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THEY SLIME. THEY OOZE. THEY KILL. From celebrated Spanish director Juan Piquer Simón, the man behind the truly demented slasher flick Pieces (1982), comes a terrifying tale of mutant slugs on the rampage in small-town America. The townsfolk of a rural community are dying in strange and gruesome circumstances. Following the trail of horrifically mutilated cadavers, resident health inspector Mike Brady is on the case to piece together the mystery. He soon comes to a terrifying conclusion – giant slugs are breeding in the sewers beneath the town, and they’re making a meal of the locals! Based on the novel by acclaimed British horror author Shaun Hutson, Slugs outdoes its creature feature peers by adding an extra dose of gross-out gore into the equation, culminating in one of the most squirm-inducing animal attack movies ever to slither its way across screens. SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS Brand new restoration from original film elements High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation Original Uncompressed PCM Stereo audio Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Audio commentary by writer and filmmaker Chris Alexander Here’s Slugs In Your Eye – an interview with actor Emilio Linder They Slime, They Ooze, They Kill: The Effects of Slugs – an interview with special effects artist Carlo De Marchis Invasion USA – an interview with art director Gonzalo Gonzalo The Lyons Den – an interview and locations tour with production manager Larry Ann Evans 1988 Goya Awards promo reel Original Theatrical Trailer Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Wes Benscoter Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by writer Michael Gingold

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The Terror: Infamy, chronicles a series of bizarre deaths that haunt a Japanese American community.

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Director Simon Wincer’s psychological thriller melds character drama with moments of shocking violence and nail biting suspense. Featuring atmospheric photography and a pulsating soundtrack from Brian May (MAD MAX), SNAPSHOT is a forgotten gem of Ozsploitation, now newly restored in 4K and presented in two versions.

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Product Description The Film That Could Only Be Made In South America… Where Life Is CHEAP! Deep in South America, a Manson-like cult leader named Satan cavorts with his bevy of beautiful biker-chick followers while compelling them to kill in his name. When sexy American ac Review 'One Of The Most Notorious Exploitation Movies Of All Time!' --The Video Vacuum

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD) Top About this item Similar From the Brand Reviews The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD) Top About this item Similar From the Brand Reviews The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season

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FALLOUT Synopsis: On a dangerous assignment to recover stolen plutonium, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) chooses to save his team over completing the mission, allowing nuclear weapons to fall into the hands of a deadly network of highly-skilled operatives intent on destroying civilization. Now, with the world at risk, Ethan and his IMF team (Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson) are forced to become reluctant partners with a hard-hitting CIA agent (Henry Cavill) as they race against time to stop the nuclear fallout. There's never been a threat more destructive, stunts so jaw-dropping in the film critics are calling "the best Mission yet!" (Erik Davis, Fandango). 147 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English. Two-disc set.

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Set in a small US town where everyone knows each other, mild-mannered philosophy professor EVAN BIRCH spends his days teaching college students to explore the nature of truth. One afternoon, he's pulled over by the police and questioned about the disappearance of a local high school cheerleader. He denies any involvement but struggles to remember his movements on the day in question where a witnes

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The greatest adventure of all time begins with Star Trek, the incredible story of a young crew's maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with action, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. CREDITS: Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg Directors: J.J. Abrams FEATURES: Format: AC-3, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen Language: English Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish Dubbed: French, Portuguese, Spanish Region: Region A/1 Number of discs: 3 Rated: PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned Studio: PARAMOUNT Run Time: 126 minutes Star Trek XI -- 4K ULTRA HD

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The greatest adventure of all time begins with Star Trek, the incredible story of a young crew's maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with action, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. CREDITS: Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg Directors: J.J. Abrams FEATURES: Format: AC-3, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen Language: English Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish Dubbed: French, Portuguese, Spanish Region: Region A/1 Number of discs: 3 Rated: PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned Studio: PARAMOUNT Run Time: 126 minutes Star Trek XI -- 4K ULTRA HD

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"Star Trek Beyond," the highly anticipated next installment in the globally popular Star Trek franchise, created by Gene Roddenberry and reintroduced by J.J. Abrams in 2009, returns with director Justin Lin (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise) at the helm of this epic voyage of the U.S.S. Enterprise and her intrepid crew. In “Beyond," the Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.

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Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and his crew are stranded on an uncharted world after the Enterprise suffers a surprise attack by vicious alien commander Krall (Idris Elba). With help from a scavenger (Sofia Boutella) also marooned on the planet, Kirk and his people must find a way to foil Krall's plan to use an ancient and deadly bioweapon to wage war on the Federation. Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg (who also co-wrote), John Cho, and Anton Yelchin co-star in this hit sci-fi sequel. 122 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English (SDH), French, Portuguese, Spanish; deleted scenes; more. Blu-ray 3D requires a 3D television, a 3D Blu-ray player, and special glasses to reproduce the original theatrical experience. Number of discs: Three - 3D Blu-ray/2D Blu-ray/DVD

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Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and his crew are stranded on an uncharted world after the Enterprise suffers a surprise attack by vicious alien commander Krall (Idris Elba). With help from a scavenger (Sofia Boutella) also marooned on the planet, Kirk and his people must find a way to foil Krall’s plan to use an ancient and deadly bioweapon to wage war on the Federation. Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg (who also co-wrote), John Cho, and Anton Yelchin co-star in this hit sci-fi sequel. 122 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English (SDH), French, Portuguese, Spanish; deleted scenes; more. Two-disc set. CREDITS: Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Zoë Saldana, John Cho FEATURES: Format: 4K Language: English Region: Region A/1 Number of discs: 2 Rated: PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned Studio: Paramount Run Time: 122 minutes Star Trek Beyond 4K ULTRA HD

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When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. The digital code works irrespective of the expiry date.

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J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek: Into Darkness" is the best-reviewed blockbuster of the year. When a ruthless mastermind known as Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch) declares a one-man war on the Federation, Captain Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), and the darling crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise will embark on the greatest manhunt in history. It will take all of their skills and teamwork to defend Earth and eliminate Khan's threat in this "sleek, thrilling epic." CREDITS: Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg Directors: J.J. Abrams FEATURES: Format: 4K, Widescreen Language: English Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish Dubbed: French, Portuguese, Spanish Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.) Number of discs: 3 Rated: PG-13 Parents Strongly Cautioned Studio: PARAMOUNT Run Time: 131 minutes Star Trek: Into Darkness -- 4K ULTRA HD

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD)

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD)

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD)

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Ninth Season (BD) (BD) Prepare to enter phase nine of television’s perpetual laughter experiment as THE BIG BANG THEORY successfully fuses the elements of science and sitcom. Our two genius roommates – Leonard and Sheldon ¬– and their friends are back once again (smarter, but no wiser). Last season, Sheldon went soul-searching (on a train, of course) and was prepared to make some substantial revisions on his Relationship Agreement with Amy, when everything changed. Leonard, meanwhile, was off to Vegas with Penny to finally tie the knot in the season finale. Howard finds himself alone with Bernadette after the sudden passing of his mother; while Raj is not only talking to women – he’s getting exclusive with Emily (Laura Spencer). Together, they will all learn that life is far more complicated outside of the lab as love and friendship never produce predictable results!

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STOLEN follows Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage), a master thief who has been sent to prison for eight years after being double-crossed in a heist gone awry. Upon his release, he's ready to leave his criminal past behind and rebuild his relationship with estranged daughter, Alison Loeb (Sami Gayle). Montgomery's former criminal cohorts and FBI agent Tim Harlend (Danny Huston), are all convinced that the $10 Million dollars was hidden away by Montgomery before he was sentenced. In order to get his hands on it, former partner in crime, Vincent (Josh Lucas), kidnaps Alison and demands the missing loot as ransom; giving Montgomery one day to deliver. Montgomery is left with only one choice: To trust his instincts and join forces again with another old partner in crime, the beautiful, sexy and smart Riley Jeffers (Malin Akerman). Together they must pull off one more heist so he can get his daughter back… before it's too late. Director Simon West and Nicolas Cage team-up for the first time since the 1997 blockbuster CON AIR for STOLEN, a unique fast paced action thriller that takes place during 10 frantic hours on Mardi Gras day in New Orleans. The film also stars Josh Lucas, Danny Huston, Malin Akerman, Sami Gayle, Mark Valley and M.C. Gainey.

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When a high-stakes M16 mission to intercept deadly biochemical weapons goes spectacularly wrong, special operative Stratton must face the threat of a former Soviet operative who resurfaces after being presumed dead for two decades. It is believed that the rogue operative plans to take revenge on his former paymasters with stolen chemical weapons, and Stratton and his agents must race against time to stop the unimaginable from happening.

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Ninth Season (BD) (BD) Prepare to enter phase nine of television’s perpetual laughter experiment as THE BIG BANG THEORY successfully fuses the elements of science and sitcom. Our two genius roommates – Leonard and Sheldon ¬– and their friends are back once again (smarter, but no wiser). Last season, Sheldon went soul-searching (on a train, of course) and was prepared to make some substantial revisions on his Relationship Agreement with Amy, when everything changed. Leonard, meanwhile, was off to Vegas with Penny to finally tie the knot in the season finale. Howard finds himself alone with Bernadette after the sudden passing of his mother; while Raj is not only talking to women – he’s getting exclusive with Emily (Laura Spencer). Together, they will all learn that life is far more complicated outside of the lab as love and friendship never produce predictable results!

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Vinegar Syndrome specializes in the masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s. One of the most iconic, notorious, and influential American films of the 1970s, Melvin Van Peebles' SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG stars Van Peebles as Sweetback, a black orphan raised in a brothel and groomed into becoming a sex show performer. Set up by his boss and two corrupt white policemen for a murder he didn't commit, Sweetback escapes custody only to find himself thrust into an increasingly hallucinogenic world of violence and bigotry where no one can be trusted and the possibility of death lurks at every corner... Considered to be among the most significant features ever directed by a black filmmaker and included in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art, SWEET SWEETBACK is a brutal and shocking story of survival and is credited as the first 'blaxploitation' film ever made. Featuring a rousing score from a nascent Earth, Wind, & Fire as well as surrealist tinged visuals from cinematographer Robert Maxwell, Van Peebles creates an unforgettable and immersive study of perseverance in the face of racism. Vinegar Syndrome proudly brings this landmark film to Blu-ray, newly restored in 4K from its original 35mm camera negative. Bonus Features: 1. Newly scanned and restored in 4k from its 35mm original negative 2. Archival 'making of' featurette 3. New interview with actress Niva Ruschell 4. Original Theatrical Trailer 5. Reversible cover artwork 6. Additional extras TBD 7. English SDH subtitles

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Meet Talon, a daring mercenary who conquers castles and dungeons alike with his lethal three-bladed sword. But when Talon learns that he is the prince of a kingdom controlled by an evil sorcerer, he is thrust into the wildest fight of his life. Can Talon rescue the beautiful princess and slay the warlock, or will he fall prey to the black magic of medieval mayhem? Lee Horsley (The Hateful Eight), Kathleen Beller (Dynasty), Simon MacCorkindale (Jaws 3D) and Richard Moll (House) star in this action-packed saga, filled with brutal battles, plucky maidens, savage monsters and more! Bonus Content: Features Dolby Vision HDR 4K Scan from the Original Negative Audio Commentary with Director Albert Pyun Tales of the Ancient Empire: An Interview with Director Albert Pyun A Princess' Tale: An Interview with Actress Kathleen Beller Mightier Than the Sword: An Interview with Co-Writer/Co-Producer John Stuckmeyer Master of the Blade: An Interview with Editor Marshall Harvey The Specialist and the Effects: An Interview with Special Makeup Effects Artist Allan Apone Brothers in Arms: An Interview with Special Effects Artists The Chiodo Brothers - Charles, Edward and Stephen Dedicated to Jack Tyree, Stuntman: The Cast and Crew Remember Stuntman Jack Tyree Trailers from Hell: Editor Marshall Harvey on The Sword and the Sorcerer Theatrical Trailers TV Spot Still Gallery

Description

Meet Talon, a daring mercenary who conquers castles and dungeons alike with his lethal three-bladed sword. But when Talon learns that he is the prince of a kingdom controlled by an evil sorcerer, he is thrust into the wildest fight of his life. Can Talon rescue the beautiful princess and slay the warlock, or will he fall prey to the black magic of medieval mayhem? Lee Horsley (The Hateful Eight), Kathleen Beller (Dynasty), Simon MacCorkindale (Jaws 3D) and Richard Moll (House) star in this action-packed saga, filled with brutal battles, plucky maidens, savage monsters and more! Bonus Content: Features Dolby Vision HDR 4K Scan from the Original Negative Audio Commentary with Director Albert Pyun Tales of the Ancient Empire: An Interview with Director Albert Pyun A Princess' Tale: An Interview with Actress Kathleen Beller Mightier Than the Sword: An Interview with Co-Writer/Co-Producer John Stuckmeyer Master of the Blade: An Interview with Editor Marshall Harvey The Specialist and the Effects: An Interview with Special Makeup Effects Artist Allan Apone Brothers in Arms: An Interview with Special Effects Artists The Chiodo Brothers - Charles, Edward and Stephen Dedicated to Jack Tyree, Stuntman: The Cast and Crew Remember Stuntman Jack Tyree Trailers from Hell: Editor Marshall Harvey on The Sword and the Sorcerer Theatrical Trailers TV Spot Still Gallery

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*This listing is for the standard edition version and does NOT come with a limited edition slipcase!* Vinegar Syndrome specializes in the masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s. Scientist Joe Burke is determined to prove the existence of alien life and has set up a powerful radio telescope to look for signs. One night, after months of failure, he detects a clear but faint communication emerging from the deepest reaches of space. Excited by his findings, he rushes to his nearby research quarters. No sooner than arriving, the entire building, including its occupants, is lifted into space by a mysterious extraterrestrial force. After docking on a spacecraft, the frightened abductees realize that they have been selected to participate in a dangerous mission, the success of which will determine the fate and survival of Earth… One of the strangest films to emerge from legendary British horror-focused company Amicus Productions, prolific quota-quickie director Montgomery Tully's (Fog for a Killer) penultimate film, THE TERRORNAUTS, is a delirious sci-fi fever dream of plywood spaceships and rubber & foam robots, which becomes increasingly hallucinogenic as it goes on. Featuring a cast of veteran stage and TV players, including Simon Oates (Doomwatch), Zena Marshall (Dr. No), Frank Forsyth (Tales from the Crypt), and Max Adrian (Dr. Terror's House of Horrors), Vinegar Syndrome Labs proudly brings this forgotten slice of 60s British B-movie making to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from its long-lost original 35mm camera negative and presented in the longest version ever featured on home video. Bonus Features: 1. Region A Blu-ray 2. Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative 3. Commentary track with author and film historian Brian Hannan 4. "Subotsky the Trailblazer" (22 min) - an interview with writer/film critic Kim Newman 5. Archival interview with editor Peter Musgrave (8 min) 6. Archival interview with production manager Ted Wallis (7 min) 7. Reversible sleeve artwork 8. English SDH subtitles

