April 30th 2001:

April 30thApril 29thApril 27thApril 26th
April 25thApril 24thApril 23rdApril 22ndApril 21st
April 20thApril 19thApril 18thApril 17thApril 16th
April 15thApril 14thApril 13thApril 12thApril 11th
April 10thApril 9thApril 8thApril 7th
April 6thApril 5thApril 3rdApril 2ndApril 1st

April 30th :The Creative DAP Jukebox. MP3 heaven for all…

Something a bit different for the start of this week – the Creative DigitalAudio Player (DAP) Jukebox, a device which contains a 6Gb hard drive andplays 100 hours worth of MP3 files which could hold up to 150 albums!

Creative DAP Jukeboxis online and out now.

Bjork stars in Dancer in the Dark on DVD…

One of those unique finds: a film which you have some reservations about beforewatching it, given the bad press you’ve already read about it, but it turnsout to be one of the best films you’ve seen all year and there’s a fantasticperformance from Bjork in the lead role.

Dancer in the Darkis online and out on DVD now.

Who can’t stop movin’ at No.1…?

To find out the answer – and to see last week’s chart – visit mymusic chart analysis page

Visit the Talk Talk Forum…

Want to chat about anything you’ve seen on this site, or just fancy a rantabout anything entertainment-related in general? Get to the forum andstart presenting your opinions!

Click on the Talk Talk Forum on the left-hand menu now.

New DVDs out this week…

• Asian Lesbian With Her Classmate (19.99, Fantasy Blue)
• A Bronx Tale (17.99, Universal)
• Dance With A Stranger (17.99, Universal)
• Dangerous Game (17.99, Universal)
• The Importance Of Being Earnest (15.99, Carlton)
• Indiscreet (17.99, Universal)
• In The Mood For Love (19.99, Tartan)
• Jennifer Lopez: Feelin’ So Good (19.99, Sony)
• Julien Donkey Boy (19.99, Tartan)
• The Labyrinth Of Love (18.99, Stonevision)
• Lake Placid (19.99, Fox)
• Lesbian Tarts Having Sex (19.99, Fantasy Blue)
• The Madness Of King George (19.99, VCI)
• Madonna: What It Feels Like For A Girl (DVD Single) (6.99, Warner Music Vision)
• Memento (rental, Fox)
• Miss Julie (15.99, MGM)
• Pinball Sex (19.99, Fantasy Blue)
• The Player (17.99, Fox)
• Purely Belter (19.99, VCI)
• Rick Wakeman: Journey To The Center Of The Earth (15.99, Disc)
• Randy Girls In Heat (19.99, Fantasy Blue)
• She Wore A Yellow Ribbon (17.99, Universal)
• Space: 1999 (Collector’s Edition) (Box Set) (44.99, Carlton)
• Space: 1999 Vol. 1 (15.99, Carlton)
• Space: 1999 Vol. 2 (15.99, Carlton)
• Space: 1999 Vol. 3 (15.99, Carlton)
• The 10th Kingdom (44.99, Warner)
• This Life Series 1 (29.99, BBC)
• X Files Season 2 (89.99, Fox)

April 29th :Manage the fun with Theme Park World on Playstation 2…

If games are meant to be fun then why would you want to get involved in themanagement side of a theme park, or do you have a megalomaniacal bent andwant to earn as much as possible?

Theme Park Worldis online and out on Playstation 2 now.

April 27th :Light relief for a Friday with Department Sex on DVD…

Another one in the eye from the Adult Channel with blonde bombshell MichelleThorne taking her camcorder in one hand and who can tell what else in theother as she drops in on women who enjoy her TV show.

Department Sex Vol.1is online and out on DVD now.

Die Hard: The best action movie on DVD…

Although I’ve still ended up seeing its sequel more times, it’s not my opinionthat counts in this review but that of new DVDfever reviewerAdam Duncan.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Die Hardis online and out on DVD now.

Updated cinema listings…

Well, not quite. Something of a diversion this week as Showcase Cinema could not supplythe usual listing, but I am assured things will be back to normal next week,so I’ll just list the films here, which are :

• The Wedding Planner, The Emperor’s New Groove, Bridget Jones’ Diary,Valentine, Save the Last Dance, Spy Kids, One Night at McCool’s,Miss Congeniality, The Mexican, The Hole, Traffic, Rugrats in Paris,What Women Want, Dungeons and Dragons, Hannibal and Exit Wounds.

The films leaving this week are The Contender and Men of Honor.

April 26th :Connery returns in Never Say Never Again on DVD…

Coming back for one final fling as James Bond – and in the same year asOctopussy,Sean Connery starsalongside Klaus Maria Brandauer, Barbara Carerra and Kim Basingerin what often gets seen as a remake of Thunderball.

James Bond: Never Say Never Againis online and out on DVD now.

Jumping for joy: Billy Elliot on DVD…

Regular DVDfever reviewer Jason Maloney returnswith a look at the sleeper hit of last year which went on to score plentyof BAFTA and Oscar nominations, while picking up a few of the former.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Billy Elliotis online and out on DVD now.

Midweek chart positions…

Thanks to Ben Cook from thePoptastic UK websitewho has the following info on the midweek singles chart positions :

• 01 – S Club 7 – Don’t Stop Moving [67,800]
• 02 – Destiny’s Child – Survivor [19,500]
• 03 – Ronan Keating – Lovin’ Each Day [16,400]
• 04 – Depeche Mode – Dream On [13,700]
• 05 – Gabrielle – Out Of Reach [12,500]
• 06 – Missy Elliott – Get Your Freak On [10,300]
• 07 – Starsailor – Good Souls [10,000]
• 08 – O-Town – Liquid Dreams [10,000]
• 09 – Fatboy Slim – Star 69/Weapon Of Choice [8,500]
• 10 – Shaggy – It Wasn’t Me [8,400]

Other Top 75 positions :

• 15 – Papa Roach
• 16 – Spooks
• 25 – Shed Seven
• 30 – Elbow
• 33 – J. Majik Ft. Kathy Brown
• 34 – K. Warren featuring Lee O
• 37 – Joe
• 40 – Echo and The Bunnymen
• 43 – Plaything
• 49 – Shea Seger
• 54 – DJ Dan
• 70 – Cosmic Rough Riders

And for albums :

• 1 – Ash
• 2 – Feeder
• 3 – Janet Jackson
• 4 – Stereophonics
• 5 – Dido
• 6 – Hear’Say
• 7 – Eva Cassidy
• 8 – Ronan Keating
• 9 – Billy Joel
• 10 – Gorillaz

PRESS RELEASE: The Black Sabbath Story on DVD…

Thanks to Joanne Hodges from RDA Communications for the info that this titlefrom Sanctuary Digital Entertainment, originally due for release on21st May and then put back to 5th June, has now been placed as pending. As soonas we have a new date for it we shall let you know.

