After the successful first standalone outing for the character, Kevin Whately returns to the title role of Lewis again, for a second full season of...... more

After the successful first standalone outing for the character, Kevin Whately returns to the title role of Lewis again, for a second full season of investigations. And things seem, to the benefit of the viewer, just as dangerous as they always were. This series of Lewis is set five years after the death of Inspector Morse (to whom Lewis was, of course, the sidekick), and while the gap left behind by the late, great John Thaw is occasionally felt, this is still very much quality drama in its own right. Thus, this DVD set brings together all four feature-length episodes from the second series of Lewis, and finds the detective in his familiar Oxford stomping ground. Accompanied by Laurence Foxs DS Hathaway, a collection of well-written, compelling mysteries are waiting to be solved. The series investigations cover the discovery of a body in a library through to the world of underground boxing and a rape case that brings out the worst in the Oxford establishment. And there arent any weak links here: each episode is involving, intelligent and a gripping watch. Even at its worst, Lewis is very good television drama. Whats more, Whately is terrific in the increasingly complex central role, and the scripts continue to allow him to flesh out the character. Lewis is, in many ways, a flawed man, and as he works his way through the layered and involving cases, this becomes ever-more obvious. And the programme is all the better for it. For in spite of some cynicism when it first announced that a standalone Lewis programme was being produced, theres ample here to silence the most sceptical of naysayers. For Lewis is, simply, very strong television. --Jon Foster

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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Mono ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black &...... more

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Mono ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Box Set, Cast/Crew Interview(s), Interactive Menu, Multi-DVD Set, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Alan Bennett is one of Britain's most popular and prolific authors and playwrights. He initially wrote for the stage, but found that with his observant eye for the absurdities of modern life and sharp ear for dialogue, his work transferred easily and effectively to the small screen. This collection brings together many of Alan Bennett's previously unreleased BBC productions dating from 1972 through to 1994. It includes his first television play, A Day Out; autobiographical pieces such as Dinner at Noon and Portrait or Bust and celebrated plays such as A Woman of No Importance, An Englishman Abroad and A Question of Attribution. The plays, each with a specially recorded introduction by Alan Bennett, feature a number of great British actors including Daniel Day Lewis, Alan Bates, Patricia Routledge, Janet McTeer, James Fox and Prunella Scales and number Richard Eyre, Stephen Frears and John Schlesinger among the directors. List of Productions: 102 Boulevard Haussmann (1990) A Day Out (1972) A Question of Attribution (1991) A Visit from Miss Protheroe (1978) A Woman of No Importance (1982) An Englishman Abroad (1983) The Insurance Man (1986) Our Winnie (1982) Sunset Across the Bay (1975) Dinner at Noon (1988) Portrait or Bust (1994) SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Alan Bennett at the BBC - 4-DVD Box Set ( 102 Boulevard Haussmann / A Day Out / A Question of Attribution / A Visit from Miss Protheroe / A Woman of No Importance / An Englishman Abroad / The Insurance Man / Our Winnie / Sunset Across the B

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Series 1It's taken a long time for Kevin Whately to take centre stage in a detective drama, but Lewis proves it's been time well spent. Lewis,...... more

