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New Release DVDs - Monday May 5th

I watched Casino Royale last night. Now it may seem a bit odd but I just never got round to it before now, the point is, we went out for a walk after tea to the local pub, had a pint and when we got home, nothing of note to watch on the telly, so we broke out a few unwatched DVDs and plumped for the above. Have to say it's a great film, not your average Bond movie but a darker and deeper portrayal. A great watch, and a great buy at just £7.99 with free delivery. So, on to this weeks selection for your comments:

Charlie Wilson's War
Perhaps one of the most extraordinary stories ever told, and my friends it is all true!
Based on the Playboy US Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) who conspired with CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and the beautiful Houston socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) in one of the biggest covert operations that has ever been uncovered (I am sure there are many others that we will one day find out about, but that is a post for another day!).
Among other things they managed to increase the CIA's anti-communism budget from just $5million to over $500million. This is a great portrayal of their efforts which ultimately contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union as it was then, and the end of the cold war, with consequences that still reverberate around the world today.
Here is the official Charlie Wilson's War movie trailer from the good ol' guys at YouTube.
Hey, it's got Jimi Hendrix on the soundtrack as well so got to be worth a look just for that!

Ashes To Ashes (Complete BBC Series 1)
This is the sequel to the second series of Life On Mars, and sees erstwhile DCI Gene Hunt swap his Ford Cortina for an Audi Quatro, roll up his sleeves and take on the 80s.
No longer the self styled sheriff of Manchester, Gene turns his attention to taking on the Southern nancy-boy criminals of good old London Town. He does not however expect to be thrown together with the sexy intelligent DCI Alex Drake.
Her rise through the ranks of the Met is only thwarted when, in 2008, during a brave attempt at escape from her daughters kidnappers a terrible accident occurs. Alex wakes to find herself in 1981 interacting with familiar characters and opposite the arrogant Hunt, but her in depth knowledge of the case he is on must surely be of an advantage.
Great twist on the good old TV cops and robbers series that we have come to love so much. Here is an Ashes To Ashes trailer posted by the BBC on YouTube.

Can't see anything here that appeals to you? Hard to believe, but if not why don't you check out all the Pre Release DVDs at CD WOW!

New Release DVDs - Monday 28th April

Well, here we are nearly at the end of April, a third of the year gone already. It's hard to believe really but I tell you no lies my friends. So,I was just about to pack the DVD player away for the summer (it never really happens does it?), and checked out this weeks new releases, top of the pile was one I have been waiting for:

The Golden Compass
This also comes as a Platinum Series 2 Disc Set and is based on the first book in the best selling trilogy by author Philip Pullman. The set, comprising "Northern Lights", "The Subtle Knife" and "The Amber Spyglass" follow the adventures of Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), a twelve year old girl who is trying to rescue a friend, Roger (Ben Walker) who has been kidnapped by the mysterious Gobblers.

This, as you can imagine, proves to be far more difficult than a walk in the park. Lyria is taken through different dimensions in a vivid imagined world where we meet the likes of Armoured Polar Bears! Although not strictly following the books (perceived) anti-religious stance this is none the less an exciting fantasy adventure film for all of the family.
With Nicole Kidman playing, for the first time, the antagonist, Lyra's caretaker Marisa Coulter, and the voice of Ian McKellen as Lorek, the armoured polar bear, it is not without a great cast either. Lyra's quest is to save not only her world, but ours as well!
Will the other two books make the big screen? Only time will tell, but I, for one, really hope so. Here is The Golden Compass - Official Trailer from our friends at YouTube.

Benidorm: Series One
All six episodes from the first series of the BAFTA award nominated ITV series written by Derren Litten, who co-wrote the Catherine Tate Show. Featuring a stellar cast of some of the UK's best comedy actors (Johnny Vegas, Wendy Richards), the series focuses on exploiting the commonly perceived working class stereotype of this popular Spanish holiday resort.

As a taster here is a clip from Benidorm: Series One from the good folk at YouTube. Following various families and groups, look out for Gavin and Troy on their first break together, Geoff Maltby and his Mum and my favourites the Garvey family on their first trip abroad along with Janice's Sun worshipping Fag smoking Mum Madge, who has the very realistic knack of having a bad word to say about everybody. You have got to love her!
Easy watching and split into nice handy parts, this is a great DVD for those odd moments (well lots of them actually) when there is nothing to watch on the TV. Want to see some more? A second series comprising eight episodes started to air in March 2008.