ClickHEREfor the full The Black Sabbath Story press release.

PRESS RELEASE: ONdigital become ITV Digital…

The news was announced yesterday and posted on their website shortlyafterwards – that’s the ONdigital site, since the ITV Digital one is stillunder construction.

Also included in this is the press release for the new ITV Sport channel.

ClickHEREfor the full ONdigital become ITV Digital press release.

April 25th :Time for a Bond spoof: Casino Royale on DVD…

With a cast headed by Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress and David Niven,the James Bond series had only been going a few years and already it had beenlampooned with this offering, but where did it all go wrong?

James Bond: Casino Royaleis online and out on DVD now.

Third time unlucky? Alien3 on DVD…

Well I rather liked it, personally, especially after seeing what directorDavid Fincher was to come up with later in his career, but what doesour new DVDfever reviewer Adam Duncan think?

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Alien3is online and out on DVD now.

PRESS RELEASE: Sega are close to the Edge…

Thanks to Stuart Ledger from Bell Pottiger for the following press release.

ClickHEREfor the full Sega are close to the Edge press release.

PRESS RELEASE: Dolby and the Xbox…

Thanks to Jassy Campbell from Dolby for the following press release.

ClickHEREfor the full Dolby and the Xbox press release.

April 24th :Knockout Kings 2001 on PS2: Wanna make something of it…?

Pictured with Lennox Lewis on the cover, they wouldn’t have been doingthat if it had been released after last Saturday, but it still turns out tobe a most entertaining game.

Knockout Kings 2001is online and out on Sony Playstation 2 now.

Aliens: The extended sequel on DVD…

For the second of his trilogy of reviews, new DVDfever reviewerAdam Duncan gives James Cameron‘s second Alien filma spin.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Aliens: Special Editionis online and out on DVD now.

April 23rd :A movie double-bill for Lexx on DVD…

Released today :

Starting the release of Lexx on DVD, Contender get off to a goodstart with the first two of the four movies in a double box-set.

Lexx: I Worship His Shadow/Supernovais online and out on DVD now.

The first Alien film on DVD…

We welcome a new reviewer to the fold at DVDfever in the formof Adam Duncan who kicks off with the first in a run of the firstthree Alien films.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Alienis online and out on DVD now.

City Hunter: wrong aspect ratio on DVD…?

At DVDfever Towers we’ve received a copy of this for review,but can anyone confirm if the Internet Movie Databaseis correct in stating the widescreen aspect ratio is 2.35:1?

The Region 2 DVD, out today, is cropped to 16:9 and at the end of the closingcredits there’s even words masked off at the bottom of the screen so it appearsto be badly zoomed in 🙁

I can’t sit through a cropped presentation so I’d like to know first.

Ronan vs. Destiny’s Child: Who’s at No.1…?

To find out the answer – and to see last week’s chart – visit mymusic chart analysis page

Visit the Talk Talk Forum…

Want to chat about anything you’ve seen on this site, or just fancy a rantabout anything entertainment-related in general? Get to the forum andstart presenting your opinions!

Click on the Talk Talk Forum on the left-hand menu now.

COMPETITION WINNERS: O Brother Where Art Thou? on VHS and DVD…

Thanks to everyone who entered these competitions. The winners have beennotified and their details passed to the respective PR companies for dispatchof prizes.

For the record, the film’s screenplay was based on Homer’s Odyssey.

Keep your eyes peeled for future competitions for Blair Witch 2,Take the Money and Run, The Low Down and Christina Aguilera: MyReflection.

New DVDs out this week…

• 1492: Conquest Of Paradise (17.99, Fox)
• Anatomy (19.99, Columbia TriStar)
• And Now You’re Dead (15.99, MIA)
• Banged Up (18.49, Medusa)
• Battle Of The Planets Vol. 1: Attack Of The Space Terrapin (17.99, Mollin)
• Bill Hicks: Totally (14.99, VCI)
• Capital Ride Vol.1 (18.49, Medusa)
• Casino Royale (15.99, MGM)
• City Hunter (19.99, Medusa)
• College SE (19.99, Eureka)
• Coyote Ugly (rental, Buena Vista)
• Cruel Intentions 2 (19.99, Columbia TriStar)
• Dances With Wolves (19.99, Fox)
• Eminem: Hitz And Disses Unauthorized (12.99, Disc)
• Erotic Castaway (18.49, Planet)
• Girl Talk (12.49, Mistique)
• Gunbusters (19.99, Revelation)
• Lexx: Stories From The Dark Zone Box Set 1 (24.99, Contender)
• Lilith Fair (19.99, Pinnacle)
• The Madness Of King George (19.99, VCI)
• Malcolm X (17.99, Fox)
• Miss Julie (15.99, MGM)
• My Left Foot (19.99, VCI)
• Never Say Never Again (15.99, MGM)
• Night Of The Living Dead (30th Anniversary Edition) (15.99, Planet)
• The Ninth Gate (19.99, Universal)
• Penthouse: Fashions And Fantasies (22.49, Pinnacle)
• Penthouse: Internet Babes (22.49, Pinnacle)
• Penthouse: Working Women (22.49, Pinnacle)
• Playboy: The Best Of British Babefest 2 (18.49, Medusa)
• Proteus (9.99, VCI)
• Rick Wakeman: Journey To The Center Of The Earth (15.99, Disc)
• A River Runs Through It (17.99, Fox)
• The River (19.99, Columbia TriStar)
• Ronan Keating Live (19.99, Universal)
• Sam Gets Her Girl Vol.2 (18.49, Medusa)
• Sex And The Emperor (19.99, MIA)
• Santana: Legends Of Rock (19.99, Disc)
• Sex On The Menu (17.49, Mistique)
• Sex Truck Vol. 7 (17.49, Mistique)
• Singin’ In The Rain / Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (Two Discs) (24.99, Warner)
• Slave Girl (12.99, Mistique)
• Slippery When Wet (19.99, Pinnacle)
• Sorted (19.99, VCI)
• Space Precinct Vol. 9 (14.99, Digital Entertainment)
• Space Precinct Vol. 10 (14.99, Digital Entertainment)
• Space Precinct Vol. 9 & 10 (24.99, Digital Entertainment)
• Stargate SG1: Series 3 Vol.11 (19.99, MGM)
• The Twilight Zone Vol. 19 (15.99, Pinnacle)
• The Twilight Zone Vol. 20 (15.99, Pinnacle)
• The War (19.99, Columbia TriStar)