Series 1It's taken a long time for Kevin Whately to take centre stage in a detective drama, but Lewis proves it's been time well spent. Lewis, of course, was previously the sidekick to Inspector Morse, and that raised fair suspicions that this spin-off drama was a fairly unnecessary cash-in of sorts. But those suspicions have proven unfounded, and Lewis has emerged as one of the best new programmes to hit ITV in recent years. The format's not moved on a great deal since the heights of Inspector Morse, but in this case, that's no bad thing. The episodes in this set on the whole build slowly, and build up intelligently and with diligence. Occasionally there are moments where the pace slips a little too much, but that's more than overcome by the fact that the drama on offer here is so absorbing. It's all anchored, of course, by Whately's excellent portrayal of the lead character. Eminently watchable, and clearly wearing the clothes of a character that he knows completely, it's a smashing performance, and with the aid of an excellent supporting cast, Lewis develops into a real treat. Is it better than Morse? Well, that's far too early too call. But on this basis of this debut, Lewis certainly has the potential for as enduring a legacy. --Jon Foster Series 2After the successful first standalone outing for the character, Kevin Whately returns to the title role of Lewis again, for a second full season of investigations. And things seem, to the benefit of the viewer, just as dangerous as they always were. This series of Lewis is set five years after the death of Inspector Morse (to whom Lewis was, of course, the sidekick), and while the gap left behind by the late, great John Thaw is occasionally felt, this is still very much quality drama in its own right. Thus, this series finds the detective in his familiar Oxford stomping ground. Accompanied by Laurence Foxs DS Hathaway, a collection of well-written, compelling mysteries are waiting to be solved. The series' investigations cover the discovery of a body in a library through to the world of underground boxing and a rape case that brings out the worst in the Oxford establishment. And there aren't any weak links here: each episode is involving, intelligent and a gripping watch. Even at its worst, Lewis is very good television drama. Whats more, Whately is terrific in the increasingly complex central role, and the scripts continue to allow him to flesh out the character. Lewis is, in many ways, a flawed man, and as he works his way through the layered and involving cases, this becomes ever-more obvious. And the programme is all the better for it. For in spite of some cynicism when it first announced that a standalone Lewis programme was being produced, theres ample here to silence the most sceptical of naysayers. For Lewis is, simply, very strong television. --Jon FosterSeries 3What could have been an ill-advised spin-off continues to excel as Lewis arrives at its third series. Firmly stepping out of the shadows of Inspector Morse, Kevin Whately as Inspector Lewis once more is solving murders and mysteries in Oxford. And again, he's joined by Laurence Fox as DS Hathway, his partner in crime-solving. And Lewis gives the pair some interesting scenarios to get their teeth into. There are four feature-length stories in total, and things get started when a Czech barmaid is discovered, having being slashed to death. There's, as you'd expect, more to the crime than immediately meets the eye, and that convention continues in the following episode, where a student Shakespearian production abruptly ends after one of the cast is stabbed with a prop knife. We also get to meet, before the series ends, a rock star towards the end of his career, in what proves to be a terrific episode to close the series. To reveal any more significant plot points of Lewis would be to spoil half the fun. What this third series retains though is the kind of diligent, well-produced drama that its predecessor was. And in Whately, it has a lead actor who studiously inhabits his role, and ensures that the name of Inspector Lewis is another to add to the British detective hall of fame. Very strong drama, and it's just getting better. --Jon Foster

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After the successful first standalone outing for the character, Kevin Whately returns to the title role of Lewis again, for a second full season of...... more

After the successful first standalone outing for the character, Kevin Whately returns to the title role of Lewis again, for a second full season of investigations. And things seem, to the benefit of the viewer, just as dangerous as they always were. This series of Lewis is set five years after the death of Inspector Morse (to whom Lewis was, of course, the sidekick), and while the gap left behind by the late, great John Thaw is occasionally felt, this is still very much quality drama in its own right. Thus, this DVD set brings together all four feature-length episodes from the second series of Lewis, and finds the detective in his familiar Oxford stomping ground. Accompanied by Laurence Foxs DS Hathaway, a collection of well-written, compelling mysteries are waiting to be solved. The series investigations cover the discovery of a body in a library through to the world of underground boxing and a rape case that brings out the worst in the Oxford establishment. And there arent any weak links here: each episode is involving, intelligent and a gripping watch. Even at its worst, Lewis is very good television drama. Whats more, Whately is terrific in the increasingly complex central role, and the scripts continue to allow him to flesh out the character. Lewis is, in many ways, a flawed man, and as he works his way through the layered and involving cases, this becomes ever-more obvious. And the programme is all the better for it. For in spite of some cynicism when it first announced that a standalone Lewis programme was being produced, theres ample here to silence the most sceptical of naysayers. For Lewis is, simply, very strong television. --Jon Foster

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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Mono ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black &...... more

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Mono ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Box Set, Cast/Crew Interview(s), Interactive Menu, Multi-DVD Set, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Alan Bennett is one of Britain's most popular and prolific authors and playwrights. He initially wrote for the stage, but found that with his observant eye for the absurdities of modern life and sharp ear for dialogue, his work transferred easily and effectively to the small screen. This collection brings together many of Alan Bennett's previously unreleased BBC productions dating from 1972 through to 1994. It includes his first television play, A Day Out; autobiographical pieces such as Dinner at Noon and Portrait or Bust and celebrated plays such as A Woman of No Importance, An Englishman Abroad and A Question of Attribution. The plays, each with a specially recorded introduction by Alan Bennett, feature a number of great British actors including Daniel Day Lewis, Alan Bates, Patricia Routledge, Janet McTeer, James Fox and Prunella Scales and number Richard Eyre, Stephen Frears and John Schlesinger among the directors. List of Productions: 102 Boulevard Haussmann (1990) A Day Out (1972) A Question of Attribution (1991) A Visit from Miss Protheroe (1978) A Woman of No Importance (1982) An Englishman Abroad (1983) The Insurance Man (1986) Our Winnie (1982) Sunset Across the Bay (1975) Dinner at Noon (1988) Portrait or Bust (1994) SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Alan Bennett at the BBC - 4-DVD Box Set ( 102 Boulevard Haussmann / A Day Out / A Question of Attribution / A Visit from Miss Protheroe / A Woman of No Importance / An Englishman Abroad / The Insurance Man / Our Winnie / Sunset Across the B

