Winner of the International Critics' Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, this beautiful and powerful debut feature from the brilliant young Arab filmmaker, Tawfik Abu Wael, is also an important groundbreaking collaboration between a Palestinian writer/director and an Israeli producer, financiers and crew - the first of its kind.
Abu Shukri and his family have settled alone in a valley far from their home town. Tyrannical father Shukri rules the home with an iron fist, forcing his wife and three children to burn fires all day to make charcoal. When he decides to build a pipeline to bring fresh water to their home, it awakens their instinct for freedom, but carries with it tragic consequences for the entire family.
Featuring haunting music, stunning cinematography and incredibly moving performances from the non-professional cast, 'Atash' is a complex, assured and vivid first feature from an exciting filmmaker, and one to watch for the future.
"Undoubtedly a beautiful film. Abu Wael is arguable the most exciting Arab film-maker to have emerged in more than a decade."
SIGHT AND SOUND
"impressive... a bold, brave film."
Geoff Andrew - TIME OUT
"A confident, beautifully composed film."
Philip French - THE OBSERVER
"wonderfully poetic visual ideas... a thoroughly compelling fable."
CHANNEL FOUR
Running Time: 109 Minutes
Certificate: 12
In Arabic with English subtitles
DVD Bonus material includes:
Director Tawfik Abu Wael's award-winning short film "Diary of A Male Whore"
Interview with the Director
Theatrical trailer
Stills gallery
OUT ON DVD 24TH JULY 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Brief Crossing
‘The finest film yet from the ever-provocative Breillat’
Time Out
For the first time ever on DVD comes the release of controversial director Catherine Breillat’s provocative but meaningful film Brief Crossing. It will be available courtesy of Second Sight on 28 August 2006.
Breillat has never been one to shy away from the explicit in her search for a better rendering of human emotion with some of her films such as Romance and A Ma Soeur demonstrating a level of explicitness never before seen in mainstream cinema.
On an overnight ferry ride across the English Channel, French sixteen-year-old Thomas strikes up a conversation with English thirty-something Alice. Throughout the long evening, both are angling for physical affection, but their interaction remains awkwardly verbal while they work up the courage to overcome their inhibitions. The inexperienced Guillain has little in common with the worldly Pratt, so she does most of the talking, launching several bitter assessments of the male species even as the soft-spoken teenager chips away at her defenses. The question is, who is the seducer? With the sexual tension building they head for Alice’s cabin.
From the controversial director of Romance and A Ma Soeur comes a compelling and explicit portrayal of a brief sexual encounter that leads to a bitter conclusion.
Title: Brief Crossing
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Time Out
For the first time ever on DVD comes the release of controversial director Catherine Breillat’s provocative but meaningful film Brief Crossing. It will be available courtesy of Second Sight on 28 August 2006.
Breillat has never been one to shy away from the explicit in her search for a better rendering of human emotion with some of her films such as Romance and A Ma Soeur demonstrating a level of explicitness never before seen in mainstream cinema.
On an overnight ferry ride across the English Channel, French sixteen-year-old Thomas strikes up a conversation with English thirty-something Alice. Throughout the long evening, both are angling for physical affection, but their interaction remains awkwardly verbal while they work up the courage to overcome their inhibitions. The inexperienced Guillain has little in common with the worldly Pratt, so she does most of the talking, launching several bitter assessments of the male species even as the soft-spoken teenager chips away at her defenses. The question is, who is the seducer? With the sexual tension building they head for Alice’s cabin.
From the controversial director of Romance and A Ma Soeur comes a compelling and explicit portrayal of a brief sexual encounter that leads to a bitter conclusion.
Title: Brief Crossing
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Noce Blanche
'a poetic insight into taboo sex’
Mail on Sunday
‘a Gallic Fatal Attraction’
Sunday Telegraph
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of Jean-Claude Brisseau’s critically acclaimed Noce Banche, starring the stunningly beautiful Vanessa Paradis, the singer turned actress, in her feature film debut. It will be released on DVD on 28 August 2006.
Francois (Bruno Cremer) is a happily married fifty-year-old philosophy teacher. He becomes concerned that his rebellious student Mathilde (Paradis) is going to be expelled for truancy, so he sets out to try and help her. Soon his altruistic affection develops into and passionate desire and he is drawn into a passionate relationship with this enigmatic but brilliant teenager. Realising the error of his ways, he attempts to end the relationship. This however becomes impossible as the stubborn and possessive Mathilde refuses to let go, which has dramatic and dangerous ramifications for all concerned.
This haunting tale of obsessive love that won Vanessa Paradis a Cesar award for ‘most promising actress’, is skilfully directed by writer/director Brisseau and asks startling questions about the nature of desire and the consequences of succumbing to it.