Halloween (2007)
Written, produced and directed by famous musician Rob Zombie, his previous offerings "House of 1000 Corpses" and "The Devils Rejects" are both the workings of a genre fanatic and hail close to the ultimate in horror slasher gore movies, and this my good friends is no exception, as you can see by this official "Rob Zombies Halloween Trailer from YouTube.
Both based on, and a prequel to, the original 1978 film of the same name, this the latest in the Halloween franchise starts with a ten year old Michael Myers murdering his sister, her boyfriend and his mothers boyfriend on Halloween eve. After the longest trial in state history Michael is committed to Smiths Grove sanitarium under the supervision of Dr Sam Loomis, where he becomes fixated by his paper mache masks. During one of his mothers frequent visits he kills a nurse, as you would, and she tops herself. During transfer he escapes and makes his way back to Haddonfield where he arrives on, yep you guessed it, Halloween!
The story then picks up the original film which is pretty faithfully replicated. A true gore fest this is not for the faint hearted so grab that cushion before you start watching!

Can't see anything here that appeals to you? Hard to believe, but if not why don't you check out all the Pre Release DVDs at CD WOW!

New Release DVD's Monday 21st April

How about a new release DVD from CD WOW! to brighten up your dark days...

I Am Legend
Also available as a Special Edition 2 Disc Set. This is the third film adaptation of the chiller book by Richard Matheson, 'The Omega Man' starring recently deceased Charlton Heston and "The Last Man On Earth" precede this version.
Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the last man alive (or is he?) in a post apocalyptic New York City, ravaged by a man made virus that has turned all of the other inhabitants into mutant vampiristic victims.
The virologist spends his day searching for food, collecting supplies and talking to his faithful dog, and some plastic shop dummies that he has placed around as his "friends", he is of course going slightly mad! At night he locks himself away in a fortress like flat that he has constructed, and tries to isolate an antidote, so that he may save the world.
As you would expect things take a turn for the worse... I saw this at the cinema, some great special effects especially in the opening few minutes this is a very entertaining film.
Here is the 'I Am Legend' original screen trailer from where else but YouTube.

Lions For Lambs
This is a film about a couple of soldiers in Afghanistan, a senator in Washington and a Broadcast Journalist who are all connected to one young student who is beginning to realise the importance of acting on what you believe in.
After seeing this 'Lions For Lambs Theatrical Trailer' (YouTube of course), it looks like a gotta see DVD to me!
Directed by and starring Oscar award winner Robert Redford, who plays Dr Stephen Malley (College Professor), the film also stars Meryl Streep (Journalist) and Tom Cruise (Senator). With a title that alludes to incompetent leaders sending brave soldiers into the slaughter of battle, the film is of course taking aim at the U.S. government and it's stance on the wars in the Middle East. Of course this went down pretty much like a lead balloon in America, however the stance, like the film itself, will be applauded in the UK.
And here my high brow friends is a very nice post from the Guardian!

New Release DVD's Monday 14th April

With a lot of UK schools on a two week non-Easter break this week and next I thought I would have a look at a couple of forthcoming DVDs that may keep the kids amused for a few hours, so here we go:

Alvin And The Chipmunks
Based on the classic cartoon series originally created in 1958, the comic strip has already spawned several TV series, four animated films, a music career and a whole truck load of merchandise. The film was a huge box office success and now comes to DVD.
Starring Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl) as Dave, the film follows the adventures of Alvin and company as their tree home is cut down and transported to a huge office building, where they meet with Dave, get back to his house and run amok. You won't have to be a genius to guess the rest of the story line from there...
The film will of course appeal to any children, and maybe a few teenagers who have seen the TV series, and is tolerable enough for most adults, although the grating of the chipmunk voices may wear a few of you down!
Original soundtrack also available: OST - Alvin And The Chipmunks.

St Trinian's
The sixth in a long running series of films based on the works of cartoonist Ronald Searle. The series started way back in 1954 with the release of the then very risque "The Belles Of St Trinian's", the last release was 1980's "The Wildcats Of St Trinians" which was not a critical success. This film will appeal to young and old alike.
Based on a pretty thin storyline whereby the up to now ungovernable girls have to pull together and steal a painting to save the school from bankruptcy, the film is pulled through in a big way by the enthusiastic portrayals pulled off by all of the cast.
A stellar performance by Rupert Everett (My Best Friends Wedding) as both the headmistress and her brother is one such performance, and it's always great to see Celia Imrie!! The English comedy film is not dead, and they don't get much better than this one!

