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May 31st : Experience life after death in Flatliners on DVD…Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon and William Baldwintake their own lives and then come back to tell all while Oliver Platttakes notes in Joel Schumacher‘sFlatliners.
May 30th : Cate Blanchett becomes Queen in Elizabeth on DVD…Australian Cate Blanchett becomes the Virgin Queen, aided by Geoffrey Rush,but hated by
Christopher Eccleston inElizabeth. Mariah Carey goes Around the World on DVD…Taking in Australia, Hawaii, Japan and Manhattan, plus four promo videos,
this DVD releases seesMariah Carey: Around The World. Sweden with Eurovision Song ContestWell, someone had to and Sweden’s Charlotte Neilsen won 151 votes for hersong, “Take Me To Your Heaven”, while the UK’s hopefuls, Precious,singing “Say It Again”, did very badly indeed. Caroline Corr takes drugs !Well, la-de-da. Many pop stars have taken drugs, most recently includingGary Barlow, and now The Corrs’ Caroline smokes marijuna. Big deal!Why should we care if idiots want to screw up their bodies? Why do theywant to tell us since it’ll probably harm album sales as kids’ parentsbuy something else?
Note to any other drug-taking pop stars: No-one cares, so shut up!
May 29th : Swap your “flipping” Armageddon DVD for free…
Last night, BBC1’s Watchdog have had a piece tonight about DVD flippers, whichsurprised me that it covered it for longer than a minute or two, even thoughthey’ve covered DVDs twice before (region coding in general, and GeorgeMichael’s best of CD not playing in some Sony DVD players).
They couldn’t show the actual clip of Armageddon where the action breaksdown, but “recreated” it, showing that it happens after the Mir Space Stationexplodes, although it would have been nice to see how intrusive it was (Ipersonally don’t mind the side-breaks on the PAL LD as they’re okay and there’s2 instead of 1 on the DVD with just as few extras).
What was annoying about it was that they said, as well as it being re-releasedon DVD as a dual-layer disc, it was said to be “the new dual-layer format”,and didn’t touch on the fact that there are plenty of dual-layer DVDs in theUK already, and that it’s more a case of Warner/Buena Vista being lazy andof a cheapskate mentality to save cash by producing a flipper.
So what was the result? Well, before their program they asked Warner, asconsumers, whether they’d swap it for free and they said no, but as WeekendWatchdog, the company backtracked and said they could swap them by returningthem to the following address :
Warner Home Video,
Re: Armageddon DVD,
135 Wardour Street,
London. W1V 4AP
The dual-layer version is released on June 7th.
May 28th : 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 weeks new films are: Notting Hill, My Favourite Martian, The King & Iand True Crime.
What’s on TV next week?
Saturday :In “Spider”, episode 5 of FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON (C4, 12pm), thechief engineer in charge of the lunar module project for NASA recalls the sevenyears of struggle to create a vehicle that could land on the surface of themoon. The EUROVISION SONG CONTEST (BBC1, 8pm) is with us again, but thenyou can’t have everything. Graham Norton exposes Royalty this week inUNZIPPED (C4, 9pm), although perhaps not as much as The Sun “news”paperdid this past week with Sophie Rhys-Jones. An apparently uncut MAD MAX 2(ITV, 10.50pm) is on even if it’s not in widescreen, while the fullscreen-onlyRICHARD WHITELEY UNBRIEFED (BBC1, 11.15pm) gives the Countdown hosthis first chat show with no idea beforehand who his guests are and no notes.Sky’s big film tonight is THE GAME (Sky Premier, 10pm) which is brilliantright up until the very end when it cops out completely. A review of the DVDcan be foundHERE.The film is directed by David Fincher (Seven, Alien 3). Sunday :In HOLLYOAKS (C4, 11am), Beth has her eye on one of the lads while Ruthand Jas have a girl’s night out (oo-er, missus!). MY WONDERFUL LIFE 3(ITV, 7pm) sees Donna on the day of her disciplinary hearing. In CORONATIONSTREET (ITV, 7.30pm) a surprise suitor stuns Janice, while Alma comtemplatesa future without Mike. Once again, the idiots at the BBC have decided that thereis no LEE AND HERRING’S THIS MORNING WITH RICHARD NOT JUDY this week,but one half of the duo can be seen on JENNY ECLAIR’S PRIVATE FUNCTION(C5, 11.40pm) when Richard Herring is interviewed. Films on TV include censoredversions of ROMANCING THE STONE (BBC1, 6.20pm) and THE FIRM(BBC1, 10.05pm) while an unbleeped opener is too much for some in FOURWEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (C4, 9pm), broadcast to coincide with the releaseof Hugh’s new NOTTING HILL film. Monday :In CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) Les gets a shock – in more ways thanone, Fred and Ashley have a heart to heart, Janice and Owen have a secretrendezvous and Nita’s career takes off. EASTENDERS (BBC1, 8pm) runs fora whole hour tonight, in which a strange face in the Queen Viccauses trouble andstrife for Ricky. Ian’s mystery trip is discovered by the wrong Mitchell, Stevestarts to put the pressure on Grant and Pat is shocked to find a familiar