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Two examples of British Second World War films, We Dive at Dawn (1943) and Reach for the Sky (1956), are here stylishly packaged as a World War II Classics...... more

Two examples of British Second World War films, We Dive at Dawn (1943) and Reach for the Sky (1956), are here stylishly packaged as a World War II Classics pack. We Dive at Dawn tells of the encounter between a British submarine and a German warship in the Baltic Sea. John Mills gives a dependable performance as the submarine commander, with Eric Portman the pick of a strong supporting cast. Director Anthony Asquith finds the balance between action sequences and "in situ" dialogue, and there's an evocative score from Louis Levy. The movie was an underrated film that deserves reappraisal, whereas Reach for the Sky (1956) was a box-office hit and remains a fondly regarded classic. Kenneth More is ideally cast as Douglas Bader, the gifted pilot who loses both legs in a pre-war air crash, only to play a major role in the Battle of Britain, rise to the rank of Group Captain and become a war hero. Based on Paul Brickhill's biography, this is an "official" history maybe, but Lewis Gilbert's screenplay and direction are historically accurate and informed by that very British humour of which More was a natural. The film is graced by a decent supporting cast, and a typically "widescreen" score from John Addison. On the DVD: The black and white prints look and sound excellent. Whereas We Dive at Dawn has 4:3 video aspect ratio, 15 chapter points and no subtitles, the later Reach for the Sky has vivid 16:9 anamorphic reproduction, 20 chapter points, subtitles and detailed biographies of More, Gilbert and Barder. The original theatrical trailer is included, but it would also have made sense to include an interview or documentary footage of Bader himself. Even so, this is an excellent starting-point for investigating a key area of British cinema.--Richard Whitehouse

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Spain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), Spanish ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), Spanish ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES:...... more

Spain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), Spanish ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), Spanish ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Filmographies, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: In a remote branch of the Brazilian Amazon, Americans Lewis (Tom Berenger) and Wolf (Tom Waits) are stranded when their plane runs out of gas. They are kept company by an evangelist missionary (John Lithgow) and his wife (Darryl Hannah). The preacher and his followers want to preach to the primitive Niaruna Indians, while others are interested in the Niaruna for more diabolical reasons-specifically, business concerns that would like to claim the Indians' land for development. The local police chief cuts a deal with the mercenaries Lewis and Wolf: if they will agree to bomb the Niarunas out of existence, they will be paid enough money to leave the country. Instead, Lewis, part Native American himself,aligns himself with the Niarunas. From this moment on, he and the tribe are doomed. A long-standing pet project of producer Saul Zaentz, At Play in the Fields of the Lord was adapted from the best-selling novel by Peter Matthiesen. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Golden Globes, ...At Play in the Fields of the Lord

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Region 2 Spanish import, plays in English without subtitles. Plot: Martin and Hazel Quarrier are small-town fundamentalist missionaries sent to the jungles of...... more

Region 2 Spanish import, plays in English without subtitles. Plot: Martin and Hazel Quarrier are small-town fundamentalist missionaries sent to the jungles of South America to convert the Indians. Their remote mission was previously run by the Catholics, before the natives murdered them all. They are sent by the pompous Leslie Huben, who runs the missionary effort in the area but who seems more concerned about competing with his Catholic 'rivals' than in the Indians themselves. Hazel is terrified of the Indians while Martin is fascinated. Soon American pilot Lewis Moon joins the Indian tribe but is attracted by Leslie's young wife, Andy. Can the interaction of these characters and cultures, and the advancing bulldozers of civilization, avoid disaster? Cast: Tom Berenger, Daryl Hannah, Aidan Quinn, John Lithgow, Tom Waits, Kathy Bates, Niilo Kivirinta, S. Yriwana Karaja, José Dumont

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Another case for the ale-drinking Oxford detective. Morse (John Thaw) and Lewis (Kevin Whately) are called in when some erotic paintings go...... more

Another case for the ale-drinking Oxford detective. Morse (John Thaw) and Lewis (Kevin Whately) are called in when some erotic paintings go missing from a stately home - at the same time as their owner.

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Based on the novel by John Marsden, Tomorrow, When The War Began is the story of Ellie Linton, one of a group of teenagers embroiled in an ongoing...... more

Based on the novel by John Marsden, Tomorrow, When The War Began is the story of Ellie Linton, one of a group of teenagers embroiled in an ongoing guerrilla war, trying to defend their hometown from outside invaders. Made and set in Australia, the movie stars Caitlin Stasey as Ellie, and pulls in strong support from the likes of Rachel Hurd-Wood and Lincoln Lewis. Its a bumpy film at times, not helped by a script thats not particularly even. And yet by the final credits it has comfortably transcended its flaws, thanks to some excellent direction and strong action sequences. As an action adventure film, Tomorrow, When The War Began is most certainly one to watch, and should satisfy most fans of the novel. The Blu-ray is the best way to catch the film, with the visuals and action really benefiting from a high definition upgrade. The audio mix, too, is set to give a good home cinema setup a thorough workout. Tomorrow, When The War Began might not be perfect, but its nonetheless an exciting, engaging movie, played nicely by its cast, and with welcome surprises up its sleeve. --Jon Foster

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United Kingdom released, Blu-Ray/Region B DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery,...... more

United Kingdom released, Blu-Ray/Region B DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, Short Film, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Following his Cannes award-winning performance in Ken Loach's My Name is Joe, Scottish actor Peter Mullan made his feature script and directorial debut with this British dark comedy-drama about four adult siblings on the eve of their mother's funeral in Glasgow. Eldest son Thomas (Gary Lewis) offers a tribute to her in a local pub, but his brother Michael (Douglas Henshall) is stabbed during a brawl at the bar, prompting third brother John (Stephen Cole) to seek vengeance. Michael evades medical treatment, trying to hold out until the next day in order to make a claim for workers compensation. Thomas leaves to join sister Sheila (Rosemarie Stevenson), who has cerebral palsy, in a night-long chapel vigil. The four attempt to reunite after they are separated when the full fury of a violent storm hits the town. Shown at the 1998 {~Cannes Film Festival}. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: British Independent Film Awards, Venice Film Festival, ...Orphans ( Orfana ) (Blu-Ray)

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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access,...... more

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Oscar winner John Madden (Prime Suspect, Shakespeare in Love) directs Annabelle Apsion (Shameless) and David Morrissey (Red Riding) in this disturbing, compelling drama which tells the story of a woman coming to terms with the trauma of being married to a mass-murderer. Drawing on a remarkable pool of talent that in-cludes Ted Childs executive producer of Inspector Morse and Lewis and multi-award-winning screenwriter Jeremy Brock (The Last King of Scotland), The Widowmaker earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Single Drama in 1991. Kathy, a young mother, arrives home to find her house surrounded by police and reporters; she is then told that her husband has been arrested for a series of murders in the local community. How could she have loved a man capable of committing such crimes? Why hadn't she recognised the signs of the madness that was de-veloping? Did she, in any way, provoke his actions? While coping with press intrusion, police questioning and her shocked family and friends, Kathy is haunted by the past in her harrowing search for the truth. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...The Widowmaker ( The Widow maker )

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Brothers and sisters, can we get a witness for Elmer Gantry, a woeful tale of saints and sinners? Burt Lancaster earned his only Oscar as the wide-smiling,...... more

Brothers and sisters, can we get a witness for Elmer Gantry, a woeful tale of saints and sinners? Burt Lancaster earned his only Oscar as the wide-smiling, glad-handing, soul-saving charlatan Gantry, a salesman who turns his gift for preaching into a career at the pulpit. Climbing on board the barnstorming evangelical tour of revivalist Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons), Gantry declaims, invokes, and sermonises his way to the top, until a former flame-turned-prostitute (Shirley Jones in an Oscar-winning performance) threatens to reveal his dark past as a womaniser and con man. Lancaster harnesses all his physical vigour and natural charisma for this role, literally throwing himself into his preaching with the suppleness of an acrobat and the sing-song delivery of a gospel singer--he even brays like a hound to show the Holy Spirit within him. Gantry is a showman, pure and simple, and while he doesn't fool true-believer Sister Sharon, he gives her a few object lessons in playing the crowd. Director Richard Brooks, who also took home an Oscar for his screenplay (adapted from the Sinclair Lewis novel), creates a rousing drama both on and off the pulpit, and provides fine roles for an excellent supporting cast, including Arthur Kennedy, Dean Jagger, John McIntire, and singer Patti Page. --Sean Axmaker

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Based on the novel by John Marsden, Tomorrow, When The War Began is the story of Ellie Linton, one of a group of teenagers embroiled in an ongoing...... more

Based on the novel by John Marsden, Tomorrow, When The War Began is the story of Ellie Linton, one of a group of teenagers embroiled in an ongoing guerrilla war, trying to defend their hometown from outside invaders. Made and set in Australia, the movie stars Caitlin Stasey as Ellie, and pulls in strong support from the likes of Rachel Hurd-Wood and Lincoln Lewis. Its a bumpy film at times, not helped by a script thats not particularly even. And yet by the final credits it has comfortably transcended its flaws, thanks to some excellent direction and strong action sequences. As an action adventure film, Tomorrow, When The War Began is most certainly one to watch, and should satisfy most fans of the novel. The Blu-ray is the best way to catch the film, with the visuals and action really benefiting from a high definition upgrade. The audio mix, too, is set to give a good home cinema setup a thorough workout. Tomorrow, When The War Began might not be perfect, but its nonetheless an exciting, engaging movie, played nicely by its cast, and with welcome surprises up its sleeve. --Jon Foster

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When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality...... more

When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and story lines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to another. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep-down sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women. At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material, Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford

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When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality...... more

When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and story lines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to another. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep-down sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women. At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material, Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford

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When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality...... more

When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and story lines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to another. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep-down sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women. At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material, Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford

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Taken from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front is a devastating portrait of a small group of German soldiers during World War I....... more

Taken from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front is a devastating portrait of a small group of German soldiers during World War I. In this 1979 made-for-TV version the star-studded cast is lead by Richard Thomas (The Waltons) as Paul Baumer, strongly supported by screen veterans Ernest Borgnine, Ian Holm and Patricia Neal. As both narrator and star, Thomas occasionally seems to reincarnate his familiar John-Boy persona, but does at least succeed in creating a character that has more levels than his television alter ego. After watching all of his high school buddies loose their lives, Paul returns home a changed man, conflicted in his feelings about the Army and war, and altered from an idealistic schoolboy into a fearful and humble veteran. Although Lewis Milestone's 1930 films remains the cinema's definitive version, director Delbert Mann (Desire Under the Elms, Marty) has done a workmanlike job bringing the novel to the screen. The scenery and costuming in this period piece are well done, and surely contributed to its winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Made for TV. Also exceptional are the cinematography and special effects that, while realistically gruesome, truly emphasise the horrors of war. --Zachary Lively, Amazon.com

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When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality...... more

When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and story lines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to another. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep-down sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women. At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material, Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! --Piers Ford

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When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality...... more

When Inspector Morse first appeared on television in 1987, nobody could have predicted that it would run into the next century, maintaining throughout a quality of scripts and storylines that raised the genre of the detective series to a new level. Much of its success can be attributed to John Thaw's total immersion in the role. Morse is a prickly character and not obviously easy to like. As a detective in Oxford with unfulfilled academic propensities, he is permanently excluded from a world of which he would dearly love to be a part. He is at odds with that world--and with his colleagues in the police force--most of the time. Passionate about opera and "proper beer", he is a cultural snob for whom vulgarity causes almost physical pain. As a result, he lives from one disillusionment to the next. And he is scarred--more deeply than he would ever admit--by past relationships. But he also has a naïve streak and, deep down, sensitivity, which makes him a fascinating challenge for women.At the heart of Morse's professional life is his awkward partnership with Detective Sergeant Lewis, the resolutely ordinary, worldly sidekick who manages to keep his boss in an almost permanent state of exasperation while retaining his grudging respect. It's a testament to Kevin Whateley's consistently excellent performance that from such unpromising material Lewis becomes as indispensable to the series as Barrington Pheloung's hypnotic, classic theme music. Morse's investigations do occasionally take him abroad to more exotic locations, but throughout 14 successful years of often gruesome murders, the city of Oxford itself became a central character in these brooding two-hour dramas: creator Colin Dexter stating he finally had to kill Morse off because he was giving Oxford a bad reputation as a dangerous place! -- Piers Ford

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