Entertainment

Synopsis: In Britain we’re blessed with four distinct seasons. Each has its own character, its own charms, idiosyncrasies, and beauties. The sights, pleasures and tastes we associate with each season are always worth waiting for. That’s what makes the seasons so important to life on these islands.

This series, presented by Alan Titchmarsh, aims to reconnect us to the seasons, and show us just how influential they still are on every living thing in Britain, and how they affect our mood and behaviour. The Seasons investigates the crucial influence of such basic factors as fluctuating light levels and changes in temperature, and how they transform our flora and fauna.

We see some of the most breath-taking, spectacular images that nature gives us in Britain: starlings swarming above Brighton Pier; the beauty of the blackthorn blossom; the fearsome autumn deer rut; sheep on the freezing Yorkshire Dales in winter; and the intricate and lovely mating rituals of our birds; the dance of the adders; ‘Mad March Hares’ boxing and the extraordinary sub-aquatic sight of toads wrestling to win a mate.
  
Produced by Tiger Aspect Productions for ITV, this series explores our ancient seasonal festivals: many of which are still celebrated today such as May Day, Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and Hogmanay. The Seasons also takes a look at traditional seasonal activities, from ice-skating on the Fens to boating on the Thames.  
 
Hot Brands Verdict
This is a wonderfully relaxing DVD, the photography is stunning, and Alan Titchmarsh’s easy style of presenting makes this a fascinating collection of facts, images and a delightful tour of our enchanting and spectacular country. A perfect gift for Father’s day, as well as a DVD to treasure. We loved it! Highly Recommended!

Buy The Seasons With Alan Titchmarsh [DVD] from amazon.co.uk

With an introduction by Sarah Jessica Parker
and Writer & Director, Michael Patrick King

Published on 27th May 2010

THE STORIES. THE FASHION. THE ADVENTURE.
Fast on the heels of the wildly popular companion to Sex and the City: The Movie comes this equally sexy and stylish companion to the sequel. SEX AND THE CITY 2 picks up two years after the first movie left off, where our four favourite friends are embarking on the trip of a lifetime to the exotic world of the Middle East. In the book readers will discover a treasure trove of information, such as:

All-access tour of the movie-making process, with exclusive behind the scenes stories from the stars of the movie and the director.

Insights into the filming process including notes on the challenges of filming both in New York and Morocco.

A comprehensive fashion section includes a scene by scene look at every outfit Carrie wears in the film, along with a commentary by Sarah Jessica Parker herself.

Full of exclusive stories and lush photos not available anywhere else.

This luxurious volume is a must-have for anyone who simply can't get enough of Sex and the City. So, grab a Cosmopolitan, kick off those Manolos and settle down for a treat!


THE AUTHOR: Eric Cyphers is a producer of the movie.

Buy Sex and the City 2: The Official Companion Book from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
We are very fortunate to have had an advance copy of this and already it is a very treasured possession. Beautifully produced, stunningly photographed, this is something that every Sex and the City fan will want to have, hold and keep. Published to coincide with the launch of the film, it is perfect weekend reading, see the film, and keep the memories alive with this fabulous companion. We absolutely adore it! Highly Recommended!

Synopsis: Trudie Styler’s Core Strength Pilates is a unique workout that uses the essential moves in Pilates and combines them to give you a complete head to toe workout that will strengthen and tone your core. Designed exclusively for Gaiam and available from 12th April, the DVD will help to increase energy, enhance well-being, relieve stress and maintain vitality.

Using the backdrop of her eco-friendly Tuscan villa, Il Palagio, actress, producer, environmental activist and UNICEF Ambassador Trudie takes viewers of all levels through a 55 minute routine, using a variety of dynamic positions.

Trudie enlists the help of fitness guru to the stars, James D’Silva, to guide viewers through the Core Strength Pilates routine, where poses flow one into another building strength, improving flexibility and maximizing relaxation.

Trudie said: “Pilates has been the perfect solution to maintaining strength and vitality in my life. The core is the most important muscle group in your body. If your core is not strong, the rest of your body is weakened too. The varied combination of easy, low impact manoeuvres make this an easy routine that just about anyone can use. Viewers will feel stronger and fitter than ever before. ”

James D’Silva was born and raised in Goa before moving to England to continue his training in classical and contemporary dance. Since opening his own Pilates studio in London ten years ago, he has worked with many other celebrities such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. James specialises in workout regimes to increase flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles and improve posture.