faceback in the Square – it’s actually Carol Jackson, played by Lindsey Coulson,who has only returned to the soap since her ‘solo’ career failed completelywhen her OUT OF HOURS programme was canned after one series. No wondershe was crying at the end of Thursday’s Eastenders last week. STARSKY ANDHUTCH NIGHT is on Channel 4 with a documentary programme and three episodesincluding “The Fix” which has never been seen on UK television. BBC have shownsome Hitchcock films over the weekend, but the only one of these I care foris NORTH BY NORTHWEST (BBC2, 10pm), a tale of mistaken identity withCary Grant. If you miss it, then it’ll be on TNT again and again and again. Tuesday :The Jacksons, without Alan, try to come to terms with the truth inEASTENDERS (BBC1, 7.30pm) and Alex’s attempts to help Courtney may bethe cause of disaster for the Mitchell household. Once again there’s only oneepisode of THE BILL (ITV, 8pm) this week, even more annoying because it’sthe start of a 4-parter centred around PC Santini getting involved with thecriminal underworld. BROOKSIDE (C4, 8pm) sees Jacqui spending an eveningwith Nathan, while Mick ponders on Leo’s activities. RETURN TO WONDERLAND(BBC2, 11.20pm) is the continuation of a series about Russia shown 3 years agowhich I didn’t see, but I’ll be taking a look as this country is one placedI’d love to visit again as well as Prague. BAD GIRLS (ITV, 9pm) is notthe screening of a cheesy girlie Western film, but a 10-part drama seriesabout life in a women’s prison starring Coronation Street‘s Joanne Froggatt,aka nutty Zoe and Young Person’s Guide To Becoming A Rock Star‘sgorgeous DJ Simone Lahbib as the hard-nosed governess. H&P@BBC(BBC1, 11.30pm) finally shuffles off its mortal coil, while BBC1 start a newseries CHANGING ROOMS STRIPPED BARE (BBC1, 8.30pm) in which the BBC put ahidden camera in the changing room of a naked woman…and that’s it. Wednesday :Janice struggles to do the right thing while Les receives some lifesaving helpfrom an unexpected source in CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm), and Mikegives Alma an ultimatum (as if he’s in any position to talk). BROOKSIDE(C4, 8pm) sees Jimmy letting his family down again, and Luke cannot forgiveJoey. Susannah kicks up a stink, blaming Katrina for Harry’s fall. The godawfulDAYS LIKE THESE (ITV, 10.30pm) returns in a new timeslot to carry on theseries, although the trailers promote it as a “new series” which it isn’t, sincethey only showed 6 of the intended 13 episodes. FILM 99 WITH JONATHANROSS (BBC1, 11.20pm) continues to wonder what happened to the BBC’scommitment to an 11pm timeslot, but at least Rik Mayall and AdeEdmondson are on to talk about their new film Grand Hotel Paradiso.Meanwhile, ITV carry out their threat of showing all the Bond films, all thetime, forever, starting an 18-week run of each film once a week starting withDR. NO (ITV, 8.30pm) and ending with the TV premiere of TOMORROWNEVER DIES, having bought the TV rights to this and the forthcomingTHE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH ahead of Sky. Thursday :Yes I’m still looking for episode 3 of MIAMI 7 (BBC1, 5.10pm)..again.While Grant and Steve wage war at the health club in in EASTENDERS(BBC1, 7.30pm), far more dangerous developments await them outside.In FRIENDS (Sky 1, 9pm), Joey’s first major film role leads him to anadventure in Las Vegas. In ER (Sky 1, 9.30pm), Nurse Hathaway gets asurprise during her ultrasound scan and Dr. Courday finds love. JonathanRoss is back on your screens after last night IT’S ONLY TV…BUT I LIKEIT (BBC1, 10.05pm), an 8-part celebrity panel show about TV, with regularteam captains Jack Dee and Julian Clary (now we know why they were together onComic Relief). Guests on show one include Caroline Aherne, John Thomson(hopefully not Steve Penk :), Anthony Worrall-Thompson and Ant & Dec.The final FRANK SKINNER SHOW (BBC1, 10.35pm) features an interview withadultress slapper Anthea Turner, making a living by spilling her lovelife in the press after shagging a millionaire, breaking up, and gettingslagged off by his ex-wife. Computer-game fans should set your VCR for boththe new series BITZ (C4, 12.15am) and the tried-and-trusted Lucy Longhurst’s advertismental-tones in CYBERNET (ITV, 3.15am Granada). Friday :CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) sees Mike stunning Alma with a shockdemand, Janice ends her holiday romance and Nita leaves the corner shop.EASTENDERS (BBC1, 8pm) gets an extra episode in which the Mitchellbrothers plan world domination in the most unlikely of places. Rachel getsup the duff in BROOKSIDE (C4, 8.30pm) and the final HAVE I GOT NEWSFOR YOU 17 (BBC2, 9pm) in the series is broadcast (guests not known attime of writing). The BBC see sense and dump Noel Edmonds’ latest shit TV showabout secret cameras and replace it with Nick Ross’ SO YOU THINK YOU’RE AGOOD DRIVER ? (BBC1, 8.30pm), look at crap drivers around the world(interviews with Henri Paul not included). The final LE SHOW(C4, 10.30pm) features Antoine de Caunes’ daughter Emma de Caunesand Victoria Abril. Film of the week is SOCIETY (BBC2, 12.45am),in which Billy Warlock finds out his family are nothing like he imagined.Take a look!
