Period drama Little Women leads this week's DVD releases

Note: Due to the recent closure of cinemas, in tandem with a nationwide lockdown, we will be focusing on DVD releases for audiences to enjoy in their film clubs or at home. We hope to bring you information about a wealth of cinema releases in the near future.

Adapted numerous times for the screen throughout cinema history and known as one of the most beloved American novels, Little Women gets a brand new and wholly original adaptation from director Greta Gerwig. From a modern perspective, Louisa May Alcott's story of family, love and independence has a different but no less striking impact on audiences.

Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth are four sisters living in 19th century Massachusetts in the aftermath of the Civil War. With their father still away from home, the girls must navigate formative moments in their lives alongside their mother, and with the aid of their wealthy Aunt March in this warm and heartfelt adaptation that can be viewed as an ode to writing your own story.

Also out on DVD this week

Summerland; The High Note

Two stories of female relationships this week beginning with the World War Two romantic drama Summerland. In the 1940s during World War II an academic writer named Alice lives alone on the south coast of England, only interacting with others when it is absolutely necessary. She's therefore distraught to discover that she must take in a child evacuee from London called Frank. Despite her protestations and initial misgivings about this, she begins to soften over time and the two form an unconventional friendship. Alice opens up to Frank about her past in which she was romantically involved with another woman, and he becomes interested in helping out with her work. Together they will discover so much about themselves, each other and the unexpected bond which connects them.

The High Note, meanwhile, is a fictional tale of aspirations and collaboration following Maggie, personal assistant to the legendary R&B singer Grace Davis. As an aspiring music producer Maggie is driven by her love of music but her role leaves her with no time to work on her craft. Davis, who is grandiose and demanding, has not released music in a decade and is being pressured by her manager to modernise her sound to attract a new audience. When Maggie plays Davis a different cut of her song that is closer to her musical identity, an opportunity arises for the two to work together. However, this is not a simple task as two women in the music industry who must navigate work contracts and expectations based on their gender, race and age.