October 31st 2008:

October 31st :Press releases for new games and DVDs…

New press releases are online now for the following:

• ER Season 13 on DVD
• UFC 85: Bedlam on DVD
• Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage on DVD
• Bloody Moon on DVD
• Devil Hunter on DVD
• The Hour-Glass Sanatorium on DVD

The latest press releasesare online now.

New films at this cinema this weekend…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of films showing atManchcester Showcase Cinema can be found on this page, and won’t differmuch from what’s on in the rest of the country.

The new films out include: Quantum of Solace and The Midnight Meat Train.

October 30th :Is it a plane? Is it an eagle? No, it’s the Department of Eagles on CD…

Not to be confused with the long-running rock band of a similar name,DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertsconfirms that this album stands out above many a crowd, it’s a remarkableaccomplishment and is stunning in every way.

Department of Eagles: In Ear Parkis online and out now on CD.

October 29th :CHARTS: Girls Aloud vs. Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis pagewhich is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Decemberwith albums also until December 2008.

October 28th :REO Speedwagon take to the Sound Stage to celebrate 35 years, on DVD…

Out now on DVD:

Broadcast as part of the Sound Stage music TV series, this 16-track concertfeatures ’80s classics such as Can’t Fight This Feeling, Keep On Loving Youand Take It On The Run plus tracks from their latest album, FindYour Own Way Home.

Enjoy some masters at work in a fantastic concert.

REO Speedwagon: Live in the Heartlandis online and out now on DVD.

October 27th :What went on at The Last House on The Left on DVD…?

Out now on DVD:

Only available in censored versions for decades, this infamous horror movie isnow available on DVD in its uncut form for the first time. However, does itstill have the power to shock? Even if it doesn’t, collectors will be pleasedat the huge amount of extras on view over 3 discs, including an alternatecut of the film.

The Last House on The Left: 3-Disc Special Editionis online and out now on DVD.

Ease into the week with the Buena Vista Social Club on CD…

The best album of the year, so proclaimsDVDfever.co.uk reviewer, Elly Robertsabout the Havana band rediscovered by Ry Cooder back in 1996. They quicklywent on to worldwide fame – and quite rightly so.

Crosby Stills Nash & Young: Deja Vu Live…is online and out now on CD.

New DVD comps online…

Please enter the competitions listed below by clicking on the packshoton the right.

• Texas Chainsaw Massacre: 3-Disc Seriously Ultimate Edition on DVD
• Last House on the Left 3-Disc Special Edition on DVD
• Ultimate Gangster 10-disc Collection on DVD

Please note that the competitions for The Takeshi Kitano Collection(the director’s nickname is ‘Beat’ Takeshi) and The John CarpenterCollection (Michael Myers featured in the Halloween series of films)have now closed and the winners will be notified shortly.

CHARTS: Girls Aloud vs Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check back shortly for the latest charts on themusic chart analysis page.

Please note, we’ll be bringing the latest Prison Break episode review nextweek as Sky One have knocked it on an extra week, since the US networksdecided to skip two weeks, then broadcast an episode, and then skip anothertwo weeks. It’ll settle down soon!

New DVD highlights out this week…

The titles of note for this week are the following, but read on for further details about the highlights:

• The Edge Of Love (19.99, Lions Gate)
• Fonejacker Series 1 & 2 (29.99, Channel 4 DVD)
• Girls Aloud – Tangled Up Tour 2008 (14.99, Universal)
• Harry And Paul Series 2 (19.99, BBC)
• Iron Man (19.99 DVD, 29.99 Bluray, Paramount)
• Let Loose – The Very Best Of Loose Women (17.99, ITV DVD)
• Life On Mars Series 1 (Blu-ray) (24.99, Contender)
• Life On Mars Series 2 (Blu-ray) (24.99, Contender)
• Mike Reid: Being Frank – The Guvnor’s Last Stand (17.99, Starz)
• Mutual Friends (24.99, BBC)
• The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (17.99, Contender)
• OZ Complete Collection (Series 1-6) (89.99, Paramount)
• Paddington: Complete Suitcase Deluxe Set (24.99, Abbey)
• Paul Merton In China (24.99, 2 Entertain)
• Rick And Steve – The Happiest Gay Couple In All The World (19.99, Channel 4 DVD)
• Sleeping Beauty (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) (19.99 2-disc, 26.99 Bluray, Walt Disney)
• Sunshine (19.99, BBC)
• Tess Of The D’Urbervilles (24.99, BBC)
• A Touch Of Frost Series 14 (19.99, ITV DVD)
• Wombles Complete Deluxe Set (19.99, Abbey)

Iron Man:

You know you’re going to get a different kind of superhero when you cast Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role. And Iron Man is different, in welcome ways. Cleverly updated from Marvel Comics’ longstanding series, Iron Man puts billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (that’s Downey) in the path of some Middle Eastern terrorists; in a brilliantly paced section, Stark invents an indestructible suit that allows him to escape. If the rest of the movie never quite hits that precise rhythm again, it nevertheless offers plenty of pleasure, as the renewed Stark swears off his past as a weapons manufacturer, develops his new Iron Man suit, and puzzles both his business partner (Jeff Bridges in great form) and executive assistant (Gwyneth Paltrow).

Director Jon Favreau geeks out in fun ways with the hardware, but never lets it overpower the movie, and there’s always a goofy one-liner or a slapstick pratfall around to break the tension. As for Downey, he doesn’t get to jitterbug around too much in his improv way, but he brings enough of his unpredictable personality to keep the thing fresh.