April 22nd :Right To Reply: R.I.P….

Two weeks after I posted details of my experience on this programme which hasbeen on Channel 4 since it began in 1982, I’ve learned that last Friday’sprogramme will be its very last and that it will not be returning inSeptember. I understand that presenter Roger Bolton has described it as ablack day for viewers.

No news at the moment whether anything will take its place but I hopesomething does. I’ll drop them a line and see what they say.

On Good Friday I received a tape of the programme I was on in my favouriteflavour – anamorphic 16:9 – with a very nice letter thanking me for takingpart in the programme, so it’s sad to see it go.

Thanks to Andrew Wiseman, editor of 625.uk.comand man of many appearances on the show, for the following two links tothe Media Guardian website which are as follows:

http://www.mediaguardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,476057,00.html
http://www.mediaguardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,476071,00.html

DVDfever Dom’s Right To Reply experienceis online now.

April 21st :Moto GP on Playstation 2…

Ride the Japanese GP Suzuka and other courses including our Donnington andFrance’s Paul Ricard in a game that doesn’t need much introduction given thatit’s a motorbike racing simulation, but is there much else to do other thanrace round and round each track?

Moto GPis online and out on PS2 now.

April 20th :Happy days in American Graffiti on DVD…

Starring a few names that became much more famous later on, including RonHoward, Richard Dreyfuss and Harrison Ford, this film follows onenight of painting the town red before it’s time for four guys to head off intheir separate ways to college.

American Graffitiis online and out on DVD now.

The Creative DAP Jukebox. Review coming soon…

Thanks very much to Rosie Tickner atProdigy PRfor this Creative DAP (Digital Audio Player) Jukebox which we receivedyesterday at DVDfever.

On first inspection it’s an absolute dream. Forget those MP3 players thatcost £150 or so and only store an hour of music upon them and go forthis beauty which can hold 100 hours worth of material on its 6Gb internalhard drive!

Click on the small picture (right) for an enlarged version.

April 19th :To gay or not to gay? In & Out on DVD…

Released this week :

Kevin Kline is a teacher with something to worry about when he’s outedby former pupil Matt Dillon at the Oscars, but is he really gay?

In & Outis online and out on DVD now.

April 18th :Star Trek crosses the Generations on DVD…

While we wait for a review copy of the recent Star Trek 6 DVD to arrive,we take a look at its sequel which was the first film to feature the NextGeneration crew and saw the last performance in a Trek film from CaptainJames T. Kirk (William Shatner).

Star Trek: Generationsis online and out on DVD now.

An ‘Air’ of intrigue in The Virgin Suicides on DVD…

Regular DVDfever reviewer Jason Maloney returns with areview of the DVD for Sofia Coppola‘s directorial debut with tunesfrom French synth masters Air and a lead role for Kirsten Dunst.

The Virgin Suicidesis online and out on DVD now.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Hear’Say’s Suzanne Shaw makes an arse of herself…

As reported in The Sun yesterday, and with picture reproduced herewithout permission (oh, the shame of it all!), a few pictures were printedfrom her life just before she hit the big time.

Choose from the followng pics below to expand and see the full monty (almost!),of Suzanne as she is today, Suzanne making a right arse of herself,Suzanne the screamer, and Suzanne feels like a right tit (okay, so it’s herleft but so what? 🙂

April 17th :John Grisham’s The Rainmaker on DVD…

Released this week :

A small-town lawyer (Matt Damon) takes on a big-league insurancecompany, headed by Jon Voight, who are scamming everyone they can.Can justice be served?

John Grisham’s The Rainmakeris online and out on DVD now.

The Kings of Convenience. A new CD…

Regular DVDfever reviewer Jason Maloney returns with areview of the new album from The Kings of Convenience, which this weekspawned a single, Toxic Girl, that made No.44.

The Kings of Convenience: Quiet is the New Loudis online and out on CD now.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

A summary of new DVDs out soon…

Summarising some of the recent press releases which these fingers haven’thad time to type out because hardly anyone sends them via email…

We start with a few discs out this week from Entertainment in Videoplus a couple of their May releases, all for £19.99 :

Out now :
• Bring It On: anamorphic 16:9 widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1,trailer, location spotlights, make-up and wardrobe tests, music video,home movie music video, extended and deleted scenes, easter egg anddirector’s commentary.
• Feeling Minnesota: 29 minutes of special features (no other detailslisted)
• Going Off Big Time: anamorphic 16:9 widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1,trailer, soundbites, B-roll.
• Shooting Fish: Hopefully this will be in anamorphic 2.35:1but no such details are listed. We have been told it will contain a featurette,soundbites and a B-roll.

