September 2005
Listed chronologically by release date.

Alien (USA 1978)
Director: Ridley Scott
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: R
Screen Ratio: 2.35:1
Tom Skerritt (Captain Dallas), Sigourney Weaver (Ripley), Veronica Cartwright (Lambert), Harry Dean Stanton (Brett), John Hurt (Tom Kane), Ian Holm (Ash), Yaphet Kotto (Parker), Bolaji Badejo (Alien), Helen Horton (voice of Mother), Eddie Powell (Alien Stunts), Jake Scott (Stand-in),

A slimy thingy ends up terrorizing the crew of a space ship oil refinery. The definitive monster movie. Brilliantly acted, scored, designed and photographed. Doesn't seem to have aged either. Highly recommended.

Alien 3 (USA 1992)
Director: David Fincher
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: R
Sigourney Weaver (Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley), Charles Dutton (Dillon), Charles Dance (Clemens), Paul McGann (Golic), Brian Glover (Superintendant Andrews), Ralph Brown (Aaron (85)), Danny Webb (Morse), Christopher John Fields (Rains (2nd)), Holt McCallany (Junior), Lance Henriksen (Bishop), Chris Fairbank (Murphy (1st Victim)),

I'll presume this is a re-release of the definitive box set edition as a standalone. The re-imagined version of the film, is almost a different film from the theatrical release, so worth a look for that alone. Powerful cinema, but this is an incredibly bleak film.

Almost You (USA 1984)
Director: Adam Brooks
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 9.98
MPAA Rating: R
Brooke Adams (Erica), Griffin Dunne (Alex Boyer), Karen Young (Lisa Boyer), Marty Watt (Kevin), Christine Estabrook (Maggie), Josh Mostel (David), Laura Dean (Jeannie), Dana Delany (Susan McCall), Spalding Gray (Travel Agent), Joe Leon (Uncle Mel), Miguel Pinero (Ralph),

Directed by Adam Brooks and starring Brooke Adams. Awkward comedy-drama concerning fidelity after the wife (Brooke Adams) becomes wheelchair bound. Great cast.

Black Cat (USA 1934)
Director: Edgar G. Ulmer
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 18.89
MPAA Rating: NR
Boris Karloff (Hjalmar Poelzig), Bela Lugosi (Dr. Vitus Werdegast), David Manners (Peter Alison), Jacqueline Wells (Joan Alison), Lucille Lund (Karen), Eric Brecher (The Majordomo), Harry Cording (Thamal), Henry Armetta (The Sergeant), Albert Conti (The Lieutenant), Herman Bing (), John Carradine (Devil Worshipper),

Terrific teaming of Karloff and Lugosi in this tale of travellers who fall into the hands of the local Satanist. Genuinely creepy, awesome production design and a still shocking ending. Supposedly based on an Edgar Allan Poe tale, but the black cat is a bit of a red herring.

Brides of Dracula (UK 1960)
Director: Terence Fisher
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 26.98
Peter Cushing (Van Helsing), Martita Hunt (Baroness Meinster), Yvonne Monlaur (Marianne), Freda Jackson (Greta), David Peel (Baron Meinster), Miles Malleson (Dr. Tobler), Henry Oscar (Herr Otto Lang, School Principal), Mona Washbourne (Frau Lang), Andree Melly (Gina), Victor Brooks (Hans), Fred Johnson (Father Stepnik),

Superior Hammer vampire offering juicily mixing the vamps with the the traditional girls' finishing school. Shame there's no Chris Lee though.

Curse of the Werewolf (UK 1961)
Director: Terence Fisher
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 26.98
Clifford Evans (Alfredo), Oliver Reed (Leon), Yvonne Romain (Servant Girl), Catherine Feller (Christina), Anthony Dawson (Marques Siniestro), Josephine Llewellyn (The Marquesa), Richard Wordsworth (Beggar), Hira Talfrey (Teresa), Justin Walters (Young Leon), John Gabriel (The Priest), Warren Mitchell (Pepe Valiente),

First DVD release for Hammer's first furry foray into werewolf territory. Oliver Reed puts his brash trademark smolder on the screen for the first time (in a lead role anyway).

