Decide Fate of Hollywood Movie

LIONSGATE AND HABBO TEAM UP TO LET MILLIONS OF TEENS DECIDE THE FATE OF A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE

Innovative Step in New Media Will Allow Habbo Users Worldwide To Determine The Viability Of An Animated Feature Film Based On The Habbo Virtual World Taking Place Online January 2007

SANTA MONICA, CA/LOS ANGELES, CA (January 17, 2007) – Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, goes viral this January as the company, identifying the next step in new media opportunities, has partnered with HABBO, one of the world’s largest online communities for teenagers, to allow today’s teens to determine the fate of a Habbo animated release. Utilizing this interactive technology, Lionsgate will tap directly into the online community for feedback on a potential filmmaking endeavor with Habbo. Starting on January 15, “Habbos” will be able to view ten very different animated shorts based on the Habbo World, which will be posted on Habbo.com and local Habbo sites around the world and voted on by the millions of registered users of these sites. The animated shorts were created in a variety of styles – from CGI to flash to 2-D animation by renowned animation houses from around the world. The “Habbos” will have the option to vote on whether or not Lionsgate should produce and distribute a longer feature film for the DVD and online marketplace based on their feedback on the animated shorts.

These ten “Habbo”-sodes will be available for 14 days, where registered users will be invited into the venue to screen the shorts and vote “HABBO movie or not!” Based on the resulting vote, Lionsgate and Habbo will determine whether to green light a full-length film, even using this input to determine the genre and animation style of the movie. The resulting film would be released both on DVD and online, distributed by Lionsgate.

“Lionsgate has established itself as a true leader in the distribution of family entertainment and innovative marketing. Through this unique partnership with HABBO, we are going directly to the online community and putting the power in their hands by allowing them to determine what movie they want to see,” said Michael Rathauser, Vice President of Marketing, Lionsgate. “This partnership with Habbo will also provide us with valuable information and the opportunity to explore new and different targeted electronic distribution platforms for content that resonates within a very defined audience. It’s an exciting new world of opportunity.”

“We’re proud to announce our partnership with Lionsgate. We were previously approached from several major studios. However, Lionsgate stands out as an expert in the teen film market and they share Sulake’s commitment to quality, innovation and fun,” said Teemu Huuhtanen, President, North America, Sulake Corporation.

“Habbo-sodes were submitted by key animation studios located around the world and we appreciate the immense talent contributed to this project. The opportunity to now position Habbo as a leading distribution and promotional channel of all digital content from video to music is tremendous. Furthermore, by integrating our millions of Habbo users into this project, we will be spearheading a new kind of user-generated content as we empower them with the ability to determine the future of this animated film,” he added.

This partnership between Lionsgate and HABBO marks the second time the two companies have collaborated to create a unique online experience for consumers. In July 2006, HABBO.com hosted a virtual red-carpet premiere event for Ultimate Avengers 2, the highly-successful direct-to-DVD Marvel Animated Feature. Tens of thousands of Habbos attended the screening, which was the first time the online community was able to view 10 full minutes of a never-before-seen film prior to its release.

The animations can be seen at www.habbo.com/community/animation

Screen East Online Search Engine Launched

Screen East, the Regional Screen Agency for the East of England, is delighted to launch their new improved online search engines designed to source filming locations or locally based crew and facilities companies. Over 4,800 locations, crew and facilities in the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk can now be accessed online from anywhere in the world, anytime.

Screen East promotes the East of England as the ideal location for film and television production. This valuable resource has been created to showcase the huge variety of diverse and unique locations, skills and services available in the region. It means that film and television production companies will now have instant access to thousands of location photographs and crew and facility contacts to plan and support their shoot. Kerry Ixer, Head of Locations said: “We are thrilled with the new search engines as we can now serve the filming industry’s needs at a time of day that is convenient to them wherever they are in the world.”

The economic impact of the film and creative industries is vast. In 2005/06 an estimated £25.7 million was spent on location filming in the region with the bulk of spend going to location owners, local suppliers, accommodation providers and the local workforce. Location filming therefore provides a valuable stimulus to the local economy and the enhancement of Screen East’s online searches will assist those registered with us to financially benefit from filming activity. If based in the East of England, the entire service is free of charge for anyone to register their property, freelance skills or services with Screen East.

Productions to have shot in the region have included the biggest names in film including James Bond, Star Wars, Batman Begins, Saving Private Ryan, and the

biggest production in the UK at present, Harry Potter. There are on average six production crews shooting on location in the East of England every day.

Visit www.screeneast.co.uk.

LEGACY - A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BARRY SHEENE

Documentary DVD on a Sporting Icon from EMI

"The coolest motorcycle rider in the story." Valentino Rossi

"A truly great person and personality…..Above all his personality allied to his success and the way he achieved it made him someone who was truly unforgettable."

Murray Walker

"He was just a cheeky bugger." Stephanie Sheene

A hero and inspiration to millions, Barry Sheene has a particularly unique place in the hearts of bike and sports fans the world over. Born in London in 1950, Sheene rose to fame in the 1970s for his sporting prowess, and blessed with good looks and buckets of charisma he became an inspiration to many. Breaking numerous bones and winning countless hearts along the way, he reached the pinnacle of the motor biking world, becoming a celebrity in his own right and endearing himself to the wider public. These achievements together with his personality have left an unrivalled legacy for future sporting generations. Double Jab Productions & EMI Music have produced the definitive documentary of his life and his legacy, which encompasses his childhood, to the heights of his success in the 70s, through to his untimely death in 2003 and looks at what enchanted so many people including the media. Narrated by actor and bike fan Ewan McGregor, LEGACY - A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BARRY SHEENE is a two disc DVD that features unseen footage and extras. Made with the full cooperation of his widow Stephanie Sheene, the DVD features contributions and interviews from family , friends and fellow motorsport legends such as Murray Walker, Sir Henry Cooper, Damon Hill, Valentino Rossi, Carl Fogarty, Mick Doohan and many more. LEGACY - A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BARRY SHEENE will be released in March.

LEGACY - A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BARRY SHEENE offers an intimate and frank look at the life of Sheene as a sportsman as well as the individual, putting together never before seen archive and home movie footage along with in-depth interviews with those who loved, admired and were inspired by Sheene. The DVD looks at how Sheene first became fixated with motorbikes and racing, his first race in 1969 and how in 1970 he really came into his own. Sheene rocketed to fame, winning back to back 500cc World Championships in 1976 and 1977 on his Suzuki bike, and dominated 500cc racing throughout the world for the most of the decade. The 70s was an era when safety standards were still pretty lax in the sport and the risks associated became all too apparent during his career, as Sheene was blighted with serious crashes and injuries - at one stage, he had metal plates in both knees, 28 screws in his legs and a bolt in his left wrist. A serious crash in Daytona, Florida, left him in hospital, but Sheene ever the professional still conducted interviews from his bedside. The DVD also explores Sheene's life away from the racing track, which gripped the public in equal measure and added to his persona.

Sheene enjoyed all the glamorous and lucrative fruits of his labour, and he successfully went on to establish himself as one of the UK's best loved sporting icons of his time. His popularity was in part down to his flamboyant personality and Sheen lapped up all the trappings of the good life that his success brought him; fast cars, big houses and the attention of the opposite sex. A canny operator, Sheene was aware of his marketability, and took advantage of the endorsement deals that were beginning to open up for sportsmen, including a deal with Brut, Texaco, and Faberge, Sheene's position as a household name was solidified. Once he married Stephanie McLean, a former page three girl, they became known as 'Barry and Steph' in the media, one of the most glamorous couples of the late 70s. During the 1982 British Grand Prix, Sheene suffered massive injuries from which he never truly recovered his form. Sheene eventually retired from racing in 1984, and the DVD goes on to look at Sheene's forging of a new life and career in Australia. Racing commentator, Murray Walker, knew Sheene from his childhood years, becoming a close friend and was witness to the highs as well as the lows. Together with contributions from his family and friends, these at times candid interviews, paint a rich picture of the man both on and off the race track.

“LEGACY - A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BARRY SHEENE” is made by Double Jab Productions for EMI DVD, it is produced & directed by Mark Tinkler, Executive Producer Stuart Watts.

Disc one contains the main film and extras while disc two is entirely composed of extras including extended interviews, extended home movie sequences, photo galleries and much more.

Interviews have been conducted with the following for the making of the film: Stephanie Sheene (widow), Sidonie Sheene (daughter) Freddie Sheene (son), Maggie Smart (sister), Paul Smart (brother-in-law and fellow Suzuki team rider), Murray Walker, Damon Hill, Valentino Rossi, Steve Parrish, Kenny Roberts, Mick Doohan, Carl Fogarty, Sir Henry Cooper and many many more.

Disc 2 Extras include:

Additional home movie footage, previously unseen archive material and extended interviews with the likes of Valentino Rossi, Carl Fogarty, Mick Doohan, Murray Walker, Damon Hill and many more.

Home Movies

· “Barry as a boy” commentary by Barry sister's, Maggie - watching her father's early home movies, footage never seen outside of the family before.

