It's Alive! (USA 1974)
Director: Larry Cohen
Release Date: 10/04/2004
Price: 19.97
MPAA Rating: PG
John P. Ryan (Frank Davies), Sharon Farrell (Lenore), James Dixon (Lieutenant Perkins), Michael Ansara (Captain), Andrew Duggan (Professor), Robert Emhardt (The Executive), Guy Stockwell (Clayton),

Larry Cohen's delirious bad taste killer baby movie and its sequels, make ups by Rick Baker among others. If this is rated PG, then I must be thinking of some other movie...

Aladdin (USA 1992)
Director: John Musker
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 29.99
MPAA Rating: G
Scott Weinger (Aladdin), Robin Williams (Genie), Linda Larkin (Jasmine), Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), Frank Welker (Abu), Gilbert Gottfried (Iago), Douglas Seale (Sultan), Bruce Adler (Narrator), Jim Cummings (Razoul), Jerry Houser (Addnl Voices), Lea Salonga (Singing voice of Jasmine),

Disney's kinetic version of Aladdin finally makes it to DVD. Your fondness for it will depend on whether you dig Williams freestyle comedy. If you do, very funny.

Casanova & Co. (Italy 1976)
Director: Franz Antel
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 19.95
MPAA Rating: R
Tony Curtis (Giacomo Casanova), Marisa Berenson (The Caliph's Wife), Marisa Mell (Duchess of Cornaro), Jean LeFebvre (The Sergeant), Andrea Ferreol (The Baker's Wife), Sylva Koscina (The Prefect's Wife), Victor Spinetti (The Prefect), Umberto Orsini (Count Tiretta), Jenny Arasse (Cecilia), Jaques Herlin (Senator Dell'Acqua), Jeannie Bell (Fatme),

Typical 70s Euro-art-softcore-comedy badly aspiring to Pasolini, but failing. Can't argue with the bevy of lovelies in the supporting cast though. Let's hope for an uncut version this time, eh?

Day After Tomorrow (USA 2004)
Director: Roland Emmerich
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Dennis Quaid (Jack Hall), Jake Gyllenhaal (Sam Hall), Emmy Rossum (Laura Chapman), Dash Mihik (Jason Evans), Jay O. Sanders (Frank Harris), Sela Ward (Dr. Lucy Hall), Austin Nichols (J.D.), Arjay Smith (Brian Parks), Tamlyn Tomita (Janet Tokada), Sasha Roiz (Parker), Ian Holm (Terry Rapson),

Professionally done end of the world type stuff. The effects are impressive. Some of the events and dialogue are cringeworthy. Enjoyable though.

Decline of the American Empire (Canada 1986)
Director: Denys Arcand
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 24.98
MPAA Rating: R
Gabriel Arcand (), Dorothée Berryman (), Daniel Brière (), Pierre Curzi (Pierre), Remy Girard (Remy), Yves Jacques (Claude), Dominique Michel (), Louise Portal (), Geneviève Rioux (),

Despite the title not more Bush bashing, but rather a thoughtful and funny (and sometimes deadly serious) after dinner discussion of the what's where's and why's of sexual matters in the 80s. Recommended for fans of Sex, Lies and Videotape.

Deep Impact (USA 1998)
Director: Mimi Leder
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Robert Duvall (Spurgeon 'Fish' Tanner), Tea Leoni (Jenny Lerner), Elijah Wood (Leo Biederman), Vanessa Redgrave (Robin Lerner), Morgan Freeman (President Tom Beck), Maximilian Schell (Jason Lerner), James Cromwell (Alan Rittenhouse), Ron Eldard (Oren Monash), Jon Favreau (Gus Partenza), Laura Innes (Beth Stanley), Mary McCormack (Andrea Baker),

Better of the two "let's throw a serious meteor at the Earth" films (the other being Armageddon), because it takes things a little more seriously. Morgan Freeman plays the President as someone you'd vote for in a heartbeat if he ran. Special feature laden release.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (USA 2004)
Director: Michael Moore
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 28.95
MPAA Rating: R

Michael Moore's single minded hatchet job on George W. Bush and the Republican party. Very funny, occasionally poignant and makes some astute points. Devout Republicans will hate it. Can a documentary be this subjective though? Highly recommended.

