In my life, I’ve owned four copies of Stargate. Not the variety of television series, but the original Roland Emmerich film. The first, a widescreen VHS copy. The second, a poorly mastered Region 4 DVD, before upgrading from that to a nicer – albeit still flawed – Region 1 version. Now, flying through the US mail system, is my recent Amazon-purchased Blu-Ray edition, supposedly even better quality than any of the preceding DVD versions. In my life, I’ve owned three copies of Resident Evil – a pitiful R4 version on DVD, the R1 Superbit edition, and now the Blu-Ray. Multiple copies of Armageddon, The Rock, Harry Potter 1-4, Blade Runner, heck, even Lord Of The Rings; passion for owning films on DVD and Blu-Ray is an expensive hobby at the best of times. Scott’s already covered the theme of cinema cost in a previous Midweek Mumble, but today I want to cover off on something I think film studios secretly use to bolster their bottom lines at the expense of film enthusiasts.

The Double Dip.

One of the most famous example of a Double Dip was the recent release of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon on Blu-Ray. Michael Bay wanted to get the film out onto HD media as soon as he could, so Paramount released a movie-only edition to the public. They did this with the understanding of their various media outlets that a more extras-laden edition would follow in due course, although were you a bit of an internet novice, you’d never be aware of that. Two Blu-Ray releases of the film, barely six months apart, capitalizing on the small market who will by the first version with the intent of upgrading to the second upon release. Some would work the cynical angle and say that this is a clever marketing ploy to dredge more money out of the audience, a rather subversive capitalist ideology which pits desire off against restraint. Personally, I skipped over the bare-bones release so I could enjoy the full blooded version, but I’d imagine there’s a few folks out there who didn’t, either because they couldn’t wait or they didn’t know. Those of you reading this will probably have at least a minimal knowledge of studio shenanigans like dual Blu-Ray dips, but the casual film watcher usually does not.

If you cast your mind back, this little strategy isn’t the first time a film’s been given a bare-bones release well before a full edition. James Cameron’s Avatar was given the same treatment. Fans were divided, amongst those who saw a corporate mentality to skim millions more from film fans and caved in to it, and those who saw it for what it was and waited for the inevitable full version. The question that really needs to be answered is this: was it truly necessary to have dual release strategy for these films? Was there a market push to have Transformers 3 released well before a fully laden extra-features disc, or was it truly a desire from the corporate pencil pushers to scrape up more cash.

The classic double dip is something which has plagued the home video market since the days of VHS tapes. Re-releasing movies in “new” or “remastered” variants has been something studios have done since home cinema consumers developed the ability to take money from their wallets. Bring on DVD, and all those VHS tapes suddenly needed upgrading. Now, Blu-Ray has the same pull. Sure, there’s usually a good reason to upgrade a copy of a film; enhanced picture and audio being the primary one, and the addition of extra features being a close second. This natural Double Dip requirement isn’t what I’m railing about here, however. What I hate, more than anything, is the scurrilous Double Dip. Usually, it’s an “anniversary” release of a film designed to cash in on a soon-to-be-released sequel or the death of a star or something otherwise important to the films’ history. The one where they throw in an extra 5 minute reunion interview as well as all the other extra features from a previous release, making buying this edition almost a “must own” to the completists out there. This is the kind of thing that sticks in my craw. I’m not a huge “bonus features” fan, because I usually only watch them once and that’s it. Obviously, releases like the Lord Of The Rings Extended Versions and the extraordinary documentary accompanying that are exceptions, they’re not the rule.

Less frustrating are the obvious “Directors Cut” re-releases. Directors like James Cameron and Peter Jackson are known for issuing multiple versions of their films, Aliens being perhaps the most well known example. When it was released theatrically, Aliens, James Cameron’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s classic Alien, was deemed too long by 20th Century Fox and forced Cameron to cut the film to a preferred length. Eventually, the home cinema industry gave Cameron the platform he needed to give the fans of the film the full version he’d envisioned originally. The Aliens Directors Cut remains the definitive example of a film actually improved by the inclusion of formerly excised material. Ridley Scott himself is no stranger to the Directors Cut – his 80′s classic Blade Runner has about a half dozen differing versions, if you believe the internet, most of which have ended up on DVD and Blu-Ray at some stage. The most recent Blu-Ray release from Warner Bros tried to ensure you’d never need to by another copy of that film – the ultimate edition included just about every variant of the film they had, and more extra features than you could poke a Replicant at. Scott’s more recent product has also had the same exposure – Kingdom Of Heaven came out to a dull thud in cinemas, and was improved in almost every way on it’s eventual Directors Cut DVD release. And from what I’ve seen online, the Blu-Ray version getting about is the Directors Cut only. Funny, that.