Description

*This listing is for the standard edition version and does NOT come with a limited edition slipcase!* Vinegar Syndrome specializes in the masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s. Scientist Joe Burke is determined to prove the existence of alien life and has set up a powerful radio telescope to look for signs. One night, after months of failure, he detects a clear but faint communication emerging from the deepest reaches of space. Excited by his findings, he rushes to his nearby research quarters. No sooner than arriving, the entire building, including its occupants, is lifted into space by a mysterious extraterrestrial force. After docking on a spacecraft, the frightened abductees realize that they have been selected to participate in a dangerous mission, the success of which will determine the fate and survival of Earth… One of the strangest films to emerge from legendary British horror-focused company Amicus Productions, prolific quota-quickie director Montgomery Tully's (Fog for a Killer) penultimate film, THE TERRORNAUTS, is a delirious sci-fi fever dream of plywood spaceships and rubber & foam robots, which becomes increasingly hallucinogenic as it goes on. Featuring a cast of veteran stage and TV players, including Simon Oates (Doomwatch), Zena Marshall (Dr. No), Frank Forsyth (Tales from the Crypt), and Max Adrian (Dr. Terror's House of Horrors), Vinegar Syndrome Labs proudly brings this forgotten slice of 60s British B-movie making to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from its long-lost original 35mm camera negative and presented in the longest version ever featured on home video. Bonus Features: 1. Region A Blu-ray 2. Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative 3. Commentary track with author and film historian Brian Hannan 4. "Subotsky the Trailblazer" (22 min) - an interview with writer/film critic Kim Newman 5. Archival interview with editor Peter Musgrave (8 min) 6. Archival interview with production manager Ted Wallis (7 min) 7. Reversible sleeve artwork 8. English SDH subtitles

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Product Description Kasper Holten's first production for The Royal Opera. Working with the Danish set designer Mia Stensgaard, whose design hallmark is clean, strong images ripe with emotion, and fielding a brilliant cast (including Simon Keenlyside in the title role), Holten provides a fresh reading of this classic opera. Press Reviews "Simon Keenlyside in the title role brings virility to the unpleasant, usually buttoned-up hero. You can see why the teenaged Tatyana might fall for him, even if he is on the mature side. This Onegin delights in being louche, playful, arms folded, casual rather than stiff. He sings with flexibility, expression and, most of the time, a golden tone, suggesting more capacity for emotion than is usually evident: even brutes have their decent qualities." (The Observer) "Kasper Holten's new production of Eugene Onegin, his first staging for the Royal Opera House, was in many ways excellent – an auspicious debut indeed. Krassimira Stoyanova's Tatyana was beautifully sung, no mere cipher, but a strong, flawed character, uncertain of where she was heading and all the more credible for that. As ever, Keenlyside's way with words, just like Stoyanova's, was pretty much beyond reproach. Beauty there was aplenty in the honeyed tones of Pavol Breslik, every inch the Romantic poet; his verbal acuity was no less impressive. Peter Rose's Gremin did everything it should – and more. Likewise the Royal Opera Chorus was on splendid form, for which Renato Balsadonna should once again receive considerable credit." (Seen and Heard International) "The cast is led by two outstanding artists - British baritone Simon Keenlyside and Bulgarian soprano Krassimira Stoyanova. Both artists sing with exceptional imagination and commitment. In Stoyanova's case, particularly, it is hard to conceive a voice more perfectly aligned with the needs of the role - she combines Slavic vocal firmness and heft with the purest lyricism ... there are some exceptional individual performances. As Onegin's friend Lensky, Slovak tenor Pavol Breslik sings with purposeful intensity ... Christophe Mortagne delivers an unforgettable cameo as Monsieur Triquet. In the pit, rising star Robin Ticciati conducts a dynamic, passionate musical performance. " (The Stage) "Robin Ticciati's conducting proved alert, responsive and engaged ... As Tatyana and Onegin, Krassimira Stoyanova and Simon Keenlyside sang with style, grandeur, ardour and every desirable quality except the freshness of youth. Meanwhile Pavol Breslik's blonde bombshell of a Lensky stole the show ..." (The Daily Telegraph) " ... Simon Keenlyside's Onegin ... From start to finish his anti-hero is socially and emotionally dysfunctional, which makes for a fascinating study – and Keenlyside, commanding the stage in voice, presence and gesture, makes the most of it. " (The Financial Times) Cast Simon Keenlyside (Eugene Onegin) Krassimira Stoyanova (Tatyana) Elena Maximova (Olga) Pavol Breslik (Lensky) Diana Montague (Madame Larina) Peter Rose (Prince Gremin) Royal Opera Chorus; Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Robin Ticciati Production Company: The Royal Opera Stage Director: Kasper Holten Television Director: Jonathan Haswell Disc Information Catalogue Number: OABD7132D Date of Performance: 2013 Running Time: 154 minutes Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Subtitles: EN; FR; DE; IT; JP; KO Label: Opus Arte Review "Hugely recommended-ignore the off-the-pace criticisms of our national press." --Mike Ashman, Gamophone Choice

Description

*This listing is for the standard edition version and does NOT come with a limited edition slipcase!* Vinegar Syndrome specializes in the masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s. Scientist Joe Burke is determined to prove the existence of alien life and has set up a powerful radio telescope to look for signs. One night, after months of failure, he detects a clear but faint communication emerging from the deepest reaches of space. Excited by his findings, he rushes to his nearby research quarters. No sooner than arriving, the entire building, including its occupants, is lifted into space by a mysterious extraterrestrial force. After docking on a spacecraft, the frightened abductees realize that they have been selected to participate in a dangerous mission, the success of which will determine the fate and survival of Earth… One of the strangest films to emerge from legendary British horror-focused company Amicus Productions, prolific quota-quickie director Montgomery Tully's (Fog for a Killer) penultimate film, THE TERRORNAUTS, is a delirious sci-fi fever dream of plywood spaceships and rubber & foam robots, which becomes increasingly hallucinogenic as it goes on. Featuring a cast of veteran stage and TV players, including Simon Oates (Doomwatch), Zena Marshall (Dr. No), Frank Forsyth (Tales from the Crypt), and Max Adrian (Dr. Terror's House of Horrors), Vinegar Syndrome Labs proudly brings this forgotten slice of 60s British B-movie making to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from its long-lost original 35mm camera negative and presented in the longest version ever featured on home video. Bonus Features: 1. Region A Blu-ray 2. Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative 3. Commentary track with author and film historian Brian Hannan 4. "Subotsky the Trailblazer" (22 min) - an interview with writer/film critic Kim Newman 5. Archival interview with editor Peter Musgrave (8 min) 6. Archival interview with production manager Ted Wallis (7 min) 7. Reversible sleeve artwork 8. English SDH subtitles

Description

The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD)

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD)

Description

*This listing is for the standard edition version and does NOT come with a limited edition slipcase!* Vinegar Syndrome specializes in the masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s. Scientist Joe Burke is determined to prove the existence of alien life and has set up a powerful radio telescope to look for signs. One night, after months of failure, he detects a clear but faint communication emerging from the deepest reaches of space. Excited by his findings, he rushes to his nearby research quarters. No sooner than arriving, the entire building, including its occupants, is lifted into space by a mysterious extraterrestrial force. After docking on a spacecraft, the frightened abductees realize that they have been selected to participate in a dangerous mission, the success of which will determine the fate and survival of Earth… One of the strangest films to emerge from legendary British horror-focused company Amicus Productions, prolific quota-quickie director Montgomery Tully's (Fog for a Killer) penultimate film, THE TERRORNAUTS, is a delirious sci-fi fever dream of plywood spaceships and rubber & foam robots, which becomes increasingly hallucinogenic as it goes on. Featuring a cast of veteran stage and TV players, including Simon Oates (Doomwatch), Zena Marshall (Dr. No), Frank Forsyth (Tales from the Crypt), and Max Adrian (Dr. Terror's House of Horrors), Vinegar Syndrome Labs proudly brings this forgotten slice of 60s British B-movie making to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from its long-lost original 35mm camera negative and presented in the longest version ever featured on home video. Bonus Features: 1. Region A Blu-ray 2. Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative 3. Commentary track with author and film historian Brian Hannan 4. "Subotsky the Trailblazer" (22 min) - an interview with writer/film critic Kim Newman 5. Archival interview with editor Peter Musgrave (8 min) 6. Archival interview with production manager Ted Wallis (7 min) 7. Reversible sleeve artwork 8. English SDH subtitles

Description

The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Ninth Season (BD) (BD) Prepare to enter phase nine of television’s perpetual laughter experiment as THE BIG BANG THEORY successfully fuses the elements of science and sitcom. Our two genius roommates – Leonard and Sheldon ¬– and their friends are back once again (smarter, but no wiser). Last season, Sheldon went soul-searching (on a train, of course) and was prepared to make some substantial revisions on his Relationship Agreement with Amy, when everything changed. Leonard, meanwhile, was off to Vegas with Penny to finally tie the knot in the season finale. Howard finds himself alone with Bernadette after the sudden passing of his mother; while Raj is not only talking to women – he’s getting exclusive with Emily (Laura Spencer). Together, they will all learn that life is far more complicated outside of the lab as love and friendship never produce predictable results!

