The 1% Club
3x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on ITVX.]
Sunday, 31 March 2024
this week on 100Films.co.uk
5 new reviews were published to 100Films.co.uk this week...
Archive 5, Vol.10
More next Sunday, including all the monthly reviews of March.
Archive 5, Vol.10
Featuring...Read more here.
- A Star Is Born (2018)
- Boss Level (2021)
- Coded Bias (2020)
- Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
- The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)
More next Sunday, including all the monthly reviews of March.
Saturday, 30 March 2024
TV
Gladiators
1x11 The Final [season finale]
I used to watch the original version of this as a kid, but had mostly ignored the new reboot; but I was with family today, and they wanted to watch, so... It was, somewhat amazingly, almost exactly as I remembered it from my childhood. I guess that's the point of reviving IP like this, though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x11 The Final [season finale]
I used to watch the original version of this as a kid, but had mostly ignored the new reboot; but I was with family today, and they wanted to watch, so... It was, somewhat amazingly, almost exactly as I remembered it from my childhood. I guess that's the point of reviving IP like this, though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
About another hour, encompassing an entire trip to Spain.
About another hour, encompassing an entire trip to Spain.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
As proised, a cornucopia of new stuff this week — upgrades, 4Ks, box sets...! It's not a record-breaker or anything, but it's a good time.
Number of titles in collection: 3,255 [up 8]
Of which DVDs: 1,008 [down 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,247 [up 10]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 335 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,907 [up 11]
Number of films: 4,008 [up 10]
Number of additional cuts: 364 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes: 9,673 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,129 [no change]
Speaking of record-breakers, there may be one next month. I got a bit carried away and placed a couple of large US orders. By rights, they should turn up at exactly the same time (I placed them on the same day from the same retailer — I had only intended to do one, but ended up talking myself into another), so that could be a preeeetty large week, whenever they arrive. Not quite enough to be a new all-time best, mind, especially as there are some ugprades in there, so we'll have to see what else happens to come out that week. How exciting!
But that's a ways off yet. Next week, there'll be just a couple of things to report. See you then, faithful reader
As proised, a cornucopia of new stuff this week — upgrades, 4Ks, box sets...! It's not a record-breaker or anything, but it's a good time.
Number of titles in collection: 3,255 [up 8]
Of which DVDs: 1,008 [down 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,247 [up 10]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 335 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,907 [up 11]
Number of films: 4,008 [up 10]
Number of additional cuts: 364 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes: 9,673 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,129 [no change]
Speaking of record-breakers, there may be one next month. I got a bit carried away and placed a couple of large US orders. By rights, they should turn up at exactly the same time (I placed them on the same day from the same retailer — I had only intended to do one, but ended up talking myself into another), so that could be a preeeetty large week, whenever they arrive. Not quite enough to be a new all-time best, mind, especially as there are some ugprades in there, so we'll have to see what else happens to come out that week. How exciting!
But that's a ways off yet. Next week, there'll be just a couple of things to report. See you then, faithful reader
Friday, 29 March 2024
Comics
Spawn: Creation by Todd McFarlane
#5 Justice [the end]
Seems a bit silly labelling this "the end" when it's issue #5 of a comic that's reached #354 and shows no signs of stopping, but this is "the end" of this particular volume. I recently got a massive load of the series in that Humble Bundle I mentioned, so I do intend to continue it. Those digital copies are also grouped in book form, but there volume 1 also includes issue #6 — so the next one I read will be a "the end" too. Ah, funny times.
#5 Justice [the end]
Seems a bit silly labelling this "the end" when it's issue #5 of a comic that's reached #354 and shows no signs of stopping, but this is "the end" of this particular volume. I recently got a massive load of the series in that Humble Bundle I mentioned, so I do intend to continue it. Those digital copies are also grouped in book form, but there volume 1 also includes issue #6 — so the next one I read will be a "the end" too. Ah, funny times.
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
19–29 March 2024
Okay, so, once again I didn't catch up when I intended to, and I keep getting further behind — so I abandoned my previous "do it over two days" ideas and just went and caught up. It was always likely to get ruined again this coming weekend, because I have family stuff going on, but now I've only got the dual-day Saturday/Sunday page to play over the next two days, so hopefully now I can stay on top of it.
Hopefully.
19–29 March 2024
Okay, so, once again I didn't catch up when I intended to, and I keep getting further behind — so I abandoned my previous "do it over two days" ideas and just went and caught up. It was always likely to get ruined again this coming weekend, because I have family stuff going on, but now I've only got the dual-day Saturday/Sunday page to play over the next two days, so hopefully now I can stay on top of it.