Buy cynicism amongst film and home media fans is rife with studio greed front and center. I’m sure people don’t mind paying for better versions of a film they love, as long as it’s worthwhile to do so. But the recent Transformers 3 debacle left me deeper in my cynical view of capitalist corporate greed, and no doubt this kind of thing will occur again and again as long as the money makes it a feasible option. Disney’s redoubtable option to lock their big earners away in a “vault” for the best part of a decade is equally as cynical a move, I think, and it’s a pet peeve of mine when studios will artificially influence the market using such devices. I know, it’s not against the law, and we’re suckers if we fall for it, but doesn’t it just piss you off?

At what point do we stop Double Dipping? How much money do we spend on buying the same film again and again, on different formats and in different “editions”, before we say enough? The obvious Double Dips -the ones designed as an unsubtle cash-grab – frustrate the hell out of me, and I often wonder where it’ll all stop. Hopefully, it’ll stop before the home cinema market isn’t completely undermined by a useless “anniversary edition” of Never Say Never.

About The Author – Rodney Twelftree

Aussie film fan Rodney has been writing about film, DVD and Blu-Ray since 1998, when he became Chief Reviewer at a now-defunct Adelaide-based online retailer. A fan of blockbuster and mainstream cinema, as well as dabbling in arthouse and independent forms of the industry, Rodney prefers to spend his nights and weekends in front of the television watching the latest release on Blu-Ray instead of out getting sloppy drunk like many of his friends. When he’s not out in the Front Room, Rodney can be found writing reviews for his own website www.fernbyfilms.com, helping good mate Al K Hall over at The Bar None, and dabbling in lists over at Top 10 Films.

Do you agree with Rodney? Have you fallen Foul of the Double Dip? Comment below…

Midweek Mumble – To Double Dip or not to Double Dip is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

Earlier this year we were treated to Tarsem Singh’s visceral and camp romp, Mirror Mirror, which I still am yet to see, but friends of mine said was a lot better than they expected. This week the UK get’s to see Snow White and The Huntsman, by first time feature Director Rupert Sanders. It is a darker, grittier telling of the fairy tale starring the eternally constipated (or that is what I get from her pout) Kristen Stewart. Unfortunately I wasn’t overly sold.

Whilst watching Snow White and The Huntsman last night I kept thinking to myself, why oh why did they cast her!!??? I am not meaning to bash Miss Stewart too hard, but there is no way I would ever choose her over the stunning and broodily sexy Charlize Theron in a million years, I wouldn’t even touch her with yours!! Even as the effects of using too much magic wreak havoc on The Evil Queens face…. I still would. Also even if she is your ‘BAG’ doesn’t look like a Snow White. She is not Princess Beautiful. At least Lily Collins had the pale skins and red lips (OK let’s move on before we mention the eyebrows). Stewart is a pouting one trick pony who couldn’t command alt delete let alone command an army!! If it wasn’t for the behemoth that was the Twilight franchise she would still be doing small indy films and making a living there, not taking the roles from deserving talented actresses. Shall I move on? I think it is time.

Although the film cost $70m to make (so I am informed) it seems that they were incapable of spreading the budget evenly. Some of the FX are brilliant, the opening battle was stunning, yet there is one face morphing scene that looks like it was made with pre Terminator 2 effects programming. It is a shame as apart from these glaring holes in the FX budget it is pretty good. The Dwarves were great, a broody lot, full of honour and freaky haircuts. They steal the show when they eventually grace the screen, shame they take so long to arrive.

There is however more problems with the film, or maybe this is not something that will bother others. But it seems that Sanders was heavily influenced by other films, some may say he even tole wholesale from others. Snow White and The Huntsman is like the poor mans Lord of The Rings. It is the diet coke version, and let’s face it Diet Coke doesn’t taste  as good.

In one scene Snow White makes a speech to her troops to get them ready for battle, now if she was Maximus from Gladiator or even Braveheart, I would have been there in a flash armed with a sword ready to fight. But when a weedy, pouting mumbly girl who looks like she is need of a good movement rants on about honor and such, I just turned off. Strangely though her troops all roared and rushed to battle. Not very convincing if you ask me. Oops I am back to Stewart…. Sorry.

Chris Hemsworth is always great to watch, a bit of eye candy for the ladies, but whose bright idea was it to give him a Scottish Accent? He is OK at it for 60% of the time but it had me cringing for the other 40%. Theron is also excellent to watch, truly evil and scary. After this and Young Adult I think it is time she had something out that was a bit light-hearted, as I am scared that she is evil in real life now!!

