepy credentials are impeccable. It stands out as a warm, accessible work that admirably rejects sugary sentiment in favour of the realistic rough edges that characterise most human relationships. On the DVD: Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, this DVD is ideal for home cinema viewing. The picture and sound quality are fine, benefiting Michael Gore's gentle, memorable music and bringing the best out of Andrzej Bartkowiak's luminous photography. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, the major extra is the director's commentary in which James L Brooks reminisces with coproducer Penney Finkelman and production designer Polly Platt. They look back at their impressive work with a touching degree of wonder and apprentice directors should take note when Brooks recalls his steep learning curve in managing his leading ladies. --Piers Ford

• American Dreamer | DVD | (25/07/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  She was an ordinary housewife until her trip to Paris turned into an extraordinary adventure. A bored housewife with writing aspirations enters a mystery writing contest to win a free trip for two to Paris. When she unexpectedly wins her officious and neglectful husband refuses to go with her so she leaves alone. Once there she falls in front of a car driven by the Spanish ambassador and awakens thinking she is Rebecca Ryan the heroine in a series of pulp mysteries. As Reb

• Terms of Endearment / An Officer and a Gentleman - Double Pack | DVD | (28/02/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  An Officer And A Gentleman: Zack Mayo (Gere) is a young loner with a bad attitude. Tempted by the glamour and admiration of the life of a Navy pilot he decides to sign up for Officer Candidate School. After thirteen tortuous weeks under Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Gossett Jnr.) he slowly begins to learn the importance of discipline love and friendship. Foley warns Zack about the local girls who will do anything to catch themselves a pilot for a husband but despite this Za

• Terms Of Endearment | DVD | (13/03/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Nominated for 11 Oscars and winner of 5 Terms Of Endearment dazzled critics and audiences alike with its believable insightful story of two captivating people mother and daughter unforgettably played by Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. Jack Nicholson turns in a great comic performance as MacLaine's neighbour a boozy womanizing former astronaut. From grand slapstick to deepest sentiment director James L. Brooks masterfully paints scenes from their evolving 30-year rela