DVD Playhouse--January 2009

DVD PLAYHOUSE -- JANUARY 2009

By Allen Gardner


VICKI CHRISTINA BARCELONA (Genius Products/Weinstein Co.) A welcome return to form for Woody Allen, this sexy romantic comedy follows the adventures of two 20-something American girls (Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall) spending a summer in Barcelona, Spain, and their amorous adventures with a local artist (Javier Bardem) and his on-again, off-again (and highly unstable) girlfriend (Penelope Cruz, in her finest, non-Almodovar performance). Potent mix of sex, neurosis, and pointed social commentary, Woody's best film in over a decade. Fine support from Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn and Chris Messina. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

SAVAGE GRACE (IFC Films/Genius Entertainment) Lurid biopic of the tragic relationship between Bakelite heiress Barbara Daly Baekeland (Julianne Moore, fine as always) and her sexually confused son (Eddie Redmayne) over a period of two decades. While the film reaches for pointed social commentary and a heartbreaking personal story, it is hampered by sub-par writing and a low budget that reveals seams where there should be none. In the end, the viewer is left with a feeling of disgust, and little insight into what made these people, and their twisted world, tick. Bonuses: Two featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

AUDREY HEPBURN DOUBLE FEATURE Paramount releases, as part of their Centennial Collection, 2 disc sets of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S and FUNNY FACE, both featuring luminous Audrey Hepburn in two of her most iconic turns, the first in one of the screen's great love stories with Audrey as an irrepressible free spirit who swinging bachelor George Peppard tries to tame, and the latter a George Gershwin-scored musical romp with Audrey as a shy Greenwich Village bookstore clerk who is transformed into a modeling sensation by fashion photographer Fred Astaire. Both sets feature: Featurettes; Commentary by producer Richard Shepherd on Breakfast; Trailers; Photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

TRAITOR (Anchor Bay) Don Cheadle stars as a government operative who infiltrates an Al Quaeda terror cell, with FBI agent Guy Pearce hot on his trail, unaware that he's one of the good guys! No-holds-barred political thriller hearkens back to the work of such masters as John Frankenheimer with it's cinema-verite style and take-no-prisoners approach. Fine support from Said Taghmaoui, Neal McDonough and Jeff Daniels. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Cheadle, director Jeffery Nachmanoff; Two featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

BRICK LANE (Sony Pictures Classics) Interesting study of two Indian sisters, one who moves to London and lives a repressed, traditional life in an arranged marriage, and the other who lives a carefree, more westernized life in Bangladesh. When the younger sister comes to visit the older in London, the two worlds collide. Sensitive drama presents its characters and story objectively, leaving the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Bonuses: Commentary by director Sarah Garvon, actress Tannishtha Chatterjee; Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

THE FILMS OF MICHAEL POWELL Two of renowned British director Powell's films featured in one set. The first, A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (aka STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN), is a WW II-era classic starring David Niven as an RAF pilot who falls in love with WAC radio operator Kim Hunter during a near-death experience in the air. When he is informed that he should have died, and gone to heaven, he decides to fight for his right to remain with his true love, and is put on "trial" for his life. A visionary masterpiece, restored to its original, uncut version. AGE OF CONSENT is a lesser-known title of Powell's, made in 1968 toward the end of his career, and features then-23 year-old Helen Mirren, absolutely ravishing, in her film debut as a young Australian girl who trysts with cynical painter James Mason, with self-discovery ensuing for both. Bonuses: Introductions by Martin Scorsese and Mirren; Commentary by film scholars; Interviews with surviving cast and crew; Featurettes. Full and widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

BOTTLE ROCKET (Criterion) Filmmaking debut of Wes Anderson tells the story of two dim-witted best friends (Luke and Owen Wilson) in Texas, both sons of privilege, who commit a petty crime for the hell of it, then go "on the lam," quickly discovering that life as a criminal is far from glamorous or exciting. Funny, silly post-modernist comedy deservedly put Anderson on the map. James Caan is a hoot in support as a real-life criminal who teaches the boys a trick or two. 2-disc set. Bonuses: Commentary by Anderson and Owen Wilson; Retrospective documentary; Original "Bottle Rocket" short film from 1992; 11 deleted scenes; Camera tests; Location photos; Storyboards. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