Description

Get ready for three action-packed films from one of the greatest action/fight choreographers in the world, Yuen Woo-Ping (Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2; Kung Fu Hustle; The Matrix; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). These three thrillers have everything from good cops and bad cops to hand-to-hand combat, lots of shoot-outs, and a high body count. The all-star cast includes Donnie Yen (Ip Man, John Wick: Chapter 4), Simon Yam (Election, PTU), Jacky Cheung (Bullet in the Head), Cynthia Khan (Yes, Madam), Robin Shou (Mortal Kombat) and Michael Wong (Transformers: Age of Extinction, City Hunter). Tiger Cage: A team of cops get brutally exposed to violence after raiding a drug operation and discovering a link between few members of the police force and an American crime syndicate dealing with drug trafficking. Tiger Cage II: An ex-cop and divorce lawyer team up with a gangster to clear their names after getting involved in a dirty money scheme led by a vicious money launderer, who plans to expand his business and wipe out anyone who stands in his way. Tiger Cage III: Two detectives chase down leads in a case that might bring down the biggest gang boss in the city. Bonus Content: Disc 1 - Tiger Cage: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Two Cuts of the Film: The Cantonese Cut and the English Cut Audio (Cantonese Cut): Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author Of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (English Cut) An Apex Predator: An Interview with Actor Vincent Lyn A Tiger's Tale: An Interview with Frank Djeng of the New York Asian Film Festival Original Theatrical Trailer English Trailer Additional Shot from the Taiwanese Cut Audio (English Cut): English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Disc 2 - Tiger Cage II: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Two Cuts of the Film: The Cantonese Cut and the Malaysian Cut Audio: Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation, English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (Cantonese Cut) Clawing A Living: An Interview with Action Choreographer Bill Lui Hunting High and Low: An Interview with Academic and Author Victor Fan Original Theatrical Trailer Disc 3 - Tiger Cage III: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Audio: Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation, English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to The Martial Arts Film A New Wave of Violence: An Interview with Film Critic James Mudge Inventing an Icon: Film Critic Ricky Baker Discuss the Emergence of the "Heroic Bloodshed" Term Original Theatrical Trailer English Trailer English Credits

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Get ready for three action-packed films from one of the greatest action/fight choreographers in the world, Yuen Woo-Ping (Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2; Kung Fu Hustle; The Matrix; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). These three thrillers have everything from good cops and bad cops to hand-to-hand combat, lots of shoot-outs, and a high body count. The all-star cast includes Donnie Yen (Ip Man, John Wick: Chapter 4), Simon Yam (Election, PTU), Jacky Cheung (Bullet in the Head), Cynthia Khan (Yes, Madam), Robin Shou (Mortal Kombat) and Michael Wong (Transformers: Age of Extinction, City Hunter). Tiger Cage: A team of cops get brutally exposed to violence after raiding a drug operation and discovering a link between few members of the police force and an American crime syndicate dealing with drug trafficking. Tiger Cage II: An ex-cop and divorce lawyer team up with a gangster to clear their names after getting involved in a dirty money scheme led by a vicious money launderer, who plans to expand his business and wipe out anyone who stands in his way. Tiger Cage III: Two detectives chase down leads in a case that might bring down the biggest gang boss in the city. Bonus Content: Disc 1 - Tiger Cage: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Two Cuts of the Film: The Cantonese Cut and the English Cut Audio (Cantonese Cut): Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author Of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (English Cut) An Apex Predator: An Interview with Actor Vincent Lyn A Tiger's Tale: An Interview with Frank Djeng of the New York Asian Film Festival Original Theatrical Trailer English Trailer Additional Shot from the Taiwanese Cut Audio (English Cut): English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Disc 2 - Tiger Cage II: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Two Cuts of the Film: The Cantonese Cut and the Malaysian Cut Audio: Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation, English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (Cantonese Cut) Clawing A Living: An Interview with Action Choreographer Bill Lui Hunting High and Low: An Interview with Academic and Author Victor Fan Original Theatrical Trailer Disc 3 - Tiger Cage III: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Audio: Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation, English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to The Martial Arts Film A New Wave of Violence: An Interview with Film Critic James Mudge Inventing an Icon: Film Critic Ricky Baker Discuss the Emergence of the "Heroic Bloodshed" Term Original Theatrical Trailer English Trailer English Credits

Description

Get ready for three action-packed films from one of the greatest action/fight choreographers in the world, Yuen Woo-Ping (Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2; Kung Fu Hustle; The Matrix; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). These three thrillers have everything from good cops and bad cops to hand-to-hand combat, lots of shoot-outs, and a high body count. The all-star cast includes Donnie Yen (Ip Man, John Wick: Chapter 4), Simon Yam (Election, PTU), Jacky Cheung (Bullet in the Head), Cynthia Khan (Yes, Madam), Robin Shou (Mortal Kombat) and Michael Wong (Transformers: Age of Extinction, City Hunter). Tiger Cage: A team of cops get brutally exposed to violence after raiding a drug operation and discovering a link between few members of the police force and an American crime syndicate dealing with drug trafficking. Tiger Cage II: An ex-cop and divorce lawyer team up with a gangster to clear their names after getting involved in a dirty money scheme led by a vicious money launderer, who plans to expand his business and wipe out anyone who stands in his way. Tiger Cage III: Two detectives chase down leads in a case that might bring down the biggest gang boss in the city. Bonus Content: Disc 1 - Tiger Cage: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Two Cuts of the Film: The Cantonese Cut and the English Cut Audio (Cantonese Cut): Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author Of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (English Cut) An Apex Predator: An Interview with Actor Vincent Lyn A Tiger's Tale: An Interview with Frank Djeng of the New York Asian Film Festival Original Theatrical Trailer English Trailer Additional Shot from the Taiwanese Cut Audio (English Cut): English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Disc 2 - Tiger Cage II: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Two Cuts of the Film: The Cantonese Cut and the Malaysian Cut Audio: Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation, English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (Cantonese Cut) Clawing A Living: An Interview with Action Choreographer Bill Lui Hunting High and Low: An Interview with Academic and Author Victor Fan Original Theatrical Trailer Disc 3 - Tiger Cage III: 2K Restoration by Fortune Star Audio: Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with a New English Subtitle Translation, English Dub Mono DTS-HD Master Audio Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to The Martial Arts Film A New Wave of Violence: An Interview with Film Critic James Mudge Inventing an Icon: Film Critic Ricky Baker Discuss the Emergence of the "Heroic Bloodshed" Term Original Theatrical Trailer English Trailer English Credits

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The classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells becomes this big-budget adventure directed by the author's great-grandson Simon Wells. Guy Pearce stars as Alexander Hartdegen, a scientist, professor, and inventor in 1895 New York City who believes that time travel is possible. The sudden and unexpected death of his fiancée spurs Alexander to build a time machine, which he hopes to use in an effort to change the past. When he is unable to change the past, Alexander hurls himself more than 800,000 years into the future, seeking answers about the nature of time, but instead encountering a dystopian world where humanity has divided up into two races, the peaceful Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks. Befriending the beautiful Eloi woman Mara (pop singer Samantha Mumba), Alexander must set out to save her from the underground world of the Morlocks when she is captured by them. Along the way, he is aided by Vox (Orlando Jones), a bio-mechanical being from the 21st century. Ultimately, Alexander makes a shocking discovery about the true nature of the Eloi and Morlocks and decides that the only way to change the future is to alter the present. Due to exhaustion, director Wells was briefly replaced during the last few weeks of production by Gore Verbinski, director of The Mexican (2001). The Time Machine co-stars Jeremy Irons and Mark Addy.

