Two comic book shop rivals join hands in a desperate attempt to get hold of an antique collection of comic books in possession of an old man not ready to sell them.

Comical Ali is a dry tribute to the thus-nicknamed former Iraqi Minister for Information, Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahaf, whose bravura performances at press conferences throughout the brief Iraq War of 2003 turned him into a global icon, celebrated on numerous Web sites and even showered with tongue-in-cheek praise by President Bush himself. His colourful denunciations of the "villains" and "mercenaries" whom he insisted were being "crushed" by the glorious Republican Guard at every turn only increased in their volume and insistence when TV footage of American troops occupying Saddam Airport plainly proved that he was talking nonsense. And, as a dry smile played about the Minister's lips, you wondered if he himself realised he was talking nonsense and was having fun with it--or was he a Saddam loyalist in pathological denial?

Wisely and appropriately, this low-budget documentary restrains itself from overplaying the comedy element here, even if the cover artwork makes you fear otherwise. Rather, it offers a potted history of the War, thumbnail profiles of "Comical Ali" and his boss Saddam Hussein and earnestly ponders whether Al-Sahaf only embarked on his lurid stream of blatant whoppers because he was under orders to do so? (Well, there's a thought...). Copious and highly entertaining footage of Al-Sahaf enables you to arrive at your own theory as to whether he was bad, mad or sad, or all three. --David Stubbs

Eddie Murphy's 1988 vehicle Coming to America was probably the point at which his status as a mainstream big-screen comedian finally gelled, following the highly successful 48 Hours pairing with Nick Nolte. Never mind the hackneyed storyline: under John Landis's tight direction, he turns in a star performance (and several brilliant cameos) that is disciplined and extremely funny.

Murphy plays an African prince who comes to New York officially to sow his wild oats. Privately, he is seeking a bride he can marry for love rather than one chosen by his parents. With his companion (Arsenio Hall, who pushes Murphy all the way in the comedy stakes), he settles in the borough of Queens and takes a job in a hamburger joint. A succession of hilarious satire-barbed adventures ensue, plus the required romantic conclusion. The script is crammed with ripe one-liners , but "Freeze, you diseased rhinoceros pizzle" has to be the most devastating hold-up line of all time. Film buffs will appreciate a brief appearance by Don Ameche as a down-and-out, but this is Murphy's film and he generates warmth enough to convert the most ambivalent viewer.

On the DVD: The only--rather pointless--extra on offer is the original theatrical trailer which adds nothing apart from a rapid recap of the story. But the 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation (the picture quality is diamond sharp) and Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack recreate the original authentic cinematic experience. The choreography of 1980s pop diva Paula Abdul in the lavish wedding scenes and Nile Rodgers' pounding musical score are the main beneficiaries. --Piers Ford

Gutsy and fierce action visuals complement a superb story line in this 80's classic. Terminator Star Arnold plays a retired Colonel forced back into action with the kidnap of his daughter.