  May 14th :

• Little Nicky: No specifics listed

  May 21st :

• Lost Souls: No specifics listed

Next week sees a few back-catalogue titles from Fox/Pathe. The firstone is £19.99, the next four are £17.99, and the last two are£19.99 each.

• Dances with Wolves: The 3-hour version, with both Dolby Digital5.1 and DTS 5.1 soundtracks, a director’s commentary, trailer, featurette,Kevin Costner profile. Ratio: 2.35:1 anamorphic
• Malcolm X: 1.85:1 non-anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer
• The Player: 1.85:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer,One on One with Robert Altman, Deleted Scenes, Robert Altman/Michael TolkinCommentary
• A River Runs Through It: 1.66:1 non-anamorphic, Dolby Digital 2.0,Trailer
• 1492: Conquest of Paradise: 2.20:1 non-anamorphic, Dolby Digital 2.0,Trailer

  May 7th :

• Stir of Echoes: 1.78:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Director’sCommentary, Music Videos, Featurette, TV Spots

  May 14th :

• Big Momma’s House: 1.85:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer,Director/Producer Audio Commentary, Featurette, Make Up Test, 2 Deleted Sceneswith Audio Commentary, Outtakes/Bloopers Reel, 2 Music Videos, 3 TV Spots

The following are Paramount‘s May 7th releases, each £19.99.

• Star Trek 5: The Final Frontier: 2.35:1 anamorphic (rumourssuggest it might not be anamorphic), Dolby Digital 5.1, Theatrical andTeaser Trailers, The Sound of Star Trek CD-ROM included on Special NumberedCollector’s Edition
• Coming To America: 1.78:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer
• The Phantom: 2.35:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer
• Gallipoli: 2.35:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer,Interview with director Peter Weir
• Virtuosity: 2.35:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, Trailer
• Escape from Alcatraz: 1.78:1 anamorphic, Dolby Digital 5.1, noextras listed
• Barefoot in the Park: 1.78:1 anamorphic, Theatrical and TeaserTrailers

Granada Media have one title out on June 4th.

• Anna Kournikova: Basic Elements: No details listed other thanit runs for 60 minutes and has a price of £14.99.

Columbia TriStar have a stack of titles out for release in June.Prices are £19.99 except for Close Encounters…. Extras listedwhere known:

June 4th :

• The 6th Day: Hopefully 2.35:1 anamorphic and Dolby Digital 5.1 butthese aren’t listed. Extras stated are: “The Future is Coming Showtime” MakingOf Featurette, 9 Behind the Scenes Featurettes, Composer score and commentary,3 storyboard comparisons, 2 Animatronic comparisons, RePet Infomercial andTV Spots, Filmographies, Animated Menus, Trailer, Cross-promotional trailersfor Vertical Limit and Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind.
• Groove: 1.85:1 widescreen, 3 Featurettes, Bedrock music video, Isolated music score,Extended and deleted scenes with optional commentary, Director/Producercommentary, Photo Gallery

  June 11th :

• Postcards from the Edge

  June 18th :

• Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: 2.35:1 anamorphic,Dual dialogue soundtracks: English and Mandarin language with subtitles,”Unleashing the Dragons” – Making of Documentary, Interview with MichelleYeoh, Director/Producer Commentary, Photo Gallery, Weblink, Talent Files,Domestic and International Trailers
• Hangman: No details listed, but I’ve seen a trailer that showsit as a bog-standard serial killer flick with Lou Diamond Philipsand Dan Lauria.
• Mad About Mambo: 1.85:1 widescreen
• The Skulls: no details known
• Fierce Creatures
• Young Guns
• Hot Pursuit
• Emmanuel 5
• Blue Steel
• Catchfire

  June 25th :

• Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind: 2-disc set priced at £22.99,Dolby Digital 5.1, Making of Documentary (over 100 mins), “Watch the Skies”featurette (1977), 14 deleted scenes, 2 Trailers (original and 1980’s “SpecialEdition”), Cast and Crew Filmographies, Animated Menus
• Housesitter
• Suspect

Coming soon from Columbia in July :

• Urban Legend 2: 2nd July
• Dirty Dancing: 2nd July
• Vertical Limit: 9th July
• Hamburger Hill: 23rd July

May release change of dates :

• The Wonder Boys: removed from schedule
• Pitch Black: 28th May
• The Mummy: Ultimate Edition: November TBC

April 16th :What Lies Beneath: A rental DVD…

Released today :

A suspense thriller that actually has suspense, plus a cast headed byHarrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer.

What Lies Beneathis online and out on DVD now.

Cult Kids Classics on DVD…

Released today :

Jamie and the Magic Torch, Button Moon, Rainbow and much more. Almosttwo hours of classic children’s entertainment on DVD.

Cult Kids Classicsis online and out on DVD now.

Dido: In Concert…

Regular DVDfever reviewer Jason Maloney returns with hisviews on Dido‘s concert at Shepherd’s Bush in London last Wednesday.

Dido: In Concertis online now.

Want to see your reviews on DVDfever.co.uk ? Click on theWrite for DVDfever link on the left-hand menu for more details.

Emma vs. Janet: Who’s at No.1…?

To find out the answer – and to see last week’s chart – visit mymusic chart analysis page

A change in the forum…

The EZboard forum was slow and unresponsive most of the time, but nowI’ve changed it to one from Freepolls.com which seems better, for now.

Now get there and start presenting your opinions!

Click on the Talk Talk Forum on the left-hand menu now.

The Return of Spinal Tap DVD delayed…

Thanks to Chris Holden from Second Sight for the confirmation that thistitle has been put back to May 28th.

ClickHEREfor the full The Return of Spinal Tap press release.

COMPETITIONS: Win O Brother Where Art Thou? on VHS and DVD…

Thanks to Momentum Pictures for providingthe prizes for five winners with a choice of VHS or DVD up for grabs inthis new competition.

ClickHEREto go to the competition page. This competition will close onFriday April 20th.

COMPETITIONS WINNERS: Don Henley, Raw Spice and Popstars on DVD…

Thanks to everyone who entered these competitions. The winners have beennotified and their details passed to the respective PR companies for dispatchof prizes.

