"Actor: Jane Hall"

• Ally McBeal - Season 4 Box Set 2 | DVD | (08/04/2002) from £10.87   |  Saving you £12.11 (153.68%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Too mainstream to be a cult, yet too odd to be totally conventional, Ally McBeal has become one of televisions curios. While its early days saw the show become something of a victim of its own self-conscious stylising, the episodes included on series 4 volume 2 are far stronger in terms of characterisation and plot and the storylines are easy to pick up. Not that the quirks have been exiled--the first programme features McBeal hallucinating about Barry Manilow--rather they have now become part of the overall feel of the show. Despite the attention lavished on both the lead character and the actress who plays her, the show is a real ensemble piece and works best when all the players are together. One of the collection's weakest moments is the episode that sends the usually excellent Richard and John off to LA on their own, an episode which lays threat to a dreaded spin off. While there are annoying moments--could they not have edited out the "previously on Ally McBeal" parts for retail release and why do they never go out with anyone other than work colleagues--with guest appearances from the likes of Sting this is a must for any fan of the series. On the DVD: Sadly, the DVD collection betrays very little thought or effort. The pace of the show is certainly brisk (especially when shorn of the adverts) and the picture quality is equally dynamic, instilling real depth to the many aerial shots of Boston itself. Given that music is such an integral part in the show, it is no surprise that the soundtrack has been given a boost by its recreation in Dolby digital stereo. The interactive menu, however, is clumsy to use and having to work back through the options at the end of each episode quickly becomes tiresome. The complete lack of any extras whatsoever is also a definite minus point.--Phil Udell

• John Sayles Collection | DVD | (23/04/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £29.99

  Lianna: The visionary writer-director behind such films as Passion Fish Lone Star and Sunshine State Oscar nominee John Sayles has been at the forefront of independant cinema for more than twenty years. In this moving and compassionate film Sayles presents a sympathetic realistic portrait of Lianna a young wife and mother who leaves her husband for another woman and embarks on a turbulent journey of self-discovery. Lianna must face the anger and confusion of her husband as well as the raised eyebrows of her community. But when her new lover also rejects her she faces the most difficult task of all: She must learn to love herself. The Return Of The Secaucus Seven: In this his directoria debut John Sayles looks at seven friends who reunite ten years after their radical college days for a dramatic poignant and revelatory weekend. Return of the Secaucus 7 inspired the later hit film The Big Chill and heralded the arrival of a brilliant new force in independant cinema. The Brother From Another Planet: In this offbeat fantasy tale Sayles takes a look through the eyes of a black extraterrestrial (Joe Morton) who crash-lands on Earth - in Harlem - and is taken in by the regulars of a local bar. The alien changes everyone he meets on his journey through the streets of Urban America. But can his message of brotherly love resonate with the intergalactic bounty hunters trying to track him down?

• Ally McBeal - Season 4 Part 1 | DVD | (11/02/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The first half of Ally McBeal's fourth season starts with that all important question, the one Ally has been waiting for from day one: "Ally will you... move in with me?". As always Ally's romantic dreams never quite become a reality and the series continues within the Grimm Fairy Tale world of Ally's love (and quirky work) life. The most important twist this season occurs in the first episode "Sex, Lies and Second Thoughts"--the departure of Tracy Ullman and Ally's current beau, Brian, to be replaced by the series' new heart-throb Larry (Robert Downey Jr). Initially dating both father and son ("Two's a Crowd") Ally cannot help but become besotted by Larry's charisma; he being a fellow lawyer further seals their bond, that is until Larry's past comes back to haunt him. Other highlights include a quirky romance for John ("Reason to Belive"), a charity auction leading to an all male fan-club for John ("Love on Holiday") and a romantic connection for Mark--though the recipient of his affection may have hidden more than he bargained for. Unfortunately the series was outshone by the real-life drama of Calista Flockhart's and Downey's rocky relationship along with Downey's drugs convictions. Even though he won a Golden Globe for his performance, he ultimately had to be dropped from the series. On the DVD: Not much on offer here for Ally's début into the DVD market. The individual episode menu does offer a language selection of French and English and the subtitles for the Netherlands and French. You also have the option to select chapters from the specific episodes, along with a "previously on Ally McBeal..." for that little reminder of whom Ally is dating now. Although standard for a TV DVD release, the 1.33:1 aspect ratio and 2.0 Dolby sound is disappointing for a television series which offers ground-breaking use of special effects. --Nikki Disney

• Ally McBeal - Season 1 Part 2 | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Follow Ally's trials and tribulations in life through her eyes and caricaturises her personal thoughts and fantasies. Contains the second half of Season One's episodes. The episodes are: 'The Blame Game' 'Body Language' 'Once In A Lifetime' 'Forbidden Fruits' 'Theme Of Life' 'The Playing Field' 'Happy Birthday Baby' 'The Inmates' 'Being There' 'Alone Again' and 'These Are The Days'.

• Midsomer Murders - Bad Tidings | DVD | (10/10/2005) from £13.85   |  Saving you £3.14 (22.67%)   |  RRP £16.99

  Nothing is as it seems behind the well-trimmed hedges of the picturesque cottages in the idyllic English county of Midsomer. Beneath the tranquil surface of sleepy village life exist dark secrets scandals and downright evil. John Nettles stars as the humorous thoughtful and methodical Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

• Ally McBeal - Season 2 Part 2 | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £9.39   |  Saving you £10.60 (53.00%)   |  RRP £19.99

  A blend of courtroom dramas and neurotic love affairs create the perfect formula for the second part of the acclaimed Ally McBeal season 2. Ally (Calista Flockhart) continues to suffer in the hands of love and embarks upon a series of doomed love affairs that culminate in an adulterous kiss with her old love Billy (Gil Bellows). The confusion that accompanies her fated love life follows her into the courtroom where not only does she experience bizarre Al Green hallucinations but she also tries to sue God in defence of a little boy with leukaemia (Angels and Blimps). Meanwhile as Ally encounters visions of Al Green in the courtroom an inner Barry White takes over John Cage (Peter Macnicol) leaving him re-energised and finally confident enough to conquer his infatuation with sub-zero Nelle (Portia di Rossi). Enter the magical world of Ally with these essential Season 2 Part 2 DVDs that chronicle the daily traumas of Elaine's (Jane Krawkoski) face bras imaginary extended tongues and rigorous therapy sessions that will leave us all hollering for more. This box set includes the episodes: Angels & Blimps; Pyramids on the Nile; Sideshow; Sex Lies and Politics; Civil Wars; Those Lips That Hand; Lets Dance; Only the Lonely; The Green Monster; and I Know Him by Heart.

• Ally McBeal - Season 2 Part 1 | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  At the start of Series Two of the Boston law firm drama, nothing much had changed at Richard Fish's rather kooky establishment. Ally (Calista Flockhart) was still a skinny, whimsical woman-child looking for Mr Right. Billy (Gil Bellows) was still married to Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith), John Cage (Peter McNicol) was still too eccentric to be considered for romantic involvement, Elaine (Jane Krakowski) was still a nosey meddler and Fish (Greg Germann) himself was still looking for ways to make money. Lots of it. Greed prompts him to hire new litigator Nelle (Portia DiRossi), a tall, blonde power-dresser who leaves the other women bristling in her wake. But their antipathy towards their new colleague is nothing compared to the forces of hatred spiky Ling (Lucy Liu) inspires. Before long John (The Biscuit) and Nelle are embarking on a tempestuous romance, Ally is stealing Elaine's new boyfriend before going out with one of Georgia's exes and Billy begins to show the signs of instability which lead to him to bleach his hair blonde in the following season. Ally's outspoken flatmate Renee (Lisa Nicole Carson) got a welcome increase in her time on screen in this second season. Despite the sheer number of episodes David E Kelley and his team turn around each year, this second series consistently provided entertaining viewing to the last, despite--or perhaps because of--some of the characters being so unlikable. The inter-office banter reached new heights of inventive bitchiness, the comic CGI illustrations of Ally's imagination still felt reasonably fresh and the court cases managed to combine oddity with emotional involvement. All in all this group of dysfunctional and rather incestuous workaholics proved curiously engaging yet again. --Emma Perry

• Ally McBeal - Season 3 Part 1 | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  In David E Kelley's Boston law drama, Ally McBeal, his lawyers' private and work lives are always inextricably linked. Nobody does anything in the "Cage and Fish" firm without their colleagues knowing about it, including going to the toilet. Kelley is as willing as always to embrace implausible coincidence in his storylines for the pay-off of maintaining the high pace and dramatic neatness. Our anti-heroine Ally McBeal starts her third season with a wet, wordless fling in a car wash with Jason Gedrick, and it's no surprise that Ally ends up facing Gedrick at the altar when a client asks her to be bridesmaid. With the entire firm invited along as guests, can she keep quiet about the groom? Well, you know Ally--she may not have any lasting success in the romance department but it's a subject she feels very strongly about. The third season sees fewer CGI expressions of Ally's thoughts and imagination, but the drama is just as colourful. Billy's increasing concerns over the balance of male and female power manifests itself in his newly dyed blond hair and his hiring of six PVC-clad women to follow him around boosting his testosterone. Other highlights include Ally exploring her lesbian side with Ling, Elaine posing as John's "fluffer" to banish his sexual insecurities and an explosive Thanksgiving party at Ally's. There are plotlines within Series 3 which stretch plausibility, such as finding out that Ally's dad is the man Georgia's been snogging to forget her husband's metamorphosis into a blonde-haired, sexist egomaniac. Ally McBeal does have the tendency to descend into sickening sentimental tosh, like all the "child inside" nonsense in Episode 11, but that aside, it continues to provide escapist entertainment of the first order. --Emma Perry

