50 Beautiful Movie Posters by Alessandro Cattaneo
(from Smashing Magazine)
An interesting gallery of lovely posters, some obvious, some less so. And it's not at all as pretentious as you might expect.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
this week on 100 Films
3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Righteous Kill (2008)
Waitress (2007)
More next Sunday.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
action sequences are frequent and fantastic throughout. The raid on the castle is tense, exciting and ultimately devastating — the troops left behind to certain slaughter is an incredibly dark moment in a PG-rated kids’ film.
Righteous Kill (2008)
it’s dull. Properly dull — not slow, not measured, not leisurely — just dull. Director Jon Avnet tries to spice things up occasionally with some swishy camerawork or editing, apparently forgetting he’s lensing a procedural thriller about a pair of 60-something cops and not Miami Vice 2.
Waitress (2007)
Some have criticised it for putting so much levity near such tragic topics; I can only assume they live in a different world to our’s, presumably one where either everything is punctuated by a laughter track or one where everything is underscored by Coldplay.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x08 Episode 8 [series finale]
And so that's that. Intriguing and not-unguessable, which is probably a good thing, especially as some of the questions/possibilities left dangling allow us to fill in some bits how we choose to.
But nonetheless, you can read some interesting/revealing post-finale interviews with the series' co-creator here.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x07 (20/5/10; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 10
Show 10: Results
aka, The Final.
[Watch Show 10 and the results (again) on iPlayer.]
3x08 Episode 8 [series finale]
And so that's that. Intriguing and not-unguessable, which is probably a good thing, especially as some of the questions/possibilities left dangling allow us to fill in some bits how we choose to.
But nonetheless, you can read some interesting/revealing post-finale interviews with the series' co-creator here.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x07 (20/5/10; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 10
Show 10: Results
aka, The Final.
[Watch Show 10 and the results (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Tu£sday (2008)
[#51 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
An '80s-set crime movie starring Philip Glenister and John Simm? Appropriate, considering this weekend's big TV.
[#51 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
An '80s-set crime movie starring Philip Glenister and John Simm? Appropriate, considering this weekend's big TV.
Articles
Ashes Exclusive by Nick Setchfield (from SFX)
and
Ashes to Ashes: co-creator Matthew Graham says goodbye to Gene Hunt by Ian Wylie (from guardian.co.uk)
Two 'exclusive' interviews with Ashes to Ashes co-creator/finale writer Matthew Graham, published last night after the final episode. Still have some questions needing answers? He has them. (Though there's some repetition, each piece also has new info / a different spin.)
and
Ashes to Ashes: co-creator Matthew Graham says goodbye to Gene Hunt by Ian Wylie (from guardian.co.uk)
Two 'exclusive' interviews with Ashes to Ashes co-creator/finale writer Matthew Graham, published last night after the final episode. Still have some questions needing answers? He has them. (Though there's some repetition, each piece also has new info / a different spin.)
Friday, 21 May 2010
TV
Derren Brown Investigates
1x02 The Men with X-Ray Eyes
Verdict: fake. And actually quite exploitative. Nasty Russians.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
FlashForward
1x19 Course Correction
Spoke too soon...
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
1x02 The Men with X-Ray Eyes
Verdict: fake. And actually quite exploitative. Nasty Russians.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
FlashForward
1x19 Course Correction
Spoke too soon...
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
How to Gain from Dragon by Brandon Gray
(from Box Office Mojo)
Why How to Train Your Dragon has been a surprise box office hit, and that rarest of things, a consistent one.
(from Box Office Mojo)
Why How to Train Your Dragon has been a surprise box office hit, and that rarest of things, a consistent one.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
All new-release Blu-rays this week, one replacing a DVD. Exciting.
Number of titles in collection: 1,173 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,086 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 87 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 2,844 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,239 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles I've upgraded to Blu-ray:
26
(29.9% of Blu-rays. 2.3% of DVDs upgraded.)
Specifically, these are things I used to own on DVD that I've now replaced with Blu-rays... which I guess is what the name says. Though it also includes three where, for various reasons, I've still kept the DVD.
I have no immediate intention to attempt an upgrade of my remaining 1,086 DVDs. In most cases it wouldn't even be possible, in others of minimal benefit, and it would of course cost a bloody fortune. Most of my BD purchases are new films or things I missed on DVD for whatever reason -- 70.1%, to be precise -- and this is how I intend to continue forward. But a few more titles may well warrant the upgrade in the future, particularly as prices continue to fall.
See you next week, faithful reader.
All new-release Blu-rays this week, one replacing a DVD. Exciting.
Number of titles in collection: 1,173 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,086 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 87 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 2,844 [up 3]
Number of films in collection: 1,239 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles I've upgraded to Blu-ray:
26
(29.9% of Blu-rays. 2.3% of DVDs upgraded.)
Specifically, these are things I used to own on DVD that I've now replaced with Blu-rays... which I guess is what the name says. Though it also includes three where, for various reasons, I've still kept the DVD.
I have no immediate intention to attempt an upgrade of my remaining 1,086 DVDs. In most cases it wouldn't even be possible, in others of minimal benefit, and it would of course cost a bloody fortune. Most of my BD purchases are new films or things I missed on DVD for whatever reason -- 70.1%, to be precise -- and this is how I intend to continue forward. But a few more titles may well warrant the upgrade in the future, particularly as prices continue to fall.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x18 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
More flashback-driven twists! Intrigue-tastic.
I'm almost beginning to like FlashForward now, which is sod's law considering it's been cancelled. Alternatively, maybe it's because I know it's All Over in just four more episodes that I don't mind so much.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x06 (17/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x08 Best Bits (extended repeat) [season finale]
Mostly hilarious, though the extended repeat's stand-up was a single routine, one so bad I'd actually wiped it from my memory (but I had seen it before -- I eventually remembered).
Also included in the extended version were some new bits cut from the series, including a selection of particularly funny montages. I would've linked directly to them on iPlayer, but for no known reason the BBC still insist on not putting the extended show up. Bastards.
[Watch the whole episode (shorter version only) on iPlayer.]
1x18 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
More flashback-driven twists! Intrigue-tastic.
I'm almost beginning to like FlashForward now, which is sod's law considering it's been cancelled. Alternatively, maybe it's because I know it's All Over in just four more episodes that I don't mind so much.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x06 (17/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x08 Best Bits (extended repeat) [season finale]
Mostly hilarious, though the extended repeat's stand-up was a single routine, one so bad I'd actually wiped it from my memory (but I had seen it before -- I eventually remembered).
Also included in the extended version were some new bits cut from the series, including a selection of particularly funny montages. I would've linked directly to them on iPlayer, but for no known reason the BBC still insist on not putting the extended show up. Bastards.
[Watch the whole episode (shorter version only) on iPlayer.]
Films
Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960)
[#50 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Halfway through, and it's still May -- hurrah!
[#50 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Halfway through, and it's still May -- hurrah!
Articles
Death to the spoiler police by Mary Elizabeth Williams
(from Salon.com)
I dislike spoilers as much as the next discerning viewer, and I don't want to go round spoiling things for others -- well, except maybe fans of something like Twilight -- but this article has several good points about spoilers and the way we behave around them.
Be warned, it spoils Citizen Kane, The Sixth Sense, Les Diaboliquse, Soylent Green, The Empire Strike Back, and some US reality series.
New Social Networking Site Changing The Way Oh, Christ, Forget It
(from The Onion)
(from Salon.com)
I dislike spoilers as much as the next discerning viewer, and I don't want to go round spoiling things for others -- well, except maybe fans of something like Twilight -- but this article has several good points about spoilers and the way we behave around them.
Be warned, it spoils Citizen Kane, The Sixth Sense, Les Diaboliquse, Soylent Green, The Empire Strike Back, and some US reality series.
New Social Networking Site Changing The Way Oh, Christ, Forget It
(from The Onion)
While millions of young, tech-savvy professionals already use services like Facebook and Twitter to keep in constant touch with friends, a new social networking platform called Foursquare has recently taken the oh, fucking hell, can't some other desperate news outlet cover this crap instead?
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Articles
Matthew Graham interview: the Ashes To Ashes finale by Simon Brew
(from Den of Geek!)