For the record, my favourite Hear’Say popstar is Suzanne (youcould see this in the review), the Spice Girls‘ original manager wasChris Herbert and Don Henley‘s song was New York Minute.

Keep your eyes peeled for future competitions for Blair Witch 2,Take the Money and Run, The Low Down and Christina Aguilera: MyReflection.

Those who saw the latter starlet in the papers last week may join me inthinking that her reflection looks like Crystal Tipps fromCrystal Tipps and Alistair.

New DVDs out this week…

• Bring It On (19.99, Entertainment in Video)
• Cult Kids Classics (9.99, PT Video)
• Feeling Minnesota (19.99, Entertainment in Video)
• Going Off Big Time (19.99, Entertainment in Video)
• The Sopranos Series 1 Vol.4 (15.99, Warner)
• The Sopranos Series 1 Vol.5 (15.99, Warner)
• The Sopranos Series 1 Vol.6 (15.99, Warner)
• The Sopranos Series 1 Vols.4-6 Boxset (39.99, Warner)
• Westlife: Coast To Coast (19.99, BMG)
• What Lies Beneath (rental, Fox)

April 15th :No laughing matter: Naked Gun 33.3 on DVD…

Released this week :

Over this weekend we’ve had a look at the Naked Gun Trilogy andwe close with the last one which definitely was a sequel too far. Originallysub-titled, Just For The Record, if they’d left that in it would’veupped the joke total to one.

The Naked Gun 33.3is online and out on DVD now.

Universal’s April DVD releases…

We’ve had a look at four discs due out for release on April 30th, but theydon’t really deserve much more than a brief mention given the quality, orrather lack of it.

£17.99 apiece will secure your choice of one the following four.

• Assault on Precinct 13: A violent John Carpenter classic thatI was looking forward to watching for the first time, but the picture ratiohas been cropped to an anamorphic 16:9 ratio (from the original 2.35:1) andthe only extra is a 4:3 trailer.
• A Bronx Tale: Robert De Niro-directed flick in which healso stars alongside an unimpressive 4:3 open-matte print, trailer and stillsgallery.
• Dance with a Stranger: A film about the happy-go-lucky RuthEllis, the last woman to be hung in the UK. Starring Miranda Richardsonand Rupert Everett the only extras are a trailer and stills gallery,but the film’s at least in 16:9 widescreen even if it’s non-anamorphic.
• She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: John Wayne out on the range onceagain with just a trailer and a dreadful 4:3 print for company.

If these discs had to be released they should’ve been marked down to£9.99 apiece, or better still not released at all since the qualitydoes nothing to promote the cause for DVD and decent prints for each, allin their theatrical widescreen ratio, should have been sought.

April 14th :Frank Drebin is back. Just accept it. The Naked Gun 2½ on DVD…

Released this week :

Over this weekend we’ll take a look at the Naked Gun Trilogyand this time the bad guy is Robert Goulet, but can Drebin stop thebad guy this time?

The Naked Gun 2½is online and out on DVD now.

April 13th :Frank Drebin goes hand-in-hand with Friday the 13th. Disaster in The Naked Gun on DVD…

Released this week :

Over the next three days we’ll take a look at the Naked Gun Trilogystarting off with the first one and a plot to assassinate the Queen.

The Naked Gunis online and out on DVD now.

The Greatest Story Ever Told on Region 1 DVD…

No, it’s not the sci-fi adventure and Emilio Estevez/Anthony Hopkins-starrerFreejack, but a biblical epic for Good Friday and regularDVDfever reviewer Mark Bubien returns with a look atit.

The Greatest Story Ever Toldis online and out on DVD now.

April 12th :He won’t quit. An Officer and a Gentleman on DVD…

Released this week :

Richard Gere is the new Navy pilot recruit and Louis Gossett Jr.is the Drill Sergeant determined to keep him in check. Then there’s loveinterest from Debra Winger too.

An Officer and a Gentlemanis online and out on DVD now.

Be a Superstar on DVD…

Molly Shannon wants to be a Superstar, but she’s not the kind ofgirl that most would dare look twice at, so how will she get herself noticed?DVDfever reviewer Clare Dootson takes a look at theDVD and finds out.

Superstaris online and out on DVD now.

Midweek chart positions…

Thanks to Ben Cook from thePoptastic UK websitewho has the following info on the midweek singles chart positions :

• 01. Emma Bunton – What Took You So Long? [24,900]
• 02. Janet Jackson – All For You [23,100]
• 03. Shaggy featuring RikRok – It Wasn’t Me [21,100]
• 04. Gabrielle – Out Of Reach [19,500]
• 05. Hear’Say – Pure And Simple [18,400]

Other Top 75 positions :

• 09. Robbie Williams
• 12. Sugababes
• 14. Faith Hill
• 16. Linkin Park
• 18. Norman Bass
• 19. Toploader
• 30. QB Finest
• 33. Jan Johnston
• 44. Kings Of Convenience

And for albums :

• 01. Stereophonics – Just Enough Education To Perform [66,600]
• 02. Hear’Say – Popstars [40,400]
• 03. Ocean Colour Scene – Mechanical Wonder [11,600]
• 04. Eva Cassidy – Song Bird [9,800]
• 05. Dido – No Angel [9,700]

Other Top 75 positions :

• 09. Neil Finn
• 13. Crazy Town
• 20. Donny Osmand
• 40. 2 Pac
• 75. Clearlake

“I’m afraid there will be no issue next week! I’m going on holiday toChichester, aren’t I lucky [sarcasm]. So I’m afraid you might have to waituntil Saturday for the charts next week! Unless you know of other sources ofcourse. Have a good Easter!”

Updated cinema listings…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? Live in the Manchester area? The listof the films showing at Manchester Showcase Cinemacan be found on this page.

This week’s new films include: Bridget Jones’ Diary, Valentineand Spy Kids.

DVDfever Dom’s has a Right To Reply-viewer stalker…?!

Yesterday I got the following email from someone called “Mav” from theOffdigital website, who comes across more as a pithy little teenager whothinks he’s going to tear down the barricades and burn the Reichstag (!)

