The gang behind Trainspotting has reunited for this sci-fi tale about a group of astronauts who have to reignite the dying sun. And, for a while, it works beautifully, with director Danny Boyle's stunning visuals and writer Alex Garland's realistic set pieces faithfully entrancing the viewer. And then the third act starts and a crazed, sun- burnt killer is introduced, totally making what was a Hitchcockian character-study into just another third- rate Aliens wannabe. What a shame. The DVD features the typical deleted scenes and production diaries, but I really enjoyed the commentary by science adviser Dr. Brian Cox of the University of Manchester, which should get all the science geeks in a tizzy. More science-based films should include facts like this in their flicks. Just leave out the sun-burnt killers. Louis Fowler
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Trailer Trash! (NR) Camp Motion Pictures
Many times, in the world of B-movies, the trailers are more entertaining than the actual movies themselves. Where else, in two minutes, can you see all the tacky gore (and tackier sex) without having to wade through all that irritating dialogue and character development? Luckily, the folks over at Camp Motion Pictures recognized this and have collected every film trailer in their library, putting them on two packed discs for over five hours of entertainment. You get trailers for not-so-classics like Play-Mate of the Apes, Woodchipper Massacre, Ghoul School, Beauty Queen Butcher, Satan's Black Wedding and so, so many more. This is the perfect Friday night party tape, whether it's just you and a six-pack or the background noise for a bunch of friends. It doesn't get much more fun than this. Louis Fowler
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The Psychic (NR) Severin Films
Before he went the full-on splatter route, Italian filmmaker Lucio Fulci was widely regarded as the heir apparent to the true Hitchcock style of suspense and dread, creating lush, creepy atmospheres in which to place his murder-mysteries. One of his last in this style, 1977's The Psychic, follows this path accordingly, drawing the viewer in a deep, dark mystery: A clairvoyant is tormented by visions of a murder that might be her own. Swirling with haunting visuals and a beautiful score many will recognize pieces from the Kill Bill movies, since Tarantino's an avowed fan of this film this is widely regarded as Fulci's masterpiece. The special features are somewhat light in quantity, but make up for that in quality, especially with the insightful Voices from the Black featurette. Louis Fowler