· “Early Racing Days” commentary by Paul & Maggie Smart, and Murray Walker & Damon Hill - watch and talk about the home movies of Sheene's early racing career from the mid-1960s to 1971,

· “The Glory Years” commentary with Andrew Marriott, Martyn Ogbourne, Peter Agg & Steve Parrish - including home movies shot by Sheene's father at Grand Prixs in 1976 & '77

Extended Interviews:

· Barry in Three words

· Barry & Steph

· Barry & Brut

· Four World Champions on Barry

Interviewees featured in “Extended Interviews” include Carl Fogarty, Mick Doohan, Kenny Roberts, Valentino Rossi, Damon Hill, Murray Walker, Sir Henry Cooper, Steve Parrish, Andrew Marriott, Maggie Smart and Barry's family of wife Stephanie and children Sidonie & Freddie.

Black Orpheus on DVD

Marcel Camus’ multi award winning film Black Orpheus made a huge impact on its original release, garnering top accolades, an Oscar, Golden Globe and Palme D’Or and putting bossa nova on the map.

This visually stunning film, based on Vinícius de Moraes musical play Orfeu da Conceição, retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice against the vibrant backdrop of the Rio carnival.

The outstanding soundtrack from Latin Jazz legend Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfa introduced the world to a new style of samba, later known as bossa nova, that was fresh, romantic and accessible to jazz hipsters.

This fantastic new transfer, featuring the extended version of the film, does full justice to the glorious colour photography and will be released for the first time on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 19 March 2007.

“More than just showcasing samba, Black Orpheus brought this music to life, making Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luis Bonfa international stars. From the very opening title scene, where favalistas burst through an ancient frieze of Orpheus and Eurydice, to the climactic Carnival parade, music pervades practically every moment of the film”. rootsworld.com
Title: Black Orpheus

Release Date: 19 March 2007

RRP: £19.99

South Bank Show Awards

On Tuesday 23rd January 2007, Melvyn Bragg will be hosting the 11th annual SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS at the Savoy Hotel, honouring the UK’s most creative and popular artists in front of a star-studded audience. This year's event will see the return of The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award which recognises rising British talent. Together with The Times critics, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS have short listed one breakthrough nominee for each of the ten award categories. The winner will be chosen by a public vote organised through The Times, to be announced on the day of the awards. This year’s nominees include Connie Fisher for Theatre, Rafi Gavron for Film, David Oyelowo for TV Drama, Simon Amstell for Comedy and Archie Bronson Outfit for Pop.

THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS, originated by series editor and presenter Melvyn Bragg, are unique in that they span the whole range of arts in Britain. There are ten categories: Theatre, Film, Dance, Classical Music, Pop Music, Opera, Literature, Comedy, Visual Arts and TV Drama, as well as The Arts Council England – decibel Award and Outstanding Achievement in the Arts. The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award was introduced in 2005 with the likes of Razorlight and James McAvoy nominated. The film director Amma Asante was voted the eventual winner and went on to scoop a BAFTA for her debut film, ‘A Way of Life’. The 2006 awards saw a new crop of rising stars battling it out for the Breakthrough Award including the director Joe Wright and rapper M.I.A.. Billie Piper, riding on the back of her success in the new ‘Doctor Who’ series, was crowned the winner on the day.

Melvyn Bragg on the nominations; “The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award has been a terrific success. The awards go to British artists across the spectrum who have achieved great things in the year. This award brings to a wide public the best of new young talent in the country many of whom, young as they are, are already out there making what could well be great and deserved reputations.”

This year’s nominations reflect the wealth of talent across the arts that have come to the fore over the last year. David Oyelowo starred in the controversial BBC Two drama ‘Shoot the Messenger’; Rafi Gavron was singled out by critics for his role in the film ‘Breaking and Entering’; Connie Fisher stormed to victory in BBC One’s ‘How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?’ and went on to critical acclaim in ‘The Sound of Music’; Archie Bronson Outfit, a 3-piece group from Wiltshire made an impact with their album ‘Derdang Derdang’; TV presenter and former host of ‘Popworld’ (C4) Simon Amstell, returned to his comedy roots in 2006 with a successful debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and as the new host of ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ (BBC Two); and Scottish author Jane Harris made a stunning debut with her novel ‘The Observations’.

Alex O’Connell, Arts Editor of The Times adds; “This year's nominees are a cultural bumper crop and The Times is delighted to be associated with an award which champions the rising stars of arts and entertainment."

THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS will be transmitted on Sunday 28th January 2007 on ITV1. The full list of nominations for all ten main categories plus the Arts Council England - decibel award will be announced in early January.

Autodesk Solutions for Blockbuster Movies

Autodesk Solutions Bring Magic to the Big Screen This Holiday Season with The Covenant, Casino Royale, Stranger Than Fiction and More

Autodesk Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ADSK) media and entertainment products have helped digital artists create some of this season’s blockbuster films. Post-production facilities relied on Autodesk solutions for visual effects creation, editing and finishing, colour grading and 3D animation.

“Autodesk provides end-to-end solutions for the entire film workflow, from idea creation and story boarding to final production,” explained Marc Petit, Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment vice president. “This allows Autodesk to have a deep understanding of all aspects of the film workflow, enabling us to create unique solutions that meet the specific needs of post-production facilities. Also, facilities with an Autodesk pipeline enjoy the seamless movement of data through the various stages of film workflows.”

The Autodesk Flame visual effects system was used by Buzz Image Group to create 33 shots for the supernatural film The Covenant. Flame artists at the facility composited 3D set extensions and actors shot on bluescreen and greenscreen into filmed backgrounds. Digital artists also used the system to create and adjust various elements such as lighthouse lighting and skies, as well as for various wire and lighting rig removals.

Furthermore, Buzz Image Group used Autodesk Flame to shape futuristic scenes for The Fountain. For one of this film’s final scenes, the system was used to create the effect of skin ripping as plants grow through it. The facility’s Flame work also involved compositing live and computer-generated (CG) growing plant elements into live-action footage. “Autodesk Flame allows us to take full advantage of our artists’ talent and creativity,” said Jacques Levesque, executive visual effects producer. “The system’s speed and interactivity let us experiment in real-time until we perfect the shot.”

Framestore CFC used the Autodesk Inferno visual effects system to create the title sequence for Casino Royale, the story of James Bond's first mission as a “double O” agent. As this was the 21st Bond film created, director and titles designer Daniel Kleinman wanted to refresh the franchise’s famous title sequence. Using gambling-related imagery and fight sequences, Framestore CFC’s Head of Inferno, William Bartlett, created a modern sequence with a retrospective feel.



Los Angeles-based LaserPacific Media Corporation used the Autodesk Lustre digital colour grading system on a variety of this season’s films, including Babel, The Black Dahlia, For Your Consideration and Stranger Than Fiction. For Stranger Than Fiction, the facility played a key role in integrating many of the film’s visual effects shots. Lustre was used to build the film’s timeline.

Colourist Mike Sowa also used the system to achieve the perfect colour choices and saturation for the film. “We recalled the look, style and feeling of Jacques Tati’s 1967 film Play Time,” said cinematographer Roberto Schafer. “Now that Roberto has seen the tremendous degree of control, he is a firm believer in the DI process,” added Sowa.

Autodesk 3ds Max 3D animation, modelling and rendering software was used by Youngu-art to model and animate legendary creatures that return to devastate planet earth in the Korean film D-War. “We chose Autodesk 3ds Max for its powerful polygon modelling, which allowed us to create the complex and detailed characters in a very intuitive and efficient way,” noted Ho-Suk Jang, computer graphic supervisor for the film. “The software’s biped character animation tools also allowed us to easily control the various types of characters as they interacted with crowds of humans.”

Several other post-production facilities used Autodesk solutions to create this season’s blockbuster films, including the following:

* Mokko Studios completed 8 hero shots for The Fountain using the Autodesk Toxik digital compositing software. In the Mayan pyramid final scene, Toxik was used to composite live-action footage of Hugh Jackman with various elements
* For Night at the Museum Rhythm & Hues used Autodesk Maya to model approximately 60 of the museum’s characters and Autodesk Inferno 2007 for compositing and colour correction. The facility also used Inferno and Maya to bring a classic story to life in Charlotte’s Web
* Cinesite used Autodesk Maya 3D animation, modelling and rendering software to create shots of a CG steam train for Miss Potter
* For The Curse of the Golden Flower Moving Picture Company created 20 shots including a CG army using Autodesk Maya
* Asylum used Autodesk Inferno and Autodesk Flame, as well as the Autodesk Smoke editing and finishing system to shape Déjà Vu. Autodesk Lustre digital colour grading system was also used to maintain colour continuity. In addition, the facility completed work for Apocalypto using Inferno, Toxik and Lustre
* Look Effects created visual effects shots for Apocalypto, Blood Diamond, Unaccompanied Minors and Rocky Balboa using Maya as well as the Autodesk Flame and Autodesk Flint visual effects systems

University trials new Xbox software

The University of Bradford has been giving suggestions and advice for a new piece of software developed by Microsoft which will allow video game enthusiasts the chance to create their own games for use on the Xbox 360 games console.