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An intimate look at the legendary queen of rock and roll, this HBO original documentary charts Tina Turner's rise to early fame, her lifelong personal and professional struggles, and her rebirth as a global phenomenon in the 1980s. Presenting an unvarnished account of her life and career, TINA combines personal photos, audio tapes, never-before-seen archival footage spanning 60 years and insightful interviews with those who know her--including Angela Bassett; Oprah Winfrey; and Tina's husband, Erwin Bach--as well as Tina herself. Celebrate an immensely talented performer and survivor who refused to let age, gender or a difficult past stand in her way.

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*This listing is for the standard edition version and does NOT come with a limited edition slipcase!* Vinegar Syndrome specializes in the masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s. Scientist Joe Burke is determined to prove the existence of alien life and has set up a powerful radio telescope to look for signs. One night, after months of failure, he detects a clear but faint communication emerging from the deepest reaches of space. Excited by his findings, he rushes to his nearby research quarters. No sooner than arriving, the entire building, including its occupants, is lifted into space by a mysterious extraterrestrial force. After docking on a spacecraft, the frightened abductees realize that they have been selected to participate in a dangerous mission, the success of which will determine the fate and survival of Earth… One of the strangest films to emerge from legendary British horror-focused company Amicus Productions, prolific quota-quickie director Montgomery Tully's (Fog for a Killer) penultimate film, THE TERRORNAUTS, is a delirious sci-fi fever dream of plywood spaceships and rubber & foam robots, which becomes increasingly hallucinogenic as it goes on. Featuring a cast of veteran stage and TV players, including Simon Oates (Doomwatch), Zena Marshall (Dr. No), Frank Forsyth (Tales from the Crypt), and Max Adrian (Dr. Terror's House of Horrors), Vinegar Syndrome Labs proudly brings this forgotten slice of 60s British B-movie making to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from its long-lost original 35mm camera negative and presented in the longest version ever featured on home video. Bonus Features: 1. Region A Blu-ray 2. Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative 3. Commentary track with author and film historian Brian Hannan 4. "Subotsky the Trailblazer" (22 min) - an interview with writer/film critic Kim Newman 5. Archival interview with editor Peter Musgrave (8 min) 6. Archival interview with production manager Ted Wallis (7 min) 7. Reversible sleeve artwork 8. English SDH subtitles

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Ninth Season (BD) (BD) Prepare to enter phase nine of television’s perpetual laughter experiment as THE BIG BANG THEORY successfully fuses the elements of science and sitcom. Our two genius roommates – Leonard and Sheldon ¬– and their friends are back once again (smarter, but no wiser). Last season, Sheldon went soul-searching (on a train, of course) and was prepared to make some substantial revisions on his Relationship Agreement with Amy, when everything changed. Leonard, meanwhile, was off to Vegas with Penny to finally tie the knot in the season finale. Howard finds himself alone with Bernadette after the sudden passing of his mother; while Raj is not only talking to women – he’s getting exclusive with Emily (Laura Spencer). Together, they will all learn that life is far more complicated outside of the lab as love and friendship never produce predictable results!

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From John Frankenheimer, the acclaimed director of The Manchurian Candidate, Seven Days in May, Seconds, Grand Prix and Black Sunday, comes this action-packed WWII masterpiece starring screen legend Burt Lancaster (Run Silent Run Deep, Elmer Gantry, The Professionals). Paris, August 1944… with the Allied army closing in on German commander and art fanatic Colonel Franz Von Waldheim (Paul Scofield, A Man for All Seasons), he decides to steal a vast collection of rare French paintings and loads them onto a train bound for Berlin. But when a beloved French patriot is murdered while trying to sabotage Von Waldheim’s scheme, Labiche (Lancaster), a stalwart member of the Resistance, vows to stop the train at any cost. Calling upon his vast arsenal of skills, Labiche unleashes a torrent of devastation and destruction—loosened rails, shattered tracks and head-on collisions—in an impassioned, suspense-filled quest for justice, retribution and revenge. Featuring a top-notch score by Maurice Jarre (Doctor Zhivago) and a wonderful supporting performance by screen icon Jeanne Moreau (Viva Maria!), The Train was the fourth of five collaborations between filmmaker Frankenheimer and star Lancaster. Special Features: DISC 1 (4KUHD): • Brand New HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative • Audio Commentary by Director John Frankenheimer • Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin • Isolated Score by Maurice Jarre | 5.1 Surround and 2.0 Lossless Audio • Triple-Layered UHD100 Disc • Optional English Subtitles DISC 2 (BLU-RAY): • Brand New HD Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative • Audio Commentary by Director John Frankenheimer • Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin • 1964 Making-of The Train: Newly Mastered in 2K (6:37) • Isolated Score by Maurice Jarre • TRAILERS FROM HELL with Brian Trenchard-Smith • TV Spot (1:01) • Theatrical Teaser: Newly Mastered in 2K (1:12) • Theatrical Trailer: Newly Mastered in 2K (4:25) • 5.1 Surround and 2.0 Lossless Audio • Dual-Layered BD50 Disc • Optional English Subtitles

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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (BD)