May 27th : The Sun apologise for semi-nude Sophie Rhys-Jones picture…The Sun have apologised for a 12-year old picture in yesterday’s edition,revealing one of Sophie’s charms while frolocking with Chris Tarrant.Chris said yesterday, “I felt a right tit”.
In the meantime, funk/soul band Keziah Jones ought to re-release one of theirold songs from the early 90’s,
“Sophie’s Breasts” 🙂
May 26th : Ewan McGregor takes on Glam Rock in Velvet Goldmine on DVD…With a cast including Toni Collette, Christian Bale and Eddie Izzardthe review is online nowHERE ! online now.
May 25th : Martha Meet Frank Daniel and Lawrence on DVD to buy…It was Film Four’s first rental-only DVD and now it’s out to buy. Click on thereview of this film starring the gorgeous Monica PotterHERE ! online now.
May 24th : Coronation Street intro at No.1 in the charts?…Not quite, but find out now what I’m on about on mymusic charts analysis pagewhich also lists all the other new entries plus those that dropped out. New DVDs from PolygramBoth of the following DVDs will be in the shops by the time you readthis. Thanks to Susie Barton at Polygram.
- Elizabeth
– Anamorphic widescreen with a lavish booklet, trailer and some short’making of’ pieces totally 24 minutes. - Metallica: Cunning Stunts (Recorded in Texas, May 1997)
– Full-frame 4:3 containing over 140 minutes of concert footage in Dolby Digital, band interviews, documentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
– Viewer controlled choice of angle for three songs.
– Photo gallery section with almost 1,000 photos from every stop of the tour.
– Full motion menus
– DVD-ROM playability providing website access inforation.
New DVDs and widescreen videos out this weekThe new DVDs available this week are :
and the new widescreen videos out this week are :
May 23rd : Andrea Bocelli spends A Night In Tuscany on DVD…The tenor from Tuscany spends a night in his home town in the presence ofSarah Brightman, Zucchero, Nuccio Focile with a guest appearance awayfrom the concert from the gorgeous Marta Sanchez.
Read the DVD review forAndrea Bocelli: A Night In Tuscany online now.
May 22nd : John Goodman experiences The Borrowers on DVD…John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Mark Williams, Doon MacKichan and Celia Imriestar in a film about the little people who suffer compulsive cleptomania,namelyThe Borrowers,now available on DVD and here’s the review. What’s on TV next week? Saturday :The best programme of the day comes with episode 4 of FROM THE EARTH TO THEMOON (C4, 12pm), this week featuring the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968in which NASA plans to put a man in orbit around the moon. Graham Norton returnsto the Channel 4 screen in UNZIPPED (C4, 9.30pm) where he exposesdecadence and scandal among the rich and famous, this time focusing onfootballers. A repeat of THE LAST DON (ITV, 10.55pm) starts today withpart two on Sunday night and part three following next Saturday. Filmwise,BBC2 pay tribute to Dirk Bogarde with a double bill, THE PASSWORD ISCOURAGE (BBC2, 11.55am) and DOCTOR IN DISTRESS (BBC2, 1.45pm),Lea Thompson does her bit for NASA in SPACECAMP (C4, 7.30pm) whilethe BBC pan-and-scan John Carpenter’s VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (BBC1,10.15pm) until there’s nothing left. Sunday :In HOLLYOAKS (C4, 11am), Mrs. Osborne tries to persuade Gina to returnhome, Sean has done something to upset Mandy and the drummer’s identity isrevealed. LEE AND HERRING’S THIS MORNING WITH RICHARD NOT JUDY (BBC2,12.15pm) returns with Simon Quinlank and his weak lemon drink. CYCLING: TOUROF BRITAIN (aka Prutour) (C4, 2.15pm) gets underway as does a new time forPOINTS OF VIEW (BBC1, 5.05pm). Good news for fans of MY WONDERFULLIFE 3 (ITV, 7pm) as it returns at an earlier time. In CORONATIONSTREET (ITV, 7.30pm) Mike aims to nail Greg as he is forced to confess tothe police and Ashley’s worst fears are confirmed. I was annoyed when BBC2weren’t showing the entire first series of GAME ON (BBC2, 9.30pm) only tolater find out that they were showing another episode this week so I thoughtthey’d changed their minds, but while last week was episode 1, this week isepisode 5, “A Suitable Case For Treatment”. Films worth a look comein the form of WARLORDS OF ATLANTIS (C4, 5.40pm) with Doug “Hi, I’m notTroy” McClure and GET SHORTY (C4, 10pm) starring John Travolta andRene “why do they employ her?” Russo. Monday :In CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) Ashley receives some devastating newsfrom “uncle” Fred while the Platts get an unwelcome surprise during theircaravan holiday. EASTENDERS (BBC1, 8pm) sees Matthew trying to persuadeTeresa not to tell the world that he thinks he helped kill Saskia when the restof the world knows it was all an accident. Barry pays for his night of passionwith pockmarked-faced Natalie while Melanie encourages Lisa to embark on a