The DVD also includes a behind the scenes peek at Trudie Styler and her husband Sting's eco-friendly Tuscan estate with an in-depth look at the foods grown and prepared there and an organic cooking segment, so you can learn how to cook with organic foods that don’t have harmful pesticides or hormones in them. It also features interviews with Trudie, Sting and James D’Silva.

Work towards a stronger, more toned flexible body with Trudie Styler Core Strength Pilates when it is released on DVD on 12th April, available at all good DVD retailers.

Hot Brands Verdict
We were in awe as we reviewed this DVD as Trudie Styler and James D’Silva worked through the routines. They move seamlessly through an impressive series of movements designed to strengthen the core. The setting is stunning, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow, although sometimes a little challenging if your body is currently less flexible. If you are looking for a new way of creating a more toned and flexible body, this is an inspiring place to start.

 

 

 

Special Note
Most fitness DVDs have a health warning at the beginning which needs to be read, covering the normal advice about exercise videos, including not exercising after a meal, if you are on certain medications, after consuming alcohol, or have suffered a recent injury, or have not undertaken exercise for some time, you may need to consult your Doctor before undertaking exercise.

The Synopsis details are supplied to us by the production companies, or the agencies acting on their behalf, the opinions stated are personal views. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site or the content of DVDs.

Join Rick Stein on his latest culinary adventure through the food and culture of the Far East - an ambitious journey, avoiding the beaten track and tourist hot-spots, in search of the authentic food of Southeast Asia.

As one of Britain’s most revered chefs and successful authors, Rick Stein sets off on an epic culinary journey to explore the Far East’s most diverse food cultures which have soared to the height of popularity the world over. Featuring new recipes to make your mouth water and breathtaking on-location photography evoking the magic of bustling markets, exotic locations and exciting flavours Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey is released on DVD from 22nd February, priced £19.99.
 
Experience a heady mix of Chinese and French influences that characterise Vietnamese food; the distinctive and unusual Khmer cuisine of Cambodia; and the light and fragrant flavours of Bangladesh that helped shape the menu of so many UK curry houses.
 
From ruby red chillies to an incredible variety of seafood, fresh fruit and exotic vegetables, this is a mouth watering trip bursting with new taste sensations, vibrant flavours and unusual recipes.
 
Along the way, Rick visits traditional family-run restaurants, street vendors, night markets, fishing villages, and local farmers to learn about the authentic food of the area, and to sample the delicious spectrum of flavours. Rick’s journey also takes him to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysian and Bali.
 
This tantalising DVD shares Rick’s new-found knowledge by re-creating food from his travels and captures on the plate the rich and varying cultures of the Far East. It also includes the special Christmas Odyssey episode, in which Rick Stein uses the delicious new ideas he brought back from the Far East to brighten up our festive dishes.

Buy Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey [DVD] from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
We are great fans of Rick Stein’s television programmes, he has a very natural style of presenting, and this DVD is a great opportunity to own one of his best accounts of his travelling. What we really enjoyed is Rick’s joy of discovery, as he finds out for himself and shares with the viewer, the depth of flavours and day-to-day village life as he travels and meets the local people across South East Asia. We also love the way he takes a traditional recipe and adapts it for ingredients that are available in the UK.

In this DVD there is something for every taste, and as well as sharing the journey, you can also recreate the recipes, and join in the wonderful family atmosphere in the celebratory meals.

This is a wonderful way of experiencing both the cultures of the countries he visits and the mouth watering flavours, a gastronomic delight, perfect for weekend experimentation. Highly Recommended!

Synopsis: Paolo Nutini marked his return last summer with his new LP ‘Sunny Side Up’, which went straight in at No.1. It’s the follow-up to his 2006 debut album ‘These Streets’, which has sold over 2.3 million worldwide including over 1.3 million in the UK.

It’s hard to believe that Paolo Nutini is still only 22-years-old, for he has already achieved so much, from his hometown of Paisley (Scotland) to Carnegie Hall, from BRIT award nominations to supporting Led Zeppelin at their infamous O2 reunion show.

Written by Paolo ‘Sunny Side Up’ was recorded in a host of places including Ireland, Wales, New York, LA and Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath, which is reflected by the Celtic sway and Motown feel to the album. It was produced by Paolo and Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon).

‘Sunny Side Up’ is a record full of warm sentiments and dazzling sounds, courtesy of Paolo’s band The Vipers, tied together by Paolo’s distinctive vocal, one of the most unique vocals to come out of the UK for many years, a mesmerising soulful voice that has no equal - he has never sounded better.