At the end of the day, Snow White and The Huntsman is a fair effort with good fx (in places) as a gritty telling of a fairy tale. If you can cope with the fact that it is a poor copy of  The Lord of the Rings and you can get over Stewart and her ways, then you may well enjoy this more than I did.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN IS NATIONALLY RELEASED TODAY IN UK

About The Author – Scott Lawlor

Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE

Have you seen this film? Are you interested in this type of film? Was I too harsh on it? Comment below

Cinema Review – Snow White and The Huntsman is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

I am a self-confessed GEEK. I may get freaked out by Cos-Play and Memorabilia but when it comes to an APP I get all aroused and get the Kermode out! Gone are the days when we used to just enjoy a film, now we can share what we are watching, finding out about the film / cast and production and even watching the films on our devices. So to honor that below I share with you all my favourite APPS for getting my geek out when it comes to movie related fun.

RunPee

I don’t know if you are like me, but my bladder is getting smaller and smaller by the year. It is worse when I am watching a film. It seems that as soon as the opening titles go up I need to go, even if I have just been. Enter RunPee. This little APP will let you know the best times to go for a toilet break, and even will let you know what you miss when you are out of the room. There is no excuse and it takes the stress out of the dreaded Bladder Chicken

Today In Movie History

I love a good movie quiz and trivia battle, but it is fair to say I suck at it!! Although I did win the pool side movie quiz on holiday last year!! GET IN!! This APP is great for growing your already great movie knowledge. It is full of births death and interesting facts that will help to break the ice on those tense first Movie Blogger meet ups!!

VLC Direct Pro

I have been a user of VLC on my computer for years. It is the be all end all of media players and never fails to open and play a file. The latest edition lets you stream your collection to any compatible device in your home. Which is where this app comes in. Want to watch your home movies on the loo? Get VLC Direct Pro!!

Get Glue

I have only just got into this. I am very late to the party, and if I am honest I forget more times than I don’t, but CHECKING IN is what all the cool cats are doing. By checking in this app shares what you are watching on FaceBook and Twitter, as well as your thoughts on the movie / tv show. One of the nice things about this app is it hands out virtual stickers if you watch enough of a certain type of film, or a new movie in opening week. Get enough of these and you get the chance to get the real thing!! Real Stickers… YES PLEASE!!

Rock Player Lite

OK let’s face it the stock movie player on ANDROID is a bit pants. It only plays a few file types and can be frustrating at times. Luckily Rock Player is a great alternative. Copy your movies in their native file type to your SD card and bob is your Mothers Brother you can play them, no converting. OK it is not perfect, but it is pretty close.

IMDb

This might be only me here, but more and more lately do I sit at home watching a film and say to Lyn, “What is that guy from? Was it the film about the hit-man, the one with the hair?” . Or something close. It also seems that I use IMDb a lot in these situations. It was always cool to have it on the PC but now it is on my phone you can instantly find out the film said guy was from and everything else you need to know. Essential!!

Netflix

Netflix has only been in UK for a few months, but it is a great addition to the APP world. It is grea tto watch movies instantly at home on your TV or Projector, but on a long car journey, or lunch break? Well now that the APP is here we can watch instantly whatever we want where ever we are… Just make sure you have lots of Bandwidth allowance!!

As you can see there is a great choice in APPS out there, for both Android (yeay!!) and iOS. There is no excuse, go download them NOW!!

About The Author – Scott Lawlor

Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE

Are you a fan of APPS? Do you use any that we haven’t mentioned? Comment below…

Tech Tuesday – Top APPS for Movie Lovers is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

As a huge fan of Ti West’s The House of the Devil I have been eagerly anticipating his new film The Innkeepers for some time. The Grimm up North Team arranged a screening of both of these films, with The Innkeepers being a special preview as it is not yet out here in England for a couple of weeks, and I was hoping that it would live up to the scares provided by his previous effort The House of the Devil. I had no idea of the very strange and creepy surprise that was in store for me, but it was something that I will never forget!

The House of the Devil

Having already witnessed The House of the Devil on the small screen I was looking forward to seeing it on the big screen accompanied by a crowd of like-minded horror fans. If anything I enjoyed the film even more the second time round as I was able to appreciate the artistry involved as well as the suspenseful story that Ti West delivers with ease. His meticulous directing style fits perfectly with the approach to his slow paced horror films that take a while for the scares to begin but reward the patience of the viewers.

Jocelin Donahue stars as college student Sam who is in desperate need of cash to pay the rent for her new accomodation and she resorts to taking a job as a babysitter during a lunar eclipse that is due to take place. Despite the horror cliches, Ti has crafted a love letter to eighties horror with such style that references the classics but puts a fresh spin on the story and how the events unfold. Although it takes a while for the carnage to begin, the build up to this is perfectly crafted to leave the audience at their wits end, with numerous opportunities for jump scares purposely left unused which ratchet the tension up to unbearable levels

It soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary babysitting job Sam has taken on and her exploration of the isolated house is a nailbiting experience, with strange discoveries leading her to question if she really should be there. The music adds to the suspense and is perfectly fitting with the eighties setting, transporting the audience back to more uncertain times where the belief in Satanic cults was fairly common, as stated by the opening message which sets the tone of the film to follow.

