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Welcome to our special Star Wars DVD
coverage - giving THE most important release in the history of the format the
coverage it deserves.
Star Wars
Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars
Episode V:
The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars
Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi
Star Wars: Extras Disc
or
Read them all |
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Reviews
(Join Review Mailing List)
The Hitcher (1986)
- by Daniel O
Rutger Hauer has never delivered a better performance than his eponymous turn in The Hitcher. This is a classic thriller which comes very highly recommended for purchase, despite a total lack of extras on the DVD. When Jim Halsey picks up a hitcher during a severe rain storm, little does he suspect that the man really is the type "your mum warned you about". Tension reaches unbearable levels as Jim tries to escape from both the murderous hitcher and the police who believe that Jim is a serial killer. Reasonable anamorphic video and 5.1 audio transfers.
 . Sponsored by DVD Station.
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Return from Witch Mountain (1978)
- by Sean B
One year after Star Wars was released, Disney presented its follow up to the 1975 kids film Escape to Witch Mountain. Kids of the day would have got a kick out of it, but it has aged poorly and it will only be of interest to those who remember the film from its original theatrical run. Sadly, the package here is far inferior to that offered our Region 1 cousins.
 . Sponsored by TotalDVD.
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An American Rhapsody (2001)
- by Ben H
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The gorgeous Scarlett Johansson stars in this touching true story of a family's escape from the persecution of wartime Hungary. This brilliant little film is well worth a watch - the only catch is you'll have to find a copy to rent (or import it) as Paramount have denied Australia a retail version.
. Sponsored by Video Shift.
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Streets of Fire (1984)
- by Greg M
Streets Of Fire is one of the lesser films in Walter Hill's arsenal, but the soundtrack is dynamite. The disc is a travesty with no extras.
 . Sponsored by Family Boxoffice.
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Saturday, October 30, 2004
Reviews
Pork Chop Hill (1959)
- by Philip S
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A solid Korean war film starring Gregory Peck, grittily realistic and without the gung ho antics that mar many such Hollywood films. The transfer could have been a lot better, but this is still a worthwhile acquisition.
. Sponsored by PlanetDVD.
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The Pride and the Passion (1957)
- by Daniel B
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A rousing adventure of bravery and romance set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars OR over 2 hours of people dragging a cannon around Spain...you be the judge. Amongst the draggers are Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren.
. Sponsored by Family Boxoffice.
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ZigZag (2002)
- by Mirella
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ZigZag is the title role of this film - a mildly autistic black boy from the 'hood' (played by Sam Jones III) who, intimidated by his drug dealing father, effects a robbery at the restaurant where he works washing dishes. His 'big brother' Singer (John Leguizamo) tries to rescue young ZigZag, but it's all a race against time. It may be your thing - it didn't light too many fires for me.
. Sponsored by EzyDVD.
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Snoopy, Come Home (1972)
- by Terry M
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The second of the famous Peanuts movies comes to R4. The social commentary, the pathos and the comedy is all here, unfortunately presented with a transfer that is badly affected by the age of the source material.
. Sponsored by Disk Doctor.
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Friday, October 29, 2004
Reviews
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
- by Daniel B
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A beautiful film, presented with wonderful sound and a fine array of worthwhile extras...let down by a disappointing video transfer.
. Sponsored by DVDCrave.
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The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)
- by Philip S
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Vampires, kung fu and nudity. No, it isn't three films, just one, as the death throes of the Hammer studio were briefly quelled by a liaison with Hong Kong's premier studio Shaw Brothers. A quite unique film, though not an especially good one.
. Sponsored by OZDVD Warehouse.
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Jubilee (2000)
- by Mirella
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Billy Williams (Cliff Curtis) finds himself having to organise his school's 70th jubilee - with disastrous results. A rather ordinary Kiwi effort, although occasionally revealing a hint of charm.
. Sponsored by DeVoteD.
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Railway Children, The/Swallows & Amazons (Double Feature) (1970)
- by Mirella
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A nostalgic joy.
. Sponsored by DVDCrave.
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Other People's Reviews
Cabin Pressure (2001)
-
DonovanS
The Godfather Part II (1974)
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OliverD
Tupac Resurrection
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ColinR
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Thursday, October 28, 2004
Reviews
Happy Tree Friends-Volume 1: First Blood (2002)
- by Rob G
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Ah, look at the cute little bunny on the cover of this DVD! Must be for kids, right? Sure, but only if you want them to endure violent nightmares into their teens! Happy Tree Friends is the most immature, violent, sadistic, rip-roaringly funny animated series I have seen for years. It's Miffy meets Itchy & Scratchy, times 100! Brilliant.
. Sponsored by DVDCrave.
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Nevada Smith (1966)
- by Peter M
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This title features Steve McQueen in a lesser known role giving one of his best performances. This version has been given a quality restoration from Paramount and is partnered with a clean audio transfer making this a must-have for McQueen or Western fans. Even if you're not you should get it as it is quite a gem (at least to this reviewer).
. Sponsored by EzyDVD.
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Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
- by Philip S
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Christopher Lee's fourth essay as the famous caped man of teeth is a pretty tired effort, hardly even a vampire film in fact. Some people will do anything for money. The video transfer is good, though the audio is not quite up to scratch.
. Sponsored by PlanetDVD.
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The Railway Children (1970)
- by Mirella
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E. Nesbitt's book about three children learning about life has been faithfully transferred to the screen in this charming and sentimental classic. If you've seen it before, you may, like me, very much enjoy a return visit. If you've never seen it before, this is just the ticket for an hour and a half's balm to the soul.
. Sponsored by DeVoteD.
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Help Wanted
- by
Michael D
The DVD Christmas 2004 rush is nearly upon us, so we're keen on expanding our review team to keep up - if you think you have what it takes to join us as a reviewer, we'd love to hear from you.
Other People's Reviews
Godsend (2004)
-
Tory Favro
Mean Girls: Special Collector's Edition (2004)
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Melinda D
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004)
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DonovanS
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Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Reviews
Naqoyqatsi (2002)
- by Daniel B
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This film is the last of a trilogy of films by Godfrey Reggio which marry images (in this case quite digitally altered ones) with the music of Phillip Glass. I found this difficult to understand and reasonably dull. Your results may vary.
. Sponsored by Disk Doctor.
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Kangaroo Jack (2003)
- by Khai L
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Kangaroo Jack is probably good for a slow Sunday afternoon when you need something to get the kids out of your hair. Some action and comedy (some of which may be inappropriate for young kids) should keep them occupied for a couple of hours. There's not much else in the movie that will be memorable for most of the movie going public.
. Sponsored by Atlantic DVD.
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Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)
- by Philip S
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Christopher Lee's third Dracula film is a handsome-looking period piece, but proceedings unfold at a slow and non-scary pace. The transfer is excellent, so despite a lack of extras collectors of fang films need not hesitate.
. Sponsored by EzyDVD.
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Swallows and Amazons (1974)
- by Mirella
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In similar mode to the Famous Five and the Secret Seven, Swallows and Amazons is an adaptation from Arthur Ransome's popular children's books. It's all very hockey sticks and high tea and "hurrah for Father" sort of stuff - perhaps a little anachronistic in these more sophisticated times, but that will very well be its charm to some members of the audience. A nostalgic confection.
. Sponsored by DVDCrave.
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Other People's Reviews
Jet Lag (2002)
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KrystieB
Nightmare in Blood (1976)
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OliverD
Star Trek: Generations (Special Edition) (1994)
-
Wayne F
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Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Reviews
Nip/Tuck-The Complete First Season (2003)
- by Edward M
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TV at its best - these 13 episodes do not quite rival a season of The Sopranos, but the show is definitely confronting, honest and oddly funny. Highly recommended.
. Sponsored by OZDVD Warehouse.
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Kings Go Forth (1958)
- by Daniel B
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An interesting, entertaining and thought provoking relationship drama which uses World War II as its setting. Stars Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood. Good quality transfer, minimal extras.
. Sponsored by Atlantic DVD.
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David Copperfield (1999)
- by Mirella
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This 1999 BBC production of Charles Dickens' own favourite work is nothing short of sublime. It introduced the world to Daniel Radcliffe a year before he took up residence at Hogwarts, and assembled a master cast of all that is good in English acting. Lavishly and lovingly filmed, the transfer respectfully presents this glorious Victorian classic.
. Sponsored by DeVoteD.
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Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969)
- by Philip S
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One of the best films in the long series of Hammer films, this one gets a nice video transfer but the audio is not very good. In any case the film is worth the modest cost of the disc.
. Sponsored by Family Boxoffice.
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Garfield and Friends
- by
Alex W
the very first Garfield and friends collection featuring 24 episodes. More info. (624K)
TWO HOT NEW RENTALS FROM FOX
- by
Alex W
Johnson Family Vacation and Never Die Alone. More info. (1500K)
Other People's Reviews
Carnal Knowledge (1971)
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DonovanS
Girl with a Pearl Earring: Deluxe Edition (2003)
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TerryJ
Tom and Jerry-Paws for a Holiday
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Melinda D
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Monday, October 25, 2004
Reviews
Jefferson in Paris (1995)
- by Darren W
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A somewhat slow-burning film from the team that brought us the likes of Remains of The Day and Howard's End, this is a look at the years third American President Thomas Jefferson spent in Paris. Apart from witnessing the French Revolution first-hand, he also supposedly fathered a child to a 15-year-old slave girl.
. Sponsored by Atlantic DVD.
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Helen of Troy (1956)
- by Philip S
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SEE the face that launched a thousand ships!� GASP as hordes of Greeks lock together in mortal combat!� THRILL to the clash of arms and mighty warriors!� SWOON to the romance of the ages!� BEHOLD in awe the mighty wooden horse!� SEE Troy instead.
. Sponsored by Atlantic DVD.
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I Am a Dancer (1972)
- by Mirella
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This documentary does little to explore who Rudolf Nureyev was, and is very much a cheesy product of its early 1970s times. But if you, or someone you love is a classical ballet enthusiast, this may be something you'd like to have a look at.
. Sponsored by DVDCrave.
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Friday After Next (2002)
- by Aiden O
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Ice Cube writes, produces and stars in this third incarnation of the Friday series. He should have stopped after the first one. At least Chris Tucker was funny in the original. Above average video and audio, as well as plenty of extra features... if you want to sit through them all.
. Sponsored by TotalDVD.
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Love's Brother Special Edition
- by
Alex W
Nominated for a total of 6 AFI awards, this bitter-sweet comedy is available on December 8. More info. (553K)
The Girl Next Door
- by
Alex W
This hot new comedy available on December 22. More info. (27K)
My Life Without Me.
- by
Alex W
This critically acclaimed new drama is out on DVD on December 8. More info. (535K)
Tom White
- by
Alex W
Every day in the city people disappear...Some are never found. Some don't want to be.... More info. (641K)
GARFIELD
- by
Alex W
Available to buy on December 13. More info. (548K)
Other People's Reviews
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)
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DanielG
Solomon and Sheba (1959)
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TerryJ
Troy (2004)
-
KrystieB
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Archived News
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Coming Soon
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Week Beginning 25th October (Retail):
*
50 Worst Movies Ever Made
*
Aaliyah-So Much More Than A Woman
*
Adams, Bryan-Live at Budokan: Japan 2000
*
American Pie: The Threesome Collection
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Arena, Tina-Greatest Hits: 1994-2004
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Avalanche (1978)
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Balto: Wings of Change
*
Best Of Film Noir
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Best of Mind Your Language-Volume 1
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Best of Mind Your Language-Volume 2
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Best of Mind Your Language-Volume 3
*
Best of Mind Your Language-Volume 4
*
Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru-Nui
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Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary (Im toten Winkel-Hitlers Sekretarin)
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Bowie, David-Origins of A Star Man
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C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation-Complete Season 2: Episodes 2.1-2.23
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C.S.I.: Miami-Season 1
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Darling Buds of May (Complete)
*
D-Day: 60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
*
Deconstruction-Tour 2003
*
Discovery Channel-Dinosaur Planet
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Donald's Laugh Factory
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Eat My Dust!
*
Fall of the House of Usher (1960) (a.k.a. House of Usher) (MGM)
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Firestarter
*
Fleetwood Mac-Unbroken Chain
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Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons-The Very Best of
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Ghoulies/Ghoulies II
*
Godsend (2004)
*
Good bye, Lenin!
*
Grand Theft Auto (1977)
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Great McGonagall
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Happy Hour (2003)
*
Harrison, George-The Dark Horse Years: 1976-1992
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Hendrix, Jimi-The Dick Cavett Show
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Hit Celebrity TV Commercials
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Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)
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Houston, Whitney-Artist Collection
*
Indie Anthems-Volume 1
*
Indie Anthems-Volume 2
*
Iron Maiden-The Legacy of The Beast
*
Jackson, Janet-Design Of A Decade: 1986-1996
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Kid Creole & The Coconuts-Live in Paris
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Legend of Suriyothai
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Letters to Ali
*
Madonna-Sex Bomb
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Magnum-A Winter's Tale
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Martin, Dean-Encore
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Monkey-Volume 16
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Monkey-Volume 17
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Nat King Cole-Encore
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New Glucose Revolution: A Simple Guide to Low GI Eating
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New Statesman-Series 1-4
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Nickelback-The Road To Success
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Out of Time (2003/I)
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Outkast-Psychedelic Funk Soul Brothers
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Page, Pattie-Sings The Hits
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Pamela Anderson Lee
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People That Time Forgot
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Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story
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Phantom Of The Opera (Fantasma dell'opera, Il) (AV Channel)
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Piranha (1978)
*
Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness
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Princess Mononoke (Mononoke-hime)
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Private Sex Club
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Punisher (2004)
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Queen-Queen on Fire: Live at The Bowl
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Raven
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Return of the Living Dead
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Santana-Sacred Fire: Live In Mexico
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Shape of Things to Come (1979)
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South: Shackleton's Expedition to the Antarctic
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Spears, Britney-Innocent Beauty
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Spontaneous Combustion
*
Stargate SG1-Season 6 Volume 4
*
Suburbia (1984)
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Tales of Terror
*
This Is Your Life-Inspirational Women
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Troll/Troll 2
*
UFC-Vendetta: Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock
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Under Suspicion (2000)
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Versus (2000/II)
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Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? DVD Game (1999/II)
Week Beginning 25th October (Rental):
*
Best Sex Ever-Volume 1
*
Blind Flight
*
Charlie (2004)
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Civil Brand
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Flight of the Reindeer (Christmas Secret)
*
Light in the Forest, A (2002)
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Pieces of April (2003)
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This Girl's Life
*
Twin Sisters (Tweeling, De)
Week Beginning 1st November (Retail):
*
Shrek 2
*
Wicker Park
Week Beginning 1st November (Rental):
*
Momentum (2003)
*
Munnabhai M.B.B.S.
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'R Xmas
*
Romasanta: The Werewolf Hunt
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Safe (1995)
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