Vera entertainment guide
March 2015 | Touch
It’s not busIness as usual.
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So you think you know Jeep? Think again. The all-new Cherokee doesn’t just offer outstanding performance off-road, it’s also guaranteed to stand out in the office car park. Its efficiency figures catch the eye too, returning 53.3mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 from only 139g/km.* New Cherokee models are also available with a range of fantastic features such as our award-winning 8.4” touch screen entertainment system, unique in-car wireless charging pad for mobile devices and adaptive cruise control. Hardly your average nine-to-five runaround, wouldn’t you say?
To book a test drive call our Business Centre on 01753 519442 or email us at fleet@jeep-comms.co.uk The all-new Jeep® Cherokee. Built Free.
jeep.co.uk/fleet FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE NEW JEEP® CHEROKEE DIESEL RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 55.4 (5.1) – 61.4 (4.6), URBAN 39.8 (7.1) – 44.1 (6.4), COMBINED 48.7 (5.8) – 53.3 (5.3), CO2 EMISSIONS: 154 –139 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is Cherokee Limited. *Figures based on 2.0 140 4x2 versions. 2
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09/09/2014 14:14
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Welcome to Vera, an award-winning world of dazzling entertainment from Virgin Atlantic, including a line up of carefully curated movies, documentaries, TV and audio. Unless you’re crisscrossing the globe several times, you won’t have time to watch it all, so be sure to catch our highlights show, What’s on Vera. Thanks to our simple touchscreen technology, navigating your way around the system couldn’t be easier. Just touch any of the tabs at the top of the screen and your choices will appear. Then scroll through the selections by simply pressing the arrows or swiping backwards and forwards. Alternatively, you can use the handset – instructions for use are shown here.
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If you want to keep up with the headlines while you’re in the air, head to our News section where you’ll find full coverage of all the breaking headlines, entertainment, business and sports stories. You can also listen to a round-up of top stories on your headphones.
Using your own headphones? We provide you with headphones to use during your flight. If you want to use your own headphones, you do so at your own discretion and risk. The audio output on the inflight entertainment is designed to work with the headphones provided and is at quite a high setting to comply with aviation authority requirements for crew announcements. We will not be able to ascertain the volume of your own unique headset, so please be aware that it may be louder than expected. March 2015 | Touch
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Vera entertainment guide
If you’re overwhelmed by choice, check out Virgin Loves, indicated by on the on-screen menus. We’ve hand-picked our recommendations and hidden gems that you might have otherwise overlooked. This section is dedicated to the stuff we love, and that we think you’ll love too.
Vera March 2015 Vera is published by Virgin Atlantic Ltd. All information is correct at time of going to press. Vera Magazine is printed on paper comprising 75% recycled fibre.
On the cover Jack Whitehall © Dan Burn-Forti / Contour by Getty Images
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Awards season... Movies are not Olympic sports and actors are not athletes (well, apart from Foxcatcher). Yet every year we end up waving flags to cheer them over the finish line in a frenzy of patriotism and pride. The big, grandstand finish is of course Oscar night, whose red carpet into the Kodak Theatre is like that last stretch of marathon, when the runners finally enter the stadium after miles and miles racing round elsewhere. For some competitors, this Oscar race, as it is dubbed, has started as many as six months previously, when their movies premiered in the big late summer festivals in Venice and Toronto. This year’s favourite, Birdman, first screened on the Lido at the end of August 2014. Perhaps appropriately for slow-burner of a movie, its rival Boyhood, 12 years in 2
the making, slipped out even earlier, last January at the Sundance Film Festival before competing in Berlin in February. Yes, we’re all a little older now. What wonderfully different competitors and bedfellows those two movies made over the whole “awards season” as it is now known. Richard Linklater is a laid-back Texan auteur and his Boyhood is a film that requires thought and patience, a quiet oasis of contemplation in which we ponder life going by and the passing of the years. Birdman, by Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, doesn’t stop for a second, a relentless rush of a movie in which the camera barely blinks for a rest as we hurtle headlong through the backstage maze of Michael Keaton’s mind. Any year which asks us to choose between those two must be marked as a vintage one, although of course neither of these could be remotely termed crowd-pleasers. Have awards contenders lost touch with the public? I mean, there’s a big gap between the films featuring in all the awards ceremonies and the ones residing at the top of the box office charts. Not even the final instalment of The Hobbit, the biggest grosser of the year, made much of an impression in the technical awards, unlike its predecessor in Middle Earth trilogies The Lord of the Rings’ The Return of the King, which swept the board on Oscar night with a record-equalling 11 awards in 2004. Probably the films that proved most popular were the ones starring our Brits- cue cheers, flags and Clare Balding screaming on the commentary. Our heroes this year have been Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne, both starring as tweedy Brit intellectuals: Alan Turing in The Imitation
THE IMITATION GAME
Game and Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. Both actors, of course, acquit themselves admirably and both performances might be seen as part of a British tradition, slightly more theatrical than perhaps Keaton’s (although, get the irony, he’s the one actually performing in a theatre). Both British leading men were nominated alongside their screen wives, too, with Keira Knightley getting deserved recognition for her supporting role and Felicity Jones finally breaking through with a nomination for her terrific work as Jane Hawking. I guess the other big big movie that did feature among the technical categories at least was Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, whose blockbusting cast featured recent Oscar royalty Matthew McConaughay and Anne Hathaway. Interstellar has its ardent fans who’d like to see Nolan honoured among the best film makers, and I do think it’s only a matter of time. Gone Girl, the adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s best seller had everyone talking and gave us another British nomination in Rosamund Pike, for her icy turn as “Amazing” Amy Dunne, a role she pulled off with impressive maturity and intelligence, as well as with a curious kind of threatening beauty. Personally, amid the fabulous selection of awards contenders we’re showcasing on board at the moment, I’d have like to have seen more love for Nightcrawler, which I thought was just great, the best film out there. I liked Whiplash very much too, with actor J.K. Simmons finally grabbing the limelight as the jazz tutor driving his pupil to an insane kind of perfection.
BIRDMAN
The animated category has become a hotly contested one since it was introduced back in 2001. I liked the look and stories of Boxtrolls and Big Hero 6 but was less keen on How to Train Your Dragon 2, but check for yourselves. It’s a shame though that the utterly, brilliantly funny and charming Paddington couldn’t really be considered an animation (rules is rules), but at least the BAFTAs recognised one of their own by letting it into the Outstanding British Film category, as well as giving it a nod for Adapted Screenplay. Also, I’d have loved to have seen Tim Spall play more of part in it all for his magnificent grunting and painting in Mr Turner along with David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King in Selma. When all the sound and fury of awards season is done, after the Globes, the BAFTAs, the SAGs, the Annies, the PGAs and all the various Critics’ Circles, it does all go a bit quiet. But all the chat shows and acceptance speeches do play their part in a process that’s become, next to general elections, the most political campaign out there, even if the actual voting’s consigned to a very privileged few. So, put away the frocks and give back the diamonds; roll up the red carpets and stick the contents of the goody bag on eBay. Awards season is over for another year. It’s silly and blown out of all proportion but it looks good and sparkly, puts directors and stars in the spotlight and makes the whole world go to see quality cinema for a while. Words by Jason Solomons
INTERSTELLAR
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movies The Theory Of Everything
movies
22 Jump Street
日本語, Français, Deutsch Comedy, 112 mins Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum
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This sequel to 21 Jump Street sees mismatched cops Hill and Tatum posing as students to bust a crime ring. However, their relationship is threatened by what you could call ‘extra-curricular’ activities.
Birdman Comedy, 119 mins Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu Starring: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton
© 2014 Disney
Big Hero 6
Español, Français, Deutsch , 中文字幕 Animation, 102 mins Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams Voices of: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney
PG
This historic pairing of Marvel superheroes with Disney’s animation know-how finds a young boy Hiro, trying to discover the source of devastating events that have befallen the city of ‘San Fransokyo’. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his robot pal, Baymax, and friends into a band of high-tech heroes called Big Hero 6.
Sick of being typecast as the superhero Birdman, actor Riggan Thompson (Keaton) turns down a fourth movie and opts instead to direct a play on Broadway. The tale of his struggles with a mercurial leading man (Norton), a first-time actress (Naomi Watts), his recovering-addict daughter (Stone) and best-friend producer (Zach Galifianakis) is what forms the
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backbone of this very funny, quirky and supremely well performed film. With Keaton staging an incredible renaissance with a career-best performance as the unhinged Riggan, and director Iñárritu’s dazzling ‘one-take’ style an absolute feast for eyes, it’s no surprise that Birdman’s been acclaimed on every level – and deservedly so. It is quite simply unmissable.
