DVD Reviews
IN DEPTH
Die Hard 4.0
The original Die Hard launched Bruce Willis' career as an action icon and, close on 20 years later, he's still playing the part of luckless, super-tough cop John McClane. As a sequel, Die Hard 4.0 is the best in the series, coming closest to being a proper successor to the original film. It's extremely over the top, though, and more than a little far-fetched in some places. Then again, we don't watch Die Hard for plausibility s all about action, and Die Hard 4.0 has bucket-loads of that. The two-disc edition offers some interesting special features, including a very entertaining and informative interview with Bruce Willis, conducted by film-maker and actor Kevin Smith. This DVD is a must-have for action fans.
Digital Life says: Stunning action sequences make this one well worth watching
Pros: Really big explosions
Cons: A bit far-fetched at times
Harry Potter & The Order of the Pheonix
Seeing Harry Potter on screen for the fifth time was quite a treat. After a disappointing conversion of the fourth book into film, the fifth instalment shows a massive improvement in the series.
One does wonder, however, if the next two films (which will wrap up the Harry Potter series) are being made fast enough - the kids that we first met in the original film are growing up quickly, and the next two pictures will need to be at least as ambitious as this one if justice is to be done to the story. Either way, this instalment is well worth it for fans. But there's little point in watching it if you haven't seen the previous films.
Digital Life says: This one's much better than the last one
Pros: A great book conversion
Cons: The actors look older than they should be
Sunshine
Danny Boyle, the director of Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, turns his attention to the stars in Sunshine, a compelling sci-fi film. Well, actually, just one star - our own sun which, in the film, is dying. An expedition is sent to "restart" the sun with a massive explosive device. However, the gravitas of the mission, combined with the cold dark of space and the uncertainty of making it out alive, play havoc with the crew. Boyle's style is slightly experi-mental and sometimes a little jarring in this film, but that approach works for Sunshine. It is a film that will not appeal to everyone, but its cerebral, near-psychological-thriller feel is quite compelling.
Digital Life says: An interesting and compelling sci-fi film
Pros: Strong (if somewhat niche) appeal
Cons: Don't believe everything you read about the alternate ending!
Technology Home
Die Hard 4.0
The original Die Hard launched Bruce Willis' career as an action icon and, close on 20 years later, he's still playing the part of luckless, super-tough cop John McClane. As a sequel, Die Hard 4.0 is the best in the series, coming closest to being a proper successor to the original film. It's extremely over the top, though, and more than a little far-fetched in some places. Then again, we don't watch Die Hard for plausibility s all about action, and Die Hard 4.0 has bucket-loads of that. The two-disc edition offers some interesting special features, including a very entertaining and informative interview with Bruce Willis, conducted by film-maker and actor Kevin Smith. This DVD is a must-have for action fans.
Digital Life says: Stunning action sequences make this one well worth watching
Pros: Really big explosions
Cons: A bit far-fetched at times
Harry Potter & The Order of the Pheonix
Seeing Harry Potter on screen for the fifth time was quite a treat. After a disappointing conversion of the fourth book into film, the fifth instalment shows a massive improvement in the series.
One does wonder, however, if the next two films (which will wrap up the Harry Potter series) are being made fast enough - the kids that we first met in the original film are growing up quickly, and the next two pictures will need to be at least as ambitious as this one if justice is to be done to the story. Either way, this instalment is well worth it for fans. But there's little point in watching it if you haven't seen the previous films.
Digital Life says: This one's much better than the last one
Pros: A great book conversion
Cons: The actors look older than they should be
Sunshine
Danny Boyle, the director of Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, turns his attention to the stars in Sunshine, a compelling sci-fi film. Well, actually, just one star - our own sun which, in the film, is dying. An expedition is sent to "restart" the sun with a massive explosive device. However, the gravitas of the mission, combined with the cold dark of space and the uncertainty of making it out alive, play havoc with the crew. Boyle's style is slightly experi-mental and sometimes a little jarring in this film, but that approach works for Sunshine. It is a film that will not appeal to everyone, but its cerebral, near-psychological-thriller feel is quite compelling.
Digital Life says: An interesting and compelling sci-fi film
Pros: Strong (if somewhat niche) appeal
Cons: Don't believe everything you read about the alternate ending!
Technology Home
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