newromance. Film of the day is MUTE WITNESS (C4, 10.35pm) with Marina Sudinaas a mute make-up artist who discovers that the sets and camera from the movieshe’s been working on are being used to make snuff films and when the bad guysfind out, they plan to make her an off-screen casualty. Alec Guiness co-starsbut these are not the snuff-film-makers you are looking for… Tuesday :In NEIGHBOURS (BBC1, 1.40pm), the shit hits the fan big-time as Drew andMike come to blows over Libby’s happiness and Mike’s cheating. Teresa makes adecision about Matthew in EASTENDERS (BBC1, 7.30pm) and Peggy choosesto face a difficult day alone (the pub’s short-staffed again then). Once againthere’s only one episode of THE BILL (ITV, 8pm), the Thursday spot beingreplaced again by David Jason *as* David Jason in ‘A Touch of Dullness’, butback to today and tensions mount in Sun Hill when Kerry decides to exact revengeon workaholic Boulton. BROOKSIDE (C4, 8pm) has Luke pondering why hisparents gave him away and some normality returns to Nikki’s life. Light reliefis provided with a one-off football-based comedy-drama BOSTOCK’S CUP(ITV, 9pm) starring Neil Pearson, Tim Healy, Nick Hancock and a number ofCoronation Street cast-offs. Wednesday :Ashley comes to terms with Fred’s revelation, while at the campsite, theBattersby’s make their presence fault in CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7pm),moving back 30 mins to make way for some bloody football. BROOKSIDE (C4,8pm) shows Sinbad coming to terms with Mandy’s marriage while Jacqui admits toher fling with Nathan. John Thompsons – nice – presents a clip-show about angrysportsmen and women in WHEN ATHLETES ATTACK (ITV, 10pm), presumably tobe followed next week by WHEN ATHLETES FALL OVER, SPILL OR GET KNOCKED OUTOF CUPBOARDS. BBC1 show a dreadful censored version of Renny Harlin’ssuperb Stallone/Lithgow thriller CLIFFHANGER (BBC1, 10.15pm), whichputs FILM 99 WITH JONATHAN ROSS (BBC1, 11.55pm) back an hour into theschedules – so much for Radio Times promising that this new series saw theBBC being committed to a fixed time of 11pm. Lying twats. Thursday :Yes I’m still looking for episode 3 of MIAMI 7 (BBC1, 5.10pm)..again.A phone call spells trouble for the Jackson’s in EASTENDERS (BBC1,7.30pm), while Lisa is trying to prove to Melanie that she’s a 90’s woman, andthe billing here asks, but will her efforts end in rejection? Does that meanthat they’ll get to lez-up before Channel 4’s ‘Hollyoaks’ gets a chance?In FRIENDS (Sky 1, 9pm), Phoebe’s boyfriend wants to move in with her,while Ross and Joey involves Chandler and Monica in an obsessive game. TheDOGged channel continues with ER (Sky 1, 9.30pm): FBI agents secretlybring a patient to the ER and Nurse Hathaway discusses her pregancy with Dr.Ross, presumably off-camera since Clooney left several weeks ago. Computer-gamefans should set your VCR for Lucy Longhurst’s advertismental-tones inCYBERNET (ITV, 3.15am Granada) Friday :TFI FRIDAY (C4, 6pm) may be worth watching for a change as the guestsinclude Jack Dee and Supergrass. CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) seesAshley wanting to learn about his natural mother while Les kicks up anotherstink on holiday with the Platts in a storyline you can spot a mile off.Greg’s kangaroo court-tactics make him believe he’s found enough evidence toconvict Luke in BROOKSIDE (C4, 8.30pm), while Mick is worried about Leoand Jerome possibly selling drugs. HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU 17 (BBC2, 9pm)features Sir Jimmy Saville (now then, now then, hello Mr. Cigar!). StevenMackintosh dons an alternative costume in the cross-dressing comedy-dramaDIFFERENT FOR GIRLS (BBC1, 9.35pm) and you’ll all be gutted to learnthat the godawful excuse for BBC comedy, H&P@WANK.BBC (BBC1, 11.10pm)changes day and time to the point where it’ll get zero audience ratings.
May 20th : 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 weeks new films are: She’s All That, The Corruptor, Apt Pupil andthe twice-Oscar-nominated A Simple Plan.
Carlton DVDs released in July…Carlton put more classic old films onto the digital format as well as onenew, surprising TV drama (all at £19.99 each)
- Reach For The Sky (inc. trailer, subtitles and biographies)
- Carry On Camping (inc. biographies, subtitles and 40th anniversarydocumentary, What’s a Carry On?)
- Goodnight Mister Tom (John Thaw with a beard and subtitles)
The films are due for release on July 12th but a similar date is expected forG.M.T.
May 19th : 20,000 hits and counting…As of yesterday my site reached 20,000 hits within the space of just overthree months. Thanks to everyone who has visited my site and please keep comingback for more. Your support is very much appreciated!
May 18th : Mel B, Mel C, Emma, Geri and Victoria on DVD…The Spice Girls embrace the new digital format onSpiceworld: The Movie,the review for which is now online.