Hopefully.
Thursday, 28 March 2024
Wednesday, 27 March 2024
Podcasts
They Like to Watch
Little Wigs Abound! And Russell T Davies (DOCTOR WHO)
Saw a news story about one of the things Russell T Davies said when a guest on this podcast (which I hadn't heard of otherwise), so of course I came to listen to the full thing. It's not just the RTD interview, so I confess I did skip to that. He's as interesting and insightful as ever, naturally. The interview has clearly been cut to shreds, though. There's a longer version of it available via the podcast's Patreon — I'd like to listen to that, but not "subscribe" much.
Little Wigs Abound! And Russell T Davies (DOCTOR WHO)
Saw a news story about one of the things Russell T Davies said when a guest on this podcast (which I hadn't heard of otherwise), so of course I came to listen to the full thing. It's not just the RTD interview, so I confess I did skip to that. He's as interesting and insightful as ever, naturally. The interview has clearly been cut to shreds, though. There's a longer version of it available via the podcast's Patreon — I'd like to listen to that, but not "subscribe" much.
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
Monday, 25 March 2024
Videos
Shuffle Up & Play
26 Is Cosmonaut Marcus' Commander...Michael Bay? [season finale]
"Season finale" feels a bit arbitrary when all episodes are numbered sequentially across seasons, but, nonetheless, this is the season one finale.
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Talks Machina
#51 'The Midnight Chase'
[Watch it (again) on Internet Archive.]
26 Is Cosmonaut Marcus' Commander...Michael Bay? [season finale]
"Season finale" feels a bit arbitrary when all episodes are numbered sequentially across seasons, but, nonetheless, this is the season one finale.
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Talks Machina
#51 'The Midnight Chase'
[Watch it (again) on Internet Archive.]
Sunday, 24 March 2024
Comics
Spawn: Creation by Todd McFarlane
#1 Questions Part 1
I've always been curious about Spawn but never actually read any. With Humble Bundle currently offering a massive load of the character's back catalogue for a bargain price (as is their way), I decided it made sense to read this collection that's been sat on my bookshelf since I-don't-know-when — it's the debut volume, collecting issues #1 to #5 of the comic. (I own the "collector's edition", which I think is just hardback. Whether or not the introduction is exclusive to this volume too, I don't know, but Goodreads say the pagecount is the same, so perhaps not (they're not actually very reliable for facutal information like that).)
#1 Questions Part 1
I've always been curious about Spawn but never actually read any. With Humble Bundle currently offering a massive load of the character's back catalogue for a bargain price (as is their way), I decided it made sense to read this collection that's been sat on my bookshelf since I-don't-know-when — it's the debut volume, collecting issues #1 to #5 of the comic. (I own the "collector's edition", which I think is just hardback. Whether or not the introduction is exclusive to this volume too, I don't know, but Goodreads say the pagecount is the same, so perhaps not (they're not actually very reliable for facutal information like that).)
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
Another hour or so.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
12–18 March 2024
Having failed to catch up last Sunday as planned, the amount of days I'm behind has mounted up to an even higher level. So, once again, I've played a chunk today and intend to play the rest... tomorrow? A work day? Oh God. Well, we'll see. I need to put the time/effort in somewhere to finally get caught up, and then aim to stay on top of it more.
Another hour or so.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
12–18 March 2024
Having failed to catch up last Sunday as planned, the amount of days I'm behind has mounted up to an even higher level. So, once again, I've played a chunk today and intend to play the rest... tomorrow? A work day? Oh God. Well, we'll see. I need to put the time/effort in somewhere to finally get caught up, and then aim to stay on top of it more.
Videos
Talks Machina
#49 'Curious Beginnings'
#50 'A Show of Scrutiny'
Catching up on the earlier episodes of Talks Machina about Campaign Two before going ahead with the main show too. (One thing I've observed already: it's funny/weird how much they joke about hating the host, considering what happened later.)
[Watch episodes #49 and #50 (again) on Internet Archive.]
#49 'Curious Beginnings'
#50 'A Show of Scrutiny'
Catching up on the earlier episodes of Talks Machina about Campaign Two before going ahead with the main show too. (One thing I've observed already: it's funny/weird how much they joke about hating the host, considering what happened later.)
[Watch episodes #49 and #50 (again) on Internet Archive.]
Saturday, 23 March 2024
Videos
Talks Machina
#52 'Disparate Pieces'
So, this is the talk show that used to follow every episode of Critical Role. After it came out that the host had done some Bad Shit, most content featuring him was removed from official Critical Role channels; but, the internet being the internet, it is still out there, so I thought I'd give it a go.
