June 30th 2005: - DVDfever.co.uk

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June 30th:Dan’s Movie Digest @ DVDfever.co.uk…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owen returns with hisregular movie news section which looks at future releases and features US and UKtop 10 cinema listings, UK release dates, websites and trailers.

Dan’s Movie Digestis online now.

news page pic COMPETITION: 18 DVD/PS2 comps…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one more added today:

CSI Season 4 Part 2 (DVD)

Rank 70 Years Boxset (DVD)

Comic Strip: The Complete Series (DVD)

Everybody Loves Raymond Season 2 (DVD)

Shadow Raiders Season 1 (DVD)

Frankenstein (DVD)

Blackmore’s Night (DVD)

Thriller: The Complete Series (DVD)

Coronation Street: 1970s (DVD)

Gideon’s Way, Edward & Mrs Simpson, Julie Walters & Friends, Outside Edge (DVD)

Prince: Sign O The Times & Prom Night (DVD

Boogeyman (DVD)

Born on the Fourth of July & Double Indemnity (DVD)

The Mask 10th Anniversary Special Edition (DVD)

Hostage (DVD)

Isle of Wight 2004 (DVD)

Destroy All Humans! (PS2)

Tru Calling The Complete Series (DVD)

June 30th:Dan’s Movie Digest @ DVDfever.co.uk…

Dan’s Movie Digestis online now.

June 29th:Taj Mahal Live in Manchester…

Last Tuesday, DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertswent to see Blues legend Taj Mahal in concert at the Bridgewater Hall inManchester. How does he manage to keep going so impressively after allthese years?

Taj Mahal: Live in Manchesteris online now.

news page pic COMPETITION: 17 DVD/PS2 comps…

The new competitions online are as follows:

Rank 70 Years Boxset (DVD)

Comic Strip: The Complete Series (DVD)

Everybody Loves Raymond Season 2 (DVD)

Shadow Raiders Season 1 (DVD)

Frankenstein (DVD)

Blackmore’s Night (DVD)

Thriller: The Complete Series (DVD)

Coronation Street: 1970s (DVD)

Gideon’s Way, Edward & Mrs Simpson, Julie Walters & Friends, Outside Edge (DVD)

Prince: Sign O The Times & Prom Night (DVD

Boogeyman (DVD)

Born on the Fourth of July & Double Indemnity (DVD)

The Mask 10th Anniversary Special Edition (DVD)

Hostage (DVD)

Isle of Wight 2004 (DVD)

Destroy All Humans! (PS2)

Tru Calling The Complete Series (DVD)

June 27th:Juiced completes its long journey on the Xbox…

It’s taken at least a year for this Burnout challenger to make itto PC and home consoles, but has it been worth the wait? Today, we take itfor a test run on the Xbox.

Juicedis online and out on Xbox now.

Batman returns to the cinema in Batman Begins…

Back in 1989, Tim Burton took Batman down a dark route, only for it to endin farce after three actors with 1997’s Batman and Robin. It would bea difficult challenge to resurrect the franchise, but Christopher Nolanhas taken up the gauntlet and Christian Bale dons the cape this time round,but is there the prospect of more sequels?

Batman Beginsis online and out in the cinema now.

news page pic Countdown‘s Richard Whiteley dies aged 61…

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the first-ever presenter onChannel 4 last night, Richard Whiteley (pictured right on the show withco-presenter Carol Vorderman), who I’d never seen before thecountdown, literally, concluded to begin the start of the fourth UK TV channel,one that was originally intended to provide something different from themainstream and then lost its way somewhat. That said, I’ll never forgetsitting in front of the TV as the first episode of Countdown began.I was just ten years old and throughout the time he’s appeared on my TVin whatever capacity, he’s always come across as one of the few people whowould actually be that pleasant and friendly in real life – something backedup by all the people who have spoken about him since his passing was announced.

Richard Whiteley died, aged 61, in Leeds General Infirmary after falling illwith pneumonia in May and had undergone a heart operation just a few daysago. He had presented Countdown since November 1982, with almost 4,000 progammesfilmed to date and there was talk of guest presenters standing in while thelast few programmes he made were shown and awaiting his return.

He received the OBE last November for services to broadcasting and was oncedubbed ‘Twice-Nightly Whiteley’ following his presenting of both local newsand Countdown in the same day.

He leaves behind his partner of 11 years, actess Kathryn Apanowicz, who hasfeatured in Eastenders and Emmerdale.