THE CHILDREN OF HUANG SHI (Sony Pictures Classics) Epic treatment of a true story, following British journalist George Hogg (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who traversed a dangerous path behind enemy lines to expose the Japanese occupation of China in 1937. When he is captured by Japanese occupational forces, a charismatic Chinese resistance leader (Chow Yun Fat, great as always) spearheads his rescue. Taut, exciting drama, beautifully made. Radha Mitchell provides an attractive love interest. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PING PONG PLAYA (Image) Goofy, funny comedy about a Chinese-American wannabe hip-hopper who dreams of being an NBA star, but finds his calling on the smaller field of ping pong after his paddle champion brother gets injured and can no longer compete. Fun for the whole family, that is refreshingly unmaudlin. Bonuses: Commentary by director/co-writer Jessica Yu and actor co-writer Jimmy Tsai; Tweo featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE DEAL (Peace Arch) William H. Macy (who also co-wrote the screenplay) stars in this very clever romantic satire about a burned out movie producer (Macy) who sees his final shot at greatness in his nephew (Jason Ritter)'s brilliant screenplay. When a tart-tongued studio exec (Meg Ryan) is brought in to oversee the project, what starts out as the relationship from hell, soon blossoms into romance when a major catastrophe befalls the production. Terrific comedy never received a theatrical release, but deserves a second life on home video. Bonuses: Featurette; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WB HORROR DOUBLE FEATURE Warner Bros. releases two '60s drive-in classics: IT features Roddy McDowall as a museum assistant with a rather extreme Oedipal complex who awakens a golem statue the museum has acquired and soon has the monster committing evil deeds. Jill Haworth co-stars. THE SHUTTERED ROOM, based on an H.P. Lovecraft short story, stars Gig Young and Carol Lynley as a couple who get more than they bargained for when they inherit a creepy old millhouse in New England. Oliver Reed co-stars. Great fun on both counts. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
EAGLE EYE (DreamWorks) Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan star as an average Joe and Jill who suddenly find themselves "activated" to participate in a high-tech assassination plot. Slam-bang opening soon devolves into sensory overload and complete incomprehension. Note to filmmakers: Non-stop running, explosions and bullets flying still can't cover up a script and story that make no sense. Too bad, because this could have been a great throwback to the paranoid thrillers of the '70s that hold up far better than this instantly-dated live action video game will. We expect more from exec producer Steven Spielberg! Also available on Blu-ray disc. 2 disc set bonuses include: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Alternate ending; Gag reel; Photo gallery. Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000, VOLUME XIV (Shout Factory) Four disc box set of MST3000's best episodes, broadcast between 1988-99, featuring the gang delivering hilarious running commentary on such cinematic gems as "Mad Monster," "Manhunt in Space," "Soultaker," and "Final Justice." Great fun, and the MST300 crew is sorely missed. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew of the films; Featurette; Trailers; Mini-posters. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
RIGHTEOUS KILL (Anchor Bay) Al Pacino and Robert De Niro star as NYPD detectives investigating what appears to be a vigilante killer taking out unrepentant bad guys who have fallen through cracks in "the system." How the two greatest actors of their generation wound up in this hackneyed piece of garbage that makes an episode of "CSI" look like "King Lear" is beyond this critic's comprehension. Did both their kids need braces at the same time? One can only hope their motivation for doing this was that pragmatic. Both they, and an A-list cast of co-stars (Carla Gugino, Brian Denehey and John Leguizamo) should have known better. Director Jon Avnet proves once and for all that he should stick to producing! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Avnet; Two featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE LUCKY ONES (Lions Gate) Sharply-observed road movie about an Iraq war vet (Michael Pena) who, along with two fellow soldiers (Tim Robbins and Rachel McAdams), find themselves thrown together after a blackout forces all flights out of New York to be canceled. Excellent character study is reminiscent of such low key road pictures as "Scarecrow" and "The Last Detail," and again, strangely received little, if any, theatrical release. Seek it out on DVD! Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (Sony) When two stoner buddies (co-writer Seth Rogan and James Franco) accidentally witness a drug-related murder, then soon find themselves on the run for their lives. A few moments of hilarity can't make up for a truly uneasy, and uncomfortable, mix of yuck-yuck humor and yucky graphic violence. Only Quentin Tarantino should try to be Quentin Tarantino. A feeling of mean-spiritedness permeates the entire proceedings. Real let-down from the makers of "Superbad" and "Knocked Up." Bonuses: Unrated and theatrical versions of the film; Commentary by cast and crew; Gag reel; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE DUCHESS (Paramount) Keira Knightley stars as an 18th century glamour girl who marries a cold-hearted Duke (Ralph Fiennes) for title and position while finding herself falling in love with a charismatic young politician (Dominic Cooper). Does she choose love, or duty? Gorgeously designed and shot period piece makes the fatal flaw that most costume dramas do: it's more about the costumes than the drama, ultimately leaving the viewer cold. Too bad. Bonuses: Three featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SUPERCOP (Genius Products/Dragon Dynasty) Hong Kong cinema classic from 1993 that many feel is star Jackie Chan's finest hour, here co-starring with fellow HK icon Michelle Yeoh as a cop and federal agent who must join forces to stop an international drug ring. Eye-popping stunts and plot twists propel this terrific fun house ride of a movie. Two disc set bonuses feature: commentary by HK cinema expert Bey Logan; Interviews with cast and crew; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
MY BLOODY VALENTINE: SPECIAL EDITION (Paramount) Time has been kind to this slasher classic from 1981, shot on the cheap in a remote Canadian mining town, it follows the denizens of a small town who prepare for their annual Valentine's Day dance, and are picked (literally in a couple cases) by a masked killer. Low budget and largely non-pro cast add to the creepiness and feeling of authenticity. While it's far from a masterpiece, it's definitely a standout of the hack-and-slay genre that permeated the early '80s after "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th." Bonuses: Two featurettes; Deleted scenes with cast and crew intros. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY (Magnolia) Engaging, offbeat comedy about a failed med student who hooks up with a free-spirited nightclub singer (Fairuza Balk) and soon finds himself living with her kooky, hippie family on their marijuana farm in Central California's Humboldt County. Low key comedy grows on you like...well, a good high! Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Two featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ROMANCE CLASSICS With Valentine's Day just around the corner, MGM/Fox releases five titles sure to tug the most jaded viewer's heartstrings: Baz Luhrmann's hyperkinetic take on MOULIN ROUGE might not be to everyone's taste, but is inarguably a triumph of design and style. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor shine as the romantic leads, with fine support from John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent and others. Bonuses: Commentary by Luhrmann and crew; Interactive featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. Mike Newell's FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL is a charming, smart romantic comedy in which soft-hearted Brit Hugh Grant and cynical Yank Andie MacDowell fall reluctantly in love over the course of several family events, some joyful, one tragic. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Documentary; Two featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE PRINCESS BRIDE is Rob Reiner's inspired film of William Goldman's wholly original fairy tale, about a beautiful princess (Robin Wright-Penn, film debut) who must be rescued from the clutches of an evil king by her true love (Cary Elwes). Terrific support from Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin and Billy Crystal. Bonuses: Three featurettes; Interactive game; Reversible story book. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Finally, there is the 50th anniversary edition of AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr as two people engaged to be married to others, but find love after meeting by chance aboard an ocean liner. Two disc set bonuses include: Commentary by singer Marnie Nixon and film historian Joseph McBride; Featurettes; Fox Movietone News; Trailer; Poster and photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
MR. MIKE'S MONDO VIDEO (Shout Factory) Originally conceived by "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer Michael O'Donoghue as a network special showcasing his own brand of subversive humor, the NBC censors (quite understadably) found the material unsuitable for network broadcast, and this feature resulted, which plays like an R-rated version of the original "SNL," circa mid-70s. O'Donoghue was something of a mad genius of comedy, and there are some truly inspired sketches and bits in this fascinating time capsule, which features original "SNL" members in the cast, as well as Carrie Fisher, Joan Hackett, Debbie Harry, Margot Kidder, Paul Shaffer, and (yes) Sid Vicious. Bonuses: Commentary by co-writer Mitch Glazer; Bill Murray's eulogy for O'Donoghue from 1994; "Mr. Mike's Least-Loved Bedtime Tales." Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
GHOST TOWN (DreamWorks) Comic master Ricky Gervais stars as a cranky NYC dentist who suddenly develops the ability to "see dead people." Gervais is less-than-pleased with this unexpected gift, until a smooth-talking spirit (Greg Kinnear) convinces him to plot a romantic scheme involving his widow (Tea Leoni). No one does frustrated exasperation better than Gervais, and he raises the bar on this comedy which, in other hands, might have been quite ghostly indeed. Bonuses: Commentary by Gervais and co-writer/director David Koepp; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
UNDERWORLD & UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION DOUBLE FEATURE (Sony) Director Len Wiseman's clever metaphoric thrillers of an age-old war between upper class vampires and working class werewolves was near-brilliant in its first execution and rather redundant in its sequel. Scott Speedman stars as a human with rare vampire/werewolf blood type whose DNA could mend the feud. Kate Beckinsale is his vampire femme fatale protector. Part one is the unrated, extended version, featuring an extra 15 minutes of footage. Bonuses on both: Cast and crew commentary; Featurettes; Outtakes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DOCUMENTARY DAYS Four new documentaries arrive on DVD this month: Universal releases BUSTIN' DOWN THE DOOR, narrated by Edward Norton, which tells the fascinating, thrilling story of a group of international surfers in 1975 Hawaii who basically invented to the business of the sport as we now know it. Incredible surfing footage mixed with present-day recollections. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Trailers; Photo gallery; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Acorn Media releases THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO AL GREEN, an in-depth look at the legendary soul singer and his transformation from hard-living musician to Pentecostal minister. Features warts-and-all interviews with Green, as well as terrific footage of him performing. Bonuses: 90 minute audio interview with Green; Extended footage; Interview with director Robert Mugge. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Mugge also directed SONNY ROLLLINS: SAXOPHONE COLOSSUS, an intimate portrait of the man many musicians and critics have called the greatest living jazz improvisor. Great look at an artist, his work, and his process. Bonuses: Interview with Mugge. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Finally, Sony relesaes WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? an Oliver Stone-worthy look at how elements of the government, big oil, and the auto industry conspired to do away with General Motors' EV-1 electric car. Narrated by Martin Sheen, and featuring interviews with high-profile environmental activists such as Ed Begley, Jr. and Ralph Nader, this fascinating film is both an important social document and a suspenseful mystery. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. New Video releases LINCOLN: HIS LIFE AND LEGACY, a four-DVD set that gives an incisive portait of one of the nation's greatest, and most complex, presidents. Seven part series is full of archival photographs, documents and other historical data that bring Honest Abe and his era to light. Bonuses: Three featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
BLU-RAY TITLES More treats for Hi-Def lovers arrive on Blu-ray this month, lead by Criterion's release of 1987's Best Picture winner, Bernardo Bertolucci's THE LAST EMPEROR, starring John Lone as Pu Yi, China's last royal leader before turning Communist post-WW II. Sumptuous, epic filmmaking at its most breathtaking, with Peter O'Toole lending fine support as young Pu's English tutor. Bonuses: Commentary by Bertolucci, producer Jeremy Thomas, screenwriter Mark Peploe, composer/actor Ryuichi Sakamoto; Four documentaries; Interviews with Bertolucci, composter David Byrne, cultural historian Ian Buruma. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Universal releases THE BOURNE TRILOGY, featuring all three films in the genre-redefining spy series, starring Matt Damon as amnesiac super-spy JasonBourne: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum. All three offer high-octane thrills, dazzling filmmaking and smart writing, along with top-drawer performances from expert casts. Bonuses on this handsome box set include: U-Control features, which offers the viewer an interactive experience while watching the films, such as external links, picture-in-picture commentary by the cast and crew, and "The Bourne Dossier," which offers up additional information about the film's characters and the productions. Also features BD LIVE elements, available to those whose player is connected to the Internet. Other bonuses include: Commentary by cast and crew; Deleted and extended scenes; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE EXPRESS: THE ERNIE DAVIS STORY, about the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. A cut above the usual sports biopic, helped greatly by the vastly underrated Dennis Quaid's measured performance as Ernie's coach. Bonuses: Commentary by director Gary Fleder; Four featurettes; Deleted scenes; 50th Anniversary look at Syracuse's national championship. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is another exceptional gridiron tale, one that inspired the hit TV series, about a small town Texas high school football team, and its hopes and dreams that rest with its young players. Billy Bob Thornton heads a fine cast, with sharp direction by actor Peter Berg. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Interview with Berg; Five featurettes; Commentary by Berg and author Buzz Bissinger. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. BURN AFTER READING After the gravity of No Country for Old Men, the Coen Brothers return to lighter territory with this zany comedy of misunderstanding that begins when a disgruntled CIA operative (John Malkovich, at his most wonderfully neurotic) misplaces a computer disc at his gym. When two dim-witted gym workers (Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt, who does a hilarious turn as one of the screen’s greatest all-time doofuses) find the disc, they think they’ve stumbled onto top secret government files, and foresee making big bucks from their discovery. That’s just the beginning in this zany joyride, which also stars George Clooney and Tilda Swinton. Bonuses: Three featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. SERENITY continues the adventures of the "Firefly" crew onto the big screen, with more of writer/director/creator Joss Whedon's brand of quirky humor and exciting adventure. Nathan Fillion stars. Great fun. Bonuses: Exclusive Blu-ray features include Visual commentary by cast and crew; Picture-in-picture; Digital tour; Mr. Universe's Compendium. Other bonuses: Commentary by Whedon and cast; Deleted scenes; Outtakes; Seven featurettes; Extended scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE, which sadly offers little that the televsion series didn't do on a much more skillful level. Agents Skully and Mulder must join forces again to stop the spread of a deadly virus that may be extraterrestrial in origin. Worth a look, but fans of the series might just want to watch some re-runs instead. Bonuses: Theatrical version and extended cut; commentary by cast and crew; Picture-in-picture commentary; Five featurette; Gag reel; Photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Sony releases LAKEVIEW TERRACE, director Neil Labute's thriller about a mixed-race couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) who move next door to a tightly-wound LAPD officer (Samuel L. Jackson) whose issues soon get the better of him. Interesting blend of thriller and social commentary is partially successful, but stumbles toward the end. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary by cast and crew; Three featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround. BlueUnderground releases the horror classic DEAD & BURIED, about a coastal town that finds its recently murdered homeless population springing back to life! James Farentino and Jack Albertson star, with grisly gore effects by the late, great Stan Winston. Uncut version. Bonuses: Commentary by director Gary A. Sherman, writer/co-producer Ronald Shusett, actress Linda Turley, cinematographer Steve Poster; Three featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby True HD and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Parmount releases MANNIX: THE SECOND SEASON, featuring Mike Connors as the suave private eye in 25 episodes on six discs. Dated to be sure, but great fun. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MATLOCK: THE SECOND SEASON, stars Andy Griffith as TV's most famous Southern attorney, in a six-disc set featuring 23 episodes. Bonuses: Alternate episode endings. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MY THREE SONS: THE FIRST SEASON, VOL. 2 stars Fred MacMurray as TV's first single father. The first season features short-lived cast members William Frawley, Tim Considine and Don Grady. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. WALKER TEXAS RANGER: THE SIXTH SEASON, features more high-kicking adventures from Texas lawman Chuck Norris. 23 episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THIS AMERICAN LIFE: SEASON TWO, features more real-life stories from annals of everyday life, courtesy of host Ira Glass. Bonuses: Audio commentaries; Extended episode. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE LOVE BOAT: SEASON TWO, features more romantic comedy on the high seas with Captain Stubing and crew. 23 episodes on four discs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. DUCKMAN: SEASONS THREE AND FOUR, feature the animated adventures of the rude, crude, perpetually pixliated private eye (voiced by Jason Alexander) who never found a case he couldn't screw up. Bonuses: Drawing and animation gallery; Storyboards, pencil tests. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE TUDORS: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, features more Machiavellian adventures of young King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) as he strengthens his reign, and changes the course of history. 4-disc set features all ten season two episodes. Bonuses: Two featurettes; Episodes of Californication, The United States of Tara and This American Life; Photo galleries; Biographies. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Acorn Media releases THE BEIDERBECKE AFFAIR, about two wisecracking teachers who turn amateur sleuths after stumbling upon a black market operation in the basement of their local church. 6 episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Lions Gate releases SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL: SEASON ONE, stars Billie Piper in the based-on real-life adventures of a high-priced London lady of the night. Witty and sexy fun. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases MOONLIGHT: THE COMPLETE SERIES, about an L.A. private eye (Alex O'Loughlin) who also happens to be a vampire. Sophia Miles co-stars as his very human love interest. 16 episodes on 4 discs. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Shout Factory releases BLOSSOM: SEASONS ONE AND TWO, starring Mayim Bialik as an eccentric teenager navigating the pitfalls of adolescence. Bonuses: Pilot episode; Three featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sony releases 'TIL DEATH: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, continuing the marital misadventures of the Starks (Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher) and the Woodcocks (Eddie Kaye Thomas and Kat Foster). Fun stuff, with great chemistry among the cast. Bonuses: Bloopers; Brad Garrett stand-up clips. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Universal releases EMERGENCY! SEASON FIVE, following the continuing adventures of paramedics John Gage and Roy DeSoto out of Rampart Division. 24 epidsodes on 5 discs. Bonuses: Episode of Adam-12. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: SEASON 4.0 features more adventures of humans vs. Cylons in a very smart, very pointed political, sci-fi allegory. Bonuses: Unrated, extended version of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: RAZOR; Five featurettes; Deleted scenes; Podcasts; Producer's video blogs. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE ROCKFORD FILES: SEASON SIX, THE FINAL SEASON, features the last hurrah of James Garner's perpetually laid-back Malibu private eye, which earned 18 Emmy nods during its six year run. Three disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. A&E releases CHRIS ANGEL: MINDFREAK, SEASON FOUR, featuring more incredible escapes, illusions and trickery from one of the masters of the game. 18 episodes on 3 discs. Bonuses: Two featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Finally, New Video releases The History Channel's HAUNTED HISTORIES COLLECTION, 5 discs containing such stories as the Salem witch trials, the story of the real Dracula, and more! Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.