Drama

• A.I. Artificial Intelligence | DVD | (18/03/2002) from £10.35   |  Saving you £3.64 (35.17%)   |  RRP £13.99

  History will place an asterisk next to A.I. as the film Stanley Kubrick might have directed. But let the record also show that Kubrick--after developing this project for some 15 years--wanted Steven Spielberg to helm this astonishing sci-fi rendition of Pinocchio, claiming (with good reason) that it veered closer to Spielberg's kinder, gentler sensibilities. Spielberg inherited the project (based on the Brain Aldiss short story "Supertoys Last All Summer Long") after Kubrick's death in 1999, and the result is an astounding directorial hybrid. A flawed masterpiece of sorts, in which Spielberg's gift for wondrous enchantment often clashes (and sometimes melds) with Kubrick's harsher vision of humanity, the film spans near and distant futures with the fairy-tale adventures of an artificial boy named David (Haley Joel Osment), a marvel of cybernetic progress who wants only to be a real boy, loved by his mother in that happy place called home. Echoes of Spielberg's Empire of the Sun are evident as young David, shunned by his trial parents and tossed into an unfriendly world, is joined by fellow "mecha" Gigolo Joe (played with a dancer's agility by Jude Law) in his quest for a mother-and-child reunion. Parallels to Pinocchio intensify as David reaches "the end of the world" (a Manhattan flooded by melted polar ice caps), and a far-future epilogue propels A.I. into even deeper realms of wonder, just as it pulls Spielberg back to his comfort zone of sweetness and soothing sentiment. Some may lament the diffusion of Kubrick's original vision, but this is Spielberg's A.I., a film of astonishing technical wizardry that spans the spectrum of human emotions and offers just enough Kubrick to suggest that humanity's future is anything but guaranteed. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com On the DVD: A perfect movie for the digital age, A.I. finds a natural home on DVD. The purity of the picture, its carefully composed colour schemes and the multifarious sound effects are accorded the pin-point sharpness they deserve with the anamorphic 1.85:1 picture and Dolby 5.1 sound, as is John Williams's thoughtful music score. On the first disc there's a short yet revealing documentary, "Creating A.I.", but the meat of the extras appears on disc two. Here there are good, well-made featurettes on acting, set design, costumes, lighting, sound design, music and various aspects of the special effects: Stan Winston's remarkable robots (including Teddy, of course) and ILM's flawless CGI work. In addition there are storyboards, photographs and trailers. Finally, Steven Spielberg provides some rather sententious closing remarks ("I think that we have to be very careful about how we as a species use our genius"), but no director's commentary. --Mark Walker

• Entourage: The Movie | DVD | (26/10/2015) from £5.28   |  Saving you £14.71 (278.60%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), together with his boys, Eric (Kevin Connoly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Johnny (Kevin Dillon), are back...and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven). Some of their ambitions have changed, but the bond between them remains strong as they navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood. Click Images to Enlarge

• The Taming Of The Shrew | DVD | (19/03/2001) from £13.48   |  Saving you £6.51 (48.29%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The 1967 Franco Zeffirelli film of The Taming of the Shrew had all the ingredients to make it a high point in Shakespearian cinema. In Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor it starred the most bankable couple in Hollywood history as the sparring leads in the Bard's quick-firing comic battle of the sexes; and in Zeffirelli, it had a director with a Shakespearian pedigree second to none. But the reality is that this is Burton's picture all the way. His Petruchio is a weighty performance of such intelligence that the whole film is thrown off-kilter whenever he is on screen and the other performers just can't keep up. Apart from Michael Hordern's wonderfully distracted Baptista, Burton is the only actor in total, effortless command of the language. Taylor's bosomy glamour and fiery spirit are ample compensations for her occasionally murderous treatment of Katharina's verse. Whether or not she is really tamed by the end is another matter: those legendary violet eyes suggest otherwise. Ultimately it's a rich, bawdy and colourful romp, with Burton at the peak of his powers. The DVD includes the theatrical trailer, a "making-of" featurette and filmographies. --Piers Ford

• Beyond The Sea | DVD | (18/04/2005) from £6.75   |  Saving you £13.24 (196.15%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Double Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey directs and stars in this biopic of popular crooner Bobby Darin.