A Walk Among the Tombstones
中文字幕 Thriller, 111 mins 15 Director: Scott Frank Starring: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, Maurice Compte
Hard-boiled drama starring Neeson as Matt Scudder, an ex-NYPD cop turned private eye. When Scudder reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Stevens) hunt down thugs who kidnapped and murdered his wife, the PI learns it’s not the first time the men have committed this sort of crime.
The Boxtrolls
Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Animation, 97 mins PG Directors: Graham Annable, Anthony Stacchi Voices of: Ben Kingsley, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade
A brilliant voice-cast star in this Tim Burtonesque animated story about a very unusual bunch of creatures – the Boxtrolls. These mischievous underground-dwelling trash collectors have raised a young orphan boy, Eggs, who must then come to their rescue when their world is threatened by the horrid exterminator Archibald Snatcher (Kingsley). 6
Annabelle Français, Deutsch Horror, 99 mins Director: John R. Leonetti Starring: Ward Horton, Annabelle Wallis
The Book of Life 15
From producer James Wan, who brought us the Saw franchise, comes this prequel to The Conjuring – and it’s every bit as pant-wettingly scary. The plot involves a rare vintage doll (the eponymous Annabelle) given by a man to his wife. Shortly afterwards the pair are terrorised by members of a Satanist cult, and as if that wasn’t bad enough, Annabelle has become the conduit for a terrifying demonic entity…
Animation, 95 mins U Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez Voices of: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum
As you’d expect from producer Guillermo Del Toro, The Book of Life is an animated family film with a unique visual signature. With stellar voice work from the likes of Tatum, Ron Perlman and Christina Applegate, it concerns the journey of Manolo (Luna), who embarks on an adventure that takes him into three fantastical worlds and forces him to confront his greatest fears.
日本語, Français, Deutsch Drama, 165 mins 15 Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke
This unique, groundbreaking film was made over a period of 12 years with the same cast, the idea being to give the most accurate and authentic account of growing up and coming-of-age ever committed to the screen. Be warned: there isn’t much plot, but even so the effect is at once epic yet breathtakingly intimate, and critics have been unanimous in their praise.
The Equalizer Français, Deutsch, Español 15 Action, 132 mins Director: Antoine Fuqua Starring: Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz, Marton Csokas
movies
Boyhood
Washington plays ex-Black Ops man Robert McCall, who’s turned his back on strife for the humdrum pleasures of a hardware store. However, when a prostitute (Moretz) falls foul of Russian mobsters, McCall is compelled to abandon his new life and return to action.
Dumb and Dumber To Deutsch, Español Comedy, 109 mins 15 Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Rob Riggle
Reunited for the first time since the iconic 1994 original, Carrey and Daniels reprise their roles as the supremely stupid pals of the title. The plot – Lloyd and Harry go in search of Harry’s estranged daughter – is just an excuse for plenty of near-the-knuckle and very funny gags, as well as cameos from the likes of Bill Murray and Kathleen Turner.
The Drop Français, Deutsch, Español Thriller / Drama, 106 mins Director: Michaël R. Roskam Starring: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
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In yet another standout performance The Drop finds Hardy playing lonely bartender Bob, who makes a bit of cash on the side through a covert scheme of funnelling cash to local gangsters. However, when the bar in which he works is raided, Bob becomes involved in the investigation and finds himself a target for police and underworld forces alike.
日本語 Action, 130 mins Director: Matt Reeves Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
Foxcatcher 12
Set 10 years after Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Earth has been ravaged by a virus that has left the apes, led by Caesar, well and truly in charge. However, their simian paradise is threatened when a band of human survivors turn up and plan to restore the human-ape balance of power. This is blockbuster entertainment at its very best.
Biopic, 134 mins Director: Bennett Miller Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo
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Based on a true story, the Oscar-nominated Foxcatcher tells the tale of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont (Carell) and two champion wrestlers, Mark Schultz (Tatum) and his brother, Dave (Ruffalo). Flattered by the attention and entranced by du Pont’s wealth, Mark comes to see his benefactor as a father figure and grows increasingly attached to him. However, he soon discovers that his patron has dark secrets that drive a wedge between the two brothers. A bizarre, unsettling story is given suitably ominous treatment by director Miller, who previously helmed Moneyball and Capote. Meanwhile a trio of riveting lead performances from Tatum, Carell and Ruffalo make up an irresistible package.
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Dolphin Tale 2
movies
Dracula Untold
中文字幕, Français, Deutsch, Español Action, 92 mins 15 Director: Gary Shore Starring: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper
Fury War, 134 mins Director: David Ayer Starring: Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf
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Director Ayer insisted his cast attend a gruelling month-long boot camp; star LaBeouf went further, pulling out his own tooth and refusing to wash during filming. The result is that this unrelenting tale of Wardaddy (Pitt) leading his tank regiment into Nazi Germany is the most realistic depiction of combat since Saving Private Ryan – and a timely reminder of the futility of war.
Français, Deutsch, Español Family, 107 mins U Director: Charles Martin Smith Starring: Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr.
While the first Dolphin Tale movie concerned the fight to save the injured Winter, this sequel takes up the story when Winter’s surrogate mother, Panama, dies and the team must find her a companion before time runs out. With heart and humour, as well as a message that animals should be rehabilitated and set free rather than kept in captivity, this is a perfect family movie.
Dracula gets an origin story in this epic and stylish retelling. At first Vlad III (Evans) is a just ruler. However, when a Sultan (Cooper) takes his son, the prince makes a deal that transforms him into a deathless vampire. With as many grandiose battle scenes as there are creepy moments, Dracula Untold is a perfect symbiosis of action and horror.
Edge of Tomorrow
日本語, Français, Deutsch, 中文字幕 Action, 113 mins Director: Doug Liman Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton
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The latest Cruise epic just happens to be his best film in ages. Set in the future, Cruise stars as an advertising executive who’s punished by being sent to the frontline. Inexperienced and scared, he’s promptly killed in action – then sent back in time to repeat the process again and again, stuck in a perpetual loop. Meanwhile, he develops feelings for Rita Vrataski, but can’t do anything because every time they meet, it’s for the first time.
The Hundred-Foot Journey Deutsch, Español Comedy / Romance, 122 mins Director: Lasse Hallström Starring: Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal
PG
A family of Indian restaurateurs settle in a tiny French village, where Papa Kadam (Puri) decides to open a new business. The trouble is, his new premises are within sniffing distance of a five-star eatery run by Madame Mallory (Mirren) – who’s not happy about having competition over the road. Puri and Mirren are both superb, but even they have to work hard not to be upstaged by the beautifully rendered food.
I Origins Drama, 105 mins Director: Mike Cahill Starring: Michael Pitt, Steven Yeun, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey
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Not your standard Hollywood fare, this beguiling mix of romance and science revolves around a molecular biologist and his laboratory partner, who uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 Horrible Bosses 2
Français, Deutsch, Español 中文字幕 Comedy, 108 mins Director: Sean Anders Starring: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day
The murderous trio from the first film decide to start their own business but end up resorting to kidnap to fund it. True, this sequel been less well-received than its illustrious predecessor, and it’s not exactly demanding entertainment. But if it’s another dose of
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15
seriously risqué humour and A-list stars chewing the scenery you want, then you really can’t go wrong. In case you missed it first time round, we also have Horrible Bosses onboard.
Español Animation, 102 mins PG Director: Dean DeBlois Voices of: Jay Baruchel, Kristen Wiig, Cate Blanchett
Animated sequel set five years after the events of the first film. All is blissful for the young dragon riders, until one of their adventures leads to the discovery of a secret ice cave.
M
Y
日本語, Français, Deutsch , 中文字幕 Action, 125 mins Director: James Gunn Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper
movies
Guardians of the Galaxy
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A brilliant cast is headed by Pratt who plays starlord Peter Quill - forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of misfits - Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. Together, the Guardians must defeat the evil Ronan. Funny, action-packed and warmhearted, this movie truly is something special.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
Français, Deutsch, Español 中文字幕 Fantasy, 120 mins Director: Francis Lawrence Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
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Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of Hunger Games novels grows into a quadrilogy here, as we reach part one of the final instalment. In it we find Katniss (Lawrence) becoming the symbol of a mass rebellion against the Capitol as she fights to save Peeta, and though it’s shorter on action than previously Hunger Games films, this penultimate chapter nevertheless sets things up for a scintillating climax.
The Imitation Game
An Oscar-nominated Cumberbatch inhabits the role of codebreaker Alan Turing in this beautifully mounted biopic. Set during the darkest days of World War II, it finds Turing in a nail-biting race against time to crack
Get on Up
Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Biopic, 139 mins 12 Director: Tate Taylor Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd
If I Stay Français, Deutsch, Español Drama, 107 mins Director: R.J. Cutler Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Mireille Enos, Jamie Blackley
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Adapted from a bestselling novel, If I Stay stars Moretz as teenager Mia, who lies in hospital, hovering on the edge of life or death, following a car accident. With no idea about the fate of her family, Mia must now make the biggest decision of all – whether to live or to die. You may find ‘you have something in your eye’ by the end of this one.
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Biopic, 112 mins Director: Morten Tyldum Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
This biopic of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, is as dynamic and dazzling as its mercurial subject. Playing Brown, Boseman inhabits the role, mirroring the great man’s moves and speech rhythms, not to mention flawlessly lipsyncing to a raft of hits. No, the film doesn’t shy away from some of the less palatable aspects of Brown’s character, but neither does it detract from one of music’s greatest legacies. A joy.
German codes at Bletchley Park. Though Turing succeeded and saved countless lives, a nation showed its gratitude by prosecuting him for his homosexuality. A must-see movie not to be missed.
Into the Storm
日本語, Français, Deutsch Action, 89 mins 12 Director: Steven Quale Starring: Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Matt Walsh
The town of Silverton is ravaged by erratic and deadly tornadoes in this action thriller. With weather experts predicting the worst is yet to come, most residents seek shelter or try to escape the onslaught. However, there are those who run towards the vortex.
Let’s Be Cops Comedy, 103 mins Director: Luke Greenfield Starring: Jake Johnson, Rob Riggle, Damon Wayans Jr.
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Stars Johnson and Wayans Jr. take a break from being regulars on the sitcom New Girl to front this comedy about a couple of pals who dress as cops for a fancy-dress party. When they’re mistaken for the real thing, they find themselves mixed up in an all-too-real tangle of mobsters and dirty detectives. 11
movies Gone Girl Français, Deutsch Thriller, 149 mins 18 Director: David Fincher Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
Amy and Nick seem like the perfect couple, however, nothing is quite what it seems in David ‘Seven’ Fincher’s adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s novel, and when Amy goes missing, suspicion falls on Nick. Twist follows twist as he desperately tries to uncover the truth while learning some painful new truths about his wife. A rare mix of brains and spectacle.
Kill the Messenger
Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Biopic, 112 mins 15 Director: Michael Cuesta Starring: Jeremy Renner, Robert Patrick, Jena Sims
Drama based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb (Renner), who uncovered the CIA’s part in importing cocaine to be sold in ghettos across the US. Going public with his evidence Webb finds himself pursued relentlessly by the CIA, who subject him to a vicious smear campaign. Soon he finds himself defending his integrity, his family, and his life.
Lucy
日本語, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Action, 89 mins 15 Director: Luc Besson Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-sik Choi
The latest from mercurial director Besson is a high-octane, jawdroppingly stylish action movie. Johansson stars as a woman who, after she’s forced into being a drug mule, is able to access 100 per cent of her brain function, making her superhumanly powerful. How is she going to use her new-found abilities? Why, to take revenge on the baddies, of course.
The Judge Français, Deutsch Drama, 141 mins Director: David Dobkin Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga
Taking time out from the blockbuster likes of Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, Downey Jr. reminds us of his considerable acting chops in this acclaimed drama. He plays lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his father (Duvall) is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and along the way, reconnects with his estranged family. 12
Interstellar
Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Sci Fi, 166 mins Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
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As you might expect from the director behind the Dark Knight trilogy and Inception, Interstellar is epic in scale and ambitious in intent. With McConaughey heading an all-star cast as an astronaut in search of a planet that can sustain life, it’s thrilling, thought-provoking and just as visually ravishing as you’d expect from its talented director. In short, a rare treat.
Jersey Boys 15
日本語, Français, Deutsch Biopic, 134 mins Director: Clint Eastwood Starring: Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Christopher Walken
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Eastwood’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical is a powerful tale of guys who came from the wrong side of the tracks to form The Four Seasons. The ups include great music. The downs are the debts and Mafia threats. A perfectly realised 1950s setting, as well as pitch-perfect performances, especially from Lloyd Young as the group’s frontman Frankie Valli, make this an absolute joy.
Warning: Contains scenes unsuitable for nervous flyers. Thriller, 123 mins Director: Tom Green Starring: Johnny Harris, Sam Keeley, Joe Dempsie
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movies
Monsters: Dark Continent
This sequel to the 2010 sci-fi hit takes the premise of a world in the aftermath of an alien attack and shakes it up a little. The events take place ten years on, when the ‘infected zones’ have spread, and a particular proliferation of monsters in the Middle East requires the army to draft in more grunts to deal with the insurgency.
Men, Women & Children
Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Drama, 120 mins 15 Director: Jason Reitman Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Ansel Elgort
An ensemble cast stars in Jason ‘Juno’ Reitman’s fascinating and funny look at the ways in which the internet has changed our world. By following a group of high-school teens and their parents, the movie touches on issues such as videogame culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame-hunting, and illicit material. It’s a bold and eye-opening film that may well change your view the internet forever.
The Maze Runner Français, Deutsch, Español Fantasy / Sci Fi, 113 mins 12 Director: Wes Ball Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter
Futuristic sci-fi thriller along The Hunger Games lines, in which Thomas (O’Brien) wakes up in a lift, knowing nothing but his own name. Pretty soon he finds himself in a world of others in the same predicament – boys who live in a completely enclosed environment, who must grow their own food to survive, at the same time as avoiding the nightmarish Grievers.
John Wick Deutsch, Español Action, 101 mins Directors: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Willem Dafoe
Keanu Reeves’ return to action movies may well mark the beginning of a tasty new franchise. Influenced by the likes of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Point Blank, it stars Reeves as Wick, an ex-hitman drawn back into the life when he sets out to avenge the death of his dog. There are brilliant, larger-than-life turns from Ian McShane,
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John Leguizamo and Dafoe, but the film truly excels in its stunts, fights and shoot-outs. These alone have earned it a reputation as the most brilliantly staged action film in recent years, with critics singling out star Reeves and co-directors (and fellow Matrix alumni) Stahelski and Leitch for particular praise.
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movies Penguins of Madagascar Animation, 92 mins U Directors: Eric Darnell, Simon J. Smith Voices of: Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Christopher Knights
Having stolen the Madagascar show on more than one occasion (i.e. every time they appear) the flightless seabirds of Central Park Zoo are awarded their own film. As you can imagine, it’s a blast, taking us back to the formation of the iconic foursome, as well as pitting them against a jealous octopus called Dave (John Malkovich) who is bent on world domination.
Nightcrawler Drama, 117 mins Director: Dan Gilroy Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton
Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a slightly odd young man who embarks on a career as an amateur crime journalist – or nightcrawler. However, with competition fierce on the streets,
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it’s not long before he’s going to unethical lengths, working outside the law and getting himself in deeper and deeper trouble.
Stalingrad Warning: Contains scenes unsuitable for nervous flyers. Русский Action, 125 mins 15 Director: Fedor Bondarchuk Starring: Mariya Smolnikova, Yanina Studilina, Pyotr Fyodorov
Pride Deutsch, Español Comedy, 120 mins 15 Director: Matthew Warchus Starring: Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West
In the tradition of The Full Monty, Brassed Off and Billy Elliot comes this British comedy-drama set during the miners’ strike of 1984. It’s based on the true story of a group of lesbian and gay activists who, seeing parallels between themselves and the embattled miners, raise money to help. With an all-star cast this clash-ofculture comedy is as funny as it is heart-warming as well as being a revealing snapshot of 1980s Britain.
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The Rewrite Français Comedy, 105 mins Director: Marc Lawrence Starring: Hugh Grant, Marisa Tomei, Allison Janney
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Grant and Tomei make a great pairing in this romantic comedy from director Lawrence. Grant plays Keith, an embittered screenwriter who after falling on hard times begins teaching a screenwriting course. There, an ill-advised affair immediately gets him into hot water, but he finds redemption with his students, in particular feisty single mother Holly (Tomei).
