Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Classic War Films on Blu-ray

We have 3 classic war films to give away on Blu-ray courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment.

One winner can win Apocalypse Now (1979), The Cruel Sea (1953) and Ice Cold in Alex (1958) by just answering this simple question:

In which war is Apocalypse Now set?

Send your answer and full details via the form below. (Competition closes Monday 27th June)

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Competitions Posters

Competition: Enter the Void

Gaspar Noe’s Enter The Void is released on DVD on April 25th and to mark the occasion we have some posters to give away.

The winner will get a poster signed by the director and two runners up will get a rather funky double-sided quad poster.

This is the signed poster:

And this is the larger reversible quad version:

If you haven’t seen it, the film made our list of the best films of 2010, where we described it as:

“Technically dazzling depiction of a dead drug dealer that also features what is possibly the greatest opening title sequence of all time.”

The extras on the DVD include:

  • The French Theatrical Trailer
  • International Theatrical Trailer
  • US Theatrical Trailer
  • Set of short teasers
  • Two hallucinatory effects sequences – Vortex and DMT
  • Making Of The Special Effects featurette

The sensational opening credits sequence can be seen here (select HD for the full effect):

To be in with a chance of winning a poster just answer this question:

Which controversial 2002 film did Gaspar Noe direct?

N.B. The competition closes on April 30th

> Official site for the UK DVD which is out on Monday 25th April
> Official UK Facebook site
> Pre-order Enter the Void from Amazon UK

Categories
blu-ray Competitions

Competition: Where the Wild Things Are on Blu-ray

We have 3 copies of Where the Wild Things Are to give away on Blu-ray, courtesy of Warner Home Entertainment.

This adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s much loved 1963 children’s book has been expanded to a feature length film and is about a young boy (Max Records) who ventures to a magical land where he is anointed king by a group of strange creatures.

Director Spike Jonze has crafted an ambitious and moving treatment of the book and the result is a magical film – one of my favourites of last year in fact.

The casting is excellent: Records is not a typical child actor, with a raw quality that fits just right whilst the voice cast is every bit as good.

The choice of James Gandolfini to voice Carol (the wild thing Max becomes closest to) was inspired – brilliantly playing off his Sopranos persona, it highlights his joy, vulnerability and anger.

Chris Cooper, Lauren Ambrose and Paul Dano also chip in with excellent vocal performances, making their characters as varied and complex as they should be.

The Australian locations, beautifully captured by cinematographer Lance Acord, also add a visual richness to the film which wouldn’t have been the same if done on green screen soundstages.

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Some adults may complain that Jonze has made a children’s film that slants towards to older audiences, but this is exactly what makes the film special.

Instead of sugar coating the story and patronising the viewer, he has (along with co-screenwriter Dave Eggers) treated the source material and cinema audience with the respect they deserve.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Where the Wild Things Are on Blu-ray just answer the following question:

Which film starring Catherine Keener did Spike Jonze direct in 1999?

The closing date is Monday 31st May and winners will be notified by email.

Where the Wild Things Are is released on DVD & Blu-ray on Monday 10th May

> Where the Wild Things Are at the IMDb
> Find out more about the book at Wikipedia

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: The Passion of the Christ on DVD

We have 2 copies of The Passion of the Christ to give away on DVD, courtesy of Icon Home Entertainment.

Depicting the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus of Nazareth (Jim Caviezel), it starts with his betrayal by Judas Iscariot (Luca Lionello), his arrest and trial by Pontious Pilate (Hristo Shopov) and culminates with his crucifixion and resurrection.

Directed by Mel Gibson – who funded the film himself and co-wrote the screenplay – it uses flashbacks to a handful of pertinent moments in Jesus’ life and teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Last Supper, as well as his relationships with his mother and his disciples.

Co-starring Maia Morgenstern and Monica Bellucci, it was performed in Aramaic and Latin (with English subtitles) and was became one of the highest grossing films of 2004.

