Sport Relief 2010
[1st half + BBC Two segment]
I recorded it so I could fastforward the dull bits (by which I mean rubbish singers, etc, not the appeal films), but was surprised to find I barely skipped anything. I expect it'll pay dividends come the later hours though -- these charity telethons always wind up repeating the best sketches by midnight.
[Watch the first half and BBC Two half-hour (again) on iPlayer.]
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Films
Saw V (2008)
[#34 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Regular readers may remember that the first four films in the series were 2009's numbers 59, 60, 61 and 62.
Titanic (1997)
[#35 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Having avoided this box office behemoth for 12 years, it seems appropriate to finally see it now it's been toppled from its highest-grossing perch. Plus, it was on in HD.
[#34 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Regular readers may remember that the first four films in the series were 2009's numbers 59, 60, 61 and 62.
Titanic (1997)
[#35 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Having avoided this box office behemoth for 12 years, it seems appropriate to finally see it now it's been toppled from its highest-grossing perch. Plus, it was on in HD.
Games
The Secret of Monkey Island: The Flash Movie
The whole plot of The Secret of Monkey Island, re-told at speed by a German bloke (in English) with cartoony illustrations. Kinda fun.
The whole plot of The Secret of Monkey Island, re-told at speed by a German bloke (in English) with cartoony illustrations. Kinda fun.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Just one new Blu-ray this week, despite the Saturday delay in posting. It's the rather-good Seraphim Falls, which I watched earlier this week. It should look rather lovely on BD and it was going dirt cheap (£4.99! for a Blu-ray!) at several retailers.
Number of titles in collection: 1,154 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,079 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 75 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,809 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,219 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles rated 15:
395
(34% of the total)
Following in the footsteps of titles rated U and titles rated 18, those rated 15 are the largest group in my collection -- almost double the next closest!
What's next closest? That's for another time...
See you next week, faithful reader.
Just one new Blu-ray this week, despite the Saturday delay in posting. It's the rather-good Seraphim Falls, which I watched earlier this week. It should look rather lovely on BD and it was going dirt cheap (£4.99! for a Blu-ray!) at several retailers.
Number of titles in collection: 1,154 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,079 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 75 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,809 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,219 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles rated 15:
395
(34% of the total)
Following in the footsteps of titles rated U and titles rated 18, those rated 15 are the largest group in my collection -- almost double the next closest!
What's next closest? That's for another time...
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 19 March 2010
TV
The Bubble
1x05 (18/3/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Queen
Part 2 Us and Them
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
Why Crocodile Has a Bumpy Back
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x05 (18/3/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Queen
Part 2 Us and Them
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
Why Crocodile Has a Bumpy Back
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 18 March 2010
TV
Damages
3x03 Flight's at 11:08
Damages in thoroughly-appropriate-episode-title shocker!
The Queen
Part 1 Sisters
Ah, the drama-documentary: not enough documentary to provide proper insight, not enough drama to justify it being, er, a drama. Still, for what it is, this was (er, is?) quite good. I certainly learnt stuff... but then, I didn't know much about it in the first place. And Emilia Fox is worth watching in anything.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD. Or SeeSaw. Or anywhere you bloody like these days.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
Why Tickbird Sits On Hippo's Back
I give up trying to number the episodes, there's no point.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x03 Flight's at 11:08
Damages in thoroughly-appropriate-episode-title shocker!
The Queen
Part 1 Sisters
Ah, the drama-documentary: not enough documentary to provide proper insight, not enough drama to justify it being, er, a drama. Still, for what it is, this was (er, is?) quite good. I certainly learnt stuff... but then, I didn't know much about it in the first place. And Emilia Fox is worth watching in anything.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD. Or SeeSaw. Or anywhere you bloody like these days.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
Why Tickbird Sits On Hippo's Back
I give up trying to number the episodes, there's no point.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
I'm writing this post moments before it shall be posted, so I'll be brief:
Google Street View uncovers secret superhero headquarters
(from Sci Fi Wire)
Ha!
Fathers For Justice?
The Hobbit to be in 3D? by Josh Winning
(from Total Film)
No thank you.
Top 25 SFX TV Shows by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
User-voted best-of list. Always funny. Good top three (and higher, probably, but I've not seen all of them / all of the shows (if you see the difference)).
...and that's all for now.
Google Street View uncovers secret superhero headquarters
(from Sci Fi Wire)
Ha!
Fathers For Justice?
The Hobbit to be in 3D? by Josh Winning
(from Total Film)
No thank you.
Top 25 SFX TV Shows by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
User-voted best-of list. Always funny. Good top three (and higher, probably, but I've not seen all of them / all of the shows (if you see the difference)).
...and that's all for now.
Wolverine 2 footage
Just to steal Empire's twitter joke, "Exclusive footage from Wolverine 2 - They're going for a very different tone this time around".
Watch the video here. Oh, go on.
Watch the video here. Oh, go on.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
TV
Dexter
3x04 All in the Family
Richard Hammond's Invisible Worlds
Part 1 Speed Limits
In case you forget that this programme uses high-speed cameras (to show things too fast to see with the naked eye), Hammond reminds us about every 137 seconds. It's almost like they're trying to make it a drinking game.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x04 All in the Family
Richard Hammond's Invisible Worlds
Part 1 Speed Limits
In case you forget that this programme uses high-speed cameras (to show things too fast to see with the naked eye), Hammond reminds us about every 137 seconds. It's almost like they're trying to make it a drinking game.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Articles
Twin Peaks - The Fight For More by Ben Rawson-Jones
(from Digital Spy)
Twin Peaks season two finally hits UK DVD next week, after the best part of a decade waiting (personally, I caved almost a year and a half ago and got the US complete set), which makes it as good a time as any to muse on the missing Peaks (deleted scenes from the film that are just waiting for a DVD release) and the potential (if any) for the story to continue in the future.
(from Digital Spy)
Twin Peaks season two finally hits UK DVD next week, after the best part of a decade waiting (personally, I caved almost a year and a half ago and got the US complete set), which makes it as good a time as any to muse on the missing Peaks (deleted scenes from the film that are just waiting for a DVD release) and the potential (if any) for the story to continue in the future.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Articles
Film 4 HD, E4 HD coming to Virgin Media
and
ITV1 HD to launch in April
by Andrew Laughlin (from Digital Spy)
If that's true, it means Virgin will soon be making some changes to the way they offer HD -- currently it's only available with a V+ HD box, which costs an extra £5 per month on most packages. More likely, I suspect, she's talking rubbish and the current system will continue.
So long as Virgin stick to their thus-far method of offering HD (if you get the SD channel you get the HD channel) and don't switch to making HD channels higher-package-only (a constant threat, I feel, as they always refer to their most-expensive XL package when discussing new HD channels), then I won't complain.
and
ITV1 HD to launch in April
by Andrew Laughlin (from Digital Spy)
Virgin Media director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose [said] "we're... making HD available to all of our customers for no extra fee."
If that's true, it means Virgin will soon be making some changes to the way they offer HD -- currently it's only available with a V+ HD box, which costs an extra £5 per month on most packages. More likely, I suspect, she's talking rubbish and the current system will continue.
So long as Virgin stick to their thus-far method of offering HD (if you get the SD channel you get the HD channel) and don't switch to making HD channels higher-package-only (a constant threat, I feel, as they always refer to their most-expensive XL package when discussing new HD channels), then I won't complain.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
TV
Damages
3x01 Your Secrets Are Safe
Another promising start to a season of Damages -- hopefully this one will improve over the variable second. Distinctly odd recap at the start though; what with Dexter's four-minute epic at the start of its third season, it's beginning to feel like A Thing.
Dexter
3x02 Finding Freebo
3x01 Your Secrets Are Safe
Another promising start to a season of Damages -- hopefully this one will improve over the variable second. Distinctly odd recap at the start though; what with Dexter's four-minute epic at the start of its third season, it's beginning to feel like A Thing.
Dexter
3x02 Finding Freebo
Films
Seraphim Falls (2006)
[#30 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Waitress (2007)
[#31 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
[#30 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Waitress (2007)
[#31 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
this week on 100 Films
3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, though I've been up to something else too...
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Rock n Roll Nerd (2008)
Son of Rambow (2007)
Also this week, I've begun to include pictures in some reviews, to help break up the blocks of text and make the blog an easier/prettier site to read. The first new review to include images was Anatomy of a Murder (though I belatedly added some to Rock n Roll Nerd) and a few older posts have been updated to include them -- so far, these are my review of M and my summary of 2007's Best Picture nominees (plus posters on each review from the latter). I don't intend to give all archive reviews a similar treatment (at least, not any time soon), but this will be the new standard for future reviews and the occasional archive update.
More next Sunday.