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Product Description Twin Spirits is a unique and intimate, live theatrical performance by a chamber ensemble of actors, singers and musicians, portraying the deep and ultimately tragic love between the composer Robert Schumann and his pianist wife Clara Wieck. In this intensely moving performance of words, song and music, the Schumanns’ long separation, so formative an influence on their lives, is reflected in the division of the ensemble into male and female groups. Robert's letters to Clara are read by Sting and his songs sung by Simon Keenlyside, with accompaniments and instrumental music played by Iain Burnside and Sergej Krylov. Clara's letters to Robert are read by Trudie Styler and her songs sung by Rebecca Evans, with accompaniments and instrumental music played by Natalie Clein and Natasha Paremski. The narrator, Derek Jacobi, links together the letters and lyrics to complete the essential outline of the story. Conceived and directed by John Caird, Twin Spirits was first performed in June 2005 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London and has since been experienced only at private performances for charity by small audiences of all ages and interests, leaving them deeply touched and inspired. Press Reviews "Twin Spirits portrays the life and love of Robert and Clara Schumann through readings of their surviving letters. These are read by Sting and Trudie Styler, with Derek Jacobi authoritatively filling in any gaps in the story. In one sense it's a static productions, with everyone seated throughout, but it's actually quite engrossing - perfectly paced and beautifully filmed. It's impossible not to emerge with both a true empathy for the Schumanns and a renewed or awakened interest in their music. The acting stays just the right side of luvviness, with Sting and Styler delivering strong, subtly believable performances. They're supported by beautifully executed interludes from a top line-up of soloists. This is tender, moving, well put together, and supplemented by an enlightening bonus DVD." (Classic fM) "John Caird's Twin Spirits, filmed live at the Royal Opera House, is beautifully constructed and performed with extraordinary fervour… Sting and Trudie Styler's own marriage undoubtedly informs their profoundly affecting portrayal of the Schumanns… Musical choices are mostly Schumann, a bit of Clara and some evocative Mozart and Chopin... often in special arrangements. Bonus material is generous... The issues are fascinating, though. How good is Clara's music? The jury is still out." (BBC Music Magazine) Cast Sting (Actor) Trudie Styler (Actor) Derek Jacobi (Narrator) Simon Keenlyside (Tenor) Sergej Krylov (Violin) Iain Burnside (Piano) The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Production Company: Royal Opera House Stage Director: John Caird Disc Information Catalogue Number: OABD7043D Date of Performance: 2005 Running Time: 206 minutes Sound: 2.0 & 5.0 PCM Aspect Ratio: 1080i High Definition / 16:9 Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT + EN (SONGS ONLY) Label: Opus Arte Review A Great Love Story is Told in Words and Music The nearly legendary story of Robert and Clara Schumann was staged and filmed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 2007. The production, titled "Twin Spirits," is now available in a 2-DVD set from Opus Arte, and it is impressive and unusual. As Narrator, Derek Jacobi has center stage. On his right are actor Sting to read from Robert Schumann's letters, baritone Simon Keenlyside to sing Schumann's songs, Sergej Krylov (violin), and Iain Burnside (piano). On his left are actress Trudie Styler to read from Clara's letters, soprano Rebecca Evans to sing selections as a solo or as a duet with Keenlyside, Natalie Clein (cello), and Natasha Peremski (piano). The first disc contains the performance, which is an expert balance of narration and dramatic readings with solos and accompaniments from the musicians. As is explained in the program notes, some of the selections were edited in various ways for theatrical effect. All in all, it provides a fascinating insight into two human beings who loved, created complex and beautiful music, and finally suffered when Robert had a mental breakdown. The second disc offers another set of insights into the genius of the two when different members of the cast, actors and players, discuss the personalities and works of the two Schumanns. The educational value of this disc alone is great. I would like to see similar formats used for other famous musicians--but only with such skilled artists as were used in "Twin Spirits." But when will art departments stop using white print over colored backgrounds in the booklets, which might please their eyes but ruin ours? -- Art Times, Frank Behrens, December 2009 Better than you'd expect. This entertainment comes out of a charity event held at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. If you don't blink, you can see Alfred Brendel schmoozing before the curtain goes up. Basically, it pairs the music of Robert and Clara Schumann with their writings to and about one another (with side trips to Mozart and Chopin). The texts and notes don't line up chronologically, but emotionally. The words, from letters and diaries (particularly the so-called "marriage" diary which they kept jointly), chronicle the couple from pre-courtship to Robert's insanity and death, with a bit on Clara's long widowhood. A whiff of the "high-class" charity event lingers a little over the enterprise. Frankly, when I saw Sting's name, I muttered, "God save us from arty rockers." However, Sting surprised me. His delivery was intelligent, understated, with just enough "characterization" that you felt the presence of another personality, perhaps even Schumann's. In other words, he convinced me. It's the professional actors -- Jacobi and Styler -- that I occasionally caught "acting." Jacobi at times became a Masterpiece Theatre compère, while Styler here and there over-emoted. Her young Clara Wieck was a little too cute. However, Jacobi's lines functioned simply for set-ups and connections, and Styler became genuinely moving as Clara bears the family catastrophe. However, the real glory of the evening lies -- don't be too surprised -- in the music and the performances. Evans does well with her songs, although she occasionally slips into opera mode. Burnside supplies sensitive accompaniments -- a pro who knows his Schumann. The cellist Natalie Clein . . . well, I couldn't concentrate too well on her music-making, she's so gorgeous -- a bit like the young Argerich. What I did get showed a fiery but musical personality. She's wonderful in chamber music. American pianist Natasha Paremski negotiated some fiendish passage-work from Clara's piano concerto with spirit and aplomb. Violinist Sergei Krylov seemed uncomfortable in a chamber setting, but he certainly set the tone of the playing. You couldn't accuse him of bland good taste or timidity. However, baritone Simon Keenlyside stood out. I've heard few better Lieder singers. Furthermore, his duet with Evans in Mozart's "Là ci darem" from Don Giovanni provided the musical highpoint of the enterprise -- silkily seductive and a better aphrodisiac than oysters (though not as tasty). It strikes me as ironic that Mozart beats out Schumann in a Schumann documentary -- home-field advantage notwithstanding. The music, for the most part, serves the drama. Sometimes, we get abbreviations or cutoffs so the readings may continue. At other times, piano pieces have been "orchestrated" for the instrumental ensemble and at least one solo song turned into a duet. However, Martin Ward displays great taste, even in a chamber arrangement of something like "Träumerei" -- a trap that can lead to sugar coma if you don't take care. Some of the best bits come from the bonus disc, which contains, among other things, interviews with the musicians and the actors as well as a short documentary made at the Schumann-Haus in Zwickau, the composer's birthplace. John Caird serves as interlocutor. As he talks with the actors, it becomes clear that the group brings contemporary cultural perspectives to the marriage. Clara becomes the put-upon mother of the brood, while Robert flits about doing as he pleases -- writing symphonies and music criticism, preparing to conduct, and so on. This really doesn't survive a moment's thought. Clara, one of the greatest pianists of her day, was the primary breadwinner (one of her tours paid the family's expenses for three years) and had plenty of domestic help. She couldn't have practiced otherwise, and she set herself challenging programs. Don't get me wrong. She had plenty to put up with otherwise from Schumann, who among other things couldn't bear extraneous noise while he worked. I don't remember how they worked it out. She may have had to practice off-premises or Schumann may have composed off-premises. At any rate, musicologist Daniel Gallagher sits in and occasionally and gently puts things right. I should point out that these are extremely informal conversations among intelligent people. My favorite moment comes from pianist Natasha Paremski, who uses the word "vibe" and then asks, "That's not too American a word, is it?" Iain Burnside replies in his Best British Manner, "It's a word, yes." For me, however, the documentary, One Heart, One Soul, counts as the most interesting portion of the bonus features. It consists of the director of Schumann-Haus, Gerd Nauhaus, a man who knows his Schumann as well as anybody, discussing the composer. He too corrects some of the misperceptions that have arisen during the other interviews. Nauhaus speaks German, but you can choose subtitles from among several languages, including English. One may very well ask what audience these discs serve. Sting provides one answer: those not normally interested in classical music can come to the genre by getting involved in the story. It is a cracking good story, if a little weepy -- a Romance novel that happens to be true. Die-hard Sting fanatics will probably want it, even though he doesn't sing. Those who know their Schumann may or may not find something to interest them. The performances all shine, but it's not a Schumann concert, after all. You'll just have to work it out for yourselves. -- Classical CD Review, Steve Schwartz, February 2010 Having brought John Dowland to the masses with his album Songs from the Labyrinth, Sting takes another shot at presenting classical music to a wider audience which has developed the infuriating habit