• Stronger | DVD | (09/04/2018) from £6.19   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family. It is Jeff's deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family's bond, defines a community's pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity. Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humor, Stronger is the inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of Boston Strong. The film also stars Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green.

• Shane Meadows Collections | DVD | (03/09/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £34.99

  Titles Comprise: Dead Man's Shoes: Two brothers return to the home town they left years previously. Richard the elder is strong and purposeful. Anthony is the younger more hesitant keen to mimic the actions of the sibling he reveres. As the brothers set up camp in the hills overlooking the town the local crew of small-time drug dealers begin to question their return. One by one they are tracked down by Richard as he embarks on a terrifying quest for revenge as a b

• An American Tragedy (Limited Edition) | Blu Ray | (15/01/2024) from £19.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  When jewel thief Madeleine (Dietrich) leaves Paris with a string of pearls, she conspires to smuggle them across the Spanish border with the unwitting assistance of American mechanic Tom (Cooper). But retrieving the jewels turns out to be harder than she thinks, and she finds herself falling for Tom. Product Features INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES 2019 restoration from a 4K scan Original mono audio Audio commentary with film historian Josh Nelson (2023) Tony Rayns on An American Tragedy (2023): extensive discussion of Josef von Sternbergs little-seen gem by the writer and film programmer Video essay by film historian Tag Gallagher Image gallery: promotional and publicity materials New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Limited edition exclusive with a new essay by Imogen Sara Smith, archival interviews and articles, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits World premiere on Blu-ray Limited edition of 3,000 copies for the UK All extras subject to change

• Wushu | DVD | (18/04/2011) from £13.79   |  Saving you £2.20 (15.95%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Ten years ago, five students joined a martial arts school and learned the disciplines of Wushu and the bonds of friendship. Today, both will be put to the test after they and a former student stumble into a child kidnapping ring.

• Mary, Queen of Scots | Blu Ray | (11/07/2022) from £14.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  The historical rivalry between two of Britain's most fascinating monarchs is brought brilliantly to life in this thrilling period drama. When the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots (Vanessa Redgrave) returns to her homeland to claim her throne, the court of her cousin, the Protestant Elizabeth I (Glenda Jackson) in neighbouring England, is thrown into turmoil, as the question of succession becomes an ever-pressing concern to the ˜Virgin Queen'. Political machinations and intrigue abound as the competing camps jostle for dominance, with the threat of the executioner's axe looming large. Stunning performances by Oscar-winners Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson are supported by a stellar ensemble cast including Trevor Howard, Ian Holm and Timothy Dalton, and an Oscar-nominated score by John Barry. Product Features Isolated John Barry score with commentary from film historians Nick Redman and Jon Burlingame Includes original overture and musical intermission Original promotional trailer Other extras TBC Newly commissioned reversible sleeve art by David Downton **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with new essays by Ellen Cheshire and John Oliver

• The Audrey Hepburn Story | DVD | (10/07/2000) from £6.76   |  Saving you £-3.77 (N/A%)   |  RRP £2.99

  Jennifer Love Hewitt is a beautiful and talented actress with style and charm. She is not, however, Audrey Hepburn, and try as she might, she is unable to embody the gamine actress in the made-for-television biopic The Audrey Hepburn Story. Making the Hepburn bio was a gutsy move for Hewitt, and one has to admire her chutzpah. But the role, if it was to be dared, would have been better off in the hands of an unknown. As it is, it's difficult to shake the image of Hewitt in her television and teen roles, and while she mastered the wide-eyed look, her eyes are not doe-like enough and her accent borders on ludicrous. If you can move past this, though, the story of Hepburn's life--even given her do-gooder qualities--is interesting fodder for exploration, although at times the script feels as if it's trying to create tension where there is little. Desertion by her father, a brief stint in the resistance in wartime Netherlands, and affairs with fellow actors create drama, but not enough to enliven the film. Part of the problem is the entire film is told from flashback from the set of Breakfast at Tiffany's, so much of Hepburn's great work is left untouched. Yet, despite the flaws, fans will appreciate the paean to Hepburn, as we glimpse into the difficulties of her early career and her budding stardom. The two girls who play the childhood Hepburn excel in their roles, and the strong supporting cast--including Frances Fisher as her mother and Eric McCormack as Mel Ferrer--brighten the film, which ultimately brings a touch of Hepburn's elegance to our own humdrum lives. --Jenny Brown