This Russian World War II film tells the story of the battle of Stalingrad (the largest and bloodiest in the history of warfare, in fact) from the perspective of the occupying force. In particular we meet five Russian soldiers who meet a teenage girl who lives in the city – and must protect her from the German invaders.
movies Predestination Sci Fi, 95 mins Directors: The Spierig Brothers Starring: Sarah Snook, Ethan Hawke, Noah Taylor
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A mind-bending thriller in the mould of Looper, Inception or Source Code, Predestination chronicles the work of a ‘temporal agent’ (Hawke) who travels through time in order to pursue the ‘Fizzle bomber’ – the one criminal who has eluded him throughout the ages. With nail-biting thrills and a starmaking turn from Snook, this is quality sci-fi.
“ Riveting science, emotional provocation and a one-of-a-kind love story all rolled into one triumphant film.” Rolling Stone on The Theory of Everything
Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文字幕 Biopic, 123 mins Director: James Marsh Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Harry Lloyd
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The Oscar-nominated performance of Redmayne in this romantic biopic of Stephen Hawking is every bit as good as the hype suggests. Going from Hawking as a shy, bookish young student with a thirst for asking the big questions – not to mention an attraction to his soon-to-be-wife, Jane (Jones) – to the genius struggling with his debilitating illness, Redmayne seems to live the part.
Top Five
Paddington
Français, Deutsch, Español Comedy, 102 mins 15 Director: Chris Rock Starring: Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, J.B. Smoove
Family, 95 mins PG Director: Paul King Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Nicole Kidman
Written, directed-by and starring Chris Rock, Top Five revolves around a comedian (Rock) trying to make it as a serious actor when his realityTV star fiancée (Dawson) talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show. Brilliantly performed and observed, not to mention very funny indeed, Top Five has won considerable plaudits, as well as comparisons to Woody Allen. Praise indeed.
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The Theory Of Everything
This live-action seasonal family film stars Ben Whishaw as the voice of the legendary bear, who arrives in London from deepest, darkest Peru with a taste for marmalade sandwiches and adventure. Taken in by the Brown family, who name him Paddington, our furry hero causes chaos before finding himself the target of unwelcome attention from evil museum
movies
Whiplash Drama, 107 mins Director: Damien Chazelle Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
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This critically acclaimed drama from new director Damien Chazelle features a powerhouse performance from veteran actor Simmons as drum teacher Terence Fletcher whose approach is to bully, intimidate and abuse his musicians – especially the young Andrew (Teller) – in a bid to prime them for musical greatness.
This Is Where I Leave You Français, Deutsch Drama, 103 mins Director: Shawn Levy Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver
15
Comedy with Fey and Bateman as siblings forced together when their father dies. As well as a clutch of brilliant performances – especially Jane Fonda making a welcome return to the screen as the Altman’s overbearing mother – this is packed with insight, comedy and a warm-heartedness that lingers long after the film is over.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
日本語, Français, Deutsch, 中文字幕 Family, 101 mins Director: Jonathan Liebesman Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner
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Spectacular, action-packed reboot of the TMNT franchise sees the crew of wisecracking sewer-living reptiles discovering their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Tammy Comedy, 97 mins Directors: Ben Falcone, Melissa McCarthy Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Kathy Bates, Susan Sarandon
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Fresh from the success of Bridesmaids and The Heat, the brilliant McCarthy stars in this hilarious tale of the hapless Tammy, who loses her job and decides to go on a road trip. However, it starts badly as she’s joined by her grandma – who can seriously cramp a girl’s style.
Transformers: Age of Extinction
日本語, Français, Deutsch, 中文字幕 Action, 165 mins 12 Director: Michael Bay Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer
The plot is only marginally less complicated than trying to work out one of the actual toys, and the non-stop action scenes may give you a migraine. But if you want enormous, battling robots, the fourth part of this series delivers.
The Skeleton Twins Français, Deutsch, Español Drama, 93 mins Director: Craig Johnson Starring: Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Luke Wilson
Wild 15
After separately trying to kill themselves, brother and sister Maggie (Wiig) and Milo (Hader) reconnect in this quirky comedydrama. As she and Milo rekindle their relationship, they help each other recover from their suicide attempts, as well as dealing with sundry life baggage, including their eccentric mother. The supporting cast is great and the script razor-sharp, but it’s the chemistry between the two leads that really delivers.
Biopic, 115 mins Director: Jean-Marc Vallée Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski
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Though Witherspoon has long since proved her acting chops, she’s still a revelation in this true tale of a woman who pits herself against nature in a bid to ‘heal herself’. She plays Cheryl Strayed, who in 1995 decided to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone, following her divorce, the death of her mother, and years of selfdestructive behaviour.
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Mandarin Comedy, 114 mins Directors: Chao Deng, Baimei Yu Starring: Chao Deng, Mi Yang
A professional ‘Breakup Guru’ is hired to end a relationship with Ye Xiaochun (Yang). But his skill at breaking up couples is put to the test when a battle of wits ensues. 分手大师 适合成年观众观看 喜剧, 114 分钟 邓超、俞白眉 邓超, 杨幂 梅远贵是一个专业的“分手大 师”,但是他拆散情侣的技能 在与叶小春智斗时受到考验, 并在模棱两可间挽回了自己 的名誉。
McDull - Me & My Mum
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 2
Cantonese, Mandarin Animation, 78 mins Director: Brian Tse Voices of: Anthony Wong, Sandra Ng
Cantonese, Mandarin Romance, 113 mins Director: Johnnie To Starring: Louis Koo, Miriam Yeung
In this sequel, the two former lovers find themselves irresistibly drawn back together – despite the fact that each of them is engaged to someone else.
The Chinese animated favourite McDull is a pig who isn’t very smart, but has a heart of gold and is very, very perseverant. 《麦兜——我和我妈妈》 普通级 动画, 78 分钟 谢立文 黄秋生, 吴君如 最受中国人喜爱的动画形象麦 兜是一只小猪,他并不十分聪 明,但却有一颗黄金般的心, 并且他非常、非常地锲而不 舍。在这部电影中,麦兜遇到 了更多不幸事件。
The Continent
《单身男女 2》 家长指导级 爱情, 113 分钟 杜琪峰 古天乐, 杨千嬅 曾经是互为恋人的两人发现自己因无法 抗拒对方的吸引而再度复合——尽管二 人已经分别订了婚。
Happy Ending
Kick Hindi Action, 147 mins Director: Sajid Nadiadwala Starring: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez,
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Kick stars Khan as an adrenaline-junkie thief, who soon finds himself pursued by veteran police officer and engaged in a turf war with a local gangster.
Mandarin Drama / Comedy, 105 mins Director: Han Han Starring: Feng Shaofeng, Chen Bolin
Chinese film about three friends who live on a remote island. When one moves to the westernmost part of the country, they embark on a fun road trip.
Mardaani Hindi Action, 113 mins Director: Pradeep Sarkar Starring: Rani Mukerji, Tahir Raj Bhasin
后会无期
! 适合成年观众观看 剧情/喜剧, 105 分钟 韩寒 冯绍峰, 陈柏霖 该部中国影片讲述了三位朋友生活在偏远海岛上的故事。其中 一位要前往祖国最西部的地方,随后便开始了他们有趣的公路 旅行。
movies
The Breakup Guru
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Tough Mumbai cop Shivani’s investigations into child sex trafficking infuriate a mob boss. In a bid to get Shivani off his back he kidnaps one of her teenage friends, then refuses to let the girl go because she’s seen too much.
Hindi Drama, 135 mins Directors: Raj & DK Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Ileana D’Cruz
12
A confused writer goes in search of inspiration for his next story and finds it when he falls in love with a bestselling author. All the ingredients are here for a classic Bollywood rom-com, and though Raj and DK’s film does little to add anything new to the genre it remains a joy from start to finish, boasting some of the best and most memorable songs of recent times.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania Hindi Romance / Comedy, 126 mins Director: Shashank Khaitan Starring: Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan
Bang Bang Warning: Contains scenes unsuitable for nervous flyers. Hindi Action, 153 mins Director: Siddharth Anand Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif
Mary Kom 12
Action-comedy about the chance encounter of unassuming bank worker Harleen with the charming yet mysterious Rajveer. Cue car chases, shoot-outs and global mayhem – and Harleen wondering if Rajveer is really the good guy he says he is.