of not taking any notice of it. In this live performance, Sting portrays the passionate and tragically short-lived Robert Schumann by reading from his letters, while his wife Trudie Styler enacts the role of Robert's spouse Clara Schumann (formerly Wieck). In between, selections from the Schumanns' music are played by an ensemble comprising cellist Natalie Clein, pianists Iain Burnside and Natasha Paremski, violinist Sergej Krylov and singers Simon Keenlyside and Rebecca Evans. "I think it's a great `in' for people who don't normally listen to classical music," says Sting. Twin Spirits was devised as a fundraiser for a variety of charities, including the Royal Opera House, so we probably have to forgive its overtones of highbrow schlock. However, our task is not made easier by Derek Jacobi's performance as narrator. Ensconced on a throne and dressed like a Victorian philanthropist, Sir Del is at his fruitiest and most orotund. Fans of Frasier may be reminded of his guest performance as Jackson Hedley, the world's most preposterous Shakespearean actor. However, although Sting has suffered his share of critical brickbats, here he keeps a straight bat and delivers his readings with a mixture of wry humour and quiet sincerity. Trudie sometimes lurches into over-emoting luvviedom, but then again, she was a member of the RSC back in the day, which is how the RSC's John Caird was recruited to direct the project. And it can't be denied that the saga of the Schumanns' doomed greatest-love-of-all is a powerful tear-jerker. "There are moments in the story that make me very fearful," Styler admits. "The idea of losing my husband confronts me when I look at Sting as Robert. There are a few moments in the script where Robert and Clara are having a good time, so I try to make the most of them, just as I do in my own life." At 90 minutes, Twin Spirits cries out for some editing scissors, but perseverance is rewarded by the quality of the musical performances. Simon Keenlyside brings thunderous conviction to his musical portrayal of Robert Schumann, and the quartet performance of Traumerei, which marks the composer's solitary and miserable death, feels lonelier than a coyote's howl. Surprisingly, the second disc of additional features contains some of the best bits, especially Caird's conversations with the participants. All the musicians offer useful insights into the music, with Iain Burnside contributing shrewd remarks about the way Robert Schumann's music demands active intervention from the performer to bring it to life. When Caird introduces musicologist Daniel Gallagher to supply commentary on the Schumanns' life and work, he's so fascinating that that even Sting and Trudie find themselves spontaneously quizzing him. Despite all this, if you really want to explore the Schumanns' work, you might consider buying a selection of CDs and playing them a lot. -- The Arts Desk, Adam Sweeting, October 1, 2009 In his lifetime, Robert Schumann remained in the shadow of his wife Clara Wieck, whose concert career as a pianist took her all over Europe while he labored as a music journalist and largely unrecognized composer. Clara's overbearing father had taught them both piano, but his callous objections to the growing romance between Robert and Clara resulted in a physical separation that -- happily for musicologists -- left hundreds of letters detailing the musical and emotional development of this fascinating couple. While in different cities, they would often arrange to play the same piece at the same time, and then write to each other about the emotions aroused; once they were finally married, they kept a joint "marriage diary" for three and half years that recorded their musical and domestic happiness. Sting and his wife, actor Trudie Styler, are joined by Derek Jacobi, soprano Rebecca Evans, baritone Simon Keenlyside, and four instrumentalists for Twin Spirits, an educational project from London's Royal Opera House that presents the lives and works of Clara and Robert Schumann. Sting and Styler portray the couple in words, Keenlyside and Evans in music. Jacobi narrates. Devised and directed by John Caird, the show was recorded live in an intimately arranged and lit studio space at the opera house. It weaves together musical excerpts, love letters, diary entries and narration to tell the story of their love and marriage, tragically shortened when Robert's mental illness forced his commitment to an asylum. The show itself, which has been given as charity performances since 2005, is both informative and affecting, with spontaneous and energetic musical contributions, especially Evans's urgent rendition of Clara's "Er ist gekommen" and Keenlyside's sweeping "Ich grolle nicht," capped by a powerful high A. Evans's controlled voicing of "Ich hab im Traum geweinet" and Keenlyside's "Stille Liebe" are also effective. Most of the musical selections are short, and many have violin and cello additions, which lend an appropriate salon atmosphere, though the opening of "Carnaval" sounds odd with strings. Because of its placement in the storyline (and the use of Chopin's variations on its tune), "Là ci darem la mano" receives an odd interpretation, but Keenlyside's and Evans's skill and naturalness are winning. Another huge plus is Styler's warm, expressive delivery. With her wispy hair, vulnerable face and a faraway look in her eyes, Styler embodies the romantic, artistic spirit who rejoices in her soul mate; in passages detailing the end of Robert's life, Styler makes Clara's pain palpable. Sting's spiky, contemporary look is a bit of a jolt, but his connection to the material and identification with the obsessive, suffering composer are genuine. All the artists contributed their time to the project without remuneration; only Jacobi (whose presence undoubtedly signals "class") seems arch and distanced in his narration. Several bonus offerings include lengthy, round-table discussions in which the singers, instrumentalists and actors speak of how powerfully the interaction of words and music affected their interpretations and delivery. A thirty-five-minute lecture at the Robert Schumann Haus in Leipzig provides biographical details and background on the Schumanns' careers and training, as well as on their marriage and children. All proceeds from DVD sales benefit outreach projects of the Royal Opera House Education Programme. -- Opera News Online, Judith Malafronte, Decmber 2009 Like cucumber sandwiches at high tea, this depiction of the romance between two German musicians is a uniquely English confection. It follows in the tradition of BBC radio's dramatization of biographical presentations. In this case, the extended courtship and all-too-brief marriage is rendered with convincing fidelity through an enlightened blending of the spoken word and musical examples from the respective compositions of Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck. Nobly narrated by Derek Jacobi, the dialogue is ably conveyed by Sting (when will he, as an emerging musical polymath, be granted a knighthood so that his real name may enter common usage?) and Trudie Styler reading the lovers' correspondence compiled over decades. An unusual form of entertainment, but it kept a capacity audience in rapt attention over a long evening at Covent Garden. The singers and musicians give heartfelt support to the story with immaculate performances. The set includes close to two hours of extra features. It is also available from Opus Arte on conventional DVD format. Highly recommended to admirers of the Schumanns and all collectors with a special interest in German music of the Romantic period. -- La Scena Musicale, October 2009 One of the most moving love stories in the world of music is the relationship between Robert and Clara Schumann. In 2007, the British producer David Caird put together a music theater piece called Twin Spirits at London's Covent Garden in which Derek Jacoby narrated the romantic and tragic story, with Sting and his wife Trudie Styler reading passages from Robert and Clara's letters and the remarkable diary they kept together in the first years of their marriage. Some excellent chamber musicians and singers punctuate the readings with excerpts from the works of both Robert and Clara. Twin Spirits tells the story of Robert Schumann coming to Leipzig to study with the renowned music teacher Friedrich Wieck. Wieck's daughter Clara was a piano prodigy, by far the most talented of his six children. Robert was nine years older than her. He lived with the Wiecks for a year. By the time Clara was in her mid teens, they had fallen in love. Wieck was violently opposed to this romance. Clara's career came first. He refused to permit the marriage and ultimately the two lovers went to court for permission. Clara was 21; Robert 30. Wieck eventually relented when the couple had the first of their eight children, only four of whom outlived their parents. Clara was much more famous than Robert, and traveled extensively giving recitals, which were admired by the greatest musical figures of the time. She inspired Robert -- the year before they were married, he wrote more than 100 of his greatest songs. And she helped further his career by playing his compositions. Robert Schumann suffered from periodic mental breakdowns; tragedy struck when he tried to drown himself. He was institutionalized, but Clara was forbidden to see him for more than two years, until he was actually dying. She spent the rest of her life giving concerts and performing her husband's music. In his musical selection, Twin Spirits producer/director David Caird is less concerned with chronology than with finding something appropriate for each part of the story. Purists might object to the way Caird has rearranged some of the original music for this production. But in this dramatic context, I find these new arrangements both tasteful and effective. Sting, we've come to know, has a serious interest in classical music; he's also a coolly expressive actor and reader. Trudie Styler is particularly affecting reading what Clara wrote during her final visits to Robert. The most disappointing element of Twin Spirits is the rather artificial narration by Derek Jacobi, an actor I usually admire. But the whole enterprise is a compelling and poignant retelling of the story, and the well-chosen and well-performed music make this an outstanding addition to the year celebration of Robert Schumann's bicentennial. -- NPR, Lloyd Schwartz, February 17, 2010 Sting has been taking ever braver leaps into the classical music world over the last few