While The House of the Devil is an accomplished horror I can see why people may dislike it due to the slow pacing which is rarely seen in modern, gore-obsessed horrors. This is an intelligent film that requires a certain degree of patience but rightly rewards those willing to commit to Ti’s excellent vision. The ending is a tad disappointing but does not detract from what is an enjoyably eerie experience that horror fans should not miss.

FRC Rating 3.5/5

The Innkeepers

There are some moments in your life as a film fan that completely blow your mind and this happened to me during The Innkeepers for a reason most of you would never guess. I have only been to America once for two weeks a couple of years ago, and whilst there I stayed at just four different places, so you can imagine my shock when it turned out that the film was shot entirely on location at the Yankee Pedlar, one of the hotels I stayed at during my time there! It was an incredibly creepy place to stay in; there were very few guests there at the time and the long corridors and outdated decor created an unsettling atmosphere which could have been the perfect setting for a horror film, and I’m glad to see that Ti picked up on this. Some of the more graphic events depicted in The Innkeepers took place opposite the very room I stayed in and it was a very surreal experience watching the film and recognising the locations.

CLICK FOR LARGER PICS!

To prove my story here are a few photos of me in the hotel that were taken late at night when I was attacked by a vengeful spirit (or maybe I was just a tad drunk, my memory evades me) and pushed to the floor. Unfortunately these are the only photos I have inside the hotel but I am glad that they clearly show the creepy corridor that leads to a room where some of the more sinister events in The Innkeepers take place. You may think that this will lead me to be a tad biased towards my thoughts on The Innkeepers and it definitely did heighten my enjoyment but I can assure you that Ti West has crafted yet another film influenced by the sensibilities of eighties horror classics that will terrify modern audiences craving something more than copious amounts of blood and gore.

Sara Paxton and Pat Healy star as Claire and Luke, the hotel workers tasked with looking after the guests in the run up to the hotels closure, and with few guests to keep them occupied they resort to taking part in paranormal investigations to pass the time. One of the remaing guests Leanne Rease-Jones (played brilliantly by Kelly McGillis who also appeared in the under-rated horror Stake Land) happens to be a medium and it is not long before Claire begins to wish that she had never tampered with the otherworldy spirits that inhabit the hotel. Much like The House of the Devil, it takes a while for The Innkeepers to get going but when it did I was genuinely terrified by the depictions of the paranormal beings that had taken up residence in the Yankee Pedlar.

I can understand that Ti West’s style of directing is not for everyone and whilst there is little in the way of exposition or a resolution to the events that transpire at the Yankee Pedlar, this just isn’t required. West takes the time to let us get to know his main characters and this makes us all the more nervous when things begin to go wrong. The slow pace heightens the tension for when the scares begin to arrive, and when they do it is relentlessly terrifying, making me wish that more horror directors had the courage to try the less is more approach that works so well in The Innkeepers.

There have been a number of harsh reviews for The Innkeepers and this baffles me as it is an exceptional horror that managed to scare and entertain me in equal measures and I hope that Ti West continues to work within my favourite genre. Highly recommended to those who appreciate subtle scares and slow but suspensful build-ups, The Innkeepers is a modern day horror that should not be missed

FRC Rating 4/5

About The Author – Tom Bielby

Long time film fan and aspiring film writer, Tom is a horror fanatic who wasted far too much time at University sitting through every film in the IMDB Top 250. He is partial to foreign films and cult cinema and would love to rid the world of people who rustle their popcorn during important scenes. He can be found on Twitter under the alias @filmbantha

Have you ever had a strange experience relating to a film? Do you fancy staying in The Yankee Pedlar for the night? Let us know your thoughts below.

Grimm up North – Ti West Double Bill is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

WOAH!! What a scorcher. Finally the weather in UK has broken and we have had a glorious weekend. Most of our time was spent either in the garden or out on walks with Dolly. It was amazing, BBQs too much beer and food, aces!!

Also we managed to get a couple of films in. Which is weird, as normally we seem to be struggling to even see one!

I am cracking through the Film4 Blu-rays now, and loving it. This weekend we got away from the gritty dramas based around UK’s society. with A Room With A View and The Warrior. Full reviews are below. But first an apology.

The last few weeks I have been getting busier and busier at work. Which is a good thing, but also means I have less time to spend on FRC. You see, and probably know full well if you are a blogger reading this, that it all takes time. Luckily I have a great team of writers in Tom, Teri, Mike, Sam and Rodney all supplying me with great content, but even then I am finding it a struggle to keep up with all the editing, formatting that is involved. The worst part is that I have had less and less time to comment on your great blogs and websites. And this is the apology!! I am sorry guys!!

I am sure work will settle down and I will get back on it fully, but for now please accept my apology. I may leave a short comment but that is only because I am trying to fit everything in!!!

Anyway ENOUGH of that, here are the reviews of The Warrior and A Room With A View.

