The second season of Miami Vice arrives on DVD. Featuring a stunning roster of young directors up-and-coming character actors and stars from the music industry Miami Vice was one of the most innovative TV shows of the 80s. The brainchild of Michael Mann (Heat) and Anthony Yerkovich (Hill Street Blues) the series combined hard-hitting subject matter with slick production values and the best pop music of the era - not to forget
The second series of The Sopranos, David Chase's ultra-cool and ultra-modern take on New Jersey gangster life, matches the brilliance of the first, although it's marginally less violent, with more emphasis given to the stories and obsessions of supporting characters. Sadly, the programme makers were forced to throttle back on the appalling struggle between gang boss Tony Soprano and his Gorgon-like Mother Livia, the very stuff of Greek theatre, following actress Nancy Marchand's unsuccessful battle against cancer. Taking up her slack, however, is Tony's big sister Janice, a New Age victim and arrant schemer and sponger, who takes up with the twitchy, Scarface-wannabe Richie Aprile, brother of former boss Jackie, out of prison and a minor pain in Tony's ass. Other running sub-plots include soldier Chris (Michael Imperioli) hapless efforts to sell his real-life Mafia story to Hollywood, the return and treachery of Big Pussy and Tony's wife Carmela's ruthlessness in placing daughter Meadow in the right college. Even with the action so dispersed, however, James Gandofini is still toweringly dominant as Tony. The genius of his performance, and of the programme makers, is that, despite Tony being a whoring, unscrupulous, sexist boor, a crime boss and a murderer, we somehow end up feeling and rooting for him, because he's also a family man with a bratty brood to feed, who's getting his balls busted on all sides, to say nothing of keeping the Government off his back. He's the kind of crime boss we'd like to feel we would be. Tony's decent Italian-American therapist Dr Melfi's (Loraine Bracco) perverse attraction with her gangster-patient reflects our own and, in her case, causes her to lose her first series cool and turn to drink this time around. Effortlessly multi-dimensional, funny and frightening, devoid of the sentimentality that afflicts even great American TV like The West Wing, The Sopranos is boss of bosses in its televisual era. --David Stubbs
The Last Detail nearly didn't get a release. Columbia, for whom it was made, was alarmed by the movie's barrage of profanity and resented the unorthodox working style of its director, Hal Ashby, who loathed producers and made no secret of it. Only when the film picked up a Best Actor Award for Jack Nicholson at Cannes did the studio reluctantly grant it a release--with minimal promotion--to widespread critical acclaim. Nicholson, in one of his best roles, plays "Bad-ass" Buddusky, a naval petty officer detailed, along with his black colleague "Mule" Mulhall (Otis Young), to escort an offender from Virginia to the harsh naval prison at Portsmouth, NH. The miscreant is a naïve youngster, Meadows (Randy Quaid), who's been given eight years for stealing $40 from his CO's wife's favourite charity. The escorts, at first cynically detached, soon start feeling sorry for Meadows and decide to show him a good time in his last few days of freedom. Ashby, a true son of 60s counterculture, avidly abets the anti-authoritarian tone of Robert Towne's script. Meadows is a sad victim of the system--but so too are Buddusky and Mulhall, as they gradually come to realise. A lot of the film is very funny. Nicholson gets to do one of his classic psychotic outbursts--"I am the fucking shore patrol!"--and there are some pungent scenes of male bonding pushed to the verge of desperation. But the overall tone is melancholy, pointed up by the jaunty military marches on the soundtrack. Shot amid bleak, wintry landscapes, in buses and trains and grey urban streets, The Last Detail is a film of constant, compulsive movement going nowhere--a powerful, finely acted study of institutional claustrophobia. On the DVD: The Last Detail disc doesn't have much in the way of extras. There are abbreviated filmographies for Ashby, Nicholson and Quaid (though not for Young) and a trailer for A Few Good Men (1992). The mono sound comes up well in Dolby Digital, and the transfer preserves DoP Michael Chapman's subtle, subfusc palette and the 1.85:1 ratio of the original. --Philip Kemp