A completely spoiler-free interview with Ashes to Ashes co-creator Matthew Graham about The Last Ever Episode, which is on this Friday. Interesting, exciting, etc.
(from Den of Geek!)
A completely spoiler-free interview with Ashes to Ashes co-creator Matthew Graham about The Last Ever Episode, which is on this Friday. Interesting, exciting, etc.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
TV
House
6x21 Baggage
With the return of Therapist Blokey and Crazy Rapping Inmate Blokey, this feels almost like a sequel to the season opener. Which is so long ago now it feels like it was last season to me. Talking of which, season finale next week.
Luther
1x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
6x21 Baggage
With the return of Therapist Blokey and Crazy Rapping Inmate Blokey, this feels almost like a sequel to the season opener. Which is so long ago now it feels like it was last season to me. Talking of which, season finale next week.
Luther
1x02 Episode 2
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Monday, 17 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x17 The Garden of Forking Paths
This episode was on a few weeks back, but it's quite funny to watch it having just heard about FlashForward's cancellation: it contains the first obvious hints at the producers' seven-year plan, with the revelation that "The End" (of the world, presumably) will occur in December 2016. Something we'll now definitely never see. But hey-ho, we don't have to sit through the 132(ish) episodes it would take to get there.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
2x05 Best of the Bastards
(If the attentive among you are wondering where episode four got to, it was the election night special. You can watch it, by itself, on 4oD.)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
1x17 The Garden of Forking Paths
This episode was on a few weeks back, but it's quite funny to watch it having just heard about FlashForward's cancellation: it contains the first obvious hints at the producers' seven-year plan, with the revelation that "The End" (of the world, presumably) will occur in December 2016. Something we'll now definitely never see. But hey-ho, we don't have to sit through the 132(ish) episodes it would take to get there.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
2x05 Best of the Bastards
(If the attentive among you are wondering where episode four got to, it was the election night special. You can watch it, by itself, on 4oD.)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Spoofing the big film blockbusters by Fiona Pryor
(from BBC News)
Heard of 'mockbusters'? Whether your answer's yes or no, this interview with their creators is worth a read.
Why New Zealand is a lifestyle superpower by Nick Bryant
(from From Our Own Correspondent at BBC News)
New Zealand always sounds so nice.
(from BBC News)
Heard of 'mockbusters'? Whether your answer's yes or no, this interview with their creators is worth a read.
Why New Zealand is a lifestyle superpower by Nick Bryant
(from From Our Own Correspondent at BBC News)
New Zealand always sounds so nice.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
TV
Over the Rainbow
Show 9: Results
This is the semi-final, incidentally. S'all over next week. Just in time for Eurovision.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Show 9: Results
This is the semi-final, incidentally. S'all over next week. Just in time for Eurovision.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
[#47 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Enjoyed this more than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe film. Worth expecting good things for the future adaptations then, I feel.
Righteous Kill (2008)
[#46 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read the 100 Films review here.
[#47 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Enjoyed this more than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe film. Worth expecting good things for the future adaptations then, I feel.
Righteous Kill (2008)
[#46 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Read the 100 Films review here.
Articles
Why I Steal Movies… Even Ones I'm In by Peter Serafinowicz
(from Gizmodo)
The "writer/producer/director/actor/musician/comedian/voice model" offers some interesting thoughts on Internet piracy and how businesses still need to change to cope with it. And it's much less dry, and much more amusing, than that makes it sound.
(from Gizmodo)
The "writer/producer/director/actor/musician/comedian/voice model" offers some interesting thoughts on Internet piracy and how businesses still need to change to cope with it. And it's much less dry, and much more amusing, than that makes it sound.
this week on 100 Films
4 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Death Wish (1974)
The September Issue (2009)
Speed Racer (2008)
Titanic (1997)
More next Sunday.
Death Wish (1974)
realism permeates: Paul’s encounters aren’t all easily won; he gets injured; his crimes create a media storm, on which public opinion is divided; he never conveniently come across the attackers of his wife and kids... There are unrealistic bits, but by employing enough believability it manages to rise a little above the “heroic vigilante” sub-genre.
The September Issue (2009)
I don’t really care about fashion, which means I really don’t care about Fashion — i.e. the world inhabited by Vogue and its American edition’s infamous editor, Anna Wintour... But The September Issue, as it turns out, is surprisingly enjoyable. Is it illuminating? I’m not sure
Speed Racer (2008)
it’s visually astounding. Speed Racer’s blocks of vibrant colour and computer whizzery are a natural fit for the modern digital experience. Action sequences are mind-meltingly fast, but also incredibly thrilling.
Titanic (1997)
it feels like the entire film following the iceberg’s arrival is in real-time, which would make the length excusable — I do like real-time — were it not for Cameron padding it out with endless contrivances to have Jack and Rose running around the ship.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x07 Amy's Choice
As much as I love Who, I think it's fair to say that most plots (particularly in nuWho) are variations on a theme: aliens try to do something to/invade humans, the Doctor stops them. A lot of TV's just as formulaic, in its own style, so this isn't a criticism. But Who has literally endless potential, so it's always nice to see an episode that does something outside the norm -- like this one.
Another excellent episode in what's becoming a series of them, then. Will this wind up a classic year? Quite possibly, though I rarely tend to think of Who by season (instead, by story, which is probably a remnant from the pre-nuWho days -- classic Who is still released/considered by story, after all).
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x07 Arthurian Legend
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x06 (13/5/10; extended repeat)
An exceptionally good edition, with particularly choice insults to journalists. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x13 Redline
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 9
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
31x07 Amy's Choice
As much as I love Who, I think it's fair to say that most plots (particularly in nuWho) are variations on a theme: aliens try to do something to/invade humans, the Doctor stops them. A lot of TV's just as formulaic, in its own style, so this isn't a criticism. But Who has literally endless potential, so it's always nice to see an episode that does something outside the norm -- like this one.
Another excellent episode in what's becoming a series of them, then. Will this wind up a classic year? Quite possibly, though I rarely tend to think of Who by season (instead, by story, which is probably a remnant from the pre-nuWho days -- classic Who is still released/considered by story, after all).
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x07 Arthurian Legend
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x06 (13/5/10; extended repeat)
An exceptionally good edition, with particularly choice insults to journalists. Hurrah!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x13 Redline
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 9
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Sherlock Holmes (2010)
[#45 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
'Mockbuster' from The Asylum to tie in with Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. But this one features dinosaurs. Seriously. Well, a dinosaur.
Also, Gareth David-Lloyd from Torchwood and Dominic Keating from Star Trek: Enterprise. "How the mighty..." and all that.
[#45 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
'Mockbuster' from The Asylum to tie in with Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. But this one features dinosaurs. Seriously. Well, a dinosaur.
Also, Gareth David-Lloyd from Torchwood and Dominic Keating from Star Trek: Enterprise. "How the mighty..." and all that.
Articles
NBC Plans Finale For Heroes? by Nikke Finke
(from Deadline Hollywood)
After yesterday's news that it'd been cancelled, it looks like the show may be granted a 2- or 4-hour special to wrap up. Which is probably nice for fans.
In other news, FlashForward got cancelled. Can't say I'm surprised or upset. I'm sticking with it to find out what it was all about, but I'm glad I won't have to for another year or six.
(from Deadline Hollywood)
After yesterday's news that it'd been cancelled, it looks like the show may be granted a 2- or 4-hour special to wrap up. Which is probably nice for fans.
In other news, FlashForward got cancelled. Can't say I'm surprised or upset. I'm sticking with it to find out what it was all about, but I'm glad I won't have to for another year or six.
Friday, 14 May 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x06 Episode 6
It's all coming together now... Which is quite good, really, as there are only two episodes left ever. Ever. Sad times.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown Investigates
1x01 The Man Who Contacts the Dead
Verdict: fake.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x15 (7/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x05 Programme 5
Is there anyone who still doesn't watch Outnumbered? I presume there must be. Fools. This was a particularly satisfying one, with Karen cutting right through a sleazy American psychotherapist.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x06 Episode 6
It's all coming together now... Which is quite good, really, as there are only two episodes left ever. Ever. Sad times.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown Investigates
1x01 The Man Who Contacts the Dead
Verdict: fake.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x15 (7/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x05 Programme 5
Is there anyone who still doesn't watch Outnumbered? I presume there must be. Fools. This was a particularly satisfying one, with Karen cutting right through a sleazy American psychotherapist.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
NBC confirms Heroes axe by Neil Wilkes
(from Digital Spy)
All the article says at time of writing is "Heroes has been axed after four seasons, NBC has confirmed. More to follow." It may well have by the time you read this.
But what it means, basically, is no fifth year to wrap it all up, not even a short one; and it's all thanks to steadily dropping ratings, which was in turn thanks to steadily dropping quality. How the might have fallen, eh -- remember when this was the biggest show on TV, talked about worldwide and set to have a summer spin-off directed by Big Name Movie Directors? Still, we'll always have season one.
(from Digital Spy)
All the article says at time of writing is "Heroes has been axed after four seasons, NBC has confirmed. More to follow." It may well have by the time you read this.
But what it means, basically, is no fifth year to wrap it all up, not even a short one; and it's all thanks to steadily dropping ratings, which was in turn thanks to steadily dropping quality. How the might have fallen, eh -- remember when this was the biggest show on TV, talked about worldwide and set to have a summer spin-off directed by Big Name Movie Directors? Still, we'll always have season one.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
This week, my Lord of the Rings theatrical edition DVDs were upgraded to their recent Blu-ray counterparts -- mmm, pretty. I was intending to wait for the Extended Edition upgrade, but as that's likely several years away this is a most welcome birthday present (yes, the pill is sweetened by not actually having to pay for them). This means some number fiddling (switching from three DVDs to a single Blu-ray box set), compounded by an inexplicable error in my number of films total (now corrected).
Number of titles in collection: 1,171 [down 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,087 [down 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 84 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,841 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,237 [up 8]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Running time of The Lord of the Rings DVDs/BDs:
98 hours, 39 minutes, and 39 seconds.
In honour of this week's biggest acquisition, I wondered just how much content there was on the new Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, plus the (in)famously stacked Special Extended DVD Editions. For the sake of clarity, these are the R2/UK Extended Editions and Region B/UK BDs -- so in both instances the US releases are even longer (thanks to PAL speed-up on the DVDs and a missing extra or two on the Blu-rays).
To break down that mass: 9 hours 19 minutes is the running time of the theatrical editions; 11 hours 37 minutes for the extended editions. Despite being criticised for a lack of extras, the theatrical editions boast 7 hours 41 minutes of special features. Of course, that's as nothing to the extended editions: they contain 46 hours 27 minutes of audio commentaries followed by 22 hours 21 minutes of documentaries and other extras. And that's not to mention the extensive image galleries, some with additional audio commentary. Rounding it out are the two bonus discs that came in gift boxes with Two Towers and Return of the King, an additional 1 hour 14 minutes.
And that's probably more detail than you wanted... though I have a lot more...
See you next week, faithful reader.
This week, my Lord of the Rings theatrical edition DVDs were upgraded to their recent Blu-ray counterparts -- mmm, pretty. I was intending to wait for the Extended Edition upgrade, but as that's likely several years away this is a most welcome birthday present (yes, the pill is sweetened by not actually having to pay for them). This means some number fiddling (switching from three DVDs to a single Blu-ray box set), compounded by an inexplicable error in my number of films total (now corrected).
Number of titles in collection: 1,171 [down 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,087 [down 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 84 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,841 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,237 [up 8]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Running time of The Lord of the Rings DVDs/BDs:
98 hours, 39 minutes, and 39 seconds.
In honour of this week's biggest acquisition, I wondered just how much content there was on the new Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, plus the (in)famously stacked Special Extended DVD Editions. For the sake of clarity, these are the R2/UK Extended Editions and Region B/UK BDs -- so in both instances the US releases are even longer (thanks to PAL speed-up on the DVDs and a missing extra or two on the Blu-rays).
To break down that mass: 9 hours 19 minutes is the running time of the theatrical editions; 11 hours 37 minutes for the extended editions. Despite being criticised for a lack of extras, the theatrical editions boast 7 hours 41 minutes of special features. Of course, that's as nothing to the extended editions: they contain 46 hours 27 minutes of audio commentaries followed by 22 hours 21 minutes of documentaries and other extras. And that's not to mention the extensive image galleries, some with additional audio commentary. Rounding it out are the two bonus discs that came in gift boxes with Two Towers and Return of the King, an additional 1 hour 14 minutes.
And that's probably more detail than you wanted... though I have a lot more...
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
TV
Luther
1x01 Episode 1
Intriguing, complex new detective drama, with fantastic lead performances. It's worth watching for Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson alone. Also, surprising amount of stuff on the website.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Queen
Part 3 The Rivals
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
1x01 Episode 1
Intriguing, complex new detective drama, with fantastic lead performances. It's worth watching for Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson alone. Also, surprising amount of stuff on the website.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Queen
Part 3 The Rivals
[Watch it (again) on 4oD or SeeSaw.]
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
TV
The Graham Norton Show
7x05 (10/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x07 (6/5/10 edition; extended repeat)
This is so clearly pre-election, it's a little weird watching it on the day everything is finally settled. Also, last of the series (though there's some best bitsnext this week.
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x03 Kuriren (aka The Courier)
7x05 (10/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x07 (6/5/10 edition; extended repeat)
This is so clearly pre-election, it's a little weird watching it on the day everything is finally settled. Also, last of the series (though there's some best bits
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x03 Kuriren (aka The Courier)
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
TV
The Mentalist
2x12 Bleeding Heart
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Outnumbered
3x04 Programme 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Also plenty of live BBC News (which I still call News 24, personally) this evening, for reasons that should hopefully be obvious.
2x12 Bleeding Heart
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Outnumbered
3x04 Programme 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Also plenty of live BBC News (which I still call News 24, personally) this evening, for reasons that should hopefully be obvious.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Articles
The James Bond Elephant
(from IanFleming.com)
It feels like there should be a pile of puns for this, but I just can't think of any...
(from IanFleming.com)
It feels like there should be a pile of puns for this, but I just can't think of any...
Sunday, 9 May 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
39x05 Have I Got Election News For You (extended repeat)
Was expecting a pre-election Thursday night show; rather surprised to find they'd rescheduled at some point post-Radio Times. Probably a good idea; it certainly made for an excellent edition.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8: Results
Watch this moment here.
[Watch the whole episode (again) on iPlayer.]
39x05 Have I Got Election News For You (extended repeat)
Was expecting a pre-election Thursday night show; rather surprised to find they'd rescheduled at some point post-Radio Times. Probably a good idea; it certainly made for an excellent edition.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8: Results
[Watch the whole episode (again) on iPlayer.]
this week on 100 Films
Just 1 new review were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
In honour of Star Wars Day 2010.
More next Sunday.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
In honour of Star Wars Day 2010.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x06 The Vampires of Venice
That was brilliant fun! So glad to see a three-person TARDIS team again -- considering that for much of the classic series there were two or even three companions, I've always looked forward to the new series giving it a go. Sure, we had Adam... for two episodes; and Jack... for three; and then Mickey... for four; but it was never quite permanent, was it? Hopefully Rory can manage at least five. I'm not convinced.
Also, I'm glad it was called The Vampires of Venice. Only a little thing, but that definitive just adds something, I feel.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x06 Death in Venice
Presumably we'll be back to Confidential Cut-Downs on the DVDs now (after getting full-length ones for all the specials), which is a shame. Take an episode like this, for example: there's a lot of different stuff going on, so what do you cut? Do you lose all the behind-the-scenes bits? Seems wrong when Confidential stands as the DVDs' "making of" documentaries, and this episode had a few different things to share beyond the usual "this is how CGI works" stuff. So do you lose all the stuff about the real Venice instead? But that was interesting and different too, so it'd also be a shame to lose.
Or do you just think "sod it, no one watches extras any more anyway" and bung on whichever segment is conveniently 15 minutes long? Probably that one, eh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
31x06 The Vampires of Venice
That was brilliant fun! So glad to see a three-person TARDIS team again -- considering that for much of the classic series there were two or even three companions, I've always looked forward to the new series giving it a go. Sure, we had Adam... for two episodes; and Jack... for three; and then Mickey... for four; but it was never quite permanent, was it? Hopefully Rory can manage at least five. I'm not convinced.
Also, I'm glad it was called The Vampires of Venice. Only a little thing, but that definitive just adds something, I feel.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x06 Death in Venice
Presumably we'll be back to Confidential Cut-Downs on the DVDs now (after getting full-length ones for all the specials), which is a shame. Take an episode like this, for example: there's a lot of different stuff going on, so what do you cut? Do you lose all the behind-the-scenes bits? Seems wrong when Confidential stands as the DVDs' "making of" documentaries, and this episode had a few different things to share beyond the usual "this is how CGI works" stuff. So do you lose all the stuff about the real Venice instead? But that was interesting and different too, so it'd also be a shame to lose.
Or do you just think "sod it, no one watches extras any more anyway" and bung on whichever segment is conveniently 15 minutes long? Probably that one, eh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 8
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
More slight changes again this week, plus the monthly running time update.
Number of titles in collection: 1,172 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,090 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 82 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,840 [up 2]
Number of films in collection: 1,229 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
197 days, 7 hours, and 13 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 6 hours, and 23 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
More slight changes again this week, plus the monthly running time update.
Number of titles in collection: 1,172 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,090 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 82 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,840 [up 2]
Number of films in collection: 1,229 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
197 days, 7 hours, and 13 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 6 hours, and 23 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 7 May 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Election 2010
Watched quite a lot of the BBC's election coverage in the end -- from after the C4 thing til around 6am, and then on-and-off from 10am til it finally ended at almost 4pm today. Much of it can now be found on iPlayer, with more coming soon, should you wish to re-live it for any reason.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x14 (30/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Election 2010
Watched quite a lot of the BBC's election coverage in the end -- from after the C4 thing til around 6am, and then on-and-off from 10am til it finally ended at almost 4pm today. Much of it can now be found on iPlayer, with more coming soon, should you wish to re-live it for any reason.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x14 (30/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 6 May 2010
TV
Channel 4's Alternative Election Night
Brilliant -- funny and informed. Only flaw was it stopped just after 1am. Next time, all night please, C4.
FlashForward
1x16 Let No Man Put Asunder
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Brilliant -- funny and informed. Only flaw was it stopped just after 1am. Next time, all night please, C4.
FlashForward
1x16 Let No Man Put Asunder
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
DVD sales slump in wake of Zavvi and Woolworths collapse by Richard Wray
(from guardian.co.uk)
Though, based on the article, that's not really the reason for the slump -- it's general recession-mindedness.
(from guardian.co.uk)
Though, based on the article, that's not really the reason for the slump -- it's general recession-mindedness.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x15 Queen Sacrifice
FlashForward is definitely improving. It's fixed one of it's biggest flaws: previously, every episode just meandered on a bit with the series arc. Now, it offers up a self-contained story per episode that feeds into the overall story, as well as continuing it. This is what other arc-centric shows like 24 and Lost have always done, even when their on going plot has been the focus for most viewers, so it's good to see FF finally realise this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x04 (3/5/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x15 Queen Sacrifice
FlashForward is definitely improving. It's fixed one of it's biggest flaws: previously, every episode just meandered on a bit with the series arc. Now, it offers up a self-contained story per episode that feeds into the overall story, as well as continuing it. This is what other arc-centric shows like 24 and Lost have always done, even when their on going plot has been the focus for most viewers, so it's good to see FF finally realise this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x04 (3/5/10 edition)
Articles
BBC receives complaints over sexy Who by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
Said so.
CLiNT Magazine – Mark Millar’s New Monthly Anthology Includes Kick Ass Sequel by Rich Johnston
(from Bleeding Cool)
Somehow missed this yesterday, but it sounds like excellent news. Just need to read the original Kick-Ass before it comes out...
Download the full press releases from here and follow @CLiNTmag for updates.
(from Digital Spy)
Said so.
CLiNT Magazine – Mark Millar’s New Monthly Anthology Includes Kick Ass Sequel by Rich Johnston
(from Bleeding Cool)
Somehow missed this yesterday, but it sounds like excellent news. Just need to read the original Kick-Ass before it comes out...
Download the full press releases from here and follow @CLiNTmag for updates.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x14 Better Angels
FlashForward in almost-a-good-episode shocker! (Maybe the "almost" is a tad unfair. But the Benfords do grate rather.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
1x14 Better Angels
FlashForward in almost-a-good-episode shocker! (Maybe the "almost" is a tad unfair. But the Benfords do grate rather.)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
Not even Bruckheimer movies can escape budget cuts by Claudia Eller & Dawn C. Chmielewski
(from the Los Angeles Times)
In short, "The next Pirates of the Caribbean will have a tighter filming schedule, cheaper locations and fewer visual effects shots." At first I thought this was probably a good thing -- the excess of the last one certainly needed reigning in -- but some of what's being cut (as described in the article) is a shame. I always like a good fair on a frozen Thames.
Terry Pratchett vs Who by Terry Pratchett
(from SFX)
I'll just cull my thoughts on this from what I posted on twitter:
Yes, the screwdriver. Not the bloody Sonic. God, I hate new fans sometimes.
Why Metropolis will be this year's real summer blockbuster by Danny Leigh
(from Film Blog at guardian.co.uk)
As I expressed yesterday, the new Metropolis does indeed look stunning and I can't wait. This article is a tad naively optimistic, however, about its chances with a modern audience. Still, bless 'im for the optimism.
(from the Los Angeles Times)
In short, "The next Pirates of the Caribbean will have a tighter filming schedule, cheaper locations and fewer visual effects shots." At first I thought this was probably a good thing -- the excess of the last one certainly needed reigning in -- but some of what's being cut (as described in the article) is a shame. I always like a good fair on a frozen Thames.
Terry Pratchett vs Who by Terry Pratchett
(from SFX)
I'll just cull my thoughts on this from what I posted on twitter:
Terry Pratchett's criticisms of Doctor Who are mixed bag: technically right, but that's why he's sort-of wrong. But I agree it's not sci-fi.
Thing is, most stories are woefully predictable these days because we can all see the narrative seeding going on. This is why the RTD era used near-deus ex machina elements quite often. It kept it surprising, for one thing. But, notably, Moffat's era thus far hasn't. What it has done, actually, is 'the right thing': produce unforeseen solutions from elements already placed. Perfect example: Flesh and Stone, using gravity + the crack to destroy the Angels and seal the crack.
As for the sci-fi thing... Who is (and, really, always has been) fantasy. So is Star Wars. Because they use technology they look like science-fiction, but the stories, ideas, concepts are fantastical, not grounded like (say) Star Trek.
He also says the Doctor is resembling God, "there is nothing he doesn't know and nothing he can't do". This is also true: the Doctor never really investigates places of late, he just shows them to his companions. So his having to read a book on the Angels marks a step in right direction. He needs to know lots, but not everything.
And the screwdriver needs to be bit less capable.
Yes, the screwdriver. Not the bloody Sonic. God, I hate new fans sometimes.
Why Metropolis will be this year's real summer blockbuster by Danny Leigh
(from Film Blog at guardian.co.uk)
As I expressed yesterday, the new Metropolis does indeed look stunning and I can't wait. This article is a tad naively optimistic, however, about its chances with a modern audience. Still, bless 'im for the optimism.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Films
Burn After Reading (2008)
[#42 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Inkheart (2008)
[#43 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
[#42 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Inkheart (2008)
[#43 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Websites
metropolis1927.com
Being the website for the forthcoming UK theatrical & DVD/Blu-ray release of the newly restored & 'complete' Metropolis (other websites exist for US and international releases). Over here it's being managed by Eureka/Masters of Cinema, which is of course marvellous.
The website was a placeholder until recently, but now has lots of information on the film, restoration, theatrical release and the first details of the DVD/BD -- and it sounds brilliant. And it has a gorgeous cover.
I don't know if I'll be able to make it to a cinema screening (but we'll see), but I definitely can't wait to get my hands on the Blu-ray.
Being the website for the forthcoming UK theatrical & DVD/Blu-ray release of the newly restored & 'complete' Metropolis (other websites exist for US and international releases). Over here it's being managed by Eureka/Masters of Cinema, which is of course marvellous.
The website was a placeholder until recently, but now has lots of information on the film, restoration, theatrical release and the first details of the DVD/BD -- and it sounds brilliant. And it has a gorgeous cover.
I don't know if I'll be able to make it to a cinema screening (but we'll see), but I definitely can't wait to get my hands on the Blu-ray.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
TV
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x08 (1/5/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x06 (29/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x02 Skulden (aka The Guilt)
3x08 (1/5/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x06 (29/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x02 Skulden (aka The Guilt)
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews again on 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone. (2007/2009)
The Illusionist (2006)
More next Sunday.
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone. (2007/2009)
You Are (Not) Alone works satisfyingly as a film. Arguably it has a slightly unusual narrative structure or slightly unsophisticated animation, but it works much better than you’d expect from six TV episodes stuck together.
The Illusionist (2006)
The story itself — you remember those? It’s the bit between the attention-grabbing opening and preposterous-twist finale — is mediocre. It’s a something-and-nothing account of a Poor Boy who loves a Rich Girl he can’t have and… oh, I can’t even be bothered to explain it.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x05 Flesh and Stone
Well, that was excellent. It seems knee-jerk to say so soon after it's aired, but I can well see that shooting to the top of Best Story Ever lists. It deserves to, anyway. Though I reckon that final bedroom scene is going to get complaints...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x05 Blinded by the Light
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x11 Rose-Colored Glasses
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
2x03 (29/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
31x05 Flesh and Stone
Well, that was excellent. It seems knee-jerk to say so soon after it's aired, but I can well see that shooting to the top of Best Story Ever lists. It deserves to, anyway. Though I reckon that final bedroom scene is going to get complaints...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x05 Blinded by the Light
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x11 Rose-Colored Glasses
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 7
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
2x03 (29/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Don't be persuaded to vote tactically by Laura Newton
(from this is exeter.co.uk)
(from this is exeter.co.uk)
For too long Labour and the Conservatives have relied on persuading voters to vote tactically in Exeter as if voting for the lesser of two evils, in some kind of mythical 'two horse race'. I am delighted that people are really waking up to this age-old political manipulation and actually voting for the party they instinctively support the most (no matter who that may be).
Friday, 30 April 2010
TV
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x13 (23/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x03 (26/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
18x13 (23/4/10 edition)
The Graham Norton Show
7x03 (26/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
McKidd: 'Rome movie is almost there' by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
Always appreciate an update on the Rome movie. Though it's apparently set in Germany, so one wonders if calling it Rome is strictly accurate...
Report: 'More TVs in US than people' by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
Headline says it all. The actual stat: "the median number of TV sets in the typical US household is 2.93 but the number of people is just 2.5."
Why I Hate 3-D (And You Should Too) by Roger Ebert
(from Newsweek)
As eloquent and persuasive as ever, Ebert argues why the new trend for 3D in films is pointless and actually counter-productive -- or, rather, counter-artistic. Is it only a matter of time before the world/industry agrees with him? I hope so. 3D's a fun gimmick, but no more, despite what some movie-moneymen and bandwagon-jumpers would love us to believe.
(from Digital Spy)
Always appreciate an update on the Rome movie. Though it's apparently set in Germany, so one wonders if calling it Rome is strictly accurate...
Report: 'More TVs in US than people' by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
Headline says it all. The actual stat: "the median number of TV sets in the typical US household is 2.93 but the number of people is just 2.5."
Why I Hate 3-D (And You Should Too) by Roger Ebert
(from Newsweek)
As eloquent and persuasive as ever, Ebert argues why the new trend for 3D in films is pointless and actually counter-productive -- or, rather, counter-artistic. Is it only a matter of time before the world/industry agrees with him? I hope so. 3D's a fun gimmick, but no more, despite what some movie-moneymen and bandwagon-jumpers would love us to believe.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Minimal changes this week, as one two-disc DVD is replaced by its two-disc Blu-ray. Thrilling.
Number of titles in collection: 1,170 [no change]
Of which DVDs: 1,090 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 80 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,838 [no change]
Number of films in collection: 1,227 [no change]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles produced in the '90s:
188
(16.1% of the total)
Right back at the start of this series, stat of the week covered titles produced in the '00s, the most-represented decade in my collection. Next biggest is the '90s -- as you can see, there's quite a discrepancy! (And the '00s have only increased in the past 6 months.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Minimal changes this week, as one two-disc DVD is replaced by its two-disc Blu-ray. Thrilling.
Number of titles in collection: 1,170 [no change]
Of which DVDs: 1,090 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 80 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,838 [no change]
Number of films in collection: 1,227 [no change]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles produced in the '90s:
188
(16.1% of the total)
Right back at the start of this series, stat of the week covered titles produced in the '00s, the most-represented decade in my collection. Next biggest is the '90s -- as you can see, there's quite a discrepancy! (And the '00s have only increased in the past 6 months.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x04 Episode 4
Crikey, halfway through already! This is all going to be over before I know it...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x07 (24/4/10 edition)
This is even more nearly-all-over. Less excitingly so though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x04 Episode 4
Crikey, halfway through already! This is all going to be over before I know it...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x07 (24/4/10 edition)
This is even more nearly-all-over. Less excitingly so though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Ashes creator: 'The ending is terrific' by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
Fox 'fend off Avatar Blu-ray complaints' by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
Wes Craven: 'Scream 4 to mock Saw' by Aaron Broverman
(from Digital Spy)
Previously the return of Scream sounded like another attempt to cash-in by relaunching a once-popular franchise for no good reason. But now it sounds like they actually have a purpose: the original trilogy did a top-notch job of spoofing the horror movies of the day (and properly spoofing them too, not just recreating them with a 'joke' crowbarred into every scene a la Scary Movie & co), and now they want to do the same thing with modern horror movies. It sounds so obvious now, but does involve some degree of thinking outside the box -- after all, didn't we all expect a Scream revival would just be more of the same 80s/90s-spoofing?
The full interview can be found over here.
(from Digital Spy)
Fox 'fend off Avatar Blu-ray complaints' by Oli Simpson
(from Digital Spy)
the DRM software, originally introduced to discourage piracy, has in fact had the opposite effect."Much lols," as the cool internet kids say these days (I think).
Wes Craven: 'Scream 4 to mock Saw' by Aaron Broverman
(from Digital Spy)
Previously the return of Scream sounded like another attempt to cash-in by relaunching a once-popular franchise for no good reason. But now it sounds like they actually have a purpose: the original trilogy did a top-notch job of spoofing the horror movies of the day (and properly spoofing them too, not just recreating them with a 'joke' crowbarred into every scene a la Scary Movie & co), and now they want to do the same thing with modern horror movies. It sounds so obvious now, but does involve some degree of thinking outside the box -- after all, didn't we all expect a Scream revival would just be more of the same 80s/90s-spoofing?
The full interview can be found over here.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x13 Blowback
Go beardy dad bloke!
As for the rest of the series... It's good we're getting answers; it's still not good though, is it.
The Mentalist
2x10 Throwing Fire
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
1x13 Blowback
Go beardy dad bloke!
As for the rest of the series... It's good we're getting answers; it's still not good though, is it.
The Mentalist
2x10 Throwing Fire
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
BBC Trust apologises for Frankie Boyle 'angry Jew' joke
(from guardian.co.uk)
In summary, if you call an Israeli a Jew it's "inappropriate and offensive".
Our Clegg-backing letter is one for the grandchildren by Richard Reeves
(from Comment is free at guardian.co.uk)
Not normally one for brandishing too much politics across the blog, but this (and the letter it links to at the end) still make for an interesting read.
Week 6 Schedule Update by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
Alternate headline: "Over the Rainbow stage scheduling coup while Moffat stranded in America".
I'm sure it's significantly less exciting than that, but, still.
(from guardian.co.uk)
In summary, if you call an Israeli a Jew it's "inappropriate and offensive".
Our Clegg-backing letter is one for the grandchildren by Richard Reeves
(from Comment is free at guardian.co.uk)
Not normally one for brandishing too much politics across the blog, but this (and the letter it links to at the end) still make for an interesting read.
Week 6 Schedule Update by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
Alternate headline: "Over the Rainbow stage scheduling coup while Moffat stranded in America".
I'm sure it's significantly less exciting than that, but, still.
preview of Doctor Who games has put me off
Preview: Doctor Who: The Adventure Games by Matthew Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
I was really looking forward to these games -- Doctor Who has always seemed well-suited to a point-and-click-style adventure game and I'd always hoped they'd make one. And that's what this looked like -- it's got "Adventure Game" in the title, after all, and screenshots have shown 3D person controls and adventure-game-like on-screen options like "examine".
But appearances can be deceptive, as this preview reveals. Instead of a Who-ish game driven by story, conversation and inventory-based puzzles, we're getting stealth sections that sound thoroughly old-fashioned and mini-games every time the Doctor needs to unlock a door. And, from the sounds of the preview, that's all the game really has to offer. Oh.
If that was the kind of game they'd pitched, well, c'est la vie -- but it promised so much more! And it sounds like the developers lack the creativity to have even thought of the superior option. This quote demonstrates their complete lack of understanding:
Basically, if it's not a shoot-em-up, it's not a game. What idiots.
Why couldn't this have been licensed to Telltale? Well, probably because they're American 'n' all that -- but they've proven it works as a business model (not that these Who games need a business model -- they're free), and I'd assumed their style had basically been copied for these games. But it seems not.
I'll still play them, of course, cos I'm a Who fan and they're canon and they're free. But before I was really looking forward to them, and now I'll just go through the motions because I have to. Which is a bit depressing.
(from Digital Spy)
I was really looking forward to these games -- Doctor Who has always seemed well-suited to a point-and-click-style adventure game and I'd always hoped they'd make one. And that's what this looked like -- it's got "Adventure Game" in the title, after all, and screenshots have shown 3D person controls and adventure-game-like on-screen options like "examine".
But appearances can be deceptive, as this preview reveals. Instead of a Who-ish game driven by story, conversation and inventory-based puzzles, we're getting stealth sections that sound thoroughly old-fashioned and mini-games every time the Doctor needs to unlock a door. And, from the sounds of the preview, that's all the game really has to offer. Oh.
If that was the kind of game they'd pitched, well, c'est la vie -- but it promised so much more! And it sounds like the developers lack the creativity to have even thought of the superior option. This quote demonstrates their complete lack of understanding:
The Doctor himself solves all the problems of the universe, saves humanity, with the power of negotiation and clever quips, which within themselves don't make for great gameplay... He hasn't got a blaster, it'll be brilliant if he had a lightsaber, it'll be great if he had twin guns, but he hasn't and we can't…
Basically, if it's not a shoot-em-up, it's not a game. What idiots.
Why couldn't this have been licensed to Telltale? Well, probably because they're American 'n' all that -- but they've proven it works as a business model (not that these Who games need a business model -- they're free), and I'd assumed their style had basically been copied for these games. But it seems not.
I'll still play them, of course, cos I'm a Who fan and they're canon and they're free. But before I was really looking forward to them, and now I'll just go through the motions because I have to. Which is a bit depressing.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
39x04 (22/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x05 (22/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
39x04 (22/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x05 (22/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch only the shorter version (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Dog injures nose by Karen Bate
(from Salisbury Journal)
Apparently this is what passes for news in Salisbury. The story's been a (very) minor twitter sensation, which the site gamely commented on in a follow-up article.
The Greatest Flashbacks by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
The 15 best SF/F TV series flashback episodes. So, yeah, does what it says on the tin.
Paramount revives Ring franchise by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Well that's just... dated. I mean, surely the plot will go something like this:
(from Salisbury Journal)
Apparently this is what passes for news in Salisbury. The story's been a (very) minor twitter sensation, which the site gamely commented on in a follow-up article.
The Greatest Flashbacks by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
The 15 best SF/F TV series flashback episodes. So, yeah, does what it says on the tin.
Paramount revives Ring franchise by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Well that's just... dated. I mean, surely the plot will go something like this:
Teen 1: Dude, what's this freaky-looking video?
Teen 2: Video? WTF? We don't have a video player, just chuck it.
Teen 1: 'k.
The End.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Articles
Scott reveals Alien prequel storyline
and
Scott confirms two Alien prequels
by Simon Reynolds (from Digital Spy)
In many respects, the storyline's no surprise, but it'll certainly annoy some fans who were hoping to keep that mystery (and please others who want it solved). The notion of two prequels, though... hm. Sounds like blatant moneymaking to me. And the way Scott talks about shooting in 3D very much sounds like it was forced on him and he'd rather it hadn't been.
and
Scott confirms two Alien prequels
by Simon Reynolds (from Digital Spy)
In many respects, the storyline's no surprise, but it'll certainly annoy some fans who were hoping to keep that mystery (and please others who want it solved). The notion of two prequels, though... hm. Sounds like blatant moneymaking to me. And the way Scott talks about shooting in 3D very much sounds like it was forced on him and he'd rather it hadn't been.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
TV
FlashForward
1x11 Revelation Zero Part 1
1x12 Revelation Zero Part 2
Finally catching up with this -- yes, I am sticking with it for now, even though it's A Bit Rubbish. That said, the long hiatus for the show to have a re-think seems to have done some good. It's not much better, but it is better.
Over the Rainbow
Show 6: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x11 Revelation Zero Part 1
1x12 Revelation Zero Part 2
Finally catching up with this -- yes, I am sticking with it for now, even though it's A Bit Rubbish. That said, the long hiatus for the show to have a re-think seems to have done some good. It's not much better, but it is better.
Over the Rainbow
Show 6: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Films
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone. (2007/2009)
[#41 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
The first of four movies re-telling (with some changes) the anime TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which I love. This is also the third iteration of the first movie: after 1.0, 1.01 tweaked the animation in some 266 shots, and now 1.11 adds a further three minutes of footage. I hope they don't faff about so much with the next three... though such hopes are looking doubtful.
Also, watched most of the Blu-ray's extras. Bit slight, to be honest, but better than nothing. The booklet (which I think may only be in the HMV-exclusive editions) is more informative about the processes behind making the film.
Read my review of Evangelion 1.11 here.
[#41 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
The first of four movies re-telling (with some changes) the anime TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which I love. This is also the third iteration of the first movie: after 1.0, 1.01 tweaked the animation in some 266 shots, and now 1.11 adds a further three minutes of footage. I hope they don't faff about so much with the next three... though such hopes are looking doubtful.
Also, watched most of the Blu-ray's extras. Bit slight, to be honest, but better than nothing. The booklet (which I think may only be in the HMV-exclusive editions) is more informative about the processes behind making the film.
Read my review of Evangelion 1.11 here.
Articles
Doctor Who fans angered by trailer for Over the Rainbow
(from BBC News)
Apparently it ruined a particularly dramatic moment. I wouldn't know, of course, cos I was watching BBC HD. Not that I'm gloating of course.
(from BBC News)
Apparently it ruined a particularly dramatic moment. I wouldn't know, of course, cos I was watching BBC HD. Not that I'm gloating of course.
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week -- a slight improvement over the last few -- and they were...
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Wallander: The Revenge (2009)
More next Sunday.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Panda features some beautiful animation — not a phrase you usually associate with CG ‘toons, but Panda frequently achieves it: petals swirl in the breeze, panoramic scenery shots look gorgeous, and the character animation is subtly detailed
Wallander: The Revenge (2009)
rather than a thoughtful investigation into an ‘everyday’ murder, Wallander blazes back onto our screens with the explosive destruction of a power station, a bloody execution — no less than 17 shots fired — and the army rolling into town to handle the fall-out from an extended power cut.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
TV
Doctor Who
31x04 The Time of Angels
See some of my thoughts here.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x04 Eyes Wide Open
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x03 Programme 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 6
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
31x04 The Time of Angels
See some of my thoughts here.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
5x04 Eyes Wide Open
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Outnumbered
3x03 Programme 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Over the Rainbow
Show 6
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Films
Pixels (2010)
[#40a in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
A great, fun short. Watch it in full (don't worry, legally) here.
[#40a in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
A great, fun short. Watch it in full (don't worry, legally) here.
Articles
DVD Producer Michael Pellerin on the Blu-ray Release of... The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy by Bill Hunt & Michael Pellerin
(from The Digital Bits)
The title does a pretty nifty job of summing up what's in this piece... other than clarifying who Pellerin is and why what he has to say about the LotR Blu-rays matters, of course. In short: he produced the original DVDs and consulted on the new BDs. Here he explains some of what went into the new HD transfers and suggests what may be to come on future Extended Edition re-releases -- a lot more stuff that's been in the works for almost a decade, basically.
Stars attack tories over BBC plans
(from Google news U.K.)
I'm not saying vote Labour (at all), but this does need bearing in mind.
(from The Digital Bits)
The title does a pretty nifty job of summing up what's in this piece... other than clarifying who Pellerin is and why what he has to say about the LotR Blu-rays matters, of course. In short: he produced the original DVDs and consulted on the new BDs. Here he explains some of what went into the new HD transfers and suggests what may be to come on future Extended Edition re-releases -- a lot more stuff that's been in the works for almost a decade, basically.
Stars attack tories over BBC plans
(from Google news U.K.)
I'm not saying vote Labour (at all), but this does need bearing in mind.
Doctor Who: The Time of Angels
Just some quick thoughts, too long for the usual TV post...
Blinkin' excellent episode, a first part that promises we may be getting a truly classic story -- much like Moffat's The Empty Child did back in 2005, in fact. So much of it was worthy of comment, but two things in particular:
One, Moffat was spot-on when he said this was like Aliens to Blink's Alien; a superb analogy.
Two, the cliffhanger... that wasn't really a cliffhanger... New Who has become almost known for having two-parters where each half is almost a distinct episode -- they very much build to that cliffhanger, then almost start again in the second half. But this was nothing of the sort -- it feels like Moffat's penned a 90-minute story and then split it in half at roughly the right moment. Which I quite like, actually.
One of the reasons it works is the whole story's structure (at least so far): it's very like a film, building in peaks of action and calmer lulls of dialogue and plot development. Any of the big action sequences -- the opening, Amy with the TV-Angel, the chase through the Maze -- contained appropriate cliffhanger moments... but those didn't fall at the story's halfway mark. Maybe this isn't how Moffat crafted the story at all -- maybe it is two entirely distinct parts and this was always meant to be a cliffhanger -- but with the way we know the Doctor's just done Something Clever to escape (we even see it starting before it cuts to the titles), it feels like an appropriate-enough halfway break in a longer tale rather than a bespoke cliffhanger. And, as I say, I quite like that.
Finally, something people have been moaning about: the sound mix, specifically the music being too loud. Watching on BBC HD, which broadcasts Who in true 5.1, proved something I suspected for a while: the audio has clearly been mixed for 5.1, because it sounds absolutely spot-on in this format (the music may even be too quiet), so I presume that someone, somewhere, must be mucking up the down-mix to Stereo for normal transmission.
Also, no Graham Norton invading half the screen on BBC HD.
P.S. Sacred Bob? Angel Bob? Clearly Moffat must be a fan of me -- link.
Blinkin' excellent episode, a first part that promises we may be getting a truly classic story -- much like Moffat's The Empty Child did back in 2005, in fact. So much of it was worthy of comment, but two things in particular:
One, Moffat was spot-on when he said this was like Aliens to Blink's Alien; a superb analogy.
Two, the cliffhanger... that wasn't really a cliffhanger... New Who has become almost known for having two-parters where each half is almost a distinct episode -- they very much build to that cliffhanger, then almost start again in the second half. But this was nothing of the sort -- it feels like Moffat's penned a 90-minute story and then split it in half at roughly the right moment. Which I quite like, actually.
One of the reasons it works is the whole story's structure (at least so far): it's very like a film, building in peaks of action and calmer lulls of dialogue and plot development. Any of the big action sequences -- the opening, Amy with the TV-Angel, the chase through the Maze -- contained appropriate cliffhanger moments... but those didn't fall at the story's halfway mark. Maybe this isn't how Moffat crafted the story at all -- maybe it is two entirely distinct parts and this was always meant to be a cliffhanger -- but with the way we know the Doctor's just done Something Clever to escape (we even see it starting before it cuts to the titles), it feels like an appropriate-enough halfway break in a longer tale rather than a bespoke cliffhanger. And, as I say, I quite like that.
Finally, something people have been moaning about: the sound mix, specifically the music being too loud. Watching on BBC HD, which broadcasts Who in true 5.1, proved something I suspected for a while: the audio has clearly been mixed for 5.1, because it sounds absolutely spot-on in this format (the music may even be too quiet), so I presume that someone, somewhere, must be mucking up the down-mix to Stereo for normal transmission.
Also, no Graham Norton invading half the screen on BBC HD.
P.S. Sacred Bob? Angel Bob? Clearly Moffat must be a fan of me -- link.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
This is the biggest update since mid-February, thanks in part to a round of bargains (Sherlock Hound, 3:10 to Yuma, Zombieland), anticipated new releases (The Box, Evangelion 1.11), and bargainous near-new releases (Glorious 39). With a third of these being anime titles, including one I've been waiting years for, this week's statistic has taken a slight dash of inspiration from them...
Number of titles in collection: 1,170 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,091 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 79 [up 4]
Number of discs in collection: 2,838 [up 11]
Number of films in collection: 1,227 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [up 26]
Statistic of the week:
Total number of anime titles:
47
(4% of the total)
See you next week, faithful reader.
This is the biggest update since mid-February, thanks in part to a round of bargains (Sherlock Hound, 3:10 to Yuma, Zombieland), anticipated new releases (The Box, Evangelion 1.11), and bargainous near-new releases (Glorious 39). With a third of these being anime titles, including one I've been waiting years for, this week's statistic has taken a slight dash of inspiration from them...
Number of titles in collection: 1,170 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,091 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 79 [up 4]
Number of discs in collection: 2,838 [up 11]
Number of films in collection: 1,227 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,916 [up 26]
Statistic of the week:
Total number of anime titles:
47
(4% of the total)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 23 April 2010
TV
Archer
1x10 Dial M for Mother [season finale]
And that's that for the first season of Archer. It's great fun so I'll miss it considerably. Luckily, a longer second season is already in the works.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x12 (16/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
2x02 (22/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
1x10 Dial M for Mother [season finale]
And that's that for the first season of Archer. It's great fun so I'll miss it considerably. Luckily, a longer second season is already in the works.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
18x12 (16/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
2x02 (22/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Doctor Who: The return of the Weeping Angels by Steven Moffat
(from BBC tv blog)
Who's head honcho on how one of the series' scariest villains are back... but different.
Election debate TV ratings: 4.1m watch leaders' tussle by Jason Deans
(from guardian.co.uk)
Under half the number who watched the first debate last week. Have people lost interest already? Or was it because it was buried on digital channels? I suspect the latter, but only time -- i.e. next week's debate on BBC One -- will tell.
Also of interest: despite ostensibly being 'The Sky News Debate', it was simulcast on six digital TV channels, repeated later on BBC Two, broadcast on Radio 4, and available from a variety of online sources. The number of people who actually watched it on Sky News was just 2.1 million, which is almost certainly under half the people watching (that 4.1 million leaves out three TV channels, online sources, and Radio 4).
First 3D TV goes on sale in the UK by Andrew Laughlin
(from Digital Spy)
(from BBC tv blog)
Who's head honcho on how one of the series' scariest villains are back... but different.
Election debate TV ratings: 4.1m watch leaders' tussle by Jason Deans
(from guardian.co.uk)
Under half the number who watched the first debate last week. Have people lost interest already? Or was it because it was buried on digital channels? I suspect the latter, but only time -- i.e. next week's debate on BBC One -- will tell.
Also of interest: despite ostensibly being 'The Sky News Debate', it was simulcast on six digital TV channels, repeated later on BBC Two, broadcast on Radio 4, and available from a variety of online sources. The number of people who actually watched it on Sky News was just 2.1 million, which is almost certainly under half the people watching (that 4.1 million leaves out three TV channels, online sources, and Radio 4).
First 3D TV goes on sale in the UK by Andrew Laughlin
(from Digital Spy)
Matt Rajah, who has more money than sense, was first in the queue(I may have rewritten that slightly...)
Thursday, 22 April 2010
TV
Ashes to Ashes
3x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x09 A Price Above Rubies
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
3x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
2x09 A Price Above Rubies
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Articles
First Doctor Who game episode revealed by Matthew Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
City of the Daleks -- nice title. Also, double meaning (based on the plot). Clever.
(While I'm at it, I'd also like to express my gratitude that the BBC are bothering to release this for both PC and Mac at the same time. With the gradually increasing proliferation of Mac users, one would think is only sensible for all games producers, but particularly from a public institution like the BBC.)
(from Digital Spy)
City of the Daleks -- nice title. Also, double meaning (based on the plot). Clever.
(While I'm at it, I'd also like to express my gratitude that the BBC are bothering to release this for both PC and Mac at the same time. With the gradually increasing proliferation of Mac users, one would think is only sensible for all games producers, but particularly from a public institution like the BBC.)
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
TV
House
6x17 Lockdown
Directed by Hugh Laurie! And the latest in what's becoming a recurring trend for breaking-the-format episodes of House in the wake of episodes focussed on Wilson (the imaginatively-titled Wilson) and Cuddy (the genuinely imaginatively-titled 5 to 9). This sees the regulars all split up and Learning Something About Each Other... and yet, it felt oddly slight.
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x06 (17/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
6x17 Lockdown
Directed by Hugh Laurie! And the latest in what's becoming a recurring trend for breaking-the-format episodes of House in the wake of episodes focussed on Wilson (the imaginatively-titled Wilson) and Cuddy (the genuinely imaginatively-titled 5 to 9). This sees the regulars all split up and Learning Something About Each Other... and yet, it felt oddly slight.
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
3x06 (17/4/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
15 Movie Posters Re-Imagined With the Stars Originally Cast by Kevin Polowy
(from Moviefone)
It's well done 'n' all but, for some reason, not as funny or interesting as it ought to be.
(from Moviefone)
It's well done 'n' all but, for some reason, not as funny or interesting as it ought to be.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
TV
Happy Finish
Pilot
Quite funny.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
iCandy
Pilot
Rubbish.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Mad Men
3x13 Shut the Door, Have a Seat [season finale]
Another excellent closing episode from Mad Men, replete with moments to contest Don's declaration about having no contract (my favourite was Joan's return). It's also a tantalising 'cliffhanger', and with the new season set to begin Stateside in around three months I'm not sure I can handle the long slow wait 'til BBC Four/HD bother to pick it up.
[Watch it again in HD on iPlayer.]
Pilot
Quite funny.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
iCandy
Pilot
Rubbish.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Mad Men
3x13 Shut the Door, Have a Seat [season finale]
Another excellent closing episode from Mad Men, replete with moments to contest Don's declaration about having no contract (my favourite was Joan's return). It's also a tantalising 'cliffhanger', and with the new season set to begin Stateside in around three months I'm not sure I can handle the long slow wait 'til BBC Four/HD bother to pick it up.
[Watch it again in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
50 Movie Titles That Got Lost In Translation by Simon Brew
(from Den of Geek)
I appreciate this was posted A Very Long Time Ago and it's on an awful website, but someone happened to mention it on twitter today. It's an expectedly daft but still rather amusing diversion, I thought. Look out in particular for China's version of Boogie Nights and France's (alleged) new title for The Matrix. Do feel free to share any other favourites in the comments.
Damages not expected to return by Mike Moody
and
Damages creator wants new season by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
The first season of Damages was utterly brilliant, flawless TV. The second was a bit of a muddle. The third... could still go either way (it's just finished in the US, halfway through on BBC One, and I'm only on episode three still) All of which leaves me rather uncertain about whether a fourth run is a good idea: if it has and can hit the heights of its first season, more is definitely desired; but it's just maintained the second year's degeneration, then no thanks, put it out of our misery.
Sutherland says 24 movie script is ready by Mike Moody
(from Digital Spy)
(from Den of Geek)
I appreciate this was posted A Very Long Time Ago and it's on an awful website, but someone happened to mention it on twitter today. It's an expectedly daft but still rather amusing diversion, I thought. Look out in particular for China's version of Boogie Nights and France's (alleged) new title for The Matrix. Do feel free to share any other favourites in the comments.
Damages not expected to return by Mike Moody
and
Damages creator wants new season by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
The first season of Damages was utterly brilliant, flawless TV. The second was a bit of a muddle. The third... could still go either way (it's just finished in the US, halfway through on BBC One, and I'm only on episode three still) All of which leaves me rather uncertain about whether a fourth run is a good idea: if it has and can hit the heights of its first season, more is definitely desired; but it's just maintained the second year's degeneration, then no thanks, put it out of our misery.
Sutherland says 24 movie script is ready by Mike Moody
(from Digital Spy)
Sutherland also hinted that the plot could possibly mirror the show's first season, giving Jack Bauer a personal crisis to deal with. "It doesn't have to be a bomb," he said. "It can be something personal that people understand."Sounds like good news... but then they've said something similar before every season of the TV show for the last few years, so I'll believe it when we see it.
Monday, 19 April 2010
TV
A Comedy Roast
1x03 Chris Tarrant [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x01 (12/4/10 edition)
Over the Rainbow
Show 5: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x03 Chris Tarrant [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
7x01 (12/4/10 edition)
Over the Rainbow
Show 5: Results
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
This is What a Tweet Looks Like by Sarah Perez
(from ReadWriteWeb)
"Yes yes, a message only 140 characters long, I know." But oh no no, dear reader, no no -- there's a lot more to a tweet than you might think. And this explains it. Moderately interesting, I thought.
(from ReadWriteWeb)
"Yes yes, a message only 140 characters long, I know." But oh no no, dear reader, no no -- there's a lot more to a tweet than you might think. And this explains it. Moderately interesting, I thought.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
39x03 (15/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
I had a specific comment to make about this episode, but it's completely gone now. Just watch it, laugh lots, and I'm sure you'll've seen whatever it was I had to say.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x04 (15/4/10 edition)
Despite setting a recording for the extended repeat, it seems BBC Three did Something Funny and I wound up with the last 20 minutes of Herbie-whatever-with-Lindsay-Lohan and a half-an-hour-early edition of Family Guy. There's no explanation for this that I can find.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x01 Hämnden (aka The Revenge)
The Swedish Wallander series returns for its second and reportedly final series. This episode was originally released in cinemas, so counts as #40 on 100 Films in a Year 2010. Click here to read my review.
You Have Been Watching
2x01 (15/4/10 edition)
Hurrah for another excellent programme returning.
This edition featured clips from Spartacus: Blood and Sand, a series I'd been a little looking forward to because it looked like it might be Rome Mark 2. Sadly, this appears to not be the case. Where Rome was high-budget and underpinned its sex and violence with an awful lot of character and intelligence, Spartacus: BS (the most apt title abbreviation) has CGI in every scene that's so bad it makes everything look like a 15-year-old computer game. The quality of the script and acting suggest they've been dragged from the same.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
39x03 (15/4/10 edition; extended repeat)
I had a specific comment to make about this episode, but it's completely gone now. Just watch it, laugh lots, and I'm sure you'll've seen whatever it was I had to say.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Russell Howard's Good News
2x04 (15/4/10 edition)
Despite setting a recording for the extended repeat, it seems BBC Three did Something Funny and I wound up with the last 20 minutes of Herbie-whatever-with-Lindsay-Lohan and a half-an-hour-early edition of Family Guy. There's no explanation for this that I can find.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
2x01 Hämnden (aka The Revenge)
The Swedish Wallander series returns for its second and reportedly final series. This episode was originally released in cinemas, so counts as #40 on 100 Films in a Year 2010. Click here to read my review.
You Have Been Watching
2x01 (15/4/10 edition)
Hurrah for another excellent programme returning.
This edition featured clips from Spartacus: Blood and Sand, a series I'd been a little looking forward to because it looked like it might be Rome Mark 2. Sadly, this appears to not be the case. Where Rome was high-budget and underpinned its sex and violence with an awful lot of character and intelligence, Spartacus: BS (the most apt title abbreviation) has CGI in every scene that's so bad it makes everything look like a 15-year-old computer game. The quality of the script and acting suggest they've been dragged from the same.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
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