Deer Hunter (USA 1978)
Director: Michael Cimino
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 26.98
MPAA Rating: R
Screen Ratio: 2.35:1
Robert DeNiro (Michael), John Cazale (Stan), John Savage (Steven), Christopher Walken (Nick), Meryl Streep (Linda), George Dzundza (John), Chuck Aspegren (Axel), Shirley Stoler (Steven's Mother), Rutanya Alda (Angela), Pierre Segui (Julien Grinda), Joe Grifasi (Bandleader),

The lives of a group of friends are forever changed by the Vietnam experience. Astonishing encapsulation of the effects of war on society. Cimino has directed one of the very best films on the American experience. Harrowing film boasts perfect performances. Very highly recommended.

Grand Hotel (USA 1932)
Director: Edmund Goulding
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 19.97
MPAA Rating: NR
Greta Garbo (Grusinskaya), John Barrymore (Baron Felix von Geigern), Joan Crawford (Flaemmchen), Wallace Beery (Preysing), Lionel Barrymore (Otto Kringelein), Lewis Stone (Dr. Otternschlag), Jean Hersholt (Senf), Robert McWade (Meierheim), Purnell Pratt (Zinnowitz), Mary Carlisle (honeymooner), Frank Conroy (Rohna),

Sterling Hollywood drama featuring the occupants of the titular hotel. Garbo plays a Russian ballet dancer prima donna who's jewels are coveted by her nefarious manager (John Barrymore). Dated but classic.

Miracle of Morgan's Creek (USA 1944)
Director: Preston Sturges
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: UR
Eddie Bracken (Norval Jones), Betty Hutton (Trudy Kockenlocker), Diana Lynn (Emmy Kockenlocker), William Demarest (Constable Kockenlocker), Porter Hall (Justice of the Peace), Emory Parnell (Mr Tuerck), Al Bridge (Mr Johnson), Julius Tannen (Mr Rafferty), Victor Potel (Newspaper Editor), Brian Donlevy (Governor McGinty), Akim Tamiroff (The Boss),

Scandal in small town America surrounding an illegitimate baby. One of Preston Sturges' best films, a single minded assault on the establishment of the time. Oodles of crackling dialogue. Highly recommended.

Ninotchka (USA 1939)
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 19.97
MPAA Rating: NR
Greta Garbo (Ninotchka), Melvyn Douglas (Count Leon d'Algout), Ina Claire (Grand Duchess Swana), Bela Lugosi (Commissar Razinin), Sig Ruman (Iranoff), Felix Bressart (Buljanoff), Alexander Granach (Kopalski), Gregory Gaye (Rakonin), Rolfe Sedan (Hotel Manager), Edwin Maxwell (Mercier, the jeweler), Dorothy Adams (Jacqueline),

Romantic comedy concerning the efforts of Count d'Algout to corrupt stuffed-shirt Russian envoy, Garbo, to the ways of the decadent West. A delight.

Red Garters (USA 1954)
Director: George Marshall
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: NR
Rosemary Clooney (Calaveras Kate), Jack Carson (Jason Carberry), Guy Mitchell (Reb Randall), Pat Crowley (Susan Martinez De La Cruz), Gene Barry (Rafael Moreno), Cass Daley (Minnie Redwing), Frank Faylen (Billy Buckett), Reginald Owen (Judge Winthrop), Buddy Ebsen (Ginger Pete),

Gorgeous to look at, if you're a fan of Technicolor, but otherwise ho-hum musical western. One can see that the US censor was beginning to loosen up a bit though.

Sting (USA 1973)
Director: George Roy Hill
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 26.98
MPAA Rating: PG
Paul Newman (Henry Gondorff), Robert Redford (Johnny Hooker), Robert Shaw (Doyle Lonnegan), Charles Durning (Lieutenant William Snyder), Ray Walston (J.J. Singleton), Eileen Brennan (Billie), Harold Gould (Kid Twist), John Heffernan (Niles), Dana Elcar (F.B.I. Agent Polk), Jack Kehoe (Erie Kid), Dimitra Arliss (Loretta),

Second teaming of Redford, Newman and director, Hill, this time plopped into 1930s Chicago and planning to con and old adversary. Opulent and entertaining if not quite up to the earlier film. Awesome Scott Joplin tinkly piano bits on the soundtrack too. Highly recommended.

To Kill a Mockingbird (USA 1962)
Director: Robert Mulligan
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 26.98
MPAA Rating: NR
Gregory Peck (Atticus Finch), Mary Badham (Scout), Phillip Alford (Jem), Robert Duvall (Boo Radley), John Megna (Dill Harris), Frank Overton (Sheriff Heck Tate), Rosemary Murphy (Miss Maudie), Ruth White (Mrs. Dubose), Brock Peters (Tom Robinson), Estelle Evans (Calpurnia), Alice Ghostley (Stephanie Crawford),

Definitive slice of Americana as lawyer Atticus Finch works to keep his black client from the mob. Performances are all top notch, Peck is just at the top of his game. Loaded 2-disc Legacy Series release. Highly recommended.

Toy Story (USA 1995)
Director: John Lasseter
Release Date: 09/06/2005
Price: 29.99
MPAA Rating: G
Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), Jim Varney (Slinky Dog), Wallace Shawn (Rex), John Ratzenberger (Hamm), Annie Potts (Bo Peep), John Morris (Andy), Erik Von Detten (Sid), Laurie Metcalf (Mrs. Davis), R. Lee Ermey (Sergeant),

Just when you thought it was all over for quality children's entertainment, the Pixar people reinvented it with this hip, funny and warm toy tale. Disney have been irritating me by pulling releases and cynically putting them out before the Blu-Ray DVD format blossoms. -Shrug- buy it anyway. Highest recommendation, easilly one of the top 20 kid's movies ever (Toy Story 2 coming Dec. 26th).

Alone in the Dark (USA 1982)
Director: Jack Sholder
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Frederick Coffin (Jim Gable), Deborah Hedwall (Nell Potter), Brent Jennings (Ray Curtis), Martin Landau (Byron "Preacher" Sutcliff), Jack Palance (Frank Hawkes), Larry Pine (Dr. Harry Merton), Donald Pleasence (Dr. Leo Bain), Dwight Schultz (Dan Potter), Annie Korzen (Marissa Hall),

Low budget 80s comedy-horror effort is surprisingly good fun, with a fine cast of eccentrics hamming it up.

Bad Timing (UK 1980)
Director: Nicolas Roeg
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Price: 29.95
MPAA Rating: R
Art Garfunkel (Alex Linden), Theresa Russell (Micena Flaherty), Harvey Keitel (Insp. Netusil), Denholm Elliott (Stefan Vognic), Daniel Massey (Foppish Man), Dana Gillespie (Amy), William Hootkins (Col. Taylor), Stefan Gryff (Policeman #2), Gertan Klauber (Ambulance Man), Eugene Lipinski (Hospital Policeman), Ania Marson (),

Astonishing and powerful tale of descent into madness for a young American girl in Vienna. The question is: Was she pushed? Or did she fall? I love Nic Roeg films, but this one just horrified me back in 1980. Unique.

Ben-Hur (USA 1959)
Director: William Wyler
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Price: 39.92
MPAA Rating: G
Charlton Heston (Judah Ben-Hur), Jack Hawkins (Quintas Arrius), Stephen Boyd (Messala), Haya Harareet (Esther), Hugh Griffith (Shake Ilderim), Martha Scott (Miriam), Sam Jaffe (Simonides), Cathy O'Donnell (Tirzah), Finlay Currie (Balthasar), Ferdy Mayne (Captain, Rescue ship), Robert Brown (Chief of Rowers),

A nobleman has to prove himself in the Roman arena. Hollywood spectacle at its finest. The chariot race is still amazing. Ridiculously loaded four, yes four, disc set. Highly recommended.

Branded (USA 1950)
Director: Rudolph Mate
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: NR
Alan Ladd (Choya), Mona Freeman (Ruth Lavery), Charles Bickford (Mr Lavery), Robert Keith (Leffingwell), Joseph Calleia (Rubriz), Peter Hansen (Tonio), Selena Royle (Mrs. Lavery), Tom Tully (Ransom), John Berkes (Tattoo), Milburn Stone (Dawson), Bob Kortman (Hank),

Alan Ladd does the macho western thing in this tale that requires him to turn to the dark side and be in on a land fraud. Above average 50s western fare. Nothing to do with the Chuck Connors TV series by the way.

HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy (UK USA 2005)
Director: Garth Jennings
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Price: 29.99
MPAA Rating: PG
Bill Bailey (The Whale), Anna Chancellor (Questular Rontok), Warwick Davis (Marvin), Mos Def (Ford Prefect), Zooey Deschanel (Trillian), Su Elliot (Pub Customer), Martin Freeman (Arthur Dent), Stephen Fry (The Book), Richard Griffiths (Jeltz), Dominique Jackson (Fook), Simon Jones (Ghostly Image),

Douglas Adams' radio-series-turned-book-turned-TV-series finally graduates to film and the biggest budget it has ever seen. Result seems a little rushed. Newcomers may have to read the book to figure out the plot. Martin Freeman makes an excellent Arthur Dent. Sam Rockwell is mixed blessings as Zaphod. The vogons are great, the dolphins sublime. Recommended 42 times.

Man Who Fell To Earth (UK 1976)
Director: Nicolas Roeg
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Price: 39.95
MPAA Rating: R
David Bowie (Thomas Jerome Newton), Bernie Casey (Peters), Candy Clark (Mary-Lou), Buck Henry (Oliver Farnsworth), Rip Torn (Nathan Bryce),

An alien in search of a water supply becomes a entertainment superstar. My one sentence plot summary does nothing to convey the complexities of this astonishing feature from Nicolas Roeg. By turns weird, disturbing and sexy. Bowie makes an unsettling alien trying to get by in an evil world. A unique film, very offbeat, very rewarding, highly recommended.

Rumble Fish (USA 1983)
Director: Francis Coppola
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Price: 19.98
MPAA Rating: R
Matt Dillon (Rusty James), Mickey Rourke (Motorcycle Boy), Diane Lane (Patty), Dennis Hopper (The Father), Diana Scarwid (Cassandra), Vincent Spano (Steve), Nicolas Cage (Smokey), Chris Penn (B.J. Jackson), Laurence Fishburne (Midget), William Smith (Patterson), Tom Waits (Benny),

S.E. Hinton's novel of teen angst and sibling rivalry becomes a stylish film (teen-noir?) courtesy of Mr. Coppola. Sin City owes it a nod of thanks. Seems to divide audiences into love it or hate it camps. I'm going for a recommendation though.

Don't Be a Menace... (USA 1996)
Director: Paris Barclay
Release Date: 09/20/2005
Price: 19.99
MPAA Rating: UR
Shawn Wayans (Ashtray), Marlon Wayans (Loc Dog), Tracey Cherelle Jones (Dashiki), Vivian Smallwood (Sister), Chris Spencer (Preach), Helen Martin (Loc Dog's Grandma), Suli McCullough (Crazy Legs), Darrel Heath (Toothpick), Isaiah Barnes (Doo Rag), Lahmard J. Tate (Ashtray's Father), Keenan Ivory Wayans (Mailman),

Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood to give the thing its exact title.Very funny send up of all things blaxploitational if your funnybone is aligned the right way - Cheech & Chong for the 90s.

House Where Evil Dwells (USA 1982)
Director: Kevin Connor
Release Date: 09/20/2005
Price: 14.94
MPAA Rating: R
Edward Albert (Ted Fletcher), Susan George (Laura Fletcher), Doug McClure (Alex Curtis), Amy Barrett (Amy Fletcher), Mako Hattori (Otami), Toshiya Maruyama (Shigero), Toshiyuki Sasaki (Masanori),

Lesser 80s horror nevertheless packs some surprises and perhaps signposts the future of Asian horror with its tale of haunted Japanese houses.

Lady in White (USA 1988)
Director: Frank LaLoggia
Release Date: 09/20/2005
Price: 14.94
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Lukas Haas (Frankie), Len Cariou (Phil), Alex Rocco (Angelo), Katherine Helmond (Amanda), Jason Presson (Geno), Renata Vanni (Mama Assunta), Angelo Bertolini (Papa Charlie), Joelle Jacobi (Melissa), Gregory Levinson (Louie), Jared Rushton (Donald),

A young boy witnesses a ghostly murder. Interesting spook tale that despite great moments disappoints overall. Has a cult following though. Second release for this film on DVD, the first comprised so few copies that the DVD became one of the most valuable and sought after on the internet.

Swamp Thing (USA 1982)
Director: Wes Craven
Release Date: 09/20/2005
Price: 14.94
MPAA Rating: PG
Louis Jourdan (Arcane), Adrienne Barbeau (Alice Cable), Ray Wise (Dr Alec Holland), David Hess (Ferret), Nicholas Worth (Bruno), Don Knight (Ritter), Al Ruban (Charlie), Dick Durock (Swamp Thing), Ben Bates (Arcane Monster), Nannette Brown (Dr. Linda Holland), Reggie Batts (Jude),

MGM correct an earlier faux-pas by releasing the PG version as opposed t the R-Rated version of Wes Craven's Marvel comic book adaptation concerning a fellow with the WORST case of mildew I've ever seen. Ray Wise and Dick Durock make a winning monster, but the movie feels flat and drags.

Xtro (UK 1983)
Director: Harry Davenport
Release Date: 09/20/2005
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: R
Philip Sayer (Sam), Bernice Stegers (Rachel), Danny Brainin (Joe), Maryam D'Abo (Analise), Simon Nash (Tony), Peter Mandell (clown), David Cardy (Michael), Anna Wing (Mrs Goodman), Robert Fyfe (Doctor), Katherine Best (Jane), Robert Pereno (Ben),

Madly inventive sci-fi horror from the UK concerning alien impregnation and other family favourites. Wish I could say that is was good, but I do give Harry Davenport points for trying.

Anything Goes (USA 1956)
Director: Robert Lewis
Release Date: 09/27/2005
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: NR
Bing Crosby (Bill Benson), Donald O'Connor (Ted Adams), Zizi Jeanmaire (Gaby Duval), Mitzi Gaynor (Patsy Blair), Phil Harris (Steve Blair), Kurt Kasznar (Victor Lawrence), Richard Erdman (Ed Brent),

Lightweight musical fluff with a cracking soundtrack of Cole Porter songs.

Knight's Tale (USA 2001)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Release Date: 09/27/2005
Price: 19.94
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Heath Ledger (Sir William), Rufus Sewell (Count Adhemar), Shannyn Sossamon (Jocelyn), Paul Bettany (Chaucer), Laura Fraser (Kate), Mark Addy (Roland), Alan Tudyk (Wat), Berenice Bejo (Christiana), Scott Handy (Germaine), James Purefoy (Colville), Leagh Conwell (Young William),

Hugely entertaining medieval tale spiced with anachronisms (such as Queen on the soundtrack) given the special DVD treatment. Paul Bettany steals it as an oft naked Chaucer.Highly recommended.

Robots (USA 2005)
Director: Chris Wedge
Release Date: 09/27/2005
Price: 29.98
MPAA Rating: PG
Paula Abdul (Voice: Watch), Halle Berry (Voice: Cappy), Lucille Bliss (Voice: Pigeon Lady), Terry Bradshaw (Voice: Broken Arm Bot), Jim Broadbent (Voice: Madame Gasket), Mel Brooks (Voice: Bigweld), Amanda Bynes (Voice: Piper), Drew Carey (Voice: Crank), Jennifer Coolidge (Voice: Aunt Fanny), Dylan Denton (Voice: Youngest Rodney), Will Denton (Voice: Young Rodney),

Razzle-dazzle animated feature from the Ice Age folk concerning new robot-in-town, Rodney (Ewan McGregor), and evil corporate mogul, Ratchet (Greg Kinnear). Anything that gives Robin Williams an excuse to do his thing can't be all bad.

We're No Angels (USA 1955)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Release Date: 09/27/2005
Price: 14.99
MPAA Rating: NR
John Smith (Arnaud), Gloria Talbott (Isabelle Ducotel), Humphrey Bogart (Joseph), Aldo Ray (Albert), Peter Ustinov (Jules), Joan Bennett (Amelie Ducotel), Basil Rathbone (Andre Trochard), Leo G. Carroll (Felix Ducotel),

An unlikely trio of convicts escape the notorious Devil's Island prison in this amiable comedy. Utterly bizarre if you've seen Papillon though.

In the Future

Cat People	10/04/2005
Cinderella	10/04/2005
Curse of the Cat People	10/04/2005
Demon Seed	10/04/2005
Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane	10/04/2005
Night of the Lepus	10/04/2005
Warriors	10/04/2005
Kingdom of Heaven	10/11/2005
Batman Begins	10/18/2005
Battle of Britain	10/25/2005
Polar Express	10/25/2005
Titanic	10/25/2005
Woman in White	10/25/2005
Star Wars 3: Revenge of the Sith	11/05/2005
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory	11/08/2005
Madagascar	11/15/2005
Skeleton Key	11/15/2005
March of the Penguins	11/22/2005
War of the Worlds	11/22/2005
Fantastic Four	12/06/2005
Sin City	12/13/2005
Brothers Grimm	12/20/2005
Toy Story 2	12/26/2005