NewDVDs

Latest DVD releases reviewed

WAR OF THE WORLDS ****

Directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto 12 cert

Spielberg's vigorous, hi-tech reworking of the classic HG Wells novel can be read as a metaphor for a country experiencing an unprecedented climate of fear post-9/11. There are no superheroes in his dark, resolutely serious treatment, which features powerful imagery and superb special effects. Michael Dwyer

THE ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN *****

Directed by Peter Lennon TBC?? cert

Peter Lennon's legendary 1968 documentary, in which the director, accompanied by Nouvelle Vague cinematographer Raoul Coutard, manoeuvred priests, sportsmen and ordinary citizens into revealing how wretchedly dour life in Ireland once was, has, in these thrusting times, come to be seen as a marker of how far we've come. The exemplary DVD package, featuring an excellent new documentary by Paul Duane, makes the case more forcefully still. A horror film. Donald Clarke

DIG! ****

Directed by Ondi Timoner 16 cert

Hilarious documentary detailing the rivalry between Californian bands The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Dig! has interesting things to say about the relationship between music and money, but is at its best when focused on Anton Newcombe, the unhinged Massacre leader. Those underwelmed by the scant extras should be aware that a two-DVD special edition is due next year.