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
It’s so thorough, accurate and real that it is (reportedly) still used as a working example in law education. The complete lack of flashbacks or definitive truth is a perfectly judged part of this: we only know what Biegler would; only hear what would come up in trial; can only be as certain as he and the jury are of the motives and testimonies of all involved.
Rock n Roll Nerd (2008)
What this tale creates is an unusual rockumentary. It’s obviously not a concert film, nor a tour film, nor a retrospective on someone’s career; instead, it’s the chronicle of someone’s relatively meteoric rise to fame, from two unique perspectives
Son of Rambow (2007)
Hilarious and touching in equal measure, you’d need a heart of stone to remain unmoved. A triumph.
Also this week, I've begun to include pictures in some reviews, to help break up the blocks of text and make the blog an easier/prettier site to read. The first new review to include images was Anatomy of a Murder (though I belatedly added some to Rock n Roll Nerd) and a few older posts have been updated to include them -- so far, these are my review of M and my summary of 2007's Best Picture nominees (plus posters on each review from the latter). I don't intend to give all archive reviews a similar treatment (at least, not any time soon), but this will be the new standard for future reviews and the occasional archive update.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
TV
The Bubble
1x04 (12/3/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Dexter
3x01 Our Father [2nd watch]
I started watching the third season of Dexter way back in June 2009 and for reasons I can't even remember faltered after just one episode. So, after such a long gap -- nine months! In which the US have had season four and we've had the news that ITV won't even be showing season three -- I'm re-starting with episode one. Hopefully I'll get further this time...
Let's Dance for Sport Relief
Episode 4 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x02 (13/3/10 edition)
According to this, the CIA think the United Kingdom is in Asia. Allow me to say... what?!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x04 (12/3/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Dexter
3x01 Our Father [2nd watch]
I started watching the third season of Dexter way back in June 2009 and for reasons I can't even remember faltered after just one episode. So, after such a long gap -- nine months! In which the US have had season four and we've had the news that ITV won't even be showing season three -- I'm re-starting with episode one. Hopefully I'll get further this time...
Let's Dance for Sport Relief
Episode 4 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x02 (13/3/10 edition)
According to this, the CIA think the United Kingdom is in Asia. Allow me to say... what?!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
No Beatles Outside Europe by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
(from Doctor Who News Page)
the short clip of The Beatles, featured in episode one of [classic Doctor Who story] The Chase, will only be included on the Region 2 DVDs and will be removed from the masters of the discs produced for regions outside Europe..."Oops."
It may have been possible for the same masters to have been used for the international copies, as there is nothing in the BBC paperwork to indicate that the clip of the Beatles exists in the story. However the distributors have received so many queries about the inclusion of the clip that it became impossible to ignore its presence, so it has been removed
Friday, 12 March 2010
TV
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x08 (5/3/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x04 Red Menace
I actually watched something when it was on! Ad breaks and everything! Not entirely sure of the last time that happened (well, there was definitely Christmas... but, I mean, in the normal regular course of things.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
18x08 (5/3/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x04 Red Menace
I actually watched something when it was on! Ad breaks and everything! Not entirely sure of the last time that happened (well, there was definitely Christmas... but, I mean, in the normal regular course of things.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Three new Blu-rays this week, which makes for a slightly bigger update than the last couple... slightly. It also means it's by the far the smallest monthly running time increase so far.
Number of titles in collection: 1,153 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,079 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 74 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 2,808 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,218 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
194 days, 20 hours, and 38 minutes.
(Up 15 hours and 55 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Three new Blu-rays this week, which makes for a slightly bigger update than the last couple... slightly. It also means it's by the far the smallest monthly running time increase so far.
Number of titles in collection: 1,153 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,079 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 74 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 2,808 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,218 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
194 days, 20 hours, and 38 minutes.
(Up 15 hours and 55 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
TV
Archer
1x04 Killing Utne
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Argumental
3x06 (9/3/10 edition) [mid-season finale]
Season finale? Mid-season finale? Who bloody knows. Who, indeed, cares.
House
6x11 The Down Low
Yay, House is back! And very funny it was too. Hurrah!
1x04 Killing Utne
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Argumental
3x06 (9/3/10 edition) [mid-season finale]
Season finale? Mid-season finale? Who bloody knows. Who, indeed, cares.
House
6x11 The Down Low
Yay, House is back! And very funny it was too. Hurrah!
Films
Clue (1985)
[#28 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
This is brilliant. Why isn't it more widely known/loved?
[#28 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
This is brilliant. Why isn't it more widely known/loved?
Articles
Do We Know What a Best Picture Winner Looks Like Anymore? by Kyle Buchanan
(from Movie|Line)
Six Best Picture winners out of the last 10 that are Rather Unusual. But best of all is this quote right at the end:
LucasArts confirms MI2 special edition by Mark Langshaw
(from Digital Spy)
No, not that M:I-2, but the inestimably better Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge.
Following in the footsteps of last year's The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, the sequel "will be available for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and iPhone in the summer." Hurrah!
And in related good news, "LucasArts also revealed that The Secret Of Monkey Island Special Edition is bound for PSN and Mac OS". Couldn't give a monkeys about PSN (in fact, I'd not even heard of it before -- fyi, it's a PS3 thing), but Mac OS is good -- no need to run a bloody PC emulator or try to play it on my iPhone. Double yay! It can be pre-ordered (exclusively -- and, irritatingly, only in the US) here.
(from Movie|Line)
Six Best Picture winners out of the last 10 that are Rather Unusual. But best of all is this quote right at the end:
[Hurt Locker vs. Avatar] isn’t David vs. Goliath — it’s Baby David vs. a Goliath who comes riding a dragon, armed with two bazookas.
LucasArts confirms MI2 special edition by Mark Langshaw
(from Digital Spy)
No, not that M:I-2, but the inestimably better Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge.
Following in the footsteps of last year's The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, the sequel "will be available for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and iPhone in the summer." Hurrah!
And in related good news, "LucasArts also revealed that The Secret Of Monkey Island Special Edition is bound for PSN and Mac OS". Couldn't give a monkeys about PSN (in fact, I'd not even heard of it before -- fyi, it's a PS3 thing), but Mac OS is good -- no need to run a bloody PC emulator or try to play it on my iPhone. Double yay! It can be pre-ordered (exclusively -- and, irritatingly, only in the US) here.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Articles
Christopher Nolan takes flight with Superman: 'We have a fantastic story' by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at the Los Angeles Times)
Digital Spy managed to milk three news stories from this one interview, so I thought I'd just link to the whole thing. It'll be more accurate anyway. In it, Nolan reveals a few tidbits about his ideas for Superman, plus the vaguest first details on the plan for the next Batman film.
How many tidbits? About three I guess.
(from Hero Complex at the Los Angeles Times)
Digital Spy managed to milk three news stories from this one interview, so I thought I'd just link to the whole thing. It'll be more accurate anyway. In it, Nolan reveals a few tidbits about his ideas for Superman, plus the vaguest first details on the plan for the next Batman film.
How many tidbits? About three I guess.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Magazines
Radio Times 13-19 March 2010
The Radio Times' film guide continues its slide into ludicrous irrelevancy this issue -- as if awarding the widely-exalted The Dark Knight a meagre three stars wasn't bad enough, they've given the exact same score to the widely-derided Lesbian Vampire Killers. Seriously.
They even seem to have realised it's all gone awry: the film section used to boast full reviews of every film on terrestrial TV, plus many digital ones too; for the past few months, it's been much shorter and abandoned such a thorough review output. As we can see, they're right to have lost faith in it.
The Radio Times' film guide continues its slide into ludicrous irrelevancy this issue -- as if awarding the widely-exalted The Dark Knight a meagre three stars wasn't bad enough, they've given the exact same score to the widely-derided Lesbian Vampire Killers. Seriously.
They even seem to have realised it's all gone awry: the film section used to boast full reviews of every film on terrestrial TV, plus many digital ones too; for the past few months, it's been much shorter and abandoned such a thorough review output. As we can see, they're right to have lost faith in it.
Articles
Thurman film takes £88 at UK box office by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
"Its total takings for Sunday were £9, meaning only one person paid to see the movie on that day."
Oh dear.
(from Digital Spy)
"Its total takings for Sunday were £9, meaning only one person paid to see the movie on that day."
Oh dear.
Monday, 8 March 2010
TV
The 82nd Annual Academy Awards
aka the Oscars, of course. I bought Sky Movies for a month specially for this, donchaknow (ancillary benefits and all that: lots of movies for the next month).
Agree with most of the winners, without actually having seen most of the films. Shame for us Brits though.
Five Days
2x04 Day 37
One month on and, let's be honest, it may as well be not so long at all. Not as huge as the leap forwards for the final part though...
