The original BBC radio adventures of Arthur Dent (an ape-descendant whose anger at the apparently inexplicable destruction of his home planet Earth, situated in an obscure corner of the outer spiral arm of the galaxy, is expressed in frequent irritation at friendly automatic doors and vending machines) and his travelling companions, Ford Prefect (an itinerant towel-carrying hitch-hiker originally from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse), Zaphod Beeblebrox (the notorious ex-Galactic President and patron of Eccentrica Galumbits, the triple-breasted whore of Eroticon Six) and Marvin the Paranoid Android (who's still suffering from that terrible pain in all the diodes down his left side) proved to be such a success for the BBC that its transition to TV was (almost) inevitable. In 1981 several key members of the radio cast made the move to the small screen. Simon Jones' bewildered Arthur Dent remains the central character, shambling around in his dressing gown (a fact easy to forget on radio); Mark Wing-Davey's Zaphod Beeblebrox is the same as his boastful radio persona, even if the second head utterly fails to convince. Unfortunately, newcomers David Dixon (as Ford Prefect) and the irritating Sandra Dickinson (as Trillian) are no match for their radio predecessors.The problem here is not so much the low-budget look as the script itself, which is lovingly faithful to the radio series in a way that Douglas Adams' novels aren't. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was a lucid, satirical, occasionally profound, utterly unique comic invention on radio. As such, it has nothing to gain from TV. The script needs no visual elaboration--that's best left to the listener's own imagination. Only the animated renditions of the Guide itself enhance Peter Jones' wonderfully dry narration; otherwise--paradoxically, perhaps--by supplying images the concept is oddly diminished here.On the DVD: A suitably eclectic not to say eccentric collection of extra features makes this a wholly satisfying two-disc set, neatly packaged in a fold-out slipcase. On the second disc there's an hour-long "making of" documentary from 1992 featuring contributions from the cast and crew, including Douglas Adams; and then there's even more in a 20-minute section entitled "Don't Panic!". A fascinating behind-the-scenes peek at filming as the clock runs out on studio time and a look at the recording of the original radio series complete the first part. Then navigate to the "Outer Planets" to find outtakes, a deleted scene, Zaphod's animatronic second head on Tomorrow's World and Peter Jones's witty and shambolic introduction to the first episode, plus more besides. The series itself is presented in standard 4:3 ratio and Dolby stereo. --Mark Walker
A class of undisciplined, smart and funny history students actively pursue an undergraduate place at Oxbridge.
Take The Full Monty, add a sharper emotional edge and replace the strutting strippers with a dignified British band. That's the essence of Brassed Off, a bittersweet gem released in 1996, a year before its more popular (and Oscar-nominated) counterpart. In the Yorkshire town of Grimley, there has always been a coal mine, just as for the last 111 years there has been a brass band and it seems that Danny (the wondrous Pete Postlethwaite) has been the director for every one of those years. Tory economic policies, however, are closing coal mines around the country in favour of nuclear power and Grimley appears to be next on the list. Danny is unfazed by the threat, claiming, "It's music that matters." But some of the men are about to quit the band until the appearance of Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald at her most radiant), who dazzles the all-male group (including old flame Andy, played by Ewan McGregor) first with her beauty, then with her flügelhorn playing. The new member gives the band a boost as they continue to perform and compete but closure remains very real, as director Mark Herman (Little Voice) accompanies the band's performances (played with gusto by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band) with scenes of angry labour-management confrontations and family strife. In this context, some of the characters claim that the music is an irresponsible form of escapism. It becomes clear, however, from a touching performance of "Danny Boy" to the stirring conclusion at Royal Albert Hall, that music is an expression of the human spirit, a bit of beauty and sanity in a harsh world. With defiance, the band can play "Land of Hope and Glory" even when the land offers them neither. --David Horiuchi
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN gives a rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children's author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin (Will TIlston), whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. Along with his mother Daphne (Margot Robbie), and his nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?
Bill Murray voices everyone's favourite feline who must crawl off the sofa to save a kidnapped puppy in this live-action/CGI comedy.
