Review Archive: May 2003
The Stone Tape
Eamonn McCusker has reviewed the Region 0 release of The Stone Tape, Nigel Kneale's classic ghost story. First shown on Christmas night 1972, repeated once in 1973 and never shown since, this DVD represents most people's first chance to see this wonderful film.
Attack!
Mike Sutton has reviewed the MGM Region 2 release of Attack!. A brilliant war film from the great Robert Aldrich, this is worth getting even though the DVD is only slightly better than average.
Cops vs Thugs
Noel Megahey has reviewed the Region 2 release of Cops vs Thugs, a powerful gangster film from Kinji Fukasaku, the director of Battle Royale.
Yakuza Graveyard
Noel Megahey has reviewed the Region 2 release of Yakuza Graveyard, another release in Eureka's Kinji Fukasaku series, and follow-up to Cops vs Thugs.
The Signalman
Eamonn McCusker has reviewed the Region 2 release of The Signalman, the 1976 entry in the BBC's annual A Ghost Story For Christmas, issued here by the BFI as part of their Archive Television range.
Betrayed
Mike Sutton has reviewed the Region 2 release from MGM of Betrayed. A promising idea is spoiled by a pedestrian plot and not quite saved by some excellent acting. The DVD is entirely average....
My Little Eye
Eamonn McCusker has reviewed the Region 2 release of My Little Eye, a stylish horror that examines what happens when underground entertainment goes too far.
Street Mobster
Noel Megahey has reviewed the Region 2 release of Street Mobster, an extremely violent gangster film from Kinji Fukasaku on a very poor quality DVD.
Japan Organised Crime Boss
Noel Megahey has reviewed the Region 2 release of Japan Organised Crime Boss, a violent, but visually striking Japanese gangster film from the director of Battle Royale.
The Girl from Paris
Mark Boydell has reviewed the UK Region 2 release of The Girl from Paris - a pleasent French film set in the wilds of the Vercors which is given a very good release from Artificial Eye.
My Tutor Friend (Fried Chicken Edition)
Barry Woodcock has reviewed the Korean Region 0 release of My Tutor Friend, a big hit in South Korea that has been compared by many to My Sassy Girl. The Fried Chicken limited edition contains the standard two-disc version along with a host of extra goodies.
Doctor Who: The Talons Of Weng-Chiang
Mike Sutton has reviewed the Region 2 release of Doctor Who: The Talons Of Weng-Chiang. One of the finest stories in the programme's history, this Tom Baker extravaganza has been granted a marvellous 2-disc DVD release by the BBC.
Dog Soldiers
Eamonn McCusker has reviewed the Region 2 release of Dog Soldiers, Neil Marshall's first effort that carries on a tradition of classic horror debuts but also manages to be the best werewolf movie in the last twenty-two years.
Enough
Mike Sutton has reviewed the Region 2 release of Enough. A tawdry and exploitative vehicle for Jennifer Lopez which has received a DVD release better than it deserves....
Star Trek: Nemesis
Colin Polonowski has reviewed the Region 1 release of the much maligned Star Trek: Nemesis, the tenth (and final?) movie in the Star Trek film franchise.
A Warning To The Curious
Eamonn McCusker has reviewed the Region 2 release of A Warning To The Curious, the BBC's adaptation of the MR James short story that was originally filmed in 1972 for the annual presentation of 'A Ghost Story For Christmas'.
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
Noel Megahey has reviewed the Region 3 release of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Two boys, send to a remote village to be re-educated under Mao's regime, try to win the affections of the Little Seamstress with a stash of forbidden books.
28 Days Later
Eamonn McCusker has reviewed the Region 2 release of 28 Days Later, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's take on the parallels between the spread of a virus and the increase of social intolerance as well as providing one more version of Richard Matheson's novel "I Am Legend".
Auto Focus
Tiffany Bradford has reviewed the Region 1 release of Auto Focus, a sobering look at the addictions that led to the downfall and subsequent murder of a popular American actor.
Vampire Princess Miyu (TV Volume 6: The Last Shinma)
Bex has reviewed the Region 1 release of Vampire Princess Miyu: The Last Shinma (TV Volume 6) by TOKYOPOP. This superb concluding volume rewards dedicated fans with a strong finish worthy of the series, and one that doesn't sideline any of the show's recurring characters.
Laissez-Passer
Noel Megahey has reviewed the Region 2 release of Bertrand Tavernier's Laissez-Passer. Two film-makers find their own way to survive the Nazi occupation of their country and the French film industry. A wonderful film on a superb DVD.
The Pornographer
Gary Couzens has reviewed the Region 0 release of The Pornographer, an interesting though flawed character study. Tartan's DVD, though quite decent in many respects, can't be recommended due to BBFC cuts.
A Passage To India
Mike Sutton has reviewed the Region 2 release of A Passage To India . David Lean's final film is a return to the good form of his early years. MGM's R2 release is good on picture, average on sound and hopeless on extras.
Intacto
Noel Megahey has reviewed the 2-disc Spanish Region 2 release of Intacto, a thriller about a clandestine group who are able to control chance and play bizarre games for very high stakes.
Red Dragon
Tiffany Bradford has reviewed the Region 1 release of Red Dragon, the 2-disc, extras-rich Director's Edition of the Manhunter remake from Universal.