The Warrior (2001)

With a title like THE WARRIOR you would be forgiven in expecting a full on martial arts film filled to the brim with action and violence. But you would be wrong, THE WARRIOR plays out more like an ANTI-VIOLENCE Western set in feudal India.

The film revolved around Lafcadia, played by Irfan Khan, who is WARRIOR (or actually more like an enforcer) for an evil tyrant of a Lord. He is sent on missions to do his Lord’s dirty work. It is when he and his riders are on one of these missions that he has can only be called an epiphany and realizes that the killing he does for his lord is not the elimination of an opposing threat, but it is just because these people cannot pay their taxes, he is simply killing them because they are poor. It is at that moment that he resigns from his WARRIOR role and flees with his son to the mountains for a life of peace, only to find that he is now the hunted of his former riders who want to subject him to the brutality that he once wielded.

It is a familiar narrative, it would have fitted quite well in prohibition America or even in Japan. But set in ancient India it makes it quite a unique tale. Writer-Director Asif Kapadia made an interesting choice in filming this like an old Western rather than a Bollywood film. And at a snappy 86mins it is a pleasure to watch.

Although the film has very little dialogue in places it is never dull. The cinematography is beautiful and the interesting shots and short focus ranges used make the dense reds and harsh yellows of the Indian Deserts and then the greens, greys and blues of the Snowy mountains a true beauty to behold. There were shots that reminded me very much of Malick’s Tree of Life from last year. While the film still holds a fair amount of violence, most of it is off-screen and as a whole the film is fairly bloodless.

Ifran Khan has a very distinct look, his piercing and intense eyes make him look often wise and dumbfounded. Despite this film being set in Ancient India it still has a great appeal to a western audience.

FRC Rating 3.5 / 5

A Room With a View

A Room With a View is a witty comedy that unfolds in the beautiful setting of Florence and continues in the lush countryside of Surrey.

Helen Bonham-Carter stars as Lucy, a young lady who unwittingly falls in a passionate romance with an English Gentleman (Julian Sands) whilst travelling through Italy with her prim Aunt played magnificently by Maggie Smith. The news of her romance crosses Europe and back to the UK where she is set to marry another suitor.

As readers of FRC will be fully aware I am not really a fan of this type of film. Period Drama’s are not high on my ‘to-watch’ list. But, there is no doubt in the beauty and quality of A Room With A View, I mean it did pick up 3 Oscars after all. The production values are stunning and the level of design and art direction is at it’s highest here.

It is however the performances in the film that are the shining light. Maggie Smith and Judi Dench are amazing to watch as a droll double act that won them both BAFTAs while the quality of the British supporting cast is first-class and they all seem to relish the characters given to them. Daniel Day-Lewis is particularly interesting as the patronizing Suitor and Helen Bonham-Carter is the perfect English Rose, a stereo-type that she has only in recent year been able to shift, thanks to Tim Burton and Fight Club.

The highly humorous satire of the ‘English Abroad’ is affectionately captured in the impeccable screen play. Yet it is the contrasting Passion in Florence followed by the ‘English Stiff Upper Lip’ reserve of the English section that really flourishes.

I was very surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. What has happened to me

FRC Rating 4/5

A Room With A View and The Warrior are available from TODAY on DVD and Blu-ray by Film4

About The Author – Scott Lawlor

Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE

What did you do this weekend? Have you seen these films? Comment Below…

Weekend Round-Up – More Film4 Reviews and an Apology is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

Steven Soderbergh’s latest offering is not much more than a vehicle for Gina Carano, the mixed martial arts fighter who stars as a secret agent that is double crossed and is out to seek revenge on those who have betrayed her. As you can imagine with Carano on board the action sequences are intense and visceral with some great stunts but the story and overall style of the film detract from these adrenalin fuelled scenes.

Almost all of Soderbergh’s movies have an ensemble cast, and Haywire is no exception with the great talents of Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas (yes it really is him behind that facial hair) and Ewan Mcgregor, who all transpire to get in the way of Gina Carano’s own interpretation of a female Jason Bourne, known here as Mallory Kane. Admittedly Carano isn’t an actress so her performance is fairly impressive considering but the rest of the cast who are usally note perfect seem to struggle with the source material and flounder throughout, which left me disappointed and bored by the end of the ninety minutes.

There are some beautiful scenes in Haywire, Soderbergh really does know how to frame a shot and the vivid colour schemes used throughout are very pleasing to the eye, which is especially noticeable on the crisp transfer of the Blu-ray. This just makes it even more frustrating that a director with the technical ability to make a well crafted film falls at the first hurdle with a lacklustre story and a soundtrack so far removed from the action on screen it had me wondering if I had inadvertently left Itunes playing on my laptop

Haywire is not for everyone although I can see why it has its fans; the fighting sequences are very impressive and there are some gorgeous visuals, particularly scenes on a beach and a snowcapped lodge surrounded by a forest, but the lack of a gripping story and underwhelming performances from a cast who are capabale of so much more meant that I found myself checking how long was left far too often. Gina Carano is a solid performer and I have no doubt that she will attract a number of male fans following her appearance in Haywire, and although the action is a notch up from failed attempts at female leads in films such as in Colombiana and Salt, Mallory Kane is still a long way removed from say the intensity of Lisbeth Salander or Nikita.

