BOX SETS |
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Box sets are what Christmas is all about - whether you're hoping for a new PS3 & choice Blu-Ray sets to start your new collection with, or just want to catch up on your favourite TV series over the holidays. It was a tough call but in the end we just couldn't help salivating at the gorgeous West Wing box... Father Christmas who art in the North Pole, please hear our prayers and stick one under the tree for us, would you? (please,please, please, please, pleeeeeaaaaase!) THE WINNER:
Monkey Score: 90% What we loved about it: 1.It comes in one tiny, slinky box... those who believe that size matters obviously don't have a serious DVD collection to house in their front room! 2. 7 series of pure heaven, with writing to die for 3. Gave us hope while waiting for the American people to boot Dubbya out of office! The West Wing (1999-2006, 155 episodes, Cert. 15, new slimline box set out 16 July 2009) Allison Janney, Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Stockard Channing, Dulé Hill, Alan Alda, Janeane Garofalo, John Spencer, Mary-Louise Parker, Jimmy Smits, Gary Cole, Teri Polo, Richard Schiff What it's about:
What MovieMonkeys thought: Making deals with Congress to pass healthcare bills, stopping international threats, gruelling election schedules, writing State Of The Union speeches, press relations - all routine tasks when you're employed in the West Wing of the White House. Served by an exceptional cast and top-notch writers The West Wing reigned supreme on our small screen for 7 glorious seasons. While the world was left aghast watching the 2000 U.S. election the show enlightened us on how the United States of America are governed. We gained access to this secretive world for seven years via engaging characters and experienced with them rises to power, treacherous back stabbings, yo-yo electoral polls and even the odd love story. The West Wing echoed its time, ending fittingly with the first latino to ever become President of The United States - just as Barack Obama was rising to the challenge in real-life. More than a gripping political drama The West Wing put human faces on the far-away, behind-the-scene people that have such a profound influence on our daily lives even here in the U.K. It did so with an uncanny flair for drama, timing and stunning photography. The West Wing Complete new slimline box set is not only essential television - it also proves that great things come in small packages with a tiny box that manages to house its incredible 44 discs in a ridiculously small space. This includes 2 full discs of bonus features: a welcome addition that brings further insight on how the hit show was produced, but merely the icing on a delicious cake. Americans would say "The West Wing rules" - and we wholeheartedly agree. The new slimline box set would be a fantastic Christmas present for all the fans of the show: it's as good as it gets. |
THE RUNNERS-UP:
Clint Eastwood - Dirty Harry Collection (Cert. 18, out 19 October) Clint Eastwood, Liam Neeson, Patricia Clarkson, Jim Carrey, various directors, 1971-1988 Monkey Score: 90% Featuring all 5 films in the iconic series this box set is a must-have for any budding Blu-Ray collection. Whereas a lot of hi-def re-issues are rushed jobs that offer no real improvement on a DVD + upscaler combo, this box set is one of the few that showcases quality transfers for films of that period. Clint Eastwood first became Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry, back in 1971 (yes, it really was 38 years ago!) and packed it in with the release of The Dead Pool of 1988, the fifth and final film in the series. The first film is most definitely the best of the lot, but watching Harry go after killers with his inimitable lack of social grace is always a treat. A classic box set for one of cinema's best-loved anti-heroes. If you're as lucky as you're feeling, punk, you may even score one for Christmas!
Rocky: The Complete Saga (Cert. 12, out 26 October 2009) Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Mr T, various directors, 1976-2006 Monkey Score: 85% While much has been written about the quality of the Rocky hi-definition transfers already, it helps to bear in mind that putting lipstick on a gorilla doesn't make it any less of an ape: if the film stock used to start with is not top quality there are few cost-effective options left to the studios. So while older films have benefited from greater quality hi-def releases, there is only so much you can do with Rocky. The first in the series came out 35 years ago, and with its meagre production budget estimated at around a million dollars it bagged the Best Picture Oscar in 1977. To give this a bit of perspective the 2 other major contenders that year, All The President's Men and Network clocked in at 8.5 and 3.8 million respectively. Rocky III does not have this excuse, but this blip aside Rocky: The Complete Saga on Blu-Ray is one to own. We say get some perspective and forget the little grain on some of the films: Rocky - The Complete Saga packs as much of a punch now as the Italian Stallion did in 1976 when he took on Apollo Creed.
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