The extras on this 2-disc edition include:

  • Commentary for the visually impaired (original version only)
  • Filmmaker Commentary with Mel Gibson, cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and Editor John Wright (original version only)
  • Production Commentary with Producer Stephen McEveety, Second Unit Director Ted Rae and Visual Effects Producer Kevin Vanderhan (original version only)
  • Theological Commentary with Mel Gibson, Language Consultant Father William Fulco, Theologians Gerry Matatics and Father John Bartunek (original version only)
  • Music Commentary with composer John Debney (selected scenes – original version only)
  • Seamlessly Branched ReCut version of The Passion of The Christ (4:41 shorter)
  • Biblical pop-up Footnotes (original version only)
  • His Wounds We Are Healed: Making The Passion of the Christ (21 Chapters – 1:40:15)
  • Below the Line Panel Discussion (13:49)
  • Two deleted scenes (Pilate – 2:07, Don’t Cry – 2:25) – 4:3 widescreen
  • Through the Ages (11:56)
  • Paths on a Journey (9:22)
  • On Language (12:44)
  • Crucifixion: Punishment in the Ancient World (17:26)
  • Anno Domini (10:02)
  • Production Art
  • Art Images
  • Characters and Their Actors
  • Unit Photography
  • Trailers and TV Spots
  • DVD Credits

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However, to be in with a chance of winning a copy of The Passion of the Christ on DVD just answer the following question:

Which 1993 film was Mel Gibson’s first as a director?

The closing date is Monday 12th April and winners will be notified by email.

*UPDATE 11/04/10: We made a mistake with this competition – the year should have read 1993 and not 1995. However, any entries that named Gibson’s films from 1993 and 1995 will be included in the final draw. Apologies again. *

The Passion of the Christ is out now on Blu-ray and DVD on Icon Home Entertainment

> The Passion of the Christ at the IMDb
> Buy The Passion of the Christ on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon UK

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Twin Peaks Season 2 on DVD

We have 3 copies of Twin Peaks Season 2 to give away on DVD, courtesy of Universal Playback.

One of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the year, fans of the famous series made it the most requested title in Universal Playback’s catalogue.

Directed by the legendary David Lynch, this series picks up from the first season cliff-hanger that saw Agent Cooper (Kyle Maclachlan) shot repeatedly as he closed in on the mystery surrounding the brutal murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee).

Twin Peaks originally aired between 1990 and 1991 and quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed and popular TV series around the world.

Taking root in popular culture, even today it regularly features in lists of classic TV shows.

Notable guest appearances in Season 2 include Heather Graham, Billy ZaneDavid Duchovny and David Lynch himself as a hard-of-hearing senior FBI agent.

Season 1 was released on DVD in the UK in 2001 and has consistently been one of Universal Playback’s best-sellers ever since, shifting more than 109,000 units.

Season 2 has since been released on DVD in the US, Australia and Germany but not in the UK, until now.

In addition, Universal Playback are also releasing Twin Peaks: The Definitive Gold Box Set, which includes Season 1 and Season 2

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However, to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Twin Peaks Season 2 on DVD just answer the following question:

Which 1980 film directed by David Lynch starred John Hurt as John Merrick?

The closing date is Monday 5th April and winners will be notified by email.

Twin Peaks Season 2 is out on DVD from Universal Playback from Monday 22nd March

> Official Twin Peaks website
> Find out more about Twin Peaks at Wikipedia
> Twin Peaks at the IMDb
> Buy the Twin Peaks Definitive Gold Box Edition from Amazon UK

Categories
Competitions

Competition: Survival of the Dead on Blu-ray

George A Romero’s latest zombie film Survival of the Dead is out now on Blu-ray and we have 3 copies to give away courtesy of Optimum.

Romero helped define the zombie genre with Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978) and Day of the Dead (1985) and his latest follows characters who appeared in Diary of the Dead (2007).

Rogue soldier Sarge (Alan Van Sprang), who appeared in Diary of the Dead and Land of the Dead, leads a band of military dropouts to seek refuge from the endless chaos of the zombie uprising on the remote Plum Island.

Patriarch Patrick O’Flynn (Kenneth Welsh) and his family believe the only good zombie is a (truly) dead zombie, whilst rival clan the Muldoons believe in chaining up the un-dead until a cure can be found.

Caught in the middle, Sarge is drawn to Janet (Kathleen Munroe), Patrick’s daughter, who tries to make peace between the two warring factions.

But hope of a truce is shattered when Sarge’s best friend is killed, and the battle that follows overtakes everyone on the island, living and dead.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy just answer the following question:

Which film about a travelling rennaissance fair troupe did Romero direct in 1981?

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The closing date is Wednesday 31st March and winners will be notified by email.

Survival of the Dead is out now on Blu-ray and DVD from Optimum Home Entertainment

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Love the Beast

Love the BeastWe have 3 copies of Love The Beast to give away on DVD courtesy of Metrodome.

