Review Archive: September 2004
In Living Color - Season 2
Keenen Ivory Wayans and friends return for a second season of the hilarious sketch show that launched the careers of several stars. Kev takes a look at one of his all time fave sketch shows and brings a review for this set, released on September 28th 2004.
The Day After Tomorrow (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The world is coming to an end and only Dennis Quaid can save us... basically, we're all doomed in Roland Emmerich's latest disaster pic. James does his best Michael Fish impression and braves the bad weather to review the summer's stormiest blockbuster.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Colin Polonowski takes a look at the Japanese Region 2 release of one of Hayao Miyazaki's early films, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. An inventive and imaginitive story set in the future that lays many of the seeds and ideas for Miyazaki's later films.
Queen Emeraldas
Noel Megahey reviews the mini 2-episode OVA spin-off from the creator of Galaxy Express 999 and Interstella 5555, Leiji Matsumoto, focussing on one of the most enigmatic and compelling characters in the Captain Harlock universe.
The Shawshank Redemption: 10th Anniversary Special Edition
Frank Darabont's first adaptation of a Stephen King prison drama gets a tenth anniversary re-release. A regular fixture in Film Top Tens, the story of Andy and Red deserves every accolade given to it. James pays homage to the best film of the nineties.
Pulp
Mike Sutton has reviewed the recent MGM DVD of Mike Hodges' "Pulp". This excellent comic thriller featuring Michael Caine is presented on a mediocre but adequate disc.
Ghost Sweeper Mikami
The on-hour conclusion to a 46 episode anime series, this adventure requires no previous knowledge fo the character, but doesn't provide much either in the way of originality in the comedy demon fighting genre.
Amityville 3-D (Collector's Edition)
Mike Sutton has reviewed the new Region 0 release of "Amityville 3-D", a mediocre horror sequel which is enlivened somewhat by 3-D effects. The DVD offers both the 3-D and flat versions, to mixed results, and also features a good commentary track.
Conan The Destroyer: Collector's Edition
Mike Sutton has reviewed the new Region 0 DVD of "Conan The Destroyer" released by Sanctuary. A highly entertaining, if incredibly silly, film is presented on a disc which has disappointing visual problems but is enhanced by a good soundtrack and commentary.
Ready, Teddy, Death
Karl Wareham takes a look at what might be the oddest DVD released yet. Ready, Teddy, Death is the worlds first and possibly last, teddy bear based snuff film.
Japanese Story
Gary Couzens has reviewed the Region 2 release of Japanese Story, a cross-cultural love story with a few surprises, starring Toni Collette in an award-winning performance. Tartan's DVD is generally good picturewise, but scores for its soundtrack, being the only available edition with a DTS track.
Highwaymen
Jim Caviezel goes head-to-head with a psychopath, in an action thriller directed by Robert Harmon ("The Hitcher"). D.J. Nock reviews EIV's barebones disc, released to rent and buy next month.
City of Men
Out today on DVD and starting on BBC4 on tuesday, the TV series City of Men sounds quite promising on paper but will it live up to the brilliance of it's prequel City of God? Mark Boydell has a look at the first two seasons to find out.
In My Skin
Michael Mackenzie has reviewed In My Skin (Dans Ma Peau), a disturbing tale of self-mutilation by actor / writer / director Marina de Van. In My Skin is presented on a substantial R1 DVD from Wellspring, but suffers from a PAL to NTSC standard conversion transfer.
Throw Down
A feel-good film about Judo? Is one of HK's coolest Directors turning into a big old softie? One thing's for sure, Karate Kid this ain't. Read on to find out why Throw Down is one of the most infectiously upbeat films of 2004.
Hard Boiled Collector's Edition
John Woo's bullet ballet classic Hard Boiled has been re-released by Tartan as a "Collector's Edition" DVD. Michael Sunda takes another look at the landmark film, as well as the new transfer and DTS track presented on the disc. This review also includes a comparison of screencaps between this, and Tartan's previous release of the film.
Eddie Izzard: Glorious
Noel Megahey reviews the UK R2 release of Eddie Izzard's 1997 show, recorded at the end of his 1997 tour at the Hammersmith Apollo. The DVD includes a commentary and the spoof documentary 'Lust For Glorious'.
Eddie Izzard: Unrepeatable
Finally released in the UK on DVD, Noel Megahey reviews the Universal R2 release of Eddie Izzard’s 1994 stand-up show at the Albery Theatre in London, featuring a brand new commentary track among the extras.
Hellraiser: Limited Edition 4-disc Lament Configuration Box
I exhausted myself bringing you this review so you better appreciate it you pinheads. :D
Kev
Ginger Snaps III: The Beginning
Ginger and Brigitte are back for more, only this time they're in 19th century Canada. Um, yay? Michael Mackenzie has reviewed the R1 Canadian release from Seville Pictures, which "boasts" a non-anamorphic transfer.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Mike Sutton has reviewed the R2 release of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", an excellent film presented on a disc which is generally impressive but let down by a couple of unnecessary technical faults.
The Simpsons: The Complete Fourth Season
After sitting through the set more times than he’d like to admit Dave Foster brings you his thoughts on the R1 DVD release of The Simpson’s latest complete season outing…
Grand Theft Parsons
Matt day has taken a look at this week's release of Grand Theft Parsons, which gives Johnny Knoxville his first starring role in the true story of Phil Kaufman who stole the body of country music star Gram Parsons in 1973.
La Dolce Vita
Fellini's depiction of the swinging Rome scandalised Italian society when it was released in 1960 and remains the director's most famous film. Noel Megahey reviews the new restored UK Region 2 edition from Nouveaux Pictures and compares it to the recent Italian edition.
Radio
Cuba Gooding Jr and Ed Harris star in this tale of a mentally disabled youngster adopted by his local school. James reviews this so-so film that comes with better than expected extras.