The King's Speech leads Bafta field
(from BBC News)
Just in case you missed it, the BAFTA nominations were out today. All largely to be expected, though the Rising Star noms are barmy: most of those names are already established -- "risen", if you will.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Monday, 17 January 2011
TV
Battlestar Galactica [2004]
3x02 Precipice
3x03 Exodus Part 1
3x04 Exodus Part 2
Helluva cliffhanger on Precipice! Luckily, watching on Blu-ray means I can rush straight on to the action-packed Exodus two-parter. Shiny.
The South Bank Show
37x04 Ian McKellen Revisited
Yes Minister
1x02 The Official Visit
3x02 Precipice
3x03 Exodus Part 1
3x04 Exodus Part 2
Helluva cliffhanger on Precipice! Luckily, watching on Blu-ray means I can rush straight on to the action-packed Exodus two-parter. Shiny.
The South Bank Show
37x04 Ian McKellen Revisited
Yes Minister
1x02 The Official Visit
Articles
James Bond book called Carte Blanche
(from BBC News)
"The new James Bond book, written by thriller author Jeffery Deaver, will be called Carte Blanche." The cover was also revealed and can be seen in the photo below. A couple more details -- though not a proper plot description -- can be found in the news article, or on the book's official website, or by following the book's official twitter.
Universal and Sony to change singles release policy
(from BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat)
Singles will now be released to download on the same day they're first played on the radio. A very sensible, piracy-inhibiting tactic. You wonder why they've not done it sooner.
(from BBC News)
"The new James Bond book, written by thriller author Jeffery Deaver, will be called Carte Blanche." The cover was also revealed and can be seen in the photo below. A couple more details -- though not a proper plot description -- can be found in the news article, or on the book's official website, or by following the book's official twitter.
Universal and Sony to change singles release policy
(from BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat)
Singles will now be released to download on the same day they're first played on the radio. A very sensible, piracy-inhibiting tactic. You wonder why they've not done it sooner.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
TV
Battlestar Galactica [2004]
3x00 The Resistance [webisodes 1-10]
3x01 Occupation
It's now, shockingly, almost six months since I last watched any BSG. I was getting through it so fast too! Time (overdue) to dive back in, then, and this is what's next: The Resistance, a series of ten webisodes totalling 26 minutes, detailing some events that occur between seasons two and three. They may still be available for free online to the US, and they're on the US DVDs, but not the UK DVDs, but they are on the Blu-rays everywhere (on disc two of season three -- common sense does not prevail). In case you wondered.
As for the new series proper, bold of the producers to continue their Iraq war analogy by having the Cylons become the occupying force and the sympathetic human characters become insurgents. Can't imagine that went down too well in the US...
Episodes
1x01 Episode One
This has been soundly slagged off in some quarters (coughRadioTimescough), but I rather enjoyed it. In fact, I'm actually looking forward to more -- so that's rather good too then.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x16 History (extended repeat) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
3x00 The Resistance [webisodes 1-10]
3x01 Occupation
It's now, shockingly, almost six months since I last watched any BSG. I was getting through it so fast too! Time (overdue) to dive back in, then, and this is what's next: The Resistance, a series of ten webisodes totalling 26 minutes, detailing some events that occur between seasons two and three. They may still be available for free online to the US, and they're on the US DVDs, but not the UK DVDs, but they are on the Blu-rays everywhere (on disc two of season three -- common sense does not prevail). In case you wondered.
As for the new series proper, bold of the producers to continue their Iraq war analogy by having the Cylons become the occupying force and the sympathetic human characters become insurgents. Can't imagine that went down too well in the US...
Episodes
1x01 Episode One
This has been soundly slagged off in some quarters (coughRadioTimescough), but I rather enjoyed it. In fact, I'm actually looking forward to more -- so that's rather good too then.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x16 History (extended repeat) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Iron Eagle (1986)
Odd Man Out (1947)
More next Sunday.
Iron Eagle (1986)
an American pilot is captured by Qatar due to flying into their airspace, even though he was hundreds of miles outside it. When he’s sentenced to execution and the US Government refuses to do anything practical to get him back, his teenage son — who he’s been illicitly teaching to fly fighter jets — resolves to steal one and go get his dad. Hells yeah! Or something... daft and implausible.
Odd Man Out (1947)
The consciously episodic story... facilitates the depiction of a cross-section of Northern Irish life, and particularly their reaction to “the organisation” — it doesn’t take a genius to guess what that means... concerned “only with the conflict in the hearts of the people when they become unexpectedly involved”, by leaving out detail of the politically contentious background it perhaps robs the characters’ indecision of any basis.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
TV
Primeval
4x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Yes Minister
1x01 Open Government [2nd watch]
Got the complete series of this for Christmas. Not seen it for an absolute age, but it's still brilliant. (Also not sure how much of it I've actually seen before, or how often, so those "2nd watch"es may be a little fluid and based on anything I happen to remember.)
4x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Yes Minister
1x01 Open Government [2nd watch]
Got the complete series of this for Christmas. Not seen it for an absolute age, but it's still brilliant. (Also not sure how much of it I've actually seen before, or how often, so those "2nd watch"es may be a little fluid and based on anything I happen to remember.)
Films
Exam (2009)
[#2 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
So far this year I've watched two films from 2009. Neither of them were on my 50 I missed in 2009 list, sadly.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
[2nd watch]
This was #49 in 100 Films 2010, and went on to be listed as my eighth favourite film of the year. Having watched it again, I wonder if I should've placed it even higher.
[#2 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
So far this year I've watched two films from 2009. Neither of them were on my 50 I missed in 2009 list, sadly.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
[2nd watch]
This was #49 in 100 Films 2010, and went on to be listed as my eighth favourite film of the year. Having watched it again, I wonder if I should've placed it even higher.
Articles
The best books of 2011 by Alison Flood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Yes, you read that right -- the year that's only 15 days old. Films and games have these "what's to come this year" lists all the time, so why not books? ...is, I suppose, the theory. Not sure it works.
(Came to my attention because it mentions the forthcoming new James Bond novel, still code-named Project X though apparently being launched in Dubai on Monday, so maybe we'll learn the real title then.)
(from guardian.co.uk)
Yes, you read that right -- the year that's only 15 days old. Films and games have these "what's to come this year" lists all the time, so why not books? ...is, I suppose, the theory. Not sure it works.
(Came to my attention because it mentions the forthcoming new James Bond novel, still code-named Project X though apparently being launched in Dubai on Monday, so maybe we'll learn the real title then.)
Friday, 14 January 2011
TV
The Graham Norton Show
8x11 (7/1/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Great Outdoors
1x01 Episode 1
This went largely unnoticed on BBC Four last summer (I missed it anyway), but it's a rather good sitcom featuring a host of familiar faces. Recommended. And there's only three episodes, so I do hope they commission more.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
8x11 (7/1/11 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Great Outdoors
1x01 Episode 1
This went largely unnoticed on BBC Four last summer (I missed it anyway), but it's a rather good sitcom featuring a host of familiar faces. Recommended. And there's only three episodes, so I do hope they commission more.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Jimmy Wales says Wikipedia too complicated for many by Jonathan Fildes
(from BBC News)
Not to read, but to contribute to. They're planning to make it easier in the future.
Quite aside from the mildly sensationalist headline, there's more interesting stuff here from a BBC interview with Wales -- you can tell it's a relatively significant article because it actually has a byline, something the BBC News site is hardly known for.
(from BBC News)
Not to read, but to contribute to. They're planning to make it easier in the future.
Quite aside from the mildly sensationalist headline, there's more interesting stuff here from a BBC interview with Wales -- you can tell it's a relatively significant article because it actually has a byline, something the BBC News site is hardly known for.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
After the Christmas and post-Christmas extravaganzas, there's just one new title this week. And that might be it for a while too. Although there are a few titles I desired that I didn't get for Christmas that I could pick up... but it's not as if I don't have enough else to watch, and it's not as if January sales matter any more when most DVD/BD retailers have permanent sales with the same titles at the same prices all year round (until they drop even cheaper). So, no rush.
Not that that'll necessarily stop me.