And listen up, hardcore Marvel mavens: even if you know the Stan Lee cameo is coming, you won’t be able to guess it until it’s on the screen. It all builds to a splendid final scene, with a concluding line delivery by Downey that just feels absolutely right.

Iron Man is out now on DVD (£14.98) andBluray (£17.98).

Sleeping Beauty (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition):

Disney’s 1959 Sleeping Beauty was the studio’s most ambitious effort to date, a lavish spectacle boasting a gorgeous waltz-filled score adapted from the music of Tchaikovsky.

In the 14th century, the malevolent Maleficent (not dissimilar to the wicked queen in Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) taunts a king that his infant Aurora will fatally prick her finger on a spinning wheel before sundown on her sixteenth birthday. This, of course, would deny her a happily-ever-after with her true love. Fortunately, some bubbly, bumbling fairies named Flora, Fauna and Merryweather are on hand to assist.

It’s not really all that much about the title character–how interesting can someone in the middle of a long nap be, anyway? Instead, those fairies carry the day, as well as, of course, good Prince Phillip, whose battle with the malevolent Maleficent in the guise of a dragon has been co-opted by any number of animated films since. See it in its original glory here, alongside Maleficent’s castle, which, filled with warthogs and demonic imps in a macabre dance celebrating their evil ways, manages a certain creepy grandeur.

Sleeping Beauty (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) is out now on DVD (£12.98) andBluray (£16.98).

Fonejacker Series 1 & 2.

The Fonejacker shows he’s still king of the prank phone call with more audacious attempts to scam and confuse the public in Fonejacker Doovde Series 2. New characters include Dufrais, the nation’s number one complainer; Steve, a prison inmate who’s looking for a good job on the outside, preferably with accommodation; Janec, a Polish builder who can undercut any price and who also composes music for television gameshows; and Mendoza, a master of the Dark Arts.

All the favourite characters including Terry Tibbs, George, Mr Doovde and the Mouse. The Fonejacker’s got your number. Don’t pick up the phone!

Special features include an interview with Kayvan Novak, unseen footage, E4 Christmas Special Episode and commentary.

Included here are the first and second series of the cult Channel 4 show.

Fonejacker Series 1 & 2 is out now on DVD (£17.98).

Sunshine.

In a rare dramatic role, Steve Coogan stars as Bing, a dreamer who believes his compulsion to gambling is going to ultimately a better life for his girlfriend Bernadette (Lisa Millet), young son Joe and himself.

Whatever money Bing lays his hands on is ripe for a flutter and is frequently lost on a whim. Although he endears himself to Bernadette with his optimistic outlook, severe addiction begins to set in and Bing soon finds himself out of work, homeless and desperate…

Sunshine is out now on DVD (£12.98).

October 24th :CHARTS: Peter Kay vs. Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis pagewhich is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Decemberwith albums also until December 2008.

New films at this cinema this weekend…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of films showing atManchcester Showcase Cinema can be found on this page, and won’t differmuch from what’s on in the rest of the country.

The new films out include: Ghost Town, Saw V and High School Musical 3.

October 23rd :JJ Grey & Mofro bring on the boogie on CD…

By chance,DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertsheard some music by this band on a trip to North Wales, and on hearing thefull album later on he thoroughly enjoyed this mix of soul, funk, R&B and blues.Find out why in this review.

JJ Grey & Mofro: Orange Blossomsis online and out now on CD.

October 22nd :Conor Oberst releases his first solo CD for 13 years…

Will 13 be lucky for this artist now that he’s produced a solo album insteadof working as part of a band? According toDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertshe’s the golden boy of Americana right now, but does it rub off on this release?

Conor Oberst: Conor Oberstis online and out now on CD.

October 21st :Ann & Nancy Wilson take to the Sound Stage – Heart: Live on DVD…

Out now on DVD:

Broadcast as part of the Sound Stage music TV series, this 23-track concertfeatures ’80s classics such as Alone and These Dreams plusearlier tracks Magic Man, Crazy On You, a couple of Led Zeppelin coversand songs from their most recent album, Jupiter’s Darling.

Do Heart still have what it takes to cut the mustard today?

Heart: Liveis online and out now on DVD.

October 20th :What went on down at Guard Post 506 on DVD…?

Out now on DVD:

Retitled The Guard Post over here, something bizarre has gone on downat a guard post at the South Korean border which has left all but one of the 21guards dead and with the remaining man standing over the bodies holding an axeand covered in blood…. but did he kill them?

The Guard Postis online and out now on DVD.

Crosby Stills Nash & Young release a new live CD…

Normally, a new live CSN&Y CD would be something to celebrate, but DVDfever.co.uk reviewer, Elly Robertspoints out just why this live version of a classic album from the band’sarchives is severely lacking…

Crosby Stills Nash & Young: Deja Vu Live…is online and out now on CD.

The summer Solstice brings out all the madness on DVD…

Released today:

If you go down in the woods today, and you’re part of a group of teenagerswho plan on getting drunk during the longest day of the year, and you hookup with a local hick as well as chancing upon an old guy who played the Sgt Majorin Full Metal Jacket, you’re probably in for a big surprise!

Solsticeis online and out today on DVD.

New DVD comps online…

Please enter the competitions listed below by clicking on the packshoton the right.

• Takeshi Kitano Collection on DVD
• John Carpenter Collection on DVD
• Last House on the Left 3-Disc Special Edition on DVD
• Ultimate Gangster 10-disc Collection on DVD

CHARTS: Peter Kay vs Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check back shortly for the latest charts on themusic chart analysis page.

Please note, there is no Prison Break review this week as the US networksskipped a week.