30 Days Of Night
This could be for you If you are looking for something to watch when the kids have gone to bed!! I can't believe that this brilliant idea has not been thought of before. The problem with Vampires of course is that they don't get on too well in daylight, so morning comes around, you find where they are hiding out, stick a wooden stake through their hearts, or better still shoot them with a silver bullet and hey presto, the war is won!
But what if you live in Alaska, where the sun sets and does not rise for the next 30 days? Oh My God! Sheer genius! If you think the setting sounds creepy enough, wait till you see the vampires... Don't watch this film if you have nightmares, you won't be able to sleep afterwards!
One of the best vampire movies you will ever see! This 30 Days Of Night Movie Trailer passed for all audiences is enough to get you going, courtesy of the nice folk at YouTube.

Can't see anything here that appeals to you? Then why not check out all the pre release DVDs at CD WOW!

Charlton Heston - A Tribute

The actor Charlton Heston died last weekend at the age of 84 and is career started way before most of us were born.
His first film Peer Gynt was a student effort in 1941! In 1944 he spent two years serving in the US Air Force during World War 2, and in the same year married Lydia Marie Clarke.

His film appearances started properly in 1950 with 'Dark City'. His first major breakthrough came in 1952 when he appeared as a circus manager in the film 'The Greatest Show On Earth', which was named as the best picture of that year.
He became a true icon for his portrayal of Moses in the 1956 film 'The Ten Commandments'.  I guess I first came across him in a TV re-run of the fantastic 'Ben Hur' a true classic from 1959, even though there was a scene in which he was wearing a watch!
Then 1968 brought the 'Planet Of The Apes' which spawned no less than four sequels.
Here's a clip of the closing scene of Planet Of The Apes and sums up the man's performances in just a couple of minutes! Cheers to YouTube.

'Earthquake' in 1974 was another moment of movie history! One of my favourite of his films was 'The Omega Man' forerunner to the great 'I Am Legend' (Will Smith plays the same part) which I will review at another time.
In 2001 despite having had diagnosis of and treatment for prostate cancer in 1998 he appeared in no less than 5 films including 'Town and Country' and as one of the voices in 'Cats and Dogs'.
With more movies under his belt than you could shake a stick at, he appeared in well over 100 films in his acting career, I can't do justice to the man in this short piece.

In 2002 he publicly announced that he was suffering from symptoms consistent with Alzheimers Disease. Heston died on Saturday April 5th with his wife of 64 years, Lydia, still by his side. Here is a great post from 'Arbogast On Film'.

Like Audio Bullys? Wanna To Be A Film Star?

Here's a cool idea. Do you like dance music? Want to be in a video? Here's the deal!

The Audio Bullys burst onto the dance scene back in 2003 with their debut album "Ego War". It was at the time hailed as one of the critical albums that helped re-ignite the fading state of UK dance music.
Five years on, and with their second album "Generation" firmly under their belts their groundbreaking sound is still making waves in the underground dance music scene. Blending choice cuts of house, hip hop, punk and soul to create their own attitude fuelled sound. The band are soon to release their third album.

Grammy award winning film maker Don Letts is directing the video for the next Audio Bullys single "Gimme That Punk". And here is the deal, Don is inviting a select number of Audio Bullys fans to appear in the video which will be shot in London on Tuesday 8th April. The video will combine a mixture of old, and new school, punk.

So, interested? If you are over 18, and can be available on Tuesday 8th April, and want to appear in the video please e-mail audiobullys@brassnecktv.com with a photo and your contact details.
Do it now!! You only have a couple of days so don't delay!!

Here is a cool video from the Audio Bullys - We Don't Care courtesy of our friends at YouTube!

