Zhang Yimou's latest martial arts epic was released on DVD last week after bringing in a modest $6.5 million at the box office last year. Andrew Lovdahl applauds the film's visual beauty, but has some complaints as well. Find out his verdict inside.

Germany's Symphorce are at it again, spreading their love of melodic metal across the globe with their latest album. But don't let the title put you off. Carl Zielinski describes the CD as the most listenable metal he's heard all year. Try it, and you might even find yourself singing along to the choruses.

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez assault movie theaters this week with "Grindhouse," a raucous double feature sure to please fans of both directors. There's plenty of other good stuff coming our way, including Timbaland's opus and some fine local concerts. Erin Hayes and Jono Baron guide you through the maze of choices.

Machine Head have been scorned recently for trying to sound like "nu-metal" band Korn. Can they break this criticism with their newest offering? Carl Zielinski delivers his opinion.

Two weeks from now, the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company will begin auditioning for the areawide student summer production of "Ragtime," the Tony Award-winning musical. But prospective cast members can get a head start by attending a free audition workshop Saturday in Urbana.

According to music industry experts, the album as a commodity is dying. But Carl Zielinski won't let that cultural staple go quietly into the night.

Will Ferrell and Jon Heder hit the ice in "Blades of Glory," which opens Friday. In the music world, Redman and Macy Gray return from extended absences, while the Kaiser Chiefs try to top their successful 2005 debut. And the DVD shelves feature a number of solid new releases, including the acclaimed "Children of Men."

On the eve of spring break, Erin Hayes closed her textbooks long enough to drop by the Assembly Hall to catch the Taste of Chaos Tour. Although some of the bands weren't at the top of their game, Erin found enough musical goodness to make the night worthwhile.

"300" has gotten a bad rap at Uni, according to Bethany Hutchens. In fact, the movie is just plain raw. How raw is it? Let her count the ways.

Senior Alex Cahill, a three-time all-state musician on the double bass, has been named to the Honor Orchestra of America, one of only 12 students from Illinois in the 82-member group. The musicians will perform Friday and Saturday in a shared concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

"300" might be a bad movie (and, according to Jono Baron, it's very bad indeed), but the effect it has on young men in the audience raises some interesting questions about masculinity in our culture.

SATURDAY NIGHT IS off to a bad start. The group,...

A new horror film from the makers of "Saw" hits the theaters, although we suspect "300" will continue to do good business. Britpop shines again on CD, while the new 007 makes his DVD debut. And if you're into goth rock and screamo, be sure to check out the Taste of Chaos Tour Thursday at the Assembly Hall. It's all part of this week in C-U entertainment.

Director David Fincher has been responsible for such impressive movies as "Fight Club" and "Se7en." But his latest effort, "Zodiac," is a disappointment if you're looking for a compelling crime thriller, according to Ranny Ma.

Shivani Khanna recently saw this highly controversial play by Eve Ensler. Is it more than just a scandalous title? Read on to find out whether or not the hype is justified.