The software, called XNA Game Studio Express, will allow gamers to use a tools programme to create games for the Xbox 360 and share them via the Xbox Live online service.

Microsoft hopes that the software will not only be used by amateur game developers, but also by students. With this in mind, five UK universities were involved in the initial trial of the software, including Bradford, Derby, Hull, Belfast and Nottingham.

Students and gaming enthusiasts will be able to download the software for free, and many have already registered their interest in joining the XNA Creators Club, which allows DIY developers access to technical support, white papers, starter kits and other technology that will help them make the game authentic.

Head of Electronic Imaging and Media Communications (EIMC) at the University of Bradford, Dr Ian Palmer, said: “We’re very pleased to be part of the initial launch of Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio Express. The software will provide our students with the opportunity to easily experiment with their ideas with the knowledge that they will be able to see their invention in reality.

“This is a great chance for students to work on games without financial support, replicating the days when games were made with low budgets.”

For more information about courses and research within EIMC at the University of Bradford, visit: www.eimc.brad.ac.uk

Chronos on DVD

Ron Fricke, visionary director of the acclaimed Baraka, made his directorial debut with the stunning visual odyssey Chronos, which makes its DVD debut courtesy of Second Sight on 26 February 2007.

The film imparts a unique vision of our world – the first non-verbal, non-fiction motion picture filmed in time-lapse photography. Presented as a visual symphony in seven movements, Chronos embarks on an unprecedented cinematic journey across the worlds of natural beauty and manmade monuments, as it explores the essence of time.

Fricke burst onto the scene as director of photography for the groundbreaking Koyaanisqatsi in 1983 and has since gone on to deliver the rousing Baraka, a huge success upon its DVD release. Award-winning composer Michael Stearns provides the rousing score.

Chronos is a visual and musical journey through time from the cradle of civilization to modern day Paris.
Bonus Features – commentary and behind the scenes feature

Title: Chronos

Release Date: 26 February 2007
RRP: £12.99

Hellzapoppin’ On DVD

The ground-breaking and hugely influential comedy classic Hellzapoppin’ makes its DVD debut courtesy of Second Sight. The film was way ahead of its time and has inspired generations of comedians. It has been described as ‘Pythonesque’ and will be released for the first time ever on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 5 February 2007.

The film was based on the Broadway hit of the same name, where anything went, there was no plot and no two shows were alike.

The film stars Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson and somewhere amid the non-stop gags and hysterical mayhem there’s a plot involving the staging of a musical, a romance, a bumbling private eye and a man who keeps wandering on with a pot plant for ‘Mrs Jones’! But any plot is incidental to the speed, imagination and sheer craziness that ‘outstrips the works of the Marx Brothers’ (Time Out).

Hellzapopppin’ features the most famous and most spectacular Lindy Hop scene ever preserved on film, the breathtaking routine is performed by the wonderful Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.

Title: Hellzapoppin’
Release Date: 5 February 2007
RRP: £15.99

LOVEFiLM LAUNCHES TV DOWNLOADS

LOVEFiLM.com, the UK’s number one online film rental and download service, has added TV programmes from Discovery Networks to its product line up today.

The service, which already offers over 62,000 titles in its online DVD rental range, and over 2,000 movies and short films in its download range, will now offer over 45 titles from Discovery for download rental. Discovery Networks will provide LOVEFiLM customers with a resource of real-world video content from the company’s vast library of programming, including popular series such as Mythbusters, American Chopper, Extreme Engineering, Deadliest Catch and John Lydon’s Mega Bugs as well as documentary specials such as Da Vinci Code Declassified. Additional titles will be added each month.

LOVEFiLM has transformed the UK entertainment rental market in the UK with its revolutionary DVD rental service. The ultra convenience of DVDs delivered to customer’s homes was improved by the launch of downloadable movies to the PC in the last year. Now, customers can also download shorter-form programmes from Discovery’s family of channels..

“The LOVEFiLM download service is super fast and praised for its high quality images. Our users are crying out for the kind of great programming that Discovery is bringing to downloads”, said LOVEFiLM’s Marketing Director, Simon Morris.

He continues, “The great thing is that we can also match programmes to consumers based on their existing ratings and preferences. We know an awful lot about today’s entertainment consumer, what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. It’s great to have Discovery on board.”

“By providing some of Discovery’s best content for download rental to LOVEFiLM users, we are giving fans of Discovery’s programming more ways to enjoy content that both informs and entertains from across key categories, such as engineering, motors, science, natural history, human adventure and lifestyle,” said Melanie Honnor, Vice President of New Media, Discovery Networks Europe.

* LOVEFiLM also operates a VoD service to AOL UK customers and selected titles from the Discovery range will be available on the LOVEFiLM powered AOL service. (http://www.aol.co.uk/film/downloads/)

Universal Shows Its Bottom

THERE’S A rumbling in the basement, a rumpus in the offing and a foul smell in the air as Universal Pictures reaches for the air freshener and announces a 27th November release date for The Big Bottom Collection. With a recommended retail price of just £39.99, this brilliant new box set celebrates the very best of Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson's anarchic creations, featuring DVD releases of no less than five live shows plus Best of Bottom Live and, as an added bonus, the depraved duo’s equally riotous feature film, Guest House Paradiso.

It was 15 years ago that sad pervie Richard Richard (Rik Mayall) and his masochistic flatmate Eddie Hitler (Adrian Edmonson) first launched their whirlwind blend of slapstick, farce and abuse onto an unsuspecting British public. Three TV series and five live theatre shows of Bottom later, these two head-banging morons whose idea of a wild night is pulling out nose hair with a pair of pliers have become two of the nation’s greatest ever comedy creations.

BOTTOM LIVE – THE STAGE SHOW

Recorded live at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton during a sell out 1993 nationwide tour which left over 250,000 fans in a state of complete delirium, this is a side of Bottom that television would never dare show! For the first time unfettered by the restrictions of TV, Bottom Live - The Stage Show transported viewers into the explosively insane world of society's most catastrophic no-hopers. Surviving on a diet of vitriol, mutually inflicted wounds, booze and rotten food, they belch, curse and smash their way through the boredom of life. Totally over-the-top, completely uncensored and bloody hilarious, this is Richie and Eddie as they were meant to be seen.

BOTTOM LIVE – THE BIG NUMBER 2

Sex is the problem for Richie and Eddie, they can't get any! In this outrageous slice of obscene live comedy filmed at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, the boys become obsessed with the fact that everyone in the world apart from them is having sex - and no one will let them watch. Deciding to do something about it, they set out on a desperate quest to press the flesh, from the Queen to sheep.

BOTTOM LIVE – HOOLIGAN’S ISLAND

Filmed during their sell-out 1997 tour, we catch up with Richie and Eddie as they are marooned on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific with no food, and even worse, no booze or pornography. Will they build a raft and escape? Grasp the opportunity to embrace the earthly paradise around them? Or will they simply fart and fight, puke and poke their way through 100 minutes of hilariously outrageous live situation comedy?

BOTTOM LIVE – AN ARSE ODDITY

Filmed during the sell-out tour of 2001, we find Ritchie and Eddie where we left them - stuck on a Pacific island and still the saddest pair of losers the world has ever known. Surviving on a diet of bone-crunching nastiness and violently successful accidents, they encounter an exploding parrot, experiment with a chainsaw and indulge in a bout of enthusiastic pig worrying. Explosively insane and unfettered by any morals whatsoever, this is as disgusting and degrading as it is hilarious.

BOTTOM LIVE – WEAPONS GRADE Y-FRONT TOUR

Full Metal Jacket meets Apocalypse Now…..in the bog. Yes, it’s time for everyone’s favourite insane no-hopers to save the world from a war much bigger than a mere Middle Eastern conflict - the fight between good and underpants. Luckily, Eddie has invented a time travelling toilet to help them along the way...

THE BEST OF BOTTOM LIVE

The legendary Bottom Live tours were the most anarchic, squalid, violent and downright bloody hilarious comedies ever seen and now all the very best bits have been condensed into one hilarious DVD. Also featured are interviews with Rik and Ade’s unlucky neighbours, exclusive bloopers from the boy’s movie, Guest House Paradiso, and a brilliant Making of Documentary which reveals just how they managed to sink to such depths of depravity.

GUEST HOUSE PARADISO

Richie and Eddie’s feature film debut sees them joining forces with a whole host of luminaries, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Vincent Cassel, Sophia Myles and Fenella Fielding to name but a few.

Richie Twat and Eddie Elizabeth Ndingombaba welcome you to the Guest House Paradiso where people pay to check in and pray to check out...

Very possibly the world’s worst hotel, its chef's a drunken illegal immigrant, the waiter's been readmitted to the psychiatric hospital, Mr Twat likes rummaging through his guests' underwear and the sea-view’s not quite what it should be.

All in all the Guest House Paradiso is the perfect hiding place for sexy Italian movie star Gina "Nipples from Naples" Carbonara (Helene Mahieau), who’s on the run after jilting her fiancé, renowned playboy and former-racing driver, Gino Bolognese.