Set in a fictitious suburb rather like, say, Pinner (only more so), The Thin Blue Line is the wickedly funny story of a rather down-at-heel police station headed by Inspector Raymond Fowler (Rowan Atkinson), a pompous, repressed but well-intentioned anachronism who wants to do the right thing but who is constantly hampered by his own shortcomings, not to mention his blundering CID colleagues. Atkinson expertly balances his character's inflated sense of self-importance with the insight born of old-school police values, for which his galumphing, shiny-suited CID counterpart, DI Grim (David Haig) has no time at all. Strongest among the supporting cast is Sgt Pauline Dawkins (Serena Evans), who also happens to be Fowler's live-in lover--a moral dilemma that his traditional values won't allow him to resolve. He salves his conscience by avoiding sex with her whenever possible, an amusing subplot enhanced by Evans's brilliant performance--she positively vibrates with contained, ladylike lust in a manner only equalled by Penelope Keith in the classic sitcom To the Manor Born. Scripted by Ben Elton, this series manages to satirise provincialism, institutionalised pig-headedness and dated moral values in one fell swoop, while also being chock-full of quick-fire, Blackadder-esque dialogue. --Roger Thomas
This is the incredible true story of the man who created Chester Zoo in the 1930s and the impact it had on his family. Our Zoo is based on the extraordinary and inspiring real story of the eccentric Mottershead family who, despite huge opposition and personal sacrifice, established Chester Zoo in the 1930s. With a single-mindedness bordering on madness George Mottershead drove himself and his family to realise his ambition to transform a ramshackle house on the outskirts of Chester into a un.
For the first time in the history of the universe, the complete Hitcher's Guide to the Galaxy is available in high definition! The cult classic British series from the mind of Douglas Adams is back in this very special edition. Featuring all episodes in full HD and 5.1 audio plus over 5 ½ hours of new and existing bonus material. Unbeknownst to its inhabitants, Earth is to be demolished to make way for an intergalactic highway. Arthur Dent (Simon Jones), an unassuming Englishman, is whisked off the planet to safety by his alien friend Ford Prefect (David Dixon), and launched on a dizzying journey through space and time (with only a towel, and a fish to help them) to discover the meaning of life itself.
Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller dodge speeding balls in this comedy about an underdog local gym fighting off a takeover from a mammoth chain.
"The Bank Job" is inspired by an extraordinary true event, a daring, unsolved robbery, which took place more than 35 years ago in London.
Based on Jennie Rooney's best-selling novel of the same name. The year is 2000 and Joan Stanley is living in contented retirement in suburbia at the turn of the millennium. Her tranquil life is suddenly disrupted when she's arrested by MI5 and accused of providing intelligence to Communist Russia. Cut to 1938 where Joan is a Cambridge physics student who falls for young communist Leo Galich and through him, begins to see the world in a new light. Working at a top-secret nuclear research facility during WWII, Joan comes to the realisation that the world is on the brink of mutually assured destruction. Confronted with an impossible question what price would you pay for peace? Joan must choose between betraying her country and loved ones, or saving them.
Downton Abbey, with all its splendour and scandal, has found its way into the hearts of millions around the globe. Now the full collection of six award-winning seasons and one sensational movie is yours to treasure, forever. Home to the Crawley family and their servants, Downton appears to be all elegance and order upon first glance, but no family is ever quite what it seems. Between the desires and dreams of all the residents, both upstairs and downstairs, a day in this household is never far from high drama. Re-live the laughter, tears, tragedy and triumph leading up to the most spectacular event in the history of this grand estate, a Royal visit. BONUS FEATURES Over 5 Hours of Bonus Features Including: Feature Documentary:The Story of Downton Abbey Deleted Scenes Behind the Scenes The Downton Diaries s Upstairs & Downstairs Cast Conversations Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler And More!
Just my luck - we're in the middle of a national crisis and my nose has swollen up repulsively.Adapted from Sue Townsend's bestselling novels, these hit series chronicle the everyday traumas and emotional upheavals of the legendary teenage diarist as he struggles to come to terms with life in the 1980s. Gian Sammarco is the angst-ridden scribbler with literary aspirations, with Julie Walters and Lulu successively portraying his mother, Beryl Reid his opinionated grandma, Stephen Moore his errant father, and Bill Fraser his elderly chum, Bert Baxter.Adrian certainly has much to contend with. Spots erupting on his chin; 'Good Samaritan' visits to an OAP who's even more obnoxious than his dog; Barry the school bully and his extortion rackets; warring parents forever on the brink of divorce; and Pandora, the capricious love of his young life...
