"Actor: Martin Ball"

• Flood | DVD | (29/10/2007) from £3.99   |  Saving you £16.00 (401.00%)   |  RRP £19.99

  When a raging storm coincides with high tide it threatens the very heart of London and the millions who live there.

• To Catch A Thief | DVD | (13/01/2003) from £5.18   |  Saving you £7.81 (150.77%)   |  RRP £12.99

  To Catch a Thief is not one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest, but it's arguably his most stylish thriller, loved as much for the elegantly erotic banter between Grace Kelly and Cary Grant as for the suspense that ensues when retired burglar Grant attempts to net the copycat diamond thief. The action, much of it shot on location, hugs the coast of the French Riviera; John Michael Hayes' screenplay crackles with doubles entendres; and Edith Head's dresses define the aloof poise of one of cinema's more enigmatic icons. If anything is missing, it's the undertow of black humour which snags the unsuspecting viewer in so many of Hitchcock's greater films. Here, the edge is supplied by the splendid Jessie Royce Landis as Kelly's vulgar, worldly mother; her special way with a fried egg is one of those cinematic moments which linger in the mind with almost pornographic disgust. History, of course, delivered its own ironic blow years later when the then Princess Grace of Monaco died in an accident on the very road where Kelly and Grant shot their exhilarating car chase. Portents aside, she remains Hitchcock's most alluring and sophisticated heroine. On the DVD: To Catch a Thief is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, which distils the distinctive qualities of the VistaVision cinematography, and with a mono Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. Interesting extras include several mini-documentaries in which Hitchcock's daughter and granddaughter, among others, reminisce about the great director, censor problems over the risqué dialogue, the talents of costume designer Edith Head, and the peculiar difficulties of shooting in VistaVision. An original theatrical trailer is another bonus. --Piers Ford

• Sharpe's Eagle | DVD | (15/01/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £7.99

  Spain 1809 - Colonel Sir Henry Simmerson arrives with his new regiment the South Essex and Wellesley decides to keep in Simmerson's good graces by arranging for the South Essex to blow up the bridge at Valdelacasa. Aware that Simmerson is incompetent Wellesley orders Sgt Richard Sharpe to see that the mission is a success in exchange for a promotion to captain. Simmerson is infuriated to learn that Sharpe is not a gentleman and was raised from the ranks by Wellesley. In revenge he orders Sharpe to train his men to fire three rounds a minute by nightfall or they will be flogged as punishment for failure. Sharpe and Harper manage to succeed but only manage to infuriate Simmerson even more. The following day Simmerson orders Capt Lennox to lead the South Essex across the bridge in the attempt to chase away a small French patrol. However an ambush by the French cavalry brings on a rescue attempt with Sharpe in control...will this mean a promotion and even more enemies?

• Queens of Mystery S1 | DVD | (29/11/2021) from £21.01   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Sharpe - The Complete Series (14 Disc Box Set) | DVD | (28/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £99.99

  This Sharpe box set contains all 14 of the full-length television films based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell. Originally broadcast between 1993 and 97, they follow the adventures of the titular soldier during the later years of the Napoleonic Wars, through Wellington's Peninsular campaign up to and including Waterloo. The programmes represent an outstanding achievement for the small screen, dominated by Sean Bean's central performance as the heroic, troubled outsider who turns out to be a resourceful and loyal leader. Bolstered by a strong supporting cast, particularly Daragh O'Malley as Harper and (in later episodes) Abigail Cruttenden as Jane, Sharpe is often visually striking, the action tense and gripping. Consistency is maintained by all episodes being directed by Tom Clegg. On the DVD: Sharpe the complete series is a 14-disc set of all 14 episodes. The sound is full-bodied stereo while the very "sharp" picture has been transferred slightly letterboxed at 14:9. Though looking much better than the original TV transmissions the occasionally cropped framing makes it apparent the films were shot in 16:9 widescreen, so it is regrettable they have not been transferred to DVD in that format. Otherwise these are first-rate releases. --Gary S Dalkin

• Flood | Blu Ray | (02/11/2009) from £5.99   |  Saving you £10.00 (166.95%)   |  RRP £15.99

  When a raging storm coincides with high tide it threatens the very heart of London and the millions who live there.