Not the action film I was hoping for from Soderbergh but still a reasonable attempt at a female driven thriller, Haywire is at times a fun little flick it is just a shame that Soderbergh’s unique style of direction doesn’t really work with this kind of film. Both the visuals and sound are faultless on the blu-ray, making it worthwhile investing in if you enjoyed this film the first time round or are curious to check out Carano’s impressive physique in more detail.

For an alternative take on Haywire, check out Scott’s review of the film when it hit cinemas earlier in the year.

Haywire is available on Blu-ray and DVD from Monday 22nd May through Momentum.

About The Author – Tom Bielby

Long time film fan and aspiring film writer, Tom is a horror fanatic who wasted far too much time at University sitting through every film in the IMDB Top 250. He is partial to foreign films and cult cinema and would love to rid the world of people who rustle their popcorn during important scenes. He can be found on Twitter under the alias @filmbantha

Have you seen this film? Do you agree with this review? Comment below!

Blu-ray Review – Haywire is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

Ever since his feature film debut in 1977, Ridley Scott has been the creative force behind a number of exceptional films in a variety of genres, many of which are regarded as classics that are a must see for any film fan. His movies often garner critical acclaim and commercial success as well as countless Oscar nominations and I have high hopes that Promethues will soon join the ranks of his essential films. Despite his excellent track record, Scott’s films are often released in a number of different versions as studios have the tendency to interfere with his vision. It certainly says something when even with interference from studios his films are capable of reaching a standard that most other directors could only dream of.

Essential Films:

Alien

In space, no one can hear you scream - has there ever been a more perfect tagline? The definitive sci-fi horror, Alien is a masterpiece in suspense that spawned three sequels and a number of disappointing spin offs as well as terrifying everyone by bringing the world the infamous chest bursting sequence which has lost none of its impact over thirty years later. When a mining ship investigate an SOS signal coming from a seemingly deserted planet they inadvertently discover a new life form far deadlier than ever imagined. Many have tried to emulate the success of Alien but it is too near to perfection to be matched and arguably remains Scott’s finest hour. If Prometheus is anywhere as good as Alien is then I will be a very happy man indeed.

Black Hawk Down

When I first saw this impeccable retelling of the true story that largely went unnoticed in the Western world I was shocked to the core and decided never to see Black Hawk Down again. The fact that the events depicted not only happened but happened during my lifetime genuinely affected me and it was not until I sought out the book two years ago that I decided I was ready to see the film again. Boy was I glad I did as it is one of the best modern war films in existence, the accuracy of the events and graphic portrayal of the carnage in Somalia make this a very harrowing but compelling watch. I would say that the Blu-ray is an essential purchase for every film fan as the 5.1 Surround sound places you in the heart of the action like no other war movie. Ridley did a fantastic job of highlighting the unpredictability of modern warfare and took home two Oscars for his troubles.

Blade Runner

Not content with just rebooting the Alien franchise, Ridley is in talks to direct a follow up of sorts to his other Science-fiction classic Blade Runner. Based on a Philip K. Dick novel the original was a fantastic vision of a futuristic world where replicants designed to be identical to humans are hunted down by Rick Deckard, a Blade Runner tasked with exterminating them. From the visually stunning set designs to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, everything in Blade Runner serves to emphasise the otherworldy atmosphere of an impersonal future. Many of Scott’s films have been butchered by the studios and Blade Runner is no different but this allows for alternative interpretations as all versions are widely available and well worth seeking out.

Gladiator

Historical epics don’t come more impressive than this Oscar winning story of a Roman general betrayed by a corrupt soldier and forced into slavery. Russell Crowe is astounding as the persecuted soldier Maximus and Gladiator contains some of the most gruesome fight scenes in modern cinema with Scott’s vivid depictions of slaves fighting for their life in a Roman Colosseum. The special effects are awe-inspiring and the huge scale of the film is realised impeccably with the Colosseum digitally restored to transport the audience to a time long past. It is a testament to Ridley’s direction that amongst all the carnage he still provides viewers with a genuinely moving story.

Recommended Films

Matchstick Men – Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell star in this razor sharp thriller about a pair of con artists on the verge of a life changing heist whose plans have to be altered when one of their daughters arrives on the scene.

Legend – This classic eighties fantasy has surfaced in a number of alternative versions due to the studio’s decision to cut and re-score a film that would have been best left untouched. It is difficult to pinpoint a definitive version although I do have a soft spot for the Tangerine Dream soundtrack.

