MGM March DVD/VHS releases

MGM March DVD/VHS releasesPosted: March 8th, 2003.

The Academy Awards is celebrating it’s 75th Birthday this year! Thisillustrious annual event has come to signify all that is glamorous andexciting about the Motion Picture Industry. Film stars are desperate to winan Oscar statuette and film studios covet the acclaim that winning an award brings.

Over its 77 year history Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios has enjoyed huge successat the Academy Awards with a tremendous total of 36 Oscar winning films,including an amazing 11 Best Picture Oscars – that’s 15% of those awarded!

To celebrate this outstanding movie heritage MGM Home Entertainment isreleasing another modern classic. The Oscar winning satire NETWORK (Best Actor,Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay) will beavailable to own on DVD from 17 March (£12.99 RRP).

The star-studded NETWORK is a wickedly funny drama set in an American TVstation. This sharp and satirical black comedy stars FAYE DUNAWAY, ROBERTDUVALL and WILLIAM HOLDEN in a stunning insight into the mad media world of70s America. When long-term TV new anchor suffers an explosive breakdown onlive TV the ratings go through the roof – spying an opportunity forexploitation the TV bosses decide to keep the anchor man as a ‘mad prophet ofthe airwaves’. But when the outspoken broadcaster begins to get out of controlthe race is on to release his grip on the country – live on TV.

NETWORK joins the thirty five Oscar winning films that already available onDVD. This wonderful legacy ranges from modern dramas such as ANNIE HALL(Four awards including Best Picture) and THE USUAL SUSPECTS (Best SupportingActor and Best Original Screenplay) to classics such as IN THE HEAT OF THENIGHT (five awards including Best Picture) and THE APARTMENT (five awardsincluding Best Picture). Plus, of course, some definitive moments in moviehistory: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (one of only three films to win the Big Five:Picture, Actor, Actress, Screenplay and Director), PLATOON (Picture, Editing,Director and Sound), RAIN MAN (Picture, Actor, Director, Screenplay), ROCKY(Picture, Editing, Director) and the amazing WEST SIDE STORY that won anunprecedented TEN awards in 1962.

For more information on MGM’s Oscar winning movies check out:MGM UK.com

STARGATE SG-1 SEASON 6
DVD/VHS RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

Season 6 of the multi award-winning and critically acclaimed movie spin-off,STARGATE SG-1, arrives on DVD on 31 March 2003.

At a time when the most successful shows barely last beyond a handful ofseasons, STARGATE SG-1 is the great exception and the ever-growing franchiseis rivalling the likes of other classic sci-fi series with massive viewingfigures on both Channel 4 and Sky TV (Season 7 has also just started production,a new feature film is being written and an animation series, Stargate Infinity,is being shown worldwide).

Boasting big budget special effects and thrilling adventures, STARGATE SG-1SEASON 6 continues with new exciting DVD extras and intriguing plots. Released on 31 March is VOLUME 26 of the Stargate DVD (RRP £19.99) whichfeatures four great episodes: Redemption (Part 1); Redemption (Part 2); Descent and Frozen.

The DVD release also has a host of added extras including the all-new DirectorSeries features which give a fascinating insight into the working day of thedirector behind each episode including the script development, prop and setcreation. On VOLUME 26, there’s a look at forthcoming episodes, Nightwalkersand Abyss, plus audio commentaries, a stills gallery for Season 6, promotrailers, and a fan spot.

There’s also a new recruit – Jonas Quinn (Corin Nemec) – who joins theexisting team (Richard Dean Anderson as Colonel Jack O’Neill, Amanda Tappingas Major Samantha Carter, Christopher Judge as Teal’c) and begins to learnsthe ways of the SGC Stargate Command. In Revelations (Parts 1 and 2), however,the team battles a threat from evil alien Anubis which may mean that Earthwill have to destroy its Stargate!

In Frozen while investigating the area of Antarctica where the second Stargatewas originally found, scientists uncover something that will have hugeramifications for Earth’s history and drastic changes for one of the SG-1 team

From 31 March fans can also buy these eagerly awaited adventures on retailvideo STARGATE SG-1 VOLUMES 6.1 and 6.2 for £12.99 (RRP) each.

Log on to the new portal –MGM UK.com/stargate-sg1– for more exclusive Stargate SG-1 news.

STARGATE SG-1 SEASON 4 DVD BOX SET
DVD RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

The fantastic fourth season of STARGATE SG-1 TV series will be released to buyin a collectable DVD box set for the first time on 31 March 2003 (£59.99 RRP).

And it’s set to be a hit of galactic proportions as Season 4 is one of the fans’favourite thanks to a nail-biting cliff-hanger finale and a guest appearance byStar Trek Next Generation’s Marina Sirtis aka Counsellor Troi. There’s also ahost of great special features, such as character profiles and behind thescenes featurettes, on each disc.

The complete chronological release of all 22 episodes of STARGATE SG-1 SEASON 4DVD BOX SET in wide screen anamorphic format will be available as a six DVDdisc collectible box set. And thanks to the stunning picture and sound qualityof DVD, everyone will be able to enjoy the show’s amazing special effects andaction-packed storylines and great Special Features such as audio commentariesfrom key members of the cast and crew, including the directors and visualeffects specialists, plus documentaries which reveal the secrets of the show’sbrilliant special effects and alien foes.

STARGATE SG-1 is the chart-topping sci-fi, action TV series which already hasa huge following on Sky and Channel 4. Starring Richard Dean Anderson, whoportrayed the popular Macgyver, STARGATE SG-1 is the spin off from theblockbuster movie and revolves around a present day US Air Force team whosecretly travel through the ancient gate to new worlds.

STARGATE SG-1 SEASON 4 DVD BOXSET will be available to buy for the incredibleprice of £59.99 (RRP) on 24 February 2003. Also available to buy now on DVDand VHS are episodes from stunning SG-1 SEASONS 1, 2 ,3 and 5.

STARGATE SG-1 SEASON 4 DVD BOX SET EPISODE LISTING:

• Disc 1: The Other Side; Upgrades; Crossroads; Small Victories.
• Disc 2: Divide And Conquer; Window Of Opportunity; The First Ones; Watergate.
• Disc 3: The First Ones; Scorched Earth; Beneath The Surface; Point of No Return.
• Disc 4: Serpent’s Venom; The Curse; Chain Reaction; 2010.
• Disc 5: Absolute Power; The Light; Prodigy; Entity.
• Disc 6: Double Jeopardy; Exodus.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT
DVD RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

Cinematic star RICHARD BURTON plays in this stunning portrait of one of historys most fascinating figures. ALEXANDER THE GREAT provides colossal entertainmentand is now available to buy on DVD from 31 March for £15.99 (RRP).

He was a fierce military commander who led huge armies into battle without asingle defeat; a magnificent warrior who many believed was part god – this wasAlexander the Great, the legendary Greek hero hailed by his countrymen as”The King of Kings”.

With Hollywood planning at least two new blockbusters about the celebratedruler – reportedly starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe – film fanscan catch this original classic directed by Oscar-winner Robert Rossen andfeaturing a stellar cast including Claire Bloom (Crimes and Misdemeanours) andStanley Baker (Zulu).

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
DVD RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

This Easter MGM presents this biblical spectacular on DVD with powerful performancesfrom the legendary actors MAX VON SYDOW (Minority Report), CHARLTON HESTON (Ben-Hur),MARTIN LANDAU (North by Northwest), SIDNEY POITIER (To Sir With Love), TELLYSAVALAS (The Dirty Dozen), JOHN WAYNE (The Alamo) and ANGELA LANSBURY (TheManchurian Candidate).

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD is an inspiring, grand scale recreation of thelife of Jesus of Nazareth, from His humble birth and teachings to hiscrucifixion and ultimate Resurrection.

Lavishly produced for $20 million, a staggering cost at the time, and honouredwith five 1965 Academy Awards nominations, this exceptional motion picture isexquisitely beautiful and out to own on DVD from 31 March for £15.99 (RRP).

A PASSAGE TO INDIA
DVD RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, the Oscar winning classic A PASSAGE TO INDIAwas British director David Lean’s last film. It highlights the tensions underthe British Raj in 1924 India and is available to own on DVD (RRP £15.99).

The young and headstrong Adela Quested, played by JUDY DAVIS, arrives in Indiaaccompanied by her fiancé’s mother. Adela soon befriends a local doctor, Aziz,and together they set out to visit the magnificent Marabar caves.

But the temperature rises even further when Adela claims that the handsomedoctor raped her in a vicious attack. The authorities urge Adela to go tocourt and Aziz is forced to stand trail and face professional ruin…

With a dazzling array of stars including ALEC GUINNESS, JUDY DAVIS, JAMES FOX,ART MALIK and DAME PEGGY ASHCROFT who won an Oscar for her superb performance,this release is an excellent addition to any DVD collection.

THE VIKINGS
DVD RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

Starring two of Hollywood’s greats KIRK DOUGLAS (Spartacus, Cast a GiantShadow) and TONY CURTIS (Some Like It Hot, The Defiant Ones), THE VIKINGS isthe action packed story of two half brothers and their conquest for greatness. Available on DVD from 31 March 2003 (£15.99 RRP).

Einar (Douglas) is a great Viking warrior who has plans to take over the Vikingthrone from his father King Ragnar. Eric (Curtis) has had a very differentlife, an ex slave he has fought hard for his freedom. Both are unaware of thereal identity of the other, but they are drawn together when the throne ofNorthumbria becomes free for the taking.

Directed by Richard Fleischer, THE VIKINGS is an epic with stunning action packedsequences and terrific performances by DOUGLAS and CURTIS.

KHARTOUM
DVD RETAIL RELEASE ON 31 MARCH 2003

Hollywood giants and Academy Award winners, Charlton Heston and LaurenceOlivier, face off in this epic, stirring drama of two men and two empires. Thecinematic masterpiece, KHARTOUM, features one of the greatest battle scenes inHollywood history and will be available to own on DVD from 31 March for £15.99 (RRP).

In 1883, British Prime Minister Gladstone (Ralph Richardson) dispatches GeneralGordon (Heston) to Khartourm, Sudan, where thousands of civilians arethreatened by a Muslim fanatic, the Mahdi (Olivier), and his army of followers.Gordon gains the Mahdi’s respect but can’t prevent the Mahdi’s men from layingsiege to the city. Now, as history hangs in the balance, Gordon faces thefight of his life defending the ancient city of Khartoum.

With stunning desert battles staged by the creator of the Ben-Hur chariot race,KHARTOUM is a magnificently staged action spectacle with outstanding actingand breathtaking cinematography. This DVD is one for all classic film collectors.

HART’S WAR
VHS RETAIL RELEASE ON 24 MARCH 2003

HART’S WAR (15), a compelling mix of war action, intrigue and drama, will beavailable to buy on VHS (£12.99 RRP ) from 24 March 2003.

Starring BRUCE WILLIS (Bandits, The Sixth Sense) and hot young actor COLINFARRELL (Minority Report, Tigerland, the forthcoming Daredevil), the filmfeatures stunning cinematography, spectacular war scenes and powerfulperformances from an all-star cast.

In a German POW camp in 1945, war hero Colonel William McNamara (Willis) issilently planning, waiting for a good time to escape and set a brilliant butrisky plan in motion. When two African American pilots become the firstnon-white soldiers in the camp, racism boils over and one is murdered and theother is accused of killing a white sergeant.

Former law student and now lieutenant Tommy Hart (Farrell) is appointed todefend the black soldier against the charges. With a court martial to keep theGermans distracted, McNamara orchestrates a daring scheme to escape and destroya nearby munitions plant, unwittingly helped by young Lt. Hart.

Directed by GREGORY HOBLIT (Primal Fear, Fallen, Frequency), HART’S WAR hasplenty of engrossing plot twists which will keep viewers guessing right untilthe dramatic ending.

VHS Running Time: 119 minutes

A DVD review can be foundhere.

News page content input by Dominic Robinson, 2003.

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