But with her ex in hot pursuit and something decidedly iffy about the fish dinner, Richie and Eddie really are going to need a miracle.


Product Information:

Release date: 27th November 2006

Running Time: TBC

Certificate: TBC

No. of Discs: TBC

Ridicule Released

Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of multi-award-winning film Ridicule from one of France’s most acclaimed directors Patrice Leconte. It will be released on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 29 January 2007.

A poor nobleman has a plan to rid his homeland of its disease infested swamp. To do this he needs backing and so heads to the court of King Louis XV1 in a bid to solicit aid. He soon discovers that the worthiness of the plan itself will not grant him an audience with the King, at Versailles the sharpnesss of one’s wit is what gets you noticed.

Patrice Leconte’s lavish, superbly written costume drama was a BAFTA winner for best foreign language film, winner of four Cesars (French Oscars) and nominated for both an Oscar and the Palm D’Or.

With such films as The Hairdresser's Husband and Monsieur Hire, Leconte has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile French directors.
Bonus Feature – ‘The Story of Ridicule’


Release Date: 29 January 2007
RRP: £19.99

New company to focus on mobile entertainment content

Namco Europe Ltd’s Web & Mobile Content division today announced the formation of a new company aimed at expanding its presence in the maturing mobile content industry in Europe. NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd will begin trading as of 1st January 2007. This is part of the overall group restructure plans, following the European restructuring by NAMCO BANDAI Group.

The new company will focus exclusively on mobile entertainment content based not only on well known Namco brands such as PAC-MAN, Galaxian and RIDGE RACER, but also the extensive portfolio of games and non-gaming content which Bandai adds, such as Tamagotchi. In addition, the company plans to publish mobile content created specifically for the European market, from both NAMCO BANDAI and third party developers.

More information about NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd, its products and services can be found online at www.namcomobile.com

“PAC-MAN”, “Galaxian”, and “RIDGE RACER” are registered trademarks of NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Tamagotchi (c) BANDAI, WiZ 2004-2005. All rights reserved.

LAUNCH OF THE IIFA AWARDS

On Wednesday 8th November 2006, celebrities, dignitaries and businesses gathered at the House of Commons to celebrate the official announcement of the International Indian Film Academy Awards Weekend (IIFAs) in Yorkshire, June 2007.

The biggest stars of Indian film, along with some of the world’s best-known international celebrities, will be arriving in Yorkshire next June for the spectacular IIFA Weekend and the exciting celebrity action will be broadcast across the world on the Star TV network. The IIFA Awards presentation ceremony has a global reach of nearly 500 million viewers.

Since its launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prestigious locations across the world, including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai, and has grown to become one of the most respected global media events.

At the House of Commons, the epitome of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA’s Brand Ambassador, was joined by dignitaries, including Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Kamlesh Sharma and Keith Vaz MP, to celebrate the return of the IIFA Weekend to the UK. Additionally, Judith Donovan, chairperson for the Yorkshire Tourism Board and Tom Riordan, CEO, Yorkshire Forward, the regional development authority which won the bid to host the prestigious IIFA Weekend, announced details of the IIFA Weekend and the anticipated impact for Yorkshire business and tourism.

Just before the official announcement, Mr. Bachchan along with Keith Vaz MP, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd, Judith Donovan, Tom Roirdion, and the Wizcraft Directors had the pleasure of meeting with Rt. HON Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Treasury. Rt. HON Brown presented Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Aga with a special certificate for their support to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). Amitabh Bachchan is the first celebrity and the sixth person in the world to be awarded with this certificate. Rt. HON Brown also extended his support to the upcoming IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire and congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid.

On the occasion Rt. HON Brown said, “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.” Mr. Bachchan was honoured to receive the IFFIm bond and said, “This noble cause has my utmost support and I would be happy to help the IFFIm Bond in whatever way I can.” Mr. Bachchan also reverently supports the Unicef and the Pulse Polio Immunisation drive in India.

IFFIm works by donors floating bonds from the commercial market. Recognising the strong moral purpose underpinning IFFIm, representatives of the major faith groups including His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, the Muslim Council of Britain, the Hindu Forum of Britain and the Network of Sikh Organisations will each buy a bond, the first six of only ten to be issued, denominated at $1,000. International celebrities Bono and Sir Bob Geldof have also bought an IFFIm bond.

At the event, Mr Bachchan who was voted BBC’s Superstar of the Millennium in 2000 pushing behind Hollywood’s biggest stars, focused on the rising popularity of Indian cinema as a major global business. Mr Bachchan said: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe and into the UK with the 2007 IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”

IIFA director Sabbas Joseph gave a presentation of the IIFA concept and the activities to be held throughout the IIFA weekend. These include business seminars, acting workshops with leading Indian film directors and actors, a celebrity cricket match and finally the film academy awards evening.

“IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular, the lead sponsors of the Idea IIFA Awards said, “Idea is delighted to be associated with the IIFA movement and its journey to Yorkshire. Idea Cellular is a part of the Aditya Birla Group, which has had a very deep association with the UK over the years. We are keenly looking forward to the celebrations at the Idea IIFA Awards in June 2007.”

Supported by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Yorkshire was successful in its bid to attract the event organisers attention. Judith Donovan said: “Yorkshire is one of the premier locations in the UK and is delighted to be hosting the eighth year of the prestigious IIFA Weekend. It looks forward to opening its doors and welcoming film personalities, business stalwarts, eminent public figures of India and the rest of the world”.

The House of Commons launch event was followed by a five-city launch the next day in the company of the Mayors of York, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford, who will flag off the IIFA Weekend announcement along with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The five-city launch will be held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television (NMPFT), Bradford.

Amitabh Bachchan was joined by dignitaries from Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire Tourism Board, Baroness Anne Taylor of Bolton and the directors from the International Indian Film Academy. Among those discussing the potential benefits of having the event on Yorkshire’s doorstep were Peter Wybenga and Amina Toher whose countries hosted the two previous IIFA Weekends in Amsterdam 2005 and Dubai 2006.

The UK and India have a long and profitable history of business relationships and the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. The economic impact of the IIFA weekend is significant and will affect sectors such as hospitality, tourism, travel, telecommunications, television and above all the world of cinema.

Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “The Indian economy is set to grow by 10% in the next 12 months alone and companies are looking to make investments overseas – especially in the UK. Hosting the awards will act as a catalyst to access the Indian market, forging stronger business and cultural links between our region and India.

“Today, Yorkshire is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful economic powerhouse. Our cities are poised to join the most famous and successful international locations and our people are seized with a rich sense of local pride and confidence.

Previous IIFA Weekend events have hosted some of the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others. IIFA Weekend celebrations, which were launched at the Millennium Dome in 2000, have travelled across South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Amsterdam and Dubai. IIFA Weekend Yorkshire marks the return of the celebration which has already become one of the worlds most-watched and sought after event.

The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.

BiBC launches ReelMaster

BiBC launches ReelMaster to revolutionise showreel distribution - Stock libraries and content owners to make major savings through digital distribution -

BiBC is today launching a new product entitled ReelMaster™, a solution that will digitise the distribution processes of stock libraries and content owners. ReelMaster™ is set to revolutionise the previously time consuming and costly process of content owners retrieving and posting video tapes and DVDs to prospective purchasers. ReelMaster™ is available immediately.

ReelMaster™ enables the fast and secure digital distribution of new titles, showcases and archive material to prospective customers / reviewers. The range of material that can be digitally distributed is vast, from clips to full length feature films. Based on MediaMaster™, BiBC’s acclaimed media distribution platform, ReelMaster delivers to content owners their own digital showcase store, through which prospective purchasers can view and then download clips. ReelMaster is a managed service solution, with BiBC managing the end-to-end process of digitising content, through to secure distribution, meaning that there is no need for technological investment on behalf of the client.

ReelMaster™ has distinct advantages for both content owners and purchasers. Purchasers can benefit from the ability to browse and stream content to see if it is appropriate before purchase. Researchers and buyers simply type in the search term for the content they are looking for and are presented with all relevant pieces of video content. Samples can be viewed before the purchasers buy and download the content. The availability of digital clips means that purchasers do not have to wait for the post to come or pay for inappropriate clips, and are in full control of the selection process, 24/7.

With a minimal set-up fee and small monthly management fee, content owners can expect to rapidly see a tangible return on investment. The content owners also benefit from no longer having to manage the process. ReelMaster can also watermark content so that the showreels can be tracked and traced to ensure copyright remains intact.

Paul Hague, managing director of BiBC, commented: “It astonishes me that in the digital age in which we live, content owners are still distributing these reels manually, spending a fortune on transport costs, when the process lends itself to digitisation. Having talked to many content owners, the same message has been repeated over and over again – that tape distribution is an unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming process - and yet until now no other solution has been available to them. We are pleased to offer a digital solution that will save these companies both time and money, whilst improving the customer experience. ”

New Screen School for Liverpool

Phil Redmond backs North West’s first Screen School

It's already the most filmed location in the UK outside London and boasts an impressive list of creative talents who have helped transform the broadcasting industry.

Now Liverpool is planning another premier by becoming home to the North West of England's first Screen School.

Developed by Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool Screen School will embrace all forms of digital media, offering practice-based education and training on all aspects of TV, film, journalism, radio and news production as well as computer games, interactive media and animation.

The new School has the backing of the BBC, Granada, FACT, EMAP and Trinity Mirror as well as leading figures such as Phil Redmond, co-founder of Mersey Television.

Phil Redmond, who is also an LJMU Honorary Professor, said:

"Liverpool John Moores University has always been quick to grasp technological solutions and the Screen School embraces the seismic shifts in digital technology that have changed how we engage and interact with, not just films, TV and radio but also the internet, our mobile phones and games consoles.

"The digital content industry in Liverpool has the potential to become one of the greatest in the world. We already have competitive games companies, design houses and production studios. The Screen School will build on this and strengthen the creative industries sector still further."

The development of the Screen School marks the next stage in LJMU's drive to become a national centre of excellence in all aspects of digital technologies.

Professor Roger Webster, Dean of LJMU’s Faculty of Media Arts and Social Science, explained:

“Creativity has always been one of Merseyside's greatest resources. The Liverpool Screen School capitalises on this potential and by dissolving the boundaries between film, television and multimedia production and embracing the potential of new technologies, we can give our students a huge advantage in this increasingly important sector."

“If the planned relocation of the BBC goes ahead, the North West will be the largest broadcasting centre outside London. The Liverpool Screen School will ensure that the region as a whole and Liverpool in particular will have the skilled and creative practitioners that the broadcasting industry needs in order to capitalise on emerging opportunities and technological developments."

Over the next three years, LJMU is planning to develop a new building to house the Screen School, bringing its programmes in journalism, media professional studies, screen studies and interactive media together under one roof.

Boasting state-of-the-art filming, editing and post-production facilities, the Screen School will form an integral part of the University's new Creative Industries Campus along with the University's new Art and Design Academy, due to open in 2008.

Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, said:

“We are a University very much connected to industry and the Liverpool Screen School is the latest manifestation of our long term commitment to equipping our students with the skills demanded by today’s employers.”

Margaret McClelland, Development Executive at the BBC, agreed:

"It's essential that Industry works with education to meet the skills agenda, developing both new skills and a new generation of talent. That talent needs to be capable of developing new products and ideas to bring technology to life for audiences. Existing professionals also need access to development and it's important that education and industry work together here too. The Screen School is a valuable addition to the industry in the region."

LJMU has led the way in forming innovative partnerships with the broadcast and digital media industries over the last 20 years.

In 1995, the University launched its pioneering media professional studies course in conjunction with Phil Redmond and Mersey Television. LJMU has subsequently forged close links with the BBC, Channel 4, Granada, EMAP, Trinity Mirror and other leading media organisations, keeping its courses professionally relevant and up-to-date while also giving students exceptional placement opportunities.

In 2001, again in conjunction with Phil Redmond, LJMU established its International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a world leader in digital content design and solutions. ICDC regularly works with the BBC, Channel 4, AMD, Nokia and Hewlett-Packard as well as local businesses and community groups.

This was swiftly followed by the UK’s first business incubator for the digital industries, DigitalINC, which has an excellent track record in attracting and retaining technology companies in Merseyside.

More recently, LJMU again became the first UK university to use cutting-edge, industry-standard broadcast software to teach journalism students how the news makes it from around the world into our living-rooms.

Wild Experiences

Feed The Lions and Help Big Cats In the Wild!

Ideal World Television Shopping (Channels Sky 634, NTL 747 and Freeview 22) has teamed up with Paradise Wildlife Park to offer a range of ‘Wild Experiences’.

To celebrate the launch of these experiences the Park is donating all the money generated from the Feeding the African Lions experience to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity that specialises in breeding endangered big cats and protecting them in the wild. The Feed the Lions experience will be available at the special introductory price of £99 but there are only 50 places, so you will have to get in quick!

Ideal World and Paradise are featuring a number of other experiences on the ‘Wild Experiences’ show, which airs from 11am to 12 noon on Sunday 12th November. In addition to Feeding the African Lions there is Feed the Tigers where the guest has the opportunity to feed a tiger by hand from outside its enclosure. Search for Santa in Paradise is a magical experience where a small group go on a special adventure to find Santa and meet his reindeer. Also on offer is Monkey Business where you are given a tour of the Park’s fantastic collection of marmosets and tamarins and finish by feeding the lemurs. A Reptile Encounter allows you to accompany one of the Park’s trained staff to meet all types of spiders, snakes and creepy crawlies in the Angkor Reptile Temple. The Animal Adoption Gift Box means you can support the welfare of your chosen animal and enjoy all the animal goodies inside. Lastly, the exclusive Ideal Day could be yours, allowing you and up to 5 VIP guests to enjoy the full facilities of Paradise Wildlife Park and get up close and personal with virtually all the animals on a behind the scenes escorted tour.

Peter Sampson, the Park’s Managing Director says, “We hope this will capture the public’s imagination by giving them the opportunity to have a memorable experience and help raise money to save big cats in the wild at the same time”.

Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, about 20 miles north of London just off Junction 25 of the M25. Paradise is highly regarded as one of the best private zoos in the UK. It is also the market leader in ‘animal experiences’, with the most extensive experiences on offer in all Europe.

The Park has an equally impressive record in terms of conservation, being one of the founding partners of Project Life Lion in 1995, an important exotic and domestic animal conservation project in east Africa and helping to establish the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.

Paradise is a very special place where you can interact with many of the animals. It provides a completely different perspective to most zoos and is an innovative blend of animals, entertainment, education and fun.

For more information about the Wild Experiences go to www.pwpark.com.

BIKER MICE FROM MARS

The Adventure Begins with their new DVD

Three of the baddest Mamajammers ever to ride, the BIKER MICE FROM MARS are back on earth and ready to rumble with the release of their new DVD, ‘The Adventure Begins’, courtesy of Abbey Home Media. Let’s “Rock ‘n’ Ride” on 30 October 2006 when the DVD will be available to buy in stores nationwide including Woolworths, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Virgin and on www.abbeyhomemedia.com.

On a mission to save their home from extinction, the Biker Mice have arrived on our planet searching for the Great General Stoker - the legendary Martian leader and the only Mouse with the formula to solve the dire water shortage on Mars. Along the way, our heroes battle those also intent on getting their hands - or paws - on Stoker, including the Catatonians, the craziest Cats ever to have their own planet.

Featuring animation from the new series, this rocking DVD includes episodes; ‘The Adventure Begins’ Part 1 & 2 and ‘It’s The Pits’ along with DVD extras including deleted scenes, original artwork sketches and character biographies. So what are you waiting for…this is the ‘must have’ children’s title this Autumn because in this wild and woolly universe there’s only three things you can count on …your brains…your bros…and your bikes!

And that’s just the beginning of this adrenalin-fuelled rollercoaster ride. You can also catch your favourite characters - Throttle, Modo and Vinnie - The Biker Mice From Mars - at 8.05am on Toonattik on GMTV1 directly after Spongebob Squarepants every Saturday this autumn.

So feel the “need for speed” and pre-order your BIKER MICE FROM MARS ‘The Adventure Begins’ DVD now online from www.abbeyhomemedia.com and receive 10% off for all new customers. Plus, if you spend £30 or more you will receive a PS2 Biker Mice From Mars game, worth £29.99, absolutely FREE! This crazy offer is subject to availability so don’t hang around the race is on!

Rev your engines and get ready to put the pedal to the metal as it’s time to “Rock ‘n’ Ride”!

For more information on your favourite characters log on to www.bikermice.tv.

Product Information

Release Date: 30 October 2006

Certificate: U

Running Time: approx. 66 minutes

Retail Price: DVD - £9.99 RRP

BRITISH HIT SINGLES & ALBUMS - No. 1 MUSIC QUIZ

CiRCLE announces a joint venture with Sony BMG Music
Entertainment as the developer of its first ever interactive DVD: ‘British Hit Singles &Albums No.1 Music Quiz’. The title draws from the massive database at Guinness World Records which is used to create the world’s best-selling pop reference book:‘British Hit Singles & Albums’.

Hosted by comedian Steve Furst (Little Britain, Orange mobile phone adverts), the
interactive quiz gives players the opportunity to find out just how much they really
know about the best pop music of the last 50 years. The family-friendly content
features over 1200 questions based on original music videos, pictures, audio clips
and general knowledge - and over ten question categories such as ‘Who Am I’, ‘Body
Language’ (charades) and ‘Hitting the Headlines’.

‘No. 1 Music Quiz’ provides a compelling challenge for pop music fans and is
predicted to be a Christmas bestseller, following in the footsteps of Circle’s 2005
chart-topping ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music Quiz’ (Virgin / Universal / EMI).
Commenting on the venture, Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of CiRCLE says: “It’s been a
real pleasure working with Sony BMG and Guinness World Records to develop this
high-profile brand on iDVD; the resulting product is original, very entertaining and
some of our best work on the format to date. The fact that Sony BMG selected
CiRCLE to develop its first interactive music quiz is testimony to the quality of our
games and we are delighted to add this title to our development portfolio.”

David Roberts, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records Book of British Hit
Singles & Albums adds: “Fans of the book of British Hit Singles & Albums have
pressed us for some time about a quiz based on the book. I think they are in for a
real treat when they see the fantastic end product produced by Circle and Sony
BMG.”

The game’s presenter, comedian Steve Furst finally comments: 'The No.1 Music
Quiz is a genuinely challenging all-round family game. Anyone who has ANY love of
music, will absolutely adore this'.

The No. 1 Music Quiz will be released via Sony/BMG on November 6th, RRP £19.99.

All Creatures Great and Small

UNIVERSAL PLAYBACK is delighted to announce that the entire fourth series of the BBC TV classic All Creatures Great and Small will be released for the first time as one DVD collection. Available as a three disc set on 26th December, its recommended retail price is just £24.99.

Based on the bestselling novels by James Herriot, the BBC adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was first broadcast in 1978 and went on to become a huge hit both domestically and internationally.

Beginning in 1937, the story revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by newly qualified vet James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) when he joins a veterinary practice in the picturesque Yorkshire village of Darrowby.

Herriot finds he still has much to learn if the country folk are ever to accept an outsider as a vet on par with Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), who established the Darrowby practice.

Nevertheless with courage, humour and a little luck, Herriot eventually earns the trust of the locals and experiences the joys and heartaches that go with caring for all creatures great and small.

Series Four continues the story of James, his wife Helen (now played by Lynda Bellingham) and his volatile but warm-hearted partner, Siegfried.

The setting is now the early Fifties, and the Dales are still suffering from the bleak austerity that gripped the nation after World War II.

Now that Siegfried’s wayward brother Tristan (Peter Davison) has landed a high-ranking position as an artificial insemination expert in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Darrowby practice is struggling to cope.

To bring in more business, Siegfried and James decide to recruit a highly qualified young Scottish vet named Calum (John McGlynn), who arrives by motorcycle with a badger in tow…..

Episodes:

One of Life’s Little Miracles; Barks and Bites; The Bull with the Bowler Hat; The Pig Man Cometh; Hail Caesar!; Only One Woof; Ace, King, Queen, Jack; The Healing Touch; City Slicker; For Richer, For Poorer.

Product Information:

Release date: 26th December 2006
Running Time: tbc
Certificate: PG
No. of Discs: 3
No. of Episodes: 10

[adult swim]

Turner Broadcasting System is responding to the huge demand for its US adult comedy animation strand [adult swim] by launching a broadband service www.adultswim.co.uk in the UK and Ireland so even more people can get to access its brilliant and unique style of ‘guerilla animation’. A launch event for the site is taking place as part of RESFEST UK on 15th November at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes in Shoreditch. The whitewashed walls, that allow the hottest of Shoreditch’s current venues to double as an impromptu art gallery and bar, will feature [adult swim] inspired art work commissioned for the launch party which will stay until mid December; you have been warned.

[adult swim] has also officially named itself the unofficial media partner of RESFEST www.resfest.co.uk, the unique festival dedicated to the very best digital arts innovation including film, music, art, design, fashion, culture and technology. As the festival, originally founded in San Francisco, reaches its 10th anniversary this year it is embarking on a global celebration which includes a week in London at the NFT (14-19 November).

Turner has already successfully licensed the television content of [adult swim] in the UK to men’s entertainment channel Bravo but the subscription only broadband service is provided by digital rights specialists Premium TV on behalf of Turner. Twelve shows are available to view online including: Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Robot Chicken; Venture Brothers; Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Sealab 2021 and Space Ghost. Each month the site is refreshed with four new full length episodes scheduled on a weekly basis.

The site provides over 15 hours of full length videos which can be viewed at any time and as many times as subscribers wish during the period they have paid for. The real advantage for fans of these shows is that they can now watch full length versions of some of their favourite episodes which they’ve been unable to do in the past.

In addition to the shows, nine games are available to play online and the content will be refreshed with two new games added on a regular basis. Featured games include Stagger from 12oz Mouse; Mooninite Marauders from Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Head Kicker II from The Brak Show; Jailbird from Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Attack of the Feverheads from Sealab 2022 and Rough Justice from The Venture Bros.

There is a £10 discount on the annual subscription package as part of a special launch offer and for a limited time period subscribers can pay just £9.99 instead of the usual price of £19.99. Subscribers can also pay for shorter time periods; 24 hours subscription costs 99p or a month’s subscription costs £1.99. All payments can be done via credit card and direct debit for annual subscription.

Alan Musa, [adult swim] VP commented: ‘[adult swim] is delighted to launch its broadband service as part of such a unique festival as RESFEST. This can only help build on the huge popularity it is already enjoying in the UK.’

[adult swim], Turner Broadcasting System’s US smash hit dedicated to edgy animation, is now available in the UK on TV and online. ]adult swim[ features non-conformist programming aimed at adults 18-34 including a broad mix of humour and unconventional animation. A late night TV block offering original and acquired animated comedy and action launched on Bravo earlier this year and a brand new UK broadband site www.adultswim.co.uk created by Turner Broadcasting went live earlier this month. [adult swim] is designed to appeal to young people who like their entertainment creative, cult and aren’t afraid to seek it out whether it’s on television or the internet.

In the UK From 7th July to 30th September [adult swim] was watched by 4 million people.

[adult swim] launched in the US in 2001.

Top actor and designer to receive DMU honorary degrees

A respected actor and a well-known fashion designer are to receive honorary degrees from De Montfort University (DMU).

Charles Dance and Karen Millen will both be made Doctor of Arts during DMU's graduations which will take place from Tuesday 7 November to Thursday 9 November.

Mr Dance is best-known for his role in the Jewel in the Crown and recently starred in the BBC's acclaimed adaptation of Bleak House. He is also an accomplished film director and made the successful movie Ladies in Lavender, which starred Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.

Originally from Worcestershire, he was a student at Leicester Art School which eventually became De Montfort University.

Karen Millen's fashion empire began when she started making white shirts at home.

Professor Philip Tasker, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "We are proud of our students' achievements and their academic success and that we are awarding honorary degrees to individuals who are highly distinguished in their different fields and who are a source of inspiration to our students.

"Charles Dance has enjoyed a distinguished career in film and television and Karen Millen has created a successful career in the competitive world of fashion.

CGI - A Christmas Carol

The much-loved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, his old business partner Jacob Marley and well-known characters such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim is updated and retold for a new generation of children and families in A Christmas Carol released by BKN Home Entertainment on 20 November 2006.

Using stunning CGI animation BKN’s A Christmas Carol offers up a wholly original and innovative take on Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic. The DVD will be presented in unique “snow-storm” packaging making it the perfect Christmas gift.

The plot is familiar to most, although this new release introduces an all animal cast. Ebenezer Scrooge is a crusty old skunk, miserly with his money and not imbued with the spirit of Christmas – there is no goodwill to all men from Scrooge, merely the curse of “Bah humbug!”.

On Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner who comes with a dire warning – that he will be doomed unless he heeds the advice of three further ghosts who will be visiting him that night.

Before Christmas Day dawns, Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future and he finally learns the meaning of peace and goodwill to all men.

This heart-warming tale is one for the whole family during the festive season.

Title: A Christmas Carol Release Date: 20 November 2006 SRP: £12.99

Unlimited Online PC Backup

Carbonite Launches Unlimited Online PC Backup For Half The Price of BT’s Digital Vault

* Simple, set-and-forget service backs up everything for less than £3 per month
* Service is 50% cheaper than BT’s Digital Vault, with no storage limits
* Strong encryption for total privacy and security
* Leading consumer backup service in the US.

Carbonite, the leading online backup service in the US,launches its Online PCBackup™ service with unlimited storage in the UK. Carbonite offers a simple backup solution for £30 per year versus BT’s £59.88 per year.

Conscious of security and privacy concerns, Carbonite double-encrypts files before they leave the user’s PC, employing techniques similar to those used by banks, the military and e-commerce sites.

Carbonite found that most people do not back up their PCs regularly. In fact, in their surveys they found that only 3% of all PCs were backed up daily. A few other surprising facts emerged from Carbonite’s market research:

* Users do not know how much backup space they need. When asked to specify how much data they had on their PCs, more than two thirds of users said “I have no idea.”
* More than half of users did not know the difference between a gigabyte and a megabyte.

“These findings help to explain why backup services that are sold by the gigabyte have not been successful in the market,” says Friend. “It is hard to sell a service when the customers don’t know how much they need and don’t understand the metrics used.”

Although hard drive crashes and human error are by far the most common causes of data loss, viruses are still a major cause, even if the user has anti-virus software installed.

Carbonite is available online through Carbonite’s web site or through online retailers such as Amazon.com or Download.com. Carbonite is widely available through retail stores in the US and is expected to launch through UK retail channels by early 2007.

To install Carbonite Online PCBackup, users can simply download a free trial at www.carbonite.com. No credit card is required for the 15-day trial period.

