DVDS: DANGER IN THE 'HOOD; DVD OF THE WEEK ADULTHOOD (15, pounds 24.99) ****.

Byline: JESSICA MELLOR

Kidulthood may have been a small urban British film boasting unknown actors, but it hit UK cinema screens like a swift jab to the ribs. Now comes its bigger, bolder and better big brother Adulthood - and this belter of a drama has the ferocity of a Mike Tyson uppercut.

Noel Clarke returns as Sam, who's just got out of prison after serving six years for killing Trife in the first film. Determined to put right some of his wrongs, he is forced into confronting the people from his past whom he'd hurt the most. But it seems every corner he turns holds a new challenge or danger.

While on his journey around his old stamping grounds, Sam realises just how much damage he caused and that he only has a short amount of time to put things right before his past really catches up with him with disastrous consequences.

This is a tightly written and realistically acted drama, with real heart and attention to detail.

Co-starring EastEnders' Scarlett Alice Johnson and featuring a cameo by Danny Dyer, the success of Adulthood is largely down to Clarke, who stars in and wrote both films, but directed this.

The soundtrack holds a few surprises too, and seamlessly carries a cool mix of styles.

Clarke really understands the world his characters inhabit and no one could doubt his passion for his subject, nor ignore the succinct yet startling ways in which he gets his point across.

Clarke made a name for himself on Dr Who, but it's this pair of honest, exciting films that will help shape his legacy.

The DVD includes a wealth of extras including a commentary by Noel and the cast, a Making Of featurette, cast and promo tour featurettes, a look at the music of Adulthood, plus deleted scenes, outtakes and much more.

STAR RATINGS: ***** Brilliant **** Good *** Average ** Poor * Dreadful

CAPTION(S):

EYE TO EYE: A stand-off between gang members Jay and Moony; BELTER: Hard-hitting role for Scarlett Alice Johnson