And of course it doesn’t occur to him that I recorded my bit but didn’tedit in the website shots outside of that.

“So your the guy who did that “Right to Reply” thing, if you are, cheersfor including a screenshot of my site,

Oh yeah, and there will probably be legal action threatened as youentered the disclaimer on www.ondigi.co.uk’s site, you see we webmastersstick together, and we have all the prove we need.”

Yes, he has lots of “prove” (!)

DVDfever Dom’s Right To Reply experienceis online now.

British Goon Harry Secombe dies aged 79…

By Ralph Gowling

LONDON (Reuters) – British comic genius Harry Secombe, who brought laughter into thelives of millions around the world with his zany role in the “Goon Show”, has died at theage of 79.

Fans of the “Goons” ranged from Britain’s Prince Charles to the late Beatle John Lennon.Generations of comedians, including the cast of “Monty Python”, hailed Secombe as amajor influence.

“He was one of the great life enhancers of our age and gave constant happy laughter to so many of us,” heir-to-the-throne Charles said in a statement.

Secombe, a round and jovial Welshman who died from prostate cancer on Wednesday, became one of Britain’sbest-loved funny men after co-founding the offbeat “Goon Show” on BBC radio. It was beamed around the world,making the “Goons” a global hit

“The Goon Show”, at its zenith in the 1950s, shot Secombe, Peter Sellers, Michael Bentine and Spike Milligan to stardom with a surrealhumour that made show business history.

In later life, Secombe remained a household name as a singer, comedian, television presenter and author.

The idea of “Goon humour” was born over coffee and fish and chips, and although the BBC first doubted the show’s comedy potential, itattracted a cult following. Recordings are still sold and broadcast.

REPUTATION FOR BEING BERSERK

“We didn’t realise it, but into humour had come a new sort of anarchy, a crazy intellectual comedy. The ‘Goon Show’ was a kind of auralcartoon — we had a reputation for being berserk,” Secombe once said in an interview.

Harry Donald Secombe was born in the south Wales industrial town of Swansea in 1921, the son of a commercial salesman. He grew up inan atmosphere of music and comedy — his parents had met at a church concert in which his mother was singing a solo and his father wasreciting a comedy monologue.

Secombe first discovered he could make people laugh at school, but it was as a young soldier during World War Two that his talent cameinto its own.

A bombardier in the Royal Artillery, Secombe met his future comedy partner Milligan and both were in a semi- professional touring stageparty at the end of the war.

When he left the army, he got a job as a stand-up comic doing six shows a day, six days a week.

After his “Goon” character, Neddie Seagoon, launched him as a star, Secombe turned to television and for more than 25 years he delightedaudiences with his own brand of one-line humour and popular songs rendered in a rich tenor.

His portly figure lent itself to the film portrayal of various Dickensian figures and gave him exposure overseas, where he was perhapsbest-known as Mr Bumble, the parish beadle whom Oliver Twist dared ask for more food in the film of that title.

ROTUND PHYSIQUE

On stage, his physique made him a natural choice for Samuel Pickwick in a musical version of Dickens’ “The Pickwick Papers”.

Apart from his stage and screen appearances, Secombe was a familiar face on TV shows around the world and also hosted his own showson British television.

Secombe was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1981 for his services to show business and charity. A rotund 226 lb (102.5 kg), he suggestedthe Queen should dub him “Sir Cumference” (circumference).

After bouts of serious illness linked to the discovery of diabetes in the early 1980s, Secombe went on a rigorous diet and emerged more than70 lb (31.75 kg) lighter, proudly pronouncing he had seen his feet for the first time in years.

An ebullient yet modest man, Secombe maintained that being funny was a natural talent.

“I’ve never tried to analyse what it is that is funny about me,” he said. “I’m frightened that if I did, it might go away.”

April 11th :What’s his name? Shaft on DVD…

Released this week :

Samuel L. Jackson is over 50, but he still excels as the black privatedick that’s a sex machine to all the chicks. He’s John Shaft, nephew of theRichard Roundtree original, who also pops up here in a cameo.

Shaftis online and out on DVD now.

Bad news for UK Daytona 2001 on the Sega Dreamcast…

The UK version of this racer has now arrived at DVDfever Towers…and yes, the news is bad… there is no online play whatsoever.

I know that Sega have stopped production of the Dreamcast console, but arecontinuing producing software releases for another 12 months. However, theonly game with online play that’s worth it’s salt at the moment isPhantasy Star Onlineand Sega could have done themselves big favours by allowing similar withthis game or a Virtua Fighter sequel, but no, it’s like they’ve givenup the ghost.

Daytona 2001is online and out on Sega Dreamcast from April 20th.

PRESS RELEASE: The 10th Kingdom on DVD…

Thanks to Wendy Smyth from Wheel for the following press releasefor this title from Warner Vision.

ClickHEREfor the full The 10th Kingdom press release.

April 10th :Nostalgia time: Mary Mungo and Midge on DVD…

Released this week :

32 years old, but still looking good. The tale of three characters – only oneof them human – who live in a tower block and go out to have excitingadventures.

The Complete Mary Mungo and Midgeis online and out on DVD now.

April 9th :An epic journey: Lawrence of Arabia on DVD…

Released today :

Almost 40 years after the original cinema release – and ten years after thedirector’s death – Lawrence of Arabia arrives on the format it deservesin the complete 219-minute director’s cut on 2 discs with a stack of extrasand starring Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkinsand Omar Sharif.

Lawrence of Arabiais online and out on DVD now.

O Brother Where Art Thou? on DVD…

Released today :

George Clooney, John Tuturro and Tim Blake Nelson are the threechain-gang crims on the run after the former tells the others they have fourdays to escape and dig up the $1.2m treasure. But show me the funny!

O Brother Where Art Thou?is online and out on DVD now.

A competition is now online to win a copy of this on VHS and DVD. Just pay a visit tothecompetition page.

Support Your Local Sheriff on Region 1 DVD…

Support Your Local DVD reviewer!