Of course, as enjoyable as Crit Role is, catching up already involves literally hundreds of four-hour-long episodes — which is, y'know, a lot — without adding an extra hour-and-change to each with Talks Machina too. Indeed, to be precise, it adds an extra 136½ hours to the already-565-hour commitment. (Can you imagine a 'normal' TV show that ran for over 700 hours? That's the equivalent of 42 seasons of a 22-eps-a-year US network TV drama!)
That said, I love behind-the-scenes stuff of things I love; and these guys do have interesting stuff to say about why they made the decisions they made, where the story is going, and so on. It's a lot of extra time to add to an already long thing, but it might be worth it. (Step one: go back to the four hours of Talks Machina that cover Campaign Two Episodes 1–3...)
[Watch it (again) on Internet Archive.]
#52 'Disparate Pieces'
So, this is the talk show that used to follow every episode of Critical Role. After it came out that the host had done some Bad Shit, most content featuring him was removed from official Critical Role channels; but, the internet being the internet, it is still out there, so I thought I'd give it a go.
Of course, as enjoyable as Crit Role is, catching up already involves literally hundreds of four-hour-long episodes — which is, y'know, a lot — without adding an extra hour-and-change to each with Talks Machina too. Indeed, to be precise, it adds an extra 136½ hours to the already-565-hour commitment. (Can you imagine a 'normal' TV show that ran for over 700 hours? That's the equivalent of 42 seasons of a 22-eps-a-year US network TV drama!)
That said, I love behind-the-scenes stuff of things I love; and these guys do have interesting stuff to say about why they made the decisions they made, where the story is going, and so on. It's a lot of extra time to add to an already long thing, but it might be worth it. (Step one: go back to the four hours of Talks Machina that cover Campaign Two Episodes 1–3...)
[Watch it (again) on Internet Archive.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
As promised, the 'flood' of releases is beginning to come through — though, thanks to the postal system and other delays, it's going to wind up spread over a couple of weeks after all. Nonetheless, this is one of those rare weeks where every single stat changes. Here's what's turned up in time for March's running time update...
The first thing you'll notice: it looks like my collection has shrunk. Not so! It's time for another classic Doctor Who Blu-ray set, which this time kicks five DVDs out of my collection — including one story that isn't even in this set. The DVD had a special feature that wasn't included on the Blu-ray release, because they've moved it here. It balances out, though, because there's a different story in this set that's lost a special feature to a future box set, so I'm hanging on to that for now. One day, though, these season Blu-ray sets will finally replace all my individual story DVDs... hopefully.
Number of titles in collection: 3,247 [down 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,010 [down 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,237 [up 5]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 333 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,896 [down 4]
Number of films: 3,996 [up 5]
Number of additional cuts: 359 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,673 [down 5]
Number of short films: 1,129 [up 1]
You may also notice I said "kicks out five DVDs" earlier, but my DVD count has dropped by six. That's because my copy of The Abyss on 4K UHD also turned up this week, meaning the ancient DVD edition can finally leave my collection... although it's kind of a nice edition, so I'm tempted to keep it (it's not like DVDs are worth anything anymore, especially not when there's a Blu-ray in print). Well, I've factored it out now, so I guess that's that.
Oh, and I didn't reach 4,000 films, which I'd thought I might. Sadly, I won't land exaclty on it — I've got a package definitely arriving on Monday (per Royal Mail tracking) that contains enough films to see me right past that figure. Ah well.
Total running time of collection (approx.):
555 days, 14 hours, and 7 minutes.
(Up 12 hours and 4 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
As promised, the 'flood' of releases is beginning to come through — though, thanks to the postal system and other delays, it's going to wind up spread over a couple of weeks after all. Nonetheless, this is one of those rare weeks where every single stat changes. Here's what's turned up in time for March's running time update...
The first thing you'll notice: it looks like my collection has shrunk. Not so! It's time for another classic Doctor Who Blu-ray set, which this time kicks five DVDs out of my collection — including one story that isn't even in this set. The DVD had a special feature that wasn't included on the Blu-ray release, because they've moved it here. It balances out, though, because there's a different story in this set that's lost a special feature to a future box set, so I'm hanging on to that for now. One day, though, these season Blu-ray sets will finally replace all my individual story DVDs... hopefully.