• Madeline / Matilda / A Simple Wish | DVD | (03/10/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Madeline (Dir. Daisy von Scherler Mayer 1998): Madeline and her eleven friends live at school run by Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand) in an old house in Paris. The smallest of the girls Madeline is also the most adventurous! She loses her appendix but gains an awesome scare falls into the River Seine only to be rescued by a dog called Genevieve and matches wits with Pepito the devilish son of a Spanish Ambassador who moves in next door. However when stuffy Lord Covington puts the future of the school in jeopardy it's up to Madeline and her friends to save the day! Matilda (Dir. Danny DeVito 1996) Unfortunately for Matilda her father Harry (Danny DeVito) is a used car salesman who bamboozles innocent customers and her mother Zinnia (Rhea Perlman) lives for bingo and soap operas. Far from noticing what a special child Matilda is they barely notice her at all! They bundle Matilda off to Cruncham Hall a bleak school where students cower before the whip hand and fist of a hulking monster headmistress Miss Trunchball (Pam Ferris). But amid Crunchem's darkness Matilda discovers remarkable skills - including a very special talent that allows her to turn the table on the wicked grown ups in her world! A Simple Wish (Dir. Michael Ritchie 1997): Tells the sweet-natured story of Murray a bumbling fairy godfather who has good intentions but not much else. Technically Murray is a fairy godmother--the only male member of the North American Fairy Godmother Association. After barely passing his godmother's exam he is sent to New York City to watch after Anabel a young girl who wishes that her father Oliver will land a part in a Broadway musical so that the family won't have to move to Nebraska. But when the district's previous godmother a nefarious spellcaster named Claudia arrives with her wacky sidekick Boots her plans to cripple Murray and Anabel's magical association and monopolize the wish market wreak havoc on the already unstable Murray. It's up to Murray and Anabel to pool their resources and get rid of Claudia and Boots once and for all. Director Michael Ritchie turns the fairytale knob up a notch with 'A Simple Wish' also taking the time to poke fun at Broadway musicals. Featuring spectacular special effects and an extremely engaging performance by Wilson this is a children's fable with a fresh twist.

• Back Home | DVD | (27/12/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  World War II has ended and evacuess are returning home to their families. One such evacuee is Rusty Dickinson who is met at the docks by her mother Peggy after spending five years away in America. It has been a time of dramatic transformation and everyone must learn to adapt to both the changes in the family and their surroundings. Peggy has a new found independence she has spent the war working for the Women's Voluntary Service raising Charlie - the younger brother whom Rusty

• Sharpe's Rifles / Sharpe's Eagle | DVD | (29/04/2002) from £3.96   |  Saving you £11.03 (278.54%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe (1993-7) ran to 14 full-length television films that follow the adventures of the titular soldier through the later years of the Napoleonic Wars. The programmes are an outstanding achievement for the small screen, dominated by Sean Bean's central performance as the heroic, troubled outsider who turns out to be a resourceful and loyal leader. Bolstered by a strong supporting cast, particularly Daragh O'Malley as Harper and (in later episodes) Abigail Cruttenden as Jane, Sharpe is often visually striking, the action tense and gripping. Consistency is maintained by all 14 episodes being directed by Tom Clegg. On the DVD: Sharpe on DVD contains a photo gallery and several screens of background text. The sound is full-bodied stereo while the very "sharp" picture has been transferred slightly letterboxed at 14:9. Though looking much better than the original TV transmissions the occasionally cropped framing makes it apparent the films were shot in 16:9 widescreen, so it is regrettable they have not been transferred to DVD in that format. Otherwise these are first-rate releases. --Gary S Dalkin

• Keeping Mum - Series 2 | DVD | (23/03/2009) from £4.75   |  Saving you £10.24 (215.58%)   |  RRP £14.99

  The Beares are back for a second helping of the hit BBC series 'Keeping Mum' as Stephanie Cole and Martin Ball reprise their roles as demanding mother and dutiful son. Peggy is up to her old tricks again and poor Andrew is once more the reluctant guardian teacher peacemaker and pragmatist. Still living in the shadow of older and 'favourite' child Richard this second series sees Andrew more determined than ever to have a life outside of the house and to cut the apron strings once and for all. Featuring the same stellar support cast as series one and a cameo appearance by Prunella Scales as Peggy's sister Marjorie enjoy eight episodes of family fun with the Beares.

• Keeping Mum Series 1 | DVD | (15/11/2008) from £9.99   |  Saving you £5.00 (50.05%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Peggy Beare (Stephanie Cole) is a rather manipulative crafty but somewhat forgetful old lady who lives with her son Andrew (Martin Ball) a recent divorcee who has his hands full looking after her and making sure that she stays out of trouble. Despite Andrew's devoted attention Peggy thinks that her other son Richard (David Haig) is wonderful and can do no wrong... even though he does as little as possible to help out. Poor Andrew hopes to get back together with his ex-wife Kate but if he does it will be over Peggy's dead body regardless of this he loves her and hasn't got the heart to put her in a home. The daily trials and tribulations between the brothers their mother and Tina (Meera Syal) the acid-tongued wife of Richard help to create many hilarious moments in this superb comedy. It's a situation that people everywhere can relate to: an elderly parent a caring son and selfish relations. From the inside it's a living hell but from the outside it can just be very very funny.

