Latest UK DVD releases August 2008

Our Top 3 picks of the new UK DVD releases in August 2008 are : -

1. Happy-Go-Lucky Released 18th August 2008 Fresh from his previous film (oscar nominated Vera Drake) Mike Leigh manages to sneak out this film 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.

2. Love is the Devil Released 18th August 2008 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.

3. Those Glory, Glory Days Released 4th August 2008 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.

Other notable DVD releases we recommend from August 2008 are : -

Lonesome Jim Released 18th August 2008 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 Released 18th August 2008 Jean Cocteau's 1946 retelling of the classic children's story Beauty And The Beast. One of the most beautifully made films ever.

The Best of 15th Raindance Film Festival Released 11th August 2008 A superb collection of shorts from the 2007 Raindance Film Festival. Some genuinely exciting talents show their talents collectively here.

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In Memory of My Father Released 4th August 2008 A beguiling industry film dealing with the Hollywood machine. All played out to a Belle & Sebastian soundtrack.

Gimme Shelter Released 11th August 2008 The Mayles brothers excellent document of the Rolling Stones Altamont Festival. Charting the shocking complacency that signaled the end of the 1960s dream. An excellent features packed release.

David Lean Centenary Collection Released 11th August 2008 10 classic films from the genius of post-war cinema. Includes: The Sound Barrier, Hobson's Choice, Blithe Spirit, Brief Encounter, Great Expectations , Oliver Twist, Madeleine, The Passionate Friends, This Happy Breed and In Which We Serve.