New DVD highlights out this week…

The titles of note for this week are the following, but read on for further details about the highlights:

• Alan Carr’s Now That’s What I Call A Ding Dong (19.99, Universal)
• Bond Complete Collection (149.99, MGM)
• Casino Royale (Deluxe Edition) (17.99 DVD, 22.99 Blu-ray, Warner)
• Dirty Sexy Money Season 1 (26.99, Disney)
• Harry And Paul Series 1 (19.99, BBC)
• Horton Hears A Who (19.99 DVD, 28.99 Blu-ray, Fox)
• Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane (15.99, Optimum)
• Last House On The Left – 3 Disc Ultimate Edition (Uncut) (19.99, Metrodome)
• Lost Season 4 (39.99 DVD, 60.98 Blu-ray, Buena Vista)
• My Name Is Earl Season 3 (34.99, Fox)
• The Passion (2008) (19.99, Acorn)
• Pink Floyd – Saucer Full Of Secrets – World’s Greatest Albums 40th Anniversary (14.99, Classic Rock Legends)
• Postal (15.99, Metrodome)
• Reservoir Dogs (19.99 DVD, 24.99 Blu-ray, Lions Gate)
• Taggart – 25th Anniversary Edition (24.99, Acorn)
• The Unit Season 3 (39.99, Fox)
• Wanted (19.99 DVD, Universal)
• WWE The Life And Times Of Mr Perfect (24.99, Silver Vision)
• WWE Night Of Champions 2008 (17.99, Silver Vision)

Lost Season 4:

Anybody whose faith in Lost was beginning to waiver will surely appreciate the fourth season of the show. For this is Lost firing on all cylinders, showing a willingness to answer a few more questions than usual, while not being afraid to deepen elements of the mystery of Ocean 815.

The big new idea for Lost season four, as introduced in the cliffhanger at the end of the previous run, is flash-forwards, where we see some of the characters after they?ve left the island. This freshens the show immensely, and gives the writers some much-needed new meat to chew on. As a result, characters are more convincingly fleshed out, and more fun is had with the narrative in general.

There are still a few of the ailments that have hindered Lost in the past. Whenever Matthew Fox?s Jack takes centre-stage, for instance, it still tends to be an episode to forget, while one or two sub-plots are allowed to meander a little more than they should. Yet it?s a transitionary season, moving the show towards its final two years by beginning to fill in some of the blanks we?ve been lacking. And with a cliffhanger at the end that, once more, has the potential to firmly pull the rug from under your feet, it?s very clear that Lost has plenty more tricks up its sleeve to come. A terrific season of an increasingly bold show.

The complete 4th series of Lost with a whole host of extras, including bloopers, behind the scenes footage and never-before seen deleted scenes:

Audio Commentaries, Lost on Location, The Island Backlot: Lost in Hawaii, The Right to Bear Arms, Soundtrack of Survival,Lost Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, Course of the Future: The Definitive Flash Forward, The Oceanic Six: A Conspiracy of Lies,The Freighter Folk, Offshore Shoot, Easter Eggs

Lost Season 4 is out now on DVD (£30.00) andBluray (£39.98).

Wanted:

As the impresario behind gravity-defying Russian blockbuster Night Watch, it’s inevitable that Hollywood would come calling for Timur Bekmambetov. With a studio budget and an international cast, including two Oscar winners, Timur cooks up a Hong Kong-styled actioner bursting with fast cars and big guns. Our unlikely hero is mild-mannered Chicago accountant Wesley Gibson (Atonement’s James McAvoy), whose father died when he was a tot. Wesley never learned to stand up for himself, and his girlfriend, boss, and best buddy all take advantage until the seductive Fox (Angelina Jolie) rescues him from a sharpshooter named Cross (The Pianist’s Thomas Kretschmann).

After which, she whisks him away to a mansion on the edge of town to meet the other members of the Fraternity, where leader Sloan (Morgan Freeman) informs Wesley that Cross, a rogue agent, executed his father. Sloan believes Wesley has the goods to take him out, so he undergoes the Fraternity’s brutal training regimen (Marc Warren and Common dish up some of the abuse).

When he’s ready, Sloan sends him out to fulfill his duty, but matters become complicated when Wesley finds out someone isn’t telling the truth, leading our former milquetoast to exact an elaborate revenge. For those who’ve been following McAvoy’s career to date, Wanted will surely come as a surprise. In adapting Mark Millar’s comic series, Timur offers buckets of blood and a smidgen of depth, but fans of The Matrix and Mr. and Mrs. Smith will want to give this one a look.

Wanted is out now on DVD (£9.98) andBluray (£36.98).

Bond Complete Collection.

Features all the official James Bond films from DR. NO to CASINO ROYALE.

Includes DR. NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, GOLDFINGER, THUNDERBALL, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, LIVE AND LET DIE, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, MOONRAKER, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, OCTOPUSSY, A VIEW TO A KILL, THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, LICENCE TO KILL, GOLDENEYE, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, DIE ANOTHER DAY, and CASINO ROYALE (2006).

Bond Complete Collection is out now on DVD (£94.98).

Pink Floyd – Saucer Full Of Secrets – World’s Greatest Albums 40th Anniversary.

A Saucerful of Secrets was the transitional album between the psychedelic beginnings of the band with original front man Syd Barrett to the more focused progressive rock that defined the band s later work and the arrival of David Gilmour. This comprehensive film documents the turmoil of recording during the breakdown of Barrett and the shaping of the cohesive unit that was to be the shape of Pink Floyd for the next ten studio albums.