The Duellists – Ridley’s feature film debut is a fascinating study of a lifelong grudge between two men during the Napoleonic age and their encounters during the war. This is a remarkable debut that highlights Scott’s ambition and talent as a director from day one.

American Gangster – Ridley Scott’s epic crime saga traces the life of a drug kingpin and the dedicated detective who is working with the narcotics team to bring down his crime ring. Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington are fantastic as the detective and drug lord respectively and despite its length the film flies by in no time at all

Hannibal – The Silence of the lambs was an incredibly hard film to follow and whilst Hannibal does not meet the standards of its forerunner it is still a gripping serial killer film that is worth a second look.

Films to Avoid:

G.I. Jane – In what is a fairly impeccable track record, this film stands out as a sore thumb amongst the rest of Ridley’s filmography. It’s not an awful film but Ridley is capable of far better.

About The Author – Tom Bielby

Long time film fan and aspiring film writer, Tom is a horror fanatic who wasted far too much time at University sitting through every film in the IMDB Top 250. He is partial to foreign films and cult cinema and would love to rid the world of people who rustle their popcorn during important scenes. He can be found on Twitter under the alias @filmbantha

Are you a fan of Mr Scott? Are you looking forward to Prometheus? Comment below…

Director Showcase – Ridley Scott is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

Another film that slipped by me (which is seemingly a running trend with this set of films) Life Is Sweet tells the tale of a lower-middle class family from Middlesex. The characters are for the most part conventional, ordinary but far from dreary.

Wendy, played by Alison Steadman, is an attractive, buoyant middle-aged lady who is always on the move, always filling her day with jobs and chores, but never down in the dumps about it. Her husband Andy, played by Jim Broadbent, is the ultimate dawdler. Full  of big ideas and plans but never really getting around to finishing them. The house in which they live is evidence of this with unfinished decorating and unsafe patios, Andy is a man after my own heart. They are parents to two comically different twins. Natalie, played by Claire Skinner, is the quiet one, grown up beyond her years and sensible; Nicola, played by Jane Horrocks, on the other hand hates life and her only interactions with others come in spits and snarls of contempt and sarcasm, but she is not unlikable, she is broken and reaching out in the only way she knows.

Leigh doesn’t give us the audience much of a narrative hook to grab hold of. There is no A to B via C in the story, no indication on where he is going to take us and what we might learn on the way. The tone is light and cheerful, even with Nicola and her outbursts. There are even moments of slapstick when we are introduced to family friend Aubrey, played by Timothy Spall.

It seems that Leigh purposely keeps us ever from settling into any one mood, although he doesn’t mess with our senses, merely roughs them up a little. By use of changing shifts in tone, style and dialogue he plays tricks on our emotions. He keeps us guessing until the very end when almost by accident we are shown a true moment of clarity with an intense and heart wrenching mother and daughter scene.

Life is Sweet is acutely observed and merciless yet heart warming and sweet. So funny at times it hurts, like the life it is imitating.

LIFE IS SWEET IS RELEASED 28TH MAY IN UK ON BLU-RAY AND DVD BY FILM4

About The Author – Scott Lawlor

Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE

Have you seen this film? Does it appeal to you? Comment below..

Blu-Ray Review – Life Is Sweet is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

When I saw that I had been sent Brassed Off through the post on Blu-ray I was pretty excited. It is one of those British films that seems to have slipped through FRC Towers nets more than any other. I really do not know why, I mean you can usually trust a film starring Pete Postlethwaite to be an interesting if not fabulous watch, thankfully I was not disappointed with Brassed Off as it is both!

The film is based in the small coal mining community, Grimley. The pit which is the life and soul of the town is on the brink of financial collapse and threatening to shut down, forcing half of the entire town out of work. The story centres on the colliery brass band, made up from members who are all tied in some way to the PIT. The film is a tale of working class problems, told from a working class point of view. The emotional aspect of this film is really something to be admired, the way the band works through the crisis is hilarious and heart breaking in the same beat.

The Grimley Brass Band was once a great Nationally recognized Brass Band. Danny, played by Pete Postlethwaite is the band leader and he wants to regain this success, unfortunately the band members are ready to call it a day, just like the PIT. With no work, the members just cannot afford to keep up with the kitty, and something has to give. That is, until Gloria walks into practice with her trumpet!

This is where the film works. It could have so easily have been a heavy drama about the terrors of the Thatcher regime and how she ruined the coal mining industry in UK. instead it keeps its chin held up high and tells the tale of the coal men from their perspective. As Phil, played by Stephen Tompkinson struggles to make ends meet by taking a humiliating second job as a children’s entertainer we witness his life spiral out of control, he is a proud miner who doesn’t want to worry his Dad (Postlethwaite). It is a hilarious yet emotional role that Tompkinson hits perfectly, not too much sorrow and not too much laughter. But, the film belongs to Postlethwaite. His turn as Danny is heart breaking to watch. The band is his life and his very soul. Even when his health takes a turn for the worse, the Band comes first.