Michael Caine is Jack Carter, the London gangland enforcer who returns to his hometown of Newcastle to avenge his brother's death. Rarely has the criminal underworld been so realistically portrayed as in this 1971 masterpiece. Shot on location, resulting in a devastatingly authentic snapshot of life in the north east of England in the late-industrial period, Get Carter remains arguably the grittiest and greatest of all British crime films. Newly restored in 4K from the original camera negative by the BFI, and approved by director Mike Hodges, Get Carter is back, and looking and sounding better than ever. Product Features Limited edition 2-disc set Newly restored and presented in High Definition Newly recorded introduction by Michael Caine (2022) Audio commentary featuring Mike Hodges, Michael Caine and Wolfgang Suschitzky (2000) Newly recorded audio commentary featuring Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw Isolated score by Roy Budd Mike Hodges in Conversation (2022, 60 mins): the director discusses his career in this interview recorded at BFI Southbank The Sound of Roy Budd (2022, 17 mins): film music expert Jonny Trunk explores the varied career of Roy Budd, and revisits Budd's iconic, minimalist score for Get Carter Roy Budd Plays Get Carter' (1971, 4 mins) BBC Look North location report (1970, 5 mins): surviving footage of a 1971 report on Get Carter's making, from the BBC's regional news programme Don't Trust Boys (2022, 22 mins): actor Petra Markham reflects upon her career on stage and screen, and recalls her role in Get Carter Klinger on Klinger (2022, 24 mins): Tony Klinger recalls and evaluates the career of his father, Michael Klinger, Producer of Get Carter The Ship Hotel - Tyne Main (1967, 33 mins): Philip Trevelyan's evocative documentary film about a pub on the banks of the River Tyne International trailer (1971) Rerelease trailer (2022) Michael Caine's message to premiere attendees (1971, 1 min) Script gallery 80-page book featuring new writing by Mark Kermode, Tim Pelan, John Oliver and Jason Wood. Also includes Alex Cox's intro to the film's Moviedrome screening in 1990, stills, and notes on the restoration by the BFI's Douglas Weir Double-sided poster featuring the original UK quad A set of four postcards featuring iconic scenes from the film Newly created English subtitles for the Deaf and partial hearing Newly created audio description track **All extras are TBC and subject to change**
Val Kilmer stars in The Ghost and the Darkness as Lt Col John Patterson, a 19th-century Irish engineer drafted by Britain's railroad bosses to build a trestle bridge over an African river, thus expanding the empire a tiny bit more. In Tsavo, Patterson is instantly hailed for killing a man-eating lion that had been making life hell for native workers. But morale sinks when two more unstoppable big cats devour more men and destroy the project. Along comes an, expatriate American hunter (Michael Douglas) to help Patterson face the almost preternatural powers of the two killers. The script by William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) is based on fact, though the film owes more to Steven Spielberg (specifically to Jaws) than history. There are also suggestive echoes of Kipling and Conrad in the material and characters, and there are hints of emotional complexity and psychological nuance that make one wish this could have been a great film instead of a merely fun one.--Tom Keogh, Amazon.com
In the summer of 1940 young volunteer reservist T.B. ‘Septic’ Baird (John Gregson – The Longest Day) is forced to crash his Hurricane on the RAF fighter station runway in order to avoid a collision with another plane. Injured in the accident he incurs the wrath of Squadron leader ‘Tiger’ Small (Jack Hawkins - Zulu) who grounds Baird transferring him to the operations centre until he recovers. Baird is desperate to get airborne but ‘Tiger’ refuses his protests. However when risk of a bombing attack threatens the airfield Baird takes his chance to be reinstated and returns to the skies. Painstaking restored to its former glory ANGELS ONE FIVE is amongst the very best Battle of Britain war epics. Based on director George More O’Ferrall’s own WWII experience at Fighter Command HQ it offers a slice-of-life depiction of aerial
Don't Say A Word Michael Douglas is tremendous (Tribune New Services) in this psychological thriller in the classic Hitchcock tradition (The New York Observer). When the daughter of a prominent New York psychiatrist (Douglas) is kidnapped his only hope for her safe return is to pry a 6-digit number from the memory of a troubled teenage girl; time is running out... One Hour Photo In this unnerving thriller an employee in a one-hour photo lab (Robin Williams) becomes obsessed with a young suburban family... What Lies Beneath It had been a year since Dr. Norman Spencer (Ford) betrayed his beautiful wife Claire (Pfeiffer). But with Claire oblivious to the truth and the affair over Norman's life and marriage seemed perfect. So perfect that when Claire tells him that she is hearing mysterious voices and seeing a young woman's ghostly image in their home he dismisses her mounting terror as delusion. However as Claire moves closer to the truth it becomes clear that this apparition will not be dismissed and has come back for Dr. Norman Spencer... and his beautiful wife.