Hindi Biopic, 122 mins Director: Omung Kumar Starring: Priyanka Chopra, Sunil Thapa
12
Something of a rarity from Bollywood, Mary Kom isn’t just a reallife tale but a sports movie to boot. It stars the versatile Chopra as eponymous Indian boxer Kom, nicknamed ‘Magnificent Mary’, who overcame hardship before accomplishing her dream of being the only woman to win a medal in each of the six world championships.
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A feisty girl from Ambala, decides to make a trip to Delhi for her marriage shopping, she meets a young, carefree Delhi lad, Humpty Sharma. Humpty falls in love only to find that she is unattainable. However, being a Delhi boy, he is not one to give up easily and formulates a cunning plan… 19
DISCOVER THE HIDDEN DEPTHS FACEBOOK.COM/TIGERBEERUK
Over 18s only
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11/09/2012 10:59
tv Olive Kitteridge
tv
Documentaries
Advanced Style 72 mins
Based on photographer Ari Seth Cohen’s blog of the same name, this stirring documentary not only challenges the conventional notions of beauty forced on us by the fashion and beauty industries, but also celebrates the pure joy of life. It focuses on seven stylish New York women, all aged ‘between 50 and death’, who treat the city like their own personal catwalk, exuding exuberance and
PG
individual style. The film touches on the problems associated with aging, as well as looking at how the women’s appearances on Cohen’s blog have thrust fame upon them. Mostly, though, it gives us an insight into the lives of these unique women and reminds us that beauty is to be found everywhere – you just need to open your mind to find it.
Change is in the Air! Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways 60 mins
This episode of Dave Grohl’s documentary – a ‘love letter to the history of American music’ – finds the Foo Fighters frontman concentrating on Chicago. As well as tracing the city’s unique musical evolution, he meets Steve Albini, who produced Nirvana’s third album, In Utero. 22
4 mins
Find out about Virgin Atlantic’s Change is in the Air! sustainability programme. In this four-minute animation, Sir Richard Branson summarises what we’re doing to reduce our environmental impact and to support communities in need. It features thirsty microbes, dancing horses, baby orangutans and pilots dressed in plastic bottles... Find out how you can do your bit too!
Finding Vivian Maier 83 mins
15
This illuminating documentary follows historian John Maloof as he goes in search of Vivian Maier, the photographer behind a cache of 1950s to 1970s photograph’s. What he discovers is the life of a unique, eccentric photographic talent. A true one-off.
tv
Documentaries The Case Against 8 112 mins
U
Don’t worry if the subject matter sounds dry, because despite the fact that The Case Against 8 features lawyers, plaintiffs, testimony and even, ew, ‘legislation’, this documentary speaks right to the heart. It concerns the two couples that opposed California’s 2008 gay marriage ban, the infamous Proposition 8. The couples were represented by hotshot attorneys who were no strangers to appearing before the Supreme Court, and are similarly luminous onscreen; however, it’s in interviews with the plucky quartet that the film really comes alive. And when the simple act of watching an interviewee read from court testimony is enough to move you to tears, you know you’re in the hands of very skilled filmmakers indeed.
The World’s War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire 50 mins
Moving documentary focusing on the struggles of the millions of Indian, African and Asian troops and ancillaries who fought and died alongside white European troops in World War One.
Life Itself 120 mins
In 2005, Roger Ebert became the first film critic to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Eight years later the United State’s best-known and most powerful pundit lost an 11-year battle with cancer. Based on Ebert’s eponymous autobiography, Life Itself recounts his inspiring and entertaining journey in film, from learning about criticism by reading Mad magazine, to writing a film for
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the Sex Pistols and ultimately earning elder statesman status. Contributions from the likes of Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog illustrate how Ebert ultimately came to transcend film criticism to become an influential cultural and political voice. Fittingly, the critics have been unanimous in their acclaim of this poignant, joyous film documentary. No doubt Roger himself would have approved.
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tv
Comedy Almost Royal
Modern Family
25 mins per episode
25 mins per episode
A pair of clueless English aristos travel around the US in this acclaimed comedy. The nice-butdim pair of Georgie and Poppy Carlton are played to perfection by actors Ed Gamble and Amy Hoggart, but the people they met and the reactions they get are hilariously real.
Following the lives of Jay Pritchett and his family, including his second wife, stepson, infant son, as well as the two adult children, their children and other halves (phew), this fifth series of Modern Family is just as insightful and funny as ever.
Live at the Apollo
American Dad
50 mins
25 mins per episode
Eddie Izzard hosts the show and introduces exemplary stand-up from Josh Widdicombe and Trevor Noah in this episode of the comedy showcase.
2 Broke Girls 25 mins per episode
Seth McFarlane’s animated sitcom about the eccentric Smith family is every bit as rude and funny as you’d expect from the man who brought you Family Guy and Ted.
Will and Grace and Sex and the City writer Michael Patrick King is the name behind this US sitcom that revolves around two waitresses hoping to open their own restaurant.
Boomers 30 mins
New BBC sitcom about three retired couples living in Thurnemouth, ‘Norfolk’s only West-facing resort’. A cast packed with vintage comic talent includes Russ Abbott, June Whitfield and Stephanie Beacham.
The Big Bang Theory 22 mins per episode
This Golden Globe-winning sitcom about geeks and the gorgeous girl across the hall picks up new fans every time it’s shown. With a great cast, diamond-sharp script and lots of laughs, it’s not hard to see why.
Louie 25 mins per episode
The superb, deadpan comedian Louis CK stars as a fictionalised version of himself in this brilliant, freewheeling sitcom about a comedian and newly divorced father raising his two daughters in New York.
New Girl The award-winning comedy with Zooey Deschanel as a kooky flatmate enters its third series – and finds Jess and Nick an item at last. All seems perfect, but how long can they hold their relationship together?
Curb Your Enthusiasm
How I Met Your Mother
30 mins
30 mins per episode
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The brainchild of comedian, actor and TV presenter Jack Whitehall, Bad Education stars Whitehall as teacher Alfie Wickers, whose attempts to appear cool and impress the lovely Rosie Gulliver always fall flat. 24
90 mins
Brand’s latest show sees him embark on a newly politicised path, mixing near-the-knuckle belly laughs with genuinely thought-provoking insights on celebrity and world leadership. Leave any preconceptions at the door and enjoy a stand-up at the very top of his game.
22 mins per episode
Bad Education
Russell Brand: The Messiah Complex
In this episode from series eight, and with Larry now a single man, our eternally frustrated hero confronts poor parking and a buffet-line ‘cut-and chat’. Meanwhile the ‘silence vow’ is broken.
22 mins per episode
The award-winning sitcom reaches its conclusion. Told in flashback it has concerned a group of friends negotiating love lives in the Big Apple, especially Ted. But which of the ladies in his life did he end up with?
tv
Comedy
Jane The Virgin 50 mins per episode
A brilliant new TV comedy-drama, Jane the Virgin stars Gina Rodriguez as Jane, a religious Latina woman who intends to remain virtuous until after she’s married. However, her plans are rudely interrupted when a doctor accidentally artificially inseminates her. To make matters worse, the biological father is a married former playboy, the new owner of the hotel where Jane works, and was
her former teenage crush. And then… Well, to reveal more would be to spoil the surprise. Suffice to say, things get even more complicated when certain, shall we say, ‘interested’ parties discover the pregnancy. If it sounds far-fetched, it is. But go with it and you’ll have an absolute blast.
The Trip to Italy 30 mins
Toast of London 25 mins
With the show slipping out late at night almost unnoticed at first, news of Toast of London’s greatness has spread by word of mouth. It’s easy to see why. Starring the irrepressible, phenomenally talented Matt Berry, it centres on the chaotic life of failed actor Steven Toast, who tries and mostly fails to be a hit on the stage and with the ladies – not to mention locking horns with his great nemesis, Ray Purchase (Harry Peacock). The show has a surreal, larger-than-life feel, giving it a genuinely anarchic quality rarely seen since the glory days of Rik Mayall. We’ve got the first episode of the second series onboard. Trust us, this is riotous comedy at its very best.
For a second helping of Coogan and Brydon’s restaurant-reviewing travels, the pair go to Italy, where, as you can imagine, the ‘Italian Job’ connection allows them ample scope for their famed Michael Caine impressions.