Aussie actor Eric Bana makes his directorial debut with this documentary about his 25-year love affair with his first car – a Ford XB Falcon Coupe aka “The Beast”.

Bana is best known for his roles in Chopper (2000), Hulk (2003) and Munich (2005) but here he explores his love of the classic sports car, with contributions from Dr. Phil McGraw, Jay Leno and Jeremy Clarkson.

Available on DVD, the extra features are:

  • Extended interview between Jeremy Clarkson and Eric Bana
  • Theatrical trailer

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To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Who directed Eric Bana in Black Hawk Down?

Love the Beast is out on DVD from Metrodome on November 16th and has a short theatrical release from Friday 13th

N.B. We never pass on any contact details to other companies or organisations as we know just how annoying unsolicited spam is.

> Love the Beast at the IMDb
> Find out more about Eric Bana at Wikipedia

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Win Drag Me to Hell on DVD

Drag Me To Hell DVD coverWe have 2 copies of Drag Me To Hell to give away on DVD courtesy of Lionsgate.

A return to the horror genre for director Sam Raimi it is the tale of a real estate agent (Alison Lohman) who falls under an ancient curse when she is forced to evict an elderly woman (Lorna Raver) from her house.

She then has three days to dissuade a dark spirit from stealing her soul before she is dragged to hell for an eternity of unthinkable torment.

Available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, the extra features on the DVD are as follows:

  • Theatrical Cut
  • 2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
  • English DD5.1 Surround
  • English HOH subtitles
  • Production Diaries:
  • The Bloody Nose
  • Inside the Psychic World
  • Makeup Effects
  • Alison in the Mud
  • Wirework
  • Nightmare
  • Justin Long Profile
  • The Parking Lot Fight
  • The Goat
  • Set Tour: The Great Room, Puzzle Car, Dragging Her To Hell

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To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which 1981 horror film did Sam Raimi direct?

Drag Me To Hell is out on DVD & Blu-ray now  from Lionsgate

N.B. We never pass on any contact details to other companies or organisations as we know just how annoying unsolicited spam is.

> Drag Me To Hell at the IMDb
> Find out more about Sam Raimi at Wikipedia

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blu-ray Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Win Is Anybody There? on DVD or Blu-ray

Is Anybody There DVDWe have 3 copies of Is Anybody There? to give away on DVD or Blu-ray courtesy of Optimum.

Set in a sleepy British seaside town in the 1980s, it tells the story of a morbid, bookish 10-year-old boy Edward (Bill Milner) who becomes increasingly obsessed with the afterlives of the residents of the old peoples’ home which his parents run, until he is distracted by the arrival of “The Amazing” Clarence (Michael Caine), an anarchic retired magician and grieving widower who is determined to age disgracefully.

As an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, the old man comes to terms with his past, the child masters his fear of the future, and both learn to seize the day.

Extras include:

  • Interview with Michael Caine
  • Interview with John Crowley
  • Interview with Bill Milner
  • Interview with Ann-Marie Duff
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • TV Spots

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To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which 2008 film starred Michael Caine alongside Christian Bale?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

The competition closes when we run out of DVDs, so that means the first 3 correct answers get a DVD. Simple as that.

Is Anybody There? is out on DVD & Blu-ray on Monday 14th September from Optimum

> Is Anybody There? at the IMDb
> Find out more about the Blu-ray Disc at DVD Times

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Fifty Dead Men Walking

Fifty Dead Men Walking DVD coverWe have 5 copies of Fifty Dead Men Walking to give away courtesy of Metrodome.

An adaptation of Martin McGartland‘s 1997 autobiography of the same name, about his time as an informant within the Provisional IRA from 1988 til 1991.

It stars Jim Sturgess as McGartland, Ben Kingsley as his British handler and was directed by Kari Scogland.

Extras include:

  • Commentary with Director Kari Skogland
  • On set with ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’
  • Exclusive extract from the book ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Theatrical Trailer

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which 2008 film starred Jim Sturgess alongside Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

The competition closes when we run out of DVDs, so that means the first 5 correct answers get a DVD. Simple as that.

Fifty Dead Men Walking is out on DVD & Blu-ray on Monday 7th September from Metrodome

> Fifty Dead Men Walking at the IMDb
> Listen to our interview with director Kari Scogland about the film
> Find out more about Martin McGartland at Wikipedia

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Competitions

Competition: Sin Nombre T-Shirts

Sin Nombre 4 t-shirts

Sin Nombre is a new film out in the UK this Friday and we have 3 limited edition T-shirts signed by the director Cary Fukunaga to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning a T-shirt just email us your details at [email protected] and we’ll enter you into the draw.