May 17th : Boyzone vs. Geri – who made it to the top slot?Find out now on mymusic charts analysis pagewhich also lists all the other new entries plus those that dropped out. New DVDs out this week
DVDs which should be out by the time you read this include :
May 16th : De Niro, Hoffman, Pitt, Patric and Bacon appear in Sleepers on DVD…Read theSleepersreview now online. Boyzone vs. Geri – May 16th 1999In a few short hours the winner will be revealed but as of Friday, cover-clotsBoyzone were in the lead with over 100,000 copies sold of “You Needed Me”,while Geri Halliwell’s “Look At Me” was 10,000 copies behind.
May 15th : What’s on TV next week? Saturday :I missed last week’s second episode of FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON(C4, 12.05pm) due to its appalling scheduling, but hopefully I’ll get to seepart three in which NASA lets a documentary film crew shadow the preparationsof its first three-man launch, Apollo 7. It’s the final episode in the seriesfor CITY CENTRAL (BBC1, 8.15pm) and Terry’s (Paul Nicholls) killer, lastweek revealed to be Connor Rice (the excellent Andrew Lancel from CARDIACARREST and QUEER AS FOLK), continues to smarm his way out of troublewhile Pete has his leaving do. THE ABBA STORY – THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL(ITV, 9pm) celebrates Abba 25 years after they won the Eurovision Song Contestand DIVAS 99 (BBC1, 10.40pm) repeats last year’s successful “VH1 Divas”concert with 10 divas this time round instead of 5 including Whitney, TinaTurner, Cher, Brandy, LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill and… Elton John. A DVD review ofthe first concert is linked from my DVD reviews page so take a look. A quartetof films are on offer starting with MY GIRL 2 (C4, 7pm) in which sadlyyou don’t get to see Macauly Culkin killed off as that happened in the firstfilm but those wanting more could always rent JACOB’S LADDER to see thesame. ROBOCOP 3 (ITV, 10.15pm) continues the trilogy of films with theworst of the bunch but it’s odd that ITV chose not to screen the secondinbetween after showing the uncut (by BBFC’s standards) first one. FACE/OFF(Sky Premier, 10pm) is another foray into big-screen Hollywood action forJohn Woo starring John Travolta, but it doesn’t quite gel as well as his otherUSA offerings, HARD TARGET & BROKEN ARROW, but the best of thebunch is Alan Clarke’s SCUM (C5, 12.10am) about a troubled youth who hasto endure borstals, and anyone who enjoys it should watch Tim Roth’s finesthour in MADE IN BRITAIN which has just been re-released on video. Sunday :In HOLLYOAKS (C4, 11am), Ruth decides to reveal her secret to Lewisbefore he finds out for himself, Tony meets his new flatmate, while tempersflare in the pub, and what is Lucy doing in Ty’s flat? In a sense though,something is being done about the vomit-coloured T4 DOG (Digitally OriginatedGraphic – ie. onscreen logo) since they’ll be taking our minds off it in theweeks to come with a hot lesbo scene between hard-faced Ruth and the dreamboatJasmine. In CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) Greg has taken Sally hostagein her own house while armed police swarm outside and Mike wants those photosback. I’m not too sure if the excellent MY WONDERFUL LIFE 3 is back thisweek. ITV dumped it last week for a showing of the crappy film THEBODYGUARD and whileDigiguidestates it’s on at 8pm, the Radio Times doesn’t have it listed at all. Keepyour eyes peeled since it’s a damn sight more interesting than WHERE THEHEART IS. BBC2 do their best to annoy everyone by last week screening thefirst episode of THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN and one of BIG TRAIN,without showing the whole series. This week it’s the turn of the excellentGAME ON (BBC2, 9.30pm), directed by John Stroud (Hi John!) and starringSamantha Janus, Matthew Cottle and Ben Chaplin. I’ve been waiting ages for thefirst series to be repeated but to no avail it seems. VCI will you please hurryup and release DVDs of all 3 series?! Film buffs will look forward to BrianDe Palma’s engaging CARLITO’S WAY (BBC2, 10pm) even if they won’t showit in the correct ratio of 2.35:1. If it looks like I’ve missed a programmethen LEE AND HERRING’S THIS MORNING WITH RICHARD NOT JUDY is not on.Last week they said it was cancelled due to sport, but then why is an hour ofON THE RECORD in its place? Monday :In CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) Mike reveals his deceit to Alma andSally tries to come to terms with recent events. EASTENDERS (BBC1, 8pm)sees Bianca making a shocking discovery while Courtney’s life is in danger andonly Phil can save the day, probably because Grant pushed her down the stairs.ITV push the boat out, not, with a new series of MONDAY NIGHT CLIVE(ITV, 10pm) in which Clive James is regularly joined by Jeremy Hardy. Thehorror continues on the other side with this week’s “Scared to Death” offeringbeing the limp CANDYMAN 2: FAREWELL TO THE FLESH (C4, 10pm), thefollow-up to one of the least-scary pieces of boredom ever made. Tuesday :Alex drops a bombshell, Dot and Josie hatch a cunning plan and Gianni has anight to remember in EASTENDERS (BBC1, 7.30pm), while this week’s onlyepisode of THE BILL (ITV, 8pm) shows Messrs. Meadows, Conway andBrownlow farting about on Dartmoor. FAMILY FORTUNES goes missing inaction but BROOKSIDE (C4, 8pm) sees Niamh worrying about Luke’sdisappearance and Mick