• Flood | DVD | (27/10/2008) from £16.18   |  Saving you £3.81 (23.55%)   |  RRP £19.99

  When a raging storm coincides with high tide it threatens the very heart of London and the millions who live there.

• Bobby Moore - Hero | DVD | (19/04/2010) from £14.55   |  Saving you £-0.56 (N/A%)   |  RRP £13.99

  This two-hour DVD from director Tony Palmer celebrates the extraordinary life of Bobby Moore. Described by veteran sports journalist the late Ian Wooldridge as the best sports documentary I have ever seen the film stars all the 1966 World Cup heroes plus contributions from Michael Caine Pele Harry Redknapp David Beckham George Best Jimmy Greaves and members of Moore's family. Bobby Moore remains an iconic figure and inspiration for generations of football players and fans - a rags-to-riches fairy tale and a special moment in English history. He was the first (and so far only) English captain to hold the World Cup in his hands. Bobby Moore's journey from the poverty-stricken East End to becoming the most famous man in England came to symbolise the triumph of a country and of an entire generation. This film tells the true story of the man and the footballer. All his football contemporaries in the England team of 1966 were interviewed - among them Bobby and Jack Charlton Geoff Hurst Martin Peters Alan Ball and George Cohen - as well as iconic figures such as David Beckham George Best Harry Redknapp Jimmy Greaves Terry Venables Franz Beckenbauer Pel'' Michael Caine Denis Law Jimmy Tarbuck Alan Shearer and Malcolm Allison; and most importantly Bobby Moore's Aunt Ina daughter Roberta and son Dean as well as both his wives Tina & Stephanie. Their eye-witness accounts together with a special contribution from Alf Garnett (Warren Mitchell) football footage of England's campaigns in 1966 and 1970 and archive film of Bobby Moore's parents and of Alf Ramsey throughout that period make this film a unique family record of an extraordinary man.

• Keeping Mum, The Complete 1st & 2nd Series Box Set | DVD | (19/05/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  In this complete 4DVD set of the classic BBC comedy Keeping Mum meet the hilarious Peggy (Stephanie Cole) the dotty and rather forgetful mother of sons Richard and Andrew. Richard (David Haig) is a successful dentist married with children and can do no wrong. Andrew (Martin Ball) a major disappointment divorced with no children and now back living with his mother. Watch the trials and tribulations of a family at war when even making a cup of tea causes chaos. A true classic British sitcom from a different era that you will find both endearing and amusing with a chuckle in every episode. Series 1: The daily trials and tribulations between the brothers their mother and Tina (Meera Syal) the acid-tongued wife of Richard help to create many hilarious moments in this superb comedy. It's a situation that people everywhere can relate to: an elderly parent a caring son and selfish relations. Series 2: Peggy is up to her old tricks again and poor Andrew is once more the reluctant guardian teacher peacemaker and pragmatist. Still living in the shadow of older and 'favourite' child Richard this second series sees Andrew more determined than ever to have a life outside of the house and to cut the apron strings once and for all.

• Air Bud | DVD | (04/10/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Air Bud: Golden Receiver: This time out Buddy the hoop-shooting hotshot canine tackles a new sport - American football. When his teenage owner reluctantly becomes the school's new quarterback Buddy catches the spirit and joins the team. Soon the two find themselves leading the Timberwolves to the state championship. But victory hopes are sidelined when two sinister Russian circus owners take a bite out of everyone's plans and dognap Buddy for their star attraction! Give three cheers for Air Bud full of outrageous fun and adventure it goes the whole nine yards for family fun. Air Bud: World Pup: Disney is proud to present the second heartwarming and hilarious sequel to the popular family favorite Air Bud! Buddy masters two new starring roles... soccer player and father. 'Air Bud: World Pup' is loaded with laughs and cool soccer action as Buddy teams up alongside U.S. women's soccer greats Brandi Chastain Briana Scurry and Tisha Venturini meanwhile keeping a protective eye over his adorable new family of soccer-playing puppies! Air Bud: Spikes Back: Disney serves up an all-new adventure starring everyone's favorite sports-playing golden retreiver Buddy! This time he masters the coolest sport under the sun... beach volleyball! But there's plenty of action off the courtias well - a rash of mysterious crimes have been puzzling everyone and the paw prints seem to point to Buddy! So it's up to Buddy to lead the authorities to the real culprit! With a special appearance by pro-volleyball champion Gabrielle Reece and a heartwarming story your family is sure to enjoy this fun-filled adventure! Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch: Air Bud knocks one out of the park when he takes up baseball in this all-new fun and heartwarming Disney adventure! This time Buddy joins in and shows that he's a natural baseball player with major league talent! In the midst of the season however a terrible discovery is made: Buddy's now grown puppies have mysteriously begun to disappear from their new homes. Now it's up to Buddy to stop the dog-nappings and find his pups before it's too late!