Sin Nombre UK posterThe title of the film is Spanish for “without name” and it tells the story of immigrants trying to reach the US.

One involves Sayra (Paulina Gaitan), a young Honduran woman who wants to start a new life with her father and uncle in New Jersey.

The other revolves around a Mexican gang member Casper (Edgar Flores) and his desire to escape from his violent past.

The executive producers were Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna and the film is set, and was shot in, Torreón and Coahuila, Mexico.

It premièred at Sundance earlier this year where Cary Fukunaga won the Dramatic Directing Award and Adriano Goldman won the Excellence in Cinematography Award.

When it opened in the US in March it garnered rave reviews.

Sin Nombre opens at selected UK cinemas from Friday 14th August

> Sin Nombre at the IMDb
> Read reviews for Sin Nombre at Metacritic

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Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Il Divo on DVD

We have 3 DVD copies of Il Divo give away courtesy of Artificial Eye.

Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, it explores the extraordinary career of former Italian prime minister Giulio Andreotti.

Spanning the period since the seventh election of Andreotti (brilliantly played by Toni Servillo) as Prime Minister of Italy in 1992, until the trial in which he was accused of collusion with the Mafia.

It was a firm favourite on the festival circuit in the past year and was nominated for the Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008, where it won the Prix du Jury.

A worthy recipient of universal critical acclaim, it is a riveting story also notable for some dazzling camerawork and editing which make it one of the best films to be released in the UK this year.

Extras include:

  • Anamorphic Widescreen
  • Stereo and 5.1
  • English subtitles
  • The making of Il Divo (31mins)
  • Additional interviews with director Paolo Sorrentino (29mins)
  • Special effects featurette (7mins)
  • Deleted Scenes (12mins)
  • Trailer

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which film did Paolo Sorrentino direct in 2004?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Thursday 6th August 2009

Il Divo is out on Monday 27th July on DVD from Artificial Eye

Listen to our interview with Paolo Sorrentino about the film
Paolo Sorrentino at the IMDb
Official website for Il Divo
Find out more about Giulio Andreotti at Wikipedia

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Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: The Secret of Moonacre on DVD

We have 3 DVD copies of The Secret of Moonacre to give away courtesy of Warner Bros.

Based on the novel The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge, it stars Dakota Blue Richards as Maria Merryweather, a teenage orphan who inherits an important book from her father.

That leads to her being thrown into the middle of a feud between two families.

Directed by Gabor Csupo, who made Bridge To Terabithia, it also stars Tim Curry, Ioan Gruffudd, Natascha McElhone and Juliet Stevenson.

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which 2007 fantasy film also starred Dakota Blue Richards?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Wednesday 29th July 2009

The Secret of Moonacre is out on DVD and Blu-ray from Monday 20th July from Warner Bros

> The Secret of Moonacre at the IMDb
> Buy the DVD at Amazon UK
> Find out more about The Little White Horse at Wikipedia

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Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Genova on DVD

We have 3 DVD copies of Genova give away courtesy of Metrodome.

Directed by the prolific Michael Winterbottom, this drama is the story of two American girls and their British father (Colin Firth) who move to Italy after their mother dies.

Co-starring Catherine Keener, Willa Holland and Hope Davis, it was filmed in the titular city of Genoa (Genova in Italian) during the summer of 2007.

Extras include:

  • Bringing Genova to Life: the journey from story to screen
  • Shooting Genova: on location with the cast and crew
  • Original Score: Melissa Parmenter’s acclaimed complete score

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which previous Michael Winterbottom film starred Angelina Jolie?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Tuesday 28th July 2009

Genova is out on now on DVD from Momentum

> Genova at the IMDb
> Buy the DVD at Amazon UK
Find out more about the city of Genoa at Wikipedia

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Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: The Young Victoria on DVD

We have 3 DVD copies of The Young Victoria give away courtesy of Momentum Pictures.

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée from a script by Julian Fellowes, it chronicles the early years of Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt) and her romance and marriage to Prince Albert (Rupert Friend).

There are also supporting performances from Paul Bettany (as Prime Minister Lord Melbourne) and Miranda Richardson as Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent.

It was produced by Graham KingMartin Scorsese and Sarah, Duchess of York.

