The Problem with Movie Franchises: What do audiences want and can filmmakers ever get it right?

We run down our current 4K disc, digital and streaming recommendations and pay tribute to Terrance Stamp. Plus, the team discusses what we ultimately want from our beloved, long-running franchises... more of the same or unexpected narrative and character developments? Also, at what point in a movie series' journey does it implode under the weight of audience expectation and studio tinkering?

In this episode of ScreenTime wIth AVForums, we catch up with our current 4K disc and digital/streaming recommendations. Plus, we compare the UHD disc and streaming options of recent releases The Amateur and Zodiac to see which is the version worth getting hold of. Also, whether you're a hardcore disc collector or dedicated film fan, is 2025 the best time to start your library? Finally, what got the team members started in their reviewing careers and how has the disc/movie reviewing landscape changed over the last 20 years?

With the Red Sonja reboot on the horizon, ScreenTime's Cas Harlow chats with director MJ Bassett about bringing the iconic Robert E. Howard character back to the screen in just three months. They discuss her roots in filmmaking, shifting from horror to TV action, filming in Africa, and the future of AI in cinema - plus a surprising flaw in modern CGI most fans don't notice.

From the introduction of OLED TVs to the death of 3D TV, we look at some of the notable technologies since our first podcast in 2006.

We look at the new range of TVs for 2025 from Sony, ask what are the best amplifiers for under 1000 pounds and what is the next step after Soundbars for those wanting a more immersive experience.

The team debates whether film awards like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs still matter to audiences or just serve industry self-promotion. Did this year's winners truly deserve success, or were better films ignored? Have Academy Award controversies and dull ceremonies overshadowed the films, or do the awards still highlight movies worth seeing? Does an Oscar win make a film a 'must-see' for casual viewers or just fuel film snobbery?

In this AVForums Podcast, we cover highlights from the 2025 Bristol Hi-Fi Show, explore subwoofers in home cinema and Hi-Fi, and chat with Ian Morrish from Together for Cinema about their amazing work. Tune in for expert insights, industry news, and AV enthusiasm!

Is Steven Seagal's actioner Belly of the Beast utterly without redemption or does it merit some attention for aiming high but shooting low? The ScreenTime With AVForums team looks at Seagal's 2003 'meisterwerk' with its obvious action doubles, slow floor slides, mysterious sponge messages and endless John Woo style slo-mo in the hope of extracting maximum entertainment value.

In this month's podcast, Ed Selley, Hi-Fi Editor, and Phil Hinton, AVForums Editor, delve into the topic of Auto EQ in two-channel systems. Plus, Phil and Ian take a deep dive into the 2025 TV line-up from Philips.

Celebrating 20 years of podcasts, the ScreenTime with AVForums team previews the top 20 must-see movies of 2025 - from James Gunn's Superman to Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17 and more. Don’t miss our countdown!