Brassed Off is filled with a great British cast that feed off Mark Herman’s script perfectly. It is filled with real life humour and sorrow that will have you crying and laughing all at the same time.

BRASSED OFF IS PART OF THE FILM4 BEST OF BRITISH SERIES AND IS RELEASED ON 28TH MAY 2012

About The Author – Scott Lawlor

Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE

Have you seen this film? Will you be buying the Blu-ray? Comment below…

Blu-Ray Review – Brassed Off is a post from: FrontRoomCinema

I am really privileged to have this list from Neil. He is a great guy who lives in my home town, and boy is he a talented writer, as well as a walking lexicon of film knowledge. He can be found writing HERE at The Fourth Wall, as well as doing a little for Little White Lies, Eye For Film, Electric Sheep. Yes, that means he is a big deal!!

The ‘Born Into Film’ series of lists is the brainchild of Mike P Williams, staff writer here at FRC. The idea is simple -

List a group of films that were released on the year you were born that you would still like to watching today. No rules on list length, it is up to you. As a bonus, list 3 people or so that were born the same year as you that you admire, either because of their acting / directing / writing skills, or even just because they are hot.

The previous weeks can be found here…

1964 – Chris Mason

1983 – John Dougherty

1984 – Mike Williams

1985 – Niels De Vita

1987 – Tom Bielby

1989 – Luke Grima

1995 – Stevee Taylor

SO without further ado, Here is my mate’s list…

Deliverance:

The daddy of the city dwellers vs country folk survival movies, starring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight. The ‘Duelling Banjos’ sequence and Ned ‘squeal like a pig’ Beatty’s rape are just two of the ‘highlights’ of John Boorman’s classic tale of a canoe trip gone disastrously, murderously wrong.

The Last House on the Left:

The murder and/or rape revenge narrative was a staple part of 70s American cinema. Craven’s low budget debut gave censors a real headache with its grim, drawn out scenes of sexual violence. Rough around the edges, but integral to the evolution of the horror genre.

Solaris: 

Glacially paced, existential sci-fi you say? Yes please. Like Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Trumbull’s Silent Running, Solaris showed science fiction wasn’t just about alien invasions and space battles. A rumination on loss, death, memories and the nature of life itself.

Death Line:

A memorable slice of post-Hammer British horror starring the always excellent Donald Pleasance. Cannibal mutants stalk the London Underground thirty years before Christopher Smith’s inferior Creep. Wonderfully sleazy jazz soaked theme tune too.

Deep Throat:

Ah, ‘porno chic’, from the period when hardcore briefly broke into the mainstream consciousness. A notorious (onscreen and off) boundary crossing cult classic, despite being amateurish fare. With the bio-pic Lovelace on the way, this one will once again be back in the headlines.

Silent Running:

Moving, melancholic sci-fi with a striking visual design and a prescient eco-warning at its heart. Bruce Dern has never bettered his performance as a rogue astronaut floating off into space with nothing but three robots and the last bits of Earth’s vegetation for company. As relevant now as in ’72.

Aguirre: Wrath of God:

A tale of Spanish conquistadors travelling down the Amazon in search of El Dorado, led by the crazy Don Lope de Aguirre. With Klaus Kinski in the lead role, Werner Herzog directing and a legendarily harsh location shoot in Peru, the offscreen tale of Aguirre is as intense as the film itself.

Prime Cut:

A crime movie that isn’t nearly as well-known as it should be. Lee Marvin as a mob hard man taking on Gene Hackman’s slimy cattle rancher, Mary Ann. As well as selling women as sex slaves, Mary Ann has the habit of turning his enemies into sausages! It’s as mean and sleazy as it sounds.

Chung Kuo – China:

A three and a half hour documentary about Communist China may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it works for me. Commissioned and then banned by Chairman Mao, Michelangelo Antonioni’s objective portrait of a country adapting to Mao’s Cultural Revolution is remarkable viewing.

The Poseidon Adventure:

A regular on TV during the 70s and 80s, and a great example of the disaster movie genre. Gene Hackman, Roddy McDowell, Shelley Winters and Ernest Borgnine were just some of the stellar ensemble cast trying to escape a cruise liner that’s capsized.  I’ll take this over Titanic any day.

The Ladies:

Toni Collette

Molly Parker

Jessica Hynes

Gretchen Mol

Cameron Diaz

The Gentlemen:

Shane Meadows

Alejandro Amenabar

Nick Frost

Ewen Bremner

Idris Elba

Did you enjoy Neil’s List? What would you change? Want to do one of your own? Comment below…

Thursday List – Born Into Film:1972 – Neil Mitchell is a post from: FrontRoomCinema