Number of titles in collection: 3,247 [down 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,010 [down 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,237 [up 5]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 333 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,896 [down 4]
Number of films: 3,996 [up 5]
Number of additional cuts: 359 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,673 [down 5]
Number of short films: 1,129 [up 1]
You may also notice I said "kicks out five DVDs" earlier, but my DVD count has dropped by six. That's because my copy of The Abyss on 4K UHD also turned up this week, meaning the ancient DVD edition can finally leave my collection... although it's kind of a nice edition, so I'm tempted to keep it (it's not like DVDs are worth anything anymore, especially not when there's a Blu-ray in print). Well, I've factored it out now, so I guess that's that.
Oh, and I didn't reach 4,000 films, which I'd thought I might. Sadly, I won't land exaclty on it — I've got a package definitely arriving on Monday (per Royal Mail tracking) that contains enough films to see me right past that figure. Ah well.
Total running time of collection (approx.):
555 days, 14 hours, and 7 minutes.
(Up 12 hours and 4 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 22 March 2024
Films
Black Tight Killers (1966)
[#20 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
+ the video extras on Radiance's Blu-ray, which consist of a short archive interview with the director and an original theatrical trailer
[#20 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
+ the video extras on Radiance's Blu-ray, which consist of a short archive interview with the director and an original theatrical trailer
Thursday, 21 March 2024
TV
X-Men
1x08 The Unstoppable Juggernaut [2nd watch]
1x09 The Cure [2nd watch]
1x10 Come the Apocalypse [2nd watch]
1x08 The Unstoppable Juggernaut [2nd watch]
1x09 The Cure [2nd watch]
1x10 Come the Apocalypse [2nd watch]
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Monday, 18 March 2024
Sunday, 17 March 2024
this week on 100Films.co.uk
5 new reviews were published to 100Films.co.uk this week...
Archive 5, Vol.9
More next Sunday.
Archive 5, Vol.9
Featuring...Read more here.
- Evil Under the Sun (1982)
- Sneakers (1992)
- Us (2019)
- Crooked House (2017)
- In the Mood for Love (2000)
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 16 March 2024
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
About 45 minutes today.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
5–11 March 2024
I've fallen so far behind on this that it became tricky to find the time to catch up fully, which just continued to exacerbate the problem. So I've finally bitten the bullet and played about half of what I had to catch up, with the intention of doing the rest tomorrow. And then, hopefully, sticking at it better!
About 45 minutes today.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
5–11 March 2024
I've fallen so far behind on this that it became tricky to find the time to catch up fully, which just continued to exacerbate the problem. So I've finally bitten the bullet and played about half of what I had to catch up, with the intention of doing the rest tomorrow. And then, hopefully, sticking at it better!
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
As I mentioned previously, this is a fairly quiet month for the most part — until the next two weeks, anyway, when a glut of titles are on their way. I already have four in the post, plus six on preorder for the week after, and more I'd like to order but haven't yet. Money, money, money! We'll see how many of those turn up in time for next week's monthly running time update...
Number of titles in collection: 3,248 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,232 [up 1]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,890 [up 1]
Number of films: 3,991 [up 1]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [no change]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
As I mentioned previously, this is a fairly quiet month for the most part — until the next two weeks, anyway, when a glut of titles are on their way. I already have four in the post, plus six on preorder for the week after, and more I'd like to order but haven't yet. Money, money, money! We'll see how many of those turn up in time for next week's monthly running time update...
Number of titles in collection: 3,248 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,232 [up 1]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,890 [up 1]
Number of films: 3,991 [up 1]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [no change]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 15 March 2024
TV
Comic Relief 2024
Funny for Money
More Funny for Money
A Whole Lotta Lenny
What's Comic Relief doing on this year?! Normally it's only odd-numbered years! When did that change? (I'm assuming this year, but last year was the first time I'd watched it in almost a decade, so I dunno.) Maybe it was just because long-time lead host Lenny Henry has decided to hang up his microphone, so this was a big celebration of his final year — a well-deserved one, too, even if the show itself was a bit weird at times (replaying a 13-year-old sketch in full in prime time in the middle of the show? What?!)
[Watch them (again) on iPlayer.]
Funny for Money
More Funny for Money
A Whole Lotta Lenny
What's Comic Relief doing on this year?! Normally it's only odd-numbered years! When did that change? (I'm assuming this year, but last year was the first time I'd watched it in almost a decade, so I dunno.) Maybe it was just because long-time lead host Lenny Henry has decided to hang up his microphone, so this was a big celebration of his final year — a well-deserved one, too, even if the show itself was a bit weird at times (replaying a 13-year-old sketch in full in prime time in the middle of the show? What?!)
[Watch them (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 14 March 2024
TV
X-Men
1x03 Enter Magneto [2nd watch]
1x04 Deadly Reunions [2nd watch]
Returning as an adult to a show you loved as a kid is a risky proposition: what seemed entertaining when you were seven or eight might not work as well when you're well into your 30s. Heck, it's kind of silly to expect it to at all. But X-Men is actually pretty brilliant. The ongoing storylines are kinda unexpected for a kids' cartoon of this vintage; I believe X-Men was innovative in doing them. But even if you expect it, it's kind of surprising how thoroughly it goes into it. This isn't just a little bit of carryover, but full storylines unfurling over multiple episodes. Then there's all of the ethical conundrums and dilemmas, and character work that allows the heroes to be conflicted and fallible. Sure, it also still functions as colourful and action-focused entertainment for young'uns, but there's more depth and quality to it than was probably necessary — but that's also why it's such a classic.
1x03 Enter Magneto [2nd watch]
1x04 Deadly Reunions [2nd watch]
Returning as an adult to a show you loved as a kid is a risky proposition: what seemed entertaining when you were seven or eight might not work as well when you're well into your 30s. Heck, it's kind of silly to expect it to at all. But X-Men is actually pretty brilliant. The ongoing storylines are kinda unexpected for a kids' cartoon of this vintage; I believe X-Men was innovative in doing them. But even if you expect it, it's kind of surprising how thoroughly it goes into it. This isn't just a little bit of carryover, but full storylines unfurling over multiple episodes. Then there's all of the ethical conundrums and dilemmas, and character work that allows the heroes to be conflicted and fallible. Sure, it also still functions as colourful and action-focused entertainment for young'uns, but there's more depth and quality to it than was probably necessary — but that's also why it's such a classic.
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
Another hour, this time encompassing an entire trip to the hospital.
Another hour, this time encompassing an entire trip to the hospital.
Wednesday, 13 March 2024
TV
Blackadder II
2x02 Head [2nd watch]
I didn’t remember this episode at all. Ok, it’s been a quarter of a century or so since I last watched this series, but the first was pretty memorable. And it’s not for lack of quality, because there are plenty of hilarious bits. I suppose it’s possible I didn’t actually start the series until a few episodes in, and saw Bells (or bits of it) later. Hard to remember exactly so many decades later. It only matters for my personal watch count, anyway.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
X-Men
1x01 Night of the Sentinels Part 1 [2nd watch]
1x02 Night of the Sentinels Part 2 [2nd watch]
I loved this series as a kid, when it originally aired. I remember waiting yonks for it to come to DVD and then, when it finally did in a complete box set, I bought it... and, of course, didn't watch it. I can't remember if I bought the set immediately on release or waited for a price cut, but it's been years either way (possibly over 13 — it came out in October 2011). So, I've been meaning to (re)watch this show for a very, very long time. Why now? The continuation series coming to Disney+, of course! I've left it (way) too late to get through the original series before the new one premieres, but hey ho, I'll get there in time.
2x02 Head [2nd watch]
I didn’t remember this episode at all. Ok, it’s been a quarter of a century or so since I last watched this series, but the first was pretty memorable. And it’s not for lack of quality, because there are plenty of hilarious bits. I suppose it’s possible I didn’t actually start the series until a few episodes in, and saw Bells (or bits of it) later. Hard to remember exactly so many decades later. It only matters for my personal watch count, anyway.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
X-Men
1x01 Night of the Sentinels Part 1 [2nd watch]
1x02 Night of the Sentinels Part 2 [2nd watch]
I loved this series as a kid, when it originally aired. I remember waiting yonks for it to come to DVD and then, when it finally did in a complete box set, I bought it... and, of course, didn't watch it. I can't remember if I bought the set immediately on release or waited for a price cut, but it's been years either way (possibly over 13 — it came out in October 2011). So, I've been meaning to (re)watch this show for a very, very long time. Why now? The continuation series coming to Disney+, of course! I've left it (way) too late to get through the original series before the new one premieres, but hey ho, I'll get there in time.
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
About another hour, including the infamous goat puzzle.
About another hour, including the infamous goat puzzle.
Tuesday, 12 March 2024
Articles
ITV Oscars coverage secures viewers – and criticism
by Catherine Shoard (from the Guardian)
Whether or not you agree with the criticsm (I didn't dislike all of the panel, but there's a definite argument for having more informed proper film critics/journalists), the viewing stats are interesting: this year's Oscars saw a 1700% increase in average UK viewership, from 35,000 last year on Sky to 630,000 this year on ITV.
by Catherine Shoard (from the Guardian)
Whether or not you agree with the criticsm (I didn't dislike all of the panel, but there's a definite argument for having more informed proper film critics/journalists), the viewing stats are interesting: this year's Oscars saw a 1700% increase in average UK viewership, from 35,000 last year on Sky to 630,000 this year on ITV.
Monday, 11 March 2024
TV
The 96th Annual Academy Awards
aka the Oscars. I didn't watch it twice, it just started yesterday and finished today for those of us in the UK. I thought it was a solid ceremony overall — Kimmel is a reliably safe pair of hands as host, there were no timewasting skits, and most of the awards went to who was expected to win. Little exciting (the possible exception being the performance of I'm Just Ken, which was a lot of fun), but nothing to fret about either.
[Watch it (again) on ITVX.]
aka the Oscars. I didn't watch it twice, it just started yesterday and finished today for those of us in the UK. I thought it was a solid ceremony overall — Kimmel is a reliably safe pair of hands as host, there were no timewasting skits, and most of the awards went to who was expected to win. Little exciting (the possible exception being the performance of I'm Just Ken, which was a lot of fun), but nothing to fret about either.
[Watch it (again) on ITVX.]
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
Another hour-and-a-half or so, although it crashed at one point and I had to speed re-play a bunch of conversations.
Another hour-and-a-half or so, although it crashed at one point and I had to speed re-play a bunch of conversations.
Sunday, 10 March 2024
TV
The 96th Annual Academy Awards
aka the Oscars. Actually starting on Sunday this year here in the UK for once, because of the US just switching to summer time, while we don't change for a few more weeks. Wow. More significantly, for the first time in about 20 years, it's airing on a free channel! Why Sky gave up the rights I don't know, but it's nice not having to pay for it. And, as a new broadcaster, ITV have put some effort in (I don't think Sky even had a studio commentary team last year, if I remember rightly). Obviously, the show still continues until the early hours of the morning, so thoughts on the actual ceremony tomorrow.
[Watch a selection of Oscars-related programmes and films on ITVX.]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x29 Week 6: Thursday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
aka the Oscars. Actually starting on Sunday this year here in the UK for once, because of the US just switching to summer time, while we don't change for a few more weeks. Wow. More significantly, for the first time in about 20 years, it's airing on a free channel! Why Sky gave up the rights I don't know, but it's nice not having to pay for it. And, as a new broadcaster, ITV have put some effort in (I don't think Sky even had a studio commentary team last year, if I remember rightly). Obviously, the show still continues until the early hours of the morning, so thoughts on the actual ceremony tomorrow.
[Watch a selection of Oscars-related programmes and films on ITVX.]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x29 Week 6: Thursday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Saturday, 9 March 2024
TV
Friends
1x22 The One with the Ick Factor [many-th watch]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x28 Week 6: Wednesday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
1x22 The One with the Ick Factor [many-th watch]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x28 Week 6: Wednesday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
March is looking like a fairly quiet month... until the end, when a massive pile of titles flood out for the 25th. I haven't preordered most of them, mainly because it's going to total well over £200 and that causes even me to pause. But it seems inevitable that I will...
In the meantime, I am still expecting a title or two each week, starting with just one this week. Of note: I'm just 10 films away from 4,000. Will I get there before April? We'll see...
Number of titles in collection: 3,247 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,231 [up 1]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,889 [up 1]
Number of films: 3,990 [up 1]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [no change]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
March is looking like a fairly quiet month... until the end, when a massive pile of titles flood out for the 25th. I haven't preordered most of them, mainly because it's going to total well over £200 and that causes even me to pause. But it seems inevitable that I will...
In the meantime, I am still expecting a title or two each week, starting with just one this week. Of note: I'm just 10 films away from 4,000. Will I get there before April? We'll see...
Number of titles in collection: 3,247 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,231 [up 1]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,889 [up 1]
Number of films: 3,990 [up 1]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [no change]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 8 March 2024
TV
Friends
1x21 The One with the Fake Monica [many-th watch]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x27 Week 6: Tuesday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
1x21 The One with the Fake Monica [many-th watch]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x27 Week 6: Tuesday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 7 March 2024
TV
Death in Paradise
12x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friends
1x19 The One Where the Monkey Gets Away [many-th watch]
1x20 The One with the Evil Orthodontist [many-th watch]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x26 Week 6: Monday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
12x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friends
1x19 The One Where the Monkey Gets Away [many-th watch]
1x20 The One with the Evil Orthodontist [many-th watch]
Richard Osman's House of Games
7x26 Week 6: Monday
[Watch various episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 6 March 2024
Films
Alice in Wonderland (1903)
You can watch this short on the BFI's official YouTube channel... but it's only in SD, whereas there's a full HD version here.
Explosion of a Motor Car (1900)
You can watch this short on the BFI's official YouTube channel... but it's only in SD, whereas there's a full HD version here.
Explosion of a Motor Car (1900)
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Monday, 4 March 2024
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
Another hour-and-a-half or so of play. (I note this purely because, come the end of the game, I'm going to be mildly curious how long it took me.) Today, I learnt it's possible to die in this game. I sometimes forget that's possible in some adventure games, considering Lucasarts were (rightly) dead set against it. So, must make sure to save regularly.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
4 March 2024
Another hour-and-a-half or so of play. (I note this purely because, come the end of the game, I'm going to be mildly curious how long it took me.) Today, I learnt it's possible to die in this game. I sometimes forget that's possible in some adventure games, considering Lucasarts were (rightly) dead set against it. So, must make sure to save regularly.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
4 March 2024
Videos
Critical Role
2x02 A Show of Scrutiny [1st half]
Should I be listing these under TV? They're not, strictly speaking; but is streaming something on Twitch or YouTube fundamentally any different to streaming it on Netflix or iPlayer? Am I just old-fashioned here? (It doesn't really matter, but this is the kind of thing I think about sometimes.)
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
2x02 A Show of Scrutiny [1st half]
Should I be listing these under TV? They're not, strictly speaking; but is streaming something on Twitch or YouTube fundamentally any different to streaming it on Netflix or iPlayer? Am I just old-fashioned here? (It doesn't really matter, but this is the kind of thing I think about sometimes.)
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Sunday, 3 March 2024
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
So, after yesterday's woes, I managed to play a proper chunk. Off to a promising start, though I'm not a fan of long conversations that just carry on without any player input, like a cutscene without actually cutting to a scene. Hope there's not too much of that going forward.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
1–3 March 2024
Should I have separate posts for computer games and board games? I don't think I have before, but I also don't think it's come up before...
So, after yesterday's woes, I managed to play a proper chunk. Off to a promising start, though I'm not a fan of long conversations that just carry on without any player input, like a cutscene without actually cutting to a scene. Hope there's not too much of that going forward.
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
1–3 March 2024
Should I have separate posts for computer games and board games? I don't think I have before, but I also don't think it's come up before...
this week on 100Films.co.uk
A new month began this week, and so, as always, 100Films.co.uk looked back at the previous one. First, through all the films I did watch...
And then, all the ones I failed to...
Plus, 1 new review was published too...
Dune: Part One (2021)
More next Sunday.
And then, all the ones I failed to...
Plus, 1 new review was published too...
Dune: Part One (2021)
Trying to write about a film like Dune in a critical context over two years after it was released feels a bit pointless... Of course, yay/nay recommendations are not the only reason for critical writing — far from it — but, if you’re looking to do more than that, you better have something to say. So I confess here and now, for the sake of any readers looking for that kind of article, that I don’t think I have a unique or revelatory or even particularly insightful take on Dune... All I can offer is how the film struck me personally, from my particular perspective; which is not nothing, but is what it is.Read more here.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 2 March 2024
Comics
2000 AD #2362
aka the Christmas Prog 2023. Yes, that's how far behind I still am. On the bright side, I didn't read 2022's Chrismas edition until the middle of May '23, so I'm a couple of months up on last year. Also, as always, this is a bumper-length issue, so really it's like reading three Progs in one go.
aka the Christmas Prog 2023. Yes, that's how far behind I still am. On the bright side, I didn't read 2022's Chrismas edition until the middle of May '23, so I'm a couple of months up on last year. Also, as always, this is a bumper-length issue, so really it's like reading three Progs in one go.
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
The original Broken Sword is a game I've wanted to play for decades (I don't know when I first heard of it, but it came out in 1996), but haven't ever got round to it for various reasons. I even bought the Director's Cut version years ago, but still didn't start it. That version doesn't run on Macs anymore (giving you some idea of how long ago I must've purchased it!), so instead I'm finally playing the original version. Today, I played... the first couple of minutes, after spending hours trying to get the darned thing to work (the amount of time I wasted on the Director's Cut before learning it simply doesn't run anymore...)
So, why am I finally playing it at all now? Because there's a Kickstarter for a fully remastered version currently running, and I thought I actually ought to play the darn thing and see if I like it before I go throwing money into that. Of course, I'll have to get further into the game than the opening cut scene and first location before I make any decisions.
The original Broken Sword is a game I've wanted to play for decades (I don't know when I first heard of it, but it came out in 1996), but haven't ever got round to it for various reasons. I even bought the Director's Cut version years ago, but still didn't start it. That version doesn't run on Macs anymore (giving you some idea of how long ago I must've purchased it!), so instead I'm finally playing the original version. Today, I played... the first couple of minutes, after spending hours trying to get the darned thing to work (the amount of time I wasted on the Director's Cut before learning it simply doesn't run anymore...)
So, why am I finally playing it at all now? Because there's a Kickstarter for a fully remastered version currently running, and I thought I actually ought to play the darn thing and see if I like it before I go throwing money into that. Of course, I'll have to get further into the game than the opening cut scene and first location before I make any decisions.
Videos
Critical Role
2x01 Curious Beginnings [2nd half]
The four-hour-long episodes felt like the biggest 'barrier to entry' for me on this (when am I going to find time for that? Especially as there's almost 150 of them just for this one 'season'), but, actually, at the end I was left wanting more. A good sign. (I mean, catching up still feels daunting, unless I want to devote all my free time to just watching Critical Role for the next few months/years (which I don't; I wouldn't want to for anything). Well, I guess I'll get there some day.)
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
2x01 Curious Beginnings [2nd half]
The four-hour-long episodes felt like the biggest 'barrier to entry' for me on this (when am I going to find time for that? Especially as there's almost 150 of them just for this one 'season'), but, actually, at the end I was left wanting more. A good sign. (I mean, catching up still feels daunting, unless I want to devote all my free time to just watching Critical Role for the next few months/years (which I don't; I wouldn't want to for anything). Well, I guess I'll get there some day.)
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Three new additions this week, all brand new releases, though it only looks like two because Paths of Glory is a straight 4K upgrade from the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray.
Number of titles in collection: 3,246 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,230 [up 2]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,888 [up 3]
Number of films: 3,989 [up 2]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Three new additions this week, all brand new releases, though it only looks like two because Paths of Glory is a straight 4K upgrade from the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray.
Number of titles in collection: 3,246 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,230 [up 2]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,888 [up 3]
Number of films: 3,989 [up 2]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 1 March 2024
Videos
Critical Role
2x01 Curious Beginnings [1st half]
Yes, I have decided to dive in to the phenomenon that is Critical Role. (If you’ve never heard of it, or have but don’t really know what it is, I’ll spare you my introduction and let you read up for yourself.) (I’ll also spare you my usual long-winded explanation of how I first heard of it and what made me decide to start now.)
What I will say is a bit on why I decided to start here, the beginning of Campaign Two. There’s a lot of episodes of this show, and most run four hours or longer. In total, Campaign One clocks in at 450 hours, Campaign Two hits 565 hours, and there are a few spinoffs and one-shots too. Therefore, I thought I’d start with the currently-running Campaign Three and try to catch up to real-time. Then I realised that campaign is already 85 episodes in, which adds up to almost 352 hours of viewing. Even if you watched one hour a day every day, it would take almost a whole year to watch what’s already happened — by which time there’d be another 160+ hours. Plus, it seems like there’s been some debate and/or controversy about the quality of this campaign compared to previous ones.
All of which made me decide just to dive into the past and start with Campaign Two, which is one of the most-recommended jumping-on points. I just have to accept that, if I like it and keep going, it’s going to be a very (very) long time before I’m caught up…
Oh, and, as I said, the episodes are like four hours long. Ain't doin' all that in one sitting (yet).
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
2x01 Curious Beginnings [1st half]
Yes, I have decided to dive in to the phenomenon that is Critical Role. (If you’ve never heard of it, or have but don’t really know what it is, I’ll spare you my introduction and let you read up for yourself.) (I’ll also spare you my usual long-winded explanation of how I first heard of it and what made me decide to start now.)
What I will say is a bit on why I decided to start here, the beginning of Campaign Two. There’s a lot of episodes of this show, and most run four hours or longer. In total, Campaign One clocks in at 450 hours, Campaign Two hits 565 hours, and there are a few spinoffs and one-shots too. Therefore, I thought I’d start with the currently-running Campaign Three and try to catch up to real-time. Then I realised that campaign is already 85 episodes in, which adds up to almost 352 hours of viewing. Even if you watched one hour a day every day, it would take almost a whole year to watch what’s already happened — by which time there’d be another 160+ hours. Plus, it seems like there’s been some debate and/or controversy about the quality of this campaign compared to previous ones.
All of which made me decide just to dive into the past and start with Campaign Two, which is one of the most-recommended jumping-on points. I just have to accept that, if I like it and keep going, it’s going to be a very (very) long time before I’m caught up…
Oh, and, as I said, the episodes are like four hours long. Ain't doin' all that in one sitting (yet).
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
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