‘Candy’ is one of the many standout tracks, infectious and beautiful in equal measure. Other highlights include the soulful swing of ‘Coming Up Easy, ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ sees Paolo’s vocal bounce along at its show stopping best and ‘Worried Man’ is a heart pulling ode enhanced by strings and the tear in Paolo’s voice.

Following extensive tours of the UK, US, Europe, Australia and emphatic performances across the festival circuit, Paolo will play two special consecutive Royal Albert Hall shows, April 8 & 9th.

Latest News

Paolo Nutini Retains No.1 Album Spot

Paolo Nutini has retained the top spot in the album charts with his triple-platinum selling album ‘Sunny Side Up’.

It may be the only thing that is shining brightly at present but ‘Sunny Side Up’ has gotten off to a storming start. The record was in the Top Ten selling albums of 2009 and is carrying on in the same vein in 2010.

Paolo Nutini’s new single ‘10/10’ from his full marks album was released this week and is featured on the Radio One B-List.

Set to be one of the highlights of the year, Paolo plays two special consecutive Royal Albert Hall shows, April 8 & 9th.

www.paolonutini.com

Hot Brands Verdict
This week we are dedicated to trying to find ways of warming you up and if you didn’t buy this fabulous CD in the summer now is a great time to buy it. Paolo Nutini was one of the great successes of 2009. Sunny Side Up is a wonderful collection of heart-warming and soulful songs; we love Paolo’s distinctive voice, and the backing by The Vipers.

As well as the very popular Candy and Coming Up Easy, we loved the infectious Pencil Full of Lead, great for getting out of bed in the morning and dancing to, guaranteed to bring a smile while you clean your teeth.
Highly Recommended!

Synopsis

“I love Tracy Anderson’s Method! Her approach to exercise is smart, creative and empowering. I believe that Tracy can transform any woman”
Shakira

Tracy Anderson, personal trainer to the stars, has just released The Tracy Anderson Method: Mat Workout on ITV DVD. The much anticipated workout DVD follows closely in the footsteps of the revolutionary Dance Cardio Workout.

Tracy Anderson, who lists Shakira and Gwyneth Paltrow among her clientele, uses a unique workout method providing unparalleled results to women across the world.

After ten years of extensive research, Tracy has revolutionised workouts for women of all shapes and sizes. She has proved that women from any genetic background can achieve the body of their dreams, by adhering to the correct training.

The Tracy Anderson Method: Mat Workout DVD requires no specialist equipment, with weight exercises for the arms to be performed using a 500ml bottle of water in each hand.

This latest offering from Tracy Anderson and ITV DVD provides the perfect companion to The Tracy Anderson Dance Cardio Workout which remained one of the top three fitness DVD titles throughout 2008 / 2009.

“The Mat Workout is very dear to me as it is an excellent way to re-engineer your muscular structure, waking up your accessory muscles and pulling in your larger muscles - perfect for any woman looking to achieve a lean feminine body type”
Tracy Anderson

Buy The Tracy Anderson Method - Mat Workout [DVD] [2009] from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
We were impressed when we reviewed The Tracy Anderson Method: Dance Cardio Workout last year and this is another very professional DVD. What we liked about the DVD is that it is a very focused workout, needing little equipment. It covers the following; Warm Up, Standing Legs, Standing Abs, Standing Arms, Arms Workout with weights, Legs Workout on Mat, Abs Workout on Mat, Cool Down. It is quite balletic yet you can feel it working on the different groups of muscles, a great workout to start the new year! Highly Recommended!

Synopsis: Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart has just released SOULBOOK (RCA Records) a collection of classic Sixties/Seventies-era soul favourites all newly recorded by the quintessential “blue-eyed soul” singer of our generation. Rod Stewart possesses one of the most distinctive and interpretative voices in music-his Grammy-Award winning recordings of the Great American Songbook have sold over 19 million albums and is the biggest selling ongoing series of new music recordings in history. With the same passion Rod approaches some of the greatest soul songs ever written. SOULBOOK includes “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher”
“It’s the same old Song” and more. Superstar duets include Mary J. Blige on “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and Jennifer Hudson on “Let it Be Me” Stevie Wonder accompanies Rod on harmonica on his very own massive hit “My Cherie Amour”. Smokey Robinson guests on one of his signature songs, “Tracks of My Tears”

Hot Brands Verdict
This is a fabulous album, having seen Rod recently on television singing some of these tracks; we were delighted when a copy arrived in the office. This is a wonderful combination of some of the best-loved soul tracks of a generation coupled with Rod’s distinctive voice. We absolutely loved this collection; some of our personal favourites are “Rainy Night in Georgia,” "If you don’t know me by Now” and the classic “My Cherie Amour” featuring Stevie Wonder and “Tracks of My Tears” featuring Smokey Robinson.