• Ally McBeal - Season 3 Part 2 | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £8.08   |  Saving you £11.91 (147.40%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Be prepared for a very emotional ride as Ally McBeal returns with the conclusion of Season 3. Blending humour and poignant drama Season 3 Part 2 bids a tearful goodbye to Ally’s first love Billy. The episodes commence with Ally’s brazen spirit going to dangerous lengths to capture a man… by purposely crashing her car into his. It would’ve worked if the gorgeous guy in question hadn’t laughed like the sound of “a cow giving birth” (In Search of Pygmies). The team’s frolics continue as Ally wins a contest to become one of Tina Turner’s backing singers for a night (Oddball Parade) has cyber-sex with a minor (Do You Wanna Dance?) and goes kicking and screaming into her thirties with collagen lip implants (Turning Thirty)! Amidst all this grab the tissues as Ally and the crew try to come to terms with the unexpected loss of Billy and new characters and old prove no one can be taken at face value. Season 3 Part 2 brings together all the elements that Ally McBeal is famous for: fun love lust and thoughtful moments that will certainly touch the heartstrings and leave you singing for more. Features the episodes 'In Search Of Pygmies' 'Pursuit Of Loneliness' 'The Oddball Parade' 'Prime Suspect' 'Boy Next Door' 'I Will Survive' 'Turning Thirty' 'Do You Wanna Dance' 'Hope And Glory' and 'Ally McBeal - The Musical Almost'.

• My Girl / My Girl 2 | DVD | (15/04/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £22.99

  Doubling My Girl with its sequel makes sense since they tell a two-part tale. In the first film, 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss (astounding newcomer Anna Chlumsky) lives with her widowed father, a distracted tuba-playing mortician (Dan Aykroyd). Rather understandably Vada is confused and disturbed about the nature of death. In her narration to camera we learn what it feels like to be a girl growing up in Pennsylvania in the early 1970s, as her father become involved with make-up artist Jamie Lee Curtis. Macaulay Culkin (in a performance reminding us that once there was a good child actor behind the name) is the best friend who assists her rite of passage. Jumping forwards two years into the sequel, My Girl 2, Culkin is replaced by Austin O'Brien. Now 13 and with a baby on the way in the Aykroyd /Jamie Lee Curtis home, Vada's growing-up continues further afield. She investigates the life of her mother in an attempt to understand her own. Los Angeles becomes the backdrop as she deals with the inevitable problems of puberty. Ultimately this is the story of a teenager's grounding in the ways of the world told simply and with charm. On the DVD: My Girl/My Girl 2 on disc sadly has no extras beyond a trailer for each film. It's also a shame the 1.85:1 transfer remains grainy for both. At least the three-channel surround picks out the period songs nicely. --Paul Tonks

• Nursie | DVD | (23/02/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  A local doctor is kept captive by a sadistic nurse and her brother...

• 61 | Blu Ray | (07/06/2011) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.57

  One was the Yankees' best loved player, the other was their most valuable. In the summer of 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle took on Babe Ruth's record, the 1927 single-season 60 home run slam. It would be a summer that no one who knows baseball would forget. As the summer of 1961 unfolds, both Maris and Mantle find themselves approaching Babe Ruth's benchmark of 60 home runs. Facing mounting pressure from the media and the stands, they both know there's only room for one winner. The peopl.

• Merci Docteur Rey | DVD | (25/10/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Thomas Beaumont is recruited into an illicit love triangle to watch a much older man's sexual liaison but ends up witnessing what turns out to be his murder. The next day Thomas' opera diva mother informs him that his long lost father has been in Paris - until the previous night when he was murdered. Realizing it was the murder he witnessed Thomas is now thrust into a maelstrom of off-the-wall encounters and mistaken identities including an eccentric actress who has come totally un