years. As someone who doesn't enjoy his singing, I heaved a sigh of relief that he is on speaking duty in this fascinating musical dramatization of the often difficult, artistically inspirational, romantically fulfilling relationship between composer Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck. Sting is Robert to Trudie Styler's Clara as they sit with narrator Derek Jacobi on the Covent Garden stage, surrounded by exceptional musicians, including tenor Simon Keenlyside, soprano Rebecca Evans and violinist Sergei Krylov. Excerpts from the lovebirds' letters are interwoven with Schumann's music (and a bit of Mozart and Chopin). Once you get into the slow, black-backdropped pace of the story, you come to appreciate what an amazing job director John Caird has done to make the 90-minute show absorbing. A second DVD has more than an hour of extras, including background interviews and a documentary. This is inventive classical programming at its best, though music purists might prefer to hear uncut versions of many of the pieces on the program. -- TheStar.com, John Terauds, November 17, 2009 This is an uncharacteristically small-scale production for writer-director John Caird, who is more closely associated with such spectacles as Les misérables and Nicholas Nickleby. It's a 90-minute account, through words and music, of the personal and professional relationship between Robert Schumann and his wife, née Clara Wieck, devised in 2005 for the education division of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and since then trotted out for various fundraising events with different performer rosters. This version was recorded before a silent audience in late 2007. Despite the number of artists on stage, it seems quite intimate; the actors are low-key, and the musicians, while rising to the passions of the music as necessary (particularly in the finale of Robert's Piano Trio No. 1, which closes the program), are direct and obviously under no pressure to play to a large hall. Although the proceedings are conveyed mainly through close-ups and two- and three-shots, the placement of the performers is interesting and deliberate. In the center, to the rear, on what looks almost like a throne, Sir Derek Jacobi offers bits of introduction and narrative context. Down front, at opposite sides of the stage, sit the actors portraying the Schumanns: pop star Sting, who has always struck me as more intelligent and subtle than he is generally given credit for, and Trudie Styler, best known in America as Mrs. Sting, but in England an accomplished actress with (like Jacobi) a Shakespearean background. Clustered near each of the two main actors is a trio of musicians, divided by gender. On Robert's side are a baritone and a male violinist and pianist; on Clara's, a soprano and a female cellist and pianist. The musicians do not remain segregated all the time; obviously, there's crossover in the trio movement, and both singers deliver Mozart's "Là ci darem la mano," which was important in the Schumanns' personal history. There's also an arrangement of "Träumerei" that manages to include all the instrumentalists. But for the most part, each historical figure is represented by his or her own group of musicians. As you might have guessed, the music comes in bits and pieces, mostly songs and instrumental miniatures (by both Robert and Clara), but for the most part each item is complete in itself and only occasionally, mainly in the beginning, do the actors talk over the music. The spoken lines are drawn from the Schumanns' letters; Caird has heavily edited them and mingled missives from various periods to create a coherent narrative. This overall approach will obviously not satisfy purists who seek an impartial documentary account of the Schumanns, nor music lovers who prefer to hear song cycles and chamber works in their entirety. But that's not the point of this project; it's an introduction to the general, intelligent, curious music lover of the personalities behind this music, and to Clara's essential role in Robert's life and career. If Sting and Styler, sometimes reading from scripts but often looking straight into the camera, don't fully convey the excitement of early love, they are very good at communicating the comfortable intimacy, affection, and mutual respect of an old married couple. Perhaps each is best when not speaking; they can communicate quite a lot in the cutaway shots of one watching the other deliver lines, or in listening to the musicians (who are also seen being quietly attentive during some of the spoken passages). The musical performances are quite good, even if Simon Keenlyside, like most baritones, finds Schumann's top notes taxing. Those requiring a more straightforward documentation of the Schumann situation may prefer the 35-minute documentary in which a curator from the Schumann House museum and archive speaks, in subtitled German, about their marriage and careers, repeating some material from the stage presentation but elaborating on other issues. There's also a surprisingly engaging series of chats with Caird, the performers, and musicologist Daniel Gallagher about the Schumanns and their music. Gallagher's contributions are especially good, even for non-specialists, and while the actors don't have much of substance to contribute, they do at least chime in with the occasional smart observation and perceptive question. The Blu-ray video quality is, as usual, superb, although there's nothing more technically challenging here than maintaining clarity on a rather dark stage. The aspect ratio is 16:9, and the audio options are limited to PCM 2.0 and 5.0. Subtitles are available for the songs and the German documentary. Old hands at this subject may feel that its treatment here is too superficial, but take this for what it is: an educational entertainment designed to introduce the Schumanns' music and cobiography to the uninitiated without insulting their intelligence. "Twin Spirits" surely succeeds on those grounds, most touchingly. -- Fanfare, James Reel, Mar-Apr 2010 Twin Spirits is a live theatrical performance that features narration, impersonation (in an epistolary manner), and chamber music centered on the lives and love of Robert and Clara Schumann. Evidently the work, created and directed by John Caird, toured in smaller venues before being presented at the Royal Opera House. It is indeed a unique experience, the letters of the Schumann's used as the basis for a story of their lives, dramatized here to excellent effect, and enhanced by their music. One can think of no more worthy subjects than these two hyper-romantic figures, celebrated in their day and long afterwards, with personal connections tying them into the fortunes and foibles of Brahms, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Joachim, and Chopin. Their love story is one that was well known even in their own day, and their passion for one another is marked only by the equal degree of tragedy and sorrow that graced their short time together. I will not dwell on aspects of that story here, as it is well known, and if unknown easily found in books and on the Web. Suffice it to say, the story begins with Robert's first studies with Clara Wieck's father (Robert was essentially self-taught), his aspirations as a pianist until he ruined his hands, his solicitation of love from Clara and desire to marry her (against her father's wishes), the frustration they experienced until they could get married, early bliss in their marital life and the success of each, Robert's seminal decline and mental instability, Clara's heartrending final years with Robert in an asylum, and her life after Robert's death. All of this seems like it might be too much for a stage production, but the letters have been carefully vetted in order to keep the action--such as it is--moving along. The story is given general guidelines by Derek Jacobi--superb as usual--and the parts of Robert and Clara taken by Sting and wife Trudie Styler. This might seem an odd choice at first, but Sting seems to have had a late-in-life classical-music conversion (remember his Dowland record?), and his performance as Robert is outstanding, as seasoned as from any actor I can imagine playing the part. Trudie Styler is equally affecting, and her moment of breakdown towards the end is truly distressing. But this is not a play at all--there is no dramatic movement or stage acting. Most of the time, Sting and Trudie are seated close to one another, and they often lean towards each other when speaking. Jacobi is seated pretty much center stage, and they all can be seen watching each other. Interspersed among the talkers are a series of musicians, an all-male group (baritone, violin, piano) on Robert's side, and a female group (soprano, cello, piano) on Clara's side. At different times in the "action," the music of one of the Schumanns is played by one of these groups, or a portion of each. For the most part, the performances are excellent, the singing of Simon Keenlyside being notable, along with the last selection, the Finale from the D-Minor Piano Trio, op. 63, a real barnburner and triumphant ending to an otherwise factual human misfortune that nonetheless had moments of supreme joy. But its protagonists were certainly as star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet ever were. If there is a downside, it would be the lack of more representative music on Robert's part. The very nature and intimacy of this production nixes the idea of large ensemble performances, but one feels like part of the emotional picture is missing without them. Some of the music has been doctored or altered, nothing egregious, but odd sounding to those who know it. This was probably unavoidable in order to make the music portion fuller while using only chamber pieces. The songs are what they are, and there are a few pieces pertinent to the Schumanns at certain times that are by other composers. The staging is wonderful, making it easy to follow what is happening; the sound is equally pleasing, LPCM stereo or DTS surround (my choice). The music however, is only secondary to the engrossing tale, and is chosen wisely to enhance the story where the words end. As bonuses, we get a substantial amount, the cast talks and the documentary being of more than casual interest. I enjoyed this thoroughly, and I can't imagine any music lover who wouldn't. -- Fanfare, Steven E. Ritter, Jan/Feb 2010 Top About this item Similar From the Brand Reviews Twin Spirits: Sting performs Schumann [Blu-ray]

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