Silicon Valley 30 mins
In this sitcom from the creator of Beavis and Butthead, Mike Judge, a nerd finds himself at the centre of a billion-dollar bidding war. Very funny and a glimpse into a rarely seen world.
Family Guy 22 mins per episode
Leading the way in family dysfunction are the Griffins and their boozy, talking dog, Brian. Never faltering in its hilarity. Family Guy goes above and beyond its duty to overstep the lines of comic decency. 25
tv
Entertainment Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs 50 mins
Dynamo: Magician Impossible 50 mins
Fly-on-the-wall documentary series following English magicianillusionist Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo. From reading a poker star’s mind to disappearing into thin air and leaping over the audience at a gig – there is nothing this modernday wizard cannot do.
Festooned with awards, this delightful series joins TV funnyman Paul O’Grady at the Battersea Dogs Home, where he meets members of staff as well as the lovable canines in their care. Heartwarming and at times heartbreaking, it’s a dog-lovers’ delight.
This Old Thing
Micky Flanagan’s Detour de France
50 mins
50 mins per episode
Dawn O’Porter shows how to shop vintage and fill your wardrobe with beautiful, timeless pieces that look great. In this episode, she meets Lucie from London, who wants to re-ignite her passion for fashion as she prepares to go on holiday to Ibiza.
Life is Toff 30 mins
This new reality TV series follows eccentric aristocrat Francis Fulford and his children, Humphrey, Arthur, Matilda and Edmund. All they have in common is that they swear a lot and have an inflated sense of selfworth – which of course makes for highly watchable TV.
On the Road with will.i.am 50 mins
Video Killed The Radio Star 22 mins
Sky documentary series exploring the making of iconic music videos. In this episode, directors discuss working with Aretha Franklin, particularly the difficulties of making the video for her duet with George Michael. 26
Discover the man behind the music as the mercurial will.i.am embarks on an incredible road trip and performs his music in a series of unique environments. Always fresh, always new – as the man himself says, ‘Whatever we do, we’re not going to do what we did yesterday.’
Perhaps you’ve noticed the ever-increasing amount of cyclists on the roads. Not to be outdone, popular comedian Micky Flanagan goes ‘out out’ (see what we did there?) and gets on his bike for a hilarious and informative (de) Tour de France.
What’s on Vera 16 mins
Tune in to the highlights show that guides you through some of the hidden gems and word of mouth knockouts among Virgin Atlantic glittering world of entertainment. Our resident film guru, Jason Solomons, unearths some of the most compelling films, documentaries and TV to look out for while zooming through the skies.
tv
Factual Grayson Perry Who Are You? 50 mins per episode
Animal Super Senses 50 mins
Documentary exploring the extraordinary ways in which different animals ‘see’ differently, from caribou using UV light to survive, and dragonflies employing slow-motion sight in order to make super-speed kills.
Flamboyant, Turner-winning artist Grayson Perry turns his attention to portraiture in this superb new series. Asked to add some diverse new subjects to the National Portrait Gallery, Perry goes in search of interesting personalities, determined to get under their skin and create unique artworks. His subjects include Rylan Clark of X Factor and Big Brother fame, a Muslim convert and a transgender man. Perry visits disgraced excabinet minister Chris Huhne on the eve of his sentencing for perverting the course of justice. For the resulting portrait, Grayson creates a pot, smashes it, then sticks it back together – a fitting artwork and representative of the unique mind behind this fascinating series.
Cats Uncovered 50 mins
Human Universe 50 mins
No pussyfooting around in this series from BBC 2, in which Professor Brian Cox tackles the big questions such as ‘why are we here?’ and ‘are we alone?’ Does he have the answers? Why, of course he does…
Headspace 5 – 20 mins per episode
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep better, have more focus or just stop the endless thoughts from clattering around your brain, let the man The Times calls ‘Britain’s top meditation guru’ show you how. In just 10 minutes, he’ll take you through simple, practical techniques for getting a bit more headspace in your life.
The first episode of this new documentary series investigating everything feline-related. Here we discover how our pet moggies are increasingly adapting to 21stcentury life in overcrowded cities – and needless to say, they’re doing things their own sweet way.
Stammer School
Liberty of London
90 mins
50 mins
Affecting doc about a group who enrol on a course to try and rid themselves of their stutters. The speech impediment is ruling their lives and they’re desperate for a cure. Can they find their voice in just four days?
An episode of the reality-TV show about the famous department store. In this instalment, Christmas stock arrives in the middle of a heat wave, and we meet a wealthy VIP who sees Liberty as his local corner shop.
Horizon: Should I Eat Meat? 50 mins
It’s the big health and ethical dilemma: should I eat meat? In this Horizon special, Dr. Michael Mosley seeks to establish the truth: are those barbecue favourites really that bad? Should we all go vegetarian instead? 27
tv
Shorts
Head Over Heels
All that Way for Love
11 mins
20 mins
This Oscar nominated animation is a delight. After many years of marriage, Walter and Madge have grown apart: he lives on the ceiling and she lives on the floor. When Walter tries to reignite their old romance, their equilibrium comes crashing down, and the couple that can’t agree which way is up to find a way put their marriage back together.
A young idealistic Irishman traveling across Africa to reach his girlfriend; hitches a ride with a warring European couple. The crossfire could be deadly. Stars rising talent Andrew Simpson.
Common Ground 15 mins per episode
Common Ground features the cream of the UK acting and comedy talent. Revolving around a central character, each is shot in a mockumentary style and is as funny as it is moving.
Critical Eye 12 mins
Miserable critic, Brian Tanner, is famous for his vicious film reviews on his TV show Critical Eye. Over the years, he’s grown to hate pretty much everything he sees, including his wife. Stars Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey.
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tv
Shorts
Lady in No. 6 35 mins
Oscar-winning short film about of Alice Herz-Sommer, a pianist who was the world’s oldest Holocaust survivor, who discusses the importance of music, laughter, and how to have an optimistic outlook on life.
Freeze Frame 17 mins
This romantic comedy, set to the backdrop of picturesque London, Edinburgh and Shanghai, is guaranteed to whisk you away in such a short space of time. Chen Fei (Tian Yuan), a daring young woman, is on a top secret mission to honour a promise. Determined to succeed, Fei runs into unexpected troubles that require her to play detective and chase Jack (Freddie Fox), the handsome stranger she met on the plane.
One on One 5 mins per episode
This interview series presents influential individuals such as model Lily Cole, at the top of their fields, discussing a topic on which they have an informed perspective. Each interview aims to make complicated issues accessible and digestible for viewers. Hosted by Katherine Keating, One on One is distributed on the World Post and throughout the Huffington Post network.
Little Brother 17 mins
This political thriller, starring Homeland’s Navid Negahban has a science fiction twist. A non-linear story, based on the fictional life of an accomplished scholar who seeks justice against crimes done by an oppressive regime, it packs a powerrful and potent message and a warning to all of us. 29
tv
Drama The Good Wife 50 mins per episode
The Good Wife has slowly but surely moved from being good TV to essential TV. Now in its sixth series, the show has so far picked up a grand total of 21 primetime Emmy award nominations, many of them for Julianna Margulies’ superb turn in the title role. She plays Alicia Florrick, who returns to her job as a litigator, having taken time out to raise kids – only for the sins of the various men in her life to resurface with a vengeance. We have episodes from the sixth season onboard, in which Alicia must decide whether to run for State’s Attorney, or continue to fight cases
NCIS 45 mins per episode
Police procedural NCIS (aka the Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is over 10 years old and has spawned NCIS: Los Angeles. Onboard is a series 11 nail-biter and curtain-raiser for a new spinoff: NCIS: New Orleans.
Constantine 45 mins per episode
From DC comics’ Hellblazer comes a new US TV show starring Matt Ryan as the titular demon hunter. With his soul already damned, Constantine tries to protect earth from the demonic netherworld. 30
Legends
Fargo
45 mins per episode
60 mins per episode
New US thriller series starring Sean Bean as deep-cover operative Martin Odum, who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. However, his own identity comes into question when a mysterious stranger suggests that Martin isn’t who he thinks he is.
It’s true that the news of a miniseries version of the Coen Brothers’ most beloved work was greeted with a sharp intake of breath, however the outcome has been a triumph. Although not a remake, the story and characters somehow feel familiar, perhaps because it shares the dark humour that made the movie so great.