Available for the first time on DVD, Noce Blanche (translated meaning ‘white wedding’) is a powerfully acted and potent piece of cinema.
Title: Noce Blanche
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Mail on Sunday
‘a Gallic Fatal Attraction’
Sunday Telegraph
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of Jean-Claude Brisseau’s critically acclaimed Noce Banche, starring the stunningly beautiful Vanessa Paradis, the singer turned actress, in her feature film debut. It will be released on DVD on 28 August 2006.
Francois (Bruno Cremer) is a happily married fifty-year-old philosophy teacher. He becomes concerned that his rebellious student Mathilde (Paradis) is going to be expelled for truancy, so he sets out to try and help her. Soon his altruistic affection develops into and passionate desire and he is drawn into a passionate relationship with this enigmatic but brilliant teenager. Realising the error of his ways, he attempts to end the relationship. This however becomes impossible as the stubborn and possessive Mathilde refuses to let go, which has dramatic and dangerous ramifications for all concerned.
This haunting tale of obsessive love that won Vanessa Paradis a Cesar award for ‘most promising actress’, is skilfully directed by writer/director Brisseau and asks startling questions about the nature of desire and the consequences of succumbing to it.
Available for the first time on DVD, Noce Blanche (translated meaning ‘white wedding’) is a powerfully acted and potent piece of cinema.
Title: Noce Blanche
Release Date: 28 August 2006
RRP: £19.99
Tony Takitani
An award-winning and unprecedented film adaptation of the work of internationally-acclaimed author, HARUKI MURAKAMI, director JUN ICHIKAWA brings to the screen Murakami’s emotive tale of solitude and obsession accompanied by a haunting original soundtrack from Academy Award-winning composer and musician, RYUICHI SAKAMOTO. Starring ISSEY OGATA (“The Sun”) and RIE MIYAZAWA, this unique film is one of the finest adaptations of the work of a major writer ever brought to the screen, and the only feature film adaptation of Murakami’s work to date.
Haruki Murakami has earned international acclaim and best-seller success with novels including Kafka On The Shore and The Wind Up Bird Chronicles. His short story ‘Tony Takitani’ was first published in English translation in The New Yorker in 2002. It will appear in hardback for the first time in this country as part of Murakami’s new short story collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, due out on 6th July 2006.
Tony Takitani had a solitary childhood. Used to being self-sufficient, Tony seems to find emotions illogical and immature; until he meets and becomes fascinated by Eiko, a woman who in turn is fascinated by high end fashion.
“something approaching perfection”
Philip French, THE OBSERVER
(4 STARS) CRITICS’ CHOICE
TIME OUT
"...a pearl." (4 STARS)
THE FINANCIAL TIMES
“Sublime” (4 STARS)
EMPIRE
“A masterclass in how to adapt visually”
TANK MAGAZINE
Running Time: 75 minutes
Certificate: U
In Japanese with English Subtitles
DVD bonus material includes:
* Documentary film “The Making of Tony Takitani” (1’07”)
* Theatrical trailer
* Stills Gallery
RELEASED ON DVD 24th JULY 2006
Haruki Murakami has earned international acclaim and best-seller success with novels including Kafka On The Shore and The Wind Up Bird Chronicles. His short story ‘Tony Takitani’ was first published in English translation in The New Yorker in 2002. It will appear in hardback for the first time in this country as part of Murakami’s new short story collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, due out on 6th July 2006.
Tony Takitani had a solitary childhood. Used to being self-sufficient, Tony seems to find emotions illogical and immature; until he meets and becomes fascinated by Eiko, a woman who in turn is fascinated by high end fashion.
“something approaching perfection”
Philip French, THE OBSERVER
(4 STARS) CRITICS’ CHOICE
TIME OUT
"...a pearl." (4 STARS)
THE FINANCIAL TIMES
“Sublime” (4 STARS)
EMPIRE
“A masterclass in how to adapt visually”
TANK MAGAZINE
Running Time: 75 minutes
Certificate: U
In Japanese with English Subtitles
DVD bonus material includes:
* Documentary film “The Making of Tony Takitani” (1’07”)
* Theatrical trailer
* Stills Gallery
RELEASED ON DVD 24th JULY 2006
Deck Dogz
Directed by Steve Pasvolsky
“dynamic drama…authentic velocity”
Variety
Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of the action-packed skate movie Deck Dogz, featuring a rare performance from the legendary international skate
superstar and 12 times world champion Tony Hawk. It will be released for the first time on DVD on 24 July 2006.
