November DVD Spotlight: British Cinema

All through the month of November, we're celebrating the cinematic achievements of the many talented filmmakers from across the pond.  We've got masterpieces from legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock and David Lean, as well as lesser-known works from contemporary visionaries like Derek Jarman and Terry Gilliam.  Whether you're looking to laugh with the Monty Python gang, fall in love with the ensemble cast of Love Actually, or revisit Shakespeare on screen with Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh, we've got you covered.

Featured titles include:

The 39 Steps (1935)
This thrilling early work from Alfred Hitchcock sees an innocent man pursued across Scotland by both the police and a deadly spy ring.

Brief Encounter (1945)
Although best known for his large-scale epics, director David Lean was equally adept at bringing more intimate stories to the screen, as evidenced by this classic tearjerker romance about two married people who meet at a train station and fall in love.

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
This riotously funny crime caper follows the aftermath of a diamond heist, as each of the culprits schemes to keep the goods for themselves.

Get Carter (1971)
Alternately bleakly cynical and darkly funny, this film follows Michael Caine's small-time gangster through the corrupt underbelly of Newcastle as he seeks to avenge his brother's murder.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The quintessential film epic, with an iconic musical score by Maurice Jarre.  This thrilling adventure from director David Lean chronicles the World War I exploits of enigmatic British military officer T. E. Lawrence, who united the Arab nations in a fight against the Turks.

The Red Shoes (1948)
In what may be the most gorgeous color film ever made, a ballerina becomes torn between her love for a young composer and her devotion to her career and the demands of an uncompromising ballet impresario.

Richard III (1955)
Shakespeare's classic tale of treachery, murder, and the ruthless pursuit of power comes to vivid life, with a tour-de-force lead performance by the great Laurence Olivier, who also directed the film.

The Up Series (1964-2005)
In 1964, filmmaker Michael Apted interviewed a group of seven year-old English children from diverse backgrounds, asking them about their lives and their dreams for the future. Every seven years, Apted returned to talk to the same subjects, resulting in a landmark documentary series that presents an insightful examination of social change and personal development.

Zulu (1964)
Michael Caine made his film debut in this true story about a small group of British soldiers and engineers at a remote African outpost who come under attack from thousands of Zulu warriors.

Check one out today!