Steven Spielberg Double!
At any given moment in time, it feels like there's a movie in the box office top ten or in the DVD rental charts directed by the most prominent and, arguably, most influential figure in Hollywood - Steven Spielberg - probably the most famous guy in the business!
His biggest hitters have become modern classics - Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun, Schindler's List, Catch Me If You Can - the list is endless...
And for your pleasure, we have selected two of his best films to date to play on the HD channel, so your viewing experience will be so much more than ever before!
But first, lets find out a bit about the man behind the lens...
Born in 1946 in Ohio, Spielberg grew up making movies. By the time he was teenager he was capturing adventures on camera, which he eventually turned into his first movie, written and directed at the age of 16!
Following an education at the Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Spielberg speeded through college to reach his first significant break working as an unpaid intern at Universal Studios, Hollywood.
His dedication and passion for film was rewarded with a long-term deal at the studio - the first step in his professional journey towards a massive and brilliant career success.
Some of his most memorable movies are filled with outrageous characters thought up by the master of the blockbuster! Who can forget the ferocious Jaws, the kind-hearted E.T or the mighty dinosaurs in Jurassic Park?
And Spielberg's more inspirational works such as The Colour Purple and Schindler's List left not a dry eye in the house and a tasty profit for the studios.
His wide range and ability to touch a diverse audience with every project he undertakes, are two of the outstanding factors that encompass the most adored man in movies.
Here are some interesting facts about the man and his masterpieces:
While we are in praise of the man himself, lets take a look at the two films specifically chosen by us, for you to enjoy and relive.
To begin the night, we have Spielberg's 1997 hit Amistad, featuring Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins. It tells the life story of African slaves on board a Spanish ship in 1839. A must see for all hardcore Spielberg fans, with plenty of heartstring tugging.
And to conclude the night we have Spielberg's 1998 hit Saving Private Ryan. He won his second Director Oscar for this stunning film. Featuring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon - two reasons alone to watch!
Set in World War II, this authentic portrayal of US soldiers battling against the odds, is a marvellous representation of Spielberg's best work.
Friday 25th May
9.pm - Amistad - Sky Movies HD1
11.40pm - Saving Private Ryan - Sky Movies HD1