The DVD is fully loaded with a host of awesome special features including:
Commentaries with the director and skate doubles
Deleted scenes
Tony Hawk featurette
Animation featurette
Making of Deck Dogz
Real life Deck Dogz
Spasm featurette
Skater dictionary
Featuring some of the most amazing skateboard action ever seen on screen, Deck
Dogz follows the adventures of three teenage suburban skaters (the Deck Dogz) as they
embark on a quest in pursuit of their dream; to make it big in pro-skating. If only they can compete in front of their hero, skate star Tony Hawk, it might just give them their lucky break…
Written and directed by the Oscar nominated Steve Pasvolsky, with an exhilarating mix
of red-hot skateboard action, off-the-wall animation and a pumping soundtrack by
Johnny Klimek and Reinhold Heil (Run Lola Run), Deck Dogz takes a deck-grinding,
wickedly funny look at friendship, growing up and following your dreams.
Title: Deck Dogz
Release Date: 24 July 2006
RRP
(recommended retail price):
£15.99
“dynamic drama…authentic velocity”
Variety
Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of the action-packed skate movie Deck Dogz, featuring a rare performance from the legendary international skate
superstar and 12 times world champion Tony Hawk. It will be released for the first time on DVD on 24 July 2006.
The DVD is fully loaded with a host of awesome special features including:
Commentaries with the director and skate doubles
Deleted scenes
Tony Hawk featurette
Animation featurette
Making of Deck Dogz
Real life Deck Dogz
Spasm featurette
Skater dictionary
Featuring some of the most amazing skateboard action ever seen on screen, Deck
Dogz follows the adventures of three teenage suburban skaters (the Deck Dogz) as they
embark on a quest in pursuit of their dream; to make it big in pro-skating. If only they can compete in front of their hero, skate star Tony Hawk, it might just give them their lucky break…
Written and directed by the Oscar nominated Steve Pasvolsky, with an exhilarating mix
of red-hot skateboard action, off-the-wall animation and a pumping soundtrack by
Johnny Klimek and Reinhold Heil (Run Lola Run), Deck Dogz takes a deck-grinding,
wickedly funny look at friendship, growing up and following your dreams.
Title: Deck Dogz
Release Date: 24 July 2006
RRP
(recommended retail price):
£15.99
Seducing Dr Lewis
“… plays like a tribute to the very best of Ealing and Bill Forsyth” – Channel 4
“Very funny! Warm, sweet.....” – New York Times
THE RECIPIENT of a host of national and international awards - including the Audience Award (World Cinema) at the Sundance Film Festival - ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is the hugely acclaimed new comedy that has been delighting audiences wherever it has played. Fresh from its successful UK theatrical opening courtesy of Dogwoof Productions, Warner Vision is now delighted to announce that the title will be released on DVD on 26th June.
Directed by Jean-François Pouliot, ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is a charming and very funny take on truth and falsehood that follows in the hallowed footsteps of the likes of ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Local Hero’. It has the rare distinction of being selected for Sundance, Cannes (Closing Night, Director’s Fortnight) and Toronto (Special Presentation). In French Canada, the film grossed over an incredible $8 million, topping the likes of ‘The Matrix Reloaded’.
‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ was produced in Canada and is filmed in French with English subtitles.
In the little harbour village of St-Marie-La-Mauderne, the vanishing fish stocks have had a devastating impact on the once thriving community. When a small company considers building a factory on the island, the inhabitants see an opportunity for the village to be restored to greatness. There is just one fly in the ointment - the factory cannot be built without a resident doctor.
The situation seems hopeless until young, handsome and sophisticated Montreal-based physician Dr Lewis (David Boutin) has an unfortunate incident with a traffic cop and strikes a deal to spend a month on the island.
Led by their mayor, Germain Lesage (Raymond Bouchard), the villagers determine to make sure that Dr Lewis’ temporary stay becomes a permanent one. From tapped phones to a hastily assembled cricket team to something called Festival de Beef Stroganoff, they’ll do everything they can to convince the doc that their little town offers all the charms of a thriving metropolis.
However, as their deception continues, so it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.
Release Date: 26 June 2006
Cat No: 51011-4424-2
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 104 minutes
Retail Price: £17.99
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and DTS 5.1 surround
Subtitles: English
Bonus Features: Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery, Theatrical Poster
“Very funny! Warm, sweet.....” – New York Times
THE RECIPIENT of a host of national and international awards - including the Audience Award (World Cinema) at the Sundance Film Festival - ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is the hugely acclaimed new comedy that has been delighting audiences wherever it has played. Fresh from its successful UK theatrical opening courtesy of Dogwoof Productions, Warner Vision is now delighted to announce that the title will be released on DVD on 26th June.
Directed by Jean-François Pouliot, ‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ is a charming and very funny take on truth and falsehood that follows in the hallowed footsteps of the likes of ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Local Hero’. It has the rare distinction of being selected for Sundance, Cannes (Closing Night, Director’s Fortnight) and Toronto (Special Presentation). In French Canada, the film grossed over an incredible $8 million, topping the likes of ‘The Matrix Reloaded’.