CHARTS: Crazy Frog vs. 2pac – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis page.which is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until late Augustwith albums until November 2005.

news page pic COMPETITION: More July comps coming soon…

Don’t worry. There’s going to be far more than two comps running in July,but the rest will be added shortly:

Tru Calling The Complete Series (DVD)

news page pic COMPETITION ANSWERS: JUNE 2005 comps…

Thanks to the respective PR companies for the comps which have now come to anend and the answers were as follows. Winners will be notified shortly.

The Power Game Series 2 (DVD): Peter Barkworth played Charles Gill in the 1997 movie about Oscar Wilde
The Secret Service: Complete Series (DVD): Stanley Unwin’s nickname was Professor Stanley Unwin
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (CD Boxset prizepacks): CJ stands for Carl Johnson
Racing Stripes (DVD prize packs): Frankie Muniz plays Stripes.
Cold Winter (PS2): There are Thirteen single player levels.
Predator: Concrete Jungle (PS2): Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the first Predator movie.
S.C.A.R. (PS2): SCAR stands for Squadra Corse Alfa Romeo
Alias Season 3 (DVD): Jennifer Garner’s Daredevil character is called Elektra
Backbeat Special Edition (DVD): The film is the story about the fifth member of The Beatles.
Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD): Love Games was their first Top 40 hit, in April 1981.
The Big Kahuna (DVD): The Kevin Spacey movie was K-Pax.
My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD): The Lasse Hallstrom film was Chocolat.
Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD): Jackie Gleason played Sheriff Buford T Justice
Confessions Of… (DVD): Robin Askwith stars in the Confessions movie series.
Inhumanoids (DVD): The Earth Corps do battle against the Inhumanoids
Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD): Eddie Bracken also starred in Preston Sturges’ The Miracle of Morgan Creek
Fighting Triple Bill (DVD): The subtitle for UFC 51 is Super Saturday.
Shall We Dance (DVD): Jennifer Lopez stars in Monster-in-Law opposite Jane Fonda.
Ladder 49 (DVD): The John Travolta film is Be Cool.
Doom 3 (Xbox): The other first-person-shooter is the Quake series.
Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD): The specific Beagle comes out at Easter.

news page pic RED DOT: Banished!…

Following the recent article on this, almost all Sky digiboxes should havethis update now, software update 3.3a6, which includes an option in thePicture menu to set the Timeout to ON, and this will time-out the ‘press red’icons after 30 seconds.

So, just set your recording a minute or two early, just to be sure, andany programmes normally affected will be red-dot free!

Now, if only we could do this to all the other bloody logos onscreen!

The RED DOT campaignis online now.

news page pic The DVDfever.co.uk discussion forum…

Want to chat about anything you’ve seen on this site, or just fancy a rant aboutanything music, DVD and TV related? Get to the forum and start presentingyour opinions!

Click on the Discussion Forum link on the left-hand menu now.

news page pic New DVDs out this week…

The new releases are as follows:

9 Songs (19.99, Optimum)

Acacia (19.99, Tartan)

Assault On Precinct 13 (2005) (19.99, EiV)

An Autumn Tale (19.99, Artificial Eye)

Copland DC (15.99, Buena Vista)

Dragons Forever SE (19.99, Contender)

Drop The Dead Donkey Series 1 (19.99, VCI)

Flight Of The Phoenix (15.99, Fox)

Flirting With Disaster SE (15.99, Buena Vista)

The Golden Girls Season 1 (29.99, Buena Vista)

H (19.99, Tartan)

Home Improvement Season 1 (29.99, Buena Vista)

John Carpenter’s Vampires (3 film BS) (22.99, Columbia)

Million Dollar Baby (19.99, EiV)

Monster Man (15.99, Tartan)

My Own Private Idaho SE (22.99, EiV)

My Summer Of Love (19.99, Universal)

Noggin The Nog: The Sagas Of Noggin The Nog (32.99, Disc)

The Partridge Family Season 1 (29.99, Columbia)

The Saddest Music In The World (19.99, Disc)

Scrubs Season 1 (34.99, Buena Vista)

The Sea Inside (19.99, EiV)

Spanglish (19.99, Columbia)

Stargate SG1 Series 8 Vol 42 (19.99, MGM)

Thriller: The Complete Series (99.99, Network)

Trilogy: The Weeping Meadow (19.99, Artificial Eye)

Tru Calling: The Complete Series (39.99, Fox)

Two Thousand Acres Of Sky Series 3 (24.99, Eureka)

Yes: 35th Anniversary Concert – Songs From Tsongas (19.99, Warner Music)

June 24th:Dan’s Movie Digest @ DVDfever.co.uk…

Dan’s Movie Digestis online now.

news page pic Updated cinema listings…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of the films showing at Manchester Showcase Cinemacan be found on this page, and won’t differ much from what’s on in the restof the country.

