A quality 'village' folklore thriller, with plenty of twists. The film captures the true essence of the 'old style' ghostly thrillers that used to pop up on UK TV in the seventies and early eighties. A new film with an old style quaintness, yet modern in its approach. Cinematically gorgeous, the musical score is worth a mention, along with decent and believable performances from leading cast members. Newcomer Tom Malt, the delectable Sarah Maur-Ward,
(I remember her in of version of 'Ten Little Indians') the pretty ghostly youngster Holly Roberts and particularly interesting to see the adorable Caroline Munro portraying an instigator who might not be the saint as we are all lead to believe. The story concerns corrupt individuals who protect the legend of a lost fabled Saxon crown, only to realise the deadly consequences that befall them all. Nothing is as it seems in the sleepy village of 'Snowgood'. Some gorgeous scenery of the east Sussex coastline, plenty of eeriness from local wooded pathways,
a creepy hotel where you just wouldn't want to stay, along with a hint humour, all add to a worthwhile watch. I enjoyed it immensley, so treat yourself to some mystery and mayhem. It'll keep you guessing to the end! Track this one down.
Reviews
23 Reviews
Loving the fifties vibe and Rockabilly Charm!
14 September 2022
Ahhh here we have Hungarian music artist Rhythm Sophie on a recent UK trip to promote her new album due later this year (2022) An exceptionally well written toe tapping tune, here we get to see Sophie in the heart of the english countryside singing her sweet dear heart out, about those memories that walked the floor. Tarrant captures the majestic charm in his filming along with a haunting presence that seeps through the imagery, in which sometimes Sophie appears to be haunted by an unknown presence in the spooky baron studio. A cheeky smile sees the viewer being drawn in by her charm and charisma, but also one has to admire her songwriting talent - which nicely captures the fifties feel. Worth seeking out, and watch out for the new album.
Vanessa Sergeant - Imagine
(2022)
An inspiring version of the John Lennon Classic!
14 September 2022
On viewing across social media platforms we are treated to a beautiful, soulful, simply played, version of the Lennon classic 'Imagine'. Tarrant once again captures the brilliance of his artist, this time newcomer Vanessa Sergeant in this softly, simple and yet most melodic rendition of this great song. The workmanlike studio setting, the reference to the 'people' and of course the mystical waves from the beach scenes, plus the delivery of Vanessa's voice, all add to a very insightful video promo indeed. We also are treated to some marvellous piano playing from her brother, Chris, which is a nice turn to a family appeal, and adds a little more zest to the overall appeal of the film. Let's hope we get to see some more from this East Sussex vocalist. Highly recommended.
Engaging insight into the making of the film
2 March 2022
This short documentary offers an insight though interviews with cast & crew about how the film came to be and offers the viewer a really insightful look at behind the scenes whilst making the film across several countries. It can be found on the DVD & Blu Ray release in the 'menu' section as an added extra. Nicely put together and just long enough to get to grips about the scale of the production.
Kippo & The Bone - Tools
(2015)
Engaging and fun!
2 March 2022
Originally commissioned for regional TV, the Kippo & Bone franchise came to light through the film 'Burger Van at the end of the Gig' fame. Two loveable characters talk us through the art of 'tools' and how best to use them (In a garden shed scenario) Watchable and easy watching. They went on to make several other themed shows which were broadcast throughout the UK via regional network tv stations. Something to pass the time of day, simple and enchanting.
ZULU - London Film Museum
(2010)
ZULU get's the memorabilia treatment!
2 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A highly enjoyable and visual treat as we delve through all great items from the ZULU memorabilia cabinet. I was actually at the launch of the films opening day at the now defunct London Film Museum on the London south bank back in 2010. My gosh, 12 years ago already, time flys. Thankfully the organisers chose to make this short documentary as a timely reminder of just how good this exhibition was. Highlights were the 'Tusks' which served as props for the Zulu Kraal scene, along with recently found storyboards which the film team required whilst in production so as to know which camera angles they needed to cover for the hospital battle sequence. A nice little treasure trove here, and a host of things to marvel at accompanied by interviews with surviving cast & crew. So take a look and enjoy all things ZULU!
Restoring the World at War
(2010 Video)
An engaging and Interesting insight
2 March 2022
Much has been written about this all new boxset of the iconic TV series 'World At War' Whilst critic reviews were a little unkind about altering the original aspect ratio of the original broadcast show to an all new widescreen version with a added dynamic soundtrack I actually found this beneficial and it actually sharpened up the overall picture quality and sounded even better than it had before - so a worthy cause in my opinion. This actual restoration documentary has been put together really well (which is part of the 'additions' in the Blu-ray & DVD menu) and offers an insight into the really hard painstaking work that Eyeframe had to go through to make this series even more enjoyable going into the new digital revolution of todays broadcast standards. Worth noting that many of the current broadcast networks wouldn't be able to play the 'old' format, so this really was necessary creating a new 16:9 HD widescreen format with added dynamic soundtracks for future generations to enjoy and appreciate history as it should be told. Well done Freemantle Media - a great and worthy commission.
Pop Deluxe Live! - Mari Wilson
(2016 Video)
Queen of Neasden Soul is back!
2 March 2022
I was lucky enough to be at this very concert from Tithe Barn close to Cheltenham. I'm so pleased that Mari chose to have the concert recorded as it really was a delight from start to finish to witness her back catalogue of the British female UK scene (60's 70's) songs, right through to highlights of her new album, 'Pop Deluxe' The evening was so greatfully received by the audience as Mari was on fine form. Just a three-piece band - but covered all the dynamics or a larger band, it really was impressive stuff. If you do get a chance to ever see pieces of this concert, then you won't be disappointed. I only watched the attached trailer, and it serves as a timely reminder of just how good Mari Wilson still is, both as a performer and song writer. Nice one.
John Verity's - Passion
(2020)
Great album, nice little featurette
1 March 2022
One of John's best albums in a few years. A nice insight into what goes into making a new album. John was going to take this album out on the road, but then the pandemic struck (2020-21) so he's now playing this album on the road as we speak (2022) Worth a watch as the songs really are marvellous.
Oooh! - Lela
(2016)
Ooooh Introducing Lela!
1 March 2022
She's simply magical with a catchy great tune indeed! Catchy night club vibe, it was a big hit on the club scene upon its release. Since this debut sadly all has gone quiet on the Lela front, so all we have for now is this memory of musical charm that captured that summer of 2016. Watch it if you can!
Wonderfully Captured Concert!
1 March 2022
It's Eliza and her Dad doing what they do best! A nicely captured concert at the glorious Hailsham Pavilion down in deepest East Sussex. A nicely polished production and well received performance. If you like your folk music, Catch this one for sure.
Wonderful insight into the best AD ever!
1 March 2022
I remember this documentary from the free DVD giveaways back in the day (Sunday newspapers!) An insightful look at the complexity of making a tv advert and the subsequent ad campaign of the new Honda Accord, and all without any CGI. What you see is for real (Numerous takes of a car engine in pieces making a domino effect eventually revealing the new Honda Accord car) and is captured nicely with all the frolics and antics that goes on behind the scenes in this french production. One of the better 'making of's...' for sure. Highly interesting, entertaining and well made.
Ghost of Pripyat Live - Steve Rothery
(2014 Video)
Great songs from Steve's New band
1 March 2022
This concert pops up on Youtube from time to time, and although has never been officially released, really is a testiment to this marvellous album. Catch it if you can - Steve and the band on fire, especially the track 'Old Man of the Sea' It's the launch concert, captured by a small film crew, but explores new avenues and styles not seen before. Very haunting, nicely played and highly watchable.
Sayer on fine form!
1 March 2022
John Verity Band Live!
(2018 Video)
Great concert - JV at his very best
1 March 2022
Loved the set list, and JV was on fire that night! A polished production with all the right ingredients.
Simply love 'Hold Your Head Up' which is worthwhile watching just for this epic hit alone. Other songs capture JV's latest album 'Blue to my Soul' which again, is pure bluesy art and musicianship. A nice setting (Stables Theatre) with the full house audience giving it a worthy rapturous reception. Track this one down if you can.
Simply love 'Hold Your Head Up' which is worthwhile watching just for this epic hit alone. Other songs capture JV's latest album 'Blue to my Soul' which again, is pure bluesy art and musicianship. A nice setting (Stables Theatre) with the full house audience giving it a worthy rapturous reception. Track this one down if you can.
The Cherokees: The Burger Van at the End of the Gig
(2017 TV Movie)
Watchable, mainly for the fabulous Musical interludes!
1 March 2022
A really enjoyable crazy romp through the dark days of rock and roll. A bunch of mishaps chance upon refuge whereby they need to find a way of securing their future. A subplot about the FBI getting involved and all sorts of other demons are on the case. Watchable mainly for the musical interludes that prevail throughout the film, especially the foot tapping 'Hard being a Bloke' and 'Frightening'. Some nice songs, funny sections, although a confusing plot, but nonetheless highly enchanting.
Rising from the Dust: Kim Cypher
(2018 Music Video)
Great song - Fantastic music promo!
1 March 2022
Once again the talented Kim Cypher comes up with a musical masterpiece. I love the setting (Cheltenham College chapel) love the style, and the photography is exquisite. Appraisal must also go to the choir - very powerful stuff indeed. Nice to see the acclaimed American guitarist BD. Lenz do his stuff also. Catch this one if you can.
Dirk: Live at the Apollo
(2015)
An Intriguing 'tour' documentary - authentic and charismatic
28 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Bit of an interesting documentary this one, as its working title is actually 'White Sox'. I had the privilege of a private viewing in London some years back when this had been completed and the makers were trying to get it released in unison with the now deleted film 'Dirk- Live from the Apollo' film, alas, to no avail. So far it remains unseen and still in the vaults awaiting some kind of release in the not too distant future. The documentary charts Adams return to the live stage after a short hiatus from playing live, and on the back of another new movie at the time, a year earlier, The Blue Black Hussar, which, hadn't pleased Adams satisfaction upon its cinema release. This then was commissioned by Adam's new founded company of the same name to showcase his upcoming 'Dirk Wears White Sox' tour in the spring of 2014. Often insightful, and candid, it follows Adam around various places in London whereby we learn what the man is actually like in a more private light, understanding what makes him tick, the ideology that goes into the tour, and also those he meets along the way to which he has an immediate camaraderie, and we also learn about how the final show at Hammersmith actually comes about. Some really interesting scenes feature Adam in a Soho Record shop explaining that he's miffed that he didn't get due royalties for a particular record release from way back, to meeting his tailor friend, then a trip in a taxi to the rehearsal rooms where we're introduced to his band. Another nice piece of film sees Adam in his flat being interviewed about the intricacies of stage makeup - also we share two record store days appearances the same day as the final evening show at Hammersmith. Really this film offers true fans a real treat into the secret world of Adam Ant. Technically then, the film is completely shot as a fly-on-the-wall roadshow, (predominantly hand-held camera) and which really does add an authentic feel of what its like to spend time with Adam as if you're along for the ride, no more, no less. If you ever get a chance to see this (not sure where) its really highly absorbing and nicely made - Highly recommended.
A Curious Tale
(2021)
A Charming 'Britflick' thriller!
28 February 2022
I've watched many of this directors films and have followed his work these past ten years or so, so its a joy to see he has now moved into an all new genre of film making, that being, an old english ghost story. Much of his previous work has been 'musical' -
so this is a real getaway from his usual film escapades. I'm therefore pleased to say that this film really works, which is greatly lead by its sumptuous musical soundtrack.
A new rendition of the famous M. R. James novella. 'A Warning to the Curious' sees a new protagonist played by Tindal, getting into all sorts of bother when he discovers a lost fabled crown.
There's a new slant to this version, which is refreshing, almost tongue in cheek, which is full of twists and turns, with nothing as it seems, making you feel uneasy from start to finish for our hero, (Tindal) Watch out for an outstanding piece of cinematography when there's a chilling dream sequence of a female ghost, a predator, who appears to be an alley of the doomed spectre, William Hagar, really quite frightening, which plays out along with the ever haunting Mozart classic 'Lacrimosa' - stirring stuff indeed.