One thing that's quite interesting about this series, incidentally, is how grounded in the real world it is: these are real dates, not just days that are only significant within the context of the story (episode 2 revealed in background detail that Day 1 was July 30th; this episode is September 4th and specifically set during Ramadan; the final one is Remembrance Day); there's a royal visit, which is the kind of thing that does just happen sometimes -- it's not even a major part of the story, but it's just there.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x14 Greeks (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
aka the Oscars, of course. I bought Sky Movies for a month specially for this, donchaknow (ancillary benefits and all that: lots of movies for the next month).
Agree with most of the winners, without actually having seen most of the films. Shame for us Brits though.
Five Days
2x04 Day 37
One month on and, let's be honest, it may as well be not so long at all. Not as huge as the leap forwards for the final part though...
One thing that's quite interesting about this series, incidentally, is how grounded in the real world it is: these are real dates, not just days that are only significant within the context of the story (episode 2 revealed in background detail that Day 1 was July 30th; this episode is September 4th and specifically set during Ramadan; the final one is Remembrance Day); there's a royal visit, which is the kind of thing that does just happen sometimes -- it's not even a major part of the story, but it's just there.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x14 Greeks (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
The 82nd annual Academy Awards by Brian Lowry
(from Variety)
Variety's speedy review of the 2010 Oscars telecast. Largely spot-on though.
Hurt Locker explodes on to the scene to help change Hollywood for ever by Kate Muir
(from Times Online)
The Times, meanwhile, focus less on the ceremony itself and more on the awards presented. Which is the point, really.
Oscars 2010: the winners in numbers
(from guardian.co.uk)
A handy, simple pictorial guide. See how obviously Hurt Locker beat everything else.
(from Variety)
Variety's speedy review of the 2010 Oscars telecast. Largely spot-on though.
Hurt Locker explodes on to the scene to help change Hollywood for ever by Kate Muir
(from Times Online)
The Times, meanwhile, focus less on the ceremony itself and more on the awards presented. Which is the point, really.
Oscars 2010: the winners in numbers
(from guardian.co.uk)
A handy, simple pictorial guide. See how obviously Hurt Locker beat everything else.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
TV
Five Days
2x03 Day 8
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Oscars 2010: Red Carpet Live
And so Sky's coverage begins. And, in fact, is ongoing as this is posted, because the actual ceremony doesn't start until 1am over here. So there's an hour of red carpet to go, and the ceremony itself will be part of tomorrow's updates.
(Yep, this is word-for-word what I posted at this point last year.)
2x03 Day 8
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Oscars 2010: Red Carpet Live
And so Sky's coverage begins. And, in fact, is ongoing as this is posted, because the actual ceremony doesn't start until 1am over here. So there's an hour of red carpet to go, and the ceremony itself will be part of tomorrow's updates.
(Yep, this is word-for-word what I posted at this point last year.)
Articles
If you think Ashcroft is a scandal, what about the attacks on the BBC? by David Mitchell
(from comment is free at guardian.co.uk)
I could scarcely agree more with the points Mitchell makes here. The BBC is one of the greatest organisations of its kind in the world -- far, far superior to the Murdoch empire -- and yet too many members of the public seem happy to sell it down the river just because they don't want to pay £142 a year for it. If they're successful in getting rid of it -- and I pray they're not -- then they'll soon miss it when it's gone. And those of you that think you won't... well, you will, you're just not bright enough to realise it yet.
Razzies 2010 Full Results - Sandra Bullock accepts Razzie on eve of Oscars?
(from movies.ie)
I'm not really sure why there's a question mark in the title, considering she did accept said award. What'll be interesting to see is if she can win a Razzie and an Oscar in the same year -- she probably will, and it'll be a first too.
(from comment is free at guardian.co.uk)
I could scarcely agree more with the points Mitchell makes here. The BBC is one of the greatest organisations of its kind in the world -- far, far superior to the Murdoch empire -- and yet too many members of the public seem happy to sell it down the river just because they don't want to pay £142 a year for it. If they're successful in getting rid of it -- and I pray they're not -- then they'll soon miss it when it's gone. And those of you that think you won't... well, you will, you're just not bright enough to realise it yet.
Razzies 2010 Full Results - Sandra Bullock accepts Razzie on eve of Oscars?
(from movies.ie)
I'm not really sure why there's a question mark in the title, considering she did accept said award. What'll be interesting to see is if she can win a Razzie and an Oscar in the same year -- she probably will, and it'll be a first too.
The morals of (illegally) downloading movies... that are on TV
Here's a question of morality to ponder:
I've just taken out a subscription to Sky Movies in order to watch the Oscars. I'll have to have said subscription for at least 30 days, during which time they'll screen dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of films I'm interested in seeing. If I recorded them to catch later, I'm sure most or all of you would agree that's OK -- what else are video recorders and PVRs and Sky+/V+ boxes for, after all.
Here's where the moral question comes in: I don't have a PVR and my V+ box only has so much free space, so does this make it morally acceptable to download (for free, i.e. illegally) any film that's on Sky Movies while I have my subscription?
Now, as I noted, of course it's illegal -- but, for the sake of argument, that's beside the point. If I had a (big enough) PVR I could record as much as I'd like -- indeed, if I went out and bought one now, I could even actually do that -- so why shouldn't I just get them the other way? Other than depriving a PVR manufacturer of some cash, Sky Movies and the film studios won't be missing out on any money if I download rather than watch on TV.
I'm not looking for a full-proof answer, nor saying anyone who comments is going to change my mind, but I think this is more of a morally grey area than straight-out illegal downloading (even if you do that and have ways of justifying it to yourself, there's no skirting the fact that it's illegal and morally dubious/unjustifiable).
I look forward to your thoughts... if anyone has any...
I've just taken out a subscription to Sky Movies in order to watch the Oscars. I'll have to have said subscription for at least 30 days, during which time they'll screen dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of films I'm interested in seeing. If I recorded them to catch later, I'm sure most or all of you would agree that's OK -- what else are video recorders and PVRs and Sky+/V+ boxes for, after all.
Here's where the moral question comes in: I don't have a PVR and my V+ box only has so much free space, so does this make it morally acceptable to download (for free, i.e. illegally) any film that's on Sky Movies while I have my subscription?
Now, as I noted, of course it's illegal -- but, for the sake of argument, that's beside the point. If I had a (big enough) PVR I could record as much as I'd like -- indeed, if I went out and bought one now, I could even actually do that -- so why shouldn't I just get them the other way? Other than depriving a PVR manufacturer of some cash, Sky Movies and the film studios won't be missing out on any money if I download rather than watch on TV.
I'm not looking for a full-proof answer, nor saying anyone who comments is going to change my mind, but I think this is more of a morally grey area than straight-out illegal downloading (even if you do that and have ways of justifying it to yourself, there's no skirting the fact that it's illegal and morally dubious/unjustifiable).
I look forward to your thoughts... if anyone has any...
this week on 100 Films
6 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
His Girl Friday (1940)
Juno (2007)
The Man Who Sued God (2001)
Michael Clayton (2007)
No Country For Old Men (2007)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
More next Sunday.
His Girl Friday (1940)
If you ever meet anyone who claims all old black & white films are slow, simple and boring, show them this. And if you ever meet anyone who hasn’t seen this, show them it; and if you haven’t seen it, watch it
Juno (2007)
There’s underage sex, swearing, numerous displays of teen independence, divorce, love of rock music and horror films… All that’s missing from a Middle American Mom’s worst nightmare is drugs (there’s no violence either, but we know them there yankees love a bit of that).
The Man Who Sued God (2001)
putting the church in a position where their only sensible defence is to prove God doesn’t exist is always going to make for a good story.
Michael Clayton (2007)
The obvious point of comparison is Damages, the excellent TV series that also concerns such high-profile big-business lawsuits, but... Damages sustains it for over 9 hours, replete with cliffhangers and plot twists so far beyond what Clayton’s surprisingly straightforward story has to offer that Gilroy isn’t even dreaming of being that good.
No Country For Old Men (2007)
it’s really about Fate, randomness, chance. Some clearly think this brilliant; I remain unconvinced. It lacks satisfaction. Maybe that’s real life — no, that is real life: random and lacking closure and satisfaction. But this isn’t real life, it’s a movie
There Will Be Blood (2007)
I can’t help but wonder if I missed something crucial along the way because, even after two and a half hours, I had no real idea what the film was about.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
TV
Let's Dance for Sport Relief
Episode 3 (of 4)
Based on this final lot of finalist, Rufus Hound should have no trouble winning next week's final. Hopefully.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x01 (6/3/10 edition)
It seems like forever since this was last on -- indeed, it's been a little over 16 months since the last run ended -- so long I'd sort of forgotten it and assumed it was never to return. And one wonders if this series was actually taped some time ago, considering so many of the subjects set their cut-off date in mid-2009.
Anyway, it's good fun -- I don't normally like the trashy Lottery game shows, but this one is oddly addictive; and I don't normally like Nick Knowles, but... no, still don't like him, but I can live with it here. This time round it works better for me: I've got V+ now, so I can pause the "you could also have had" screens and have a proper look at them. They've missed a trick by not putting them on the website.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x03 Red Badge
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Total Wipeout
2x06 (6/3/10 edition)
I don't normally watch this either, and yet somehow I was suckered in... But is this really only series two?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 3 (of 4)
Based on this final lot of finalist, Rufus Hound should have no trouble winning next week's final. Hopefully.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x01 (6/3/10 edition)
It seems like forever since this was last on -- indeed, it's been a little over 16 months since the last run ended -- so long I'd sort of forgotten it and assumed it was never to return. And one wonders if this series was actually taped some time ago, considering so many of the subjects set their cut-off date in mid-2009.
Anyway, it's good fun -- I don't normally like the trashy Lottery game shows, but this one is oddly addictive; and I don't normally like Nick Knowles, but... no, still don't like him, but I can live with it here. This time round it works better for me: I've got V+ now, so I can pause the "you could also have had" screens and have a proper look at them. They've missed a trick by not putting them on the website.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x03 Red Badge
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Total Wipeout
2x06 (6/3/10 edition)
I don't normally watch this either, and yet somehow I was suckered in... But is this really only series two?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
British director in Oscars hot seat by Peter Bowes
(from BBC News)
But will any of us normal punters notice the difference? Wouldn't bet on it...
How to confuse a Facebook user by Bobbie Johnson
(from Technology Blog at guardian.co.uk)
This is quite an astounding story. Who knew so many people were so web-illiterate?!
It's official: An asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs by Kate Kelland
(from Reuters via Yahoo! News)
That's that settled then.
Meet Matt Smith: Star of the new Doctor Who by Simon Hattenstone
(from guardian.co.uk)
This starts out reading like one of those interviews that has an awful lot about how the subject looked, what they were wearing and what they chose to eat at the cafe where they were interviewed, with all of three quotes scattered through, but turns out long enough to contain more and actually be quite interesting. Don't read it if you want lots of hints about what's in the next series, but do if you're interested in the man behind the new Doctor.
(from BBC News)
But will any of us normal punters notice the difference? Wouldn't bet on it...
How to confuse a Facebook user by Bobbie Johnson
(from Technology Blog at guardian.co.uk)
This is quite an astounding story. Who knew so many people were so web-illiterate?!
It's official: An asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs by Kate Kelland
(from Reuters via Yahoo! News)
That's that settled then.
Meet Matt Smith: Star of the new Doctor Who by Simon Hattenstone
(from guardian.co.uk)
This starts out reading like one of those interviews that has an awful lot about how the subject looked, what they were wearing and what they chose to eat at the cafe where they were interviewed, with all of three quotes scattered through, but turns out long enough to contain more and actually be quite interesting. Don't read it if you want lots of hints about what's in the next series, but do if you're interested in the man behind the new Doctor.
Friday, 5 March 2010
TV
Archer
1x03 Diversity Hire
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Bubble
1x03 (5/3/10 edition)
I know, I actually watched something when it was on! Shocking.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Five Days
2x02 Day 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x07 (26/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Only Connect
3x09 Archers Admirers v Exeter Alumni
Never watched this before, only went for it as the sole programme under entertainment/comedy on TV iPlayer that I'd not seen (plus, Exeter alumni). It's certainly Clever, and I managed a couple of points, so... that's nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x03 Diversity Hire
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Bubble
1x03 (5/3/10 edition)
I know, I actually watched something when it was on! Shocking.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Five Days
2x02 Day 2
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x07 (26/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Only Connect
3x09 Archers Admirers v Exeter Alumni
Never watched this before, only went for it as the sole programme under entertainment/comedy on TV iPlayer that I'd not seen (plus, Exeter alumni). It's certainly Clever, and I managed a couple of points, so... that's nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Enchanting and mordant, but does it need an action climax? by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Ebert passes verdict on Tim Burton's new Alice in Wonderland. Though he focuses on the third act, this is my favourite part of his review:
Mark Millar to helm Scottish superhero film by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
The article, surprisingly, has more details. They make it sound as good as that headline, er, sounds.
Passing Judgment on the SciFi Cred of Inglourious Basterds by John Scalzi
(from Notes From the Monolith on Sci-Fi Scanner at AMC Blogs)
It's an interesting point of discussion -- considering what happens at the end, is Inglourious Basterds science-fiction? I tend to agree with Scalzi's assessment of the situation. (If it's not obvious, this contains sort-of-spoilers for IB.)
Rome feature film moving forward by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Hadn't heard anything about this for years so feared it had stalled, so it's good to know there's still activity -- I liked the series, even if I still haven't seen all of it. Interestingly, though, last I heard it was going to be about Jesus -- correct me if I'm wrong, but he didn't go to Germany...
(from rogerebert.com)
Ebert passes verdict on Tim Burton's new Alice in Wonderland. Though he focuses on the third act, this is my favourite part of his review:
Burton is above all a brilliant visual artist, and his film is a pleasure to regard; I look forward to admiring it in 2-D, where it will look brighter and more colorful. No artist who can create these images is enhancing them in any way by adding the annoying third dimension.
Mark Millar to helm Scottish superhero film by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
The article, surprisingly, has more details. They make it sound as good as that headline, er, sounds.
Passing Judgment on the SciFi Cred of Inglourious Basterds by John Scalzi
(from Notes From the Monolith on Sci-Fi Scanner at AMC Blogs)
It's an interesting point of discussion -- considering what happens at the end, is Inglourious Basterds science-fiction? I tend to agree with Scalzi's assessment of the situation. (If it's not obvious, this contains sort-of-spoilers for IB.)
Rome feature film moving forward by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Hadn't heard anything about this for years so feared it had stalled, so it's good to know there's still activity -- I liked the series, even if I still haven't seen all of it. Interestingly, though, last I heard it was going to be about Jesus -- correct me if I'm wrong, but he didn't go to Germany...
My letter to DWM
As promised yesterday, here's the complete text of my letter to DWM. Bits they cut are in red for the sake of comparison (I assumed they'd ignore everything before that first colon but they, er, didn't...)
* Here's a bit they added, turning my truncated "marvellous" into the full word.
** They re-wrote this bit ever so slightly, to make it sound better. Cheers, DWM.
(Just in case anyone misconstrues me posting this as bitterness cos they cut my oh-so-wonderful letter -- I don't mind, it's what magazines do, and I expected them to cut most of it... though, they didn't necessarily cut what I'd expected, which is interesting (ish). But what are blogs for if not posting your full and frank thoughts? So here they are.)
Dearest DWM,
The shiny new Complete Specials Blu-ray set dropped through my letterbox the other morning, prompting me to compose the following missive:
Five years of revived Doctor Who, five excellent complete series DVD sets from 2entertain.
Sorry, did I say five? I meant four, because the Complete Specials set is something of a disappointment. Full-length Confidentials - great! Video diary - fantastic! Deleted scenes - superb! Audio commentaries on every episode - marv--* Oh, wait.
After managing a thorough 55 tracks over the first four series - and some with video too - the ball has been severely dropped by only including commentaries for The End of Time in this set. There's no good excuse, especially when there are those podcast ones available for every episode, which have indeed been included in the past in lieu of a new track.
But hey, those are online, right? We can have them any time! Just gotta work out how to sync it up with the DVD - pressing play at the same time might work... no, one always takes too long to actually start...
So it'll take some effort, but at least we can conveniently download them to iPods or burn them to CDs. What do you mean they're streaming only? Guess I'll have to watch it on my PC then...
Except I've gone and bought the Blu-ray set - can't play that on my computer! I suppose I could unplug my desktop, take all the bits downstairs, set it up again, then watch the stream and the Blu-ray at the same time...
Until halfway through it pauses to buffer, that is. Why aren't these just on the discs again?**
Poor show, 2|entertain.
* Here's a bit they added, turning my truncated "marvellous" into the full word.
** They re-wrote this bit ever so slightly, to make it sound better. Cheers, DWM.
(Just in case anyone misconstrues me posting this as bitterness cos they cut my oh-so-wonderful letter -- I don't mind, it's what magazines do, and I expected them to cut most of it... though, they didn't necessarily cut what I'd expected, which is interesting (ish). But what are blogs for if not posting your full and frank thoughts? So here they are.)
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week. Only a slight increase again this week -- in fact, it's numerically very similar to last week. Thrilling.
Number of titles in collection: 1,150 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,079 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 71 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,805 [up 4]
Number of films in collection: 1,215 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles watched:
406
(35.3% of the total)
This means titles where I've completely watched the main feature(s) on my copy -- so if I saw a film at the cinema but haven't yet watched the DVD, it doesn't count as watched. Special features don't count either; and if it's, say, a three-film set, I have to have watched all three for it to be counted (watching two means nothing).
Obviously, therefore, something like The X Files (with its 202 45-minute episodes) has more of an uphill struggle than, say, Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (just one 45-minute episode). Arguably this makes the above statistic meaningless, as a tally of how many individual films and TV eps I'd watched would be a more accurate representation of how much (or, rather, how little) of my DVD/BD collection I've actually seen.
Anyway, see you next week, faithful reader.
Number of titles in collection: 1,150 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,079 [up 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 71 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,805 [up 4]
Number of films in collection: 1,215 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles watched:
406
(35.3% of the total)
This means titles where I've completely watched the main feature(s) on my copy -- so if I saw a film at the cinema but haven't yet watched the DVD, it doesn't count as watched. Special features don't count either; and if it's, say, a three-film set, I have to have watched all three for it to be counted (watching two means nothing).
Obviously, therefore, something like The X Files (with its 202 45-minute episodes) has more of an uphill struggle than, say, Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (just one 45-minute episode). Arguably this makes the above statistic meaningless, as a tally of how many individual films and TV eps I'd watched would be a more accurate representation of how much (or, rather, how little) of my DVD/BD collection I've actually seen.
Anyway, see you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
TV
Argumental
3x05 (2/3/10 edition)
Five Days
2x01 Day 1
Following a direct sequel featuring two of the first series' ensemble cast promoted to leading roles (Hunter, which was on in January 2009), this new series of the original takes the Criminal Justice route: same format, completely new story with new characters. Whereas Criminal Justice needed this to work, Five Days' concept isn't so beholden to needing new characters, new setting, etc -- if it's about five key days in a criminal investigation, there's no reason the police officers involved couldn't be the same. It's a bit like scrapping Jack Bauer, CTU and all the rest after one season of 24 because it's unrealistic they'd ever have to deal with another terrorist threat in a 24-hour period.
Anyway, it's an intriguing -- if occasionally slow-going -- start. Hopefully there won't be too much of the dull "it's not your jurisdiction" crap with the lead character though -- the couple of moments in this episode were already dragging, and the Next Time trailer suggested it plays an even bigger role in Part Two. Oh dear.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x12 Why Warthog is So Ugly
1x13 Why Jackal Howls at the Moon
1x14 Why Frog Croaks
[Watch episodes 12, 13 and 14 (again) on iPlayer.]
3x05 (2/3/10 edition)
Five Days
2x01 Day 1
Following a direct sequel featuring two of the first series' ensemble cast promoted to leading roles (Hunter, which was on in January 2009), this new series of the original takes the Criminal Justice route: same format, completely new story with new characters. Whereas Criminal Justice needed this to work, Five Days' concept isn't so beholden to needing new characters, new setting, etc -- if it's about five key days in a criminal investigation, there's no reason the police officers involved couldn't be the same. It's a bit like scrapping Jack Bauer, CTU and all the rest after one season of 24 because it's unrealistic they'd ever have to deal with another terrorist threat in a 24-hour period.
Anyway, it's an intriguing -- if occasionally slow-going -- start. Hopefully there won't be too much of the dull "it's not your jurisdiction" crap with the lead character though -- the couple of moments in this episode were already dragging, and the Next Time trailer suggested it plays an even bigger role in Part Two. Oh dear.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x12 Why Warthog is So Ugly
1x13 Why Jackal Howls at the Moon
1x14 Why Frog Croaks
[Watch episodes 12, 13 and 14 (again) on iPlayer.]
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine #419
Amongst many other things in the new DWM (including three new episode titles) is a letter I wrote. Hurrah!
I sent it a while ago -- in time for the last issue, in fact -- so when it didn't appear I assumed it had been left out. It's better timed this edition, however, as it coincides with their review of the DVD/Blu-ray release of the 2008-10 Specials (which is, as you may have guessed, what my letter was about).
It's been trimmed for inclusion in the magazine, which is fair enough; I'd include the full one here, but I can't currently access my sent emails (see here for why) -- if I remember, I'll post it another day.
[Edit: I've now posted the letter here.]
Amongst many other things in the new DWM (including three new episode titles) is a letter I wrote. Hurrah!
I sent it a while ago -- in time for the last issue, in fact -- so when it didn't appear I assumed it had been left out. It's better timed this edition, however, as it coincides with their review of the DVD/Blu-ray release of the 2008-10 Specials (which is, as you may have guessed, what my letter was about).
It's been trimmed for inclusion in the magazine, which is fair enough; I'd include the full one here, but I can't currently access my sent emails (see here for why) -- if I remember, I'll post it another day.
[Edit: I've now posted the letter here.]
Articles
Oscar and Me by John Scalzi
(from Whatever)
Discovered thanks to an article further down this post (ah the joys of alphabetical listings). This particular piece is about what it's like to borrow an Oscar for a few days and what discoveries you make. Fun.
TGE Review at SFReviews.net, Plus a Bonus Childhood Story by John Scalzi
(from Whatever)
I've never heard of John Scalzi, his novel The God Engines (that's the TGE of the article title) or the site SFReviews.net, but I saw this article linked to from twitter and was intrigued. I share it because it's a nicely written true story that's also True. Lessons learned 'n' all that. (The rest of his blog is rather nifty too, as it turns out.)
(from Whatever)
Discovered thanks to an article further down this post (ah the joys of alphabetical listings). This particular piece is about what it's like to borrow an Oscar for a few days and what discoveries you make. Fun.
TGE Review at SFReviews.net, Plus a Bonus Childhood Story by John Scalzi
(from Whatever)
I've never heard of John Scalzi, his novel The God Engines (that's the TGE of the article title) or the site SFReviews.net, but I saw this article linked to from twitter and was intrigued. I share it because it's a nicely written true story that's also True. Lessons learned 'n' all that. (The rest of his blog is rather nifty too, as it turns out.)
Technology
new iMac
As followers of my twitter may be aware, I recently won a shiny new iMac from raffle.it. It arrived this morning and it is, as is common for Apple products, a thing of beauty.
And a much-need one too, because my 3½-year-old iMac was beginning to show serious signs of wear. Not to mention the always-welcome benefits of an upgrade in screen size (to 21.5") and resolution (Full HD!), boosted power (up to 2.4x better than the previous generation, and mine's older), and all the other nifty things new Macs have (Magic Mouse! Freakishly small keyboard! And everything's so light (as in not-heavy, not, like, glowing...))
(After all those links, I feel like I need a disclaimer saying I'm not paid to endorse any of the companies involved! But it is great.)
Currently, however, I'm using Migration Assistant to transfer the files from my old iMac. Apparently it's going to be another 19 hours, and I can't use either machine while they're at it. Damn.
Guess I'm just stuck with my MacBook Air for now then. Woe is me, eh.
As followers of my twitter may be aware, I recently won a shiny new iMac from raffle.it. It arrived this morning and it is, as is common for Apple products, a thing of beauty.
And a much-need one too, because my 3½-year-old iMac was beginning to show serious signs of wear. Not to mention the always-welcome benefits of an upgrade in screen size (to 21.5") and resolution (Full HD!), boosted power (up to 2.4x better than the previous generation, and mine's older), and all the other nifty things new Macs have (Magic Mouse! Freakishly small keyboard! And everything's so light (as in not-heavy, not, like, glowing...))
(After all those links, I feel like I need a disclaimer saying I'm not paid to endorse any of the companies involved! But it is great.)
Currently, however, I'm using Migration Assistant to transfer the files from my old iMac. Apparently it's going to be another 19 hours, and I can't use either machine while they're at it. Damn.
Guess I'm just stuck with my MacBook Air for now then. Woe is me, eh.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
TV
Mock the Week
8x05 (18/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Survivors [2008]
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
Half-resolved, half-cliffhanger. Will there be a third series? Goodness knows. I'm torn about whether it's a good idea, although the potential to shift the show's dynamic -- from surviving to rebuilding -- is an intriguing one.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x11 Why Monkeys Swing in the Trees
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
8x05 (18/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Survivors [2008]
2x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
Half-resolved, half-cliffhanger. Will there be a third series? Goodness knows. I'm torn about whether it's a good idea, although the potential to shift the show's dynamic -- from surviving to rebuilding -- is an intriguing one.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x11 Why Monkeys Swing in the Trees
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Infographic: Fun Oscar Trivia by Peter Sciretta
(from /Film)
A pictorial selection of Oscar-related stats and trivia. Fun.
Martin Scorsese Says Even Films Like Precious Should Be in 3D by Peter Sciretta
(from /Film)
No.
Why everyone is so animated about Disney by Will Gompertz
(from Gomp/arts at BBC News)
Read this a few days ago, forgot to mention it. It's a good explanation of why the situation matters.
(from /Film)
A pictorial selection of Oscar-related stats and trivia. Fun.
Martin Scorsese Says Even Films Like Precious Should Be in 3D by Peter Sciretta
(from /Film)
No.
Why everyone is so animated about Disney by Will Gompertz
(from Gomp/arts at BBC News)
Read this a few days ago, forgot to mention it. It's a good explanation of why the situation matters.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
TV
How I Met Your Mother
4x24 The Leap [season finale]
[Watch it on 4oD from 20th May (probably).]
Mad Men
3x06 Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency
[Watch it again on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x09 Why Caterpillar Is Never in a Hurry
1x10 Why Mosquito Buzzes
Not that anyone cares, but the BBC episode guide seems to be titting around with the order of these for no foreseeable reason. Maybe it's the cutbacks kicking in already. Still, I'm going to keep on numbering them in broadcast order regardless because, like I said, it hardly matters.
[Watch episode 9 (again) on iPlayer.]
4x24 The Leap [season finale]
[Watch it on 4oD from 20th May (probably).]
Mad Men
3x06 Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency
[Watch it again on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x09 Why Caterpillar Is Never in a Hurry
1x10 Why Mosquito Buzzes
Not that anyone cares, but the BBC episode guide seems to be titting around with the order of these for no foreseeable reason. Maybe it's the cutbacks kicking in already. Still, I'm going to keep on numbering them in broadcast order regardless because, like I said, it hardly matters.
[Watch episode 9 (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
First, Married Single Other features in two articles published today, in a somewhat different context...
All you need is fluff by Alison Graham (from Radio Times 6-12 March 2009, p45)
followed by...
Married, Single, Other drops over 2m by Dan French (from Digital Spy)
But, additionally,
And now for something completely different...
James Cameron's Oscar Speech Revealed! by John Lopez
(from Vanity Fair)
Very, very funny. Also, probably true.
All you need is fluff by Alison Graham (from Radio Times 6-12 March 2009, p45)
the first episode of Married Single Other won an audience of more than six million (that's very, very good, by the way)
followed by...
Married, Single, Other drops over 2m by Dan French (from Digital Spy)
The second episode... managed 3.96m (15.5%). Last week's opener interested 6.22m (25.5%).Oh dear.
But, additionally,
it was beaten [by] Five Days, which returned to an impressive 7.39m (28.9%)I guess Graham would call that very, very, very good...
And now for something completely different...
James Cameron's Oscar Speech Revealed! by John Lopez
(from Vanity Fair)
Very, very funny. Also, probably true.
Monday, 1 March 2010
TV
24
7x23 6:00AM - 7:00AM
7x24 7:00AM - 8:00AM
Well, that's that then. Quite a nice ending in places -- mainly, the very-end endings. It's been a mixed season, though at least that's an improvement on some more recent ones. I've heard talk of season eight being a return to early-years form... but then they said that about this season, so we'll see.
The Comic Strip Presents...
1x01 Five Go Mad in Dorset
The Mentalist
2x02 The Scarlet Letter
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
7x23 6:00AM - 7:00AM
7x24 7:00AM - 8:00AM
Well, that's that then. Quite a nice ending in places -- mainly, the very-end endings. It's been a mixed season, though at least that's an improvement on some more recent ones. I've heard talk of season eight being a return to early-years form... but then they said that about this season, so we'll see.
The Comic Strip Presents...
1x01 Five Go Mad in Dorset
The Mentalist
2x02 The Scarlet Letter
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
Prison drama A Prophet sweeps French Oscars
(from BBC News)
It's funny, really -- the BAFTAs must be the only non-American awards that are criticised for resolutely rewarding their own cinema. Maybe it's because British cinema is so lacking (we think only America produces films, but that's because we don't see so much of the low-key foreign output), maybe it's because we're so desperate to position ourselves as an Oscar predictor, or maybe it's just because we speak English and so American movies are equally (nay, more) important than our own (whereas in non-English-speaking countries, local cinema can equal or best the big American movies at the box office as well as in critics' eyes). And if you happen to be thinking that the French film won and all/most of the other big nominees were the English-language films we're used to seeing at every other ceremony this year... nope.
(from BBC News)
It's funny, really -- the BAFTAs must be the only non-American awards that are criticised for resolutely rewarding their own cinema. Maybe it's because British cinema is so lacking (we think only America produces films, but that's because we don't see so much of the low-key foreign output), maybe it's because we're so desperate to position ourselves as an Oscar predictor, or maybe it's just because we speak English and so American movies are equally (nay, more) important than our own (whereas in non-English-speaking countries, local cinema can equal or best the big American movies at the box office as well as in critics' eyes). And if you happen to be thinking that the French film won and all/most of the other big nominees were the English-language films we're used to seeing at every other ceremony this year... nope.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
TV
24
7x22 5:00AM - 6:00AM
How I Met Your Mother
4x23 As Fast As She Can
[Watch it on 4oD from 13th May (probably).]
Mo
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
7x22 5:00AM - 6:00AM
How I Met Your Mother
4x23 As Fast As She Can
[Watch it on 4oD from 13th May (probably).]
Mo
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Films
Juno (2007)
[#25 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Finally seen all the Best Picture Oscar nominees for 2007! It's only taken three years (more if you count from when they were actually released, not just announced); and it's been over a year since I set about seeing most of them for one big 100 Films post. That should now be coming within the week... hopefully...
Also, as you can see, I've now reached 25 films in my 2010 collection. I've posted a bit on this subject here.
[#25 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Finally seen all the Best Picture Oscar nominees for 2007! It's only taken three years (more if you count from when they were actually released, not just announced); and it's been over a year since I set about seeing most of them for one big 100 Films post. That should now be coming within the week... hopefully...
Also, as you can see, I've now reached 25 films in my 2010 collection. I've posted a bit on this subject here.
Articles
Jolie departure kills Wanted sequel by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
My first reaction to seeing this story was, "why?" She was hardly the biggest draw of the first film, which was also self-contained and not needing of a sequel... until it made a lot of money. So I was thoroughly unsurprised to see this story the very next day:
Wanted 2 going ahead without Jolie by Paul Millar
(from Digital Spy)
And this points out just what I said: that it was self-contained, the big-name stars die at the end, and then it made a fortune at the box office and they wanted a sequel. Essentially, then, there was no truth to Jolie's departure killing the sequel -- the news reports just made it up/assumed it. Which just goes to remind us why you can't trust the media. Especially Digital Spy.
Real-Life Buzz Lightyear by Peter Sciretta
(from /film)
Not real-real life, but a realistic CGI version. It's rather impressive and consequently disconcerting (certainly more so than ones done for other cartoon characters like Mario or Jessica Rabbit, which just look like their originals with more realistic skin-tone. Or, worst of all, a freaky puffy Homer Simpson, looking like someone with a horrible disease.)
(from Digital Spy)
My first reaction to seeing this story was, "why?" She was hardly the biggest draw of the first film, which was also self-contained and not needing of a sequel... until it made a lot of money. So I was thoroughly unsurprised to see this story the very next day:
Wanted 2 going ahead without Jolie by Paul Millar
(from Digital Spy)
And this points out just what I said: that it was self-contained, the big-name stars die at the end, and then it made a fortune at the box office and they wanted a sequel. Essentially, then, there was no truth to Jolie's departure killing the sequel -- the news reports just made it up/assumed it. Which just goes to remind us why you can't trust the media. Especially Digital Spy.
Real-Life Buzz Lightyear by Peter Sciretta
(from /film)
Not real-real life, but a realistic CGI version. It's rather impressive and consequently disconcerting (certainly more so than ones done for other cartoon characters like Mario or Jessica Rabbit, which just look like their originals with more realistic skin-tone. Or, worst of all, a freaky puffy Homer Simpson, looking like someone with a horrible disease.)
this week on 100 Films
7 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Batman (1966)
Deja Vu (2006)
Exiled (2006)
Frankenstein (2004)
M (1931)
Paths of Glory (1957)
Zum Beispiel: Fritz Lang (1968)
More next Sunday.
Batman (1966)
it has a real feel for what comics were like at the time — the vibrant colours, silliness, larger-than-life characters, nonsensical plots, plus there’s a nice line in risque humour, keeping the adults happy in what’s really a kid-focused film.
Deja Vu (2006)
kinda nonsense, albeit nonsense that some people have put a lot of thought into trying to explain. In spite of this, I quite enjoyed it
Exiled (2006)
features several impressive action scenes. They’re Leone-like in the way there’s often an extended pause, the threat of violence hanging in the air — then a sudden burst, over quickly. But within this style there’s a lot of visual flair
Frankenstein (2004)
this is what Dean Koontz would like viewers/readers to believe: that the novels are his undiluted vision, while the film most certainly is not. Well, don’t believe him. Watching the film having read the book (a couple of years ago), this feels like a faithful adaptation.
M (1931)
a film of immense significance, not least because of its place on numerous Best Ever lists... near-endless essays and articles and whole books have been penned discussing every notable aspect, it’s unlikely I’m going to have much either new or significant to say after one viewing. Just so you know
Paths of Glory (1957)
Kubrick’s depiction of war is excellent, from long tracking shots through the trenches, to the nighttime wilderness of No Man’s Land, lit only by flares that reveal it’s strewn with bodies, to an epic and perfectly-staged battle that is a visual and aural assault.
Zum Beispiel: Fritz Lang (1968)
A slightly odd little documentary, in which Erwin Leiser ‘interviews’ Lang about his early directing career.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
TV
The Bubble
1x02 (26/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Sport Relief
Episode 2 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
8x06 (25/2/10 edition) [season finale]
Often Mock the Week's Best Of/Outtakes shows are more the former than the latter, but this achieved a nice mix with plenty of new material. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x08 Why Vulture is Bald
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x02 (26/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Let's Dance for Sport Relief
Episode 2 (of 4)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
8x06 (25/2/10 edition) [season finale]
Often Mock the Week's Best Of/Outtakes shows are more the former than the latter, but this achieved a nice mix with plenty of new material. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x08 Why Vulture is Bald
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday, 26 February 2010
TV
24
7x21 4:00AM - 5:00AM
Archer
1x01 Mole Hunt
1x02 Training Day
A relatively speedy UK debut for this animated spy-com, albeit buried on Fiver.
Strictly adults-only, it's funnier than your average sitcom manages these days, particularly benefitting from a fast pace and near-constant stream of gags, and not quite as vulgar as some can be (though it certainly pushes toward those limits). Better than I'd hoped for, then, especially considering its inconspicuous scheduling. Plus there's a lot more to look forward to as it's recently been picked up for a longer second season.
(Five have a minisite with clips and character profiles (and not much else) for the interested.)
[Watch Mole Hunt and Training Day (again) on Demand Five.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x06 (19/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
4x22 Right Place Right Time
[Watch it on 4oD from 6th May (probably).]
7x21 4:00AM - 5:00AM
Archer
1x01 Mole Hunt
1x02 Training Day
A relatively speedy UK debut for this animated spy-com, albeit buried on Fiver.
Strictly adults-only, it's funnier than your average sitcom manages these days, particularly benefitting from a fast pace and near-constant stream of gags, and not quite as vulgar as some can be (though it certainly pushes toward those limits). Better than I'd hoped for, then, especially considering its inconspicuous scheduling. Plus there's a lot more to look forward to as it's recently been picked up for a longer second season.
(Five have a minisite with clips and character profiles (and not much else) for the interested.)
[Watch Mole Hunt and Training Day (again) on Demand Five.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x06 (19/2/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
4x22 Right Place Right Time
[Watch it on 4oD from 6th May (probably).]
Films
No Country For Old Men (2007)
[2nd watch]
This was #5 in 100 Films 2009. I first watched it 13 months ago and I've still not posted a review! Soon though...
[2nd watch]
This was #5 in 100 Films 2009. I first watched it 13 months ago and I've still not posted a review! Soon though...
Articles
Skins Effy, Freddie praised for episode by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
By critics for an exceptional storyline, you might presume... but no. The article doesn't mention what the episode was about to garner this praise, but it does tell us who it came from: one of their co-stars, and her boyfriend. On twitter. Seriously.
And so the award for "crap non-news story of the week" goes to...
Survivors Season Two - The Verdict by Ben Rawson-Jones
(from Digital Spy)
Look at the comments -- hardly anyone ever seems to agree with Rawson-Jones' reviews. Why they let him keep going is a mystery.
[This isn't the "crap non-news story of the week". That's the Skins one. Just in case you were confused.]
(from Digital Spy)
By critics for an exceptional storyline, you might presume... but no. The article doesn't mention what the episode was about to garner this praise, but it does tell us who it came from: one of their co-stars, and her boyfriend. On twitter. Seriously.
And so the award for "crap non-news story of the week" goes to...
Survivors Season Two - The Verdict by Ben Rawson-Jones
(from Digital Spy)
Look at the comments -- hardly anyone ever seems to agree with Rawson-Jones' reviews. Why they let him keep going is a mystery.
[This isn't the "crap non-news story of the week". That's the Skins one. Just in case you were confused.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week. Little to report again this week though.
Number of titles in collection: 1,148 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,078 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 70 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,801 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,213 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles with films over 100 years old:
3
(0.3% of the total)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Number of titles in collection: 1,148 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,078 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 70 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,801 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,213 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,874 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles with films over 100 years old:
3
(0.3% of the total)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
TV
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
10x07 The Lost Girls
aka CSI Trilogy Part Three. See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
CSI: Miami
8x07 Bone Voyage
aka CSI Trilogy Part One. See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
CSI: NY
6x07 Hammer Down
aka CSI Trilogy Part Two. See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
How I Met Your Mother
4x21 The Three Days Rule
[Watch it on 4oD from 29th April (probably).]
10x07 The Lost Girls
aka CSI Trilogy Part Three. See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
CSI: Miami
8x07 Bone Voyage
aka CSI Trilogy Part One. See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
CSI: NY
6x07 Hammer Down
aka CSI Trilogy Part Two. See here for my thoughts on these episodes.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
How I Met Your Mother
4x21 The Three Days Rule
[Watch it on 4oD from 29th April (probably).]
Articles
Odeon makes U-turn on Alice boycott by Alex Fletcher
(from Digital Spy)
So much for that, then. I wonder what incentives/bribes they were offered to give in...
(from Digital Spy)
So much for that, then. I wonder what incentives/bribes they were offered to give in...
CSI Trilogy
CSI Trilogy
Part 1 CSI: Miami 8x07 Bone Voyage
Part 2 CSI: NY 6x07 Hammer Down
Part 3 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 10x07 The Lost Girls
I don't normally watch any of the CSIs (as regular readers of this blog could deduce), but I've seen the odd episode before and usually quite enjoyed it. So, as the idea of doing a three-part story spread across all of the series is the kind of thing that appeals to me (I have no idea why, but it's the kind of notion that does), I decided to watch them. And the advantage of V+ is getting to watch all three back-to-back.
I still have no intention of watching any of the series regularly, but that goes especially for Miami. Over-directed, over-edited, over-acted, over-technologised (a giant hologram screen with Minority Report-style controls? Seriously?), and full of bits that are meant to be Deadly Serious but push it too far (far too far) and are just unintentionally hilarious. How this show has lasted to its eighth season is beyond me.
Despite my memories from episodes I saw several years ago (of it being the worst of the bunch), NY is nothing like as bad. Which isn't to say it's great, but there's no one quite as po-faced-edly embarrassing/irritating as Horatio Caine and the show itself is more sensibly shot and edited. Thank goodness.
The original Vegas-set series is still the best, though this is far from the best episode I've seen. Don't know if it's gone off the boil after ten seasons or if it's just this episode, but it's still OK. Apart from a rather twee ending.
As a whole, the trilogy is quite neatly linked: sort of three standalone episodes with vaguelly related plots, but with one that distinctly develops under/alongside all of them. Some would've preferred a full-on three-parter with all teams, I'm sure, but with the strictures of finding a plot to believably bring three totally different departments together and the practicalities of the US network TV production style, it seems unlikely that would ever have happened.
It's not the "TV event of the year" that Five were trying to claim, then -- not even close, actually -- but it wasn't bad. Well, not that bad. Except Miami.
[Watch parts two and three (again) on Demand Five. No idea why the first one's not there.]
Part 1 CSI: Miami 8x07 Bone Voyage
Part 2 CSI: NY 6x07 Hammer Down
Part 3 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 10x07 The Lost Girls
I don't normally watch any of the CSIs (as regular readers of this blog could deduce), but I've seen the odd episode before and usually quite enjoyed it. So, as the idea of doing a three-part story spread across all of the series is the kind of thing that appeals to me (I have no idea why, but it's the kind of notion that does), I decided to watch them. And the advantage of V+ is getting to watch all three back-to-back.
I still have no intention of watching any of the series regularly, but that goes especially for Miami. Over-directed, over-edited, over-acted, over-technologised (a giant hologram screen with Minority Report-style controls? Seriously?), and full of bits that are meant to be Deadly Serious but push it too far (far too far) and are just unintentionally hilarious. How this show has lasted to its eighth season is beyond me.
Despite my memories from episodes I saw several years ago (of it being the worst of the bunch), NY is nothing like as bad. Which isn't to say it's great, but there's no one quite as po-faced-edly embarrassing/irritating as Horatio Caine and the show itself is more sensibly shot and edited. Thank goodness.
The original Vegas-set series is still the best, though this is far from the best episode I've seen. Don't know if it's gone off the boil after ten seasons or if it's just this episode, but it's still OK. Apart from a rather twee ending.
As a whole, the trilogy is quite neatly linked: sort of three standalone episodes with vaguelly related plots, but with one that distinctly develops under/alongside all of them. Some would've preferred a full-on three-parter with all teams, I'm sure, but with the strictures of finding a plot to believably bring three totally different departments together and the practicalities of the US network TV production style, it seems unlikely that would ever have happened.
It's not the "TV event of the year" that Five were trying to claim, then -- not even close, actually -- but it wasn't bad. Well, not that bad. Except Miami.
[Watch parts two and three (again) on Demand Five. No idea why the first one's not there.]
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
TV
24
7x20 3:00AM - 4:00AM
Argumental
3x04 (23/2/10 edition)
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x06 Why Hen Pecks at the Ground
1x07 Why Spider Has a Tiny Waist
[Watch episodes six and seven (again) on iPlayer.]
7x20 3:00AM - 4:00AM
Argumental
3x04 (23/2/10 edition)
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x06 Why Hen Pecks at the Ground
1x07 Why Spider Has a Tiny Waist
[Watch episodes six and seven (again) on iPlayer.]
Magazines
Vworp Vworp! Vol.1
Excellent Doctor Who fanzine that sets its sights on Doctor Who Magazine and, by extension, Who comics. If your image of a fanzine is still an A5 black-and-white photocopy you might be in for a surprise -- full-size, perfect-bound and in glorious colour throughout, the design and content of Vworp Vworp! puts many professional magazines to shame. Torchwood's official mag, with it's consistently huge text and simple layouts, has nothing on this.
Features in this first issue are numerous, but include an interview with DWM's creator/first editor; a feature on the magazine's first comic strip (including an interview with its artist, the legendary Dave Gibbons); a behind-the-scenes look at the final Eighth Doctor strip, The Flood; a look at DWM's regular comedy illustrations/strips; plus three all-new adventures comic strip adventures for the Doctor, friends and foes; and several more features that I've entirely forgotten to mention. Plus, free transfers! No, really.
It's a brilliant magazine for anyone who's a fan of DWM or Who comics and, as I said, much better put-together than numerous pro mags you'll find on shelves in your local newsagent. Despite what might look like a high asking price for a magazine, all things considered -- from it design quality to its superlative content -- it's well worth every penny.
You can still order volume one from the fanzine's website. There's a second volume promised, and I for one can't wait.
Excellent Doctor Who fanzine that sets its sights on Doctor Who Magazine and, by extension, Who comics. If your image of a fanzine is still an A5 black-and-white photocopy you might be in for a surprise -- full-size, perfect-bound and in glorious colour throughout, the design and content of Vworp Vworp! puts many professional magazines to shame. Torchwood's official mag, with it's consistently huge text and simple layouts, has nothing on this.
Features in this first issue are numerous, but include an interview with DWM's creator/first editor; a feature on the magazine's first comic strip (including an interview with its artist, the legendary Dave Gibbons); a behind-the-scenes look at the final Eighth Doctor strip, The Flood; a look at DWM's regular comedy illustrations/strips; plus three all-new adventures comic strip adventures for the Doctor, friends and foes; and several more features that I've entirely forgotten to mention. Plus, free transfers! No, really.
It's a brilliant magazine for anyone who's a fan of DWM or Who comics and, as I said, much better put-together than numerous pro mags you'll find on shelves in your local newsagent. Despite what might look like a high asking price for a magazine, all things considered -- from it design quality to its superlative content -- it's well worth every penny.
You can still order volume one from the fanzine's website. There's a second volume promised, and I for one can't wait.
Articles
Major SFX Doctor Who Exclusive by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
The next issue of SFX has a specially-shot 3D cover. Cool.
Serial Boxes by Jason Mittell
(from Just TV)
A rather academic (but very readable) essay about how the advent of DVD box sets has changed the way we perceive and consume television, as well as the way it's changed scholarly study of the medium. Very interesting, I thought, with lots of agreeable assertions.
(from SFX)
The next issue of SFX has a specially-shot 3D cover. Cool.
Serial Boxes by Jason Mittell
(from Just TV)
A rather academic (but very readable) essay about how the advent of DVD box sets has changed the way we perceive and consume television, as well as the way it's changed scholarly study of the medium. Very interesting, I thought, with lots of agreeable assertions.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
TV
Mad Men
3x05 The Fog
[Watch it again in HD on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x05 Why Lizard Always Hides Under Rocks
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x05 The Fog
[Watch it again in HD on iPlayer.]
Tinga Tinga Tales
1x05 Why Lizard Always Hides Under Rocks
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Alice in Wonderland will not be shown in Odeon cinemas
(from BBC News)
Hurrah to Odeon for sticking to their guns and standing up to Disney (unlike the other major cinema chains). On the other hand, Disney's attempted new model (which has been in the offing for a while) may indeed be the first steps toward the future of film distribution. With piracy on the increase something clearly has to change, and a shorter cinema-to-home window is one way to do this -- when there's no legal way to see a film (that period when it's not in cinemas and not out on DVD), people still have an excuse for obtaining content illegally. You'll never get rid of people who want something for nothing regardless of whether they should pay, but the music industry has shown that by providing viable ways to access content (in their case, downloads; movies may still want to pay attention to DVD and Blu-ray) you can significantly change the culture of how people acquire their content.
iPhone developers angry as Apple purges adult apps
(from BBC News)
For all their amazing hardware and fully-integrated software, sometimes Apple really suck. It's not so much that they have removed the adult content as the way they've gone about it -- no warnings to companies that rely on the business; excluding some stuff because it's 'well known' (or bribed, perhaps?); and all while they could just implement parental controls, which they surely must have a system for already as they sell explicit-branded music and 12/15/18-rated (or R-, in the US) films?
Poor show, Apple.
Worm Hunter makes shortlist for oddest title award
(from BBC News)
The article also mentions that it "has not sold a single copy in the UK or US" -- bet that changes now!
(from BBC News)
Hurrah to Odeon for sticking to their guns and standing up to Disney (unlike the other major cinema chains). On the other hand, Disney's attempted new model (which has been in the offing for a while) may indeed be the first steps toward the future of film distribution. With piracy on the increase something clearly has to change, and a shorter cinema-to-home window is one way to do this -- when there's no legal way to see a film (that period when it's not in cinemas and not out on DVD), people still have an excuse for obtaining content illegally. You'll never get rid of people who want something for nothing regardless of whether they should pay, but the music industry has shown that by providing viable ways to access content (in their case, downloads; movies may still want to pay attention to DVD and Blu-ray) you can significantly change the culture of how people acquire their content.
iPhone developers angry as Apple purges adult apps
(from BBC News)
For all their amazing hardware and fully-integrated software, sometimes Apple really suck. It's not so much that they have removed the adult content as the way they've gone about it -- no warnings to companies that rely on the business; excluding some stuff because it's 'well known' (or bribed, perhaps?); and all while they could just implement parental controls, which they surely must have a system for already as they sell explicit-branded music and 12/15/18-rated (or R-, in the US) films?
Poor show, Apple.
Worm Hunter makes shortlist for oddest title award
(from BBC News)
Afterthoughts Of A Worm Hunter and Collectible Spoons of the Third Reich have been shortlisted for this year's oddest book title award.By its inclusion in the article title, ...Worm Hunter has clearly been deemed the oddest (at least by the press, and by extension their anticipated readers) and so should surely win.
The article also mentions that it "has not sold a single copy in the UK or US" -- bet that changes now!
new reviews at 100 Films
It's been an awfully long time since I last posted a notification of a new review at 100 Films to this blog. Mainly, it's a bit tiring posting a whole update here having done a whole review there, especially as I've been churning them out almost daily for weeks.
From now on, then, every Sunday will see a "this week on 100 Films"-style update. Yes, I know today's Tuesday -- starting next Sunday it'll be weekly, this is just everything since the last review.
So, since Avatar I've posted 24 reviews (24!), and they are...
Air Force One (1997)
An American in Paris (1951)
Anna Boleyn (1920)
Die Austernprinzessin (1919)
Die Bergkatze (1921)
Children of Heaven (1997)
Cinderella (1965)
Copycat (1995)
Culloden (1964)
Ernst Lubitsch in Berlin: From Schönhauser Allee to Hollywood (2006)
The Gruffalo (2009)
Hamlet (2009)
Hard Candy (2005)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Ich möchte kein Mann sein (1918)
Jumper (2008)
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Die Puppe (1919)
Rage (2009)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Sumurun (1920)
Wallander: Mastermind (2005)
Wallander: The Secret (2006)
Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950)
As I said, more on Sunday...
From now on, then, every Sunday will see a "this week on 100 Films"-style update. Yes, I know today's Tuesday -- starting next Sunday it'll be weekly, this is just everything since the last review.
So, since Avatar I've posted 24 reviews (24!), and they are...
As I said, more on Sunday...
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