The great war has ended. Unicron has been defeated the Decepticons have fled and the Autobots are victorious under the command of a new leader. In the midst of the celebrations the Autobots are suddenly attacked leaving the Decepticons the obvious suspects. But the Decepticons are in bad shape low in energy without a leader and fighting amongst themselves. Who are the mysterious attackers? Find out in these five epic episodes as the Transformers face a new enemy and the truth of their creation!
Much like Richard Adams' wonderful novel this animated tale of wandering rabbits is not meant for small children. It is, however, rich storytelling, populated with very real individuals inhabiting a very real world. The animation is problematic, sometimes appearing out of proportion or just below par; but it seems to stem from an attempt at realism, something distinguishing the film's characters from previous, cutesy, animated animals. A band of rabbits illegally leave their warren after a prophecy of doom from a runt named Fiver (voiced by Richard Briers). In search of a place safe from humans and predators, they face all kinds of dangers, including a warren that has made a sick bargain with humankind, and a warren that is basically a fascist state. Allegories aside, Down is engaging and satisfying, and pulls off the same amazing trick that the novel did--you'll forget that this is a story about rabbits. --Keith Simanton, Amazon.com
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the grand live-action adventure Dumbo expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V. A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside the charming and spectacular aerial artist Colette Marchant (Eva Green)until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets. Bonus Features: Circus Spectaculars The Elephant In The Room Built To Amaze Deleted Scenes: Roustabout Rufus Pachyderm Plans The Other Medici Brother Monkey Business A Star Is Born Where's Dumbo?! Elephant Heist Backstage A Seat At The Show Easter Eggs On Parade Clowning Around Baby Mine Performed By Arcade Fire
TT 2010 Review
The Disney Studio was built on innovation in animation, so it seems ironic that Atlantis is both a bold departure and highly derivative, borrowing heavily from anime, video games and graphic novels. Instead of songs and fuzzy little animals, the artists offer an action-adventure set in 1914: nerdy linguist Milo Thatch (Michael J Fox) believes he's found the location of the legendary Lost Continent. An eccentric zillionaire sends Milo out to test his hypothesis with an anachronistic crew that includes tough Puerto Rican mechanic Audrey (Jacqueline Obradors), demolition expert Vinnie (Don Novello), and butt-kicking blonde adventurer Helga (Claudia Christian). When they find Atlantis, its culture is dying because the people can no longer read the runes that explain their mysterious power source--but Milo can. Nasty Commander Rourke (James Garner) attempts to steal that power source, leading to the requisite all-out battle. Atlantis offers some nifty battle scenes, including an attack on a Jules Verne-esque submarine by a giant robotic trilobites and fishlike flying cars. But the film suffers from major story problems. If Princess Kida (Cree Summer) remembers her civilisation at its height, why can't she read the runes? Why doesn't Milo's crew notice that the Atlanteans live for centuries? The angular designs are based on the work of comic book artist Mike Mignola (Hellboy), and the artists struggle with the characters' stubby hands, skinny limbs and pointed jaws. The result is a film that will appeal more to 10-year-old boys than to family audiences. --Charles Solomon, Amazon.com
A former sitcom star Valerie Cherish desperately tries to revive her career. Valerie Cherish was once TV's ""It Girl."" Now it's a different story - and she'll do anything to get back in the spotlight. Desperate for a comeback she agrees to star in a new reality TV series allowing cameras to follow her every move as she lands a part on a new network sitcom. Episodes Comprise: 1. The Comeback 2. Valerie Triumphs At The Upfronts 3. Valerie Bonds With The Cast 4. Valerie Sta
