DVD round-up from The TOMB

Something old and something new in the shape of 'The Searchers' and 'Hidden'.

Jun 19 2006

A pair of brilliant titles arrive on DVD this week, the perfect antidote for all the heathens out there suffering from football overload.

First up is my DVD of the week, and thus far, Time Out's film of the year – 'Hidden'.

Written and directed by Michael Haneke (whose 'Funny Games' remains one of the best pics of the last decade) it's a haunting and captivating story that concerns notions of fear, celebrity, paranoia and guilt.

Perfectly paced and beautifully framed, the ambiguous action shocks and frustrates in equal measure, but whatever your opinion, it's safe to say that 'Hidden' is the kind of film that will stay with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

Extras include a making of documentary and a 25-minute interview with Haneke himself.

The other title I'd recommend this week is a special edition of 'The Searchers', John Ford's epic about the five year search for a young girl kidnapped by Commanches.

One of the true western greats, it features a truly iconic central performance from John Wayne, and this 'Ultimate Collector' edition includes a comic book, press books, photos and a fantastic commentary from 'Searchers' aficinado Peter Bogdanovich.

Finally, for those looking for less serious fare, 'The Seven Year Itch' also hits stands this week, a lightweight and somewhat outdated comedy that's worth a look, but perhaps only to ogle Marilyn Monroe's famous flash.

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