JULY 2011

JULY PRESS ROOM BULLETIN

CARLOS THE JACKAL

From acclaimed director Olivier Assayas (SUMMER HOURS, IRMA VEP), and starring Golden Globe ® nominee Édgar Ramírez, comes an explosive new work of astonishing scope; an epic portrayal of the notorious revolutionary known as Carlos.

For two decades, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, better known as CARLOS THE JACKAL, was one of the world’s most wanted terrorists. Between 1974 and 1994, he lived several lives under various pseudonyms, weaving his violent way across Europe and the Middle East through the complexities of international politics. From bombing trains and government buildings to hijacking planes and taking hostages, his explosive exploits captured the attention of the world.

CARLOS THE JACKAL is available here, on DVD and BLU-RAY in both the original ‘mini-series’ version, and the abridged feature film version.Release Date: 20th July, 2011

THE COMPANY MEN

THE COMPANY MEN brings together some of this generation’s greatest actors – all of whom are Academy Award® winners.

Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck) is living the American dream: great job, beautiful family and a shiny Porsche in the garage. When corporate downsizing leaves him and co-workers Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper) and Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones) jobless, the three men are forced to re-define their lives as men, husbands, and fathers. Bobby must work in construction for his condescending brother-in-law (Kevin Costner), while Phil struggles with the financial burden of unemployed life and Gene attempts to instill some morals into his former business partner.

With humour, pathos, and keen observation, writer-director John Wells (E.R .and THE WEST WING) introduces us to the new reality of American life: that sometimes you have to lose it all to win back hope.

Release Date: 13th July, 2011

CERTIFIED COPY

The latest cinematic offering from Abbas Kiarostami was the hit of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, where lead actress Juliette Binoche snatched up the award for Best Actress.

Binoche stars as Elle, the owner of an art gallery in Tuscany. She meets writer James (opera singer William Shimmel in his first film role) when he gives a talk about his latest book, which discusses the concepts of originality and the value of copies of art. They talk; first about art, then the nature of happiness and the purpose of existence. When James is mistaken for Elle’s husband in a café, they indulge in a little role-play. But what really is the nature of their relationship? Have they met before? Are they a couple, or in fact merely a perfect imitation of one?

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

THE HOUSEMAID

After accepting the job of a housemaid to a wealthy businessman, the innocent and naive Eun-yi is tasked with taking care of his pregnant wife and her young daughter. But when the husband seduces his new employee, his actions do not go unnoticed by an older servant who knows many of the family’s secrets. When things take an unexpected turn, the household is left wondering if this mere housemaid is really as innocent as she appears.

Sleek and sexy, THE HOUSEMAID is a provocative and beautifully cinematic thriller and a landmark reinterpretation of Ki-young Kim’s highly-regarded 1960s film of the same name.

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

JUST A BEGINNING

Shot over two years, JUST A BEGINNING traces the lessons of a rather unique pre-school class: at merely 3-5 years of age, this class is already waxing lyrical on philosophy.

Seated in a circle, these pre-schoolers ponder subjects such as love, power, difference, growing up and death. Slowly but surely, the workshops become the space in which the children learn about listening, respect and the world around them. Screened to popular acclaim at the Alliance Francaise Film Festival, JUST A BEGINNING is the story of a kindergarten with a difference – these kids are the future, and they’re pretty right-on!

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

SMASH HIS CAMERA

Before tabloids could be held solely responsible for creating celebrities, there was Ron Galella. Jackie Onassis sued him, Marlon Brando broke his jaw and Steve McQueen once gave him a look that could have stopped a heart – and not in a good way. To the celebrities he pursued, photographer Galella was the beast who threatened beauty. His shots have been the cause of tears, grins and jeers to celebrities and personalities of the past.

Recently though, Ron’s work has been rediscovered by a younger generation. His photos have been exhibited at art galleries such as NY’s MOMA and are being adored by a generation who don’t recognise or relate to the celebrities and personalities they feature. This raises the question – is his work exploitative, or is it legitimate art?

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

MARTIN SCORSESE’S SHORT FILMS

Before hitting the big time with MEAN STREETS, Martin Scorsese honed his narrative and stylistic skills in short films. Hilarious, intimate and unique, Scorsese’s shorts indicate the irreverent style and voice which the filmmaker has developed throughout his illustrious career. From esoteric experiments (THE BIG SHAVE) to docos exploring his roots (ITALIANAMERICAN) and many more, these short films are must-haves for film lovers. Featuring five of his acclaimed shorts, MARTIN SCORSESE’S SHORT FILMS showcase the unique talents of one of the world’s finest living filmmakers.

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

KYOFU

From Hideo Nakata, creator of the seminal RING (RINGU), comes a terrifying new chapter in J-Horror, KYOFU. As children, sisters Kaori and Miyuki watch a mysterious white light appear on an old 16 mm film. 17 years later, the now death-obsessed Miyuki suddenly disappears. As Kaori tracks down her older sister, she’s reunited with their insane mother Etsuko, who plans to repeat a forbidden brain experiment which will shake their perception of reality.

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

BERGERAC – THE COMPLETE FIRST SERIES

Before he was Barnaby, John Nettles made hearts race as the tough but flawed Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac, a recovering alcoholic fighting crime on the isle of Jersey. A brilliant (though maverick) cop, Bergerac was loved as much for his human failings as he was for his strength, and he rarely saw eye-to-eye with his superiors.

Moving with the power of Bergerac’s vintage red Triumph Roadster sports car, each episode guarantees full-throttle excitement, ingenious plots and colourful characters as Bergerac patrols the harbour cafes, cliff-top mansions and secluded coves on the trail of the villains, murderers, spies and smugglers of the holiday island and tax haven. Combining action with atmosphere, and spectacle with suspense, BERGERAC launched John Nettles to international stardom for 9 series.

Now, for the very first time in Australia, BERGERAC is finally available for the home entertainment market. All 10 uncut episodes from the first season of Bergerac are available on this DVD release, including audio commentaries with John Nettles and creator Robert Banks Stewart.

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

THE PROTECTORS

In the tradition of breakthrough Danish dramas such as THE KILLING and THE EAGLE, THE PROTECTORS is the latest hit series to arrive from those Nordic masters of crime and suspense.

In today’s violent world, the lives of many politicians, industrialists, heads of state and other VIPs are often endangered. To counteract these threats, the Danish Intelligence Bureau created The Personal Protection Unit – a force of competent, quick-thinking and dedicated bodyguards. This award winning Danish crime series centres around the lives and missions of these specialists, the people they protect and their enemies.

Release Date: 6th July, 2011

TOBIE & MATT: ASIA & EUROPE

Tobie Puttock (Head Chef at Restaurant Fifteen and Jamie Oliver’s ‘bestie’) and Matt Skinner (Head Sommelier at Restaurant Fifteen Group and author of The Juice) are colleagues, friends and keen travelers. Their mission is simple: find ex-pat Aussies and locals to act as their guides, see the sights, then cook up a delightful thank you meal for their hosts, matched with a local or international wine. From the spice of Thai cuisine to the uniqueness of Chinese flavours, no dish is too difficult for these culinary adventurers.

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

KINGDOM OF THE FOREST

Filmed in stunning high definition, KINGDOM OF THE FOREST captures footage of some of Northern Europe’s most stunning primeval forests. Once stretching across almost all of Northern Europe, centuries of development have destroyed most of these vast forests. But in places, ancient woodland has survived, offering green monuments to a distant, forgotten age.

The temperate forest of Northern and Central Europe is home to an abundance of wildlife. We are presented a stage for wild dramas, from the fierce fighting of the boar, to the nocturnal hunt of the eagle owl. The full range of large, charismatic mammals and birds are captured, with fascinating insights into hunting, reproduction and other behaviour. We also explore the hidden elements of the woodlands, using the long-term time lapse, super slow-motion and extreme macro photography. Incredible footage of plant life through the seasons brings the spectacular yearly cycle to life.

Release Date: 6th July, 2011

I AM WEASEL

As silly as REN AND STIMPY but less disgusting, I AM WEASEL is a cult classic featuring two of the most mismatched pals ever to grace television screens!

Meet I.M. Weasel (voiced by Michael Dorn, better known as STAR TREK’s ‘Worf’): a famous, generous, caring being who is extremely gifted, talented and skilled in most professions. Now meet I.R. Baboon: an untalented, ugly, erratic being, who is only noteworthy for his big bright red butt, which he refuses to cover at any time much to the discomfort of those around him. Despite I.M. Weasel’s benevolent nature, I.R. Baboon is constantly trying to out-do him and constantly failing to do so. These are their adventures!

Release Date: 6th July, 2011

K-ON! VOL. 01

From the land of J-pop comes K-ON!, a rockin’ musical adventure which traces the musical aspirations of a group of four precocious high school chicks.

When Yui Hirasawa enters high school, she wants to join a club but can’t decide which one is right for her. Fortunately, the Light Music Club is desperate to find another member or they’ll be disbanded! So, with the enticement of delicious snacks and assurance that no musical experience is necessary, Yui joins up as the guitarist in this all-girl high school rock band – also featuring Mio Akiyama on bass, Tsumugi Kotobuki on keyboard and Ritsu Tainaka on drums. Together, they’re going to rock the school and someday make it to Budokan!

Release Date: 20th July, 2011

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