The new films released this week include: Kung Fu Hustleand A Lot Like Love.

June 23rd:Jason’s Album Archive @ DVDfever.co.uk…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Jason Maloneycontinues his regular column looking at the albums of yesterday,continuing with June 25th 1984 when new releases came fromSpandau Ballet, David Sylvian, Elvis Costello, Mike Oldfield and Roger Taylor.

Jason’s Album Archive No.19is online now.

June 22nd:Chill out with Renee Olstead on CD…

The weekend’s a little while off yet, but you can start to relax a bitwith this flame-haired jazz chanteuse, whoDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertsputs in the same league as Clare Teal and Amy Winehouse.

Renee Olstead: Renee Olsteadis online now and out on CD.

June 21st:What goes on ‘In My Father’s Den’…?

One of a number of famous films made in New Zealand,DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Helen Jerometakes a look at a complex drama out this week which begins as jaded warphotographer Matthew MacFadyen returns home for his father’s funeral.Emily Barclay, Mirando Otto & Colin Moy co-star.

In My Father’s Denis online now and released in the cinema on Friday.

news page pic COMPETITION: 22 DVD/PS2/CD/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including two additions today:

Tru Calling The Complete Series (DVD)

The Power Game Series 2 (DVD)

The Secret Service: Complete Series (DVD)

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (CD Boxset prizepacks)

Racing Stripes (DVD prize packs)

Cold Winter (PS2)

Predator: Concrete Jungle (PS2)

S.C.A.R. (PS2)

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

June 20th:GTA San Andreas chills out on the Xbox…

It was easily one of the year’s best games when it arrived on the PS2 towardsthe end of October. Now, nearly 8 months later, it drops in on the Xboxbut is it a thorough triumph and does it overcome the problems of GTA 3 & ViceCity last year?

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreasis online and out on Xbox now.

U2 Live in Manchester…

Last Tuesday, DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertswent to see supergroup U2 in concert and was seriously impressed, butexactly what do they have to offer in their latest gig experience?

U2: Live in Manchesteris online now.

What now for The Doctor and Rose in the finale…?

Last week, we were all misled as to the real meaning of ‘Bad Wolf’, butnow the truth is out as the Doctor discovers all those Daleks didn’t reallydie after all, so how are they going to pull a rabbit out of a hat this timeand will Christopher Eccleston finally stop gurning for good?

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owencasts his eye over the finale.

Doctor Who returns on December 25th in The Christmas Invasion onBBC1.

Doctor Who 2005: Episode 13is online now.

CHARTS: Crazy Frog vs. Slipknot – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis page.which is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Augustwith albums until November 2005.

news page pic COMPETITION: 20 DVD/PS2/CD/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one addition today:

The Secret Service: Complete Series (DVD)

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (CD Boxset prizepacks)

Racing Stripes (DVD prize packs)

Cold Winter (PS2)

Predator: Concrete Jungle (PS2)

S.C.A.R. (PS2)

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

news page pic RED DOT: Banished!…

So, just set your recording a minute or two early, just to be sure, andany programmes normally affected will be red-dot free!

Now, if only we could do this to all the other bloody logos onscreen!

The RED DOT campaignis online now.

news page pic The DVDfever.co.uk discussion forum…

Want to chat about anything you’ve seen on this site, or just fancy a rant aboutanything music, DVD and TV related? Get to the forum and start presentingyour opinions!