Number of titles in collection: 1,259 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,100 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 158 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 3,137 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,335 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,545 [no change]
Statistic of the week is going on an extended holiday while I think if there's anything more I really want to do with it. The running time updates will continue every four weeks as usual.
See you next week, faithful reader.
After the Christmas and post-Christmas extravaganzas, there's just one new title this week. And that might be it for a while too. Although there are a few titles I desired that I didn't get for Christmas that I could pick up... but it's not as if I don't have enough else to watch, and it's not as if January sales matter any more when most DVD/BD retailers have permanent sales with the same titles at the same prices all year round (until they drop even cheaper). So, no rush.
Not that that'll necessarily stop me.
Number of titles in collection: 1,259 [up 1]
Of which DVDs: 1,100 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 158 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 3,137 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,335 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,545 [no change]
Statistic of the week is going on an extended holiday while I think if there's anything more I really want to do with it. The running time updates will continue every four weeks as usual.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
TV
Tonight, I watched two programmes when they were actually on (more or less)! What is the world coming to...
How I Met Your Mother
6x04 Subway Wars
A rather good one, I thought.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Not Going Out
4x02 Debbie
Also a rather good one, I thought.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Zen
1x02 Cabal
Another rather good one, I thought. The Italian's, shall we say, flexible attitude to justice certainly makes for an unusual crime story.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
6x04 Subway Wars
A rather good one, I thought.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Not Going Out
4x02 Debbie
Also a rather good one, I thought.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Zen
1x02 Cabal
Another rather good one, I thought. The Italian's, shall we say, flexible attitude to justice certainly makes for an unusual crime story.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
Kiefer Sutherland’s First Post-24 Role: Web Series The Confession by Robyn Ross
(from TV Guide)
Also starring John Hurt, so screams potential.
Movie Poster of the Week: The Best of 2010 by Adrian Curry
(from Mubi)
I do love a good movie poster, and while this may be missing any of the excellent Inception posters (with this being the best), it's still an intriguing and (naturally) eye-catching list.
We’re Living in the Future, errrr Wait by Paul Tassi
(from Unreality)
Back to the Future's Marty and Doc travel 25 years into the future to see what's changed. As it turns out, not much...
(from TV Guide)
Also starring John Hurt, so screams potential.
Movie Poster of the Week: The Best of 2010 by Adrian Curry
(from Mubi)
I do love a good movie poster, and while this may be missing any of the excellent Inception posters (with this being the best), it's still an intriguing and (naturally) eye-catching list.
We’re Living in the Future, errrr Wait by Paul Tassi
(from Unreality)
Back to the Future's Marty and Doc travel 25 years into the future to see what's changed. As it turns out, not much...
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
TV
Just Good Friends
2x02 Another Man
Little Crackers
Episode 8 Car Park Babylon
Episode 9 The Norris McWhirter Chronicles: A True Story
Episode 12 Uncle Santa [final episode]
That's those done, then. The last two here were amongst the best I thought, though David Baddiel's was resolutely nowt to do with Christmas. And Meera Syal's was Sky's first comedy programme to be shot in 3D. Not sure why. I expect "why not" may in fact have been the motivation.
(And if you're interested, here's the article Baddiel references at the start of his film.)
2x02 Another Man
Little Crackers
Episode 8 Car Park Babylon
Episode 9 The Norris McWhirter Chronicles: A True Story
Episode 12 Uncle Santa [final episode]
That's those done, then. The last two here were amongst the best I thought, though David Baddiel's was resolutely nowt to do with Christmas. And Meera Syal's was Sky's first comedy programme to be shot in 3D. Not sure why. I expect "why not" may in fact have been the motivation.
(And if you're interested, here's the article Baddiel references at the start of his film.)
Articles
10 steps that defined every X-Files episode by Scott Edelman
(from blastr)
So true.
20 Greatest Fake Criterion Covers by George Wales
(from Total Film)
Most amusing, though you'll need at least a passing knowledge of the Criterion Collection to get it.
Child gets Saw 3D advert banned
(from BBC News)
Christopher Nolan (Somewhat) Explains Inception by Matt Goldberg
(from Collider)
This article is pushing two months old now, but I missed it at the time, so here it is for you now. Quite interesting too.
James Cameron calls Peter Berg's Battleship movie 'ridiculous' by Carol Pinchefsky
(from blastr)
"the only reason sequels exist is because Hollywood is out of ideas and is forced to re-use the same characters and storylines," says Cameron, director of Aliens, Terminator 2, Avatar 2 and Avatar 3.
(from blastr)
So true.
20 Greatest Fake Criterion Covers by George Wales
(from Total Film)
Most amusing, though you'll need at least a passing knowledge of the Criterion Collection to get it.
Child gets Saw 3D advert banned
(from BBC News)
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ... ruled the advert must not be be broadcast again in its current form before 2100.Ah yes, what a handy ruling almost three months after the film came out.
Christopher Nolan (Somewhat) Explains Inception by Matt Goldberg
(from Collider)
This article is pushing two months old now, but I missed it at the time, so here it is for you now. Quite interesting too.
James Cameron calls Peter Berg's Battleship movie 'ridiculous' by Carol Pinchefsky
(from blastr)
"the only reason sequels exist is because Hollywood is out of ideas and is forced to re-use the same characters and storylines," says Cameron, director of Aliens, Terminator 2, Avatar 2 and Avatar 3.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
TV
Little Crackers
Episode 10 First Kiss
Episode 11 The Queen Mother's Visit
The Mentalist
3x10 Jolly Red Elf
Christmassy.
The season has now recommenced in the US (just), but no signs of when Five will bring it over here -- they're repeating season one for at least two more weeks.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x13 End of Series Compilation Show [season finale]
A fairly worthwhile clip show -- the clips are funny, and the linky bits are typically Buzzcocks in their unusualness.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 10 First Kiss
Episode 11 The Queen Mother's Visit
The Mentalist
3x10 Jolly Red Elf
Christmassy.
The season has now recommenced in the US (just), but no signs of when Five will bring it over here -- they're repeating season one for at least two more weeks.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x13 End of Series Compilation Show [season finale]
A fairly worthwhile clip show -- the clips are funny, and the linky bits are typically Buzzcocks in their unusualness.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Saw VI (2009)
[#1 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
So this is the latest I've started 100 Films to date. Still, last year was the previous latest and that turned out OK.
[#1 in 100 Films in a Year 2011]
So this is the latest I've started 100 Films to date. Still, last year was the previous latest and that turned out OK.
DVD Extras
A Killer Maze: Making Saw: Game Over
from Saw VI Blu-ray
A behind-the-scenes look at Saw: Game Over, part of Universal theme parks' Halloween Horror Nights in 2009 -- a walk-through attraction based on the Saw films.
from Saw VI Blu-ray
A behind-the-scenes look at Saw: Game Over, part of Universal theme parks' Halloween Horror Nights in 2009 -- a walk-through attraction based on the Saw films.
Articles
Band of Brothers' Maj Richard Winters dies aged 92
(from BBC News)
RIP.
BOND IS BACK! Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes Set For Nov. 9, 2012 Release Date by Nikki Finke
(from Deadline Hollywood)
Good news!
(from BBC News)
RIP.
BOND IS BACK! Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes Set For Nov. 9, 2012 Release Date by Nikki Finke
(from Deadline Hollywood)
Good news!
Monday, 10 January 2011
TV
Derren Brown: Behind the Mischief
A nice little look at Derren the person, to mark the 10th anniversary of his TV career. Perhaps disappointingly short on new insights into his tricks though.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Just Good Friends
2x01 Guilt
Little Crackers
Episode 6 Better Than Christmas
Episode 7 Goodbye Fluff
Jo Brand's episode (Goodbye Fluff) is one of the best so far -- it's actually funny. Christmas shorts by comedians don't have to be funny, I suppose, but as they're a) by comedians, and b) open with a "Sky Comedy" logo, you kinda expect laughs.
The Magicians
1x02 Episode 2
I did the play-along-at-home trick this week (having done last week's after the show -- even having seen the answer, it didn't work). This week it did work... but then the thing on the website is insanely easy for the production to rig -- and, having tried it a few times, I never got the wrong card -- so I'm afraid I don't buy it as a proper trick. Still, love the theme music.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x12 Episode 12
The South Bank Show
37x09 Victoria Wood Revisited
Remember when, back in September, I said I was finally getting round to watching these South Bank Show Revisiteds? Yeeeaaah...
A nice little look at Derren the person, to mark the 10th anniversary of his TV career. Perhaps disappointingly short on new insights into his tricks though.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Just Good Friends
2x01 Guilt
Little Crackers
Episode 6 Better Than Christmas
Episode 7 Goodbye Fluff
Jo Brand's episode (Goodbye Fluff) is one of the best so far -- it's actually funny. Christmas shorts by comedians don't have to be funny, I suppose, but as they're a) by comedians, and b) open with a "Sky Comedy" logo, you kinda expect laughs.
The Magicians
1x02 Episode 2
I did the play-along-at-home trick this week (having done last week's after the show -- even having seen the answer, it didn't work). This week it did work... but then the thing on the website is insanely easy for the production to rig -- and, having tried it a few times, I never got the wrong card -- so I'm afraid I don't buy it as a proper trick. Still, love the theme music.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x12 Episode 12
The South Bank Show
37x09 Victoria Wood Revisited
Remember when, back in September, I said I was finally getting round to watching these South Bank Show Revisiteds? Yeeeaaah...
Articles
Allen, Hurley facing Twitter investigation? by Kristy Kelly
(from Digital Spy)
(from Digital Spy)
Lily Allen and Liz Hurley could face an investigation for promoting products through Twitter... The pair may have breached Office of Fair Trading rules by endorsing products on the site for money without declaring an interestQuite right, if true, just not a kind of story you expect to hear.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
this week on 100 Films
Just 1 new review was posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, but that was due to my duo of end-of-year summary posts.
First up, the Full List of what I watched in 2010 -- including exciting statistics about my viewing!
Secondly -- and finally for the year (other than the handful of reviews still to come) -- I look back on my Bottom 5 and Top 10 films I saw in In Retrospect.
Plus, as I said, that one review:
The Hurt Locker (2008)
More next Sunday.
First up, the Full List of what I watched in 2010 -- including exciting statistics about my viewing!
Secondly -- and finally for the year (other than the handful of reviews still to come) -- I look back on my Bottom 5 and Top 10 films I saw in In Retrospect.
Plus, as I said, that one review:
The Hurt Locker (2008)
The opening quote and closing scenes make explicit the main theme — war is a drug, one James is addicted to — but I’m not sure how present this is in the body of the story. Rather, the majority feels like an attempt to convey the experience of living as an explosives expert in a warzone, with James’ ‘addiction’ just a side effect of that.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
TV
Derren Brown: Enigma
Brilliant, as ever, though there are bits that, as ever, I wish he'd explain how they were done.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Just Good Friends
1x07 Moving In... And Out Again [season finale]
Horizon
Is Seeing Believing?
Happened to turn this on after Derren Brown. It's supposedly on iPlayer but doesn't seem to be working (perhaps because it's a repeat from October), which is a shame because it's fascinating and I'd recommend it.
Primeval
4x03 Episode 3
Even attempting to begin to enjoy Primeval requires the ability to switch your brain off. This seems to be a skill the writers have in abundance -- the plot holes and implausibilities are so numerous I gave up even noticing them by the end. And I remain unsure why I keep watching this series... probably a misguided, masochistic sense of "I've started so I'll bloody well finish".
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player soon.]
QI
8x15 Hypnosis, Hallucinations & Hysteria (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wallander [film series]
Firewall Part 1 (of 2) (aka Brandvägg)
BBC Four jump to the eighth adaptation from the other Swedish Wallander (as you may remember, last time was the sixth), a tale that has also been adapted by the Branagh series -- though, as this is a two-parter, the British version was done in half the running time. I watched that version just over two years ago, so while I remember some details I have no real idea where this is going. Which is rather nice.
Brilliant, as ever, though there are bits that, as ever, I wish he'd explain how they were done.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Just Good Friends
1x07 Moving In... And Out Again [season finale]
Horizon
Is Seeing Believing?
Happened to turn this on after Derren Brown. It's supposedly on iPlayer but doesn't seem to be working (perhaps because it's a repeat from October), which is a shame because it's fascinating and I'd recommend it.
Primeval
4x03 Episode 3
Even attempting to begin to enjoy Primeval requires the ability to switch your brain off. This seems to be a skill the writers have in abundance -- the plot holes and implausibilities are so numerous I gave up even noticing them by the end. And I remain unsure why I keep watching this series... probably a misguided, masochistic sense of "I've started so I'll bloody well finish".
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player soon.]
QI
8x15 Hypnosis, Hallucinations & Hysteria (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wallander [film series]
Firewall Part 1 (of 2) (aka Brandvägg)
BBC Four jump to the eighth adaptation from the other Swedish Wallander (as you may remember, last time was the sixth), a tale that has also been adapted by the Branagh series -- though, as this is a two-parter, the British version was done in half the running time. I watched that version just over two years ago, so while I remember some details I have no real idea where this is going. Which is rather nice.
Articles
History Channel Pulls The Kennedys; Says Controversial Miniseries 'Not a Fit’ by Matthew Belloni
(from The Hollywood Reporter)
They do bizarre things in Americaland -- like commission and produce a whole expensive eight-hour miniseries, and then decide not to show it.
Torchwood: Miracle Day revealed by Chuck Foster
(from Doctor Who News Page)
Love the plot; hate the new subtitle.
(from The Hollywood Reporter)
They do bizarre things in Americaland -- like commission and produce a whole expensive eight-hour miniseries, and then decide not to show it.
Torchwood: Miracle Day revealed by Chuck Foster
(from Doctor Who News Page)
Love the plot; hate the new subtitle.
Friday, 7 January 2011
TV
The Graham Norton Show
8x10 New Year's Eve Show
Said so.
Little Crackers
Episode 2 Capturing Santa
Episode 3 My First Nativity
Episode 4 Satan's Hoof
Two of these concern children's inappropriate urination. Awkward coincidence.
Live at the Apollo
6x06 (1/1/11 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Not Going Out
4x01 Drugs
Despite being cancelled, it's back! Hurrah! Not Going Out may be a rather old-school sitcom, but it's still damn funny, and that's what counts.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
8x10 New Year's Eve Show
Said so.
Little Crackers
Episode 2 Capturing Santa
Episode 3 My First Nativity
Episode 4 Satan's Hoof
Two of these concern children's inappropriate urination. Awkward coincidence.
Live at the Apollo
6x06 (1/1/11 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Not Going Out
4x01 Drugs
Despite being cancelled, it's back! Hurrah! Not Going Out may be a rather old-school sitcom, but it's still damn funny, and that's what counts.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
As we head deep into 2011 (well, a whole week), here's the tally for how my collection stood at the very end of 2010 (though, to be honest, it still stands this way). Basically, these increases represent a couple of new arrivals between last week's Christmas Day-fuelled update and the end of 2010... which is when last week's update was posted... Look, don't worry about it.
Numbers this week don't necessarily reflect purchases: once again, something's gone wrong somewhere and I've had to rebalance the numbers. This shouldn't happen, but it's because I update this each week based on the previous week's totals and update my DVD/BD master list separately at another time, which means... Look, don't worry about it.
Number of titles in collection: 1,258 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,100 [up 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 157 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,136 [up 7]
Number of films in collection: 1,334 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,545 [up 1]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
224 days, 6 hours, and 15 minutes.
(Up 9 days, 7 hours, and 31 minutes from last month.)
That's the biggest running time increase ever, fact fans! Almost 2½-times more of an increase than last Christmas', and almost double the next-largest. Nice.
See you next week, faithful reader.
As we head deep into 2011 (well, a whole week), here's the tally for how my collection stood at the very end of 2010 (though, to be honest, it still stands this way). Basically, these increases represent a couple of new arrivals between last week's Christmas Day-fuelled update and the end of 2010... which is when last week's update was posted... Look, don't worry about it.
Numbers this week don't necessarily reflect purchases: once again, something's gone wrong somewhere and I've had to rebalance the numbers. This shouldn't happen, but it's because I update this each week based on the previous week's totals and update my DVD/BD master list separately at another time, which means... Look, don't worry about it.
Number of titles in collection: 1,258 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,100 [up 3]
Of which Blu-rays: 157 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 3,136 [up 7]
Number of films in collection: 1,334 [up 3]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,545 [up 1]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
224 days, 6 hours, and 15 minutes.
(Up 9 days, 7 hours, and 31 minutes from last month.)
That's the biggest running time increase ever, fact fans! Almost 2½-times more of an increase than last Christmas', and almost double the next-largest. Nice.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
TV
How I Met Your Mother
6x03 Unfinished
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Just William [2010]
1x04 William Holds the Stage [season finale]
This has been a very entertaining series, I thought. More please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Magicians
1x01 Episode 1
It's nice to see some magic back in a prime time schedule. Despite the pointless gimmicky audience vote aspect, this was very entertaining -- some spectacular tricks in there. But it has the same problem I always have with magic: I find knowing how it was done more impressive than the tricks themselves. Magicians always say that ruins the illusion and destroys the fun, but not for me -- the tricks are all well and good, but because we know it's not real the lengths they go to in order to make it look real is what's really impressive. But hey-ho, what can you do.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Rob Brydon Show
1x07 Christmas Special
Zen
1x01 Vendetta
Gorgeously shot, a tad slow in places, with one horribly claustrophobic sequence (so, very well made, but very uncomfortable to sit through). Rather good all round.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
6x03 Unfinished
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Just William [2010]
1x04 William Holds the Stage [season finale]
This has been a very entertaining series, I thought. More please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Magicians
1x01 Episode 1
It's nice to see some magic back in a prime time schedule. Despite the pointless gimmicky audience vote aspect, this was very entertaining -- some spectacular tricks in there. But it has the same problem I always have with magic: I find knowing how it was done more impressive than the tricks themselves. Magicians always say that ruins the illusion and destroys the fun, but not for me -- the tricks are all well and good, but because we know it's not real the lengths they go to in order to make it look real is what's really impressive. But hey-ho, what can you do.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Rob Brydon Show
1x07 Christmas Special
Zen
1x01 Vendetta
Gorgeously shot, a tad slow in places, with one horribly claustrophobic sequence (so, very well made, but very uncomfortable to sit through). Rather good all round.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
This Is Every Batmobile Ever by Justin Hyde
(from Jalopnik)
It isn't -- indeed, there's at least one pretty obvious one missing -- but it's a good attempt. It's a little bit astounding how many more redesigns there've been in the '90s and '00s than the five whole decades that preceded them.
(from Jalopnik)
It isn't -- indeed, there's at least one pretty obvious one missing -- but it's a good attempt. It's a little bit astounding how many more redesigns there've been in the '90s and '00s than the five whole decades that preceded them.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
TV
Just Good Friends
1x06 Happy Birthday, Penny
Just William [2010]
1x03 The School Report
The first thing I've watched via iPlayer on my shiny new Wii. Hurrah!
(I realise the acquisition of a Wii is exactly the sort of thing this blog is designed to cover, but as I only set it up last night it hasn't become pertinent before now. And I doubt anyone anywhere is interested in the intricate details of my sensor bar setup debate.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Les Mis at 25: Matt Lucas Dreams the Dream
Rather good, I thought -- a well-judged mix between the story of Les Mis's inception and reception, and following Matt Lucas as he prepares to appear in the 25th anniversary concert.
Polar Bear: Spy on the Ice
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x06 Happy Birthday, Penny
Just William [2010]
1x03 The School Report
The first thing I've watched via iPlayer on my shiny new Wii. Hurrah!
(I realise the acquisition of a Wii is exactly the sort of thing this blog is designed to cover, but as I only set it up last night it hasn't become pertinent before now. And I doubt anyone anywhere is interested in the intricate details of my sensor bar setup debate.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Les Mis at 25: Matt Lucas Dreams the Dream
Rather good, I thought -- a well-judged mix between the story of Les Mis's inception and reception, and following Matt Lucas as he prepares to appear in the 25th anniversary concert.
Polar Bear: Spy on the Ice
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
Grimsby driver defends warning others of speed gun
(from BBC News)
HMV to close 60 stores as sales and shares slump
(from BBC News)
No surprises here -- HMV have managed to build themselves a thorough reputation as shockingly overpriced, so it was only a matter of time before sales took a massive dip and they had to begin closing stores. Perhaps they'll ultimately go the way of Zavvi and its ilk and become online-only. I won't mind, their website is rather good.
(from BBC News)
"When a file is provided to the CPS from the police, it is our duty to decide... whether a prosecution is in the public interest."It's a shame they so consistently prove they're no good at their duty.
HMV to close 60 stores as sales and shares slump
(from BBC News)
No surprises here -- HMV have managed to build themselves a thorough reputation as shockingly overpriced, so it was only a matter of time before sales took a massive dip and they had to begin closing stores. Perhaps they'll ultimately go the way of Zavvi and its ilk and become online-only. I won't mind, their website is rather good.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
TV
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2010
Now in its sixth year, Channel 4's annual quiz is as much fun as ever. Usually I don't do very well, trailing behind whichever team (or, often, teams) lead on the programme itself. This year, however, I managed 33⅔ (out of 36), clearly beating all contestants on screen. Go me.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Due South
2x07 Juliet is Bleeding [2nd watch]
A surprisingly dramatic episode. Due South, I thought you were supposed to be light and fluffy?
This was the last episode the BBC showed before Christmas. Presumably it's returning at some point, though the BBC Two daytime schedule seems to be filled with darts this week, snooker next, and bowls the week after. Bloody sport.
Now in its sixth year, Channel 4's annual quiz is as much fun as ever. Usually I don't do very well, trailing behind whichever team (or, often, teams) lead on the programme itself. This year, however, I managed 33⅔ (out of 36), clearly beating all contestants on screen. Go me.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Due South
2x07 Juliet is Bleeding [2nd watch]
A surprisingly dramatic episode. Due South, I thought you were supposed to be light and fluffy?
This was the last episode the BBC showed before Christmas. Presumably it's returning at some point, though the BBC Two daytime schedule seems to be filled with darts this week, snooker next, and bowls the week after. Bloody sport.
Films
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus
Chapter Four in which it stops raining for ever, and something slinky comes out of the river
Or, the chapter in which we meet the new character, created by Benedictus -- Lottie the otter. First impressions are she's not very likeable. But then Rabbit and Owl aren't necessarily very likeable on first impression, so we'll see.
Chapter Four in which it stops raining for ever, and something slinky comes out of the river
Or, the chapter in which we meet the new character, created by Benedictus -- Lottie the otter. First impressions are she's not very likeable. But then Rabbit and Owl aren't necessarily very likeable on first impression, so we'll see.
Articles
Cinemas gear up for another bumper year by Neil Smith
(from BBC News)
A cheap and cheerful (read: brief and lightweight) overview of the biggest films due in the next 12 months.
Tarantino reveals his top 20 films of 2010
(from The Independent)
Interesting list, characterised for many by the lack of Inception. I'll be publishing the top ten films I watched this year in the next week or two; I'm sure that'll be just as newsworthy.
(from BBC News)
A cheap and cheerful (read: brief and lightweight) overview of the biggest films due in the next 12 months.
Tarantino reveals his top 20 films of 2010
(from The Independent)
Interesting list, characterised for many by the lack of Inception. I'll be publishing the top ten films I watched this year in the next week or two; I'm sure that'll be just as newsworthy.
Monday, 3 January 2011
TV
Agatha Christie's Marple
5x04 The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side [season finale]
ITV's glut of Marple comes to an end with perhaps her best-known case (and it feels a rarity to see them adapt a story she's actually meant to be in). A rather good one it was too, with a grand twist; a better adaptation than the other version I've seen, though I did miss that one's excellent opening scene.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Due South
2x06 The Mask [2nd watch]
How I Met Your Mother
6x02 Cleaning House
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part Three The Cuckoo [final episode]
Ultimately, I rather enjoyed that. It's nice to have a drama series that wraps everything up with a proper happy ending these days, too -- the lack of cliffhanger was refreshing. More please!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
5x04 The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side [season finale]
ITV's glut of Marple comes to an end with perhaps her best-known case (and it feels a rarity to see them adapt a story she's actually meant to be in). A rather good one it was too, with a grand twist; a better adaptation than the other version I've seen, though I did miss that one's excellent opening scene.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Due South
2x06 The Mask [2nd watch]
How I Met Your Mother
6x02 Cleaning House
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part Three The Cuckoo [final episode]
Ultimately, I rather enjoyed that. It's nice to have a drama series that wraps everything up with a proper happy ending these days, too -- the lack of cliffhanger was refreshing. More please!
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Sunday, 2 January 2011
TV
Due South
2x05 The Promise [2nd watch]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x11 Episode 11
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
4x02 Episode 2
This episode starts ridiculously (seriously, if you found a lizard that big in your house, would you flush it down the toilet? I wouldn't) and doesn't improve. Business as usual then.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Swingin' Christmas
Something a bit different for Christmas, even if only a handful of songs were specifically Christmassy, and (one might argue) most of the others weren't well enough known. Still, a nice idea and an entertaining hour-and-a-half. The website includes a full list of songs performed, including details of what's in the medleys.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [film series]
The Man Who Smiled (aka Mannen som log)
The other Swedish Wallander: between 1994 and 2007, Rolf Lassgård starred in nine TV movies adapting Henning Mankell's novels -- i.e. the stories also being used for the Branagh series (the other Swedish Wallander adapted a Linda Wallander novel followed by original stories).
This, the first BBC Four have brought to the UK, is the sixth film, from 2003, which was adapted by the British series as the second episode of series two. This version is rather different to the British -- the ending is completely changed, for one thing -- and, having already seen two actors portray the role, Lassgård takes some getting used to. He's not bad, though he feels more like your standard TV detective than the more unusual stylings Branagh and Henriksson brought. Plus, although he was the first actor to play the part, he's perhaps come too late to the party for British viewers.
2x05 The Promise [2nd watch]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x11 Episode 11
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
4x02 Episode 2
This episode starts ridiculously (seriously, if you found a lizard that big in your house, would you flush it down the toilet? I wouldn't) and doesn't improve. Business as usual then.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Swingin' Christmas
Something a bit different for Christmas, even if only a handful of songs were specifically Christmassy, and (one might argue) most of the others weren't well enough known. Still, a nice idea and an entertaining hour-and-a-half. The website includes a full list of songs performed, including details of what's in the medleys.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [film series]
The Man Who Smiled (aka Mannen som log)
The other Swedish Wallander: between 1994 and 2007, Rolf Lassgård starred in nine TV movies adapting Henning Mankell's novels -- i.e. the stories also being used for the Branagh series (the other Swedish Wallander adapted a Linda Wallander novel followed by original stories).
This, the first BBC Four have brought to the UK, is the sixth film, from 2003, which was adapted by the British series as the second episode of series two. This version is rather different to the British -- the ending is completely changed, for one thing -- and, having already seen two actors portray the role, Lassgård takes some getting used to. He's not bad, though he feels more like your standard TV detective than the more unusual stylings Branagh and Henriksson brought. Plus, although he was the first actor to play the part, he's perhaps come too late to the party for British viewers.
Articles
24 exclusive: Fox nixes movie script by Lynette Rice
(from Inside Movies at EW.com)
Sounds like the movie is still definitely go, just not with this screenplay.
(from Inside Movies at EW.com)
Sounds like the movie is still definitely go, just not with this screenplay.
this week on 100 Films
0 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, but there was the December update -- which is different from previous years' end-of-year summaries, in case you wondered. This year's equivalent will be along shortly.
More reviews next Sunday.
More reviews next Sunday.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
TV
2010 Unwrapped with Miranda Hart
This was rather good last year and doesn't disappoint this either.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2010 Unwrapped extra
Some deleted sketches, sporadically available by the BBC Red Button service. While last year several of these merited inclusion in the main programme, this year they're more variable. A pair of Springwatch-based clips are quite good -- and can be watched here and here -- but an extended sketch about Lost Land of the Tiger is entirely laugh-free. If you'd like to subject yourself to it anyway, its in three parts here.
Just William [2010]
1x02 Parrots for Ethel
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
9x13 Christmas Compilation 2010 [special]
The usual MtW Christmas mix of best bits, outtakes and Christmas-themed new bits.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
4x01 Episode 1
Remember Primeval? It got cancelled (quite justly, to be honest) after the last series, then renewed as a complex co-production (the next series will premiere on Watch later this year before airing on ITV around this time in 2012).
So has this cancellation and longer production window (the last series was two years ago) improved the show? In short, no. If anything, it's worse. The writing's as bad as ever, but the new lead cast members are as cheap and tacky as they looked in photographs. Oh dear. Still, at least the CGI dinos are now even prettier in HD.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part Two The Ladybird
More Downton-esque plots emerge -- oh dear. Despite that, Upstairs Downstairs is still enough of its own entity to work and coexist with ITV's rival.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
This was rather good last year and doesn't disappoint this either.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2010 Unwrapped extra
Some deleted sketches, sporadically available by the BBC Red Button service. While last year several of these merited inclusion in the main programme, this year they're more variable. A pair of Springwatch-based clips are quite good -- and can be watched here and here -- but an extended sketch about Lost Land of the Tiger is entirely laugh-free. If you'd like to subject yourself to it anyway, its in three parts here.
Just William [2010]
1x02 Parrots for Ethel
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
9x13 Christmas Compilation 2010 [special]
The usual MtW Christmas mix of best bits, outtakes and Christmas-themed new bits.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Primeval
4x01 Episode 1
Remember Primeval? It got cancelled (quite justly, to be honest) after the last series, then renewed as a complex co-production (the next series will premiere on Watch later this year before airing on ITV around this time in 2012).
So has this cancellation and longer production window (the last series was two years ago) improved the show? In short, no. If anything, it's worse. The writing's as bad as ever, but the new lead cast members are as cheap and tacky as they looked in photographs. Oh dear. Still, at least the CGI dinos are now even prettier in HD.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part Two The Ladybird
More Downton-esque plots emerge -- oh dear. Despite that, Upstairs Downstairs is still enough of its own entity to work and coexist with ITV's rival.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Films
Excalibur (1981)
[2nd watch]
John Boorman's full-blooded, gritty, violent, sex-fuelled, beautifully shot, epic retelling of the Arthurian legends.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
...sort of. So sort of, in fact, that I'm not counting it in 100 Films despite never having seen it before. It was on in the room while I was doing other things, for most of the length of the film, and while I didn't watch it properly I saw enough to tell it's absolute rubbish.
[2nd watch]
John Boorman's full-blooded, gritty, violent, sex-fuelled, beautifully shot, epic retelling of the Arthurian legends.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
...sort of. So sort of, in fact, that I'm not counting it in 100 Films despite never having seen it before. It was on in the room while I was doing other things, for most of the length of the film, and while I didn't watch it properly I saw enough to tell it's absolute rubbish.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week. Almost.
I suggested last time that this update would be a couple of days late. I'm sorry to have worried you throughout all your Christmassy celebrations by delaying it by well over a week. It's mainly laziness.
Naturally, thanks to Christmas, a new clutch of titles have entered my collection. And because there's not likely to be many new additions to cover in the immediate future, this update only covers my Christmas acquisitions -- next week's entry will include the handful of pre-orders I received between Christmas and New Year and so, despite this entry being the one on New Year's Day, it's next week's that will show the state of my collection at the end of 2010.
OK?
So, here's what that Christmas clutch looks like... in numbers, anyway:
Number of titles in collection: 1,254 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,097 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 155 [up 5]
Number of discs in collection: 3,129 [up 35]
Number of films in collection: 1,331 [up 11]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,544 [up 72]
Statistic of the week should be the latest running time update, but as next week is all end-of-2010-y, I'll save it for then.
See you next week then, faithful reader.
I suggested last time that this update would be a couple of days late. I'm sorry to have worried you throughout all your Christmassy celebrations by delaying it by well over a week. It's mainly laziness.
Naturally, thanks to Christmas, a new clutch of titles have entered my collection. And because there's not likely to be many new additions to cover in the immediate future, this update only covers my Christmas acquisitions -- next week's entry will include the handful of pre-orders I received between Christmas and New Year and so, despite this entry being the one on New Year's Day, it's next week's that will show the state of my collection at the end of 2010.
OK?
So, here's what that Christmas clutch looks like... in numbers, anyway:
Number of titles in collection: 1,254 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,097 [up 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 155 [up 5]
Number of discs in collection: 3,129 [up 35]
Number of films in collection: 1,331 [up 11]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,544 [up 72]
Statistic of the week should be the latest running time update, but as next week is all end-of-2010-y, I'll save it for then.
See you next week then, faithful reader.
1111111
It's eleven minutes past one A.M. on the 1st of January 2011 --
-- or, to put it another way,
1:11 1/1/11!
Wow, eh?
-- or, to put it another way,
1:11 1/1/11!
Wow, eh?
Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2011, dear readers!
Today's date -- in case you hadn't noticed -- is 1/1/11. Awesome.
Plus, I have a really special post that'll pop up in an hour or so. Truly, you shan't believe your mind!
Today's date -- in case you hadn't noticed -- is 1/1/11. Awesome.
Plus, I have a really special post that'll pop up in an hour or so. Truly, you shan't believe your mind!
Friday, 31 December 2010
TV
Agatha Christie's Marple
5x03 The Blue Geranium
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x09 (24/12/10 edition) [Christmas special]
And tonight, his New Year's special was on. Yup, I'm as up-to-date as ever.
(Though, in fairness, I half watched said special. I shall watch it properly -- and mention it properly -- in the next day or two. Or week. It'll be a week, won't it.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Just William [2010]
1x01 The Sweet Little Girl in White
Well I thought that was jolly good. Wonderfully cast and played, the kind of mischievousness there's not enough of in kids' TV, and with plenty of humour for the adults too. To call it a "children's comedy", as the BBC insist on doing in all their blurbs, undermines its quality... not to mention that, when adapting such an old series of books and setting them in the '50s, there's every chance there are more nostalgia-inspired adults watching than there are target-audience-aged kids. Still, s'fun for all the family.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
Episode 5 Bunce
More Daniel Roche! Very different part for him, playing an 11-year-old Stephen Fry, but he was still rather good.
New Year Live
Remember last year, when I said that I liked that the BBC had cut this down to just half an hour, and half of that was the fireworks display, rather than the over-long content-free indulgence that it used to be? Still true. Though it does seem to mean they've lost any recognisable presenters. But I did actually rather like this year's fireworks-to-music. Decent job.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
5x03 The Blue Geranium
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x09 (24/12/10 edition) [Christmas special]
And tonight, his New Year's special was on. Yup, I'm as up-to-date as ever.
(Though, in fairness, I half watched said special. I shall watch it properly -- and mention it properly -- in the next day or two. Or week. It'll be a week, won't it.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Just William [2010]
1x01 The Sweet Little Girl in White
Well I thought that was jolly good. Wonderfully cast and played, the kind of mischievousness there's not enough of in kids' TV, and with plenty of humour for the adults too. To call it a "children's comedy", as the BBC insist on doing in all their blurbs, undermines its quality... not to mention that, when adapting such an old series of books and setting them in the '50s, there's every chance there are more nostalgia-inspired adults watching than there are target-audience-aged kids. Still, s'fun for all the family.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
Episode 5 Bunce
More Daniel Roche! Very different part for him, playing an 11-year-old Stephen Fry, but he was still rather good.
New Year Live
Remember last year, when I said that I liked that the BBC had cut this down to just half an hour, and half of that was the fireworks display, rather than the over-long content-free indulgence that it used to be? Still true. Though it does seem to mean they've lost any recognisable presenters. But I did actually rather like this year's fireworks-to-music. Decent job.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 30 December 2010
TV
A productive day in front of the telly, as you can see...
8 Out of 10 Cats
10x03 Christmas Special
I love it when a 40-minute panel show is comprised of just two rounds; especially when the host declares the second one to be "the final round" rather than just "round two".
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Due South
2x04 Bird in the Hand [2nd watch]
Just Good Friends
1x05 I Don't Want to See You Again
Little Crackers
Episode 1 The Giddy Kipper
Following last year's 10 Minute Tales, Sky1 again offered up a series of seasonal short films, this lot written/directed/starring a selection of famous comedy faces. This first one is written and directed by Victoria Wood and, despite being produced by 'Sky Comedy', isn't exactly a barrel of laughs. Good though.
Live at the Apollo
6x05 (28/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x14 Hocus-Pocus (extended repeat) [Christmas special]
I like magic tricks, but those two at the end were a bit pathetic for my taste, a mix of too-obvious mirrors and TV editing.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part One The Fledgling
Turns out it isn't quite as good as the competition -- a bit too stuck in its own past at times, for one thing, and a tad wasteful of potentially good plots -- but this is still a highly skilled effort. Eileen Atkins is magnificent, cast in a similar position to Downton's Maggie Smith but a completely different role, and it's beautifully shot too. Shame it's only three parts -- the pace things develop at (for instance, Rose taking the whole episode to officially rejoin the household) feels like the start of a much longer series.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
8 Out of 10 Cats
10x03 Christmas Special
I love it when a 40-minute panel show is comprised of just two rounds; especially when the host declares the second one to be "the final round" rather than just "round two".
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Due South
2x04 Bird in the Hand [2nd watch]
Just Good Friends
1x05 I Don't Want to See You Again
Little Crackers
Episode 1 The Giddy Kipper
Following last year's 10 Minute Tales, Sky1 again offered up a series of seasonal short films, this lot written/directed/starring a selection of famous comedy faces. This first one is written and directed by Victoria Wood and, despite being produced by 'Sky Comedy', isn't exactly a barrel of laughs. Good though.
Live at the Apollo
6x05 (28/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x14 Hocus-Pocus (extended repeat) [Christmas special]
I like magic tricks, but those two at the end were a bit pathetic for my taste, a mix of too-obvious mirrors and TV editing.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part One The Fledgling
Turns out it isn't quite as good as the competition -- a bit too stuck in its own past at times, for one thing, and a tad wasteful of potentially good plots -- but this is still a highly skilled effort. Eileen Atkins is magnificent, cast in a similar position to Downton's Maggie Smith but a completely different role, and it's beautifully shot too. Shame it's only three parts -- the pace things develop at (for instance, Rose taking the whole episode to officially rejoin the household) feels like the start of a much longer series.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
TV
Agatha Christie's Marple
5x02 The Secret of Chimneys
This isn't a Marple story originally, apparently, but she seems to slot in perfectly. A rather good tale, I thought. Plus it's a nice change to have a detective who realises Marple's abilities and doesn't just dismiss her as an interfering old fool before being proven wrong.
Despite not having shown a new episode of Marple since August (and before that, January, and so on back in huge leaps), ITV are now -- for whatever reason -- showing three in a week! Another was on tonight, with a third on January 2nd. I think their schedulers might actually be insane... especially as they still haven't broadcast the final episode of the fourth series (shown in the US in July 2009).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
How I Met Your Mother
6x01 Big Days
Ah, it's good to have this back! OK, it only went away six(-ish) weeks ago, but as E4 showed the first five seasons non-stop it feels like an age.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x06 Christmas Special [season finale]
This thing of having the last episode also be the Christmas special seems to be taking off...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
16x00 Middle East Special
Clearly someone at the BBC must've been listening to me (of course they were!), as their episode guide has 'rebranded' these two specials since my previous comments. Yup, that must be down to me.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
5x02 The Secret of Chimneys
This isn't a Marple story originally, apparently, but she seems to slot in perfectly. A rather good tale, I thought. Plus it's a nice change to have a detective who realises Marple's abilities and doesn't just dismiss her as an interfering old fool before being proven wrong.
Despite not having shown a new episode of Marple since August (and before that, January, and so on back in huge leaps), ITV are now -- for whatever reason -- showing three in a week! Another was on tonight, with a third on January 2nd. I think their schedulers might actually be insane... especially as they still haven't broadcast the final episode of the fourth series (shown in the US in July 2009).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
How I Met Your Mother
6x01 Big Days
Ah, it's good to have this back! OK, it only went away six(-ish) weeks ago, but as E4 showed the first five seasons non-stop it feels like an age.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x06 Christmas Special [season finale]
This thing of having the last episode also be the Christmas special seems to be taking off...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
16x00 Middle East Special
Clearly someone at the BBC must've been listening to me (of course they were!), as their episode guide has 'rebranded' these two specials since my previous comments. Yup, that must be down to me.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Music
The Christmas Collection by Johnny Cash
I've owned this CD for a few years now, but never actually listened to it all the way through -- I tend to remember around the 3rd or 4th of January, by which time it's of course far too late. A little religious for my usual taste, but still rather good. And who else would begin their Christmas-themed album with a track about being miserable?
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[3rd listen]
I've owned this CD for a few years now, but never actually listened to it all the way through -- I tend to remember around the 3rd or 4th of January, by which time it's of course far too late. A little religious for my usual taste, but still rather good. And who else would begin their Christmas-themed album with a track about being miserable?
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[3rd listen]
Articles
Apologies if you already saw these stories days ago -- I had them ready days ago and forgot to post them. Oopsie.
Trowbridge driver lost for three days
(from BBC News)
What does 2011 have in store?
(from BBC News)
What does the next year hold for us in the realms of security & foreign policy, transport, tourism, fashion and shopping -- a rather random grab bag of topics, I'm sure you'll agree. Still, I always find it interesting reading these prediction articles... I just wish I remembered to revisit them a year later to see if any of it was right.
Trowbridge driver lost for three days
(from BBC News)
A Wiltshire grandfather spent three days trying to find his way home from Gatwick Airport after becoming disorientated in snowy conditions... he failed to return to Trowbridge after dropping his wife off for a flight. Police in Oxfordshire eventually... found he had spent from 23 - 25 December driving, trying to get back.
What does 2011 have in store?
(from BBC News)
What does the next year hold for us in the realms of security & foreign policy, transport, tourism, fashion and shopping -- a rather random grab bag of topics, I'm sure you'll agree. Still, I always find it interesting reading these prediction articles... I just wish I remembered to revisit them a year later to see if any of it was right.
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
TV
Re: Joyce!
Maureen Lipman's one-woman (well, almost) biography-cum-greatest-hits stage show about Joyce Grenfell, filmed for the BBC in 1991.
Maureen Lipman's one-woman (well, almost) biography-cum-greatest-hits stage show about Joyce Grenfell, filmed for the BBC in 1991.
Monday, 27 December 2010
TV
Dirk Gently
I rather enjoyed that. Long time since I read the books so no idea how well they captured the character (the story is, I believe, largely new and/or massively condensed), but it worked by itself. I believe this was acting as a pilot for a series, so fingers crossed one follows.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
3x50 Pointless Celebrities [season finale]
Neat way of naming your celebrity edition. This is actually quite a fun game show, though massively padded in the way daytime game shows are wont to be. Shame, or I might watch it more regularly.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
I rather enjoyed that. Long time since I read the books so no idea how well they captured the character (the story is, I believe, largely new and/or massively condensed), but it worked by itself. I believe this was acting as a pilot for a series, so fingers crossed one follows.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
3x50 Pointless Celebrities [season finale]
Neat way of naming your celebrity edition. This is actually quite a fun game show, though massively padded in the way daytime game shows are wont to be. Shame, or I might watch it more regularly.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Clue (1985)
[2nd watch]
This was #28 in 100 Films for this year, back in March.
Iron Eagle (1986)
[#122 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
You know how sometimes you end up accidentally watching a film on TV against your better judgement? Yeah...
[2nd watch]
This was #28 in 100 Films for this year, back in March.
Iron Eagle (1986)
[#122 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
You know how sometimes you end up accidentally watching a film on TV against your better judgement? Yeah...
Music
I often forget about music when it comes to doing these updates, so here I am trying to improve...
Back to the Light by Brian May
[2nd listen]
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[2nd listen]
Back to the Light by Brian May
[2nd listen]
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[2nd listen]
Sunday, 26 December 2010
TV
Doctor Who Confidential
6x00 Christmas Special 2010
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Poirot
12x03 Murder on the Orient Express
This seems to have come in for criticism in some quarters due to its focus on Poirot's religious conundrum. While I agree it didn't need to be made so overtly religious, when you're adapting a mystery where the vast majority of viewers know the answer, it's a good idea to find something else to hold their interest, and Poirot's out-of-character moral decision is certainly an interesting aspect of this tale. Personally, I thought it was all very well done -- hard and cold in story and shooting style, and so maybe not really suitable for Christmas Day (probably why it only managed 14th in the day's ratings) but still good.
(And if you don't know the twist, read the book or watch an adaptation, it's worth it.)
(And relatedly, I watched the famed film version close to this time last year. Coincidencetastic!)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
6x00 Christmas Special 2010
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Poirot
12x03 Murder on the Orient Express
This seems to have come in for criticism in some quarters due to its focus on Poirot's religious conundrum. While I agree it didn't need to be made so overtly religious, when you're adapting a mystery where the vast majority of viewers know the answer, it's a good idea to find something else to hold their interest, and Poirot's out-of-character moral decision is certainly an interesting aspect of this tale. Personally, I thought it was all very well done -- hard and cold in story and shooting style, and so maybe not really suitable for Christmas Day (probably why it only managed 14th in the day's ratings) but still good.
(And if you don't know the twist, read the book or watch an adaptation, it's worth it.)
(And relatedly, I watched the famed film version close to this time last year. Coincidencetastic!)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Music
More Christmas present-based listening...
Back to the Light by Brian May
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
Praise & Blame by Tom Jones
Back to the Light by Brian May
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
Praise & Blame by Tom Jones
Articles
10.3 Million watch A Christmas Carol by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The Doctor Who version that is, naturally. Makes it the second most-watched programme of Christmas Day! Lovely.
Article also includes the rest of the TV ratings for the day, including the new Murder on the Orient Express in a disappointing 14th.
Why won’t Tom Jones accept me as his son? The illegitimate child from a one-night stand tells of his rage and pain by Aditya Bonda
(from DownloadsEdge)
A bit like a Channel 4 documentary, this: horridly trashy title, surprisingly good content.
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The Doctor Who version that is, naturally. Makes it the second most-watched programme of Christmas Day! Lovely.
Article also includes the rest of the TV ratings for the day, including the new Murder on the Orient Express in a disappointing 14th.
Why won’t Tom Jones accept me as his son? The illegitimate child from a one-night stand tells of his rage and pain by Aditya Bonda
(from DownloadsEdge)
A bit like a Channel 4 documentary, this: horridly trashy title, surprisingly good content.
this week on 100 Films
Despite it being Christmas week, I've still found time to post 4 new reviews to 100 Films in a Year, and they were...
Nanny McPhee (2005)
Rambo III (1988)
Tales of the Black Freighter (2009)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
More next Sunday.
Nanny McPhee (2005)
The primary-coloured sets and costumes work marvellously, a delightful mash between reality and fantasy. It could’ve been garish; instead, it’s vibrant. The effects are properly magical. They don’t overwhelm, always serving the story rather than themselves, which is probably what makes them all the more effective.
Rambo III (1988)
the one Hot Shots! Part Deux really took to task, and not without reason. Having seen that spoof several times since my youth, a few large chunks of this second sequel felt all too familiar... Stallone -- here serving as writer and star -- does leave his character rather open for mockery.
Tales of the Black Freighter (2009)
the short emulates an ’80s Saturday morning cartoon style… albeit in cinematic widescreen, evocative 5.1 Surround Sound, and with horrific R-rated gore. Yes, this probably wouldn’t actually have been shown on Saturday morning TV, even in America.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Didn’t get Toy Story 3 for Christmas? Pick it up in the sales, then, because it’s bloody good... hilarious, emotional, exciting, scary; a great comedy, a great action/adventure. And Ken’s fashion show sequence is worth the price of admission all by itself.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 25 December 2010
TV
Not much today, as I spent most of the day feeling pretty ill and doing very little. Hey-ho.
Doctor Who
32x00 A Christmas Carol [Christmas special]
Very good, I thought, though I'll need to watch it again to fully appreciate it.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The One Ronnie
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x27 Christmas Special 2010
Doctor Who
32x00 A Christmas Carol [Christmas special]
Very good, I thought, though I'll need to watch it again to fully appreciate it.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The One Ronnie
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x27 Christmas Special 2010
Merry Christmas
to all readers of My Cultural Experience!
It's this blog's third, donchaknow, and in all those years I believe I've stuck to my edict, "updated every day!"
Naturally, the site will be updated as usual today.
It's this blog's third, donchaknow, and in all those years I believe I've stuck to my edict, "updated every day!"
Naturally, the site will be updated as usual today.
Friday, 24 December 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
40x10 (17/12/10 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
Despite what some listings magazines (i.e. the Radio Times) say, tonight's episode was a new one (well, sort of), not a repeat of this. The extended edition of tonight's (i.e. not this one) is on tomorrow (i.e. Christmas Day).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x06 The Perfect Christmas [season finale]
How marvellously Christmassy! And what a lovely ending indeed.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x10 Episode 10
A good guest host! Good.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
40x10 (17/12/10 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
Despite what some listings magazines (i.e. the Radio Times) say, tonight's episode was a new one (well, sort of), not a repeat of this. The extended edition of tonight's (i.e. not this one) is on tomorrow (i.e. Christmas Day).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x06 The Perfect Christmas [season finale]
How marvellously Christmassy! And what a lovely ending indeed.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x10 Episode 10
A good guest host! Good.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 23 December 2010
TV
The Armstrong & Miller Show
3x05 Episode 5
Despite claiming it was on series link 'til Christmas Day, the final episode of this series has disappeared from the TV (and online) iPlayer. Boo.
And for the rest, it's just last Friday night's telly...
The Event
1x10 Everything Will Change
And that's the mid-season finale. It's back in March (in the US, anyway).
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x08 (17/12/10 edition)
The Script again?! At least they were singing a different song... not that it was any good...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
6x04 (17/12/10 edition)
Jack Whitehall again?! On the bright side, though, he had an excellent rant about Robert Pattinson.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x04 (17/12/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
3x05 Episode 5
Despite claiming it was on series link 'til Christmas Day, the final episode of this series has disappeared from the TV (and online) iPlayer. Boo.
And for the rest, it's just last Friday night's telly...
The Event
1x10 Everything Will Change
And that's the mid-season finale. It's back in March (in the US, anyway).
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x08 (17/12/10 edition)
The Script again?! At least they were singing a different song... not that it was any good...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
6x04 (17/12/10 edition)
Jack Whitehall again?! On the bright side, though, he had an excellent rant about Robert Pattinson.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x04 (17/12/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Eleventh Hour tops iPlayer requests by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The outstanding Doctor Who series 1, or 5, or 31, premiere was the most-watched programme on the BBC iPlayer this year, by quite some distance. "This year so far", anyway, because some Christmas specials surely stand a chance of a last-minute surge.
This article's also interesting for showing the whole top twenty, which includes an interesting variety of programmes -- among them, Sherlock episode one at #3 and David Tennant's final episode at #9.
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The outstanding Doctor Who series 1, or 5, or 31, premiere was the most-watched programme on the BBC iPlayer this year, by quite some distance. "This year so far", anyway, because some Christmas specials surely stand a chance of a last-minute surge.
This article's also interesting for showing the whole top twenty, which includes an interesting variety of programmes -- among them, Sherlock episode one at #3 and David Tennant's final episode at #9.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
TV
The Armstrong & Miller Show
3x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again), maybe, on iPlayer.]
QI
8x13 Holidays (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Royal Variety Performance 2010
While watching I thought this was on ITV last year (and I was right). Coming back to the Beeb seems to have upped the overall quality.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
Having been enjoyed by those of us who bothered to seek it out on BBC Wales last year, Ruth Jones' Christmas chat show gets a nationwide upgrade. Tidy.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again), maybe, on iPlayer.]
QI
8x13 Holidays (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Royal Variety Performance 2010
While watching I thought this was on ITV last year (and I was right). Coming back to the Beeb seems to have upped the overall quality.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
Having been enjoyed by those of us who bothered to seek it out on BBC Wales last year, Ruth Jones' Christmas chat show gets a nationwide upgrade. Tidy.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Preview: Doctor Who: Shadows Of The Vashta Nerada by Matthew Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
By "preview" they mean "somewhat spoilery full game review" (hey, this is Digital Spy -- if you're expecting solid accuracy, look elsewhere), but that only makes it more interesting. Sounds like these games are finally beginning to head in the right direction... maybe I'll bother to play the other three soon...
(from Digital Spy)
By "preview" they mean "somewhat spoilery full game review" (hey, this is Digital Spy -- if you're expecting solid accuracy, look elsewhere), but that only makes it more interesting. Sounds like these games are finally beginning to head in the right direction... maybe I'll bother to play the other three soon...
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
TV
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x09 Episode 9
The guest hosts seem to have been much more variable (or just plain bad) this series. See to that, please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
15x07 (21/12/10 edition) [season finale]
I thought this was Christmas Special Pt.1, not just New Series Ep.1 -- though the BBC website is saying it's the 7th episode of the last series (which ended in August), for some reason. Whichever way, it was still jolly entertaining, so that's nice.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
24x09 Episode 9
The guest hosts seem to have been much more variable (or just plain bad) this series. See to that, please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
15x07 (21/12/10 edition) [season finale]
I thought this was Christmas Special Pt.1, not just New Series Ep.1 -- though the BBC website is saying it's the 7th episode of the last series (which ended in August), for some reason. Whichever way, it was still jolly entertaining, so that's nice.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
UK minister declares 'war' on Rupert Murdoch
(from mail.com)
Hurrah for Vince Cable; boo to the Telegraph for blowing it.
(from mail.com)
Hurrah for Vince Cable; boo to the Telegraph for blowing it.
Monday, 20 December 2010
TV
David Suchet on the Orient Express
I've heard this called no more an extended advert for the Orient Express, which I think does it a disservice. It's a casually informative documentary that touches on the history of the service and does a nice job of conveying the feeling of what it might be like to travel on the famous train, for an audience who a largely unlikely to have the opportunity themselves. Suchet makes for a genial host too -- more such documentaries fronted by him wouldn't go amiss.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Miranda
2x05 Just Act Normal
An exceptionally exceptional episode, I thought. Neatly contained, occurring as it did in one location with three characters (more or less) and in real time, but still hilariously funny. Particularly noteworthy is the way it managed to spoof itself... but to say more would spoil it if you've not seen it. Which you should.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
I've heard this called no more an extended advert for the Orient Express, which I think does it a disservice. It's a casually informative documentary that touches on the history of the service and does a nice job of conveying the feeling of what it might be like to travel on the famous train, for an audience who a largely unlikely to have the opportunity themselves. Suchet makes for a genial host too -- more such documentaries fronted by him wouldn't go amiss.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Miranda
2x05 Just Act Normal
An exceptionally exceptional episode, I thought. Neatly contained, occurring as it did in one location with three characters (more or less) and in real time, but still hilariously funny. Particularly noteworthy is the way it managed to spoof itself... but to say more would spoil it if you've not seen it. Which you should.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
A Ghost Of Christmas Past
(from Musings of the Ghost Of 82)
Musing on the old days of desperately seeking films on TV or VHS, and how times have changed -- films are more readily accessible today, but is this actually a good thing? A most interesting article.
(from Musings of the Ghost Of 82)
Musing on the old days of desperately seeking films on TV or VHS, and how times have changed -- films are more readily accessible today, but is this actually a good thing? A most interesting article.
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