This week's DVD release reviews

NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD:THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF OZPLOITATION! 

Directed by Mark Hartley. 18 cert

The mixed fortunes of Australian actors and film-makers in the 1970s are charted in this informative, highly entertaining documentary. Not Quite Hollywoodtraces the development of the Australian film industry to the relaxation of the censorship laws in the late 1960s, after which the industry took off on parallel tracks.

There were such award-winning achievements as Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmithand My Brilliant Career, which introduced directors Peter Weir, Fred Schepisi and Gillian Armstrong, respectively, to international audiences. Then there were the crude, sexually explicit comedies such as Alvin Purpleand The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, which collected no prizes but scored at the box office, and stylish, resourcefully thrillers such as Mad Max (pictured above), Long Weekendand The Man from Hong Kong.

This meticulously researched documentary is illustrated with copious clips and features observations from dozens of commentators, none of whom is more animated and excited than Quentin Tarantino. MICHAEL DWYER

THE READER

Directed by Stephen Daldry. Starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Bruno Ganz, Lena Olin, Alexandra Maria Lara. 18 cert

In her Oscar- winning performance, Winslet is powerfully expressive as a German tram conductor sexually involved with a 15-year-old schoolboy (Kross) and haunted by her experiences when recruited as a Nazi collaborator in this coldly dispassionate drama that dares to raise a weighty moral dilemma. MICHAEL DWYER

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA

Directed by Raja Gosnell. Starring Piper Perabo, Jamie Lee Curtis, voices of Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, Placido Domingo, Edward James Olmos, George Lopze, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguezs. G cert

A posh Chihuahua goes missing south of the border. The plot is overly complicated, the depiction of Mexico appears to be adapted from a lazy tourist guide, and the feeble efforts at social satire are best forgotten. Still, children will love the avalanche of talking beasts. The DVD offers footage of Drew Barrymore playing with rescue dogs. Cool! DONALD CLARKE

SEVEN POUNDS

Directed by Gabriele Muccino. Starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Michael Ealy, Barry Pepper, Woody Harrelson .15 cert

A traumatised man tries to find worthy recipients for his vital organs. The arty camerawork and low-key acting do not mesh with the soapy narrative and absurd reversals. Eggheads will find it too sentimental; popcorn eaters will find it too depressing. A rare flop for the worlds favourite movie star. DONALD CLARKE

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS 2

Directed by Sanaa Hamri. Starring Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, Jesse Williams, Blythe Danner, Rachel Ticotin.12 cert

The four well- educated girls from the first film go away for the summer and have yet more life- affirming adventures. One gets involved in drama. Another dabbles in archaeology. The film certainly sets a good example to teenagers but, free of any proper bad behaviour, it turns out to even duller than its predecessor. DONALD CLARKE