The Leopard [1963] [DVD]

The Leopard [1963] [DVD] review

Editorial Reviews

Synopsis
Italian director Luchino Visconti delivers one of his most ambitious works with this sprawling historical drama. Based on the acclaimed novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, THE LEOPARD is set in Sicily during the 1800s, as the aristocracy found itself being suffocated by a newly democratic fervor. Prince Don Fabrizio Salina (Burt Lancaster) tries to hold on to the past, but it appears that his glory days are waning. This is perfectly exemplified by his nephew Tancredi Falconeri (Alain Delon) and his gorgeous wife-to-be Angelica (Claudia Cardinale). As the revolt gathers steam and begins to affect a real change, the aging prince must come to terms with the new world that surrounds him. With THE LEOPARD, Visconti confirms his status as one of Europe's most masterful directors, particularly with the 45 minute ballroom scene.

The Leopard [1963] [DVD] Directed by Luchino Visconti Price: £7.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Details Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk 26 new or used available from £7.89 Average customer review:

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2001 - A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray] [1968]

Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Leonard RossiterDirector: Stanley Kubrick

Customer Reviews

"I must say, you guys have certainly come up with something..."
It was with a certain trepidation that I put this, my first blu-ray disk, into my new Panasonic blu-ray player. "2001: a space odyssey" has been my favourite film for as long as I can remember, and I've owned copies on a variety of VHS tapes and DVDs.

The theme is just about as epic as it's possible to imagine: the evolution of man from ape through human to a completely new life form. It's a film which has sharply polarised views, with some people completely mystified or even bored by the presentation, whilst others are spellbound and deeply moved. Unsurprisingly, I am in the second category, and still find myself surprised that Kubrick managed to get a major motion picture company to finance such a bold and imaginative film.

The presentation on blu-ray is beyond my wildest dreams. I take the point of a previous viewer about the visible joins in the front-projection screens, which could no doubt have been digitally removed, but other than that the film is in appropriately pristine condition. I sat down to watch for a few minutes - just to check that the new blu-ray player was working - and found myself watching the whole way through to the end.

The special effects were always a highlight of the film, and they do not disappoint in this new transfer. My particular favourite comes at the end of the first section of The Blue Danube where the camera appears to sail straight through between the 'wheels' of the space station - absolutely marvellous!

This film easily holds its place amongst other great cinema masterworks; watch this blu-ray version and find out exactly why.

Superb film, good transfer, poor extras ...
As has been reported this disc does have an FBI warning at the beginning but is otherwise a UK release. The packaging is for the UK. I love this film, have done for 35 years so I won't comment on the movie itself except to say that 95% of the visuals could have been made yesterday and that the story is fiercely intelligent. And so to the Blu-Ray disc:
The transfer is good. There are very few anomalies (and I don't mean Tycho Magnetic Anomalies), most of the anomalies that are present were built in, eg dirt on the rear projection screen in the Dawn of Man sequence. That brings me to my only real irritation with the film. If Stanley Kubrick was such a perfectionist (and he was) then why oh why did he allow the set designers to use a godawful backcloth screen to simulate the African terrain and sky? It's SO blaringly obvious that it's artificial because the viewer can see creases and imperfection in the fabric. It ruins the whole sequence. It was bad enough on DVD but with the extra resolution of Blu-ray it's just annoying. It's the one things that I wish someone would digitally correct.
After that all is well. Yes they got the Earth from space wrong (too washed out) but the SFX are stunningly good and look marvellous in HD. It amused me to read IBM-Tele-Pad on the Discovery crew's flat screen TV pads (whilst they're eating). There's a multitude of fine detail revealed: the ancillary rooms inside the lunar shuttle docking area reveal figures and screens that I'd not noticed before. The Star-Gate sequence looks a LOT better now. The finer detail and improved colour range of HD really adds some wow factor to it. I'm still not convinced by the colour filtered landscapes though: they could have tried harder there.
The audio is good. The soundtrack is good as it can be for a 40 year old film and despite being a little 'thin' is well within modern standards.
Frame judder is a slight problem as reported by another reviewer but I'm wondering whether that was a limitation of the original effects rather than the transfer to Blu-Ray because the same scenes in SD in the extras reveal the same judder.
The extras are many but none good. There's a very iffy Channel-4 documentary with some annoying talking heads discussing the film and various other small documentaries. None make the heart race. The best is a promotional film made for 'Look' Magazine in 1966 that was designed to interest potential advertisers in buying into a 'special' Space related supplement due to be published first quarter 68 on the back of the 2001 release. It shows some really interesting scenes of production, Kubrick on set etc and Clarke in the Grumman factory inspecting Lunar Modules.
There's something weird about this release. Amazon had a release date that has been a gone with no stock. The other Kubrick related releases appeared on time but not this one leading me to think there's been a production problem. It is possible to obtain a copy elsewhere and if you like 2001 it's worth doing so.

2001 - A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray] [1968] Directed by Stanley Kubrick Price: £9.31 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Details Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk 30 new or used available from £8.00 Average customer review:

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Tokyo Story (Blu-ray + DVD)

Tokyo Story (Blu-ray + DVD) [1953] review

Product Description

Yasujiro Ozu s most enduring masterpiece, Tokyo Story, is a beautifully nuanced exploration of filial duty, expectation and regret. From the simple tale of the elderly Hirayma couple s visit to Tokyo to see their grown-up children, Ozu draws a compelling contrast between the measured dignity of age and the hurried insensitivity of a younger generation. A constant fixture of critics polls, Tokyo Story is now available for the first time on Blu-ray from the BFI.

Also contains full length feature Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family, a sharp critique of bourgeois frivolity, as an extra.

Extra Features:

• Dual Format Edition: includes both Blu-ray and the DVD versions of the main feature
• Also contains full length Ozu feature, Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family (DVD only)
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Extensive illustrated booklet featuring essays and film notes
• Dolby Digital mono audio (320 kbps)

Tokyo Story (Blu-ray + DVD) [1953] Directed by Yasujiro Ozu Price: £12.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Details Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 3 weeks Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk 17 new or used available from £12.99 Average customer review:

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Top DVDs For Father's Day

In many instances, buying gifts can get quite difficult year after year and more often than not, Dad will only appreciate so many pairs of socks, undies and the odd set of tees and golf balls, so here we uncover the top DVDs to give Dad for Father's Day!

Hurt Locker

Set in worn-torn Iraq, Bravo company members are responsible for disarming bombs and ensuring that no one gets hurt in the process. With three very different personalities and a raft of internal struggles, these men somehow have to work together in one of the most dangerously deadly jobs in the world.

Avatar

While many women delight in this movie for its great love story, Dad will undoubtedly enjoy it because of the awesome action scenes in pure 3D landscapes.

While the military can see only financial gain from destroying the breathtakingly beautiful land of Pandora, Jake, an Avatar in the Military program has seen that the grass is indeed greener on the other side and begins to appreciate the simpler things in life while in his avatar body, which doesn't sit will with management, to which a full-scale war breaks out and it's on for young and old (the best part of the flick for dads, remember?).

Sherlock Holmes

Directed by Guy Ritchie, this classic tale of good guy versus bad guy has been recreated with a modern twist by stars such as Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law and Rachel McAdams. After catching serial killer Lord Blackwood, Holmes and Watson are happy to have solved one of their most difficult cases. However, Lord Blackwood manages to come back from the dead and picks up where he left off on his killing spree and in turn, Holmes is put back on the case of stopping this murderous villain once and for all. The only problem is that Holmes is somewhat of a lady's man and when untrustworthy Irene Adler comes on the scene, Sherlock is distracted from the task at hand!

As an alternative to those abovementioned movies (should Dad have already seen them), there are some other fantastic titles that are available and perfect for Father's Day:

* Underbelly

* The Golden Mile

* Entourage (season six)

* CSI (season nine)

* Top Gear

* Mad Men (season three)

* Invictus

* Man vs. Wild

By giving him one of these fantastic DVDs, not only will you be popular with dad on Father's Day, but you'll also have a great excuse to sit down, relax and enjoy a great film with one of the favourite men in your life!

DVD Land is Australia's best online store for DVDs, Blu Rays and games. All 25,000 items are at discounted prices and made for Australian DVD players. Whether you're looking for New DVD Releases, TV on DVD, DVD box sets, Classic DVDs or Children's DVDs you'll find them here.

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The 10 Best Billy Connolly DVDs

Billy Connolly is the comedian of his generation. The greatest comedian ever to come out of the UK. Here is a list of 10 of his best DVDs.

1. Billy and Albert.

Filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in 1987 Connolly shows exactly why he was regarded as one the top 3 comedians in the world alongside Richard Pryor and Robin Williams.

Contains some of his classic routines such as Tarantulas and their wily ways and Scuba Diving.

Hilarious from start to finish with some of Connolly's notorious ADHD thrown in for good measure.

2. Billy Connolly Live 1991

Connolly at his very best. Some brilliant routines about pit-bull terriers, dog sex and chatting up women. Also has one the funniest sets you will ever see about football.

This tour became infamous after Margaret Thatcher's daughter Carol stormed out of one of his show after taking exception to jokes Connolly made about her mother's resignation as Prime Minister.

3. Billy Connolly Live 1994

Another night at the Hammersmith Apollo and another classic Connolly DVD. Some classic stories about growing up in Glasgow, his early work in the shipyards, and singing at parties.

This video was also highly controversial. Shortly after it's original release it was removed from distribution after jokes Connolly made about mass-murderer Fred West. With West's trial still ongoing at the time several minutes were removed after he complained that it may prejudice his case.

Connolly famously remarked "I think the bodies in your garden will do that Fred."

4. Billy Connolly Bites Yer Bum

Filmed at the Victoria Apollo in 1981 this was Billy Connolly's first live video. A culmination of a year-long tour of Britain.

Contains a lot of Connolly's cruder early material and some classic song parodies.

5. Hand Picked by Billy Connolly

Billy Connolly's second ever live video. Contains his brilliant routine about 'The Lovely Raquel - the inflatable lady.'

This is early Connolly when his act was more based on jokes than his later observational-style.

6. Billy Connolly Live in Dublin 2002

Even approaching his 60th birthday Billy Connolly yet again proves his is one of the best in the business. This show was the pinnacle of his World Tour of England, Wales and Ireland. This video also spawned his youtube hit about the tobacco police and mobile phones.

Contains bonus footage from his sell-out nights in Belfast, Killarney, Newcastle, Plymouth, Cardiff and London.

7. World Tour of Scotland

The first of Connolly's World Tour series for the BBC and in my opinion the best. In a 6-part series Connolly travels the length and breadth of his native country re-visiting a lot of his old haunts. Inter-mixed with footage from over 60 live shows during his tour.

Connolly visits many locations that are close to his heart throughout his native country.

8. World Tour of Australia

Billy Connolly's second BBC tour series. A country that Connolly hated in his early days it is now a place he truly loves. He experiences several Australian customs and attractions including swimming with dolphins, pie floaters and museums and galleries featuring Aboriginal art.

9. World Tour of England, Wales and Ireland

The third in the World Tour series for the BBC. Connolly travels throughout the UK to show some of the places close to his heart. This includes things such as: the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland; His grandfather's grave in Southern Ireland; and the Geordie miners.

10. Billy Connolly Journey to the edge of the world

Connolly's latest travelogue takes him to some of the wildest and remotest places of the world. He explores the vast Arctic region, from Canada's Nova Scotia to the Northwest Passage of the Pacific Ocean. Following in the footsteps' of the world's most audacious explorers he searches for bears, whales and icebergs. He also encounters many people who have found home in this frozen wilderness.

All of these DVDs and more are available on the Billy Connolly Ultimate DVD Box Set

To see the full list please visit www.billyconnollydvd.com/ultimatedvdboxset

For more on Billy Connolly and his live DVDs visit http://www.billyconnollydvd.com

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Grow Your Classic DVD Collection With Classic Rock Footage

Classic Rock Is Here To Stay

The music business is a revolving door of artistry where a once solid genre can disappear overnight. However, classic rock hit us hard and history has proven it is here to stay. No other rock n' roll era has produced such a wide and diverse sense of individualism and brawn that has withstood the test of time, making the classic rock DVD hits of the 70's an iconic period in the music industry. The classic DVD remains in the top percent of music sales, with interests and accolades increasing each decade.

Although the audible music can be downloaded, there is nothing like seeing the raw energy of original live performances that can transport you back in time to better days. The Who, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin were the soundtrack to our lives in the seventies, and can still pack a powerful punch today. Classic DVD movies and concerts recap all the best and some of the rest with interviews, live stage and studio footage of your favorite 70's rock bands and solo artists.

Owning a classic rock DVD collection has become a competitive race to the finish line for those who appreciate brilliant artistry turned loose without boundaries. Build your classic DVD collection according to style, year of release or just to have a compilation of all your favorite hits. The serious classic DVD holder may wish to collect rare footage, some the final curtain call for the likes of the Doors, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Rock CD's are only provide half of the experience. The visual aspect is a must for everyone who admires or remembers the greatest sounds of the seventies preserved on classic rock DVD.

The further we move away from the 1970's, the more valuable the live concert footage and vintage documentaries become. There have been a multitude of fine music acts since the late great 1970's, but no single genre has ever eclipsed it. Whatever inspired the 70's artists to reach their unprecedented heights, whether it was politically charged or socially driven, their musical footprint has left permanent tracks on the mind and souls of the fans. As popular today as ever, we just refuse to let go. And why should we? The classic rock era forever captured on classic rock DVD series is ours for the taking to relive and become inspired once again.

If you're looking for more Classic DVD information, please check us out to find that rare Classic Rock DVD and much more.

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The Ox-Bow Incident

The Ox-Bow Incident [DVD] [1943]
From Elevation Sales

Price:

£9.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Details

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #27348 in DVD
* Released on: 2010-08-02
* Rating: Parental Guidance
* Formats: Black & White, PAL
* Original language: English
* Number of discs: 1
* Running time: 72 minutes

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