Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary UK DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.
In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 15th, 22nd and 26th December 2008: The schedules for these weeks have been amalgamated due to the small amount of releases and teh chage to release days through the Christmas period.

Pier Paolo Pasolini Vol.2. Released on the excellent Artificial Eye label (where else) comes a superb collection of four films by the acclaimed Dardenne Brothers. Includes the films: The Child, The Son, Rosetta and The Promise.

Man on Wire. A documentary charting the day of August 7th 1974, when young Frenchman named Philippe Petit illegally rigged a wire between the New York's twin towers and started to cross the wire in a tight rope walk / dance that would last over an hour. An absolutely fascinating and gripping documentary.

The Love Guru. Everyone is waiting for Mike Myers to make a bad film - keep waiting. This is another truly funny Myers movies stuffed with some great gags, and again proves he is one of the very few universal talents making comedy these days.

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the UK include: The Counterfeiters, Just Another Love Story, Counterfeit Butterfly, Hell Night, The Strangers, Kentucky Fried Movie, Away from Her, Ghost Writer and Battle of Wits. For full details of these releases go to our December 2008 new DVD releases store.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the UK are:

Man On Wire. A documentary charting the day of August 7th 1974, when young Frenchman named Philippe Petit illegally rigged a wire between the New York's twin towers and started to cross the wire in a tight rope walk / dance that would last over an hour. An absolutely fascinating and gripping documentary.

The Love Guru. Everyone is waiting for Mike Myers to make a bad film - keep waiting. This is another truly funny Myers movies stuffed with some great gags, and again proves he is one of the very few universal talents making comedy these days.

King Lear. A superb adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Sir Ian McKellen, Frances Barber, Sylvester McCoy and William Gaunt.

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the UK include: Battle of Wits, Dumb And Dumber, Exiled, The Mask, The Strangers, Into the Wild and The Duchess. For full details of these and other Blu-ray releases this month go to our December 2008 new Blu-ray releases store.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK are:

Doctor Who: Battlefield. One of the few McCoy stories worth hunting down. This story revisits Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and the faithful yellow car Bessie. Doctor and Ace get themselves caught up in an Arthurian adventure.

Not Going Out collection. Take two of the countries finest gag merchants Tim Vine and Lee Mack, give them zero budget and get them to attempt to make a sitcom that could be sold to America. This is what you get. Luckily it's rather brillian.

The Ascent of Money. Great timing. A six part series on the history of finance, economy and money. It leaves one huge question unanswered - why can't I earn any money?

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK include: Hubble - 15 Years Of Discovery, Trial and Retribution: The Fourth Collection, Soldier of God, Taggart - The 2008 Collection, Wallander and Lipstick Jungle Series 1. For full details of these TV releases go to our December 2008 new TV releases store.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for December 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix December 2008 UK releases site, even further details can be found at our alt-flix Decmber 2008 releases store.

Labels: Man On Wire, New Blu-ray releases, New DVD releases, Pier Paolo Pasolini

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary USA DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.

In the USA, our pick of the DVD releases on 9th December 2008:


Man On Wire. A documentary charting the day of August 7th 1974, when young Frenchman named Philippe Petit illegally rigged a wire between the New York's twin towers and started to cross the wire in a tight rope walk / dance that would last over an hour. An absolutely fascinating and gripping documentary.

The Quare Fellow. Patrick McGoohan stars in this uncompromising 1962 film based on the story by legendary Irish writer Brendan Behan, about a prison where a man is shortly due to be hanged. Also included is a superb extra of 'Bendan Beehan's Dublin' a superb document of the great city through the eyes of Beehan and it's other famous residents.

Europa. AKA Zentropa. A little piece of genius from Lars Von Trier. A Criterion release for his 1991 tale of a runaway train journey of confusion. Packed with extras like commentaries documentaries and interviews (just like you'd expect from Criterion).

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the USA include: Flow; Horton Hears a Who!; The Dark Knight; A Hole In A Fence; Open Window; Change My Life; Just My Luck; Ahlaam; Takva: A Man's Fear of God and Bad Boys. For full details of these releases go to our December 2008 new DVD releases store.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the USA are:

From Dusk Til Dawn. Robert Rodriguez's collaboration with Tarantino was always going to be wild. One of the finest alt-vampire films ever. Looks fantastic, sounds powerful and plenty of gory horror laughs.

Jet Li's Fearless. Inspired by the story of a real-life hero in a story of a martial arts champion. One of the most stunning looking martial arts movies ever made.

The Dark Knight. Was any film ever going to be worth the absolutely ridiculous amount of hype that heralded this release - no. This is a pretty damn good film. Excellent special effects and a great cast, but falling short on the story, maybe we are tiring of Batman?