The DVD draws on archive performance footage and interviews with the band alongside the candid insights of Floyd insiders and members of the original production team. The DVD features highlights from: A Saucerful Of Secrets, Interstellar Overdrive, The Scarecrow, Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun, Astronomy Domine, Careful With That Axe Eugene.

Featuring candid interviews with the likes of Duggie Field, Pete D’Arby, Norman ‘Hurricane’ Smith and Nick Tauber and highlights from ‘The Scarecrow’, ‘Interstellar Overdrive’ and ‘Set Controls For The Heart Of The Sun’, A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS is the ultimate treasure trove for any self-respecting Floyd fan.

Pink Floyd – Saucer Full Of Secrets – World’s Greatest Albums 40th Anniversary is out now on DVD (£11.24).

October 17th :CHARTS: Kaiser Chiefs vs. Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis pagewhich is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Decemberwith albums also until December 2008.

New films at this cinema this weekend…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of films showing atManchcester Showcase Cinema can be found on this page, and won’t differmuch from what’s on in the rest of the country.

The new films out include: Igor, Free Jimmy, Burn After Reading, The Rocker and Eagle Eye.

October 15th :Sensational Seasick Steve releases a new CD…

He’s been riding high since he first featured over here in the UK on JoolsHolland’s 2006 Hootenanny andDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertsis much appreciative of his blues style, as can be seen in this review.

Seasick Steve: I Started Out with Nothin’ and I’ve Still Got Most of It Leftis online and out now on CD.

October 14th :Felicity ain’t mama’s little girl no more! on DVD…

Released on November 3rd:

One of a couple of bizarre, and unintentionally amusing, soft-core flicks fromthe latest 1970s that we’re taking a look at, Felicity tells the tale of awell-to-do English girl who lives in a convent and learns that she has lesbianleanings from a young age…

Felicityis online and out on November 3rd on DVD.

New DVD highlights out this week…

In a slight change from the norm, we look at a few titles in more detail.

The titles of note for this week are the following, but read on for further details about the highlights:

• Adulthood (19.99 DVD, 28.99 Bluray, Fox)
• The Entrance (15.99, DNC Entertainment)
• Friday The 13th Parts 1-8 (29.99, Paramount)
• Heart – Live (14.99, Essential)
• The Incredible Hulk (2008) (19.99 DVD, 24.99 Bluray, Universal)
• The Passage (15.99, DNC Entertainment)
• Priceless (19.99, Icon)
• Prom Night (15.99, Sony)
• Rio Speedwagon – Live in the Heartland (14.99, Essential)
• Smallville Season 7 (49.99 DVD, 59.99 Bluray, Warner)
• Superhero Movie (17.99, Momentum)
• The Tudors: Complete Series 1 & 2 (49.99 DVD, 59.99 Bluray, Sony)

The Tudors: Complete Series 1 & 2:

Pulling few punches and garnering its fair share of headlines as a result, The Tudors is a controversial, yet compelling period piece, that dramatically tells the story of the early years of King Henry VIII. Not for nothing, though, has it attracted its fair share of awards attention. For The Tudors is a complex drama, and not one to simplify its storylines. The young Henry, for instance, is exploring his muddled romances and his insecurities, against the challenges his kingdom is facing. It’s a plate-full for him to deal with, and in the hands of a superb performance from Jonathan Rhys Meyers–a real revelation in the role–as the young Henry, it’s all vividly and skillfully knitted together.

But The Tudors isn’t just about its central character, for there’s a terrific supporting cast at work too. Sam Neill’s Cardinal Wolsey, Jeremy Northam’s Thomas More and Natalie Dormer’s Ann Boleyn are just some who earn plaudits here. Behind the camera there’s the pen of Elizabeth writer Michael Hirst at work, and he too deserves much credit, clearly getting his teeth into the fascinating subject matter.

The Tudors is, undoubtedly, a graphic production, and earns its 15 certificate comfortably. It’s also been knocked for the liberties it takes with its history when putting its story across, with some justification. But it’s also most certainly terrific television, mixing in high production values with strong performances. In short, the ten episodes here will simply have you thirsting for the next series. Not before you’ve re-watched Season One a few times, though…

The Tudors: Season 2 begins with all the passion, violence and dark intrigue of the award-winning first series. King Henry (the dashing Jonathan Rhys Meyers) has appointed himself head of the Church of England. Meanwhile, upon the insistence of Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), Henry breaks all contacts with Katherine and the noble Queen is banished from her court. Furthermore, a cook is blackmailed into poisoning a high-ranking bishop–then boiled alive for his crime. The Reformation has begun.

The Tudors: Complete Series 1 & 2 is out now on DVD (£28.98) andBlu-ray (£36.98).

The Incredible Hulk (2008).

A more accessible and less heavy-handed movie than Ang Lee’s 2003 Hulk, Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk is a purely popcorn love affair with Marvel’s raging, green superhero, as well as the old television series starring Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the beast within him. Edward Norton takes up where Eric Bana left off in Lee’s version, playing Bruce (that’s the character’s original name) Banner, a haunted scientist always on the move.

Trying to eliminate the effects of a military experiment that turns him into the Hulk whenever his emotions get the better of him, Banner is hiding out in Brazil at the film’s beginning. Working in a bottling plant and communicating via email with an unidentified professor who thinks he can help, Banner goes postal when General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and a small army turn up to grab him.

Intent on developing whatever causes Banner’s metamorphoses into a weapon, Ross brings along a quietly deranged soldier named Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), who wants Ross to turn him into a supersoldier who can take on the Hulk. The adventure spreads to the U.S., where Banner hooks up with his old lover (and Ross’ daughter), Betty (Liv Tyler), and where the Hulk takes on several armed assaults, including one in a pretty unusual location: a college campus.