• David Starkey's The Six Wives Of Henry VIII - The Complete Series | DVD | (24/02/2003) from £9.98   |  Saving you £10.01 (100.30%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Divorced beheaded died divorced beheaded survived. Six lives summed up in a school rhyme. The women who married Henry VIII have become defined not by the way they lived but by the way their lives ended. They are seen as victims of a bloated tyrant deserving pity but not respect. However have we under-estimated them and are historians right to have merely portrayed them as bit-part players in Henry's story? In this DVD Dr David Starkey reveals them to be vibrant powerful individuals who showed great dignity when faced with exile from the King's favour or even the executioner's axe in the Tower Of London. The series focuses on the stories of the women themselves revealing in intimate detail their experiences of sex childbirth and the glamorous dangerous life at court including the deadly intrigues that dethroned them.

• Rainmaker (Special Edition) | DVD | (06/08/2007) from £7.05   |  Saving you £2.94 (41.70%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Francis Ford Coppola directs and scripts an exciting star-packed adaptation of John Grishams novel about an idealistic young attorney who takes on the case of a lifetime. Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting) plays Rudy Baylor a rookie lawyer in over his head on a high-profile case. Opposing him: an army of seasoned legal sharks (led by Jon Voight). On Rudys side: Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito) a feisty paralawyer who specialises in flunking the bar exam. Rudys chances are slim to non

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. | Blu Ray | (07/08/2023) from £7.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  For over fifty years, Judy Blume's classic and groundbreaking novel Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. has impacted generations with its timeless coming of age story, insightful humor, and candid exploration of life's biggest questions. In Lionsgate's big-screen adaptation, 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), who isn't happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets.

• State of the Union (Limited Edition) | Blu Ray | (27/03/2023) from £9.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  The immortal screen couple Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner) take the lead in this fabulously witty political comedy drama from director Frank Capra (It's a Wonderful Life), filmed against the background of the 1948 Presidential election. Wealthy aeroplane manufacturer Grant Matthews is encouraged to become a presidential candidate by his girlfriend, press baron Kay Thorndyke. Forced to publicly reunite with his estranged wife Mary in order to present the illusion of a happy marriage, he comes close to nomination. But, as Grant and Mary realise that political success will mean compromising their principles, Grant has a change of heart. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Harold Lindsay and Russel Crouse (The Sound of Music), and with supporting turns from Angela Lansbury (Gaslight) and Adolphe Menjou (The Sniper), State of the Union is a brilliant blend of political satire and romantic comedy. Product Features High Definition remaster Original mono audio Audio commentary with critics and writers Claire Kenny, Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme (2023) The John Player Lecture with Angela Lansbury (1973), archival audio recording of the celebrated star of film, stage and television in conversation with Rex Reed at London's National Film Theatre Lucy Bolton on Angela Lansbury (2023): the academic discusses the life and eventful career of the much-loved performer Original theatrical trailer Image gallery: promotional and publicity materials New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay on the film, archival interviews with director Frank Capra, archival set reports, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and full film credits UK premiere on Blu-ray Limited edition of 3,000 copies All extras subject to change

• The Vampire Diaries - Season 1 | DVD | (23/08/2010) from £6.99   |  Saving you £33.00 (472.10%)   |  RRP £39.99

  As the school year begins at Mystic Falls High Elena and her friends are fascinated by a handsome and mysterious new student Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley Fallen). Stefan and Elena are immediately drawn to one another although Elena is puzzled by Stefan's increasingly bizarre behavior when he appears suddenly at the cemetery where her parents are buried. What she doesn't realize is that Stefan is hiding a dark deadly secret of his own - the fact that he's a vampire.

• Bergerac - Series 5 | DVD | (03/09/2007) from £54.48   |  Saving you £-29.49 (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Loved as much for his human failings as for his strengths Jim Bergerac of the Bureau des Etrangers is a reformed alcoholic and a tough professional with a rebellious streak. Series 5 finds him still with beautiful estate agent Susan Young (Louise Jameson) his most serious relationship since his marriage. Though when attractive jewel thief the 'Ice Maiden' Philippa Vale (Liza Goddard) turns up needing Jim's help again susan finds she has a rival who would be very happy to take t

• Cast Away | Blu Ray | (02/07/2012) from £8.95   |  Saving you £11.04 (123.35%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Tom Hanks is Chuck Noland, a man in a hurry. His job for Federal Express has him traveling the world on a moments notice, exhorting the company's employees to speed things up--never turn your back on the clock. When he's suddenly called away for business on Christmas night, his tolerant longtime girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt) drives him to the airport. They have their Christmas in the car--and Chuck plunks an engagement ring into her lap right before he gets on the plane, telling her, I'll be right back. But an unexpected storm cuts the plane's crew off from radio contact and blows them off course. Chuck is the sole survivor of the resulting crash, and washes up on a completely deserted island. Stranded there, he must give up everything that he once took for granted and learn how to survive all alone in the wilderness. From director Robert Zemeckis, CAST AWAY is a story of adventure and discovery surrounding one man's will to stay alive.

• Henry - Portrait Of A Serial Killer | DVD | (26/05/2003) from £12.94   |  Saving you £7.05 (54.48%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Henry is the chilling account of a man whose vocation is murder. Michael Rooker stars as Henry the solitary drifter who leads his dim ex-jailmate friend Otis (Tom Towles) on a senseless killing spree. Picking their victims at random their methods of execution are always different. Otis' sister Becky (Arnold) goes to Chicago to visit and unsuspectingly falls in love with Henry...

• Duel (Special Edition) | DVD | (17/04/2019) from £9.95   |  Saving you £8.04 (80.80%)   |  RRP £17.99

  Fear is the driving force! What begins as an ordinary business trip becomes a terrifying life and death battle for David Mann (Dennis Weaver). Initially Mann refuses to believe he is being followed by a huge diesel truck but soon the unbelievable horror of the situation sinks in. He realises that the driver of the truck an unseen and menacing psychopath is indeed out to kill him... 'Duel' the classic early film from Steven Spielberg that brought him to the attention of t

• Dinotopia | DVD | (26/12/2002) from £18.97   |  Saving you £1.02 (5.38%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Kids will love this sweeping story of two brothers whose plane crashes on a mysterious island called Dinotopia, where human beings live in harmony with dinosaurs--the herbivores, anyway. The carnivores present a problem, as the humans' defences against them--a mystical power source called sunstones--are losing strength. As they try to save the island, Carl and David (Tyron Leitso and Wentworth Miller) struggle not only with tyrannosaurs and prehistoric crocodiles, but also with repressive Dinotopian traditions and a scheming malcontent (David Thewlis) who stirs up all kinds of trouble. Meanwhile, they also wrestle with each other over the lovely daughter of the mayor of Waterfall City (Katie Carr). The pacifist ideals of Dinotopia are refreshing, but it's the special effects that will hook viewers: riding on the backs of brachiosaurs, flying atop pteranadons, arguing in court with triceratops and ankylosaurs. Anyone fascinated with dinosaurs (and who isn't?) will enjoy this whimsical fantasy. A host of British character actors also helps keep the human side of this four-hour mini-series lively; Alice Krige (also known as the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact) gets a much more benevolent role here. --Bret Fetzer