On a technical level the production is high, good sweeping landscapes, some beautifully shot aerial sequences from PJ Herber, nicely paced editing, along with taught direction, and a wonderful film score from Jeff Crampton. At no point do any of the scenes outstay their welcome, the plot really does move along fast. The overall cast appear to be largely unknown, however, they play it within character rather well, and it really is quite enchanting to watch. The film does what it sets out to do - bringing in good suspense, atmosphere, creepiness and a general fear of the unknown. The plot here really is a 'whodunnit' and leaves you wondering. For the low budget, praise goes to the producers indeed. Highly recommended. A nice slant on the often all too familiar horror genre. Great viewing on a cold winters night. Track it down if you can.
(Of note and as I write I noticed this film has just picked up another award as 'Best Thriller' - deservedly so)
A new rendition of the famous M. R. James novella. 'A Warning to the Curious' sees a new protagonist played by Tindal, getting into all sorts of bother when he discovers a lost fabled crown.
There's a new slant to this version, which is refreshing, almost tongue in cheek, which is full of twists and turns, with nothing as it seems, making you feel uneasy from start to finish for our hero, (Tindal) Watch out for an outstanding piece of cinematography when there's a chilling dream sequence of a female ghost, a predator, who appears to be an alley of the doomed spectre, William Hagar, really quite frightening, which plays out along with the ever haunting Mozart classic 'Lacrimosa' - stirring stuff indeed.
On a technical level the production is high, good sweeping landscapes, some beautifully shot aerial sequences from PJ Herber, nicely paced editing, along with taught direction, and a wonderful film score from Jeff Crampton. At no point do any of the scenes outstay their welcome, the plot really does move along fast. The overall cast appear to be largely unknown, however, they play it within character rather well, and it really is quite enchanting to watch. The film does what it sets out to do - bringing in good suspense, atmosphere, creepiness and a general fear of the unknown. The plot here really is a 'whodunnit' and leaves you wondering. For the low budget, praise goes to the producers indeed. Highly recommended. A nice slant on the often all too familiar horror genre. Great viewing on a cold winters night. Track it down if you can.
(Of note and as I write I noticed this film has just picked up another award as 'Best Thriller' - deservedly so)
Adam Ant - Dirk Live at the Apollo
(2015 Video)
Masterpiece!
28 February 2022
In which the eighties icon, god of new romance, makes an appearance at the famous Hammersmith Apollo in the spring of 2014. A well captured epic concert of all proportion, seeing Adam and his band perform 'Dirk Wears White Sox' in its entirety with a few sprinkled 'hits' in for good measure. It's not often you get a professionally recorded show of Adam Ant, so its extra special to see this. This film has become hard to find (now deleted on the DVD format), so catch it if you can. Highly recommended.
Rick Wakeman - Live Portraits
(2019 Video)
A Sumptuous charismatic performance!
28 February 2022
This is one of the better Rick Wakeman live appearances, which has been beautifully captured in the majestic ambience within Lincoln Cathedral. On the back of his successful highly praised 'Piano Portraits' album, Rick went out on the road and played to sold out crowds. Such success, he decided to record one of the performances as represented here. Each song is headed by an anecdote from Rick himself followed by a solo performance on a grand piano in front of a packed house. I could watch this for hours. The film really does capture Rick's mesmerising piano playing abilities at his very best with out any accompaniment whatsoever. The film currently can be seen in segments on his Youtube channel, but if you prefer the whole DVD of the complete film with extras, then simply visit his site. Wonderfully produced and edited, it's simply gorgeous to watch! Thank goodness he chose to capture this event!
Crazy Times - Kim Cypher
(2020)
Simply gorgeous! Stunning video! A 'Must' see!
28 February 2022
A superb song from the splendid Jazz artist, Kim Cypher. Crazy times alright, colourful, charismatic, wonderfully shot and produced - this is a well deserved 'award' winning film. Treat yourself and track this one down. Highly enjoyable.
Cleeve Concerts - Kim Cypher
(2019)
Tip top Production from a fine Jazz artist
28 February 2022
I was lucky to witness this fine concert by Jazz artist Kim Cypher. This film represents a wonderful performance and captures Kim at her best (launching her 'Make Believe' album) with accompanying Pee Wee's excellent sax playing which adds another dimension to Kim's set. Catch this if you can (You tube?) it's wonderfully recorded and has such an enjoyable clubby 'vibe' - Highly recommended.
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