The Incredible Hulk (2008) is out now on DVD (£28.98) andBlu-ray (£28.98).

Priceless:

Directed by Pierre Salvadori, this delightful French comedy features AMELIE star Audrey Tautou and the charming Gad Elmaleh (THE VALET). Jean (Elmaleh) is a hardworking employee at one of southern France’s elite resort hotels. He is known for his excellent work ethic, but that changes after a chance encounter with sexy hotel guest Irene (Tautou). Bored with her wealthy and much older boyfriend/benefactor, Irene is looking for some excitement.

She finds it with Jean, whom she believes to be another guest at the hotel. When she discovers that he is merely an employee there, she is furious, and wants nothing more to do with him. Jean tries to rekindle their affair, but Irene lets him know that she is only interested in men with money–lots and lots of money.

Jean is broke and broken-hearted, until he crosses paths with another hotel guest–this one an older woman of considerable means. He soon finds himself living the high life alongside Irene and her own rich patron. But Jean is far more interested in romance than in riches, and the glitzy fun and games quickly come to a head.

The film makes the most of its dazzling location, luxuriating in the wealth and beauty of the French Riviera. The story obviously owes a firm tip of the hat to BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’s, and indeed Tautou’s effortless grace and style do bring to mind Ms. Hepburn. In the hands of less skilled actors, the plot could have felt a bit flimsy, but Tautou and Elmaleh are so engaging, one can’t help but root for them and their romantic hi-jinks.

Priceless is out now on DVD (£11.98).

Ultimate Gangster Collection.

Contains the gangster films AMERICAN GANGSTER, SCARFACE (1983), CASINO (Special Edition), CARLITO’S WAY, and MEAN STREETS.

In AMERICAN GANGSTER, Frank Lucas is a driver for Bumpy Johnson, one of the top figures in Harlem’s criminal world. When Bumpy dies, Lucas swoops in, taking over his predecessor’s empire and expanding it over the next few years with his sale of a particularly potent brand of heroin. Meanwhile, New Jersey cop Richie Roberts begins to investigate the New York drug world and discovers that there’s a new power in town.

In SCARFACE, Tony Montana’s intelligence, guts, and ambition help him skyrocket from dishwasher to the top of a criminal empire but whose eventual paranoia and incestuous desire for his kid sister prove his undoing.

Set in the 1970s and revelling in the minute details of how Las Vegas casinos operate, CASINO chronicles the rise and fall of casino manager Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro). As the king of his domain, Ace efficiently runs the business and regularly sends lots of cold cash to his bosses. Helping him keep the casino’s employees and customers honest is his best friend, Nicky (Joe Pesci), a violent sociopath. Although Ace aims to run a relatively respectable casino, the volatile Nicky wants to take over the entire gambling mecca, and when Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a seasoned Vegas hustler, enters the picture, Ace and Nicky’s friendship is complicated even further. As drugs and alcohol become a bigger part of Ginger’s life, all three are eventually brought down by their own greed and blind ambition.

In CARLITO’S WAY, notorious Puerto Rican heroin dealer Carlito Brigante is released from jail on a technicality thanks to the manipulations of his sleazy lawyer buddy. All he wants is to keep his nose clean and earn enough money to start a business in the Bahamas–and maybe rekindle romance with his old flame. Instead he finds himself back in trouble as a result of old-world codes of honour and misguided loyalties.

MEAN STREETS tells the story of Charlie (Harvey Keitel), a charming 27-year-old who is supported by his devoutly Catholic mother. He spends his days wandering the streets of New York City and nights hanging out drinking with his good friend Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro), a loose cannon who can’t seem to crawl out of debt. Charlie’s extreme affability makes him the middle man between his mob-tied uncle Giovanni (Cesare Danova) and various clients, as well as between Johnny Boy and Michael (Richard Romanus), a bookie who has become fed up with Johnny Boy’s constant dodging. As the city’s San Gennaro Festival takes over the streets of Little Italy, Michael seeks revenge on Johnny Boy once and for all.

Ultimate Gangster Collection is out now on DVD (£26.24).

October 13th :The summer Solstice brings out all the madness on DVD…

Released next Monday:

If you go down in the woods today, and you’re part of a group of teenagerswho plan on getting drunk during the longest day of the year, and you hookup with a local hick as well as chancing upon an old guy who played the Sgt Majorin Full Metal Jacket, you’re probably in for a big surprise!

Solsticeis online and out next Monday on DVD.

The London Film Festival 2008: A preview…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer, Helen Jeromereturns with a preview of this year’s London Film Festival which lasts alittle over two weeks and starts this Wednesday. So many films vie for yourattention but which will be the greats and which are the flops?

The London Film Festival 2008 Preview…is online and out now on CD.

Prison Break’s crew split for the fifth card as Season 4 continues…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer, Dan Owen returns with reviewsof the eagerly awaited fourth season of Prison Break, and this time gettingthe data from the fifth Syclla card is just half the story, as T-Bag’s backand he’s teamed up with Gretchen…

A review ofPrison Break Season 4: Episode 7is online and the series continues on Sky 1 tomorrow night at 10pm.

What’s the dark secret in The Passage on DVD…?

Released today:

Stephen Dorff is an actor who’s certainly proved his worth in the past butdoesn’t seem to hit the Hollywood A-list very often any more, but this low-budgetthriller really does deliver the goods and is mostly a three-hander, alsostarring Neil Jackson and Sarai Givaty, as curiosity gets the better of themdown in Morocco.