fears that Leo must be up to no good. ANDI PETERSMEETS BRITNEY SPEARS (C4, 6pm) while Nick Ross hopes to find some answersas CRIMEWATCH UK (BBC1, 10.05pm) searches for the killer of hisco-presenter, Jill Dando. Wednesday :Alma wants answers as Mike pleads forgiveness and Ashley discovers someshocking news about Fred in CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm).BROOKSIDE (C4, 8pm) has a shock in store for Margi and Greg when theyvisit Harvey’s flat even though the rest of us know it was Joey who did thedirty deed after he confessed all to Sinbad. THE BRITISH SOAP AWARDS(ITV, 8pm) is another hour-long excuse for back-slapping, while Channel 4 saygoodbye to George Clooney in ER (C4, 9pm), 4-5 weeks after Sky viewersdid the same. Thursday :Yes I’m still looking for episode 3 of MIAMI 7 (BBC1, 5.10pm)..again.Grant is shocked by Annie’s admission, Lilly makes a life-changing decisionand Teresa puts Matthew on the spot in EASTENDERS (BBC1, 7.30pm). Friday :CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) sees Alma stunning Mike with a shockdemand (so plenty of shocks this week) and Fred doesn’t want to discuss thepast with Ashley. Niamh’s worries over Luke come to an end in BROOKSIDE(C4, 8.30pm), Katrina and Jason make it official, Jacqui and Nathan get ittogether and Anthea finds out that Ron has defied her. HAVE I GOT NEWS FORYOU 17 (BBC2, 9pm) is back to its usual time, this week with Meera Syaland Diane Abbot MP.
May 13th : New DVDs from Columbia TriStarAlmost all of the following DVDs will be in the shops by the time you readthis. Thanks to Kerina Lee at Columbia TriStar.
The first four titles as a result of their deal with Universal :
- Dante’s Peak
– Anamorphic widescreen with production notes, filmography and trailer - Sea Of Love
– Full-frame 4:3 with production notes, filmography and trailer - Twins
– Full-frame 4:3 with production notes, filmography and trailer - Daylight
– Anamorphic widescreen with production notes, filmography and trailer
Three more titles from Columbia’s expanding range :
- The Cable Guy (in correct 2.35:1 ratio, not 16:9 as stated on the case)
– Anamorphic widescreen with filmography and trailer - Nowhere To Run
– Anamorphic widescreen with filmography and trailer - Midnight Express (released May 24th)
– Anamorphic widescreen with ‘Making Of’ featurette, filmography and trailer. Also includes fullscreen version.
Plus three recent Columbia DVD titles :
- Flatliners
– Anamorphic widescreen with filmography and trailer - As Good As It Gets
– Anamorphic widescreen with director’s commentary, filmography and trailer - Screamers
– Anamorphic widescreen with filmography and trailer
Boyzone vs. Geri – May 13th 1999The competition is hotting up as these two battle for the top slot on Sunday,but at the moment Boyzone’s dire cover of “You Needed Me” is in the lead with42,000 copies sold, with Geri Halliwell’s impressive but similarly-suffixed”Look At Me” trailing behind on 36,500.
May 12th : Digiguide update: New channelsRuss Freeman has this infoon the latest version of his excellent Digiguide service :
Some may have already spotted them but for those of you that haven’tthere a 4 new channels in DigiGuide bringing the total now to 55.
This weeks new channels are:
Don’t forget we are committed to providing all of the UK channels forDigiGuide, we add new channels as soon as we are happy that we canprovide them in the same high quality you have come to expect.
Get along to theDigiguide Website now.
May 10th : Jerry Springer: Too Hot for DVD ?Jerry Springer gets an outing on the new digital format for one of hisbest-selling videos to date :Jerry Springer: Too Hot for TV. Music charts: Westlife, Backstreet Boys or 911 – Which of the three boybands will be No.1 this week ?Find out now on mymusic charts analysis page New DVDs out this weekDVDs which should be out by the time you read this include :
May 9th : Dirk Bogarde dies aged 78…Actor Dirk Bogarde has died at the age of 78 years old of a heart attackat his London home. He appeared in 70 feature films including A Bridge TooFar, Death in Venice, the Doctor in the House series and TheseFoolish Things. Sir Dirk, who was knighted in 1992, wrote several novelsin his fifties including the autobiographies A Positillion Struck ByLightning in 1977 and last year’s For The Time Being.
He suffered a stroke in September 1996 and by May 1998 he needed 24-hour nursingcare. His nurse was with him when he died.
Free ONDigital box – how free is free ?Ok, so the box is free, but you can’t just walk into a shop and pick one uplike a free internet CD. Reading between the small print, the deal is :
“Buy any receiver for £199.99 with any TV over £199, subscribe toONDigital for 12 months, with a one-off connection fee of £20 andONDigital will refund the cost of the receiver by sending you a cheque for£199.99.”
Pardon? So you have to pay out the £199.99 before you get it back? What’sthe point of that other than for ONDigital to coin in on the interest generateduntil people claim the cashback, unless the customer forgets so ONDigitalget the entire 200 smackers?
It continues : “Chequeback by redemption on receipt by ONDigital of your proofof purchase within 14 days of the activation of your viewing card. Offerincludes combined TV/video units over £199. Offer valid from 8th May to30th May 1999. New subscribers only and no non-domestic customers, eg. pubsand clubs.”