Bones 45 mins per episode
This long-running US crime drama focuses on FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), who solves crimes with forensic anthropologist Drt Temperance ‘Bones’ Brennan (Emily Deschanel) – as well as falling in love together.
The Flash 45 mins per episode
Flash is DC’s costumed superhero capable of moving at superhuman speeds. Played by Glee’s Grant Gustin in this new mix of mystery, action and heroic derring-do, he’s also an ace crime scene investigator. We have the first two episodes onboard.
tv
Drama Downton Abbey 93 mins
In this extended episode, Lord and Lady Sinderby invite the Granthams to a driven-grouse shoot. While there the Sinderby’s snobbish butler Stowell (Alun Armstrong) resents having to serve Tom and is rude to other servants – who then conspire to take revenge.
Extant 60 mins per episode
From executive producer Steven Spielberg comes this acclaimed new sci-fi show starring Halle Berry as an astronaut who returns from a solo space mission only to discover that she’s pregnant. Keeping the secret, she desperately attempts to discover what really happened during her time away….
Scorpion 45 mins per episode
Scorpion is a quirky new drama based on the life of selfproclaimed genius Walter O’Brien. Hired by the government to lead Team Scorpion, Walter and his brainy crew are on hand to solve international puzzles, while waitress Paige helps the brainboxes to interact with ‘normal’ people…
Forever
Ray Donovan
45 mins per episode
60 mins per episode
Superb new series starring Ioan Gruffudd as New York City medical examiner Henry Morgan, who studies the dead for criminal cases, hoping to solve the mystery of his own immortality. The past intersects with the present as we learn how Morgan acquired his great observational skills.
Set among the Hollywood A-listers of LA, Ray Donovan stars Liev Schreiber as the eponymous law firm ‘fixer’ who makes the problems of the city celebrity superstar athletes and business moguls disappear – while also juggling his own chequered home life.
Witches of East End
The Missing
45 mins per episode
The Beauchamp family of witches take up residence in the seaside town of East End in this new comedy-drama. In the pilot, an assault victim identifies her attacker as Joanna Beauchamp. Meanwhile, Ingrid and Freya, Joanna’s unsuspecting daughters, learn their true identities.
50 mins per episode
One of the BBC’s best-ever dramas, The Missing preys on every parent’s fear of a child going missing. The drama alternates between the past and the present, as dad Tony (James Nesbitt) continues the desperate hunt to find his lost fiveyear-old son.
An Honourable Woman 50 mins per episode
In this opening episode of the BBC drama series set around the Middle Eastern peace process, we meet Nessa and learn of her traumatic past. However, as she begins to right the wrongs of her father, there are sinister forces being aligned against her. 31
tv
Drama
Sport The Knick 60 mins
In this debut for Steven Soderbergh’s new drama series we meet Dr Thackery (Clive Owen) and the staff of the Knickerbocker Hospital (‘the Knick’) in New York during the early part of the twentieth century.
Sky Sports News 15 mins
Watch the best coverage of your favourite sports: football, golf, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, boxing, plus the latest sports news, transfers and scores in this weekly update.
Soccer AM Best Bits 15 mins
Gotham 45 mins per episode
Brand-new show going back to the roots of Batman. Bruce Wayne appears, but only as a child, and the focus is on a young James Gordon and the future terrors of Gotham such as Selina Kyle, Edward Nygma and Oswald Cobblepot.
Olive Kitteridge 60 mins per episode
HBO’s mini-series has won considerable acclaim for its writing and performances – especially Frances McDormand in the title role. The show revolves around the redoubtable but not-always-likeable Kitteridge, who looks back over an eventful life spent teaching in the seaside town of Crosby, Maine, as well as a quarter of century of marriage to Henry. Illicit affairs, crime and tragedy all figure, and though the show doesn’t always make for comfortable viewing, it’s never less than compelling and is shot through with searing emotional insight. Supporting turns from Richard Jenkins, as Olive’s put-upon husband, and Bill Murray are superb, but it’s McDormand’s three-dimensional rendering of Kitteridge that truly stands out, making this yet another must-see show for HBO.
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Under the Dome 45 mins per episode
The first series of the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s mammoth novel was a huge success, making this second season a certainty. Once again we join the residents of Chester’s Mill, the town mysteriously encased in an invisible, impenetrable barrier known as the Dome.
You can enjoy this legendary show any time thanks to specially selected content. Hosted by Helen Chamberlain and Max Rushden, the best of Soccer AM finds players, celebrity guests, pundits, fans and, of course, the ‘soccerettes’, chewing over the hot topics of the day, as well as taking part in challenges such as the hotly contested Crossbar Challenge, the Ten-Yard Bucket Challenge and the nail-biting Soccer AM webcam.
tv
K IDS
Doc McStuffins 24 mins per episode
Party Central
Peppa Pig
Tangled Ever After
6 mins
60 mins
7 mins
Tom and Jerry’s Giant Adventure
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Scooby-Doo! Wrestlemania Mystery
Jake and the Never Land Pirates
60 mins
24 mins per episode
24 mins per episode
59 mins
Ultimate Spider-Man
Phineas and Ferb
Star Wars Rebels
Girl Meets World
43 mins
23 mins
43 mins
23 mins per episode
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300821_Virgin CC Press_VERA_DPS_BONUS_WHITE_FAW.indd 1
Turn everyday shopping into dream destinations with up to 10,000 bonus miles†
Representative One Account. Two Cards. More Flying Club miles.
17.9%APR (variable)
www.virgin-atlantic.com/10000miles You cannot transfer balances between MBNA accounts. The Virgin Atlantic Credit Cards are issued by MBNA Limited. Registered Office: Stansfield House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QQ. Registered in England and Wales under company number 02783521. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, MBNA Limited is also authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009, Register Number: 204487 for the provision of payment services. American Express® is a registered trademark of the American Express company. MBNA Limited issue the MBNA American Express Credit Card pursuant to a licence from American Express®. Credit is available, subject to status, only to UK residents aged 18 or over. Calls, online and/or Smartphone sessions (e.g. completing an application) may be monitored and/or recorded for quality evaluation, training purposes and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited is an introducer appointed representative of Virgin Money Personal Financial Service Limited, Registered Office: Jubilee House, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL. Registered in England number 3072766. Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Company Secretariat, The Office, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9NU. Registered in England number 1600117. Interim permission number 514105. In the UK, Virgin Atlantic only offer credit cards provided by MBNA Limited. CP0914_ SMP_VACC_A †10,000 bonus miles; 3,000 bonus miles earned for approved application and spend within first 90 days and if you apply before 31st March 2015 and spend a total of £1,000 you will earn an additional 7,000 bonus miles. Please allow six to eight weeks for bonus miles to be added to your account. Bonus miles are not awarded on balance transfers or money transfers. Terms and Conditions apply to Flying Club rewards. Please see www.virgin-atlantic.com/flyingclubtermsandconditions for full details. If you spend on your card and do not pay this in full each month, interest will be payable on the amount outstanding.
11/02/2015 14:37
extras
Upper Class wines We provide a trio of snapshot films illustrating the selection process of our wines, as well as the individual red and white wines on offer today in Upper Class. Your very own ‘go to’ wine guide and sommelier in the sky!
Sky News Are you on the Guest List? Get a taste of the luxury lifestyle when you fly Virgin Atlantic. Buy a Guest List package and experience some of the best bits of our Upper Class service on the ground. Chauffeur driven car Start your journey in style with a car that takes you directly from your house to the Clubhouse. Baggage taken care of Even your baggage is on the Guest List. It’s tagged as Upper Class when you check in.
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If you want to keep up to date with the headlines while you’re in the air, head to our News section where you’ll find full coverage of all the breaking headlines, entertainment, business and sports stories.
Door to door service Check in effortlessly then glide through our Private Security Channel to our Upper Class Wing at London Heathrow. An oasis of calm in the buzz of the airport. Access to the Clubhouse Then enjoy the ultimate preflight experience. Dine on gourmet food and sip a cocktail at the bar in our award winning Clubhouse. Or simply relax in style with a complimentary spa or hair treatment.
You can also listen to a round up of top stories on your headphones.
Entry to the Guest List starts at just £240. And as you’d expect, spaces are limited.
Save for later
Where am I?