Fearless Vampire Killers (UK 1967)
Director: Roman Polanski
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 19.97
Jack MacGowran (Prof. Ambrosias), Roman Polanski (Alfred), Alfie Bass (Shagal, the Inn Keeper), Jessie Robins (Rebecca Shagal), Sharon Tate (Sarah Shagal), Ferdy Mayne (Count Von Krolock), Iain Quarrier (Herbert), Terry Downes (Koukol), Fiona Lewis (Magda), Ronald Lacey (Village Idiot), Sydney Bromley (Sleigh Driver),

Roman Polanski's comedy vampire epic. Many good bits and bites, boo frenetic for its own good, feels like It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World meets Dracula. Cautiously recommended, but some of you will hate it.

Friday the 13th (USA 1980)
Director: Sean S. Cunningham
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Betsy Palmer (Mrs Voorhees), Adrienne King (Alice), Jeannine Taylor (Marcie), Robbi Morgan (Annie), Kevin Bacon (Jack), Harry Crosby (Bill), Laurie Bartram (Brenda), Mark Nelson (Ned), Pete Brouwer (Steve Christy), Rex Everhart (Ennos, the Truck Driver), Ronn Carroll (Sgt. Tierney),

Cleverly reworking the Halloween psycho-on-the-loose premise and adding sex and gore this tale of the summer camp where no one is generally left alive to complain about the cooking spawned more imitators and sequels than one could ever justify. Definitely scary. Fans will be howling for blood because these are still the R-Rated theatrical versions. Oh, and don't forget Kevin Bacon.

Friday the 13th Part 2 (USA 1981)
Director: Steve Miner
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Amy Steel (Ginny), John Furey (Paul), Adrienne King (Alice), Kirsten Baker (Terri), Stuart Charno (Ted), Walt Gorney (Crazy Ralph), Marta Kober (Sandra Dier), Tom McBride (Mark), Bill Randolph (Jeffrey), Lauren-Marie Taylor (Vicky), Russell Todd (Scott),

Jason channels the Elephant Man in this one and sports a snazzy burlap sack over his head, he's grown up a bit too...Not bad for a dead guy.

Friday the 13th Part 3 (USA 1982)
Director: Steve Miner
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Dana Kimmell (Chris Higgins), Paul Kratka (Rick), Richard Brooker (Jason), Nick Savage (Ali), Catherine Parks (Vera), Perla Walter (Mrs Sanchez),

Jason gets a Hockey mask for Christmas and becomes the horror icon we know and love. Originally filmed in 3-D, remember the brief vogue for 3-D in the early 80s? Which will explain some of the odd camera angles and penchant for pushing weaponry and bits of anatomy into the audience.

Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter (USA 1984)
Director: Joseph Zito
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Kimberly Beck (Trish), Erich Anderson (Rob), Corey Feldman (Tommy), Barbara Howard (Sara), Peter Barton (Doug), Lawrence Monoson (Ted), Joan Freeman (Mrs. Jarvis), Crispin Glover (Jimmy), Alan Hayes (Paul), Judie Aronson (Samantha), Rosie DeSanctis (),

Yeah, right, the Final Chapter...The films are becoming only interesting for the make-up effects.

Friday the 13th Part 5: A New Beginning (USA 1985)
Director: Danny Steinmann
Release Date: 10/05/2004
John Shepherd (Tommy Jarvis), Marco St. John (Sheriff Tucker), Melanie Kinnaman (Pam Roberts), Richard Young (Dr Matt Leonard), Vernon Washington (George), Shavar Ross (Reggie), Tiffany Helm (Violet), Juliette Cummins (Robin), Jerry Pavlon (Jake), John Robert Dixon (Eddie), Debi Sue Voorhees (Tina),

ZZzzzzzzzz, now is that snoring or the sound of a chainsaw, hmmmm? Extra large body count in this one though.

Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives (USA 1986)
Director: Tom McLoughlin
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Alan Blumenfeld (Larry), Matthew Faison (Stan), Tony Goldwyn (Darren), Vincent Guastaferro (Deputy Rick Cologne), Renee Jones (Stacy), Thom Mathews (Tommy Jarvis), Ron Palillo (Allen Hewes),

Another quality Jason outing...Actually seriously, this one is quite fun.

Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood (USA 1988)
Director: John Carl Buechler
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Elizabeth Kaitan (), Terry Kiser (), Susan Sullivan (),

More Hockey Mask clad mayhem. You can figure out how much gore and make-up from the fact that a make-up effects guy is directing!

Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan (USA 1989)
Director: Rob Hedden
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Barbara Bingham (), Alex Diakun (), Saffron Henderson (), Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees), Mark Richman (Charles McCullough), Peter Mark Richman (),

Last of the Paramount sequels and this boxed set.

Hannibal (Italy 1960)
Director: Edgar G. Ulmer
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 19.99
MPAA Rating: NR
Victor Mature (Hannibal), Rita Gam (Sylvia), Gabriele Ferzetti (Fabius Maximus), Milly Vitale (Danila), Rik Battaglia (Hasdrubal), Terence Hill (Quintilius),

Nothing to do serial killers, but the fellow with a penchant for fighting romans with elephants. Not quite the epic it should be. Not rated but PG.

He Knows You're Alone (USA 1980)
Director: Armand Mastroianni
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 19.97
Paul Gleason (Daley), Tom Hanks (Elliot), Steve James (), Patsy Pease (Joyce), James Rebhorn (Professor, Carl), Don Scardino (Marvin), Russell Todd (Boy in Car),

Typical 80's horror fare enlivened by a youthful Tom Hanks. Genuinely tense though.

Hunger (USA 1983)
Director: Tony Scott
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 19.97
MPAA Rating: R
James Aubrey (Ron), Suzanne Bertish (Phyllis), David Bowie (John), Willem Dafoe (2nd Phone Booth Youth), Cliff De Young (Tom Haver), Catherine Deneuve (Miriam), Beth Ehlers (Alice Cavender), Dan Hedaya (Lieutenant Allegrezza), Lise Hilboldt (Waiting Room Nurse), Douglas Lambert (TV Host), Bessie Love (Lillybelle),

Very, very stylish vampire flick from Ridley Scott's bro, Tony. From Bauhaus performing "Bela Lugosi's dead" to the naughty lesbian vampire romp to Bowie's vamp aging in a hospital waiting room. An underrated gem.

Mother (UK 2003)
Director: Roger Michell
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Anne Reid (May), Peter Vaughan (Toots), Anna Wilson-Jones (Helen), Daniel Craig (Darren), Danira Govich (Au Pair),

A romantic triangle of a very different kind, as recently widowed May becomes entangled with her daughter's lover. Anne Reid is a revelation.

Return of the Living Dead 2 (USA 1988)
Director: Ken Wiederhorn
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Michael Kenworthy (Jesse Wilson), Thor Van Lingen (Billy), Jason Hogan (Johnny), James Karen (Ed), Thom Mathews (Joey), Suzanne Snyder (Brenda), Mitch Pileggi (Sarge), Forrest J. Ackerman (zombie), Dana Ashbrook (Tom Essex),

The sequel to Dan O'Bannon's spoof of George Romero's zombie films falls flat. Nowhere as compelling or as funny as its predecessor. Everyone shrieks which induces a headache after 10 minutes. Redeemed slightly by some clever zombie gags.

Shawshank Redemption (USA 1994)
Director: Frank Darabont
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Ned Bellamy (Guard Youngblood), Clancy Brown (Capt. Haddley), Gary Lee Davis (Rooster), Jeffrey DeMunn (D.A), Morgan Freeman (Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding), Neil Giuntoli (Jigger), Bob Gunton (Warden Norton), Paul McCrane (Guard Trout), David Proval (Snooze), Tim Robbins (Andy Dufresne), Mark Rolston (Bogs Diamond),

Extremely well done version of the Stephen King short story, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. Loaded 3 disc version of the IMDb favourite.

Three Faces of Eve (USA 1957)
Director: Nunnally Johnson
Release Date: 10/05/2004
Price: 14.95
Joanne Woodward (Eve), David Wayne (Ralph White), Lee J. Cobb (Doctor Luther), Edwin Jerome (Dr. Day), Vince Edwards (Soldier), Nancy Kulp (Mrs. Black), Douglas Spencer (Mr. Black), Alistair Cooke (Narrator),

Everyday tale of schizophrenia. Joanne Woodward excellent in, er, three roles, equally matched by Lee J. Cobb.

Android (USA 1982)
Director: Aaron Lipstadt
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: PG
Klaus Kinski (Dr. Daniel), Brie Howard (Maggie), Don Opper (Max 404), Kendra Kirchner (Cassandra), Norbert Weisser (Keller), Crofton Hardester (Mendes), Darrell Larson (Terrapol: Neptune),

Low low budget sci fi from the Roger Corman stable, is rather touching tale of android love. Compare to Heartbeeps (or even A.I.). Klaus Kinski is always worth watching. The video prints I've seen of this were terrible so I hope things have improved.

Betty Blue (France 1986)
Director: Jean-Jaques Beineix
Release Date: 10/12/2004
MPAA Rating: R
Screen Ratio: 1.33:1
Jean-Hughes Anglade (Zorg), Beatrice Dalle (Betty), Gerard Darmon (Eddy), Consuelo de Havilland (Lisa), Clementine Celarie (Annie), Jaques Mathou (Bob), Vincent Lindon (Policeman Richard), Jean-Pierre Bisson (Le commissaire), Dominique Pinon (Le dealer), Bernard Hug (), Catherine D'At (),

One of the great French films. A study of a doomed romance. Earthy, sexy, beautiful, sad. Wonderful cinematography and music.

Bush's Brain (USA 2004)
Director: Joseph Mealey
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Price: 19.99
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Bruce Buchanan (),

Expose of Bush puppetmaster, Karl Rove, and his somewhat dubious strategies to help the Republicans achieve their goals. After Michael Moore, I like my Bush bashing to be funnier, and does anyone believe in sincere politicians anymore? Nice debut for Tartan Video here in the US.

Christmas Carol (UK 1951)
Director: Brian Desmond Hurst
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Price: 29.95
MPAA Rating: NR
Screen Ratio: 1.33:1
Alastair Sim (Scrooge), Kathleen Harrison (Mrs. Dilber), Mervyn Johns (Bob Cratchet), Hermione Baddeley (Mrs. Cratchet), Michael Hordern (Jacob Marley/Marley's Ghost), George Cole (Young Scrooge), John Charlesworth (Peter Cratchit), Francis De Wolff (Spirit of Christmas Present), Rona Anderson (Alice), Carol Marsh (Fan), Brian Worth (Fred),

Alastair Sim is the definitive Scrooge in this Xmas classic. Beautiful newly restored print from the fine folk at VCI. One variation contains a colourized and the original b/w.

Raising Helen (USA 2004)
Director: Garry Marshall
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Kate Hudson (Helen Harris), John Corbett (Pastor Dan Parker), Joan Cusack (Jenny Portman), Hayden Panettiere (Audrey Davis), Spencer Breslin (Henry Davis), Abigail Breslin (Sarah Davis), Helen Mirren (Dominique), Sakina Jaffrey (Nilma Prasad), Kevin Kilner (Ed Portman), Felicity Huffman (Lindsay Davis), Sean O'Bryan (Paul Davis),

Or One Woman and three Babies? Family responsilbility comes unexpectedly to Helen Harris who has to deal with the "inconvenience" of three kids aged 15, 10 and 5. As a vehicle for Kate Hudson's easy going charms, quite acceptable, otherwise fairly average.

Salem's Lot (USA 2004)
Director: Mikael Salomon
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Price: 19.95
Rob Lowe (Ben Mears), Andre Braugher (Matt Burke), Donald Sutherland (Richard Straker), Samantha Mathis (Susan Norton), Robert Mammone (Dr James Cody), Dan Byrd (Mark Petrie), Rutger Hauer (Kurt Barlow), James Cromwell (Father Donald Callahan), Andy Anderson (Charlie Rhodes), Robert Grubb (Larry Crockett), Steven Vidler (Sheriff Parkins),

Average redo of superior King novel. Not even a patch on Tobe Hooper's earlier TV movie.

Thing (USA 1982)
Director: John Carpenter
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Price: 14.95
MPAA Rating: R
A. Wilford Brimley (Blair), T. K. Carter (Nauls), David Clennon (Palmer), Keith David (Childs), Richard Dysart (Dr. Copper), Larry Franco (Norweigian with Rifle), Charles Hallahan (Norris), Peter Maloney (Bennings), Richard Masur (Clark), Donald Moffat (Gary), Joel Polis (Fuchs),

Anamorphic re-release for Carpenter's chilly horror masterpiece. Rob Bottin's razzle dazzle special effects steal the thunder from everything else and the climax is really in the middle but hang on to your stomach contents.

Alexander the Great (USA Spain 1956)
Director: Robert Rossen
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Price: 14.95
Screen Ratio: 2.35:1
Richard Burton (Alexander), Fredric March (Philip of Macedonia), Claire Bloom (Barsine), Danielle Darrieux (Olympias), Barry Jones (Aristotle), Harry Andrews (Darius), Stanley Baker (Attalus), Niall MacGinnis (Parmenio), Peter Cushing (Memnon), Michael Hordern (Demosthenes), Marisa De Leza (Eurydice),

Nicely done historical epic with just the right cast and spectacle

Charly (USA 1968)
Director: Ralph Nelson
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Price: 14.95
Claire Bloom (Alice), Leon Janney (Dr. Nemur), Barney Martin (Hank), Cliff Robertson (Charly), Lilia Skala (Dr. Anna Strauss), Dick Van Patten (Bert), Ruth White (Mrs. Apple),

Adaptation of the play Flowers for Algernon, Cliff Robertson plays the child like Charly "cured" by science. Brilliant performances and direction from the tragically underrated Ralph Nelson make for a great film that makes you reach for the hankies without overdoing it. Algernon is a mouse by the by.

Explorers (USA 1985)
Director: Joe Dante
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Brooke Bundy (Science Teacher), Bradley Gregg (Steve Jackson's Gang), Ethan Hawke (Ben Crandall), Dana Ivey (Freda Mueller), Karen Mayo-Chandler (Starkiller's Girlfriend), Dick Miller (Charlie Drake), Amanda Peterson (Lori Swenson), River Phoenix (Wolfgang Mueller), Robert Picardo (Wak), Mary Kay Place (Mrs. Crandall), Jason Presson (Darren Woods),

Joe Dante brings his oddball sensibility to this tail of alien visitors. The joke of this is a good joke but unfortunately deflates the film, which is a pity 'cos the first half is so good.

Hole (UK 2001)
Director: Nick Hamm
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Thora Birch (Liz), Desmond Harrington (Mike), Daniel Brocklebank (Martin), Laurence Fox (Geoff), Keira Knightley (Frankie), Embeth Davidtz (Dr. Philippa Horwood), Steven Waddington (DCS Tom Howard), Emma Griffiths Malin (Daisy), Gemma Powell (Minnie), Gemma Craven (Mrs Dunn), Anastasia Hille (Gillian),

Nice little psychological nasty from the UK. Oodles of atmosphere as a group of friends get themselves trapped in an old bunker and gradually picked off. Astonishing that this has been absent from the US for three years, in which time 5th billed Keira Knightley has become something of a sensation.

Straw Dogs (UK 1971)
Director: Sam Peckinpah
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Price: 14.95
MPAA Rating: R
Dustin Hoffman (David Sumner), Susan George (Amy Sumner), Peter Vaughan (Tom Hedden), T. P. McKenna (Major Scott), Del Henney (Charlie Venner), Jim Norton (Cawsey), Donald Webster (Riddaway), Ken Hutchison (Scutt), Len Jones (Bobby Hedden), Sally Thomsett (Janice), Robert Keegan (Harry Ware),

Long banned or cut in the UK because of the notorious rape scene, Peckinpah's tale of the worm that turned finally arrives uncut. Politics aside, very powerful grab-you-by-the-throat-with-a-bear-trap film making.

They Shoot Horses Don't They? (USA 1969)
Director: Sydney Pollack
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Price: 14.95
MPAA Rating: PG
Jane Fonda (Gloria), Michael Sarrazin (Robert), Susannah York (Alice), Gig Young (Rocky), Red Buttons (Sailor), Bonnie Bedelia (Ruby), Michael Conrad (Rollo), Bruce Dern (James), Al Lewis (Turkey), Robert Fields (Joel), Severn Darden (Cecil),

A Dance 'til you drop marathon doesn't sound like ideal cinema does it? Watch it though, as good a study of the human condition as any movie. The entire cast are superb, Fonda must have been a revelation coming from decorative roles in the likes of Barbarella.

Van Helsing (USA 2004)
Director: Stephen Sommers
Release Date: 10/19/2004
Hugh Jackman (Van Helsing), Kate Beckinsale (Anna Valerious), Richard Roxburgh (Count Vladislaus Dracula), David Wenham (Carl), Shuler Hensley (Frankenstein's Monster), Elena Anaya (Aleera), Will Kemp (Velkan), Kevin J. O'Connor (Igor), Alun Armstrong (Cardinal Jinette), Silvia Colloca (Verona), Josie Maran (Marishka),

Frenetic horror stew from Mummy director Sommers. Think theme park ride. Awful as they are, I always get a kick out of Sommers films.

Mulan (USA 1998)
Director: Barry Cook
Release Date: 10/26/2004
Price: 29.99
Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Lea Salonga (Mulan (singing)), Soon-Tek Oh (Fa Zhou), B. D. Wong (Shang), Donny Osmond (Shang (singing)), Freda Foh Shen (Fa Li), Eddie Murphy (Mushu), Harvey Fierstein (Yao), George Takei (1st ancestor), Jerry S. Tondo (Chien-Po), Gedde Watanabe (Ling),

Because of the heights scaled by Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, subsequent disney 'toons seem a little lacking again. I mean, there's nothing wrong with this tale of a Chinese girl who takes a male disguise to join the army...but...