Latest UK DVD releases July 2008

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

1. Funny Games Released 28th July 2008 Quite why Michael Haneke chose to make a shot for shot Hollywood remake of his fabulously uncompromising and controversial 1997 film we can only guess. But with Haneke being a scholar of film and the industry, I'm sure it made financial sense. A brilliant film - again.

2. A Comedy of Power Released 28th July 2008 AKA L'Ivresse du pouvoir. Isabelle Huppert is possibly the finest actress in the world today, Claude Chabrol undoubtedly directs her better than anybody else. This subtle and artful film is their 7th collaboration, which surprisingly failed to set the movie world alight upon its release in 2006.

3. A Way Of Life Released 14th July 2008 Welcome re-release of the hard hitting and, quite rightly, highly regarded written and directorial debut from Amma Assante. Set in South Wales the story skillfully wends its way around belonging, poverty, hatred and violence. Read the our full review here. DVD link to be updated

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

Entertaining Angels Released 7th July 2008 The true life story of Dorothy Day, a Marxist journalist working in New York in the early 1900's, who works and campaigns for the poor of the city. Directed by Martin Sheen. An excellent story with the makings of a very good film.

Four Minutes Released 7th July 2008 A sometimes brilliant and underplayed film from director Chris Kraus from 2006. A terrific exploration into human nature, damage and healing.

I'm Not There Released 14th July 2008 Todd Hayne's uniquely superb film about the many and unique lives of Mr Robert Zimmerman (Super Bobby Dylan). What on paper looks somewhat gimmicky and unworkable, actually turns out to be unmissable.

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Water Lilies Released 7th July 2008 AKA Naissance des pieuvres. The excellent directorial debut of 27 year-old Céline Sciamma. A superb study of the complexities of adolescence, which includes some truly impressive performances from the young cast.

Son of Rambow Released 28th July 2008 One of the surprise 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 charming, funny and hugely innovative tale of two schoolmates who attempt to make their own film.

Private Property Released 28th July 2008 AKA Nue propriété. No one does restrained internal emotion quite like Isabelle Huppert, and this excellent 2006 film sees Huppert in the middle of an explosion of family turmoil.