The Passageis online now and out today on DVD.

What lies in the abyss of The Entrance on DVD…?

Released today:

A man’s hallucinating in an underground car park about a demon attacking him,and that’s just the start of all the weird stuff that’s about to fly aroundas Sarah-Jane Redmond tries to work out just what the hell’s going on andwhat is The Entrance? This intriguing thriller is the first part in a trilogy.

The Entranceis online and out today on DVD.

New DVD comps online…

Please enter the competitions listed below by clicking on the packshoton the right.

• Takeshi Kitano Collection on DVD
• John Carpenter Collection on DVD
• Last House on the Left 3-Disc Special Edition on DVD
• Ultimate Gangster 10-disc Collection on DVD

CHARTS: Kaiser Chiefs vs Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check back shortly for the latest charts on themusic chart analysis page.

Also, the new DVD releases for this week will be online tomorrow.

October 10th :Press releases for new games and DVDs…

New press releases are online now for the following:

• The Ultimate Gangster Class A Collection on DVD
• WWE Great American Bash on DVD

The latest press releasesare online now.

New game highlights out this week…

The titles of note for this week are the following, but read on for further details about the highlights:

• Lego Batman: The Videogame (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PS2, Wii, DS, PC, Warner Brothers)
• NBA 2K9 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PS2, 2K Sports)
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Mac, Aspyr)
• Fracture (Xbox 360, PS3, Activision)
• Disaster: Day Of Crisis (Wii, Nintendo)
• NBA Live 09 (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PS2, Wii, Electronic Arts)
• Sword of the Stars: A Murder of Crows (PC, Lighthouse Interactive)
• Pure (PC, Disney Interactive)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 (PC, Koei)
• Crusaders (PC, Centresoft)
• A.I.M. Racing (PC, 505 Games)
• Red Bull BC One (Nintendo DS, Centresoft)
• 4×4 Hummer (PC, 505 Games)
• Streets Of Moscow (PC, 505 Games)

Lego Batman:

LEGO Batman: The Videogame is the latest game from the award-winning team behind the LEGO Star Wars series of games. With trademark LEGO fun and charm, the game takes you into the world of the ultimate crime-fighting hero.

LEGO Batman: The Videogame brings the one-and-only Caped Crusader to life in a completely original storyline. Players will take control of the Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin, to fight Gotham City’s most notorious criminals including The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, Scarecrow, Killer Croc and many more. The criminals have broken out of Arkham Asylum and are set to wreak havoc on the city.

Players will also be able to explore their wicked side and fight their way through the game as the villains, experiencing the game from a completely different point of view with all-new criminal objectives!

With a collection of high-tech suits, gadgets and cutting-edge vehicles on hand, players will be able to step into the unique LEGO Batman universe to bring super villains to justice — or, as the villains, to run amok in Gotham City!

Features include:

• Fight for justice as Batman and Robin or create chaos as The Joker, Catwoman and other villains, as you save or destroy Gotham City
• Rocket through sewers and bound across rooftops as you take the fight to the criminals across classic locations in Gotham City
• Fight on land, sea and in the air using a number of powerful Batman, Robin and villain-controlled vehicles, including the rocket-powered Batmobile, sleek Batboat and stealthy Batwing
• Enhance the abilities of the Dynamic Duo with all new power suits, including the Magnetic Suit
• Enjoy numerous game modes and levels
• Play through the game in Story Mode from both the hero and villain sides
• Replay any level in Freeplay Mode with any characters you’ve unlocked. Access previously hidden areas to find additional rewards and bonus content
• Collect LEGO studs and special LEGO bricks throughout the game to unlock tons of extra content including special power-ups and bonus levels
• LEGO Batman on the Xbox 360 features Gamer Achievements and 720p/1080p display support
• The PLAYSTATION 3 system version offers 720p/1080p display support
• The Nintendo DS version will offer touch screen interaction, and two-player co-op using the DS local wireless network capability
• LEGO Batman: The Videogame also features Danny Elfman’s iconic The Batman (1989) musical score
• USPs
• An entirely new Batman storyline that draws on all aspects of the Batman franchise without being constrained to a set of films
• The 1st time that you actively play from the perspective of key villains in an entirely separate storylin
• The 1st title to fully benefit from the brand new Xbox/LEGO gaming zone at LEGOLAND Windsor
• Massive cross-promotions with LEGO across major toy lines and LEGO communit
• Mainstream marketing campaign that will include TV, Online, sampling and peer-to-peer activitie
• Pre-launch campaign to take advantage of ‘The Dark Knight’ and Warner’s ‘Year of The Bat’
• Heavyweight cross-divisional activities with all WB key DVD releases

Lego Batman: The Videogame can be accessed via one of the following Amazon links:

New films at this cinema this weekend…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of films showing atManchcester Showcase Cinema can be found on this page, and won’t differmuch from what’s on in the rest of the country.

The new films out include: City of Ember, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Mutant Chronicles, Nights in Rodanthe, Mirrors, Brideshead Revisited and The House Bunny.

October 9th :Like Damien Rice? Try The Sleeping Years on CD…

Similar in style, but lacking the killer tracks to put him there at the topwith his Irish compatriot. That is the assessment ofDVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertson this new album from Dale Grundle, aka The Sleeping Years.

The Sleeping Years: We’re Becoming Islands One By Oneis online and out now on CD.

October 8th :CHARTS: Kings of Leon vs. Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis pagewhich is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Decemberwith albums also until December 2008.

New DVD highlights out this week…

In a slight change from the norm, we look at a few titles in more detail.