Click on the Discussion Forum link on the left-hand menu now.

news page pic New DVDs out this week…

The new releases are as follows:

Bad Girls Series 6 (34.99, VCI)

Blake’s 7 Series 3 (49.99, BBC)

Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (15.99, MGM)

Commando Leopard (12.99, Anchor Bay)

Dave Allen: The Best Of (15.99, VCI)

Dead Like Me Season 1 (39.99, MGM)

Dogtanian Series 2 (24.99, Revelation)

The Doll Master (15.99, Optimum)

Entertaining Mr Sloane (15.99, VCI)

Flesh And Blood (12.99, MGM)

Goodnight Sweetheart Series 1 (15.99, Revelation)

Gothic (15.99, MGM)

Harold And Kumar Get The Munchies (15.99, MGM)

In Good Company (19.99, EiV)

Isle Of Wight 2004 (17.99, Disc)

Jupiter Moon Vol 5 Episodes 36 To 40 (12.99, Oracle)

Kath And Kim Series 1 (19.99, VCI)

The L-Word Season 1 (39.99, MGM)

Lords Of Discipline (15.99, Paramount)

Minette Walters BS (44.99, BBC)

The Miss Marple Collection Starring Joan Hickson (99.99, BBC)

Murder In Mind BS (74.99, BBC)

Ned Kelly (12.99, MGM)

O.C. And Stiggs (12.99, MGM)

The Omega Factor: The Complete Series (34.99, DD)

Our Man Flint (12.99, Fox)

Paul McCartney In Red Square (17.99, Warner Music)

The Philadelphia Story SE (19.99, Warner)

The Power Game Series 2 (39.99, Network)

Pride 1 & 2 (19.99, Silver Vision)

Q: The Winged Serpent (16.99, Anchor Bay)

The Quiet Family (19.99, Tai Seng)

Racing Stripes (15.99, Momentum)

Real Fiction (15.99, Tai Seng)

The Reivers (15.99, Paramount)

The Secret Service: The Complete Series (24.99, Network)

Shall We Dance? (19.99, Buena Vista)

Sledge Hammer Series 2 (24.99, Anchor Bay)

The Sopranos Season 5 (59.99, Warner)

Spetters (12.99, MGM)

Thieves Like Us (12.99, MGM)

WWE Road Warriors: Life And Death Of The Most Dominant Tag Team In Wrestling History (24.99, Silver Vision)

June 17th:Dan’s Movie Digest @ DVDfever.co.uk…

Dan’s Movie Digestis online now.

Rock on with The Headbanger’s Bible on CD…

The weekend is finally here, and let’s rock to the tunes of Steppenwolf, ZZ Top,Black Sabbath, Status Quo & Yes, courtesy ofDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts.

Various: The Headbanger’s Bibleis online now and out on CD.

news page pic Updated cinema listings…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of the films showing at Manchester Showcase Cinemacan be found on this page, and won’t differ much from what’s on in the restof the country.

The new films released this week include: Batman Beginsand Mr & Mrs Smith.

June 16th:Jason’s Album Archive @ DVDfever.co.uk…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Jason Maloneycontinues his regular column looking at the albums of yesterday,continuing with June 17th 1985 when new releases came fromSting, Marillion, Talking Heads, OMD and REM.

Jason’s Album Archive No.18is online now.

What does Bad Wolf really mean for The Doctor…?

The penultimate episode and we finally found out what all those ‘Bad Wolf’references in every episode were about, but was it all worth it? And whydoes Russell T Davies keep sticking in redundant gay references? Why doesn’the just have The Doctor and Captain Jack running around and shouting“Bender!” at each other for the first five minutes, and just get itover and done with?

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owengives his thoughts and tells of the return of a foe that The Doctor thoughthad gone for good…

Doctor Who continues on Saturday at 7pm, BBC1, followed by Dr Who Confidentialon BBC3 at 7.45pm, and both are repeated on Sundays, BBC3 from 7pm.

Doctor Who 2005: Episode 12is online now.

Zoe & Rob are an engaging duo on CD…

As the week begins to draw to a close, it’s time to relax with soft songsfor late-night listening, such as More Than You Know, Frankie & Johnnyand eight of their own from singer Zoe Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral,courtesy ofDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts.

Zoe Schwarz & Rob Koral: Devil or Doveis online now and out on CD.

Elly Roberts on The Death of an Indie Record Store…

We all remember buying our first single, but what happens when the smallshops close as the chain stores dominate the market?DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertstells all about it.

Death of an Indie Record Storeis online now.

news page pic June 15th:COMPETITION: 19 DVD/PS2/CD/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one addition today:

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (CD Boxset prizepacks)

Racing Stripes (DVD prize packs)

Cold Winter (PS2)

Predator: Concrete Jungle (PS2)

S.C.A.R. (PS2)

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

June 14th:Tom McRae releases his third album on CD…

Usually, the third release from an artist/band is deemed a ‘difficult’ album,but this talented singer-songwriter seems to have had no such trouble andput out an excellent 11-tracker, according to DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Roberts.