Extras include:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Making of The Young Victoria
  • The Coronation & The Wedding: Behind the scenes look at the production
  • Lavish History: Look at the costumes and locations

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which current film at cinemas stars Emily Blunt alongside Amy Adams?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Monday 20th July 2009

The Young Victoria is out on Monday 13th July on DVD from Momentum

> The Young Victoria at the IMDb
> Listen to our interview with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend about the film
Find out more about the real Queen Victoria at Wikipedia

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Flame and Citron

We have 3 DVD copies of Flame and Citron to give away courtesy of Metrodome.

Set in Copenhagen 1944 as World War II approaches its dying days, it is the story of two hit men for the Danish freedom fighters codenamed ‘Flame’ (Thure Lindhardt) and ‘Citron’ (Mads Mikkelsen) secretly put their lives on the line to fight the Nazis.

The fearless and uncompromising Flame is a confirmed anti-fascist and dreams of the day when the group will assemble and openly launch an armed counterattack at the occupying power.

The more sensitive family man, Citron, used to work primarily as a driver for Flame, but now finds himself becoming more deeply involved in the group’s work.

It is based on actual events and eyewitness accounts from some of the people who experienced Bent Faurschou-Hviid (‘Flame’) and Jørgen Haagen Schmith (‘Citron’) at very close range.



Extras include:

  • Al Jazeera ‘That Fabulous Picture Show’ Q&A with Mads Mikkelsen
  • Filmed interviews with director Ole Christian Madsen and actor Thure Lindhardt
  • Theatrical trailer

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which Bond film did Mads Mikklesen play the villain?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Monday 13th July 2009

Flame and Citron is out now on DVD from Metrodome

> Flame and Citron at the IMDb
> Buy the DVD at Amazon

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Flawless

FlawlessWe have 3 DVD copies of Flawless to give away courtesy of Metrodome.

Set in London during the early 1960s, it tells the story of a janitor named Mr. Hobbs (Michael Caine) who is about to retire but does not want to leave empty-handed.

He asks Laura Quinn (Demi Moore), a disgruntled executive victimized by the glass ceiling, to help him steal from the company for which they both work: the London Diamond Corporation.

It is directed by Michael Radford, who made Il Postino (1994) and The Merchant of Venice (2004).

Extras include:

  • Trailer
  • Director’s Commentary
  • Behind The Scenes Featurette
  • Deleted Scenes

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

In which 1984 film did Michael Caine and Demi Moore work together?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday 29th May 2009

Flawless is out now on DVD from Metrodome

Flawless at the IMDb
> Buy the DVD at Amazon

Categories
Competitions

Competition: North Face on DVD

North Face DVDWe have 3 copies of North Face to give away on DVD courtesy of Metrodome.

Set in the summer of 1936, it tells the true story of two Germans who try to climb the Eiger mountain’s legendary North Face.

The climbing partners are Toni Kurz (Benno Fürmann) and Andi Hinterstoisser (Florian Lukas), who find the temptation irresistible, especially when they find out that the Third Reich is keen to see a swastika flying up top and have despatched party loyalists to begin their ascent.

Based on a true story (told in the 2007 documentary The Beckoning Silence), the film recreates the dangers of climbing one of the most dangerous mountains on earth.

Probably the most visceral exploration of man against mountain since Touching the Void, it was directed by Philipp Stölzl.

Extras include:

  • Making Northface
  • Visual Effects Of ‘Nothface”
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Interview With Philipp Stoelzl and Kolja Brandt
  • The Myth Of The Eiger North Face
  • Timeline Of Attempts On The Eiger Mountain
  • Cast & Crew Biographies
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • UK Exclusive Trailer

To stand a chance of winning a copy just answer this question:

Which 1975 Clint Eastwood film also invloved the Eiger mountain?

Just email your answers and postal address to [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday 15th May 2009

North Face is out now on DVD from Metrodome

> North Face at the IMDb
> Find out more about the Eiger mountain at Wikipedia

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Competitions Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content: Ctrl Alt Shift Short Film Competition

ctrl-alt-shiftYouth initiative Ctrl.Alt.Shift is launching n opportunity for young filmmakers to work with some of the best contemporary names from British film including Noel Clarke (Adulthood), Shynola (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy), Kinga Burza (Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl), Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton) and Saam Farahmand (Part of the Weekend Never Dies). 

The six short films that are produced will have their soundtracks scored by critically acclaimed artists including the 2007 Mercury Prize nominated Young Knives plus Shy Child, Metronomy, Jesca Hoop and The Thirst.

Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a new movement for change; it is a community for passionate and outspoken individuals joined in the fight against poverty and injustice. This autumn sees the launch of this exciting project offering young filmmakers (aged 18-25) the chance to work with aspirational names from the world of film and music, to create short films focusing on the issues that Ctrl.Alt.Shift is working to highlight. 

The three themes HIV + StigmaWar + Peace and Gender + Power, will prompt emotive, varied and stimulating responses to the brief. 

After submitting winning treatments, six young filmmakers will be paired with a director mentor, who will help them hone their vision into a short film. Their films will be used to raise awareness about Ctrl.Alt.Shift and the issues on a global scale.  We’re not after two-minutes of heartbreak in a plea for some quick-fix cash; we are looking for ideas that provoke action.

The successful applicants will also work closely with one of the artists, who will provide the soundtrack to their film. 

All winning films will be shown at a national premier in London, where young filmmakers, director mentors and artists will unveil their thought provoking shorts, challenging their audience to rethink issues and join the fight to bring about change.

By bringing together creative elite and fresh young talent the event will offer a unique platform for major global issues to be showcased. 

 

Directors involved in the project include:

  • Noel Clarke, writer of award winning film Kidulthood, which centred on the lives of west-London school kids and gritty urban street life. Clarke took the director reigns for the sequel Adulthood, the smash hit British movie of summer 2008.
  • Shynola, renowned for their critically acclaimed work with artists including Blur, Queens of The Stoneage, The Rapture and Radiohead not to mention their animation for 2005 award-winning feature film ‘Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’.
  • Saam Farahmand, recognised for his work with stars ranging from Janet Jackson, to Lightspeed Champion and dubbed as the 6th most important person today “driving music forward” by NME. Saam’s first feature ‘Part of the Weekend Never Dies’, was released in cinemas in April 2008.
  • Jim Threapleton, writer and director of powerful political thriller and 2007 Edinburgh Film Festival hit ‘Extraordinary Rendition’.
  • Kinga Burza, dubbed to be among ‘the next wave of up-and-coming directors’ by Promo magazine after signing with respected film production company Partizan of Michel Gondry fame in 2006. Since being in the UK, Kinga has shot videos for Kate Nash and Katy Perry.
  • Paul Andrew Williams, winner of the award for Best New Director at the 2007 Edinburgh Film Festival. Paul wrote and directed the critically acclaimed feature film ‘London to Brighton’ and 2008 horror comedy ‘The Cottage’.

 

Artists involved in the project include

  • Young Knives, are an Oxford based three piece who were nominated for the 2007 Mercury Music Prize with their debut, Voices of Animals and Men. Their critically acclaimed follow up album Superabundance cemented the bands place as one of the most exciting acts in the country.
  • Shy Child are Nate Smith and Pete Cafarella who confirmed their credentials by becoming the first US band to perform at the new Wembley Stadium when supporting Muse, being picked as “Pet Sound of the Week” on Jo Whiley’s Radio One show and performing on Later with Jools Holland.
  • Metronomy, are a groundbreaking electro three-piece who are hurtling towards superstardom with the release of Nights Out which prompted leading music industry figures to sit up and acclaim their genius.
  • Jesca Hoop, was formerly the nanny to Tom Waits’ children. He describes her music as “like going swimming in a lake at night”. With her childminding days behind her last year she released her genre defying debut album Kismet last year to critical acclaim.
  • The Thirst, are the first signing to Wooden Records, founded by legendary Rolling Stones bassist Ronnie Wood. Inspired and influenced by old punk records, Hendrix, drum n’ bass and hip-hop, the result is uniquely their own.

How To Enter

Young directors are invited to choose one of the current issues that Ctrl.Alt.Shift are working hard to change on a global scale (HIV + stigma, war + peace or gender + power) and demonstrate how that issue inspires their short film idea. Film ideas submitted should be easily made within ten weeks.
 
Applications will need to include: 

  1. Your treatment: A 300 word (max.) clearly showing how your idea tackles one issue 
  2. How it would work: 500 words (max.) including how you would go about filming it over a 10 week period and within budget
  3. Your experience: Any examples of work that showcases your work, ability and vision.

To enter, visit www.ctrlaltshift.co.uk follow the submission details. 

* Closing date for entries: January 31st 2009 *

Six successful directors will be selected from entries to receive a money can’t buy prize of:

  • The chance to work with a leading director to mentor you through the filmmaking process
  • Your film soundtrack written and performed by a major recording artist (Musical artists confirmed thus far include Young Knives, Shy Child, Metronomy and The Thirst with more TBC).
  • Budget to produce your film idea
  • Mentored by an experienced film producer 

 

Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a new and experimental youth sub brand of Christian Aid.

