Battlestar Galactica [2004]
Miniseries Part 1 (of 2)
Miniseries Part 2 (of 2)
Here I go, at last -- only 6½ years after it was first on and 9 months after buying the Blu-ray, I'm finally commencing perhaps the greatest TV series ever made. Does it top The Wire? And/or Everything Else Ever Made Ever? Based on the evidence of these opening three hours -- which play more like an epic movie (albeit with series-launching cliffhanger) than a two-part miniseries, if you ask me -- there's a good chance it might.
Luther
1x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
So, that's that then. Not sure if another series is a good idea; even less sure if it's going to happen. We'll see I suppose.
One thing I did rather like about Luther, by-the-by, is how they cut their "next time" trailer (and, in the finale, the episode's closing moments) in amongst the end credits, thereby circumventing the BBC guidelines that are designed to allow that irritating shrinking thing that means you can't see everyone's names. Well done, Luther production team, very clever. I bet the BBC modify their guidelines to stop anyone copying.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Articles
Back to Future, Jurassic Park to become games by Derrik J. Lang
(from Google News)
You'd assume they'd be ultra-mainstream action-y titles, wouldn't you... but they're actually coming from Telltale, the company behind such point-and-click-esque adventure games as Sam and Max and Tales of Monkey Island. So will they be that style, or something new for the company? It would lend itself to Back to the Future, but what about Jurassic Park? How do you do the dino-fighting action? Or is that out the window in favour of Plot? Only time will tell.
Major Indy 5 News: Bermuda Triangle, the last of Harrison Ford
(from Sci Fi Wire)
I know I'm in the minority, but I thought Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was pretty entertaining. That said, this next adventure does sound more promising -- a more supernatural MacGuffin (though they could go sci-fi with it if they wanted, of course) and, perhaps, a degree of abandonment for CGI (which was overdone in Crystal Skull).
Russell T Davies Talks About Torchwood Series 4 and Doctor Who Series 31 (video)
(from Gallifreyan Embassy)
The post-announcement news-dribble continues with another RTD interview. More repetition and reassurances, as you'd expect. Also worth watching for the mildly amusing pronunciation of "John Barrowman".
(from Google News)
You'd assume they'd be ultra-mainstream action-y titles, wouldn't you... but they're actually coming from Telltale, the company behind such point-and-click-esque adventure games as Sam and Max and Tales of Monkey Island. So will they be that style, or something new for the company? It would lend itself to Back to the Future, but what about Jurassic Park? How do you do the dino-fighting action? Or is that out the window in favour of Plot? Only time will tell.
Major Indy 5 News: Bermuda Triangle, the last of Harrison Ford
(from Sci Fi Wire)
I know I'm in the minority, but I thought Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was pretty entertaining. That said, this next adventure does sound more promising -- a more supernatural MacGuffin (though they could go sci-fi with it if they wanted, of course) and, perhaps, a degree of abandonment for CGI (which was overdone in Crystal Skull).
Russell T Davies Talks About Torchwood Series 4 and Doctor Who Series 31 (video)
(from Gallifreyan Embassy)
The post-announcement news-dribble continues with another RTD interview. More repetition and reassurances, as you'd expect. Also worth watching for the mildly amusing pronunciation of "John Barrowman".
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
TV
The Graham Norton Show
7x09 (7/6/10 edition)
After last week's preconceptions-smasher, this edition just re-asserted that people like Usher and Miley Cyrus are a bit dim and rather irritating. It comes to something when Jack Whitehall seems the most interesting, funny and intelligent of your guests.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Luther
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
7x09 (7/6/10 edition)
After last week's preconceptions-smasher, this edition just re-asserted that people like Usher and Miley Cyrus are a bit dim and rather irritating. It comes to something when Jack Whitehall seems the most interesting, funny and intelligent of your guests.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Luther
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
DVD Extras
The Perfect Souffle: Testing Final Destination
Interesting featurette on the process of test screening a film, i.e. when they show it to an audience to see what they like and dislike, in order to perhaps make audience-pleasing changes before release. Everyone involved is keen to stress how useful it really is, how they don't have to listen to audience feedback and how it's nothing to do with who has final cut, honest. Which, as you can still tell from a few of the filmmakers interviewed, isn't quite the whole truth. But, when used responsibly and appropriately, it makes it clear that the oft-reviled process can be quite useful, mainly if you're making a film that's designed to simply please/entertain an audience.
Interesting featurette on the process of test screening a film, i.e. when they show it to an audience to see what they like and dislike, in order to perhaps make audience-pleasing changes before release. Everyone involved is keen to stress how useful it really is, how they don't have to listen to audience feedback and how it's nothing to do with who has final cut, honest. Which, as you can still tell from a few of the filmmakers interviewed, isn't quite the whole truth. But, when used responsibly and appropriately, it makes it clear that the oft-reviled process can be quite useful, mainly if you're making a film that's designed to simply please/entertain an audience.
Articles
iPhone 4 vs. iPhone 3G infographic by Jason Calacanis
(from calacanis.com)
Sums that one up nicely. (Despite the title, it's actually a comparison between the 3GS and iPhone 4, which might not sound like much but the 3GS and 3G had a number of differences as it was.)
Torchwood interviews with Starz chief Chris Albrecht, creator Russell T. Davies by James Hibberd
(from the live feed at The Hollywood Reporter)
Does what it says on the tin. A few worthwhile snippets in there for fans, including some reassuring comments from RTD.
(from calacanis.com)
Sums that one up nicely. (Despite the title, it's actually a comparison between the 3GS and iPhone 4, which might not sound like much but the 3GS and 3G had a number of differences as it was.)
Torchwood interviews with Starz chief Chris Albrecht, creator Russell T. Davies by James Hibberd
(from the live feed at The Hollywood Reporter)
Does what it says on the tin. A few worthwhile snippets in there for fans, including some reassuring comments from RTD.
Monday, 7 June 2010
TV
The Graham Norton Show
7x08 (31/5/10 edition)
"Oh no," I thought, before commencing this episode, "Chris Rock and Joshua Jackson? This is going to be dire." But no, it turned out to be rather good. File me under 'surprised'.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x09 (3/6/10; extended repeat) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
7x08 (31/5/10 edition)
"Oh no," I thought, before commencing this episode, "Chris Rock and Joshua Jackson? This is going to be dire." But no, it turned out to be rather good. File me under 'surprised'.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
39x09 (3/6/10; extended repeat) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
After Long Sojourn, Silent Films Return Home by Dave Kehr
(from the New York Times)
To summarise the article in a more reader-friendly fashion than that headline, 75 'lost' Hollywood silent movies have been found in New Zealand, including some made by or starring notable names like John Ford and Clara Bow. Many are now being returned to the US for restoration. All of which is fantastic news.
International partnership secures new series of Torchwood
(from Torchwood Official Website)
Hurrah!
I've chosen this BBC press release to cover the news because most of the US reports focus on it being a Starz series, ignoring the fact it (seems to be, anyway) primarily a BBC One series that Starz have expensively bought the rights to.
(from the New York Times)
To summarise the article in a more reader-friendly fashion than that headline, 75 'lost' Hollywood silent movies have been found in New Zealand, including some made by or starring notable names like John Ford and Clara Bow. Many are now being returned to the US for restoration. All of which is fantastic news.
International partnership secures new series of Torchwood
(from Torchwood Official Website)
Hurrah!
I've chosen this BBC press release to cover the news because most of the US reports focus on it being a Starz series, ignoring the fact it (seems to be, anyway) primarily a BBC One series that Starz have expensively bought the rights to.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
TV
The British Academy Television Awards 2010
BAFTA do pick some odd nominees. And winners. But hey-ho, that's awards for you.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who
31x10 Vincent and the Doctor
A surprisingly excellent and brave episode. Well done on Richard Curtis for not shying away from Van Gogh's depression and suicide, particularly at the end, having the encounter with Amy & the Doctor not making it all alright. All credit to Tony Curran for pulling it off with a great performance too. Also, to Curtis again, for featuring a monster that was introduced late, dealt with early, and seemed to exist to support the characters and story rather than the other way round. Also, appropriate for the BBC to put the Action Line number up at the end, signalling the importance of what had just been covered.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x03 (23/7/09 edition) [2nd watch]
7x04 (30/7/09 edition) [2nd watch]
Ah, random late-night Dave. Though why half the adverts seemed to be aimed at women is a mystery.
Wallander [Swedish]
2x06 Prästen (aka The Priest)
BAFTA do pick some odd nominees. And winners. But hey-ho, that's awards for you.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who
31x10 Vincent and the Doctor
A surprisingly excellent and brave episode. Well done on Richard Curtis for not shying away from Van Gogh's depression and suicide, particularly at the end, having the encounter with Amy & the Doctor not making it all alright. All credit to Tony Curran for pulling it off with a great performance too. Also, to Curtis again, for featuring a monster that was introduced late, dealt with early, and seemed to exist to support the characters and story rather than the other way round. Also, appropriate for the BBC to put the Action Line number up at the end, signalling the importance of what had just been covered.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x03 (23/7/09 edition) [2nd watch]
7x04 (30/7/09 edition) [2nd watch]
Ah, random late-night Dave. Though why half the adverts seemed to be aimed at women is a mystery.
Wallander [Swedish]
2x06 Prästen (aka The Priest)
Articles
FlashForward fans for 'blackout' protest by Mike Moody
(from Digital Spy)
As fan campaigns to bring back TV shows go, this is a nicely original but very relevant one. Well done FlashForward fans.
Sex and the City 2: What happened to good old Sex? by Victoria Coren
(from Comment is free at guardian.co.uk)
An interesting, humorous take on the widely-despised sequel, which finds it to be "the most radical and challenging film of the year".
(from Digital Spy)
As fan campaigns to bring back TV shows go, this is a nicely original but very relevant one. Well done FlashForward fans.
Sex and the City 2: What happened to good old Sex? by Victoria Coren
(from Comment is free at guardian.co.uk)
An interesting, humorous take on the widely-despised sequel, which finds it to be "the most radical and challenging film of the year".
this week on 100 Films
3 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
Alice in Wonderland (3D) (2010)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
Public Enemies (2009)
Also this week, the first in a new monthly series looking at my progress. This one was, naturally, for May 2010.
More next Sunday.
Alice in Wonderland (3D) (2010)
this new Alice positions itself freshly by following in the footsteps of the specific side of the filmic fantasy genre started by Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. Although it uses the original’s most famous elements, the narrative and its structure — particularly a final epic (well, epic-ish) battle in which our unlikely heroine emerges as the long-prophesised One Who’ll Win It For The Good Guys — is familiar from those recent films
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
National Treasure 2 essentially offers more of the same. That’s often levelled as a criticism, but in this instance it’s absolutely fine: it isn’t a rehash — there’s a new mystery with new puzzles — but is another adventure in the same vein, with clue-hunting and the occasional action sequence.
Public Enemies (2009)
I’d be among the first to be worried about Mann’s unglamorous, cheap digital video style — indeed, when I saw the first trailer, I was distinctly unimpressed — but colour me converted, because it largely works here. I wouldn’t want to see it on every film, but as a stylistic choice it’s a valid one
Also this week, the first in a new monthly series looking at my progress. This one was, naturally, for May 2010.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 5 June 2010
TV
The Mentalist
2x16 Code Red
"Someone's murdered me" -- great opening. Tad wasted on a decent-but-run-of-the-mill mid-season episode of another detective show, though.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Robot Chicken
Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II [special]
So, it's just over a year since I watched the first Robot Chicken Star Wars special, and apparently this one was on in 2008. Sometimes I feel behind the times.
2x16 Code Red
"Someone's murdered me" -- great opening. Tad wasted on a decent-but-run-of-the-mill mid-season episode of another detective show, though.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Robot Chicken
Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II [special]
So, it's just over a year since I watched the first Robot Chicken Star Wars special, and apparently this one was on in 2008. Sometimes I feel behind the times.
Articles
Last Time Sources Checked This Still America
(from the Onion)
Amusingly (deliberately) cliché-packed.
(from the Onion)
Amusingly (deliberately) cliché-packed.
Friday, 4 June 2010
TV
How I Met Your Mother
5x02 Double Date
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Luther
1x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
5x02 Double Date
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Luther
1x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
Note To Hollywood: How To Get People To Switch To Blu-Ray by Helen O'Hara
(from Empire States...)
Kinda what it says on the tin, plus general pros & cons of Blu-ray -- from the perspective of "actually buying and watching it", not all that theoretical "5x better picture" stuff you normally here. Loads of comments; some are stupid, as ever, but some are good, particularly #115.
(from Empire States...)
Kinda what it says on the tin, plus general pros & cons of Blu-ray -- from the perspective of "actually buying and watching it", not all that theoretical "5x better picture" stuff you normally here. Loads of comments; some are stupid, as ever, but some are good, particularly #115.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
This week, a larger increase than usual these days, due to a fair few cheap DVDs from Play.com in aid of acquiring their limited 20th Century Fox book.
The book itself doesn't show up on my "outstanding orders" page. Still, it should turn up before the month's out; I'll try to remember to let you know if it does in a future update.
Meanwhile, in the running time, two recent Complete Series sets give it a nice big boost.
Number of titles in collection: 1,182 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,094 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 88 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,892 [up 8]
Number of films in collection: 1,246 [up 7]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,045 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
202 days, 9 hours, and 18 minutes.
(Up 5 days, 2 hours, and 5 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
This week, a larger increase than usual these days, due to a fair few cheap DVDs from Play.com in aid of acquiring their limited 20th Century Fox book.
The book itself doesn't show up on my "outstanding orders" page. Still, it should turn up before the month's out; I'll try to remember to let you know if it does in a future update.
Meanwhile, in the running time, two recent Complete Series sets give it a nice big boost.
Number of titles in collection: 1,182 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,094 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 88 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 2,892 [up 8]
Number of films in collection: 1,246 [up 7]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,045 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
202 days, 9 hours, and 18 minutes.
(Up 5 days, 2 hours, and 5 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
TV
Derren Brown Investigates
1x03 The Ghosthunter [season finale]
Verdict: no proof here. Though at least he seemed like a decent guy, unlike the money-grabbing conmen of the other episodes.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Dexter
3x05 Turning Biminese
Thanks to various series ending, I'm finally able to resume a couple that had fallen by the wayside -- namely, this and (shortly) Damages and (hopefully before too long) Sandbaggers (nearly a year since I watched that!)
I was particularly keen to resume Dexter, though, having already had to restart it once. Last time I'd only watched one episode and left it 9 months; this time I'd seen four and it was only 2½ months, making resuming it that much easier -- no need to rewatch. Not that rewatching Dexter would be unrewarding but, y'know, been there before 'n' all that...
Um, so, self-obsessed and largely uninteresting babble aside... good ep. Ayup. Moving on...
1x03 The Ghosthunter [season finale]
Verdict: no proof here. Though at least he seemed like a decent guy, unlike the money-grabbing conmen of the other episodes.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Dexter
3x05 Turning Biminese
Thanks to various series ending, I'm finally able to resume a couple that had fallen by the wayside -- namely, this and (shortly) Damages and (hopefully before too long) Sandbaggers (nearly a year since I watched that!)
I was particularly keen to resume Dexter, though, having already had to restart it once. Last time I'd only watched one episode and left it 9 months; this time I'd seen four and it was only 2½ months, making resuming it that much easier -- no need to rewatch. Not that rewatching Dexter would be unrewarding but, y'know, been there before 'n' all that...
Um, so, self-obsessed and largely uninteresting babble aside... good ep. Ayup. Moving on...
Articles
Derrick Bird and the price of infamy by Anton Vowl
(from Enemies of Reason)
Vowl is, as ever, spot on, this time about some of the media's ghoulish reporting of the recent Cumbrian shootings.
Laurie: 'House was undone in the finale' by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
Hugh Laurie's thoughts on what went on in the most recent House season finale.
(from Enemies of Reason)
Vowl is, as ever, spot on, this time about some of the media's ghoulish reporting of the recent Cumbrian shootings.
Laurie: 'House was undone in the finale' by Catriona Wightman
(from Digital Spy)
Hugh Laurie's thoughts on what went on in the most recent House season finale.
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