Tom McRae: All Maps Welcomeis online now and out on CD.

news page pic COMPETITION: 18 DVD/PS2/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including two additions today:

Racing Stripes (DVD prize packs)

Cold Winter (PS2)

Predator: Concrete Jungle (PS2)

S.C.A.R. (PS2)

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

DVD highlights out now…

A few highlights that are well worth splashing out your moolah on next week. For each one that’s of interest,click on the image for more info on Amazon:

Total Recall: Special Edition (£19.99, Momentum Pictures Home Entertainment) is set in 2084,in which Arnie plays construction worker Doug Quaid and believes everything is real, but then he has noreason not to. He’s been married to the gorgeous Lori (Sharon Stone, then a sex kitten) for the past eightyears but after seeing a Rekall advert on the tube he gets the urge to move to Mars, or at least take aholiday.

What it takes him a while to realise is that he’s already been, his whole life is a lie, he really is goingout with the girl he’s been dreaming about (Rachel Ticotin) and he’s been marked for death by MichaelIronside after eventually twigging what’s going on.

Back in 2001, Momentum Pictures releaseda 4-DVD Arnie Boxsetbut the extras weren’t much to shout about. Now the balance has been restored for this 1990 Paul Verheoven actioner.

Extras include: Audio commentary with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Paul Verhoeven, Audio commentary bycinematogarpher Jost Vacano, ‘Imagining Total Recall’ documentary, Rekall’s Virtual Vacations, ‘Visions ofMars’ featurette, ‘The World of Science Fiction Literature’ documentary, Visual storyboard comparisons,Conceptual art, Photo gallery, Production notes, Theatrical trailers and TV spots, Cast and crew information.

Backbeat: Collector’s Edition (£15.99, Universal) is the first time this cult film has actuallybeen released on DVD and is the story of the fifth Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe, and the two most importantpeople in his life: John Lennon and Astrid Kirchherr. It is a passionate and tragic love story set duringThe Beatles wild months in Hamburg in the early 1960s.

Inseparable friends at art school, John (Ian Hart) convinces Stuart (Stephen Dorff) to join his band TheBeatles for the summer, playing the clubs in Hamburgs red light.

Extras include feature commentary with director Iain Softley, Deleted scenes, Interview with director IainSoftley, Stills gallery, Interview with actor Ian Hart, Director’s essay and Casting sessions.

Press Gang Series 4 (£14.99, Network) does exactly what it says on the tin with all the episodesfrom the fourth series of this popular children’s drama series from 1990 starring Julia Sawalha, Dexter Fletcher and Lee Ross.

Written by Steven Moffatt (who wrote the new Doctor Who 2-parter “The Empty Child”), the series is set inthe fictional offices of the Junior Gazette, a student newspaper ran with an iron fist by its editor LindaDay (Julia Sawalha).

Extras include 3 script PDF files, Press Gang programme guide (Series 4) and Junior Gazette cover.

Stargate Atlantis Season 1 Vol.4 (£19.99, MGM) is out now and contains another four episodes –Hot Zone, Sanctuary, Before I Sleep and The Brotherhood.

Extras include: Atlantis Mission Directive: Before I Sleep, Human Error with Martin Wood, The Lowdown: Makingof a Stargate fan, Photo and production galleries.

Ray: Special Edition (£19.99, Universal) tells the story of the music legend Ray Charles.

Winner of 2 Academy Awards including Best Actor for Jamie Foxx’s incredible performance, Ray is a trulyextraordinary and inspiring story of triumph over adversity. From humble beginnings to international stardom,Ray Charles overcame impossible odds and truly changed the face of music forever…

Extras include: Theatrical and branched extended edition of the feature, Audio commentary by directorTaylor Hackford, Audio description for the visually impaired, Extended musical scenes, Stepping Into ThePart, Ray Remembered, Deleted scenes with optional Taylor Hackford commentary.

June 13th:Half Life 2: Gordon Freeman returns on PC…

The first game came out around seven years ago, and there’s been reasonsgiven for the sequel’s delay, but would you believe all of them? And is thissecond outing worth the wait? Experience the headcrabs and barnaclecreatures once again as you venture into the unknown with Gordon Freeman.

Half Life 2is online and out on PC now.