Christian Aid works in some of the world’s poorest communities in 50 countries and act where the needs are greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life that they deserve.

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Competitions

Competition: Brendon Burns – So I Suppose This is Offensive Now! on DVD

We have 1 copy of Brendon Burns’ new DVD So I Suppose This Is Offensive Now! to give away. 

In the show that won the comedian the coveted if.comedy award in 2007 (formerly known as the Perrier Comedy Award), Brendon challenges age-long stereotypes and preconceptions in his uniquely provocative manner.

Here is a sample:

To stand a chance of winning just answer the following:

Which country is Brendon from?

Send your answers to: [email protected]

The competition is open for two weeks and make sure to include your address and contact details. 

Brendon Burns – I Suppose This Is Offensive Now! is released by Universal on Monday 17th November.

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Russell Brand’s Ponderland on DVD

We have 1 copy of Russell Brand’s Ponderland new DVD to give away.

In it Brand tackles random topics including: nostalgia, childhood, science, sport, love and holidays in his usual colourful way.

The DVD contains nearly an hour of unseen live stand up recorded at pre-Ponderland warm up gigs.

Also, Russell wants his fans to come forward and prove to him that they can be as funny or maybe even funnier than him.

All they have to do is visit www.russellbrandsponderlanddvd.co.uk, watch the clips and then make their own re-enactment of the video and then upload their video.

To stand a chance of winning, just answer the following question:

Which football team does Russell Brand support?

Send your answers to: [email protected]

The competition is open for two weeks and make sure to include your address and contact details. 

Russell Brand’s Ponderland is released today on DVD by Universal Pictures UK

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: The White Planet

This week we have 2 DVDs of the documentary The White Planet to give away courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment.

It examines the impact that global warming is having on the endangered denizens of the North Pole and explores the animals in close detail.

They include: seals, giant walruses (the narwhals) and half a million caribou who make up the world’s second largest yearly migration.

To stand a chance winning a copy just answer this question:

Which 2005 film about penguins won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature?

Send your answers to: [email protected]

The competition is open until midnight next Thursday and make sure to include your address and contact details.

Here are some images from the film:

The White Planet is released on 3rd November 2008 by Optimum Home Entertainment

> The White Planet at the IMDb
> Find out more about the Artic at Wikipedia

[Images © LE CERCLE NOIR pour FIDELIO. All Rights Reserved / Distributed by Optimum Releasing Ltd. Artwork © 2008 Optimum Releasing Ltd. All Rights Reserved]

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: The Family Guy Vol. 6 on Region 1 DVD

The Region 1 DVD release of The Family Guy Vol 6 is happening this week and we have a copy to give away. 

To win you’ll have to answer a question based on these video clips about the series.

A behind the scenes look into the Family Guy writers gag room:

The writers talk about the 100th episode:

The voice actors discuss their roles:

To win just answer this question:

Which actress voices the character of Meg Griffin in the series?

Send you answers to [email protected]

Make sure to include your address and contact details and remember this is for a Region 1 DVD, so it will only play on multi-region DVD players.

> Official site for The Family Guy
> The Family Guy at the IMDb

Categories
Competitions

Competition: The Flight of the Red Balloon on DVD

We have 5 copies of the critically acclaimed The Flight of the Red Balloon give away this week courtesy of Network.

Directed by Hsiao-hsien Hou (Café Lumiere, City of Sadness), it is about a mysterious red balloon that affectionately follows a seven-year-old boy (Simon Iteanu) around Paris whilst his mother Suzanne (Juliette Binoche) is preparing to put on a puppet show.

Each DVD is a 2-disc editon that also contains the original classic film:

We also have 5 posters up for grabs for each winner, so to be in with a chance of winning just answer this simple question:

For which film did Juliette Binoche win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress?

Leave your answers in the comments below or email them to [email protected] (make sure to include your address and contact details)

The competition closes at 11pm next Thursday (25th September) and winners will be contacted soon after.

* UPDATE 19/09/08: I just found out that the DVD contains 2 films (The Flight of the Red Balloon and The Red Balloon) and not White Man as previously stated. Apologies for the mistake. *

Also, just a note to say that if you leave your answer in the comments then I’ll keep your details private but still get back to you if you are one of the winners.

