DONALD CLARKEand MICHAEL DWYERreview this weeks DVD releases.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON ★★★

Directed by David Fincher.

Starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng. 12 cert

Pitt plays a man born in his 80s and reversing in age. The framing structure that cues the extensive flashbacks is trite and obvious, but Fincher never allows the lengthy, generally intriguing saga to drag.

His lavish production is adorned with some gorgeous tableaux, and the elaborate make-up and prosthetics work is outstanding. MD

FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN ★★★★

Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel.

Starring Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt, Anamaria Marinca, Mark Davison, Kevin O'Neill.15 cert

This factually inspired Northern Ireland drama features Neeson as a former UVF member in an attempted reconciliation with the brother (Nesbitt) of a Catholic he killed in 1975. The deeply felt performances of the leads are at the heart of a drama to which German director Hirschbiegel brings the objectivity of an outsider. MD

VALKYRIE ★★★

Directed by Bryan Singer. Starring Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Eddie Izzard, Terence Stamp.12A cert.

Singer’s treatment of the plot to assassinate Hitler turns out to be a decent thriller. Featuring a classy line-up of older British actors, the picture is brave in its reluctance to simplify or to sentimentalise. There’s just one problem: it’s got weird Tom Cruise in it. Recommended, nonetheless.

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