The titles of note for this week are the following, but read on for further details about the highlights:

• Battlestar Galactica: Season 4 (34.99, Universal)
• Spooks Series 6 (39.99, BBC)
• Simpsons: Season 11 (39.99, Fox)
• Star Wars: Original Trilogy (29.99, Fox)
• Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy (29.99, Fox)
• Summer Heights High (24.99, BBC)
• The Waiting Room (17.99, Lions Gate)
• Prison Break Season 3 (Blu-ray) (49.99, Fox)
• Moonlighting Seasons 1 & 2 (29.99, Sony)
• Spice Girls: Live at Wembley Stadium (13.99, EMI)
• Takeshi Kitano Collection (49.99, Second Sight)
• Reeker 2: No Man’s Land (15.99, Metrodome)
• Her Name Is Sabine (15.99, ICA Films)
• The Go Master (15.99, ICA Films)
• The Vanguard (15.99, Lions Gate)
• WWE – One Night Stand 2008 (17.99, Silver Vision)
• John Carpenter Collection (54.99, Optimum)
• Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show (19.99, 2 Entertain)
• Up ‘N’ Under (14.99, EIV)

Simpsons Season 11:

Devoted SIMPSONS fans need wait no further for Series 11 of the animated series, presented here in its entirety. In its landmark eleventh series, the show showed no signs of slowing down. The Simpsons–ineffectual (but lovable) patriarch Homer, voice-of-reason mother Marge, rebellious son Bart, brilliant daughter Lisa, and quiet baby Maggie–live in the town of Springfield, surrounded by both the regular cast of characters and the stellar guest stars fans have come to expect.

Among the celebrity voices donated to this season are Mel Gibson, Lucy Lawless, Gary Coleman, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Britney Spears, Kid Rock, and Willie Nelson. Meanwhile, Homer bowls a perfect game, gets challenged to a pistol duel, starts a motorcycle gang, and becomes a food critic while Bart is put on behaviour-correcting medication and gets a look into his future, Lisa takes tap dancing lessons, Marge thinks the new house guest wants to kill her, and Moe lands a soap opera gig after getting plastic surgery. In this series’ ‘Treehouse of Horror’ episode, Homer accidentally kills Ned Flanders, Bart and Lisa gain superpowers and save Lucy Lawless, and Homer inadvertently causes a Y2K apocalypse.

Simpsons Season 11 (Krusty Head) is out now on DVD (£28.98).

Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy.

Contains EPISODE 1, EPISODE 2, and EPISODE 3 of George Lucas’s STAR WARS series. The films are otherwise known as THE PHANTOM MENACE, ATTACK OF THE CLONES, and REVENGE OF THE SITH and serve as a prequel to STAR WARS – A NEW HOPE (EPISODE 4), THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (EPISODE 5), and RETURN OF THE JEDI (EPISODE 6).

The first of three prequels to George Lucas’s celebrated STAR WARS films, EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE is set some 30 years before the original STAR WARS EPISODE 4 – A NEW HOPE in the era of the Republic. Naboo, a peaceful planet governed by the young but wise Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), is being threatened by the corrupt Trade Federation, puppets of an evil Sith lord and his terrifying apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park). Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor, performing an amazing vocal imitation of Alec Guinness, the older Obi-Wan) are called on to intervene in the trade disputes. Along the way, they acquire an apprentice of their own in the form of young prodigy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), or as STAR WARS fans know him, the future Darth Vader. They also encounter Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), a goofy, lizardlike creature who has been banished from his underwater world for clumsiness. When the Trade Federation launches an attack on Naboo, the queen and her allies must battle hordes of robot troopers while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan face off against the sinister Darth Maul.

In the second installment of the STAR WARS series, EPISODE 2 – ATTACK OF THE CLONES, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is now a teenage Jedi apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Together they must protect Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) from a militant group of political activists who are trying to assassinate her. This group is led by the evil Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). But aside from other troubles, Anakin faces some hard choices as he begins to fall in love with Padme, a love that is forbidden by the Jedi knights’ creed. In addition, Anakin begins to show his rebellious attraction to the dark side–which will eventually conquer him, when he becomes the future Darth Vader.

In EPISODE 3 – REVENGE OF THE SITH, Anakin Skywalker remains the Jedi apprentice of master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Battling dark forces that threaten the Republic, the duo quickly eliminates enemy Count Dooku, and Anakin proves as he states more than once that his powers have doubled. An intimidating warrior with superior knowledge of the Force, Anakin becomes the pet of Chancellor Palpatine, who is connected to the dark side. Meanwhile, Padme–the senator and former queen who is secretly married to Anakin–is pregnant, and Anakin is tortured by dreams of her dying in childbirth. With Obi-Wan on Utapau battling cyborg General Grievous, and Yoda joining the Wookiees of Kashyyyk, the sage warnings of the Jedi council go unheard by Anakin. His moodiness and glowering are a clear precursor to his inevitable, terrifying metamorphosis into Darth Vader, the dark leader of the evil Empire who haunts the remainder of the series.

Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy is out now on DVD (£17.98).

The Waiting Room:

Two complete strangers, Anna and Stephen, are brought together by chance by an elderly man who waits for his wife ona station platform. Their fateful meeting acts as a catalyst for them to examine and challenge what’s going on in theirdifferent relationships, and make hard but positive decisions for themselves.If they can change their lives maybe they can meet again.

This film stars Ralf Little, Anne-Marie Duff, Daisy Donovan, Frank Finlay and Rupert Graves

The Waiting Room is out now on DVD (£10.98).

Takeshi Kitano Collection.

A collection of the classic films: Violent Cop, Boilingpoint, A Scene At The Sea, Sonatine, Getting Any? and Kids Return.