* UPDATE 26/09/08: The competition is now closed. Winners will be notified in due course. *

The Flight of the Red Balloon at the IMDb
> Read reviews of the film at Metacritic

Categories
Competitions Soundtracks

Competition: The Wackness

We have a couple of CD soundtracks of The Wackness to give away this week, which features the following tracks:

  1. The What” – The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Method Man
  2. You Used To Love Me” – Faith Evans
  3. Flava In Ya Ear” – The Notorious B.I.G.Craig MackRampageLL Cool J and Busta Rhymes
  4. Summertime” – DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
  5. Can’t You See” – Total feat. The Notorious B.I.G.
  6. I Can’t Wake Up” – KRS-One
  7. The World Is Yours” – Nas
  8. Can I Kick It?” – A Tribe Called Quest
  9. Heaven & Hell” – Raekwon
  10. Bump N’ Grind” – R. Kelly
  11. Just A Friend” – Biz Markie
  12. Tearz” – Wu-Tang Clan
  13. Long Shot Kick De Bucket” – The Pioneers

To be in with a chance of winning just answer this simple question: 

In which year is The Wackness set?

Leave your answers in the comments below or email them to [email protected]

The competition is open til midnight next Thursday and the two winners will be notified next Friday.

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Competition: Seinfeld – Season 9

Seinfeld Season 9This week sees the release of Seinfeld: Season 9 on DVD and we have one set to give away courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Season 9 was of course the last ever one and this four-disc set features all 24 episodes.

Plus, there are approximately 13 hours of exclusive bonus features from the folks behind the show, including all-new interviews with Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards and Jason Alexander.

  • “The Last Lap” featurette
  • “Scenes from the Roundtable” featurette
  • “The Betrayal” – Back to Front Episode
  • A Blooper Reel
  • 22 Notes About Nothing
  • 13 Inside Looks
  • 11 In The Vault – Deleted Scenes
  • 11 Yada, Yada, Yada Audio Commentaries
  • 3 Sein-Imations
  • 5 Easter Eggs

To win all you have to do is name your favourite ever Seinfeld episode, either in the in the comments section below or via email and I’ll select a random winner in 9 days time – that means you have to get your entry in by the end of next Tuesday (29th of November).

The winner will get the DVD set:

Seinfeld Season 9 on DVD

…and 4 runners up will get either:

A Seinfeld Salt Cellar (“Property of Monks”):

Seinfeld salt cellar

…a Seinfeld stress ball (“Serenity now!”):

Seinfeld stress ball

…a script for The Big Salad episode:

Seinfeld script for The Big Salad

Or a set of Seinfeld playing cards in a collectable tin:

Seinfeld playing cards

So get those entries in now.

> Check out the official site for Seinfeld Season 9
> Find out more about Seinfeld at Wikipedia
> Seinfeld at the IMDb

Categories
Competitions DVD & Blu-ray

Tell No One DVD Competition

Tell No One DVD coverThe marvellous thriller Tell No One is out on DVD this week and we have 5 copies to give away.

An adaptation of US crime writer Harlan Coben’s multi-million best-selling novel, the film portrays one man’s frantic race against time when he begins to believe his wife, murdered several years before, may still be alive.

Pediatric Alex Beck (François Cluzet), is still devastated by the savage murder of his wife Margot (Marie-Josée Croze) when – years later – he receives an anonymous email. When he clicks on the link he sees a woman’s face standing in a crowd and being filmed in real time – Margot’s face. Is she still alive? And why does she instruct him to ‘tell no one’?

At the same time the unearthing of two bodies near the site where Margot was discovered leads to the police to reopen their case. Alex is number one suspect – and eight years down the line the police are determined that he will take the rap for murder.

Directed by young French actor/director Guillaume Canet, who starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach, it stars Kristin Scott Thomas alongside a stellar cast of French actors including Nathalie Baye, Jean Rochefort and François Cluzet.

We have 5 DVDs to give away courtesy of Revolver Home Entertainment and one lucky winner will also get a poster signed by the director, plus a copy of the novel and soundtrack.

To stand a chance of winning just email us your contact details, including your postal address, to [email protected] or via the contact page.

In the meantime check out an interview I did with Guillaume back in June by clicking below:

[audio:https://www.filmdetail.com/podcast/get.php?fla=podcast-2007-06-14-86754.mp3]

> Download this interview as an MP3 file (just right click, save as and rename)
> Check out the official UK website for Tell No One
> Check out Guillaume’s official site