Deals of the Week - Advance Notice

HMV have kindly given us advance warning of next Monday's deals of the week, so don't say we don't treat you every now and then!

Please be aware that prices won't change until then. Looks like some big price cuts though, check it out:

Joe 90 - Complete Series 1 from £69.99 to £17.99
Catherine Cookson - Rags to Riches from £39.99 to £17.99
Lovejoy - Series 1 from £29.99 to £8.99

Hit all the Bluejays you want if you can hit 'em..

..but remember it's a sin to kill a mocking bird.

I know it seems like I've been pimping up HMV recently, but I happen to look at their site nearly every day - and they've currently got To Kill a Mocking Bird for only £2.99 with Free Delivery!


This has to be one of the best adaptation's of a novel ever, with absolutely spot on casting and feel for the material. If you haven't read the book then it still works well, and even if you have and maybe found it a bit twee, you still won't do wrong by seeing this, as it is incredibly powerful and moving. Gregory Peck gives (arguably) his best performance ever, literally becoming Atticus Finch. If you're not completely enthralled and moved by his closing court speech then.. well, I dunno, you might want to take a look at a better film like 'Dude, Where's my Car' instead..


Actually, looking briefly through this sale there's tons of good films for just £2.99 delivered.. check it out:

Jarhead
Lost in Translation
Raging Bull
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Edward Scissorhands
Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition

To name but a few..

I bloody hate HMV sometimes, it was the bane of my uni years and continues to be a pox on my wallet. Curse you quality prices, CURSE YOU!!

Holy Shit..

Game over man, game over!

The Alien Quadrilogy has really come down in price recently - It's going for just over £15!

There's an entire 9 discs of content: 2 discs per film, both theatrical AND extended cuts, mass amounts of features for each AND an extra disc of additional features overall. So that works out at about £1.60 a disc then!

The only reason I didn't stick this in the top 10 DVDs was the fact that it was a proper set, and I wanted to look at individual films. It's got to be one of my favourite DVD's I own, if only for the packaging. It has a raised image of an egg on the front, and all the cases inside are lime green, check it out:

It was just HMV who originally slashed the prices, but it seems Play and Amazon have followed suit:

Amazon - £15.98 Delivered

HMV - £17.99 Delivered

Play.com - £16.99 Delivered

I don't know how big your wallet is, but the REAL fans might want to consider this as well:


So ridiculously over-indulgent.. but oh so good!

The Top 10 DVDs of all time

Hello!

I thought I'd kick off the first real post of this blog with something decent, so may I please present to you.. The top 10 DVDs of ALL time! (tm)

Now, just to clarify, this isn't based on any lah-de-dah reader polls, or from mass survey results from the British public. This is.. well, just coming straight from me, one person.

I thought I'd make a nice compilation for you, and let you know my opinions on what are essential DVDs for any collection. I also thought I'd include some buying guides should I happen to sway your opinion. I only ever tend to shop through either HMV, Play.com or Amazon, so sorry if the buying guide is somewhat limited. I'll make it a future homework assignment to check out other online shops for DVD-Spot! But for now..

The Top 10 DVDs of All Time! (tm)

In at number 10..

The Work of Director Michel Gondry

IMDB Link

I've been a big fan of these 'Work of Director' series. For those not in the know, it's a series based around inspirational filmmakers and their work. They're all considered to be 'music video directors' but have all had varied careers in filmmaking. The first batch began with Chris Cunningham (dark, twisted, atmospheric, big on Aphex Twin) Spike Jonze (quirky ideas, also directed Being John Malkovich/Adaptation) and Michel Gondry (unparalleled imagination/camera trickery, also directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)

What I love about the series is that they really capture the individual director's vision and style superbly. The finest in the series for me is most definitely Michel Gondry's one, as he crams in an enormous amount of videos, documentaries and shorts films. I also happen to think that his videos are the best. Just watch something like 'Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be' and be prepared to be blown away. What I also love about him is that he appears to be creative in nearly every single thing he does. Even a normal TV interview splices in bizarre footage of someone turning into a potato. If all this isn't enough it also comes with a big colourful booklet with original sketches, interviews and production pictures - Truly inspirational!

It seems that Amazon have it cheapest by a whole penny, but with free delivery only on orders over £15 it looks like Play.com is your best bet!

Amazon - £13.98
HMV - £14.99 Delivered
Play.com - 13.99 Delivered


In at number 9..

Terminator II - Judgement Day
IMDB Link

If I recall correctly, this was one of the first DVDs to ever really push the format. There simply wasn't anything else like this at the time that had anywhere near as many special features and hidden bonus material on it. It still holds up now of course, and provides great insight into what is one of the best action films of all time (my opinion, but it's still true)
My only problem with this was the commentaries on it. Instead of a really intimate commentary with one or two people, they speak to many many people involved in the production in what is essentially just interviews played over the top. But aside from that minor quibble, this is essential for any collection (as is the Terminator 1 Definitive Edition in an honourable mention)

Amazon - Fuck me! £3.97??
HMV - 8.99 Delivered
Play.com - 7.99 Delivered


In at number 8..

Platoon: Definitive Edition
IMDB Link

Now you'll have to forgive me a bit on this one. It seems that there are several new releases of this under the guises of an Ultimate Edition and a Definitive Edition. They appear to be pretty much the same, with minor differences. I own the standard 2 disc special edition, which is essentially the same, but with one less documentary.

You'll find the 2 disc special edition in many many shop sales going for as little as £5. And the sad thing is that I have to fight the urge not to buy it again, as I really do love the film that much. In my opinion this is the essential war movie, even over films like Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket. Just listen to Adagio for Strings on it's own and try to keep from breaking down and crying (erm.. not that I do that you understand..) This is Oliver Stone's masterpiece, and these new DVD's provide an exceptional companion piece to the film. The commentaries are both informative and interesting, and the making of documentaries go to show you just how tough a shoot it was for all the actors.

If you can find the special edition in a sale then I guarantee that, as it's an absolute steal.

If not here's the other editions.. I think I'll probably buy one of these, as the thought of quality tin packaging is just too good for my geeky self not to have, especially given that it's one of my very favourite films!

Definitive:
Amazon - £10.48
HMV - £9.99 Delivered
Play.com - £9.99 Delivered

Ultimate:
Amazon - £19.99 Delivered
HMV - £17.99 Delivered
Play.com - Not currently available


In at number 7..

Taxi Driver
IMDB Link

You may wonder why I've included this DVD in the top 10 of all time. After all it's not a special edition, and it doesn't even start with a DVD menu. It starts the film immediately when you put the disc in, and only when you press the menu button will you see the menu.

The sole reason this DVD makes the list is this: The 70 minute behind the scenes documentary. This is one of the best companion documentaries ever in my opinion, covering the entire conception from page to screen, with interviews from all the main players. The story of the making of the film is fantastic in itself, but it's also put together in a really nice way, it's absolutely fascinating stuff.

Searching online just now I've seen that Play actually have a special edition announced for the 13th August 2007, check it out here: 2 Feature length commentaries and brand new documentaries and features - sounds good!

Until then here's the current version - you can get it dirt cheap these days:

Amazon - £5.97
HMV - £4.99 Delivered
Play.com - £14.99 Delivered


In at number 6..

Shaun of the Dead
IMDB Link

What I love about Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright is that they are DVD geeks in their own right. And so, when crafting the DVD for their first feature film, they felt it necessary to jam-pack it full of fun and interesting stuff. Not just information on the film, but features that really compliment it, and add to it. This includes things like exploring plot holes of the film, and showing you additional footage in comic book stylee. It boasts a stupid amount of commentaries (even one for the zombies!) and all the behind the scenes stuff is funny and interesting. They even have an exploration of the film from before it had even been written, which involves Wright and Pegg going through a flip chart and talking about ideas they have for scenes - excellent!

Add to that the fantastic presentation and you have yourself one fine disc!

Amazon - £3.98
HMV - £3.99 Delivered
Play.com - £5.00 Delivered

I've just recently bought Hott Fuzz from Play which is their second film, but have yet to receive it. However it sounds like more of the same which is great. They also have a combination of both Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, check it out!

Shaun of the Dead / Hott Fuzz combo - £22.99 Delivered:
HMV / Play.com / Amazon


In at number 5..

Monty Python And The Holy Grail (Extraordinarily Deluxe Edition)
IMDB Link

Yet another case of these editions getting updated on myself.. I wanted to talk about the Holy Grail Special Edition, but it seems everyone has updated to this version instead (Which by the looks is exactly the same in terms of content). Concerning the film itself, of course it is one of the funniest of all time, and arguably the best Python film too (yes even over Life of Brian)

This is a fantastic DVD, with an absolute wealth of silly and informative extras. There's some great documentary footage taken from the time, footage of current day pythons Michael Palin and Terry Jones revisiting the locations, commentaries from directors Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones as well as the rest of the pythons.. Add to this unused ideas and sketches, the Knights of the Round Table performed entirely in Lego and one the funniest trailers ever, and you have a very nice package indeed!

Amazon - £7.97
HMV - £6.99 Delivered
Play.com - £7.99 Delivered


In at number 4..

Fight Club: Definitive Edition
IMDB Link

Arrrrgh, stop updating on me dammit!! Yet again, I came on here to discuss a (now) out-dated edition of the film. I came on here to discuss the original 2 disc edition, which came in this kick-ass cardboard packaging, see it here.

But now it seems it's been updated to include more stuff, including the following new commentaries:

• Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls
• Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan and Kevin Haug

To be honest one of the best things about the original edition was the commentaries. I really like David Fincher's style, and it came across as really friendly yet engaging. His interaction with Brad Pitt and Ed Norton is great, and everything they talk about is fun and interesting. All of the other behind the scenes stuff is as you would expect. For me the greatest thing about this DVD was the presentation, which was really fitting for the film.

The film itself was hailed as the first real film of the 21st Century, and for good reason too. It's a stunning and brutal look at modern man and his feelings of worthlessness in the world. It completely nailed the 'Gen X' generation, and received massive cult following through this. Everything from story, to script, to fiming and acting is top notch - a remarkable film!

Amazon - £8.98
HMV - £9.99 Delivered
Play.com - £8.99 Delivered


In at number 3..

This is Spinal Tap: Special Edition
IMDB Link

One of the funniest films of all time, from the worlds loudest band! This film completely nails an entire history of rock music in under 2 hours, which makes any further attempts to do so completely redundant. This is Spinal Tap has to be in the running for most quotable film of all time, with practically every scene holding it's own and worthy of classic status. For me it's all about Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel, who is the star of such scenes as 'Lick my love pump', 'These go up to 11' and the 'small bread' incident. Though how anyone can top the visual hilarity of Stone Henge is beyond me, an absolute classic!

Anyway, the DVD itself is in the list as it provides such an excellent addition to the film. It keeps up the pretense that this is a real band, and plays as a tribute to them. We're treated to all of the bands music videos and advertising materials, as well as a commentary completely in-character (which is in the running for best DVD commentary of all time). Be warned, this commentary is as funny as the film, so be careful if you happen to be eating or drinking whilst listening to it!

The second disc also boasts over one hours worth of additional footage which didn't make it into the film. This clears up a few unexplained things from the film, and also boasts scenes that really truly deserve to have made the cut, the funniest for me being a discussion on the diets of monkeys (they eat bread don't you know)

This DVD goes up to 11 - a must have!

Amazon - £14.39
HMV - £5.99 Delivered
Play.com - £5.00 Delivered


In at number 2..

Se7en: Special Edition
IMDB Link

Another entry from David Fincher! Now you may have realised that the DVDs I've entered in this list aren't necessarily about all the massive amount of extras involved, but rather the quality of them and how consistent they are with the film. Luckily for this DVD it has both, with a big amount of extras that are all quality. For me, this DVD is all about the atmosphere. You may know that this isn't the most upbeat of films, and this DVD set definitely confirms that, it just breathes the atmosphere of the film.

All of the artwork and production that went into this film is fantastic, and they explore it all beautifully in the DVD. My favourite part by far is the look at the making of the journals of John Doe, which was almost as meticulous as John Doe himself. The research and production is immense, and they even talk about including real life suicide notes in it (complete with tear stains from the person writing it). Eerie, eerie stuff, but so good. It also features another commentary with David Fincher and Brad Pitt, which is again packed with information and told in a comfortable and relaxed manner - they have a good commentary chemistry together!

Amazon - £4.98
HMV - £5.99 Delivered
Play.com - £5.00 Delivered


Dun dundun Duuuuuun
In at number 1..

The Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions
IMDB Link

Well here we have it, the greatest DVD sets of ALL TIME. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how huge, ground-breaking and acclaimed the Lord of the Rings films are, but just in case, here we go: "The Lord of the Rings films are huge, ground-breaking and acclaimed!"

Peter Jackson is another one of those filmmakers who really knows what his fanbase wants. Yet another DVD geek, he packs a stupid amount into these DVD's. Between the 3 films there is a whopping 12 discs of content! I shouldn't have to tell you that that's value for money!

There really isn't much left out of these sets, save for the original theatrical cuts of the film. But in my opinion the additional content in all three only adds to the overall film rather than hampering it (with the exception of the original Shire opening).

All of the multiple documentaries and behind the scenes footage goes to show just what a special undertaking this whole production was. It's crafted with real love, with lots of features honouring Tolkien and his work, features showing every aspect of the filmmaking from page to screen, and contributions from everyone involved in the making of the films - truly essential, and deservedly number 1!

I myself, being a huge Lord of the Rings geek, bought the UBER editions that came with statues and collectables and things, but a lot of shops are selling the extended trilogy in a single boxset which is definitely worthwhile. There are other versions with new packaging and several new documentaries, but for overall style and presentation I highly recommend the following:

Extended Edition Trilogy:

Amazon - £29.97 Delivered
HMV - £49.99 Delivered
Play.com - £32.99 Delivered


And there we go! Phew what an update!

Now that I've got that out of the way I hope you won't mind me doing smaller updates in the next few posts. Feel free to post feedback and let me know your thoughts!

Until next time I'll continue to surf the net for the best deals, as well as researching all the latest new releases and updates! Expect some more features coming soon too!

Until then folks!

- Jimmy

DVD-Spot UK

Hello one and all and welcome to DVD-Spot UK - a fantastic new blogging service for all your Region 2 DVD news and discussion!

Now we have big ambitions for this, so expect a fantastic amount of content coming your way soon:

• Want to know about the best upcoming DVD releases? - Check.

• Want to read DVD reviews and submit your own? - Check...

• Want to discuss new (and old) titles, naming and shaming the best and worst? - Check Check..

• Want information and help on the latest DVD/Blue-ray technologies? - Check checkity check check check!

• Want to know all the best (and cheapest) places to get titles? - Heck yes CHECK!

Frankly, and not to be too ambitious here, but I believe this will be the best DVD discussion on the net, in the world, and perhaps the KNOWN UNIVERSE. That may be setting the bar a bit high, but it's good to aspire to something I guess.

So, if like me you have a passion for film and those shiny and enchanting discs that they arrive in then stay tuned..

I'll be seeing you soon!

- Jimmy