Takeshi Kitano Collection is out now on DVD (£35.98).

October 6th :What lies in the abyss of The Entrance on DVD…?

Released next Monday:

A man’s hallucinating in an underground car park about a demon attacking him,and that’s just the start of all the weird stuff that’s about to fly aroundas Sarah-Jane Redmond tries to work out just what the hell’s going on andwhat is The Entrance? This intriguing thriller is the first part in a trilogy.

The Entranceis online and out next Monday on DVD.

Cliff Richard hits a 50-year milestone on CD…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer, Elly Robertsbrings you a review of a 187-track compilation of Cliff Richard’s career to datecovering 8 CDs. It’s a must-hear!

Cliff Richard: And They Said It Wouldn’t Last…is online and out now on CD.

Prison Break’s fourth card goes to the races as Season 4 continues…

DVDfever.co.uk reviewer, Dan Owen returns with reviewsof the eagerly awaited fourth season of Prison Break, and this time gettingthe data from the fourth Syclla card is surprisingly easy, yet there are severalother problems to overcome…

A review ofPrison Break Season 4: Episode 6is online and the series continues on Sky 1 tomorrow night at 10pm.

New DVD comps online…

Please enter the competitions listed below by clicking on the packshoton the right.

• Takeshi Kitano Collection on DVD
• John Carpenter Collection on DVD
• Last House on the Left 3-Disc Special Edition on DVD
• Ultimate Gangster 10-disc Collection on DVD

Note that the competition for the ER Season 12 DVDs is now closed,the winners will be notified shortly and the answer was that Dr Susan Lewisleft at the start of season 12.

CHARTS: Kings Of Leon vs Pink – who got the No.1…?

Check back shortly for the latest charts on themusic chart analysis page.

Also, the new DVD releases for this week will be online tomorrow.

October 3rd :New game highlights out this week…

The titles of note for this week are the following, but read on for further details about the highlights:

• FIFA 09 (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PS2, Wii, DS, PC, Electronic Arts)
• Brave: A Warriors Tale (Wii, Xbox 360, Southpeak)
• The Guild 2: Venice (PC, JoWood Productions)
• Light Sword (Wii, Blaze)
• Order Up (Wii, Nintendo)
• Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened – Remastered Version (PC, Ascaron)
• TNA Impact (Wii, Midway)
• Twin Strike: Operation Thunder (Wii, Zoo Digital)
• Virtual Skipper 5 (PC, Ascaron)
• War Rock (PC, U&I Entertainment)
• Zoo Tycoon 2: Ultimate Collection (PC, Microsoft)
• Zubo (Nintendo DS, Electronic Arts)

FIFA 09:

Step onto the pitch and play professional football your way in FIFA 09. Experience the most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customise the game to suit your style and ability.

Powered by the third generation of the EA Sports football engine, FIFA 09 features more than 250 core gameplay additions and enhancements that deliver the most responsive, intelligent and realistic action ever for the series. Enjoy turning defenders with more controlled dribbling and ball control, snapping off precision shots with improved first-time shooting mechanics and firing beautifully timed passes with greater accuracy, placing the ball exactly where you want it.

With new player momentum physics the speed and weight of the player determines everything from the distance of a slide tackle and the power of a header to the severity of player collisions and the height of a player’s jump. Plus, players now behave according to their physical attributes with larger, stronger players dominating collisions, battles for control of the ball, and position in challenges for two player headers.

Features include:

• Polished, Refined Game play: Featuring 250 additions and enhancements to core game play, including new animation technology that creates more responsive first-time shooting and passing, faster and more controlled dribbling, and improved trapping, and new player momentum physics that delivers realistic player collisions, authentic jostling for the ball, and more variation in tackling.
• Custom Team Tactics: Become a first-team coach with the power to tune and balance 11 tactical sliders for 140 attacking and 40 defending options (more than 50,000 combinations) so CPU players and your team perform just like the real-world team or how you think the real team should play. Save your tactics to make strategic decisions to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses during the game. Plus, share your strategies with friends online.
• Be A Pro – Seasons: Pick or create a professional player and test your football ability over a four season campaign. Master a single position and develop your skills – passing, shooting, positioning, marking – to ultimately become a national legend.
• Improved Goalkeeper Intelligence: Goalkeepers position themselves more intelligently, react to shots more realistically and recover from saves faster.
• Customised Controllers: Create your own bespoke controller configuration, save it and even take it online effortlessly. Assign actions to the buttons exactly how you like them for complete control.

FIFA 09 can be accessed via one of the following Amazon links:

New films at this cinema this weekend…

Stuck for something to do this weekend? The list of films showing atManchcester Showcase Cinema can be found on this page, and won’t differmuch from what’s on in the rest of the country.

The new films out include: 88 Minutes and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.

October 2nd :Southside Johnny performs the songs of Tom Waits on CD…

A combination between Southside Johnny and La Bamba’s Big Band, this 12-trackrelease contains covers that, in some cases, even feature guest vocals fromthe legendary Waits himself.DVDfever.co.uk reviewer Elly Robertstells us why this is an essential purchase.

Southside Johnny & La Bamba’s Big Band: Grapefruit Moon – The Songs of Tom Waitsis online and out now on CD.

October 1st :CHARTS: Kings of Leon vs. Alicia Keys – who got the No.1…?

Check out themusic chart analysis pagewhich is online now.

The release dates for singles go up until early Decemberwith albums also until December 2008.

News Archive: April 1999 to last month

Latest Announcements
Announcements Archive: January 2004 to last month

Back to top of page