Take a trip to Sin City at the cinema…

It’s a film I’m very much looking forward to, and according toDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owenit’ll be a film unlike most others that have gone before it…

Sin Cityis online and at the cinema now.

CHARTS: Crazy Frog vs. U2 – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis page.which is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Augustwith albums until November 2005.

news page pic COMPETITION: 16 DVD/PS2/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one addition today:

Predator: Concrete Jungle (PS2)

S.C.A.R. (PS2)

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

news page pic RED DOT: Banished!…

So, just set your recording a minute or two early, just to be sure, andany programmes normally affected will be red-dot free!

Now, if only we could do this to all the other bloody logos onscreen!

The RED DOT campaignis online now.

news page pic The DVDfever.co.uk discussion forum…

Want to chat about anything you’ve seen on this site, or just fancy a rant aboutanything music, DVD and TV related? Get to the forum and start presentingyour opinions!

Click on the Discussion Forum link on the left-hand menu now.

news page pic New DVDs out this week…

The new releases are as follows:

The Adventures Of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert SE (19.99, MGM)

The Aviator SE (22.99, Buena Vista)

Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (15.99, Warner)

The Big Kahuna (15.99, Columbia)

Brian Wilson: Smile (24.99, Warner Music)

Butterflies: Complete (89.99, Acorn)

Catterick Series 1 (15.99, BBC)

Cold Comfort Farm (16.99, Acorn)

Criminal (15.99, Warner)

Doctor Snuggles: The Complete Collection (24.99, Firefly)

Doctor Who 2005 Vol 2 (15.99, BBC)

Dot The I (19.99, Momentum)

Emerson, Lake And Palmer: Beyond The Beginning (19.99, Sanctuary)

First Daughter (12.99, Fox)

House Of The Dead (15.99, Columbia)

Huey Lewis And The News: Live At 25 (14.99, Warner Music)

Level 42: Live At The Apollo, London 2003 (19.99, Disc)

Midsomer Murders: Death And Dreams (16.99, Acorn)

Midsomer Murders: Painted In Blood (16.99, Acorn)

New York, New York SE (19.99, MGM)

Pie In The Sky Series 3 (24.99, Acorn)

Project A SE (24.99, Contender)

Scum (Tin BS) (15.99, Columbia)

Seinfeld Season 4 (34.99, Columbia)

Stargate Atlantis Season 1 Vol 4 (19.99, MGM)

Total Recall SE (19.99, Momentum)

Uncovered: The War On Iraq (17.99, Blue Dolphin)

A Very Long Engagement (19.99, Warner)

A Very Long Engagement / Amelie (29.99, Warner)

June 9th:Dan’s Movie Digest @ DVDfever.co.uk…

Dan’s Movie Digestis online now.

Not quite 2001: Hal on CD…

Nothing to do with the popular, but what-the-hell’s-it-all-about sci-fimovie, the first review today fromDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertstakes in a new release from a group he describes as a combination ofThe Beautiful South and The Beach Boys, which sounds like an interestingand engaging mix.

Hal: Halis online and out now on CD.

Time to get drunk on CD…

Ok, so the weekend doesn’t start until tomorrow but you can start planningyour evening out now with 25 songs about getting completely plastered, fromthe likes of Floyd Dixon, Dave Bartholomew and Amos Milburn, courtesy ofDVDfever.co.uk barman, I mean, reviewer Elly Roberts.

Various: Rhythm & Boozeis online and out now on CD.

June 8th:Jason’s Album Archive @ DVDfever.co.uk…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Jason Maloneycontinues his regular column looking at the albums of yesterday,continuing with June 4th 1979 when new releases came fromELO and Rickie Lee Jones.

Jason’s Album Archive No.17is online now.

A double bill of Bluesoul Belles on CD…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertsstates that soul ballads and ‘Northern Soul’ style dance tunes make thisessential listening, but does he have a preference of one singer over theother?

Betty Lavette & Carol Fran: Bluesoul Bellesis online and out now on CD.

news page pic June 7th:COMPETITION: 15 DVD/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one addition today:

S.C.A.R. (PS2)

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

June 6th:Level 42: Live in the early days on DVD…

In both 1983 and 1984, Level 42 had only been in the public eye a few yearsand there was a musical period of theirs that I missed out on until now asthis DVD contains two full concerts put on for Rockpalast around a yearapart.

Level 42 Live at Rockpalastis online and out on DVD now.

Four Donovan CDs for the price of one review…

A man of many talents, four of Donovan’s classic albums have been reissuedon CD andDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertstells us why his virtues are worth extolling.