Onboard games
If music is the food of ears…
One of the great features of this system is the ‘Save for Later’ option. This allows you to build your very own playlist of films and TV programmes, which saves you having to search through the choices again and again.
Curious to know where you are? Then check out Skymap. Just touch the flight progress bar, which is visible on all menu screens, and you can check your flight’s whereabouts and even roam around the globe with Skymap’s interactive views.
We’ve got 20 fantastic games to occupy you during your flight today. Some of these are touch-screen and for some you need you use the handset, so please check the loading screen for more info.
We have some great playlists on your flight today, so you can sit back, relax and let us fill the skies with music. If playlists aren’t your bag then you may prefer to choose from our discerning choice of albums, audiobooks and podcasts available for your enjoyment, each especially selected to entertain your acoustic needs.
extras Visas and passports made easy You can get helpful information on visas and passports (and also order online) at www.uk.cibt.com/virginatlantic EU customers with biometric passports can now use new self clearance gates at Border Control. If your passport has this logo, save yourself time.
Enjoy sky high rewards with Flying Club
Health advice
Join our seriously rewarding loyalty programme and you could soon be earning miles to spend on flights, upgrades and hotel stays.
DVT is more likely to strike if you are immobile for a long time (post-operative patients are at risk), so long-haul flyers should take the following precautions…
Earn miles for great rewards Every time you fly with us or one of our partner airlines you’ll earn miles (even more if you fly Premium Economy or Upper Class). The more you fly, the more benefits you’ll enjoy, as you move from Red to Silver until you reach the brilliant Gold membership. You can also earn miles on the ground with our worldwide partners, which include car rental companies and hotels. Go further with your earned miles Redeem your miles on flights to see more of our fabulous destinations for less. Or treat yourself to a Premium Economy or Upper Class upgrade.
You can also enjoy hotel stays, partner airline flights and local partner rewards. The rewards start from just 2,000 miles, less than what you’re earning for today’s flight. Join Flying Club today The great thing is, if you join today you’ll have six months to claim the miles you’re earning on your flight right now. And you can claim the miles from any other flights you’ve taken with us in the last six months too. So why not join Flying Club today? Just ask your cabin crew for an application form and start building up those rewards.
— Drink lots of fluid and avoid excess alcohol. — Keep your circulation going during the flight by wiggling your toes and ankles, taking a walk up and down the aisle if possible. — Check out the Virgin health video for further health tips.
Connecting from Heathrow Terminal 3 to Terminal 2
Welcome to Heathrow
Follow the purple signs for Flight Connections (UK & Ireland route).
Connections bus
A bus will transfer you to Terminal 2. Buses are free and depart every 6-10 minutes.
Passport control
Arriving international passengers pass through UK immigration control at Heathrow. An image will be taken as required for the Department for Transport.
Hand baggage check
To ensure it conforms to UK and EU regulations. Liquids in containers over 100ml are not allowed.
Security screening
You will pass through security screening. If you are a non-UK resident and have goods to declare, please use the HM Customs telephone before security control.
Airline desks
If you need to visit the Virgin Atlantic transfer desk, you'll find it here.
Shop, eat & relax
The screens in the departure lounge will be updated when your gate opens and again when your flight is ready for boarding.
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Use your
mobile phone So, you’re on a connected flight – how exciting! But what does that mean? It means you can use your own mobile phone, on an aircraft!
AeroMobile is the network you’ll roam on inflight, just like you’ll roam on a foreign network when you’re overseas. It is a registered mobile phone operator; the only difference is they operate at 37,000ft.
The bottom line is you’ll be billed by your mobile operator, so whatever they charge you for roaming, typically in the ‘rest of the world’ category, is what you’ll pay. You will usually receive a free text from your home operator with pricing information.
— A mid-Atlantic text to your friend in London travels 455,804km over satellite networks, and would typically reach them in less than 30 seconds. That’s the same as 11 trips around the world in just half a minute!
To celebrate the fact that you need never be incommunicado again, and that being a geek is cool, here are some nerdy facts about our inflight connectivity service that might surprise you!
— So far this year Virgin Atlantic passengers have sent over a quarter of a million texts to friends, family and colleagues from 37,000ft.
— Did you know that AeroMobile has agreements with over 220 operators around the world, so even if you’re not from the UK you can probably use the service.
They also operate over satellites, which is a bit cooler than mobile phone masts.
How to use WiFi on connected flights: On certain aircraft, not only can you use your mobile phone to call or text but you can also wirelessly connect your portable devices to our WiFi service. After takeoff, crew will advise if your aircraft is WiFi enabled, so listen out for announcements.
AEROMOBILE AD_artwork_TP2.indd 1-2
— Sending an email to your boss from 37,000ft only takes a few seconds longer than being in the office – they’ll never know the difference! — The average cost of sending a text from onboard is just 45p.
onboard How to use your phone onboard:
1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Remember to switch your phone off for take-off and landing. After take-off (above 6,000 metres) the AeroMobile service will become available.
Switch your phone on, making sure ‘Flight mode’ is off and ‘Roaming’ is on.
If your phone doesn’t automatically connect to the AeroMobile network, manually select AeroMobile in Settings/Carrier or Mobile Networks.
Once connected you’ll receive a welcome text from AeroMobile. It’s likely you’ll receive a text from your home mobile operator with pricing information.
You can now use your mobile phone to call, text, email and surf the internet. Usage is billed by your home phone operator and international roaming rates apply.
Be aware that when using the data roaming services your network operator’s standard roaming charges will apply.
11/07/2013 12:08
U
D E AN FOOD S UR EC T L TY RI U
Change is in the Air is the name we give to our sustainability strategy, because we believe that sustainability means changing things for the better. It includes both our environment and community investment programmes.
At Virgin Atlantic, we’re very proud of our partnership with Free The Children and we’re currently supporting them with their international development programme, Adopt a Village.
AG RI C
sustainability
Free The Children’s Adopt a Village programme
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Visit virginatlantic.com/ changeisintheair for more details
IO AT C EDU
LIVELIHOO AND D ME O C IN
Adopt a Village includes ‘five pillars’ that work together to help communities keep children in school and break the cycle of poverty.
HE ALT H
F ree The Children began as a
ER
ANITATION DS AN
You can help right from your seat. Please place any loose change or foreign currency in the Change for Children envelope found with your headset and hand it to one of our cabin crew. Thank you!
CLEA N W AT
So far we’ve donated £1,213,000 to Free The Children communities
school building organisation but soon realised that poverty requires multi-faceted solutions, so they started building wells and developing health programmes. Soon, children could attend school instead of fetching water or staying home sick. When children missed school to work for their families’ farms and businesses, they launched food security and alternative income initiatives so communities could stay profitable without child labour.
These are the eight villages we’re currently supporting with Free The Children Aluo, China Population: 220 Project start: 2010
Sikirar, Kenya Population: 990 Project start: 2010
We’re continuously working to reduce our impact on the environment too… 40
Ngosuani, Kenya Population: 1,881 Project start: 2011
Udawad, India Population: 817 Project start: 2011
Kamoda, India Population: 862 Project start: 2012
We’re reducing our greenhouse gas emissions with more efficient fleet, helping drive the creation of low carbon aviation fuels for the future, and working to reduce our noise footprint. On the ground, we’re focusing on smart ways to manage our energy, vehicles, water and waste. We’re also helping designers, buyers and suppliers to create more sustainable supply chains.
Kalthana, India Population: 1,445 Project start: 2013
Asemkow, Ghana Population: 817 Project start: 2013
Nyameyiekrom, Ghana Population: 1,200 Project start: 2013
Want to do your bit? Start by offsetting the carbon emissions associated with your journey. Our scheme, in partnership with award winning offset specialist The CarbonNeutral Company, is designed to help finance renewable energy and resource conservation projects all over the world. Visit virginatlantic.com/changeisintheair and put your flight details into the carbon calculator
Hibernate with our Big Kahuna Movies Bundle Find out more at virginmedia.com
Cabled areas only, subject to survey. Content available dependent on package taken. Netflix streaming membership required. Further legal stuff applies.
Put cards and flowers firmly in their place
Many Mums out there will insist you don’t make a fuss on Mother’s Day. We say, that’s exactly why you should. After all, your impeccable taste and generosity have all come from somewhere, and this is the perfect opportunity to prove it. So, why not be the one who does all the spoiling for a change - by choosing a gorgeous Gü pud from our own family of fabulous desserts?