K-19 The Widowmaker (Dir. Kathryn Bigelow 2002): Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson star in a thrilling action-drama inspired by the true story of a Soviet submarine crew trying to save its vessel from a nuclear meltdown - and avert global war. Witness (Dir. Peter Weir 1985): When a young Amish woman (McGillis) and her son (Haas) are caught up in the murder of an undercover narcotics agent their unlikely savior proves to be the worldly and cynical Philadelphia detective J
It must be stressed that despite the fact that it was produced in 1973 and stars both Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland, The Wicker Man is not a Hammer Horror film. There is no blood, very little gore and the titular Wicker Man is not a monster made out of sticks that runs around killing people by weaving them into raffia work. Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie, a virginal, Christian policeman sent from the Scottish mainland to investigate the disappearance of young girl on the remote island of Summer Isle. The intelligent script by Anthony Schaffer, who also wrote the detective mystery Sleuth (a film with which The Wicker Man shares many traits), derives its horror from the increasing isolation, confusion and humiliation experienced by the naïve Howie as he encounters the island community's hostility and sexual pagan rituals, manifested most immediately in the enthusiastic advances of local landlord's daughter Willow (Britt Ekland). Howie's intriguing search, made all the more authentic by the film's atmospheric locations and folkish soundtrack, gradually takes us deeper and deeper into the bizarre pagan community living under the guidance of the charming Laird of Summer Isle (Lee, minus fangs) as the film builds to a terrifying climax with a twist to rival that of The Sixth Sense or Fight Club. --Paul Philpott
TV viewers first met secret agent CALLAN in a one-off Armchair Theatre play 'A Magnum For Schneider' in which the disgraced former top secret service agent is moved to a government section devoted to the elimination of undesirables - by whatever means necessary. Callan's world was a violent bleak world you kill first or be killed. He was a cold-blooded killer an outsider often in direct conflict with his superior Hunter a codename given to all Heads of Section. So successful was the hitman with viewers that author James Mitchell was asked to write a series that went on to become one of the most successful series in British TV history and ran from 1967 through to 1972. Callan made stars of the two central performers Edward Woodward who played the disaffected agent and Russell Hunter who played the snivelling smelly petty thief Lonely the spy's accomplice. Made in 1973 this Feature Film is an expanded rewrite of the first TV episode in which the disgraced former secret service agent David Callan is given an opportunity to redeem himself with one more liquidation. His assignment is to kill a businessman responsible for a number of bombings and gun running but not everything goes according to plan.
In the early 1970s, three ambitious friends Peter Crane, Michael Sloan and Nigel Hodgson combined the first letters of each of their names and set up the Pemini Organisation, a young and vital independent British film production company. Active between 1972 and 1974, Pemini produced one mid-length film, Hunted, a high-suspense thriller starring Edward Woodward and June Ritchie, and two feature films: Assassin, a grimly realistic spy film starring Ian Hendry, Edward Judd, Frank Windsor, Ray Brooks and Mike Pratt; and Moments, an enigmatic romantic mystery starring Keith Michell and Angharad Rees. When Pemini disbanded, the films disappeared into the ether... Now, these three lost works, made by one of the most vibrant independent production companies of the era, have been rescued from the archives to be given their first ever home entertainment release in this deluxe, individually numbered Limited Edition Blu-ray set, accompanied by a wealth of newly produced extras, including feature-length director commentaries, cast and crew interviews, and an 80-page book. Product Features New 2K restorations of Hunted, Assassin, and Moments from the only surviving film elements Original mono audio Audio commentaries on Hunted, Assassin, and Moments with director Peter Crane and film historian Sam Dunn (2022) Interview with Peter Crane, director of Hunted, Assassin, and Moments (2022) Interview with Michael Sloan, writer of Hunted, Assassin, and Moments (2022) Interview with Bruce Atkins, production designer Hunted, Assassin, and Moments (2022) Interview with Pemini Organisation co-founder Nigel Hodgson (2022) Interview with June Ritchie, star of Hunted (2022) Interview with Hunted composer Graham Dee (2022) Interview with Martyn Chillmaid, assistant director of Assassin (2022) Interview with Moments actor Valerie Minifie (2022) Interview with Moments composer John Cameron (2022) Interview with Bill Summers, electrician on Moments (2022) Moments' in Cannes (2022): Peter Crane recounts a memorable story from an exhibitor screening Film historian Vic Pratt charts the history of the Pemini Organisation (2022) Ian Hendry biographer Gabriel Hershman looks at the actor's role in Assassin (2022) Moments: deleted sex scene (1974): sequence removed from release prints at the behest of the distributor In Search of Lebanon (1970): student film directed by Peter Crane and Nigel Hodgson exploring present day Lebanon as the living source of the Adonis myth Original theatrical trailers Image galleries: extensive promotional and publicity materials from the Pemini Organisation's archives New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Limited edition exclusive 80-page book featuring extensive extracts from Peter Crane's Memories of Pemini', detailing the rise and fall of the Pemini Organisation and the production of their three films, extracts from the films' original press materials, archival news articles on Pemini's activities, new writing on In Search of Lebanon, and full film credits World premiere on Blu-ray Limited edition of 6,000 copies for the UK and US All extras subject to change
Who Dares Wins starring Lewis Collins Edward Woodward and Richard Widmark is an uncompromising and exciting action thriller which dramatises the activities of the SAS. When a British government undercover agent is assassinated a radical anti-nuclear group is held responsible. SAS agent Skellen is called upon to infiltrate the group and put an end to their terrorist activities. However the group raids the American embassy and Skellen from within the residence must use his skill and courage to support and guide his SAS colleagues. It will require the full force of the world's most lethal fighting unit to save the lives of several high-ranking hostages...
In an uncanny piece of art imitating life, Who Dares Wins came out in 1982 just after the infamous storming of the Iranian Embassy by the legendary British Special Air Services (SAS) unit. The plot builds up to that unshakeable image of black-clad troops abseiling the front of a stately home and smashing through the windows, and pays off expectations with a thrilling finale. Anyone expecting two hours of military instruction will be disappointed however. After the opening 10 minutes with the troops, the almost James-Bond-like story follows Lewis Collins (riding high in those days after TV's The Professionals) as he infiltrates a radical anti-Nuclear society. Operation: Destroy requires him to go undercover with their potentially insane leader Frankie (Judy Davis), ignoring his wife and child. The period detail is often the film's most entertaining feature as Collins tours across 1980s London constantly eluding spies on his tail. Apart from the endless permed hairdos and the fact that the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament hasn't got much to demonstrate about these days, there's the fashions and low-tech gadgetry to enjoy. In the US the film was called The Final Option. The DVD includes a photo gallery, and a history of the SAS. --Paul Tonks
Created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, HBO's Emmy®-nominated sci-fi drama series Westworld returns for a new season that is more ambitious, enthralling and timely than ever before. Following the aftermath of last season's Westworld massacre, Dolores, Bernard and an unknown host, occupying the body of Delos exec Charlotte Hale, begin a new chapter outside of the park exploring the real world and who they will become in the wake of their liberation. Over the course of eight hour-long episodes, Season 3 finds Dolores prepared to wage war on humanity and Bernard trying desperately to stop her, while Maeve reunites with familiar faces in a new realm and all discover that the world outside is as full of deception and predetermination as the one they've always known. With returning cast members including Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright and Tessa Thompson, along with new series regulars Aaron Paul and Vincent Cassel, Westworld continues to deliver thrilling twists and turns, while posing questions about the nature of our reality, freewill and what makes us human.
Fast cars a hot romance and a behind-the-scenes look at the world famous Indy 500 - Winning has it all. A hotshot race car driver who will do anything to win. However this obsession nearly causes him to lose his wife Elora and his friendship with arch-rival Luther Erding along the way. Winning features a believable personal drama spectacular footage of the 1968 Indy 500 with its famous 17-car pileup and a biting look at the people who make their living in the fast lane. It also marks the screen debut of Richard Thomas who went on to become television's John-Boy of the Waltons.
Adapted from Tennessee Williams' play 'Orpheus Descending', this US drama stars Marlon Brando as drifter Val Xavier. Arriving in a small town Val gets a job working for miserable shopkeeper Lady Torrance (Anna Magnani) and later begins an affair with her while her cruel husband Jabe (Victor Jory) is dying of cancer. Discovering that Lady is pregnant, Val decides to stay in town even when he is threatened by Jabe's friend, Sheriff Talbott (R.G. Armstrong), but this only angers Jabe and results in tragedy.