It's Die Hard on a plane in this action thriller, starring Wesley Snipes as an anti-terrorist specialist whose early retirement is interrupted when his flight is overtaken by a bloodthirsty villain (Bruce Payne). Watching this at home is pretty much an excuse to order pizza and kick back, as the familiar rhythms of maverick-cop-versus-international-criminal take over and nothing new or fresh in the formula emerges. The supporting cast includes Elizabeth Hurley (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery) as a gun-wielding, junior terrorist, which is fun simply for being unexpected. The release includes optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, Dolby sound, production notes and optional English, French and Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh
This BBC dramatisation of three of Elizabeth Gaskell's novels captures the small absurdities and tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford a small rural Cheshire town inhabited largely by women. This is a community that runs on cooperation and gossip at the very heart of which are the daughters of the former rector: Miss Deborah Jenkyns and her sister Miss Matty. But domestic peace is constantly threatened in the form of financial disaster imagined burglaries tragic accidents and the reapparance of long-lost relatives.
A stellar cast assembles for this sparkling comedy feature from 1970. Revisiting Mario Zampi's 1951 classic Laughter in Paradise and directed by veteran producer Duncan Wood - best known for his work with Tony Hancock during the late '50s and early '60s - Some Will, Some Won't is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. In his will, arch-prankster Henry Russell charges his four beneficiaries to justify t...
The Italian Job 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition This is the Self-Preservation Society!' Celebrate 50 years of iconic cult classic The Italian Job with the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition box set. Presented in a deluxe black and gold rigid gift box, this product includes: The Italian Job on both DVD and Blu-ray Exclusive landscape collector's booklet with a new bespoke 50th Anniversary text written by Matthew Field, the leading authority on The Italian Job, and behind-the-scenes photos Individually-numbered collector's certificate Complete script Customisable replica 1960s driving licence 50th Anniversary A3 poster 6 artcards with vintage and international film poster art The quintessential British caper film of the 1960s, The Italian Job is a flashy, fast romp that chases a team of career criminals throughout one of the biggest international gold heists in history. Michael Caine is Charlie Croker, a stylish robber and skirt-chaser just out of British prison.
The true nature of the nefarious Tall Man is revealed in an epic battle between the forces of good and evil. Thirteen years after the original nightmare began, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin) must travel through dark dimensions of time and space to discover his origins and those of his nemesis, the evil Tall Man. With only his loyal friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister) at his side, and the spirit of his dead brother to guide him, Mike must finally confront The Tall Man and his deadly chrome spheres to ...
Two socially inept teenage boys are about to graduate high school. Evan (Michael Cera) is sweet, smart, and generally terrified. Seth (Jonah Hill) is foul mouthed, volatile, and all-consumed with the topic of human sexuality. Seth and Evan want nothing more than to lose their virginity before they head off to college. To do that, though, they need to get liquor for the big party that night. With the help of their friend Fogell, a.k.a. McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and his fake I.D., the three of them go on a hilarious chase for that elusive booze, dodging incompetent cops (Knocked Up's Seth Rogen and Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader), angry neighbors and jealous boyfriends!
Please wait. Loading...
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy