DVD Playhouse--February 2008

DVD PLAYHOUSE: FEB. 2008
By
Allen Gardner


BLADE RUNNER: 5 DISC COLLECTOR’S EDITION (Warner Bros.) Definitive presentation of Ridley Scott’s 1982 cult classic about a cop (Harrison Ford) in futuristic L.A. who must hunt down a squad of escaped killer androids, and undergoes a journey of self-discovery in the process. 5 disc set contains all of the much-discussed (and mythologized) cuts of the film, including Scott’s “Final Cut” from 2007, with enhanced special effects and some newly shot footage. Disc two, “Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner,” features documentaries and featurettes on the film’s production; Disc three features three different archival versions of the film, including the 1982 U.S. and international theatrical cuts and the 1992 Director’s Cut. Disc four features an enhancement archive of more than a dozen segments on the film’s technical specs. Disc five contains Scott’s original workprint version of the film. All told, this is a landmark DVD release, which allows a fascinating look at the making, and re-making of a film that still stirs debate. Also features commentary by Scott, cast, and crew on disc one. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
IMITATION OF LIFE SPECIAL EDITION (Universal) Two disc set features the 1934 and 1959 versions of Fannie Hurst’s best-seller about two widows and their troubled daughters who struggle to find happiness in a changing world. Notable for being two of the earliest films dealing with the issue of race in America (and given the fact that they told the same story and were produced 25 years apart, says a great deal about that subject!). Claudette Colbert stars in the ’34 version, Lana Turner in the ’59. Bonuses: Commentary by African-American history and film scholars; Trailers; Documentary on the films’ productions. Full and widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (MGM/UA/Fox) Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger and the slap to the face that was heard ‘round the world star in this classic about a black cop from Philly (Poitier) who reluctantly helps a redneck southern Sheriff (Steiger, Oscar for Best Actor of 1967) investigate the murder of a wealthy industrialist in a small Mississippi town. Still holds up beautifully, thanks to the masterful performances, Norman Jewison’s assured direction, Haskell Wexler’s sublime camera, and the editing skills of Hal Ashby! Not a bad pedigree, with greats Warren Oates and Lee Grant scoring big in support. Bonuses: Commentary by Jewison, Grant, Steiger, and Wexler; Three featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ZODIAC: 2 DISC DIRECTOR’S CUT (Paramount) David Fincher’s masterful police procedural was oddly overlooked by critics and the public alike, but will hopefully go down in film history as the neglected masterpiece it surely is. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist who becomes obsessed with discovering the identity of the infamous Zodiac killer, who terrorized the Bay Area from the late ‘60s thru the early ‘70s, only to mysteriously drop out of sight. A fascinating look at crime, celebrity, and obsession, with bravura turns from Robert Downey, Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, as well. Features about five minutes of extra, extended footage, but nothing that is notably different from the theatrical release. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Commentary by Fincher, Downey, Gyllenhaal, producer Brad Fischer, writer James Vanderbilt, and author James Ellroy; Documentary; Four featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
EL CID (Genius Products/Weinstein Co.) Mammoth epic starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren, with Heston playing the 11th century warrior who drove the Moors out of Spain. Fine script by Philip Yordan and Frederic Frank and splendid direction from the great Anthony Mann, raises this a level above most of the costume dramas of the time (1961). 2 disc set features: Intro by Martin Scorsese; Reproductions of 1961 souvenir program and comic book; Six color production stills; Commentary by Bill Brontson and Neal M. Roendorf (son and biographer of producer Samuel Bronston); Vintage radio interviews with Heston and Loren; Photo galleries; Five featurettes; Trailer gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY COLLECTOR’S EDITION (MGM/UA/Fox) Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron’s classic comedy of romantic angst follows the relationship of two New Yorkers (Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) who grow from hating one another to finally realizing they’re soul mates. Interspersed with delightful vignettes of real couples telling how they met, this remains the finest hour for all involved. Great supporting turns from Carrie Fisher and the late, great Bruno Kirby. Bonuses: Commentary by Reiner, Ephron and Crystal; 7 deleted scenes; Trailer; 7 featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
EASTERN PROMISES (Universal/Focus) Riveting, disturbing drama from director David Cronenberg stars Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mafia enforcer in London who undergoes a crisis of conscience after encountering a midwife (Naomi Watts) who has uncovered evidence against his boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl, excellent). Contains one of the greatest fight scenes in recent cinematic memory. Bonuses: Two featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MIDNIGHT EXPRESS 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Sony) Shattering true story about a young American tourist (Brad Davis) busted for Hashish possession in 1970 Turkey. When he is sentenced to a brutal Turkish prison, he finds himself a political pawn between the Turkish and American governments. Raw, brutal and uncompromising in the extreme, even by today’s standards, film features Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning screenplay, and Alan Parker’s masterful touch behind the camera. Trend-setting, exciting electronic score by Giorgio Moroder. One of the ‘70s’ best films, albeit not for the faint-of-heart! Bonuses: Commentary by Parker; Three featurettes; Parker’s personal essay and photo journal. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THUDERBIRDS MEGASET 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (A & E) 12 DVDs featuring all 32 episodes of Gerry Anderson’s classic British sci-fi series about the daring adventures of International Rescue, a fearless team of soldiers and mercenaries defending the Earth against catastrophe and sabotage from evil doers! The catch: it’s performed by an all-marionette cast! At turns campy, hilarious, thrilling, creepy and surreal! A true landmark in television and creativity. Bonus features include: Photo galleries; 4 featurettes; Interview with Anderson. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
THE APARTMENT COLLECTOR’S EDITION (MGM/UA/Fox) Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond’s classic comedy about an ambitious junior business executive (Jack Lemmon) who climbs the corporate ladder by loaning out his bachelor by to higher-ups for their extramarital trysts. When Lemmon falls hard for a comely elevator operator (Shirley MacLaine) who is having an affair with the company boss who wants the apartment for himself, complications ensue. Witty, wise and quite daring for 1960! Bonuses: Commentary by film historian Bruce Block; Documentary; Featurette on Lemmon. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE STANLEY KRAMER FILM COLLECTION (Sony) Five films produced and/or directed by the legendary Stanley Kramer, arguably the leading filmmaker of his generation whose work all bared a very clear social and political conscience. GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER? remains a landmark, albeit somewhat dated look at interracial marriage, notable for fine performances from Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy (in his final role), and Sidney Poitier. SHIP OF FOOLS, features an all-star cast on an ill-fated sea voyage to 1933 Nazi Germany. Fine performances, powerful storytelling. THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING, directed by the great Fred Zinnemann, tells the story of a tomboy (Julie Harris) who decides to run away from home when she’s told she can’t accompany her beloved brother on his honeymoon. THE WILD ONE, directed by Laslo Benedek, made Marlon Brando a star as the leader of a motorcycle gang that takes over a small town. Lee Marvin shines as the leader of rival gang, The Beetles! THE 5,000 FINGERS OF DR. T, directed by Roy Rowland, is a surrealistic fantasy from the mind of Dr. Seuss, about an evil music teacher makes 500 little boys endlessly practice their piano! A bonus disc features an introduction by Tom Brokaw, Quincy Jones, Karen Kramer, and Steven Spielberg; Two featurettes; Kramer documentary; Archival footage; Photo gallery. Full and widescreen, Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE NAKED PREY (Criterion-Home Vision) Raw, visceral thriller from director/star Cornel Wilde about a 19th century colonialist (Wilde) in Africa who is captured and tortured, only to be set free as the “game” in a hunt in which he must elude a tribe of African warriors armed with only a loin cloth and his wits. A truly thrilling, and at times repellent, exercise in suspense, almost dialogue-free. A year later (1967), Wilde would direct the little seen, and unheralded Beach Red, a revisionist WW II masterpiece. Fine work, from a gifted filmmaker whom history sadly seems only to remember as a pretty boy actor. Bonuses: Commentary by film scholar Stephen Prince; “John Colter’s Escape,” read by Paul Giamatti; Original soundtrack cues created by Wilde; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby. 1.0 mono.
MARTIN SCORSESE PRESENTS VAL LEWTON: THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS (Warner Bros.) Fascinating look at Val Lewton, a filmmaker of the 1930s and ‘40s who directed some of the most innovative horror films of all-time. Produced and narrated by Martin Scorsese, this terrific documentary features insightful analysis by film scholars, interviews with Lewton’s surviving collaborators, and dozens of clips from his finest work. A wonderful tribute to a consummate artist. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
WALKER (Criterion-Home Vision) Bizarre, absurdist biographical drama from Alex Cox about William Walker (Ed Harris, fine as always), a 19th century American adventurer cum mercenary who abandoned successful careers in law, politics, journalism and medicine to become the dictator of Nicaragua! Cox’s fascinating take on his subject and bizarre juxtapositions of time and place, combined with Joe Strummer’s incendiary score, make this a one-of-a-kind experience, albeit not for every taste! Bonuses: Commentary by Cox and screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer; Documentary on the film’s production; Interviews with cast and crew; Photo gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE HUNTING PARTY (Genius Products/Weinstein Co.) Richard Gere and Terence Howard play a television journalist and cameraman, respectively, who journey back to the former Yugoslavia to track down a notorious war criminal. Both actors give fine turns, but director/writer Richard Shepard veers uncomfortably between satire, drama and political polemic in this uneven effort. Worth a look, as its good points outweigh its bad. Bonuses: Commentary by Shepard; Deleted scenes; Interviews with journalists on whom the story is based; Featurette; Esquire article; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE JOHN FRANKENHEIMER COLLECTION (MGM/UA/Fox) Nobody ever topped the late director John Frankenheimer’s skill as a topical, political filmmaker, particularly in the realm of the political thriller. This collection features some of his finest work, starting with the sublime masterpiece THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, a prescient film about mind-control and political assassination that feels more relevant today than ever. THE YOUNG SAVAGES, Frankenheimer’s feature debut, is a raw look at juvenile delinquency, with Burt Lancaster in the lead; THE TRAIN also features Lancaster as a French resistance fighter during WW II who must outwit a wily Nazi officer (Paul Scofield) who must derail a train commandeered by the Germans which is smuggling out a fortune in priceless art for the Nazi coffers; Finally, RONIN is Frankenheimer’s last great thriller, about spies and double-crosses in France, featuring Robert De Niro and Jean Reno, David Mamet’s crackling good script, and some of the best car chases committed to celluloid. Bonuses: Commentary by Frankenheimer; Alternate endings and deleted scenes; Interviews with cast and crew members; Featurettes; Isolated score track; Trailers. Widescreen, Dolby 5.1 surround and 2.0 mono.
THIS SPORTING LIFE (Criterion-Home Vision) Lindsay Anderson’s feature directing debut is a landmark of the British “kitchen sink” drama, focusing on a brutish rugby player (Richard Harris, in his best performance) whose primal nature makes him a star on the field, but destroys all those in his wake, particularly a lonely widow (Rachel Roberts) with whom he lodges. A blistering commentary on the British class system and the battle of the sexes. Two disc set bonuses include: Commentary by Anderson biographer Paul Ryan and screenwriter David Storey; Trailer; Documentaries; Interviews with colleagues of Anderson; Two early Anderson documentaries; Is That All There Is? Anderson’s autobiographical final film. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
4 BY AGNES VARDA (Criterion-Home Vision) Four of French filmmaker Agnes Varda’s best films in a single box! LA POINTE COURTE (1954), CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 (1961), LE BONHEUR (1964), VAGABOND (1985) all bear Varda’s signatures of neo-realism, French New Wave left-of-center sensibility, and technical mastery. Four disc set is loaded with bonuses, including: Three shorts by Varda; Interviews with Varda; Archival footage of Varda; Documentaries on the films’ productions; Featurettes; Trailers; Essays. Full and widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
SCENES OF A SEXUAL NATURE (THINKFilm) John Dos Pasos-like tale of intersecting lives and loves in contemporary London. Some storylines work better than others. Our favorites include an elderly couple who meet by chance and realize they were in love 40 years ago; a gay couple grappling with the decision to adopt; and perhaps the most awkward blind date in film history! Terrific cast of British actors includes Ewan McGregor, Adrian Lester, Gina McKee, Eileen Atkins, and Polly Walker. Bonuses: Commentary by filmmakers Ed Blum and Aschlin Ditta; Trailers; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MOLIERE (Sony) Lavish fictionalized biography of the French playwright (Romain Duris) who helps a wealthy aristocrat (Fabrice Luchini) win the heart of a widowed Marquise, in exchange for paying off Moliere’s debts. Fun, sexy romp is reminiscent of Tom Jones more than a serious biography of an historic figure, but is well-worth a delightful night’s viewing. Bonuses: Commentary by director Laurent Tirard; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
OSWALD’S GHOST (Paramount/PBS) Near-brilliant documentary takes an in-depth look at alleged JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, and all the subculture of conspiracy theories (and theorists) that sprang up in the wake of Oswald’s own murder, and those of other significant figures of the 1960s, such as Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy. At turns hypnotic, infuriating and downright entertaining; quite possibly one of the most important social/political documentaries of the past decade. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interview with filmmaker Robert Stone. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ROMANCE & CIGARETTES (Sony) Writer/director John Turturro (and exec producers the Coen brothers!) offers up a truly unique and memorable cinematic experience with this musical (!) romp that centers on a cheating husband (James Gandolfini), his wife (Susan Sarandon) and their daughters (Mary-Louise Parker, Mandy Moore, Aida Turturro). Bawdy, blistering and outrageous with an infectious spirit and a score that dreams are made of (Bruce Springsteen, Dusty Springfield, James Brown, and others). Not to be missed! Bonuses: Commentary and intro by Turturro; Delted scenes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MISS JULIE (Criterion-Home Vision) Swedish filmmaker Alf Sjoberg’s adaptation of Strindberg’s 1888 play won the Cannes Film Festival in 1951. A visually-stunning interpretation of the battle between the sexes and the classes that was highly influential on filmmakers of future generations. Bonuses: Video essay by film historian Peter Cowie; Archival interview with Sjoberg; Documentary on the play and Strindberg; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
MR. WARMTH: THE DON RICKLES PROJECT (Salient Media/Vivendi) Touching, heart-felt documentary by director John Landis on comic legend Don Rickles, master of the insult. Film takes a look at Rickles’ humble beginnings, his literal discovery by Frank Sinatra and testimony from generations of comics who have been inspired by him. Best of all is some very serious, honest talk from the man himself about life, humor, and family. Good show all! Bonuses: Extended interviews with comics and actors. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
THE BEST OF OSCAR MGM/UA/Fox releases five boxed sets featuring the some of the best Oscar-winning titles in film history. The three Best Picture boxes include Oliver Stone’s seminal Vietnam war drama Platoon, the crowd-pleasing first Rocky, the chilling Silence of the Lambs, Kevin Costner’s revisionist western Dances With Wolves, Elia Kazan’s Gentlemen’s Agreement, the classic police drama The French Connection, Bette Davis’ classic turn in All About Eve, the feel-good musical The Sound of Music, John Ford’s classic How Green Was My Valley, the gritty drama Marty, one of the great musicals West Side Story, Billy Wilder’s The Apartment, and Tony Richardson’s adaptation of the classic novel Tom Jones. The Best Actor Collection features Yul Brynner’s winning turn in The King and I, George C. Scott’s signature role as General George S. Patton, Michael Douglas’ oily portrait of ‘80s greed and excess in Wall Street, Art Carney’s delightful septuagenarian in Harry & Tonto, and Warner Baxter in the early sound classic In Old Arizona. Widescreen and full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono, surround and 5.1 surround.
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! More hot TV titles arrive on disc this month. Here’s a few of our faves: Acorn Media brings us lovely Francesca Annis starring in LILLIE, a 13 episode epic mini-series about poetess and feminist Lilly Langtry. Annis won a BAFTA award for her performance. Bonuses: Essay on Langtry. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. ROUGH DIAMOND stars Sir David Jason as a retired thief who just can’t keep his hands out of the till, targeting only the evil and nasty in his pursuits! 2 disc set features 4 episodes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. ROSEMARY & THYME: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION features the adventures of two professional gardeners (Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris) who solve mysteries in and around some of England’s stateliest homes and gardens. Bonuses: Interviews with Kendal and Ferris; Production notes; Photo galleries; Trivia quiz. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Finally, SLINGS & ARROWS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION is the darkly comic Canadian series following the fortunes and foibles of a dysfunctional Shakespearian theater troupe. Bonuses: Cast interviews; Bloopers; Deleted and extended scenes; Production notes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Paramount brings us classic titles such as FAMILY TIES: THE THIRD SEASON, featuring the continuing adventures of the Keaton family: part hippy (parents), part ‘80s yuppies (the kids). Bonuses: Gag reel; Episode promos. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. The documentary PIONEERS OF TELEVISION is a 4-part look at the group of entertainers who launched an industry after WW II. Bonuses: Extended interviews with “the pioneers.” Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. HAWAII FIVE-O: THE THIRD SEASON, features the continuing adventures of Honolulu police detective Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) and his squad as they “book ‘em!” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE ODD COUPLE: THE THIRD SEASON, features more hilarity from slob Oscar (Jack Klugman) and neat-freak Felix (Tony Randall) as mismatched roommates. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE ADVENTURES OF YOUNG INDIANA JONES VOL. 2: THE WAR YEARS combines history and high adventure as young Indy (Sean Patrick Flannery) lives and loves during the turbulent years of WW I. Bonuses: 26 in-depth documentaries; Interactive timeline and game. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE TUDORS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, features high drama and intrigue in the court of young King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers). Bonuses: Free episodes of Californication, This American Life and Penn & Teller BS!; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Finally, RAWHIDE: THE SECOND SEASON, features young Clint Eastwood as a cowpoke in the wild west who punches cattle and bad guys with equal aplomb. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Koch-Lorber releases LARS VON TRIER’S THE KINGDOM: SERIES TWO takes up where the first series left off, with the hospital in further turmoil after the birth of the demonic “Little Brother.” Bonuses: Documentary; Select commentary from Von Trier; Music video; Bloopers. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sony releases BARNEY MILLER: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, featuring Hal Linden, Abe Vigoda and everyone’s favorite funny NYPD cops. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. 20th Century Fox releases THE RICHES: SEASON ONE follows the adventures of con artists (Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver) on the run living under assumed identities in an exclusive suburb. Bonuses: Commentary by Izzard, creator Dmitry Lipkin; Gag reel; Featurette; 7 webisodes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. NBC/Universal releases the classic ‘70s detective show BANACEK, starring George Peppard as Boston’s leading private eye. 3 disc set features eight episodes, with a bonus pilot episode. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Finally, New Line releases BLADE: THE SERIES, with Sticky Fingaz stepping into Wesley Snipes’ shoes as the intrepid vampire hunter who does battle with some of the night’s nastiest creatures! Lovely Jill Wagner co-stars. Features footage deemed “too graphic” for TV! Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BLUE STATE (MGM/UA/Fox) Fun, smart road picture about a dyed-in-the-wool liberal (Breckin Meyer) who moves to Canada after John Kerry loses the 2004 election. On the road, he meets up with a mysterious traveling companion (Anna Paquin) and the fun begins! Reminiscent of the social comedies of the early ‘70s and good stuff! Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Marshall Lewy. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE BRONX IS BURNING: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LIMITED EDITION (ESPN/Genius Products) Terrific dramatization of the New York Yankees’ 1977 pennant win, a turbulent summer in which New York was hit hard by a massive blackout, political strife and the Son of Sam murders. John Turturro and Oliver Platt star. 5 disc set bonuses include: Outtakes, Deleted and extended scenes; Featurettes; Interviews; Documentary; 1977 World Series highlights; Archival news segments; Complete 1977 Yankees stats; Championship hat and team photo. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DESCENT (City Lights) Powerful, disturbing study of a rape victim (Rosario Dawson) who finds herself spiraling out of control in New York’s sexual underworld after she is attacked. Pulls no punches and boasts some terrific performances, particularly by Dawson in the lead. Not for the faint-of-heart! Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Commentary by Dawson, co-writer/director Talia Lugacy, writer Brian Priest. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ROCKET SCIENCE (HBO Films) Funny coming-of-age story about an awkward 15 year-old with a stutter who falls in love with the school debating star, and sets himself up for triumph and heartbreak simultaneously. Big winner at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Bonuses: Featurette; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
A LITTLE REALITY…This month also sees some terrific documentaries arrive on DVD. Some of these include: IFC Films’ DEEP WATER, a heartbreaking look at Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who took a treacherous sea voyage in 1967. Bonuses: Interviews with other sailors involved in the race, Crowhurst’s family; Interviews with journalists who covered the race. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Red Envelope Entertainment brings us CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO, a funny, heartbreaking look at struggling actors who make their living dressing up as superheroes, and posing for pictures on Hollywood Boulevard. Bonuses: Commentary by “Superman,” and his wife; Six additional scenes; Interviews with director Matt Ogens; Superhero slideshow; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Magnolia Pictures releases MR. UNTOUCHABLE, takes a look at the life of notorious junkie-turned-drug kingpin Nicky Barnes, who came to run NYC’s heroin trade. Bonuses: Deleted scenes and interviews; Wire tap recordings; Videotapes conversations between Nicky and Frank Lucas. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. New Line releases the delightful KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS, which follows novice video gamer Steve Wiebe on his quest to set the world-record score of Donkey Kong, the classic arcade video game. Believe it or not, a riveting ride! Bonuses: Commentary by director Seth Gordon, producer Ed Cunningham, and others; Extended interviews; Animated short; Arcade glossary; Music & art gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Shout Factory releases the heartbreaking KURT COBAIN: ABOUT A SON, told entirely through the late musician’s own voice, and culled from over 25 hours of audiotaped conversations. Bonuses: Featurette; Selected scene commentary; Behind-the-scenes featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. S.R.O. Entertainment brings us THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS: STRAIGHT SHOOTER a definitive biography of one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, who helped form the signature “Southern California sound.” Loaded with archival footage of performances, as well as interviews with the founding members of the band. Bonuses: Extended and deleted interviews. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Koch-Lorber releases 9 STAR HOTEL, an unflinching look at two young Palestinian men who cross the border into Israel looking for work, facing arrest, deportation, or worse in the process. Harrowing stuff. Bonuses: Interview with director Ido Haar; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Finally, Disinformation, Ltd. Releases WAR MADE EASY, a scathing look at the history of war-mongering among Presidential administrations past and present. Gives special attention to the parallels between Iraq and Vietnam. Damning, incendiary, and provocative! Narrated by Sean Penn. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
INVASION OF THE B-MONSTERS! Some great B-movies arrive on disc this month. Severin Films releases the uncut, European version of horror maestro Lucio Fulci’s THE PSYCHIC, starring lovely Jennifer O’Neill as a clairvoyant tormented by visions of a brutal murder. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Dark Sky Films releases restored, uncut versions of cult favorites TRAGIC CEREMONY, a gruesome story of four hippies who come upon a Manson-type group of crazies in an Italian villa, and RICCO THE MEAN MACHINE, starring Christopher Mitchum as a mafia heir apparent out to avenge his father’s murder. Bonuses: Featurettes; Photo galleries; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sony releases Ray Harryhausen’s Cold War classics IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, about a giant, radioactive squid wreaking havoc upon the mainland, and EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, which is self-explanatory! 2 disc sets feature: Original B&W and colorized versions of the films; Commentary by Harryhausen, and special effects artists; Featurettes and documentaries; Photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Finally, Blue Underground brings us Jess Franco’s softcare classics CECILIA, about the sexual awakening of a blue-blooded aristocrat, and EUGENIE DE SADE, a twisted thriller about a celebrated Berlin author and his seemingly innocent ward who is anything but! Bonuses: Interviews with Franco; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Jorge Grau’s THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE is viewed by many horror/gore enthusiasts as one of the best zombie films ever made, as a young couple come across a small town infested with the living dead! 2 disc set bonuses include: Trailers; TV and radio spots; Poster & still gallery; Featurette; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
IRA AND ABBY (Magnolia) Zany romantic comedy in the Woody Allen vein about a neurotic, brilliant Jewish New Yorker (Chris Messina) who falls for a free-spirited girl (Jennifer Westfeldt) that works in a local gym. Funny observations about family, culture clash and Venus/Mars issues abound in this quirky little gem. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/co-star/exec producer Westfeldt and co-star/exec producer Ilana Levine; Outtakes; Deleted and extended scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
GROUNDHOG DAY: 15th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Sony) Now-classic comedy with Bill Murray as a self-centered TV reporter who, by some cosmic fluke, is forced to relive one day in his life over and over again, until he can learn the errors of his ways. Charming film features nice support from Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott. Bonuses: Commentary by director Harold Ramis; Interview with Ramis; Documentary; Featurette; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE CHARLIE CHAN COLLECTION: VOL. 4 (20th Century Fox) The intrepid Asian sleuth is back in more of his circa-1940s adventures. Charlie Chan in Honolulu stars Sidney Toler as Chan, this time investigating a murder on-board a ship bound for the Hawaiian Islands. Charlie Chan in Reno has Chan investigating a case marital murder in the Nevada gambling mecca. Charlie Chan at Treasure Island has the sleuth chasing a seemingly-supernatural criminal, while Charlie Chan in City in Darkness has Toler investigating one of the blackest episodes in European history. 4 disc set. Bonuses include: Featurettes; Audio commentary by film critics and historians; Restoration comparisons; Trailers; Photo galleries. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
FEAST OF LOVE (MGM/UA/Fox) Intersecting tales of love and loss in a rustic Oregon town are brought to life by an attractive, all-star cast including Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, Radha Mitchell, Selma Blair, and lovely Alexa Davalos. With the great Robert Benton at the helm, the proceedings move along beautifully. Charming film was overlooked by audiences upon its initial release, but deserves a second look on DVD. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PETER’S FRIENDS (MGM/UA/Fox) A group of college chums from the UK reunite for a New Year’s Eve celebration that turns into a quasi-Gen X “Big Chill.” Smart, prescient script by co-star Rita Rudner and Martin Bergman was the first film to examine ennui amongst the post-Vietnam generation, and it plays even better now than it did upon its 1992 release. Dream cast of Kenneth Branagh (who also directed), Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Imelda Staunton. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround.
THE MONASTERY: MR VIG & THE NUN (Koch-Lorber) Offbeat comedy of manners when Mr. Vig, an 82 year-old recluse joins forces with a headstrong nun to transform his rundown castle into a Russian Orthodox monastery. Quirky film is part comedy, part drama, and wholly original. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT (MGM/UA/Fox) Writer/director/star Spike Lee’s breakthrough film about three young black men in love with the same headstrong woman, who just can’t make up her mind between them. Landmark film on many levels, not the least of which being the first film to portray upwardly mobile black men and women in the same social situations that were always portrayed on film by whites. Gives away its low budget roots in parts, but overall, a true gem. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
FATAL CONTACT (Dragon Dynasty/Genius Products) Slam-bang martial arts drama starring Hong Kong sensation Jacky Wu Jing as an Olympic hopeful who is recruited to compete in the underground fighting circuit, and soon finds himself in debt to the mob. Brutal drama features some brilliantly-choreographed fight scenes. 2 disc set bonuses include: Commentary by director Dennis Law and Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
MARTIAN CHILD (New Line) John Cusack stars as a lonely sci-fi writer who adopts a little boy that claims to be a visitor from the red planet. Charming family comedy is clever and tugs the heartstrings without being too maudlin. Nice support from Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, and John’s sister, the great Joan Cusack. Bonuses: Commentary by filmmakers; Deleted scenes; Two featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.