‘Seducing Dr Lewis’ was produced in Canada and is filmed in French with English subtitles.
In the little harbour village of St-Marie-La-Mauderne, the vanishing fish stocks have had a devastating impact on the once thriving community. When a small company considers building a factory on the island, the inhabitants see an opportunity for the village to be restored to greatness. There is just one fly in the ointment - the factory cannot be built without a resident doctor.
The situation seems hopeless until young, handsome and sophisticated Montreal-based physician Dr Lewis (David Boutin) has an unfortunate incident with a traffic cop and strikes a deal to spend a month on the island.
Led by their mayor, Germain Lesage (Raymond Bouchard), the villagers determine to make sure that Dr Lewis’ temporary stay becomes a permanent one. From tapped phones to a hastily assembled cricket team to something called Festival de Beef Stroganoff, they’ll do everything they can to convince the doc that their little town offers all the charms of a thriving metropolis.
However, as their deception continues, so it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.
Release Date: 26 June 2006
Cat No: 51011-4424-2
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 104 minutes
Retail Price: £17.99
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and DTS 5.1 surround
Subtitles: English
Bonus Features: Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery, Theatrical Poster
J-HORROR - REINCARNATION
From the people who brought you the original Ring trilogy, the Ju-On movies, Dark
Water and the re-make of The Grudge, comes an exciting new wave of films that will
once again re-invigorate the horror genre and prove that Japanese cinema has lost
none of its ability to scare the living sushi out of audiences.
Takashige “Taka” Ichise, the producer of these hugely successful movies, all of
which have spawned Hollywood remakes, is currently producing a new ongoing
series of six horror films under the banner of J-Horror. Three films have already been completed and will be released on DVD courtesy of Tartan Video Asia Extreme.
Premonition is available on 26 June 2006, Infection on 24 July 2006 and
Reincarnation the third in the series will be released on 21August 2006.
REINCARNATION
RELEASE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2006
RRP: £19.99
From acclaimed director Takashi Shimizu (The Grudge) comes the
third instalment of the J-Horror series. On the set of a film based on a
series of horrific murders committed during the 1970s, a young actress
begins to experience the murders as if they were actually happening
around her.When she discovers of a mysterious 8mm camera and has
it developed, it leads to a string of terrifying consequences. This atmospheric and
involving mystery is a supernatural whodunit directed with consummate style.
Special Features: DTS Digital 5.1 Surround, Original Theatrical Trailer, Tartan
Trailer Reel.
INFECTION - RELEASE DATE: 27 JULY 2006
RRP: £19.99
A patient in a hospital dies due to malpractice. In a panic, the doctors responsible
stage a cover-up. Shortly thereafter, another patient is left at the hospital doors dying of bizarre symptoms. When the patient dies, the doctors involved in the cover-up begin acting strangely…then one by one develop the same mysterious and deadly symptoms.
PREMONITION – OUT NOW
RRP: £19.99
Premonition sees director Norio Tsuruta (Ring 0) weave a chilling tale of a man who
can foresee the future.
Water and the re-make of The Grudge, comes an exciting new wave of films that will
once again re-invigorate the horror genre and prove that Japanese cinema has lost
none of its ability to scare the living sushi out of audiences.
Takashige “Taka” Ichise, the producer of these hugely successful movies, all of
which have spawned Hollywood remakes, is currently producing a new ongoing
series of six horror films under the banner of J-Horror. Three films have already been completed and will be released on DVD courtesy of Tartan Video Asia Extreme.
Premonition is available on 26 June 2006, Infection on 24 July 2006 and
Reincarnation the third in the series will be released on 21August 2006.
REINCARNATION
RELEASE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2006
RRP: £19.99
From acclaimed director Takashi Shimizu (The Grudge) comes the
third instalment of the J-Horror series. On the set of a film based on a
series of horrific murders committed during the 1970s, a young actress
begins to experience the murders as if they were actually happening
around her.When she discovers of a mysterious 8mm camera and has
it developed, it leads to a string of terrifying consequences. This atmospheric and
involving mystery is a supernatural whodunit directed with consummate style.
Special Features: DTS Digital 5.1 Surround, Original Theatrical Trailer, Tartan
Trailer Reel.
INFECTION - RELEASE DATE: 27 JULY 2006
RRP: £19.99
A patient in a hospital dies due to malpractice. In a panic, the doctors responsible
stage a cover-up. Shortly thereafter, another patient is left at the hospital doors dying of bizarre symptoms. When the patient dies, the doctors involved in the cover-up begin acting strangely…then one by one develop the same mysterious and deadly symptoms.
PREMONITION – OUT NOW
RRP: £19.99
Premonition sees director Norio Tsuruta (Ring 0) weave a chilling tale of a man who
can foresee the future.
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