How I Met Your Mother
5x12 Girls Vs. Suits
Three recognisable (ish) guest stars, a great big song-and-dance number, and a mother-related plot? That's the kinda palaver you wheel out for a) the first ep back after a Christmas break and b) the 100th episode. And there I was thinking it must've been a sweeps one.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Friday, 13 August 2010
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A variety of sales make this the biggest update for a while; and there's more to come, as a pile of Criterion DVDs and BDs wing their way to me across the Atlantic. Lovely. (Though my bank balance doesn't agree.)
Number of titles in collection: 1,201 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,102 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 99 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,941 [up 9]
Number of films in collection: 1,258 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,176 [up 16]
Statistic of the week:
Titles in regular Amaray cases:
737
(61.4% of the total)
Yep, this is the kind of thing I keep a record of. "Amaray cases", for the uninitiated, are the standard plastic DVD cases that most DVDs come in, especially these days -- Way Back When, when digipacks (i.e. those cardboard fold-out ones) were commonplace for any significant release with more than one disc, and Warner insisted on those dreadful snapper cases, it seemed a worthwhile thing to note. These days, everything comes in a version of Amarays it seems -- you get two or three discs squeezed into regular cases with those stacking systems, or The Bit In The Middle, and whole TV series in those thick ones that hold four or five or six or more discs. Personally, I miss digipacks and all that lovely cardboard, but hey-ho.
What this total doesn't include is boxes with multiple Amarays -- I class those, cunningly, as "box sets" -- or those thin plastic cases you sometimes get, or those thick ones (like you get whole TV series in), or standard Blu-ray cases. I don't know if the latter are being called Amarays (the name originates from the manufacturer/patent holder/something like that of DVD cases), but I just call them Blu-ray Cases, so...
Still awake? No? Well, never mind, it's over now.
See you next week, faithful reader.
A variety of sales make this the biggest update for a while; and there's more to come, as a pile of Criterion DVDs and BDs wing their way to me across the Atlantic. Lovely. (Though my bank balance doesn't agree.)
Number of titles in collection: 1,201 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,102 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 99 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,941 [up 9]
Number of films in collection: 1,258 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,176 [up 16]
Statistic of the week:
Titles in regular Amaray cases:
737
(61.4% of the total)
Yep, this is the kind of thing I keep a record of. "Amaray cases", for the uninitiated, are the standard plastic DVD cases that most DVDs come in, especially these days -- Way Back When, when digipacks (i.e. those cardboard fold-out ones) were commonplace for any significant release with more than one disc, and Warner insisted on those dreadful snapper cases, it seemed a worthwhile thing to note. These days, everything comes in a version of Amarays it seems -- you get two or three discs squeezed into regular cases with those stacking systems, or The Bit In The Middle, and whole TV series in those thick ones that hold four or five or six or more discs. Personally, I miss digipacks and all that lovely cardboard, but hey-ho.
What this total doesn't include is boxes with multiple Amarays -- I class those, cunningly, as "box sets" -- or those thin plastic cases you sometimes get, or those thick ones (like you get whole TV series in), or standard Blu-ray cases. I don't know if the latter are being called Amarays (the name originates from the manufacturer/patent holder/something like that of DVD cases), but I just call them Blu-ray Cases, so...
Still awake? No? Well, never mind, it's over now.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
TV
Robin Hood
3x12 Something Worth Fighting For Part 1
Only 14 months after it was actually on, I've finally got round to watching this. I'd forgotten what it was like... which is to say, was the writing and acting always this bad? I swear the villains are straight off CBBC...
3x12 Something Worth Fighting For Part 1
Only 14 months after it was actually on, I've finally got round to watching this. I'd forgotten what it was like... which is to say, was the writing and acting always this bad? I swear the villains are straight off CBBC...
Films
Late Spring (1949)
[#78 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
I got on considerably better with this than I did Tokyo Story a few years ago, though it would be a lie to say I'd had some kind of revelation about the genius of Ozu.
[#78 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
I got on considerably better with this than I did Tokyo Story a few years ago, though it would be a lie to say I'd had some kind of revelation about the genius of Ozu.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
TV
Grandma's House
1x01 The day Simon told his family about his important decision
Former Never Mind the Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell turns his hand to sitcom writing and acting. This sample exchange (from the programme itself; you can view the clip here) sums it up:
Simon: Maybe I'll write something or act a bit.
Grandpa: Oh dear...
Tanya: Act?! You can't act. Can you?
Grandpa: No.
Yet for all that, it ultimately manages a few laughs. I'll stick with it; we'll see how it goes.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Normans
Part 2 Conquest
I don't watch that many documentaries, often put off (as much as anything) by all the talk of pointless camerawork and other OTT visuals. This keeps it simple: presenter, talking, with accompanying period illustrations or other evocative shots. OK, so a lot of the footage has very little to do with what he's talking about, but what are they meant to show? No, this is brilliant, and (based on what I read of other programmes) more documentaries should follow its style.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Sandbaggers
3x06 Who Needs Enemies
This is the penultimate-ever episode of The Sandbaggers, so I'm running out of chances to say this: this series is excellent. If you're at all interested in spy dramas/thrillers or other series of that ilk, it's a must-see.
1x01 The day Simon told his family about his important decision
Former Never Mind the Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell turns his hand to sitcom writing and acting. This sample exchange (from the programme itself; you can view the clip here) sums it up:
Simon: Maybe I'll write something or act a bit.
Grandpa: Oh dear...
Tanya: Act?! You can't act. Can you?
Grandpa: No.
Yet for all that, it ultimately manages a few laughs. I'll stick with it; we'll see how it goes.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Normans
Part 2 Conquest
I don't watch that many documentaries, often put off (as much as anything) by all the talk of pointless camerawork and other OTT visuals. This keeps it simple: presenter, talking, with accompanying period illustrations or other evocative shots. OK, so a lot of the footage has very little to do with what he's talking about, but what are they meant to show? No, this is brilliant, and (based on what I read of other programmes) more documentaries should follow its style.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Sandbaggers
3x06 Who Needs Enemies
This is the penultimate-ever episode of The Sandbaggers, so I'm running out of chances to say this: this series is excellent. If you're at all interested in spy dramas/thrillers or other series of that ilk, it's a must-see.
Articles
Dalek Birthday Cake
(from Geeks are Sexy)
That's... just... wow...
Click to enlarge.
The Tempest – Poster for the new adaption
(from Live for Films)
I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but... wow that's a good poster.
Click to enlarge.
(from Geeks are Sexy)
That's... just... wow...
Click to enlarge.
The Tempest – Poster for the new adaption
(from Live for Films)
I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but... wow that's a good poster.
Click to enlarge.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
TV
The Deep
Part 1 To the Furthest Place
Oh dear. Such a promising idea, wasted with poor writing, unconvincing characters, weak acting, a turgid pace, pointless flashbacks, an implausible set... I laughed out loud several times, usually at the bits that were Deadly Serious. How rubbish. How disappointing. And I'll still watch the rest... all four hours of it... ugh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
5x11 Last Cigarette Ever
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
1x01 The Guarantee
Conversely (to The Deep), this is beautifully written and acted, both funny and real. Super.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Part 1 To the Furthest Place
Oh dear. Such a promising idea, wasted with poor writing, unconvincing characters, weak acting, a turgid pace, pointless flashbacks, an implausible set... I laughed out loud several times, usually at the bits that were Deadly Serious. How rubbish. How disappointing. And I'll still watch the rest... all four hours of it... ugh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
5x11 Last Cigarette Ever
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Roger & Val Have Just Got In
1x01 The Guarantee
Conversely (to The Deep), this is beautifully written and acted, both funny and real. Super.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
Girl quits her job on dry erase board, emails entire office by Leo
(from the Chive)
Read this. Stick with it. It's worth it.
Serious funny business by Will Gompertz
(from Today on BBC News)
On the rise and rise of stand-up comedy.
Sherlock returning for second series by Ryan Love & Paul Millar
(from Digital Spy)
Hurrah!
(from the Chive)
Read this. Stick with it. It's worth it.
Serious funny business by Will Gompertz
(from Today on BBC News)
On the rise and rise of stand-up comedy.
Sherlock returning for second series by Ryan Love & Paul Millar
(from Digital Spy)
Hurrah!
Monday, 9 August 2010
Articles
Matthew Vaughn Agreed to Direct X-Men: First Class Because He Believes Superhero Movies Will Be Dead Soon by Adam Quigley
(from /Film)
Vaughn speaks with honesty and sense. That said, he may be calling the death a mite too soon -- with Batman 3, The Avengers and a rebooted Spider-Man on the way, amongst others, is the superhero movie really dead just yet? Surely there's a few more years, perhaps half a decade, left at least. I suppose we'll see...
6 ways Torchwood's new season will change everything by Fred Topel (from blastr)
and
Torchwood relaunch is more global by Hanh Nguyen (from Zap2it)
Mostly stuff we've already heard, but a couple of extra bits. I think. When you read enough of these things it becomes hard to know if it's new info or just something you'd assumed already.
(from /Film)
Vaughn speaks with honesty and sense. That said, he may be calling the death a mite too soon -- with Batman 3, The Avengers and a rebooted Spider-Man on the way, amongst others, is the superhero movie really dead just yet? Surely there's a few more years, perhaps half a decade, left at least. I suppose we'll see...
6 ways Torchwood's new season will change everything by Fred Topel (from blastr)
and
Torchwood relaunch is more global by Hanh Nguyen (from Zap2it)
Mostly stuff we've already heard, but a couple of extra bits. I think. When you read enough of these things it becomes hard to know if it's new info or just something you'd assumed already.
Sunday, 8 August 2010
TV
The Sandbaggers
3x05 Sometimes We Play Dirty Too
Sherlock
1x03 The Great Game [season finale]
Generally, a very good episode. Not sold on the cut-price-John-Simm-Master of a Moriarty though. So much for him being "the next great one".
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x05 Sometimes We Play Dirty Too
Sherlock
1x03 The Great Game [season finale]
Generally, a very good episode. Not sold on the cut-price-John-Simm-Master of a Moriarty though. So much for him being "the next great one".
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Films
Final Destination 2 (2003)
[#76 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read my review here.
Nanny McPhee (2005)
[#75 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
[#76 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read my review here.
Nanny McPhee (2005)
[#75 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Articles
James Marsters' Captain John Hart Will Likely Not Be In Starz Torchwood Reboot by Carl Cortez
(from iF Magazine)
No surprise -- can't really imagine Captain John fitting in with a Children of Earth-style story. It'll be a shame if they never bring him back though.
Also, it's not really a reboot, is it? Not in the sense we usually mean, like Casino Royale or Star Trek. So tsk, stop that now, American journalists, who seem to think just because a US network is now a production partner rather than simply buying broadcast rights means it's now a Whole New Show.
Torchwood gets new title: The New World by James Hibberd
(from the live feed at The Hollywood Reporter)
Don't worry, they're not renaming the whole show: just as season three was called Torchwood: Children of Earth, season four is to be called Torchwood: The New World. Apt.
(from iF Magazine)
No surprise -- can't really imagine Captain John fitting in with a Children of Earth-style story. It'll be a shame if they never bring him back though.
Also, it's not really a reboot, is it? Not in the sense we usually mean, like Casino Royale or Star Trek. So tsk, stop that now, American journalists, who seem to think just because a US network is now a production partner rather than simply buying broadcast rights means it's now a Whole New Show.
Torchwood gets new title: The New World by James Hibberd
(from the live feed at The Hollywood Reporter)
Don't worry, they're not renaming the whole show: just as season three was called Torchwood: Children of Earth, season four is to be called Torchwood: The New World. Apt.
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were of two of the most-discussed -- and best -- films of the year so far...
Inception (2010)
Kick-Ass (2010)
More next Sunday.
Inception (2010)
This [rather long] review ends by calling Inception a “must-see”. I’m telling you this now for two reasons. Primarily, because this review contains major spoilers, and seems daft to end a review aimed at those who’ve seen the film with a recommendation that they should see it. Secondly, because Inception — and here’s your first spoiler, sort of — also begins at the end.
Kick-Ass (2010)
By using various other superhero movies and TV series as its starting point, but grounding them in (a version of) the real world — with attendant debates about violence etc — Kick-Ass fills a void in need of filling — by which I mean: as Watchmen was to superhero comics, so Kick-Ass is to superhero films.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
TV
Rev.
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x13 Vittnet (aka The Witness) [series finale]
A pretty low-key and regular last-ever-episode, even by Wallander's standards. And actually, by Wallander's standards, it wasn't up to much as an episode, sadly. Still, an appropriate ending: in no way definite or overly sentimental, but clearly The End. That, at least, was nicely done.
Would I Lie To You?
4x03 (6/8/10 edition)
Spectacularly played by Kevin Bridges. Watch his round here.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x13 Vittnet (aka The Witness) [series finale]
A pretty low-key and regular last-ever-episode, even by Wallander's standards. And actually, by Wallander's standards, it wasn't up to much as an episode, sadly. Still, an appropriate ending: in no way definite or overly sentimental, but clearly The End. That, at least, was nicely done.
Would I Lie To You?
4x03 (6/8/10 edition)
Spectacularly played by Kevin Bridges. Watch his round here.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Casino Royale, in the style of Casino Royale
As the rubbish 1967 version was on TV this afternoon, here's a nifty trailer for it -- done in the style of the 2006 version.
man hit by van to Inception music
Does what it says on the tin. Of course, it has no right to be as funny as it is...
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