If you are looking for a perfect Christmas Gift, or a present for yourself, this is a wonderful collection that will bring back memories and have you singing along into a delightfully relaxed laid back Christmas. Highly Recommended!

http://www.rodstewart.com/

Take That/Take One
Synopsis:The pop phenomenon that is Take That was formed in Manchester in 1990. Throughout the first half of the '90s the band sold an unbelievable 60 million records, resulting in two of the best-selling albums of the decade: Everything Changes (which was nominated for the 1994 Mercury Prize) and Greatest Hits in 1996. Their rise to the top was well-documented in the media but in Take One they tell, for the first time, their version of this incredible story of superstardom.

Take One gains you exclusive insight into life on tour during those early years, with over 150 never-before-seen photographs. Glimpse at the world inside their hotel rooms, go backstage during their amazing stage shows around the globe, and see from their unique perspective the ever-present, overwhelmingly loyal fans that followed them everywhere - perhaps you'll recognise yourself...

To accompany these exceptional unseen images, a narrative, written by the boys runs throughout, candidly and humorously documenting the highs and lows, the frenzy and hysteria - and the often surreal moments - of the meteoric rise of the world's greatest boy band.

Buy Take One: 1990-1996 from Amazon.co.uk

Take That Take Two

Synopsis When Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen released 'Patience' on November 20, 2006, over a decade since Take That split up, the world welcomed them back with open arms to their rightful position at the top of the charts. Their return to glory has become one of the most exciting stories in British pop music and in Take Two they tell the amazing story of their comeback for the first time.

With over 150 exclusive and personal images, and accompanied by humorous and revealing commentary written by the boys, relive first-hand the exceptional, and often heart-warming, experiences that make up the second part of the Take That story.

Buy Take Two: 2005-2009 from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
Take That are enjoying a wonderful year, since their comeback they have rarely been out of the news. These two books, although available separately, provide a combined story of then and now. The main focus are the pictures which capture the spirit of the band, both in the early days and more recent times, together with a personal commentary by the individual band members which accompany some of the photographs.
Highly Recommended for Take That fans who will absolutely love the intimate details, the humour and the personal insights into the band. Together these books would make a great Christmas present.

Betjeman's West Country
Synopsis: John Nettles presents an exploration of the life and landscapes that shaped one of Britain’s best-loved poets Sir John Betjeman, celebrating his lifelong love of the West Country., John Nettles takes the journey to Cornwall, a trip first made by an excited small boy that was destined to be the final pilgrimage as an old man. Sir John Betjeman now rests in a Cornish churchyard by the sea. This journey celebrates his life and work.

Nettles takes the viewer on a journey through this beautiful and moving area, celebrating the life and work of the Poet Laureate featuring interviews with his family and friends, historians, biographers, directors and composers, bringing the beautiful landscapes that Betjeman so loved to life.

John Nettles’ West Country
Synopsis : Acclaimed actor and star of the popular TV series Midsomer Murders, John Nettles goes back to his roots, to St. Austell in Cornwall, and begins a journey that will take him through the landscapes and cultures that make up one of the most beautiful and richly endowed regions in Britain. Throughout his journey over stunning landscapes, the writings of D.H. Lawrence, P.G. Wodehouse, Robert Louis Stephenson and Thomas Hardy are featured alongside numerous interviews with personalities such as actor Michael York, critic Sheridan Morley, cartoonist Peter Loveday, and painter Terry Frost. John Nettles’ West Country is a passionate exploration of a coastline and all it contains - rich and varied in its boundless energy and breathtaking beauty.

Hot Brands Verdict
Pure nostalgia, these two DVDs are a step back in time, as in Betjeman's West Country, John Nettles takes an affectionate look at the life of John Betjeman, against a backdrop of the places he visited in the West Country and his poems. In the second DVD, John Nettles’ West Country, he takes his own journey to Cornwall and reviews the history and rich culture amid the stunning landscapes of the local area. Packed full of local colour, this is a celebration of the culture of Cornwall. Both fascinating documentaries, if you love the West Country and its history and culture, you will love these !

http://www.acornmediauk.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=John+Betjeman&x=0&y=0