The Donovan Collectionis online and out now on CD.

The Doctor sinks to a new low…

In my opinion at least, as Russell T Davies wrote an absolute stinker withnothing happening until he created and resolved a situation that didn’t needto begin and didn’t need loose ends from an earlier episode to be untied.

That said,DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owentells us why it’s a character piece that’s worth watching.

Doctor Who continues on Saturday at 7pm, BBC1, followed by Dr Who Confidentialon BBC3 at 7.45pm, and both are repeated on Sundays, BBC3 from 7pm.

Doctor Who 2005: Episode 11is online now.

CHARTS: Crazy Frog vs. Geri Halliwell – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis page.which is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Augustwith albums until October 2005.

news page pic COMPETITION: 14 DVD/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one addition today:

Alias Season 3 (DVD)

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

news page pic RED DOT: Banished!…

So, just set your recording a minute or two early, just to be sure, andany programmes normally affected will be red-dot free!

Now, if only we could do this to all the other bloody logos onscreen!

The RED DOT campaignis online now.

news page pic The DVDfever.co.uk discussion forum…

Want to chat about anything you’ve seen on this site, or just fancy a rant aboutanything music, DVD and TV related? Get to the forum and start presentingyour opinions!

Click on the Discussion Forum link on the left-hand menu now.

news page pic New DVDs out this week…

The new releases are as follows:

21 Jump Street Season 2 (29.99, Anchor Bay)

Andromeda Season 4 Vol 4 (19.99, Contender)

Archangel (17.99, Warner Music)

The Army Game Vol 1 (29.99, Network)

Backbeat SE (15.99, Universal)

The Best Of ITV Wrestling (15.99, Granada)

Big Jake (15.99, Paramount)

The Bill Series 1 (29.99, Network)

Blott On The Landscape (19.99, BBC)

Cahill: United States Marshal (12.99, Warner)

Charmed Season 1 (59.99, Paramount)

Chisum (12.99, Warner)

Closer (19.99, Columbia)

Commando Leopard (12.99, Anchor Bay)

Confessions Of… BS (19.99, Columbia)

Creep (15.99, Fox)

Dark Knight 1 (29.99, Blue Dolphin)

Donovan’s Reef (12.99, Paramount)

East Of Eden SE (19.99, Warner)

El Dorado (12.99, Paramount)

Elvira Madigan (15.99, Arrow)

Eurovision Song Contest: Kyiv 2005 (13.99, EMI)

Fakers (12.99, Disc)

French And Saunders At The Movies (15.99, BBC)

Giant SE (19.99, Warner)

Golden Years Of British Comedy (19.99, Universal)

Hatari! (12.99, Paramount)

In Harm’s Way (12.99, Paramount)

Inhumanoids (12.99, VCI)

Isle Of Wight 2004 (17.99, Disc)

James Dean BS (39.99, Warner)

Jean Michel Jarre: Jarre In China (24.99, Warner Music)

Jeremiah Johnson (12.99, Warner)

Ladder 49 (17.99, Buena Vista)

Last Train From Gun Hill (15.99, Paramount)

Luther (2003) (19.99, VCI)

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (12.99, Paramount)

My Life As A Dog (15.99, Arrow)

On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (15.99, Paramount)

Operation Good Guys Series 1 To 3 (29.99, BBC)

The Outlaw Josey Wales SE (12.99, Warner)

A Perfect Spy (15.99, BBC)

Press Gang Series 4 (14.99, Network)

Ray (19.99, Universal)

Ray / Genius: A Night For Ray Charles (27.99, Universal)

Rebel Without A Cause SE (19.99, Warner)

Rio Lobo (12.99, Paramount)

Second Thoughts Series 1 (14.99, Network)

The Shootist (12.99, Paramount)

Smokey And The Bandit Trilogy (17.99, Universal)

Soldier Soldier Series 4 (29.99, Network)

Son Of The Mask (19.99, EiV)

The Sons Of Katie Elder (12.99, Paramount)

Star Trek 8: First Contact SE (24.99, Paramount)

Star Trek Voyager Season 7 (84.99, Paramount)

Swingers SE (19.99, Fox)

True Grit (12.99, Paramount)

Ultimate Fighting Championship 51: Super Saturday (17.99, Silver Vision)

The Wild Bunch Dc (12.99, Warner)

William And Mary Series 3 (19.99, Granada)

William And Mary Series 1-3 BS (39.99, Granada)

WWE No Way Out 2005 (17.99, Silver Vision)

WWE Royal Rumble 1992/93 (19.99, Silver Vision)

Wyatt Earp (12.99, Warner)

June 3rd:Can The Doctor help us win World War II…?

The conclusion to a two-parter, sees the Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack tryingto stop the weird fate of the world from taking over involving gas masks anda kid saying, “Are you my mummy?”, but what does it all mean?

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Dan Owentells all.

Doctor Who continues on Saturday at 7pm, BBC1, followed by Dr Who Confidentialon BBC3 at 7.45pm, and both are repeated on Sundays, BBC3 from 7pm.

Doctor Who 2005: Episode 10is online now.

James Blunt has a new single out…

The third single from his album, which is now in the Top 5, is out this week.DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertswent to see the man live on stage recently, but what will he make of the single?

James Blunt: You’re Beautifulis online now and out on CD.

Game highlights out now and soon…

A few highlights that are well worth splashing out your moolah on. For each one that’s of interest,click on the image for more info on Amazon:

S.C.A.R. (£19.99, Blackbean), aka Squadra Corse Alfa Romeo, is a stunning racingsimulation which combines both realistic car physics, and vibrant graphics together with classic RolePlaying Game elements to become the first ‘CARPG’ ever developed.

For the first time in a racing game, players must improve their skills as drivers instead of modifyingtheir cars, making the ability to match a set of skills to the different requirements of each competitionjust as much an important part of winning the race.

In addition to choosing their favourite Alfa Romeo, players will be given the opportunity to choose theirown race gear which will best improve their performance, as well as tune the levels of each of theirdifferent skills which will include: reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and their ability to cope with thestress of racing high speed circuits. Another unique skill is the Tiger Effect, which will give drivers theability to turn back time and correct any potentially dangerous mistakes.

In SCAR, AI competitors are also based on a complex combination of skills and features which come togetherto form an opponent best adapted to the cars, course, and player, giving rise to countless alternative outcomes.

The game is available on PC, PS2 and Xbox.

Rising Kingdoms (£19.99, Blackbean) is the a new real-time strategy title. It marks a shift tothe fantasy realm from the team’s previous historical focus in the Celtic Kings series et al.

The new project, features strategy and adventure modes. In the former, the major Human, Forester andDarkling races can capture, enslave and develop the independent Shade, Nomad, Dragon, Troll, and Elf nations.The latter involves controlling heroes and a small squad of troops. Adding an RPG-like flavor, thesechampions can develop their skills and equip powerful artifacts.

June 2nd:Jason’s Album Archive @ DVDfever.co.uk…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Jason Maloneycontinues his regular column looking at the albums of yesterday,continuing with May 30th 1983 when new releases came fromElton John, George Benson, Dio and Agnetha Faltskog.

Jason’s Album Archive No.16is online now.

Super Furry Animals live in Wrexham…

Last Wednesday,DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertscould be forgiven for thinking that this band were waiting for the footballto finish before they went on stage, and the tension certainly showed in anincreasingly-impatient crowd, but was the wait worth it, or as time marchedon were they more like the ‘Supper’ Furry Animals?

Super Furry Animals: Live in Wrexhamis online now.

Dan’s Movie Digest @ DVDfever.co.uk…

Dan’s Movie Digestis online now.

CHARTS: Crazy Frog vs. Coldplay – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis page.which is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until late-Julywith albums until October 2005.

news page pic COMPETITION: 13 DVD/Xbox competitions…

The new competitions online are as follows, including one addition today:

Backbeat Special Edition (DVD)

Level 42: Live Rockpalast (DVD)

The Big Kahuna (DVD)

My Life as a Dog & Elvira Madigan (DVD)

Smokey and the Bandit Trilogy (DVD)

Confessions Of… (DVD)

Inhumanoids (DVD)

Hail the Conquering Hero (DVD)

Fighting Triple Bill (DVD)

Shall We Dance (DVD)

Ladder 49 (DVD)

Doom 3 (Xbox)

Doctor Snuggles, Peanuts & Hello Kitty Boxsets (DVD)

news page pic Updated cinema listings…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of the films showing at Manchester Showcase Cinemacan be found on this page, and won’t differ much from what’s on in the restof the country.

The new films released this week include: The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse and Sin City.

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Dom Robinson

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.

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