International Consumer Electronics Show 2007

DEFINING TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft's Bill Gates, CEA's Gary Shapiro, Dell's Michael Dell,
Motorola's Ed Zander and Disney's Robert Iger to deliver keynotes at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, USA January 8-11

The very latest technology from 2,700 global companies will be unveiled and on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, 8-11 January 2007. This year the show will also be celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The world's largest consumer electronics tradeshow, the 2007 International CES - run by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) - will showcase consumer technologies from wireless, electronic gaming, digital imaging, home entertainment, digital audio and video, mobile electronics, broadband, content media, home networking and information technologies. Covering over 30 product and technology areas, the 2007 International CES will be spread over more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibition space at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, the Sands Expo & Convention Centre/The Venetian and the Las Vegas Hilton. Last year's event attracted more than 150,000 attendees.

Some of the biggest names in the industry will be attending and delegates will be able to listen to keynote addresses given by Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corp., Ed Zander, chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola Inc., Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Co, Michael Dell, chairman of Dell and Gary Shapiro president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

"We have an amazing and unprecedented lineup to kick off the 2007 International CES with industry greats Bill Gates, Ed Zander, Bob Iger and Michael Dell," said CEA's Gary Shapiro. "These four industry visionaries will present their views of where the industry - particularly digital content and entertainment - is heading from their unique positions as heads of some of the world's most influential companies."

Building on the success of last year's Innovation Plus area based at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the International CES has added The Venetian as the 'must see' destination for 2007. The Sands area showcases the majority of the CES TechZones, conference sessions, international pavilions and much more. Attached to the Sands, The Venetian is the new home for keynote addresses and high-performance audio & home theatre exhibits.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the pre-eminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Nation on Film

“Nation on Film, the fully-funded Open University series made up of professional and amateur movie footage, returns to TV screens with six new episodes beginning with ‘Kearton’s Wildlife’ at 8pm on BBC Four on Friday November 3.

“Each film is narrated by one of Britain’s favourite actors, Sir David Jason, and following a specific theme or topic, uses a wide variety of film sources from amateur to professional, regional to national cinematic, to illustrate historical themes and give them an engaging new perspective.”

The Indy Film Co-op

Share,Network...Make Films:

Our intent is purely to provide a basis and portal for discussion, education and promotion for Independent Cinema nationally and internationally. The Co-op members have created an atmosphere where filmmakers can make contacts, develop relationships, exchange ideas and take advantage of networking opportunities. Our goal is to create an organization that truly supports the goals of its members.

What We Offer:

The loan of production and post production equipment, film screenings, online magazine and forum, screenplay contests, resource base download...including complete lists of Hollywood contacts...and all at no charge

What We Will Be Doing:

The Co-op will be launching a HD streaming video service featuring solely works of its members. This will provide exposure and the opportunity for revenue for the Co-op's members.

Join now at: http://www.indyfilmco-op.org

Haunting Hamlet Shot For Halloween

Halloween 2006 heralds ghostly goings on as a supernatural thriller version of Shakespeare’s seminal work, Hamlet (http://www.hamletmovie.co.uk), completes filming in time for a January 2007 release. Focusing on the character of the ghost as a psychopathic spirit behind all the killings, the feature film is directed by Alexander Fodor and produced by music industry-based Paul Allan-Slade, starring Wilson Belchambers in the eponymous role.

Shot throughout summer 2006 at the Gate Studio in London and on location in Southend on Sea, Hamlet has now reached rush edit stage and is going into sound treatment and musical composition.

Paul Allan-Slade, producer, says: “Hamlet is a ghost story and yet, incredibly, no one has ever told it as one. In Fodor’s Hamlet, emphasis is put on the nightmarish ether of the play, setting it in a surrealistic no-man’s land. The members of the court are painted as scheming, back stabbing and vicious personas.”

Paul continues: “This is a court put together by the maniacal Hamlet the elder (the ghost) and it is an environment that, even after his death, he controls by using children as his mediums to contact the physical world. This could only be done with film, where atmospheric music and sound effects create the subconscious messages to the viewers.”

Rather than following schoolbook definitions of the characters, Fodor’s versions have a contemporary twist. The traditionally weak Ophelia is now dominated by her elder sister, Polonia (normally a male comic role), who supplies her with addictive drugs to cement that control. Hamlet’s father, the ghost (normally an heroic victim), is now an evil psychopath, manipulating his own son to gain brutal revenge on his murderer, Claudius, without any concern for the eventual fate of his own son.

Lydia Piechowiak, who plays Polonia, says: “It’s not often you get to play the part of a doddering old man and even less likely that you get to play him as a scheming Machiavellian femme fatale. On the first day of shooting, I got to seduce a woman I was about to strangle, and then lie shot through the eye in a pool of blood. Nice.”

Character variants aside, not one single line of dialogue has been added or changed. The difference is in the delivery, with the emphasis on ensuring that an audience which may have never heard a single line of Shakespeare is able to accept it as an alternative accent of English.

Paul explains: “Take, for example, the Denmark prison scene, which can be viewed on the excerpts page of the movie’s website. In it you will see what appears to be an improvisational workshop with the actors speaking to the camera, which is in itself a character. In fact, it’s all texted Shakesperian English. But gone are the elitist parameters which ostracise the general public.”

Fodor’s Hamlet, from production house Zed Resistor (http://www.zedresistor.com), will be the forty-second film/television version of the popular ghostly tale. The five most recent Shakesperian releases have collectively grossed over $100,000,000 USD*

Clips from the production may be viewed at: http://www.hamletmovie.co.uk

*Source: www.the-numbers.com

3D-CGI Film "Haptics"

Future Thought Breaks New Ground with "Haptics"

One of the best-kept secrets in animation won’t be secret now that the sci-fi satire “Haptics” has screened at the Hollywood Film Festival and won the Hollywood Discovery Awards for the Best Animated Short Production. That event has shone a spotlight on Future Thought Productions, a five-year-old animation studio whose creativity has earned it a stellar list of clients and production partners. Future Thought has created animation for The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., MTV and Nickelodeon, yet company founder Jay Zaveri notes, “We also have been growing beneath the radar, and creating original content like ‘Haptics.’ We’ve been building a library of animated shorts that can play on mobile phones, the web, or as interstitial entertainment for theaters and TV. We believe the animation business will become increasingly cross-platform, and that there are great opportunities for those who can create content that is media-agnostic.”

“Haptics” reflects Future Thought’s commitment to extending its high-quality library. This edgy, 5-minute film depicts characters that live in a time when machines are efficient, reality is virtual, and ‘the human touch’ is out of reach. The studio uses the latest software from Softimage, often the tool of choice for feature filmmakers. The striking look of “Haptics” and its bold subject matter are undoubtedly reasons why it has already won the animation prize at the Florida Independents’ Film Festival in Tampa and now the Best Animated Short Production at the prestigious Hollywood Film Festival.

Future Thought is no stranger to honors, having won awards for animation at the Chicago Film Festival, the Ottawa International Film Festival, and at Promax and BDA in Asia. Its core team of animators work in Mumbai, India, and the reach of its productions is global. Future Thought was one of the first studios in the world to use Macromedia’s Flash software for television animation, and that expertise can be seen in Disney’s “The Buzz On Maggie” and in Warner’s “Coconut Fred’s Fruit Salad Island.” The studio has also demonstrated its 3D-CGI skills for the past two years with OzieBoo!, a series of character-animated shorts that airs in 40 countries.

Steve Kasper, Future Thought’s Director of Business Development, indicates that “Future thought has demonstrated a great amount of creative ability and has added value to every production in which we have been involved. This has led us to feel confident that we have the resources to create our own content.”

Future Thought CEO Jay Zaveri knows that maintaining a multi-skilled team of animators enables the company to develop original pieces in either 2D Flash or 3D-CGI –- targeting different media platforms as appropriate. Strong management and sound relationships with television, web and mobile companies have made Future Thought a pioneer in cross-platform animated content. “We already have a library of 3,000 animated videos that we distribute to mobile devices through fifteen operators on three continents,” he explains. “As operator technology gets standardized, we believe that the next generation of mobile and handheld devices will be exciting streaming content, little bite-sized humor and animation that provide instant gratification and entertainment.”

Whether “Haptics” will be coming to a mobile device near you anytime soon is an open question. But Future Thought isn’t waiting for opportunities to come to it – this company is determined to create its opportunities. Future Thought is already at work on a family-friendly 3D-CGI short to follow “Haptics,” and will announce details in the near future.

“Haptics” was screened at the Tampa Theatre in Florida and the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, it can also be viewed online at: www.atomfilms.com/af/content/haptics

IT’S A BUGA!

YourKindaTV Launches Annual Awards For The User-Generated Generation

Britain’s newest broadcaster launches its web based TV channel next week (November 6) with the search to find the best mobile and video clips on the planet.

Entries for the British User Generated Awards 2007 – the first ever annual awards ceremony for user generated video - will take place on February 4, celebrating the rise of citizen journalism and user generated content as a major creative and leisure past-time today.

The organiser behind The BUGAS is YourKindaTV.com, a new UK based TV website which features a range of different entertainment and news features, illustrated by clips sent in by its viewers.