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the USA include: Horton Hears a Who!; Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and I Am Legend Ultimate Collector's Edition. For full details of these and other Blu-ray releases this month go to our December 2008 new Blu-ray releases store.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the USA are:

Lost: The Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray]. We've been waiting for this for so long - Lost season 4 on Blu-ray. This is our favourite season by some way. It's also available on DVD too.

Deadwood: The Complete Series. One of our favourites of all time. The complete 3 season series containing 19 discs with over 36 hours of Deadwood.

The Wire: The Complete Series. All 60 hour long episodes from one of the most (rightly) acclaimed US TV series of recent years. Available in a box set of on 23 discs.

Rawhide - Seasons 1 - 3. Every episode in seasons 1 - 3 collected. Perhaps the 2nd best western themed series of all time . Clint Eastwood was so charismatic even then, and he patently learned so much during this series that he applied beautifully to his amazing cinematic roles.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the USA include:Swingtown - The First Season; Happy Days - Seasons 1-4; Rawhide - Season Three, Vol. 2 and Happy Days - Season 4. For full details of these releases go to our December 2008 new TV releases store.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for December 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix December 2008 USA releases site, further details can be also be found at our December 2008 releases store.

Labels: From Dusk Til Dawn, Lost Season 4, New Blu-ray releases, New DVD releases, The Dark Knight

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary UK DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.
In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 8th December 2008:

The Dardenne Brothers Collection. Released on the excellent Artificial Eye label (where else) comes a superb collection of four films by the acclaimed Dardenne Brothers. Includes the films: The Child, The Son, Rosetta and The Promise.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Thankfully Star Wars gets back on track with this excellent story that nestles in between episodes 2 and 3. The only criticism is Lucas' choice of animation style that makes it look like a computer game rather than a piece of art. Great shame.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. One of the most eagerly awaited sequels for years, as ever the genius of Guillermo del Toro doesn't disappoint for one single minute. As with all of his films, this looks absolutely stunning (also available on Blu-ray)..

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the UK include: Angus, Thongs And Full-frontal Snogging; The Fox And The Child; The Dark Knight; Times and Winds; Ashik Kerib; The Girl Who Leapt Through Time; The Banishment and Wild Child. For full details of these releases go to our December 2008 new DVD releases store.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the UK are:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Star Wars gets back on track with this excellent story that nestles in between episodes 2 and 3. The only criticism is Lucas' choice of animation style that makes it look like a computer game rather than a piece of art. Great shame.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. One of the most eagerly awaited sequels for years, as ever the genius of Guillermo del Toro doesn't disappoint for one single minute.As with all of his films, this looks absolutely stunning (especially in the Blu-ray format - and laden with its excellent bonus features)..

Equilibrium. Kurt Wimmer's excellent dark sci-fi tale, that includes a superb cast (Christian Bale, Emily Watson, Angus McFayden). Where this one wins over its rivals is the strength of the plot running through the film.

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the UK include: The Dark Knight; Dodgeball and American Gangster. For full details of these and other Blu-ray releases this month go to our December 2008 new Blu-ray releases store.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK are:

National Geographic Stonehenge Decoded. Fascinating documentary on the famous monument. This 2 hour programme documents the recent excavations within the circle and also in surrounding areas, that have brought archeologists a long way in working out what the henge was originally used for.

The Wire: Complete HBO Season 1-5. All 60 hour long episodes from one of the most (rightly) acclaimed US TV series of recent years. Available in a box set of on 24 discs.

Wallander. A different type of detective story for Sunday nights. Based on the internationally best-selling books by Henning Mankell and starring the normally unwatchable Kenneth Brannagh.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK include: Happy Days: Four Season Pack; Stargate - Continuum The Ark Of Truth; Gunsmoke: The Third Season Vol 1 and Rawhide: Season Three Vol 2. For full details of these TV releases go to our December 2008 new TV releases store.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for December 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix December 2008 UK releases site, even further details can be found at our alt-flix Decmber 2008 releases store.

Labels: Dark Knight, Hellboy 2, New Blu-ray releases, New DVD releases, Star Wars: Clone Wars

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary UK DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.
In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 1st December 2008:

The Memory Keeper's Daughter. A great cast (especially Emily Watson) does a sterling job in this deeply involved tale of human dilemmas and misdemeanors. The film is a superb adaptation from the hugely successful novel of the same name by Kim Edwards.

Lotte Reiniger: Fairy Tale Films. Thankfully released by The BFI, are legendary director Lotte Reiniger's wonderful fairy tales in her signature style black and white silhouette animation. This collection contains films from 1922 (Cinderella) up to 1961 The Frog Prince. Truly charming.

Hancock. A big budget Will Smith superhero flick is not everyone's idea of a film to seek out (certainly not ours usually). But this one is a truly entertaining film with great CGI, a decent cast (including Charlize Theron) and plenty of laughs.

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the UK include: Elegy, Camp Rock and Space Chimps . Very few DVD releases this week as the industry push Blu-ray for all its worth in the run up to Christmas. Speaking of which.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the UK are:

Austin Powers Collection. Sam This is groovy (baby). Whilst being light on extras, we are very partial to the work of Mike Myers, and these 3 films contained within are truly very funny and also stand up to repeated viewing. Yeah baby.

French Connection 1 & 2. Gene Hackman stars in these legendary films as Popeye Doyle, surely one of cinema's strongest characters. The original won an Oscar, the second was somewhat overlooked but is probably even better.

Joan of Arc - The Messenger. Milla Jovovich stars in the title role in Luc Beeson's superb take on the legend. A film that is as entertaining as it is brutal, and it certainly ranks comfortably alongside Beeson's very best work.

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the UK include: Hancock, Planet Of The Apes Collection, Bad Santa, The Thing, Knocked Up, The Mummy 1 2 & 3 Box Set, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Wanted, Dirty Dancing (Ultimate Girl's Night In Collector's Edition), The Scorpion King and Space Chimps.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK are:

Auf Wiedersehen Pet - 25 Years Ultimate Box Set. All 4 series of the superb Clement and Frenais' classic comedy drama. Following the intrepid hero's from Britain to Germany, back to Britain, to Spain (via The Falklands) to Middlesborough, Nevada, Cuba and Africa and Laos.

The Lost Prince (Blu-ray). Stephen Poliakoff's highly regarded drama about the little boy shamefully abandoned by his parents Queen Mary and George V. They knew no better.

24 - Redemption. Feature length special to herald in the new season. The specially extended release includes scenes that were not Included included in the television broadcast plus a whole host of superb extra features.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK include: Steve Coogan - The Complete Collection, Einstein and Eddington, Night Mail & Lines For All Seasons, The Armstrong and Miller Show - Series 1, Jake And The Fatman: Season One Vol 2 and The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for December 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix December 2008 UK releases site, even further details can be found at our alt-flix Decmber 2008 releases store.

Labels: Hancock, New Blu-ray releases, New DVD releases

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary USA DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.

In the USA, our pick of the DVD releases on 2nd December 2008:


The Trap. Director Srdan Golubovic's 2000 film set in post conflict Belgrade. A film that surrounds a young family whose son is i'll and needs life saving treatment abroad. The father is offered the money to get his son treated, but the money comes at a high price.

My Father My Lord. Writer and Director David Volach's powerful exploration of everyday life in the ultra-orthodox Israeli community that he himself was brought up in.

Rape of Europa - Collector's Edition. Joan Allen's superb documentary about the Nazi's pillaging of European art during World War 2, and how these pieces are now starting to be returned to the families of the rightful owners.

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the USA include: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Wanted, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Step Brothers, The Longshots, Wisegal and Days of Being Wild.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the USA are:

The Shawshank Redemption. This is the ultimate edition of this superb movie. The picture and sound detail are stunning on Blu-ray format. There are also a huge amount of fantastic extras in the release that is truly worthy of this fantastic movie. All this plus an excellent 38 page booklet.

Austin Powers Collection: Shagadelic Edition Loaded With Extra Mojo. This is groovy (baby). Whilst being light on original extras, we are very partial to the work of Mike Myers, and these 3 films contained within are truly very funny and also stand up to repeated viewing. Yeah baby.

Iraq in Fragments. Director James Longley's much acclaimed documentary (nominated for the Best Documentary Oscar at the 2007 Academy Awards), about the real Iraq and its people in the wake of the American occupation.

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the USA include: The Casablanca (Ultimate Collector's Edition), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The X-Files Movie 2-Pack (I Want to Believe / Fight the Future), The Day the Earth Stood Still (Special Edition), Sin City, Children of Men, Days Of Being Wild, The Contract, Step Brothers, Home Alone, Day of the Dead and Immortal.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the USA are:

I Claudius & Epic That Never Was. Landmark 1970's BBC TV series starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips and John Hurt, following the murderous intrigue witnessed by the future emperor Claudius. Also includes an excellent documentary detailing the abandoned 1937 film version. From the remaining footage it looks an absolute masterpiece.
Saturday Night Live - The Complete Fourth Season. (From 1978/1979). Probably the best season of SNL, that would be the last starring Ackroyd and Belushi. This season includes the superb episode hosted by Carrie Fisher and the fantastic pythonesque episode hosted by Eric Idle.

Frost / Nixon - The Original Watergate Interviews. Released to coincide with the recent stage play / TV film adaptation comes the original interviews. What really comes through is that you cant trust politicians even for a second - not ever.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the USA include:Perry Mason - The Third Season - Vol. 2, Law & Order: Sixth Year, Cannon - Season One - Vol. 2 and Metalocalypse - Season 2.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for November 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix December 2008 USA releases site, further details can be also be found at our December 2008 releases store.

Labels: New Blu-ray releases, New DVD releases, The Shawshank Redemption

Labels: Becket, New DVD releases

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary UK DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.
In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 24th November 2008:

The Discovery of Heaven. Director Jeroen Krabbe's amazing 2001 adaptation of Harry Mulisch's epic theological / philosophical novel. A truly superb story. Stars Stephen Fry and Greg Wise.

Strange Culture. Drama/ drama documentary, from director Lynn Hershman Leeson which explores the nightmare that artist Steve Kurtz had to endure after an invasive FBI investigation that names him as a bioterrorist.

Tigrero. Filmmaker Sam Fuller (accompanied by Jim Jarmusch and director Mika Kaurismaki) revisits the Amazon where, in 1954, he shot footage in the rain forest for a John Wayne film that was never made.

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the UK include: Captain Eager and the Mark of Voth, L'Argent, Summer Hours, Purple Sunset, Oasis Of Fear, Mamma Mia!, Wall-E and Partition.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the UK are:

Straw Dogs. Sam Peckinpah's controversial masterpiece western transplanted from the Wild West to the Wild West Country of Cornwall. This film, for so long banned in the UK, makes for extremely uncomfortable viewing. Check out our full Straw Dogs review.

Becket. The hard drinking duo of Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton give some of their finest cinematic performances in this 1964 historical epic. Superbly shot, the remastering onto Blu-ray gives this film another lease of life.

Cabaret. A cult camp classic from the 1970s. A superb musical film set in the decadence of pre-war Berlin, and telling the tale of an American actress Sally Bowes (Liza Minelli) who falls in love with her bi-sexual friend (Michael York).

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the UK include:Chungking Express, Impossible Mission Trilogy, Casino, American Gangster, Mamma Mia!, Jarhead and Wall-E.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK are:

Survivors - Series 1-3. Reissued as the remake of series 1 starts on BBC, we get the series 1 - 3 of the original mid 1970s series released in a 12 disc boxset. This series, a tale of the few survivors of an apocalyptic virus, is one of the best sci-fi series of all time. If you like the remake, then I'd advise you to check out the original, low on special affects, but a fantastically well made drama.

Little Britain U.S.A. Probably even better than their UK version, the new characters on display and the more aggressive attitude of the writing, is only slightly hampered by many of the original characters being past their sell by date.

The X Files: I Want To Believe. A welcome return for the well loved series. The feature film contains one of the best X Files stories so far. Unfortunately contains an out of place Billy Connolly but don't let it put you off. The truth is out there so is a multitude of formats.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK include: Get Smart - Complete HBO Series, Sharpe's Challenge / Sharpe's Peril, Lead Balloon: Series 2, Trailer Park Boys - Series 1-6, Compulsion and Merlin Vol.1.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for November 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix November 2008 UK releases site.

Labels: New DVD releases, Straw Dogs, Survivors, The Discovery Of Heaven

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary USA DVD and Blu-ray releases, we've come up with some recommendations for you.

In the USA, our pick of the DVD releases on 18th November 2008:


David Lynch - The Lime Green Set. Extraordinary box set includes: Eraserhead (remastered) + soundtrack; The Short Films Of David Lynch; The Elephant Man (+ exclusive extras disc); Wild At Heart (plus a disc deleted / extended scenes); Industrial Symphony no. 1 (exclusive); Blue Velvet (with new Lynch approved 5.1 sound mix) Dumbland (an exclusive mystery disc from Lynch archives) plus a 40 page collectors picture book. Wow.

The Happiness of the Katakuris. Hmmm. How to describe this 2001 film from cult director Takashi Miike. How about Surreal / Black comedy / zombie horror? or a re imagining through unknown dimensions of The Sound Of Music under the influence of a particularly scary acid trip? Whatever, this is s a seriously enjoyable film.

Derek Jarman Collection (Sebastiane / The Tempest / War Requiem / Derek). The 3 films collected here (and the documentary Derek - utilising Jarman's home movies & material), are a fitting tribute to the wonderful British film director Derek Jarman; undoubtedly one of the most imaginative, adventurous and uncompromising directors in cinema history.

The best of the rest of DVDs released this week in the UK include: Mister Lonely; Up the Yangtze; Goya; A Wonderful Night in Split; Of Love and Eggs; Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson; Fanfan La Tulipe; Wendy and Lucy; and The Wedding Director.

The pick of the Blu-ray releases this week in the USA are:

Third Man. One can perhaps make an argument about that necessity of releasing Black and White films on the HD formats, but taking the cinematography on this film justifies its position alone. Also the improved soundtrack, containing the wonderful and instantly recognisable Harry Lime Theme is an absolute joy.

Paris, je t'aime. 20 shorts from an array of directors such as The Coen brothers, Gus Van Sant and Wes Craven. Some of the shorts work much better than others, but as a complete work they actually hang together incredibly well.

The Last Emperor. Bernardo Bertolucci's epic from 1987 is one of modern cinemas most visually stunning pieces. Tailor made for the digitally restored Blu-ray generation.

The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the USA include: The Man Who Fell to Earth; Heathers; Bottle Rocket; Revolver; Marvel Blu-ray 3-Pack - Fantastic Four; Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer and the directors cut of Daredevil; Priceless; 8 Mile, Wall-E (Two-Disc) and The Stendhal Syndrome.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the USA are:

The Complete Monty Pythons Flying Circus - Collectors Edition Megaset. Every episode and loads of very good extras are included in this 21 disc collection. Includes all the classics: Dead Parrot; Ministry Of Silly Walks; Lumberjack Song and The Spanish Inquisition sketch. "Dinsdale, Dinsdale."

Doctor Who : Complete BBC Series 4. Tom Baker may have been the best Doctor ever, but David Tennant is a close second. Sure the new shows can sometimes be low thought and high on chase sequences, but there is a real craft that has gone into the sub-plots that run through the series.

The Odd Couple - The Complete Series, Seasons 1-5. All 5 season of probably one of the best made and most consistently funny comedies ever made for television. They don't just not make 'em like this anymore - and they don't even try now.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the USA include:Bones - Series 1-3; The Chomsky Sessions: Noam Chomsky On The World; The Universe: The Complete Season 1 (Blu-ray); The Tudors - Season 2; Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest; Star Trek: The Original 3 Series (Remastered); Charmed Complete Collection and The A&E Adventure Collection DVD Set.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for November 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix November 2008 USA releases site.

Labels: David Lynch, New DVD releases, Third Man

The Matrix / Matrix Reloaded / Matrix Revolutions. All the usual nonsense of all the very cutting edge and innovative Matrix films collected in one bundle - and looking nothing short of amazing with the clarity of the Blu-ray format.

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco. Alt-country band Wilco, feature in this story of how they attempt break out of their pigeon hole into experimental artistes. It also shows them as a band in meltdown with their bitterness pushing them ever closer into Spinal Tap territory. Hugely entertaining.


The recommended best of the rest Blu-ray releases this week in the UK include: Kung Fu Panda; Chronicles Of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe / Prince Caspian; Hulk; The Man Who Fell to Earth; The Last Emperor and Revolver.

The pick of the TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK are:
The Sopranos - Complete HBO Series - Deluxe Edition. All 6 series of this landmark drama series contained on 30 discs. Also contains 3 and a half hours on all new extras features including commentaries, deleted and lost scenes.

Doctor Who : Complete BBC Series 4. Tom Baker may have been the best Doctor ever, but David Tennant is a close second. Sure the new shows can sometimes be low thought and high on chase sequences, but there is a real craft that has gone into the sub-plots that run through the series.

Stephen Fry: In America. The wonderful (and fragrantly fluffy) Mr Fry, drives his cab through every state in the US in this fascinating series. Here he digs up all you ever wanted to know (and more) about the worlds most powerful country.

The recommended best of the rest TV releases (all formats) this week in the UK include:Bones - Series 1-3; Benidorm - Series 1-2; The Mighty Boosh - Series 1-3; Mr Bean Vol.1-5; Outnumbered Series 1 and Star Stories Series 1 & 2.

A full list with further details and an exclusive store for November 2008 releases can be found at the alt-flix November 2008 UK releases site .

Labels: Freezone, New DVD releases, Third Man

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases, we've come up with some recommendations to help you forget about the wind and the rain.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 8th September 2008 are:


Chemical Wedding. Now any film based on a screenplay written by Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, doesn't exactly set your imagination aflame but this blackly comic horror stars a wonderfully over the top (is there any other kind) Simon Callow. Callow stars as Cambridge professor who who becomes possessed by the spirit of the legendary occultist, Aleister Crowley. Then it starts getting really weird.

Charlie Bubbles. A very welcome re-release for the 1960s classic starring the wonderful Albert Finney who plays the title role of a successful writer who has lost his way and looks to reconnect with his roots and family. A superb film based on the script by the very wonderful Shelagh Delaney (A Taste Of Honey and Dance With A Stranger).

Caramel aka Sukkar banat. Nadine Labaki's refreshing bittersweet film tells the tales of the lives of 5 woman in a beauty salon is Beirut.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 9th September 2008 are:


The Big Lebowski - 10th Anniversary Limited Edition. Ten years on and The Big Lebowksi still rocks (or rolls is more appropriate) and this is our favourite US movie of all time. Ok this release is in novel bowling ball packaging, but the real treat is that the previous releases have been rather bereft of extras whilst this one is an extras laden 2 disc release. Other editions including Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and normally packaged anniversary editions are all available from us via the alt-flix stores.

Wild Strawberries. Released as part of the Essential Art House series of DVDs. Ingmar Bergman's 1957 classic is a must see (don't be put off by his reputation his films are much more accessible than some would have you believe).
Also released the same day as part of the series are other classics like The Lord Of The Flies, Grand Illusion, Rashomon, Beauty and The Beast, and Knife In The Water.

Other recommended new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: Chemical Wedding, New DVD releases, The Big Lebowski, Wild Strawberries

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases, we've come up with some recommendations to help you get over the fact that Summer is almost over now.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 1st September 2008 are:

Doomsday. Director Neil Marshall continues his upward trajectory with this contribution to the post apocalyptic / viral outbreak genre. Not hugely original perhaps, but very well made and consistently acted (not always a given in the genre). There is more than enough going on here to suggest that Marshall has a serious career in the making.

To Kill A King (aka Cromwell and Fairfax). One of the very best films about the English Civil war (not that there have been that many). Dougray Scott and Tim Roth give some truly committed performances. Given a bigger budget this film could have been something of a masterpiece.

With Or Without You. One of Britain's very best directors Micheal Winterbottom, took this story by the scruff of the neck and made a very decent film out of what could have been a very middle of the road piece.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 2nd September 2008 are:

Legendary photographically inspired director Chris Marker (La Jette, Sans Soleil etc) has four extras packed DVDs released separately. First up is The Last Bolshevik / Happiness (1993); then Remembrance of Things to Come (2001), his most recent work The Case of the Grinning Cat (2004) and most excitingly The Sixth Side of the Pentagon / The Embassy (1967). Each of these are really not to be missed.

Water Lillies. One of last years best European movies - a portrait of a love triangle amongst some Parisian teenagers it was selected in the official selection at both the Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals.

Derek. A truly superb documentary about Derek Jarman, one of the UK's most talented, provoking and experimental directors. The film includes many previously unseen clips form his film along with rare interviews, and is a fitting reminder of just why he is just so missed.

Other recommended new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: Chris Marker, Doomsday, New DVD releases

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations to help you recover from all those late nights / early mornings watching the Olympics.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 25th August 2008 are:

First up is a film perfect fo a summer bank holiday Valerie And Her Week Of Wonders. Think of a slightly surreal, dream like and ethereal version of The Wicker Man, but made in Czechoslovakia in 1970 and it gives you a taste of what the film is about. A film that has grown into cult viewing amongst nu-folkists with its folk-lore settings and wonderful soundtrack. Second Run have released a new digital transfer with restored picture and sound, and also the release also includes an interview with its star Jaroslava Schallerová amongst other things.
Take a look at the trailer for this fabulous film here.



Love is the Devil. This fantastic film from 1998 should have been huge. A biopic of Britain's most controversial painter Francis Bacon, charts his relationship with with his model George Dyer. An amazing script is carried off by a perfect cast Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton and Derek Jacobi. Given a re-release on the very lovely BFI label. (Put back from 18th August).

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 26th August 2008 are:

The Nightmare Before Christmas - special 2 disc edition. Released to coincide with, erm the summer? This special 2 disc edition is a welcome re-release for the long out of print classic from Tim Burton. Released on HD and standard DVD. How long to wait for a 3d version on disc?

On the Ecstasy of Ski-Flying An hour long treat. Werner Herzog, modern cinema's unfathomable genius in conversation. A fascinating insight into a very intriguing subject.

The Rape of Europa. A different and multi-layered perspective on the horrors of the 3rd Reich. This time its effect on the art world.

Other recommended August 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: New DVD releases, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Valerie and her week of wonders

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations to help put Stars Wars Clone Wars out of your mind temporarily.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 18th August 2008 are:

Happy-Go-Lucky. Fresh from his previous film (oscar nominated Vera Drake) Mike Leigh manages to sneak this film out without anyone noticing. Harping back to an attitude he explored in Life Is Sweet, we are served up a marvelous confection of widescreen optimism (to match the mood of the nation). Great film and a stunning lead performance by Leigh collaborator and star in the making Sally Hawkins.

Love is the Devil. This fantastic film from 1998 should have been huge. A biopic of Britain's most controversial painter Francis Bacon, charts his relationship with with his model George Dyer. An amazing script is carried off by a perfect cast Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton and Derek Jacobi. Given a re-release on the very lovely BFI label.

Lonesome Jim . Steve Buscemi directs this excellent comedy drama about a failed novelist who returns home from New York to work in his families ladder factory. Strangely strange.

La Belle et la Bete. Jean Cocteau's 1946 retelling of the classic children's story Beauty And The Beast. One of the most beautifully made films ever.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 19th August 2008 are:

Twenty-Four Eyes. AKA Nijushi no hitomi. Revered in its homeland of Japan, but little known outside the country, Twenty-Four Eyes is an absolute classic of 1950s Japanese cinema. A masterpiece.

Orson Welles' Don Quixote. Welles unfinished 1961 film was a valiant attempt to bring the notoriously un-transferable tale to the silver screen. His lost masterpiece is lovingly refinished and reshaped by Jesús Franco. Certainly good enough until Terry Gilliam finally gets round to making his version of The Man Who Killed Don Quixote - the exploits of which were the subject of the excellent film Lost In La Mancha.

Recount.Providing a slight insight into the 2000 US elections and its farcical outcome, and posing the question what price democracy and where can you find some?

Primo Levi's Journey. A tale of a truly remarkable man and his 1000 mile journey from the Auschwitz concentration camp to his home in Berlin. His footsteps are retraced 60 years later for a new look at Europe.

Other recommended August 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: Happy-Go-Lucky, New DVD releases

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations to while away the summer hours wishing the rain away.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 11th August 2008 are:



Son Of Rambow. After a few weeks delay, this film, of one of last years most charming and genuinely funny films, gets it's DVD release. Director Garth Jennings is back from his criminally ignored sojourn with studio money (in the guise of Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy) with this charming, funny, heartfelt and hugely innovative tale of two schoolmates who attempt to make their own film, their own sequel to First Blood, in which they attempt to rescue Rambo (played by a wonderfully vagueEric Sykes). One of the surprise hits of last year. We highly recommend this one for laugh and a big heart.

Check out the trailer below.


The Best of 15th Raindance Film Festival. It does what it says on the tin. A superb collection of short films that featured in the 2007 Raindance Film Festival. There are already a few names from this collection that we are very much looking forward to seeing directing full length features.

Gimme Shelter. An extras pack release of the Mayles brothers classic documentary of the Rolling Stores American tour that culminated in Altamont, and the final beginning of the very end of the 60s dream. Without doubt one of the finest musical documentaries ever made.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 12th August 2008 are:

Brand Upon the Brain!. Weird is an often overly used word in society, but this DVD release seems to fit the weird and wonderful bill nicely. This strange piece from Canadian cult filmmaker Guy Maddin is as confusing and as a eccentrically delirious trip as you could wish for. (It's like what you dream after eating too much strong cheese before bed on a hot summer night).

Larisa Shepitko: Eclipse Series 11 (Wings / The Ascent). Before her untimely death, Shepitko's all to brief career showed consistent flashes of genius, and had she lived she would not doubt to have gone on to become a significant name in European cinema. Collected her are two films Wings and The Ascent, given a suitable treatment by the Criterion label.

Irina Palm. This one slipped out almost unseen last year. Starring the ever wonderful Marianne Faithfull and ever gorgeous Jenny Agutter. The film follows the exploits a middle-aged widow who, in order to raise money to pay for her grandson`s medical bills, takes a hostess job in a sex club. She soon finds she can turn her hand to almost anything. Sorry for the cheesy write up - the film is much better than our blurb.

Other recommended August 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: Gimme Shelter, New DVD releases, Son Of Rambow

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations, and hopefully some relief from corporate realisations of comic book icons, and without doubt the lamest movie of all time 'Mama Mia'.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 4th August 2008 are:



Those Glory, Glory Days. In those halcyon days of the newly formed Channel 4 (films), they knew their place and their inability to take on Hollywood. This gentle charming TV film and many others (P'Tang Yang Kipperbang etc) made by the company during the 1980s provided a welcome antidote to sharp suits and exploding helicopters in the movies. This was one of their films that made zero impact anywhere, but is a great 'little' film none the less.

In Memory Of My Father. A very interesting tale about the Hollywood family and the Hollywood system. Great soundtrack from yesterday's fey pioneers 'Belle & Sebastian'.

Rhapsody in August. Akira Kurosawa's 1991 tale of an old Japanese woman who is prompted to recall the past after a visit from her grandchildren and nephew (Richard Gere), which opens up the feelings she has about the loss of her husband who was killed as a result of the bombing of Nagasaki.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 5th August 2008 are:

The Killing of John Lennon. The dramatisation of the life of Mark Chapman, murderer of John Lennon. With a chilling insight into the mind and motives of a marginalised outsider who wanted to be a 'somebody not a nobody'.

Joy House. AKA Les Felins. René Clément's supremely enjoyable mid-1960s rom-crime flick. Starring Jane Fonda and the ever-marvelous Alain Delon.



The Counterfeiters. Rightly won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It tells the true story of a swindler who became Berlin's "King of the Counterfeiters." After living the high life he is caught and imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp where he own specialist skills are of interest to the Nazis trying to fund the war effort.

Other recommended August 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: New DVD releases

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 28th July 2008 are:

Funny Games. Just for sheer cinematic perversity, Michael Haneke has remade his controversial 1997 movie pretty much frame-by-frame for Hollywood. He is one of the true enigmas of modern cinema, and this move will only enhance that reputation. The original version of this movie is superb, this remake is also superb and superbly pointless in many respects, and perhaps that is the point.

A Comedy of Power . AKA L'Ivresse du pouvoir. Our favourite actress bar none, Isabelle Huppert, teams up again (for the seventh time) with renowned director Claude Chabrol on this superior movie from 2006. For some reason this film failed to catch the publics imagination and slipped out pretty much un-noticed.

Son Of Rambow. One of the surprise low key hits of last year. Director Garth Jennings is back from his criminally ignored sojourn with studio money (in the guise of Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy) with this genuinely charming, funny and hugely innovative tale of two schoolmates who attempt to make their own film. This movie is an absolute joy.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 29th July 2008 are:

Doomsday. Neil Marshall continues his upward trajectory with this contribution to the post apocalyptic / viral outbreak genre. Not hugely original perhaps, but very well made and consistently acted (not always a given in the genre). There is more than enough going on here to suggest that Marshall has a serious career in the making.

Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism - Fox Attacks Special Edition. A film we recommended way back when it was first released on DVD a couple of years ago. This new edition includes new and updated content. With the 2008 election so near, it will be increasingly interesting watch how the networks, news corporations and politicians get their messages across to each of their mutual benefits.

Other recommended July 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: Doomsday, Funny Games, New DVD releases, Son Of Rambow

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 21 July 2008 are:

With the school holidays just starting and everyone jetting off (except us it seems)to sunnier climbs, the DVD release schedules take their customary summer slow down. So not much to draw your attention to, but:

The Flesh And Blood Show. Archetypal 1970s British (s)exploitation horror, with a cast that includes Jenny Hanley (presenter of kids TV show Magpie), Ray Brooks (voice of Mr Ben) and Robin Askwith (obviously - star of the confessions series of films). The films climax(!)is shown in its original 3d format. Gasp.

One of the best TV comedies of the 1990s is also released - If You See God Tell Him.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 22 July 2008 are:

High And Low. Amongst the samurai classics it's very easy to forget Akira Kurosawa's command of contemporary drama. This film is an absolute masterpiece, and is perhaps the film that outlines his genius effortlessness of storytelling. It is certainly one of alt-flix's favourites of Kurosawa's works (alongside his more epic pieces that have gone onto become regarded as classics).

Duck. A charming film from 2005 about a man and his duck. Actually, although it doesn't sound so from the title, the film is actually pretty deep and meaningful.

Other recommended July 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.co.uk DVD releases.

Labels: New DVD releases

Monday, a new week again. Happy DVD release day.

Sifting through this weeks crop of contemporary DVD releases we've come up with some recommendations.

In the UK, our pick of the DVD releases on 14 July 2008 are:


I'm Not There. Seaming a dreadful idea, but actually quite brilliant, make a film about the many and changing faces of 'Bob Dylan' and use different actors to portray him (Cate Blanchett, Ben Whishaw, Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Marcus Carl Franklin and Heath Ledger). Not a straightforward bio-pic, and as such its one of the few bio-pics that you can actually watch more than once.


A Way Of Life. A re-release of this great film from 2004 that has previously gone out of print. This was a stunning writing / directorial debut from former Grange Hill actress Amma Assante. The story is on a the streets of South Wales the story skillfully wends its way around belonging, poverty, hatred, violence and hard times. There is a review of the film on our main site if you would like to check it out.

The Cottage. One of the best of the recent slew brit-horror-coms. Directed by Paul Andrew Williams (his 2nd film - coming after the controversial London To Brighton). The film survives intact a terrible piece of mis-casting (watch the film and see what I mean). Other than that the film is funny, dark and suitably bloody.

Oh and Bergerac Series 7 is finally out on DVD! - Oh good.

In the USA, the pick of the DVD releases on 15 July 2008 are:

Trafic. I guess you either love or loathe Jacques Tati as Msr Hulot - we love him. this hugely entertaining film from 1971 now gets a terrific release on the superb Criterion label, and as usual it is jam packed with loads of DVD extras to boot.

Monsieur Vincent.
Re-release of this classic 1947 bio pic of St. Vincent De Paul from director Maurice Cloche. That Academy award winner for best foreign language film.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. The classic Jack Nicholson film now released on Blu-ray - for all those who like that kind of thing.

In a terrific piece of one-upmanship, in response to the release of Bergerac Series 7on DVD in the UK, those dudes in the USA have released series 9 of Dallas on DVD (but when is the blu-ray being released!).

Other recommended July 2008 new DVD releases can be found on our site at alt-flix.

Labels: A Way Of Life, I'm Not There, New DVD releases, The Cottage, Traffic