Still torn between the bifocals, metal frame or plastic thick-rimmed look? Fear not, Sky may have just the solution. With the announcement that BSkyB is to launch Europe's first 3D TV channel within the next year, there’s no doubt that the green and red specs will become the latest greatest eyewear.

Following the success of Sky’s most recent offering Sky+ HD, it seems audiences are more eager than ever to replicate the cinematic experience in their very own living room. Will it prove a Skyhigh success or yet another smell-o-vision type stinker?

If box-office sales of the first few 3D films to hit the big screen are anything to go by, Sky shouldn’t need to worry. Pixar has announced that from next year all its films will be produced in the 3D, placing huge confidence in the format, whilst Sky has reportedly spent months secretly filming sports events for 3D processing and has already produced a 3D version of the show Gladiators.

With the prospect of Usain Bolt speeding through your living room and the price of the 3D-box set to match that of HD, what’s stopping you? Don’t let the occasional headache, eyestrain, dizzy spell or epileptic fit put you off, it’ll be well worth it. Just think of the possibilities, Simon Cowell perched on your sofa, Jeremy Clarkson parking up in the kitchen…

If smell-o-vision makes its timely comeback, we could well see the day we get to sniff Come Dine With Me’s deliciousness. And who knows, maybe even 360º holographic type telly in time for Star Trek’s DVD release. Yes please.

Charlotte Balnave

If the New York City Police Force’s reputation was made in the wake of 9/11, then for some ungodly reason Tony Scott is trying to tear it down. With The Taking Of Pelham 123, Scott has created a smear campaign detailing the painful ineptitude of the Yankee bobbies, from mistaken firing to bungled police escorts, that doesn’t let up for a whole two hours. But I digress; aside from the infuriatingly unexplained Police bashing, there are other, more important things to note about the director’s latest venture with long time collaborator Denzel Washington and John Travolta. Just don’t get me started on the plot holes…

Set in NYC, the movie follows Walter Garber (Washington), a New York City subway dispatcher whose ordinary day at work is thrown into chaos when an armed gang of four hijacks a subway train. The guy in charge is Ryder (Travolta), who threatens to kill his hostages one by one unless he is paid a large sum of ransom money within the hour. So far so familiar, but although I wouldn’t advise holding your breath waiting for any major plot twists to shake things up, the pic does derail from the usual fast-paced action to a more sedate slow-burner method, providing at least a little something to distinguish itself from the crowd. With hardly anyone walking more than a few paces until at least three quarters of the way through the film, it’s fair to say that the tension comes from a static, more cerebral place than from balls out physicality.

The other perk to the film is the performances. Scott’s lap dog Washington is as dependable as ever and brings the right amount of intelligence and aggression to the table, although being one of his less juicy roles I’d still choose to watch him in American Gangster or Man On Fire over this. It is also a relief to see that Travolta keeps his ham in check and is controlled and convincing with just the occasional Castor Troy-esque outburst. The two clearly have chemistry and can banter off each other like the best of them, showing off the smart dialogue to its full effect.

Supporting actors round out the solid cast: there’s the legendary James Gandolfini playing a begrudging Mayor at the end of his term, Transformers 2’s Ramon Rodriguez as a glorified cheerleader pepping Garber from the sidelines of the Transit Rail Control Center (surely one of the least sexy settings for a Hollywood flick ever?), as well as a solid turn from John Turturro as the hostage negotiator, who makes the most of the small role assigned to him.

Never superb but predominantly inoffensive, this pic isn’t the smartest action on the block, but it’s slick enough to keep you entertained and short enough to keep you interested.

Georgine Waller