STACK NZ Dec #58

DVD&BD

REVIEWS

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Pirate nation BLACK SAILS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Dome alone UNDER THE DOME: SEASON 2

Format:

Release Date: 04/12/14

Format:

Release Date: 03/12/14

TV

When it comes to buccaneers and their exploits on the high seas, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is the family-friendly version. Black Sails , a new pirate series from Starz (who gave us Spartacus ) offers a gritty, R-rated alternative. Set 20 years prior to the events detailed in Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure yarn Treasure Island , the show follows notorious pirate Captain Flint (Toby Stephens, TV’s Robin Hood ) – who makes Jack Sparrow look like a wimp – in his pursuit of a treasure-laden

This series has moved so far beyond the events detailed in Stephen King’s source novel that the “based on” credit no longer applies. The folk of Chester’s Mill, who are still trapped beneath that mysterious, all-encompassing dome, are now content to do their own thing, and as situations become increasingly more insane with each episode, you get the impression that the writing team doesn’t even know what’s happening and are making it up as they go. This freewheeling approach does have

Spanish galleon; and ruthless trader Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New, Maleficent ), who fences the pirates’ plunder. Amongst Flint’s crew is young John Silver (Luke Arnold, last seen portraying Michael Hutchence in the INXS telemovie), whom we know, sooner or later, won’t have a leg to stand on. A second season is due next year.

a certain guilty pleasure appeal, though. Will Big Jim and Junior be the villains or the good guys this episode? Why is there an underground cavern hidden inside a high school locker? What’s the significance of the butterflies? Why are people suddenly returning from the dead? Who knows, just don’t look to the book for answers.

A multimedia murder mystery. SECRETS & LIES

Deathstroke of genius ARROW: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON

Format:

Release Date: 11/12/14

Format:

Release Date: 03/12/14

This innovative six-part Australian crime series has been cleverly conceived to target viewers who simply can’t put down their smartphones, tablets or laptops whilst watching TV. An interactive whodunit, the central mystery unfolds after a jogger (New Zealand star Martin Henderson) discovers the body of a young boy during his morning run, and becomes a suspect. The broadcast version was complemented with additional information on the case via webisodes and Facebook links, and the DVD gives

The first season set things up, now we get to the good stuff. Arrow ’s second season is much more comic book in style and tone, and this show is easily the best of the rapidly growing legion of superhero series. Billionaire playboy turned avenging archer Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) has revised his crime-fighting MO following the death of best buddy Tommy: “To honour my friend’s memory, I can’t be the killer I once was.” But he might have to be, when arch nemesis Slade Wilson (Manu Bennett), aka Deathstroke, threatens his

you all you need to play amateur sleuth, including clues, suspects, prequels, webisodes and lie detector interviews – all shot using the same cast, crew, screenwriters and high production values. Cluedo is suddenly looking so last century!

family and Starling City. Season Two packs in lots of guest appearances from the DC universe, and the Arrow’s moody new look raises the old Clark Kent/Superman conundrum – why can nobody guess this superhero’s true identity when it’s so bleeding obvious!

DECEMBER 2014 JB Hi-Fi www.jbhifi.co.nz

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