Fashion Victims (DVD)

Advantages: Great to see a lost gem
Disadvantages: Some weak images from old video transfers.

...As well versed as I am in the Italian Horror and Thriller movies, the news that Shameless were to release the movie The Designated Victim gave me a bit of a thrill; not only had I not heard of the movie before (at least I think I had not) but from the trailer that popped up on their coming soon section of previous DVD releases, really gave me the need to see the movie. Shameless Screen Entertainment have again outdone themselves with this amazing release of a movie in a highly preserved form, and something that is almost unheard of in the world of Shameless DVD's, a disc with special features. Known in its native Italian tongue as La Designata Vittimia, The Designated Victim to use a modern term is "A Re-imagining" of Alfred Hitchcocks' Strangers On A Train. Stefano Argenti (Thomas Millian) is a businessman who is looking... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Classic and compelling viewing
Disadvantages: Incomplete story

...a very daring attempt to show the true damage of the Iraqi war; but like so many things it upset too many people. As a result the stories of the soldiers remains incomplete at the end of the 13th episode. You would think that in this day and age a fictionalised series of events would be allowed to be screened without outside interference. Special Features Each episode has a different audio commentary to accompany it; whether it be by a member of the cast or the crew. This gives tremendous insight into the real dangers of filming in the Middle East during a time of war. Weapon De-Briefing: I could not get this option to work on any of my DVD players; I returned the DVD for an exchange but the replacement was the same. Tour Of Duty: Shows how the series was shot; exposes the special effects and adds elements to the show you might... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good pacing, unexpected plot
Disadvantages: The child actor annoyed me

...are not supposed to like David after all - but there is a difference between being annoying in a role because it is called for and generally being so annoying that it affects the viewer's enjoyment of the film. In my case, his acting really did put me off the film. He does, I suppose, portray evil, although I felt he was ripping off Damien in The Omen a little too much, and it generally felt as though he was thinking too hard about every evil glance and smirk he gave. I should also mention Sarah Wayne Callies as Roxanne, simply because she was the only character that I really felt anything for. Roxanne is very much a victim of circumstance who finds herself involved over her head. Her affection for David and her utter terror at what transpires is actually very realistic, so although I've never heard of the actress before, she deserves... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful