DVD & BluRay

THE KRAYS: LIMITED EDITION

Second Sight, cert 18 Blu-ray & Booklet set £23.99

Back in 1990 this came as a shock in more ways than one. Not only did it tell the real background story of the Kray twins, Britain’s most notorious gangsters, but it starred a couple of pop star brothers. Taking the roles of Ronnie and Reggie Kray was a gamble for Gary and Martin Kemp who were known for their glitzy costumes and anthem ballads in Spandau Ballet. Playing a couple of psychopathic killers could hardly have been a bigger contrast to the glamorous New Romantic Era icons. But the film helped them kick down the barricades and Martin in particular went on to fashion a successful acting career for a while in EastEnders, and Gary, who also dabbled in acting afterwards, has just made a new solo album. Ironically perhaps, it’s Gary who makes the biggest impact here as sadist Ronnie, driven by rage and usually backed up by Reggie. They were from a poor hard-working East End background, but were adored by their mum Violet (Billie Whitelaw) who thought they could do no wrong. But, while she showered them with cloying adoration, others lived in fear of them as they ruled the London underworld with shocking violence. Director Peter Medak knew audiences had an appetite for everything related to the well dressed gangsters who hob-robbed with film stars and politicians at the capital’s

glitziest restaurants and clubs, and he did a fine job of it. It still stands head and shoulders above any other film about the terrible twins. This handsome boxset comes with a booklet, art cards and interviews.