The categories for the inaugural BUGAS 2007 include:

* Best Comedy Clip
* Best Mockumentary
* Best Candid Clip
* Best Live Music Clip
* Best Local News Report
* Most Dangerous Stunt
* Best User Generated Advert
* Most Original Clip

Five entries will be shortlisted in each category and then put to the public vote. The closing date for entries is January 4. The finalists will be announced on January 11 when voting will begin.

The winners will be announced at an awards bash in London on Sunday, February 4 2007.

For further details on how to enter visit www.YourKindaTV.com/BUGAS2007

YourKindaTV anchorman Simon Jones said: “The BUGAS are the perfect antidote to all those boring film and TV awards programmes which usually feature the same old shows and the same old faces. The media today is well and truly in the hands of us, the people – and so are The BUGAS, which are there for everyone and anyone who wants to have their 15 minutes, or more, of fame.”

Irreverent, outrageous and a tad controversial, YourKindaTV features a daily five to seven minute studio production of topical banter, reckless opinion and other totally off the wall features which examine life from every possible perspective.

Jointly hosted by vlog anchors Simon Jones and Layla Anna-Lee, the show provides coverage and opinion of the day’s events, together with quirky video features which have been sent in by the public.

The features are structured so that they can be easily submitted by viewers and are accompanied by an online forum where users can discuss an issue.

The show segments include:

News Headlines: a run down of the interesting headlines of the day

Gossip and chat: discussion on the most relevant topic of the day /week

Feature 1: changing schedule, user submitted or random

Sport: results round-up, gossip and opinion

Feature 2: changing weekly schedule including Tuesdays: Location report; Thursdays: Therapy and Fridays: Leisure and entertainment

Chat: including events and interviews

The producer of the daily show is YourKindaTV co-founder Michael Oxley.

Your KindaTV - Vlog Anchors

Simon Jones

Simon first began performing at Northwood School in Middlesex and went on to achieve qualifications in Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts at the University of Suffolk. Following in the footsteps of Shane Richie and Brian Connelly, Simon had his first taste of live TV as a Bluecoat presenter on Pontins Television. After three seasons of Pontins, Simon took off to Lanzarote where he learnt the art of live cabaret in his job as nightclub host in one of the island’s most prestigious resorts. On his return to the UK, Simon and a old friend from his Bluecoat days came together to form a harmony duo "Dot Combo," and went on to perform in clubs and holiday resorts in England and Wales.

Layla Anna-Lee

Before joining YKTV, Layla presented Second Sight, a live Sky TV show in which she interviewed and tested medium clairvoyants. Trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, Layla is also an experienced dancer, which, when combined with her Brazilian blood, means this girl loves hitting the Brazilian style samba bars around London to Lambada the night away. A self-confessed horror film addict, Layla recently starred as the lead in the horror flick, Hacked Off and likes nothing more than chilling out with friends and scaring herself rigid watching horror classics. Layla's other passion is Urban Exploration, an off-beat hobby where people enter and photograph abandoned buildings. She is currently mapping out an old Asylum that a group of her and her friends explore.

Umrao Jaan

UMRAO JAAN
A J. P. DUTTA FILM

IN UK CINEMAS FROM 3rd NOVEMBER 2006

Continuing with its promise to bring the best of Indian Cinema to an international platform, Adlabs Films Ltd brings you Umrao Jaan, an adaptation of Mirza Ruswa’s critically acclaimed novel Umrao Jaan Ada (1904). Veteran director J.P. Dutta has reinvented Umrao Jaan, propelling this 150-year-old masterpiece onto the big screen.

Umrao Jaan stars an ensemble of high profile artists including ex-Miss World Aishwarya Rai, New Age icon Abhishek Bachchan, woman of substance Shabana Azmi and man-of-the-world Suniel Shetty, and is already one of this year’s most eagerly anticipated films, raising the bar of adaptations. The music is composed by music maestro Anu Malik and the critically acclaimed Javed Akhtar pens the lyrics, which have been inspired by the splendour of the film to bring the musical score to a new height of melodic genius.

Umrao Jaan unveils the injustices faced by women and advocates their emancipation. Set in late 19th century India, the film tells the story of Umrao Jaan (Aishwarya Rai), a courtesan and poetess who was kidnapped as a child and sold into the country’s prevalent culture of courtesanship. Umrao becomes popular amongst Lucknow’s elite, including a nawab, a childhood friend and a dacoit with whom she attempts an escape from her brothel.

The subject matter of the film reflects modern India’s social climate, where trafficking of young girls is still prevalent. As such and in conjunction with the film’s release, the India Times is currently running an online charity auction of the film costumes with proceeds going to a girl child foundation that rehabilitates children of women from the ‘red light’ districts of India.

Pranab Kapadia, UK Head for Adlabs believes “With our ongoing commitment to bringing quality films to the UK, Umrao Jaan is one of our most prestigious projects, primarily because of its star cast and the story premise. Given the nation’s growing receptiveness to international cinema, we believe this film’s content, cinematic grandeur and stellar cast will captivate a wide UK audience.”

Producer-director J P Dutta believes that Umrao Jaan is not only “the tale of an extraordinary woman, but truly the story of every woman. I am delighted that Adlabs has taken the initiative to ensure Umrao Jaan has a far-reaching audience.”

SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN & THE BIONIC WOMAN

THE ENTIRE SECOND SEASON OF THESE TWO SMASH HIT SERIES

TO BE RELEASED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD

SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN & THE BIONIC WOMAN


"Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive . . . Gentlemen, we can rebuild him . . . we have the technology. . ."



This autumn The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman will be reunited courtesy of Universal Playback. The entire second season of both series will be released for the very first time on DVD on 23rd October at a recommended retail price of just £34.99.

The thrilling adventures of The Six Million Dollar Man - aka Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors), a NASA test pilot who survives a near fatal shuttle crash and is reconstructed at a cost of $6,000,000 - launched a wave of small screen superheroes in the mid-1970s. Beginning as a series of 90-minute movies in 1973, by 1975 it had become one of TV's biggest hits, turning Majors into an international star and launching a multitude of merchandise – from action figures to clothing - in its wake. It also introduced many pop culture elements, such as the show’s opening catch phrase and the slow-motion action sequences.

In 1975, a bionic woman arrived as love interest for Major Austin in the shape of ex tennis pro Jaime Sommers (played by Lindsay Wagner). Sommers was eventually killed off but her character proved so popular that she ended up with her own show. The Bionic Woman debuted in January 1976 and was an immediate hit (it actually topped the ratings in the UK) with Wagner going on to win an Emmy Award for her performance.

Now thanks to Playback, fans old and new can once again enjoy these two classic slices of ‘70s nostalgia.

The Six Million Dollar Man - Season 2 (No. of discs: 6; No. of episodes: 21; Cert: ‘PG’; Running Time: 17hrs 42mins approx, Cat No: 8243285)

When astronaut and Air Force Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors) is almost killed in a horrific plane crash, the US Government decides to rebuild him with experimental cybernetic parts which give him superhuman strength, speed, agility and the ability to see considerable distances. To pay the Government back the $6,000,000 it cost to rebuild him, Austin becomes a secret operative for the Office of Scientific Investigation (OSI), using his superpowers to investigate crime, espionage, space aliens and fight injustice wherever it is found.

In season two, Steve meets a glamorous blonde (played by his then real-life wife and Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett) and is also astonished to learn from boss Oscar Goldman (Richard Anderson) that a second, seven million-dollar bionic man is to be created. Later in the series, Steve becomes engaged to former girlfriend, Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner). But while the two are skydiving, Jaime has a near fatal accident. To help save her life, Steve pleads with Oscar to let Rudy operate on her…..

Episodes:
Nuclear Alert The Cross-Country Kidnap
The Pioneers Lost Love
Pilot Error The Last Kamikaze
The Pal-Mir Escort Return of the Robot Maker

The Seven Million Dollar Man Taneha

Straight on 'til Morning Look Alike

The Midas Touch The E.S.P. Spy

The Deadly Replay The Bionic Woman (1 & 2)

Act of Piracy Outrage in Balinderry

Stranger in Broken Fork Steve Austin, Fugitive

The Peeping Blonde


The Bionic Woman - Season 2 (No. of discs: 6; No. of episodes: 22; Cert: ‘PG’; Running Time:17hrs 32mins approx Cat No:8243291)

After fully recovering from her near fatal bout of bionic rejection, Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner), the first female cyborg, is assigned to spy missions of her own.

Outfitted with bionic legs, a bionic arm and a bionic ear, Jaime now leads a double life as a schoolteacher and an undercover OSI operative.

The second season finds her involved in many more weird and wonderful missions in which she is forced to become a female wrestler, don a nun’s habit and become the private tutor to a young prince


Episodes:

In This Corner, Jaime Sommers Doomsday Is Tomorrow (1 & 2)

Assault on the Princess Deadly Ringer (1 & 2)

Road to Nashville Jaime and the King

Kill Oscar (1, 2 & 3) Beyond the Call

Black Magic The DeJon Caper

Sister Jaime The Night Demon

The Vega Influence Iron Ships and Dead Men

Jaime's Shield (1 & 2) Once A Thief

Biofeedback