Antoine Bardon-Jacquet directs this comedy drama starring Ron Perlman and Rupert Grint as reluctant accomplices in a 1969 ruse. With the planned USA moon mission imminent, CIA agent Kidman (Perlman) is tasked with persuading Stanley Kubrick to produce a fake moon landing film in case the venture goes awry. A naive Kidman travels to London where he is duped by seedy band manager Jonny (Grint) who introduces his waster friend Leon (Robert Sheehan) as Kubrick to get the handsome down payment. When it dawns on Kidman that he's been tricked, he forces Jonny to help him get a moon landing film. But with only seven days till lift off, can they pull it off?
The Bank Job: Starring Jason Stantham as Terry a car dealer with a dodgy past and Saffron Burrows as Martine the woman with the plan The Bank Job interweaves corruption murder and scandel with 1970's England! When Martine offers Terry a lead on a foolproof bank hit on London's Baker Street he recognizes the opportunity of a lifetime! The plan: to target a roomful of safe deposit boxes worth millions in cash and jewelry. However Terry and his crew don't realize the boxes also contain a treasure trove of dirty secrets - secrets that will thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit scandal that spans London's criminal underworld the highest echelons of the British government and the Royal Family itself. Chaos: After a deadly bank heist Detectives Quentin Conners (Jason Statham) and Shane Dekker (Ryan Phillippe) are drawn into a mysterious case where nothing is what it seems. Pulling the strings is a criminal mastermind (Wesley Snipes) who seems to kill without warning or reason. Abound with random acts of violence and deception - the only hope for survival is finding an order to the chaos. War: After his partner Tom Wynne (Terry Chen) and family are killed apparently by the infamous and elusive assassin Rogue (Jet Li) FBI agent Jack Crawford (Jason Statham) becomes obsessed with revenge as his world unravels into a vortex of guilt and betrayal. Rogue eventually resurfaces to settle a score of his own setting off a bloody crime war between Asian mob rivals Chang (John Lone) of the Triad's and Yakuza boss Shiro (Ryo Ishibashi). When Jack and Rogue finally come face to face the ultimate truth of their pasts will be revealed.... Revolver: Hotshot gambler Jake Green (Jason Statham) is long on bravado and seriously short of common sense. Rarely is he allowed in any casino because he's a bona fide winner and in fact has taken so much money over the years that he's the sole client of his accountant elder brother Billy. Invited to a private game Jake is expected for fear of losing his life to lose heavily to local crime lord Macha (Liotta). However despite warnings Jake cleans out Macha and must go to work for a pair of brothers who promise to protect him from the inevitable visit of a hitman coming Jake's way...
Captain Robert Falcon Scott of England and Roald Amundsen of Norway race the elements and each other to be the first to plant a flag at the world's South Pole. Despite the perception that the British were sure to beat the Norwegians Scott's expedition led to disaster and death in the middle of the icy wilderness. A docudrama in seven episodes: 1. Poles Apart 2. Minor Diversions 3. Leading Men 4. Gentlemen and Players 5. The Glories of the Race 6. Forgone Conclusion 7. Rejoice
When Wallis Simpson meets Edward Prince of Wales he is charmed by her flirtatious and straight-talking manner and begs her to divorce her husband Ernest. George V dies and Edward becomes King but he has no desire to give up Wallis for a life of Royal duty. As a constitutional crisis grips the nation Edward and the British Government lock horns. The Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin insists that Wallis cannot become Queen. Despite Wallis's pleas for him to remain King Edward feel
John Cleese, at his harried best in this hilarious British comedy, plays a school headmaster obsessed with punctuality. His best laid plans to attend a headmasters' conference go wrong when he boards the wrong train. He turns back to find alternative means of transport, hijacking one of his pupils who is taking the afternoon off school in her father's car. As the journey descends into further chaos, the head begins to lose his schoolmasterly poise. Extras: Interview with Michael Frayn Clock watching with Mr. Cleese Stills gallery
Aden, 1965. The men of the British Royal Military Police are battling a fierce insurgency. Tensions are heightened in the heat of the desert; any lapse in luck or judgement means death. But life and love must continue. The 60s are starting to swing: sexual liberation, seductive new music and outrageous fashions have hit the sun loungers of the glamorous BP Club. Isolated in this unknown country, nothing is certain, and relationships are tested as pressure and passions intensify. This bitter war brings danger and betrayal, and will question the code these dedicated soldiers live by.
Set in the 1930's A Good Woman is an elegant, witty, romantic comedy based on Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan".
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