DVD REVIEWS

• Strong writing and central performance in ‘An Education’

  In Twickenham in 1961, 16-year-old schoolgirl Jenny (Carey Mulligan) meets handsome stranger David (Peter Sarsgaard) on the street and is flattered by the attentions of the older man.

• ‘Julie & Julia’ an entertaining culinary yarn

  Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and her doting US diplomat husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) settle into new lodgings in 1940s Paris.

• ‘Taking Woodstock’ draws well on spirit of age

  In the summer of 1969, Elliot (Demetri Martin) returns home to his hen-pecked father Jake (Henry Goodman) and harridan mother Sonia (Imelda Staunton) to save the family’s ailing motel business.

• Aviatrix biopic fails to take flight

  Mira Nair directs this chocolate box biopic of plucky aviatrix Amelia Earhart, who soared to new heights in her trusty Lockhead L-10 Electra, only to disappear in 1937 during an attempt to fly around the world.

• More for adults to enjoy in ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’

  Mr Fox (voiced by George Clooney) is always looking to move up in the world with his long-suffering wife, Mrs Fox (Meryl Streep).

• Disjointed narrative in ‘Cirque du Freak’

  High-achieving teenager Darren (Chris Massoglia) has devoted most of his time to his schoolwork, scoring straight As to the delight of his parents (Don McManus, Colleen Camp).

• ‘Triangle’ tantalising and teasing

  Single mother Jess (Melissa George) yearns for a break from the tears of her autistic son, Tommy (Melissa McIvor).

• ‘Jennifer’s Body’ a passable teen horror

  Needy Lesnicky (Amanda Seyfried) is a high school geek with a devoted boyfriend, Chip (Johnny Simmons).

• Glowing tribute to the King of Pop

  Hastily constructed from hundreds of hours of backstage and rehearsals footage, Kenny Ortega’s documentary is a glowing tribute to the King Of Pop as he prepares for one of the most spectacular live shows of his career.

• Visuals triumph over plot in post-apocalyptic ‘9’

  In a post-apocalyptic future, 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood) wakes to find the scientist who created him is dead, one of millions wiped out by a carefully targeted attack by the Great Machine.