Boyzone vs. Geri – May 10th 1999Never mind the PPV boxing matches, these two will slug it out in the chartring next Sunday when the most-hyped of the two makes it to the top slot.The contenders are Boyzone‘s “You Needed Me” and Geri Halliwell‘s”History Repea…er, Look At Me”. Who is the face of the decade ?According to the Sun’s Bizarre column they’re on the search for the face of thelast decade and throw up such nobodies as Ms. Fake Of The Decade: MelindaMessenger with her plastic tits, plastic smile, plastic tan and peroxide bottle,loudmouth thug and part-time actor Vinnie Jones, loudmouth drunksGazza & Oasis, blonde slapper Denise Van (not Van) Outen andjailbird drug-dealer Johnny (smirk) Vaughn. What a rabble!
For me, I’d pick Caroline Aherne, who I first heard of on radio in 1989when and Craig Cash used to present their own shows on the now-defunct KFM Radioin Stockport for a year or two. Frank Sidebottom is also one of my favourites,which is where the Mrs Merton character originated – and of course there’s herappearances on Anthony “H” Wilson’s Remote Control as the same character. Sincethen she’s gone from strength to strength with a number of prime-time BBC seriessuch as The Mrs Merton Show, a sarcastic chat show, The Royle Family andMrs Merton and Malcolm. This is not to mention the endless troubles in her ownlife: her violent marriage to New Order’s Peter Hook, the death of herboyfriend Matt Bowers who lost his life to cancer and her conquering ofalcoholism. To me, when she first started on radio, if Mariella Frostrup hasthe sexist voice on TV, then Caroline Aherne has the sexiest voice on radio(but now TV too :).
May 8th : Sky are charging £99 instead for your free digibox !Turns out that for SkyDigital from June 1st, it’ll effectively cost £99,not £40 :Installation40.00 (previously free)Connection fee35.00 (previously 30.00)Extra subs for first year (2quid/month added to any subs package)24.00 (previously not there)—–Total99.00
Well, I was all set to pay the 40quid from June 1st, but not 100.
What’s on TV next week?Saturday :In the second episode of FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON (C4, 12pm), NASA is forced to overhaul its procedures when 3 astronauts perish in apre-launch test of Apollo One. CITY CENTRAL (BBC1, 8.15pm) may holdthe key to finding Terry’s (Paul Nicholls) killer. The other ginger one getshis ego out for TFI: THE ROLLING STONES (C4, 9.30pm) in which he tourswith the band and there’s a trio of films to watch: ROBOCOP (ITV, 10pm)and MAD MAX (ITV, 11.55pm) both appear to be going out in uncut formfor a change, despite not being widescreen and then there’s 8 ½(C5, 1.20am), although with the onscreen logo, it’s more like 58 ½
Sunday :In HOLLYOAKS (C4, 11am), Carol’s plan to oust Wayne from her flat is infull swing and Cindy finds a job for Sean. CORONATION STREET (ITV,7.30pm) sees Mike’s problems going from bad to worse, again, while Fred goesin for a spot of romance. At the same time, ITV2 are showing WHO, WHAT,WHY? (ITV2, 7.30pm) in which all their viewers hear the channel name andutter the same words as the title of the programme. Don’t bother looking forMY WONDERFUL LIFE 3 as ITV have postponed it this week in favour ofanother showing of theoriginally-intended-for-Steve-McQueen-and-Diana-Ross-film THE BODYGUARD(ITV, 9pm). THE BAFTA TV AWARDS WITH MICHAEL NOT JILL (BBC1, 8pm)will, as my altered title suggests, be presented only by Parky himself sinceJill Dando has had to pack in her TV career. Psychiatrist Oliver James,ex-Network 7, has a two-part series, NEW BRITAIN ON THE COUCH (C4, 8pm)and two comedies get a repeat episode after winning prizes at the the Montreuxcomedy festival, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN (BBC2, 9.30pm) and BIGTRAIN (BBC2, 10pm), although it’s not known if the entire series of bothare getting a re-run. If you’re looking for a film to cheer you up there’sthe death drama ALIVE (BBC1, 10.50pm), a trio of happy-gay-lucky queensin THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT (C4, 10pm) andmutated people in VIDEODROME (BBC2, 10.30pm). Long live the new flesh. Monday :In CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) Mike finds out that Greg Kelly isbehind the Julia Stone affair, Denise advertises for a new barmaid and Verais worried about Jack. EASTENDERS (BBC1, 8pm) left us wondering last weekif Saskia is back from the dead in a mental asylum, but you can rest assuredit’s not her since she’s not listed in the opening credits ! A new horrorseason, “Scared to Death”, starts on Channel 4 with CANDYMAN (10pm),one of the least-scary pieces of boredom ever made. Tuesday :Dot fusses over Lilly and Ian helps Melanie after being bricked in the headin EASTENDERS (BBC1, 7.30pm), while THE BILL moves back an hourin our only visit to Sun Hill this week (ITV, 9pm) with Jim Carver being putback in uniform after last week’s episode which didn’t really explain why.Les Dennis returns with another series of the crap-but-fun FAMILY FORTUNES(ITV, 7pm), the reason for the shifts in the schedule being an hour-long”incident-packed” EMMERDALE (ITV, 8pm), which I presume means that alamb gives birth. BROOKSIDE (C4, 8pm) sees Luke in hospital after beingbeaten up. Bummer! Wednesday :Mike receives an ultimatum from Greg in CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm)and Fred confides a secret to chatterbox Audrey. BROOKSIDE (C4, 8pm)shows Sinbad trying to get his kid back since Mandy Jordache is getting marriedand Lindsey moves out of La Corkhill. A repeat run for RED DWARF 3(BBC2, 9pm) begins with the episode “Backwards” which I saw recorded at BBC’sOxford Road studio in Manchester in 1989 and was very funny, but things didgo downhill after the first two series. The comedy continues with Matt Lucas(aka Shooting Stars’ George Dawes) in another character with SIR BERNARD’SSTATELY HOMES (BBC2, 10.20pm) which comes in 6 parts but they’re only10 mins apiece. Finally John Thaw *is* John Thaw (again) in another dull ITVdrama PLASTIC MAN (ITV, 9pm) so it must star the cast of Home And Awaythen. Thursday :I’m still looking for episode 4 of MIAMI 7 (BBC1, 5.10pm) andI’m told it was a good one ;), but they’re all good… Steve triesto get Matthew to face the truth after he whispers Saskia’s name in his sleepafter shagging the Italian bird and no doubt his confession is heard by Steveat the right moment in EASTENDERS (BBC1, 7.30pm). Anyone looking forsome light-hearted comedy should avoid the dire KISS ME KATE (BBC1,8.30pm) which returns for a second series, but instead tune into YES SIR,I CAN BOOGIE (Radio 4, 11pm), a 4-part series which takes a swipe at thehuman condition with Kevin Eldon (Big Train, Lee and Herring’s TMWRNJ) andSimon Greenall (the young porter in I’m Alan Partridge). Friday :TFI FRIDAY (C4, 6pm) is alleged to feature Terry Wogan, so it does,while CORONATION STREET (ITV, 7.30pm) sees a shock in store for Sallyas Greg takes revenge and Audrey betrays Fred (no surprises there then).Alec is in shock after Luke escapes from prison in BROOKSIDE (C4,8.30pm). Stephen Fry, who can be seen in the latest John Travolta film, “ACivil Action”, appears as a guest as does Richard Littlecock on HAVE I GOTNEWS FOR YOU 17 (BBC2, 9pm).May 7th : Jeff Bridges is The Big Lebowski on DVDJeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and PeterStormare are now on DVD inThe Big Lebowski. Confirmation on SkyDigital and OnDigital’s offersIt seems that OnDigital’s offer is to give away a free decoder with a TV boughtwith a cost over £200 while Sky are simply giving away free digiboxesand dishes for the installation cost alone of £40 and you’ll also benefitfrom a 40% cut in your BT phone bill. The top-most subscription will cost£2 extra per month, but that seems a small price to pay.
May 6th : Free SkyDigital and OnDigital ?If the rumours are to be believed, SkyDigital digiboxes will be given awayfrom June 1st when you buy a TV that costs at least £200 and perhapsOnDigital will follow with a similar offer. However, it seems a surcharge ofa couple of quid will be added to the subscription package for those who takethis route.
May 5th : Sean Penn has a very bad day in Oliver Stone’s U-TurnSean Penn, Jennifer Lopez and Nick Nolte star in Oliver Stone’s”Falling Down”-style film,U-Turn,out now on DVD. 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 and the new ones are Forces Of Nature, Swing& I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
May 3rd : Godzilla takes New York on DVD!Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Harry Shearer and Maria Pitillostar alongside a big reptile in the monster smash-hitGodzilla,now available on DVD. Music charts: Will Westlife hang on to the top slot, or will The Offspring get a second No.1 ?Find out now on mymusic charts analysis page Oliver Reed dies at 61Actor Oliver Reed has died at the age of 61, suddently in a bar in Malta afterbeing taken ill while drinking with friends. He was filming The Gladiatorwhich is produced by Steven Spielberg.
Malta police said that he died in the ambulance on the way to hospital. OliverReed appeared in more than 60 films in a career lasting over 40 years.
Descent IIIInterplay Productions Ltd. are proud to present Descent III, sequel tothe award winning PC titles, Descent I & II. The vertigo is back – andthis time is more intense than ever.
Created with an entirely new DUAL FUSION ENGINE, Descent III is the only3D action game to feature seamless, real-time transitions between internal andfully external environments. In the ground-breaking tradition of itspredecessors, which introduced gamers to the dizzying, frenetic 3D world of360-degree movement, Descent III promises the familiar, disorientating frenzyof 360-degree gaming action, with a host of new gameplay innovations.
With 10 fearsome new weapons, you get to pilot 3 ships through 15 massive,detailed levels with the most sophisticaed AI to date, not to mention a changein the weather conditions and you’ll get to fly above the surface of the planetas well as deep in the mines.
Descent III is due for release in May 1999 and a demo can be downloadedatwww.interplay.com
New Videos and DVDs out this weekWidescreen videos out today include :
with no more DVDs scheduled to come out until next week, unless any from lastweek have been delayed.
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.