Live In Concert Is Just A (Rolling) Stones Throw Away

A recently started new phenomenon is that of the "go to a gig at the cinema" experience. The live music scene is booming and some of our bigger artists and promoters are using modern technology to bring the live event to ever more people.
In January Radiohead announced an intimate gig for 200 people in London, but not to fear, if you could not get down to London and queue in the freezing rain for hours on the off chance that you would get in... you could watch the whole performance in real time via their radiohead.tv website.
Recently The Kills have launched their new album "Midnight Boom" with a series of gigs at cinemas, and last year Take That had live showings of their tour "Beautiful World" at Vue cinemas across the country.
Muse, Genesis and Kylie have all jumped on the same bandwagon, and fair play to them, tickets are ever harder to get hold of, and if you live in the sticks a cinema might be an easier and cheaper option to see your favourite bands.
No more the sticky floors, or muddy fields, but a nice comfortable cinema seat with coke and popcorn on tap, now what could be wrong with that?

And now, Martin Scorsese is responsible for another must see addition to the Music Concert category.
"Shine A Light" stars the Rolling Stones, a career spanning documentary this film is however predominantly a record of two shows in New York, shot over two nights at the intimate, for them, Beacon Theatre.
The film shows all but two of the numbers played on those two nights and has some songs never before played live, some stunning guests, and cut with old documentary footage to tell the story is nothing short of a masterpiece.
The Stones have decided to make the film premier the biggest in UK cinema history. On Wednesday, April 2nd it will be broadcast live from Leicester Square to 100 theatres across the UK.
Tickets are just £12.50 each, and with that you get a special edition Tour Tee Shirt! Bargain! For a short pre-view and to book your tickets use this link.
The double CD Soundtrack "Shine A Light" is available now for pre-order from your favourite guys at CD WOW!

This is of course just a new twist on a very old tale, cinemas have been showing popular music for many a long year, some of the films were documentary style, like the fabulous "Jimi Hendrix".
Some featured pop stars of their day, I guess the Beatles would be the most famous with films like "Help" and so the list goes on.
Then there was the actual live music films, but of course these came out after the even. None of this simultaneous broadcast business!
The greatest ever festivals fall into this category... "Woodstock" was captured on film and shown in cinemas with multi split screen angles, "The Concert For Bangladesh" filmed over two shows at Madison Square Gardens, "Stop Making Sense" featured Talking Heads and said to be the greatest concert film to date when it first came out, and the fantastic "The Last Waltz" a film by Martin Scorsese about "The Band".

Threequels rock the Peoples Choice Awards

2007 was the year of the movie threequel - Shrek The Third, Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, Spider-man 3 and Bourne Ultimatum were some of the years biggest movies, all sharing the status of Third in a series.
Unlike the relatively poorly received Matrix Trilogy, each of these film franchises sustained interest, winning awards such as Favourite movie, and favourite moview threequel (Pirates of the Carribean), Favourite Family Film (Shrek the Third), and Favourite Action movie (Bourne Ultimatum) at this years People's Choice Awards. Matt Damon also won Favourite Male Action Star for his role in Bourne, meaning threequels stole 5 of the 14 awards up for grabs in the awards Film category.

Justin Timberlake managed to rack up 3 awards in the Music category, Favourite Male singer, Pop song and Hip-Hop song, an award he shared with Timberland and Nelly Furtado for the song "Give It to Me".
Rihanna, of course, won best R&B song with 'Shut up and Drive'.

CD WOW! 12 days of Christmas madness!

Today is day 7, over half way through our 12 days of Christmas madness.

So far this week we've had 2008 Calendars for £3.99, 50p of top Kids DVDs, High School Musical, Transformers and Shrek days! - But there are still 5 days left, and the offers are getting hotter and hotter.

If you're a CD WOW! email subscriber, be sure to check your inbox for a really great DVD offer tomorrow!

Keep checking the site daily for the latest BIG offers!

We would also like to add a quick thank-you to the author of this review!

Horrible Halloween Competition!

It's Halloween this week, and already there are wicked witches, ghoulish ghosts and other brilliantly dressed people in costumes wandering about freaking people out.

To celebrate this spooky time, and the efforts people are making to dress up and have fun, we're offering readers of our blog the chance to Win our 5 most devilish DVDs from our list of Halloween Horrors!

The winner will be the best, most scary, terrifyingly creepy (or amusing) Halloween photo! We want to see photos of you dressed up in your freaky outfits. Whether you're going to a party, trick-or-treating, or just goth-ing it up at home, send us your a picture of you or your friends! Once we find somebody brave enough to review the entries, we'll pick our favourite, and we'll also feature a few of the best on our blog!

To enter, please add a URL to your photo as a comment to this post, or email us - blog(at)cd-wow.com