THE WICKER MAN has had an enduring fascination for audiences since its release in 1973. A unique and bone-fide horror masterpiece, brilliantly scripted by Anthony Schaffer (Sleuth, Frenzy) and featuring an astounding performance by the legendary Christopher Lee. Director Robin Hardy's atmospheric use of location, unsettling imagery and haunting soundtrack gradually builds to one of the most terrifying and iconic climaxes in modern cinema. When a young girl mysteriously disappears, Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate. But this pastoral community, led by the strange Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) is not what it seems as the devoutley religious detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy. Can Howie now stop the cults ultimate sacrifice before he himself comes face to face with the horror of THE WICKER MAN? Product Features *Pop-up artwork coming soon 5-disc 4K UHD collector's edition rigid 'book' pop-up packaging, including all 3 cuts of the film restored in 4K , plus ; X1 exclusive EP featuring artists from Heavenly records covering songs from the soundtrack 64 page booklet, featuring brand new essays 3 'postcards from Summerisle' 2 posters (original theatrical artwork and new artwork) Extras included on the disc are: NEW - Locations featurette NEW - Shaffer and Hardy NEW - Robin Hardy's original script NEW - Interview with Britt Ekland Worshipping The Wicker Man The Music of The Wicker Man Interview with Robin Hardy (2013) Interview with Robin Hardy and Christopher Lee (1979) Making of commentary Trailers Stills gallery
Hosted by Jon Pertwee and Edward Woodward, this massively popular 1970s panel game invited viewers to pit their wits against a team of celebrity sleuths to solve a fictitious murder mystery! Devised by comedians Lance Percival and Jeremy Lloyd, Whodunnit presents short dramas laden with clues and more than a few red herrings to be pieced together by the panellists who, having grilled the 'suspects', point an accusing finger at the likely felon... This complete set features every episode, starring regular panellists Patrick Mower and Anouska Hempel and a glittering line-up of guests and cast members, including Diana Dors, Kingsley Amis, Stephanie Beacham, Frank Windsor, Honor Blackman, Richard O'Sullivan, Barbara Windsor, Anthony Valentine, Dulcie Gray, Robert Lindsay, Harry H. Corbett, Billie Whitelaw and Sheila Hancock... to name but a few!
Four decades after its release in cinemas in 1973 the unique British cult classic The Wicker Man still holds an enduring fascination for audiences all over the world. In this 40th anniversary double play edition the film is presented as The Final Cut a version which has never before been restored and never before been seen in UK cinemas. Approved by director Robin Hardy The Final Cut is the finest and most complete version of The Wicker Man. Featuring brand new extras this 40th anniversary edition is every Wicker Man fan’s perfect ending to a much mythicised search for the most complete version of the film. Having left no stone unturned in the search for the original film materials the ghosts have now been laid to rest as we can finally and happily confirm that this is The Final Cut. Special Features: Disc 1: The Final Cut Interview with Robin Hardy The Music of The Wicker Man Worshipping The Wicker Man - Famous Fans The Restoration of The Wicker Man Disc 2: UK Theatrical Cut The Director's Cut (with Audio Commentary) Making of Audio Commentary (Short Film) Disc 3: Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man Documentary Written by Mark Kermode EX-S: The Wicker Man Disc 4: Trailer
Ram Bowen (Paul Newman The Hustler) and Eddie Cook (Sidney Poitier In the Heat of the Night) are jazz musicians who live for music. Their Paris is one of underground, smoke-filled Jazz bars and the rain-drenched streets of the Left Bank at night. However their carefree idyll is disturbed when two American tourists (Joanne Woodward and Diahann Carroll) enter their lives, and against the backdrop of music and moonlight, they find themselves falling in love. All too soon however, romance is put to the test, as the men find themselves torn between their love for the women, and their passion for music. Featuring the legendary Louis Armstrong as Wild Man Moore, the film's score by the incomparable Jazz musician Duke Ellington was Oscar nominated in 1962. Extras Original trailer Fully illustrated booklet with new writing on the film
A phenomenal global success, The Professionals has thrilled audiences for four decades, gaining a body of devoted fans and an enduring cult status. In the late 1990s its legend received a new lease of life with this explosive series starring veteran British actor Edward Woodward as Harry Malone, head of an expanded CI5 now a global agency with a multinational body of highly skilled operatives whose job is to combat 21st century threats in the form of global terrorism, ethnic cleansing, the mass slaughter of protected species and the emergence of powerful organised crime syndicates. Featuring scripts by The Professionals' original creator Brian Clemens, this set features all thirteen episodes, complete and uncut. Guest stars include Charlotte Cornwell, Gayle Hunnicutt, Denis Lill, Patrick Mower, Michael Brandon, David Threlfall and Ray Lonnen.
It must be stressed that, despite the fact that it was produced in 1973 and stars Christopher Lee, The Wicker Man is not a Hammer Horror film. There is no blood, very little gore and the titular Wicker Man is not a monster made out of sticks that runs around killing people by weaving them into raffia work. Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie, a virginal, Christian policeman sent from the Scottish mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl on the remote island of Summerisle. The intelligent script by Anthony Schaffer, who also wrote the detective mystery Sleuth (a film with which The Wicker Man shares many traits), derives its horror from the increasing isolation, confusion and humiliation experienced by the naïve Howie as he encounters the island community's hostility and sexual pagan rituals, manifested most immediately in the enthusiastic advances of local landlord's daughter Willow (Britt Ekland). Howie's intriguing search, made all the more authentic by the film's atmospheric locations and folkish soundtrack, gradually takes us deeper and deeper into the bizarre pagan community living under the guidance of the charming Laird (Lee, minus fangs) as the film builds to a terrifying climax with a twist to rival that of The Sixth Sense or Fight Club. --Paul Philpott On the DVD: The Wicker Man can finally be seen in its glorious entirety on DVD, thanks to the restoration of some 15 minutes of previously lost material. Since the original negative long ago disappeared (apparently dumped beneath the M3 motorway) the picture quality for the added scenes is dubious, but what's much more important is the regained richness in the depiction of Summerisle's society (including a wonderful deflowering ritual set to music) and the added depth to Howie's character. Almost redundantly this excellent two-disc package provides the butchered theatrical cut as well, which comes with a good new documentary explaining both the genesis of the film and its turbulent history. Christopher Lee and director Robin Hardy pop up in an archival interview from the 1970s and are also reunited with Edward Woodward in the brand-new and first-rate commentary track for the director's cut: Lee in particular remains passionate about the movie and still angry about its shabby treatment. Both versions of the film are widescreen 1.85:1; the theatrical cut is in remastered Dolby 5.1, but the director's cut remains in mono. --Mark Walker
Before coming to America to make such acclaimed films as Tender Mercies and Driving Miss Daisy, Australian director Bruce Beresford made a lasting impression with this compelling courtroom drama, considered one the finest films of the Australian new wave of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Based on a true story about three soldiers in the Boer War who are served up as political scapegoats of the British Empire, the film uses a flashback structure to dramatise the courtroom testimony. It begins when the three Australian soldiers are railroaded for the justified killing of a German missionary and placed on trial for court-martial not as a matter of justice, but to mollify the German government for the sake of political expediency. Burdened with a competent but inexperienced and hopelessly disadvantaged lawyer, the soldiers realise that their fate has been sealed and the outcome of their trial is a fait accompli. Unfolding with urgent precision and a riveting focus on its well-drawn characters, Breaker Morant was the all-time box-office hit in Australia at the time of its release in 1980, and it remains one of the very best historical dramas ever made. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Simply Media are delighted to announce the DVD release of the critically acclaimed dystopian drama 1990: The Complete Collection, on 20th November 2017. This collection contains all 16 episodes from series 1 and 2, originally broadcast on BBC Two in 1977. 1990 has been lauded as a TV landmark by Junsui Films Limited, a minor miracle it has been finally released by We Are Cult, and a well-crafted British character drama by Archive TV Musings. The Guardian has described the series creator Wilfred Greatorex (Secret Army) as one of the most prolific and assured television script-writers and editors from the 1960s into the 1980s. 1990 tells a chilling tale of a bleak and nightmarish future Britain where individual rights have been replaced by rights only for the common good. Government bureaucracy is out of control. The lives of ordinary citizens are in the hands of the Home Office's corrupt and overbearing Public Control Department (PCD), which has its watchful eye on everyone to monitor and expose all possible and imaginary threats to the country. Greatorex described his series as Nineteen Eighty-Four plus six because of the parallel themes with Orwell's prophetic novel. The PCD uses sophisticated surveillance systems to expose anyone threatening the status quo. Special State-sanctioned brainwashing units, cunningly disguised as caring rest-homes, are ruthlessly used to suppress independent thought and cure dissidents. A strict rationing of food, alcohol and travel is imposed, and ID cards are required to work, which can be withdrawn by the state at any time. Free speech is forbidden, censorship is rife, and with no rule of law to protect the vulnerable, all citizens are left at the mercy of the state's tyrannical control. Or so it seems.... 1990 stars Golden Globe winner Edward Woodward (The Wicker Man) in the lead role as the calm, witty and charming rebel Jim Kyle. He's a journalist working for one of the last remaining independent newspapers, and a secret dissident who is fighting the corrupt establishment by covertly helping others escape. He risks prison or even death if identified. Woodward leads a strong supporting cast including Robert Lang (Othello (1965)), who gives an unforgettable performance as the PCD's ruthless controller Herbert Skardon; and Barbara Kellerman (The Sea Wolves) shines as his provocatively alluring deputy, Delly Lomas. Series two sees Lynn Blake (Lisa Harrow) join the cast as Kyle's ex-lover, who becomes the new Deputy Controller of the PCD. She's even more determined to expose his informer and finally get her man. 1990 also takes a rare and fascinating original spin on the dystopian fiction genre, unusually depicting a totalitarian regime where the government follows a socialist agenda, instead of the more usual fascist regime. In a society today where the Snoopers Charter has been passed by the British Government, justified as a means of combating terrorism, Greatorex's fictional vision of the future may not be so different from our real present.
Please wait. Loading...
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy