Discs To Spin (2nd March)

Just a quick excuse as to why this is the first DVD compendium in two weeks. First week, the releases were turgid. Second week, I was suffering from post-Oscar hangovers.

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

Ghost Town (dir. Koepp)

A thoroughly enjoyable romp. Being a rom-com in the traditional sense, Ghost Town, doesn't stray to far from its commitments to the genre. What makes this film punch well above its weight is a variety of delicate intracies. First of all, Gervais is able to deliver a geniune dose of pathos to his lead character as the film enters its middle act. Secondly, the romance aspect isn't played to overkill. The film is primarily a comedy and the romance segments serve as an accompaniment to the comedy. Far too many rom-coms play it the other way round resulting in unconventional situations and unbelieveable dialogue (see rom-coms circa 1940-2008).

It's a geniunely heartfelt film with straight up performances. Ohh and the ending is delightful!

Grade: B+ (7.5/10)

Other releases this week:

Mary Poppins: 45th Anniversary Edition

Hardly a new release per se, but this version of the 1960's classic boots extras to burn. As a new release you'll be hard pushed to find it for less than a tenner and really the only difference between this edition and the 40th Anniversary Edition is the segment on the broadway musical. Pick up one or the other though as Mary Poppins should be an indispensible addition to any self-aggrandizing collection.

BARGAIN BLU RAY OF THE WEEK

Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2 (Blu-Ray)

I'm a little bit annoyed as PLAY.COM had this title for a bargain £17.99 just last week! The price has now gone up to £25.99 but that's still at least £7 cheaper than any other retailer. HMV has it for £39.99, Amazon for £32.99 (short time only) and Zavvi...well Zavvi exists no more!

Sorry I didn't mention the cheaper price last week. Those were hazy days...