Rymer, Michael

Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries)

Despite voluminous protest and nitpicking criticism from loyal fans of the original 1978-80 TV series, the 2003 version of Battlestar Galactica turned out surprisingly well for viewers with a tolerance for change. Originally broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2003 and conceived by Star Trek: The Next Generation alumnus Ronald D. Moore as the pilot episode for a "reimagined" TV series, this four-hour "miniseries" reprises the basic premise of the original show while giving a major overhaul (including some changes in gender) to several characters and plot elements. Gone are the flowing robes, disco-era hairstyles, and mock-Egyptian fighter helmets, and thankfully there's not a fluffy "daggit" in sight... at least, not yet. Also missing are the "chrome toaster" Cylons, replaced by new, more formidable varieties of the invading Cylon enemy, including "Number Six" in hot red skirts and ample cleavage, who tricks the human genius Baltar into a scenario that nearly annihilates the human inhabitants of 12 colonial worlds.

Thus begins the epic battle and eventual retreat of a "ragtag fleet" of humans, searching for the mythical planet Earth under the military command of Adama (Edward James Olmos) and the political leadership of Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), a former secretary of education, 43rd in line of succession and rising to the occasion of her unexpected Presidency. As directed by Michael Rymer (Queen of the Damned), Moore's ambitious teleplay also includes newfangled CGI space battles (featuring "handheld" camera moves and subdued sound effects for "enhanced realism"), a dysfunctional Col. Tigh (Michael Hogan) who's provoked into action by the insubordinate Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff), and a father-son reunion steeped in familial tragedy. To fans of the original BG series, many of these changes are blasphemous, but for the most part they work--including an ominous cliffhanger ending. The remade Galactica is brimming with smart, well-drawn characters ripe with dramatic potential, and it readily qualifies as serious-minded science fiction, even as it gives BG loyalists ample fuel for lively debate. --Jeff Shannon

Queen of the Damned (Widescreen Edition)

It's her time. Her place. The wickedly regal Mother of All Vampires is ready again to rule! Aaliyah plays the title role in this stylish shocker based on Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles. Stuart Townsend portrays Lestat, the undead antihero previously seen in the movie version of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. This time, Lestat finds acceptance in a tattooed and pierced world. He's a rock star. And his intoxicating Goth-riffed sound rekindles the desires of all-powerful Akasha.

In Too Deep

Undercover cop Jeffrey Cole is doing "God's" work, and he is losing his religion. God is Dwayne Gittens, whose neighborhood benevolence masks his thriving Cincinnati (a refreshing change of scenery) drug trade. Cole, a rookie fresh out of the Academy is "ready for the big score" and is charged by his mentor to "bring God and his angels down for good." But the higher Cole rises in Gittens's organization, the deeper he gets. Omar Epps redeems himself after The Mod Squad with a gripping and empathetic performance as the increasingly conflicted Cole. After scoring as the comic relief in Deep Blue Sea, LL Cool J gets down to business as Gittens, the master of his domain who rules with an iron hand (and, in one particularly nasty sequence, a pool cue), but is also capable of compassion and charity. As Cole's concerned superior, Stanley Tucci avoids the bluster usually associated with this stock character. Pam Grier, whose career should have gotten a Viagralike pop from Jackie Brown, makes the most out of her thankless role as a fellow officer who finds herself in a climactic standoff with Cole. In Too Deep briefly loses its focus after Cole is pulled from the case. He takes photography classes and becomes involved with a model (Nia Long). But fans of TV's late, lamented Wiseguy, the unjustly neglected Deep Cover, and Donnie Brasco will find Cole'a anguished odyssey compelling. --Donald Liebenson

Hip-hop legend LL Cool J (DEEP BLUE SEA, HALLOWEEN: H2O) is teamed with hot stars Omar Epps (THE WOOD, SCREAM 2) and Nia Long (BOILER ROOM, BIG MOMMA's HOUSE) in a gritty crime drama about a dedicated young cop who goes deep undercover to take down a ruthless gangster! Officer Jeff Cole (Epps) is given a dangerous mission: infiltrate the syndicate of "God" (LL Cool J), the charismatic and deadly crime lord who rules the city's streets! But as Cole sinks deeper and deeper into God's crew, he begins to get in over his head ... until the line that separates his true identity from his street persona begins to disappear! Also featuring Stanley Tucci (SHALL WE DANCE? THE TERMINAL) and Pam Grier (JACKIE BROWN), this action-packed story unfolds with a power you'll find intensely entertaining!

Queen of the Damned (Full Screen Edition)

After years of slumber, the legendary vampire has awakened and found acceptance in a tattooed, pierced and black-clad world. He's a rock star. And his awesome punk-chic sound has echoed around the globe...and stirred to life the fearsome Mother of All Vampires. Based on "The Vampire Chronicles" by Anne Rice, whose work previously came to the screen in "Interview with the Vampire."

Gothika/Queen of the Damned

Dr. Miranda Grey doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. Halle Berry plays Grey in a frightmare set in a women's penitentiary where someone - or something - is very twisted...and deadly. Pen?lope Cruz and Robert Downey Jr. co-star in Gothika [Side A] "an atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing" (Jeffrey K. Howard ABC-TV). Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles is the basis for Queen of the Damned [Side B]. Stuart Townsend plays Lestat the ancient vampire who finds acceptance in the world of Goth rock and Aaliyah plays the royal fiend awakened from death by his music. "Erotic scary gothic and exciting. Move over Dracula the Queen has arrived!" (Mike Sargent WBAI Radio/New York).Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: HORROR UPC: 085391142461 Manufacturer No: 114246

Perfume

Queen of the Damned / Thirteen Ghosts

Queen of the Damned/Interview with the Vampire

Allie and Me

In Too Deep [Region 2]

Undercover cop Jeffrey Cole is doing "God's" work, and he is losing his religion. God is Dwayne Gittens, whose neighborhood benevolence masks his thriving Cincinnati (a refreshing change of scenery) drug trade. Cole, a rookie fresh out of the Academy is "ready for the big score" and is charged by his mentor to "bring God and his angels down for good." But the higher Cole rises in Gittens's organization, the deeper he gets. Omar Epps redeems himself after The Mod Squad with a gripping and empathetic performance as the increasingly conflicted Cole. After scoring as the comic relief in Deep Blue Sea, LL Cool J gets down to business as Gittens, the master of his domain who rules with an iron hand (and, in one particularly nasty sequence, a pool cue), but is also capable of compassion and charity. As Cole's concerned superior, Stanley Tucci avoids the bluster usually associated with this stock character. Pam Grier, whose career should have gotten a Viagralike pop from Jackie Brown, makes the most out of her thankless role as a fellow officer who finds herself in a climactic standoff with Cole. In Too Deep briefly loses its focus after Cole is pulled from the case. He takes photography classes and becomes involved with a model (Nia Long). But fans of TV's late, lamented Wiseguy, the unjustly neglected Deep Cover, and Donnie Brasco will find Cole'a anguished odyssey compelling. --Donald Liebenson