Regular DVDfever reviewer Mark Bubien returns with a lookat this film starring James Garner and Joan Hackett from 1968.

Support Your Local Sheriffis online and out on DVD now.

What took someone so long to depose Hear’Say from No.1…?

To find out the answer – and to see last week’s chart – visit mymusic chart analysis page

A change in the forum…

The EZboard forum was slow and unresponsive most of the time, but nowI’ve changed it to one from Freepolls.com which seems better, for now.

Now get there and start presenting your opinions!

Click on the Talk Talk Forum on the left-hand menu now.

COMPETITIONS: Win O Brother Where Art Thou? on VHS and DVD…

Thanks to Momentum Pictures for providingthe prizes for five winners with a choice of VHS or DVD up for grabs inthis new competition.

ClickHEREto go to the competition page. This competition will close onFriday April 20th.

COMPETITIONS: Win Don Henley, Raw Spice and Popstars on DVD…

Thanks to Krina Soneji and Michelle Bal from Media Communications for providingthe prizes of three copies of each DVD up for grabs in separate competitions.

ClickHEREto go to the competition page. The competitions will all close onFriday April 13th.

New DVDs out this week…

• The Complete Mary Mungo And Midge (9.99, Contender)
• Deception (17.99, Buena Vista)
• Gogs (19.99, Warner Vision)
• In And Out (19.99, Paramount)
• John Grisham’s The Rainmaker (19.99, Paramount)
• Lawrence Of Arabia (19.99, Columbia TriStar)
• Naked Gun (19.99, Paramount)
• Naked Gun 2½: The Smell Of Fear (19.99, Paramount)
• Naked Gun 33.3: The Final Insult (19.99, Paramount)
• The Next Best Thing (17.99, Buena Vista)
• North By Northwest (12.99, Warner)
• An Officer And A Gentleman (19.99, Paramount)
• Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (15.99, Warner)
• Shaft (2000) (19.99, Paramount)
• Singin’ In The Rain (12.99, Warner)
• Strangers On A Train (12.99, Warner)
• The Ten Commandments (19.99, Paramount)
• Thunderbirds Are Go: The Movie (15.99, MGM)
• Thunderbirds Six: The Movie (15.99, MGM)

April 8th :DVDfever Dom’s Right To Reply experience…

So, I’ve plugged it to death and received many responses about the show,but how did the day go and what was it like spending an entire day filming afour-minute segment?

Hopefully, the following will provide all the answers and if it doesnt thendrop me a line and I shall fill in the gaps in the review.

For those who missed it, the programme is repeated on Monday night/Tuesdaymorning at 5.30am on Channel 4.

DVDfever Dom’s Right To Reply experienceis online now.

April 7th :Daytona 2001 on the Sega Dreamcast…

One of the all-time arcade classics, but is this a sequel too far?We take a look at the Japanese version of this release.

Daytona 2001is online and out on Sega Dreamcast now.

April 6th :Brush up on the Rules of Engagement on DVD…

Released this week :

A bit predictable at times, but for the most part an entirely crackingthriller with strong performances from Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L Jacksonand Guy Pearce.

Rules of Engagementis online and out on DVD now.

Better late than never: The Oscars…

It’s been a busy last couple of weeks but I’ve finally caught up with myrecording of the Oscars and the results are online now. Perhaps next year I’llget time to update them the day after broadcast, but I’m glad I didn’t watchit live as it went on too long, with the same films cropping up again andagain, plus endless bloody adverts! And where was Barry Norman thisyear?

The Oscars 2001are online now.

DVDfever Dom on Right To Reply tonight…

Ok, so I mentioned this yesterday but why not bring it out again since it’son TV tonight.

A few people have asked me what the topic is for my slot on this week’s showbut I’m not saying, just to gauge some interest so you’ll all have to watch:)

Tune in tonight on Channel 4 at 7.30pm.

If you miss it then SHAME ON YOU, but it does get a repeat on Mon night/Tuesmorning at 5.30am.

Midweek chart positions…

Thanks to Ben Cook from thePoptastic UK websitewho has the following info on the midweek singles chart positions :

• 01. Emma Bunton – What Took You So Long?
• 02. Shaggy featuring Rikrok – It Wasn’t Me
• 03. Hear’Say – Pure And Simple
• 04. Crazy Town – Butterfly
• 05. Atomic Kitten – Whole Again
• 06. Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood
• 07. Ash – Burn Baby Burn
• 08. Westlife – Uptown Girl
• 09. Feeder – Seven Days In The Sun
• 10. Lil Bow Wow – Bow Wow (That’s My Name)

Other Top 75 positions :

• 12. Modjo – Chillin’
• 13. Elvis Presley – Suspicious Minds
• 19. Sound Dezign – Happiness
• 40. Bardot – Poison

Also, Ben has a track listing for the forthcoming Now 48 compilationalbum.

Disc 1:

• 1. Whole Again – Atomic Kitten
• 2. Pure & Simple – Hear’Say
• 3. Never Had A Dream Come True – S Club 7
• 4. I’m Like A Bird – Nelly Furtado
• 5. It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy Feat. Ricardo ‘Rikrok’ Ducent
• 6. Clint Eastwood (Ed Case/Sweetie Irie Remix) – Gorillaz
• 7. Chillin’ – Modjo
• 8. I Wanna Be U – Chocolate Puma
• 9. Everytime You Need Me – Fragma Feat. Maria Rubia
• 10. Always Come Back To Your Love – Samantha Mumba
• 11. Stronger – Britney Spears
• 12. It’s The Way You Make Me Feel – Steps
• 13. What Took You So Long? – Emma Bunton
• 14. The Way You Make Feel – Ronan Keating
• 15. Shape Of My Heart – Backstreet Boys
• 16. I Need You – Leann Rimes
• 17. Still Be Lovin’ You – Damage
• 18. Paradise – Kaci
• 19. On The Radio – Martine McCutcheon
• 20. Please Stay – Kylie Minogue
• 21. Can We Fix It? – Bob The Builder

Disc 2:

• 1. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
• 2. Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of – U2
• 3. Mr. Writer – Stereophonics
• 4. Don’t Panic – Coldplay
• 5. Inner Smile – Texas
• 6. Let Love Be Your Energy – Robbie Williams
• 7. Buck Rogers – Feeder
• 8. Last Resort – Papa Roach
• 9. Chase The Sun – Planet Funk
• 10. Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song) – Safri Duo
• 11. Dream To Me – Dario G
• 12. American Dream – Jakatta
• 13. I Put A Spell On You – Sonique
• 14. Feels So Good – Melanie B
• 15. Case Of The Ex – Mya
• 16. Straight Up – Chante Moore
• 17. Stutter – Joe
• 18. Show Me The Money – Architechs
• 19. Piano Loco – DJ Luck & MC Neat
• 20. Loco – Fun Lovin’ Criminals

Updated cinema listings…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? Live in the Manchester area? The listof the films showing at Manchester Showcase Cinemacan be found on this page.

This week’s new films include: Rugrats in Paris, Wedding Planerand Bamboozled.

April 5th :DVDfever Dom on Right To Reply tomorrow night…

As I type it’s gone 2am on Wed night/Thu morning and I’ve just spent a veryenjoyable day filming a piece for Right to Reply which goes outtomorrow night on Channel 4 at 7.30pm.

I won’t say what it’s about but you can find out for yourself when it’s on,but I’ll describe more about my day over the weekend.

What I will say is that last night I got about 2 hours sleep and I’ve beenawake since 5am yesterday morning so I could get the train to London Euston at6am.

Anyone who saw last week’s Right to Reply may remember presenterRoger Bolton stating that the show wouldn’t return for two weeks butthings have changed at Channel 4 so the slot is available and the show wasrecorded.

April 3rd :Fellini’s 8½ on DVD…

Released this week :

So called since director Frederico Fellini had previously made sixsolo films and three collaborations (each counting as a half), but whatdoes fate have instore for Marcello Mastroianni ?

Fellini’s 8½is online and out on DVD now.

April 2nd :Creating new Popstars on DVD…

Released today :

Hear’Say are the biggest bunch around at the moment, who now have madehistory by having the No.1 debut single and album simultaneously, but howdid they get to where they are today? Find out on this DVD.

Popstarsis online and out on DVD now.

A competition is now online to win a copy of this on DVD. Just pay a visit tothecompetition page.

Back to the beginning for Raw Spice on DVD…

Released today :

Once upon a time there was a very successful group called the Spice Girls.They’ve all but split up now but this DVD release charts the early times forthe girls with comments and chat from their manager at the time and also”Nearly Spice” Michelle Stephenson.

Raw Spiceis online and out on DVD now.

A competition is now online to win a copy of this on DVD. Just pay a visit tothecompetition page.

Cliffhanger on DVD…

Released today :

Originally due for release on February 12th and put back time and again since,it’s now scheduled to come out today, so it’s time for another airing formy review.

Cliffhangeris online and out on DVD now.

Yes, they’re still No.1…

To see the new entries – and to see last week’s chart – visit mymusic chart analysis page

COMPETITIONS: Win Don Henley, Raw Spice and Popstars on DVD…

Thanks to Krina Soneji and Michelle Bal from Media Communications for providingthe prizes of three copies of each DVD up for grabs in separate competitions.

ClickHEREto go to the competition page. The competitions will all close onFriday April 13th.

COMPETITION WINNERS: Seven SE and Dancer in the Dark on DVD…

Thanks to everyone who entered. The competition winners of each disc havebeen notified.

We’re still waiting on a review copy for Dancer in the Dark, butunderstand the quota for Se7en is now exhausted so we cannot bringyou a review of that one. Apologies to all of those of you who were lookingforward to it.

The band Bjork used to be in was the Sugarcubes and the BradPitt film in question wasSnatch

New DVDs out this week…

• Arnie Box Set (4 Discs) (59.99, Momentum)
• Cliffhanger (19.99, Momentum)
• The Day Of The Triffids (15.99, Second Sight)
• Don Henley: Inside Job (19.99, Pinnacle)
• The Little Vampire (19.99, Warner)
• Matewan (15.99, Second Sight)
• Only Fools And Horses Complete Series 2 (19.99, BBC)
• Poltergeist (15.99, Warner)
• Popstars (14.99, Granada)
• Raw Deal (19.99, Momentum)
• Raw Spice (19.99, Granada)
• Red Heat (19.99, Momentum)
• Red Sonja (19.99, Momentum)
• The Secret Of Nimh (12.99, MGM)
• The Secret Of Nimh 2 (12.99, MGM)
• Stingray Vol.1 (15.99, Carlton)
• Stingray Vol.2 (15.99, Carlton)
• Stingray Vol.3 (15.99, Carlton)
• Stingray Vol.4 (15.99, Carlton)
• Stingray Vol.5 (15.99, Carlton)
• Stingray Complete Series (59.99, Carlton)
• Total Recall (19.99, Momentum)
• The Wizard of Oz (15.99, Warner)

April 1st :It’s a British Babefest on DVD…

Seven curvy cuties from the UK served up on a silver platter for yourconsideration. Listen to their anecdotes or say to hell with that and getstraight to the action…

The Best of British Babefest Vol.1is online and out on DVD now.

Hear’Say blamed for Foot and Mouth…

In an astonishing twist, pop’s latest teen-band, Hear’Say have beensingularly blamed for the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease.

While it was alleged to have begun from a Chinese restaurant importing infectedmeat, it was carried round the country by the millions of fans pursuing thenew famous five.

Some of the fans are starting to show signs of blistering around their mouthsand are trying to pretend it’s a cold-sore, but the government know best andare looking to have them put down in the near future.

I spoke to a farmer earlier this week and put a question to him that’s beenquizzing the public for the last month and a bit:

Me: If there are two cows in a field, how do you tell which one has foot and mouth?
Farmer: The one that’s on fire!

News Archive: April 1999 to last month Back to top of page