STACK NZ Sep #77

REVIEWS DVD & BD

There's no business like blow business NARCOS: SEASON ONE

Batter up THE WALKING DEAD: SIXTH SEASON

Release Date: 08/09/16

Release Date: 21/09/16

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The USA in the 1980s is regarded as the decade of excess, not least for the masses of cocaine that caressed nostrils. That particular phenomenon was basically due to one enterprising fellow, Colombian drug entrepreneur Pablo Escobar (portrayed with admirable restraint by Wagner Moura). This 10-episode first season of Narcos blends crime-thriller with biography to deliver a fascinating view of the rise of cocaine demand in the States, as seen through the eyes of a fictional DEA agents, Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña

The sixth season of the phenomenally popular zombie series had fans abuzz with delight and outrage alike over some of the, let's say 'twists', in the narrative this year. There was the demise of a series regular to be addressed, and also one of the biggest TV cliffhangers in recent memory. As far as the plot is concerned, the fate of Alexandria and its population is decided, with the walkers and the Wolves a major threat to the community's survival. Morgan returns, but his "no killing' policy doesn't sit well with Rick, who's placed in the

( Game Of Thrones ' Pedro Pascal). While Narcos can be uncomfortably funny, it contains an air of documentary, making it an educational, exciting and often unnerving rush. Addictive television – we can't wait for the second season. AF

difficult position of watching those he's fought to keep alive facing a gruesome fate. And then there's Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the new bad guy on the block, whose lethal baseball bat isn't just used on the zombies. Season 7 can't come soon enough! SH

DVD&BD

PEAKY BLINDERS: SEASON THREE

SCREAM QUEENS: FIRST SEASON

ARROW: FOURTH SEASON

BETTER CALL SAUL: SEASON TWO

Release Date: 07/09/16 Format:

Release Date: 07/09/16 Format:

Release Date: 07/09/16 Format:

Release Date: Out now Format:

Two years on from blood-drenched second season finale, life is looking pretty good for Brummie gangster Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). He is about to wed the love of his life, Grace (Annabelle Wallis), he owns a lavish mansion and has even convinced some people that he's a respectable businessman. However, when shady figures in the establishment call in the favour he owes them, Shelby finds himself drawn into a conspiracy to overthrow the new Communist regime in Russia. Murphy is as magnetic as ever as the conflicted mobster, while Paddy Considine – taking over from Sam Neill – makes for a suitably menacing new nemesis. JF

American Horror Story creators Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy bring their distinctive brand of demented horror-comedy to this sassy series that pays tribute to the '80s slasher film cycle – complete with original scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis. A college campus is stalked by a serial killer in a red devil costume, who's targeting members of the exclusive Kappa Kappa Tau sorority house, led by abrasive queen bitch Chanel (Emma Roberts). Closer in tone to Glee than AHS , Scream Queens knows its target audience and gives them exactly what they want, like guest roles for popsters Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas. Horror fans will enjoy all the in-jokes, too. SH

Let’s face it. If you’re a billionaire playboy, nobody would expect you to do anything much with your life beyond keeping the likes of Rolex, Dom and Aston Martin in business. Luckily Oliver Queen has a deep-seated humanitarian streak, or we wouldn’t have a fourth season of DC Comics’ Arrow to enjoy. Oliver and Felicity may have been aiming for a somewhat less hectic life, but it isn’t going to happen anytime soon. There’s a Darhk new big bad in town, and he’s not only trying to bring down the recently renamed Star City, he also has the newly green Oliver and friends firmly in his sights. Arrows will fly! AF

As we discovered with its first season, spin-off Better Call Saul isn’t Breaking Bad 2 , but it’s just as moreish. When last we caught up with ‘Saul Goodman’ – when he was just Jimmy McGill – an offer had been made that would put Jimmy on track for partnernship at swanky law firm Davis & Main. When we catch up now, Jimmy’s declined the offer as he wants to leave the legal world behind – much to the chagrin of his friend Kim. While this brilliant season is very much about relationships – Jimmy and Kim, Jimmy and his spiteful brother Chuck – it also delivers enough BB -esque moments to help assuage some of those aforementioned itches. AF

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