DVD Playhouse--August 2009

DVD Playhouse—August 2009
By
Allen Gardner

WATCHMEN—DIRECTOR’S CUT (Warner Bros.) Director Zack Snyder’s film of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel is as worthy an adaptation of a great book that has ever been filmed. In an alternative version of the year 1985, Richard Nixon is serving his third term as President and super heroes have been outlawed by a congressional act, in spite of the fact that two of the most high-profile “masks,” Dr. Manhattan (Billy Cruddup) and The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) helped the U.S. win the Vietnam War. When The Comedian is found murdered, many former heroes become concerned that a conspiracy is afoot to assassinate retired costumed crime fighters. Former masks Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) and still-operating Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley, in an Oscar-worthy turn) launch an investigation of their own, all while the Pentagon’s “Doomsday Clock” slowly moves toward the time of Armageddon between the U.S. and Russia. All of the novel’s brilliant re-thinking of super hero mythos is intact in this dynamite film. Although it wasn’t the runaway hit many were expecting at the box office, it will undoubtedly become a classic in retrospect, just as films like 2001 and Blade Runner were. Director’s Cut features approximately 25 minutes of footage not seen in theaters. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentaries and featurettes; 11 video journals; Music video. On Blu-ray: watch the film with Zack Snyder as he takes you behind the scenes, a terrific bonus feature. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
HUSBANDS (Sony) John Cassavetes’ seminal study of male bonding, camaraderie and loss has only gotten better since its release in 1971. Three lifelong pals (Cassavetes, Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk), mourning the sudden death of the fourth member of their group, decide to take a spontaneous trip to London, where they contemplate their lives in middle age, where they’ve been and where they’re heading. Near-seamless blend of comedy, heartbreaking drama and pathos. Falk’s scene with an overbearing woman in a London casino has to be seen to be believed. Bonuses: Commentary by author Marshall Fine; Cassavetes documentary. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE AND SMOKIN’ (Weinstein Co.) This first video recording of Richard Pryor’s legendary standup career was done in 1971 at the New York City Improv, showcasing Pryor at his youthful, furious, edgy best. Although it creaks technically, all of Pryor’s boldness, originality and heart shine through, qualities sadly lacking in most of today’s young comics, who seem to put vulgarity in the foreground of their material unlike Pryor, who very wisely used it as background. Fascinating and highly entertaining. Bonuses: extra scene. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD (Magnolia) Charming comic fable about Buck Howard, a famed mentalist (John Malkovich) who has gone to seed, and his act along with it. When Howard encounters a directionless law school dropout (Colin Hanks, very good), he discovers not only a new comrade in arms, but a breath of fresh air to help bring him, and his act, back to life again. Terrific supporting cast (including Tom Hanks, Emily Blunt, Ricky Jay, Steve Zahn, and Griffin Dunne). Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Sean McGinly, Colin Hanks; Deleted and extended scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
IP5 (Cinema Libre Studio) Two Parisian street kids (Olivier Martinez, Sekkou Sall) steal a car to go on a joyride, fleeing troubles in the big city, only to find an old man (Yves Montand, wonderful in his final performance) asleep in the back seat. Soon the two lads suspect that he is not an old man at all, but a spirit from the forest, who shares his sage advice and lessons during their Candide-like odyssey across France. Fine blend of fantasy and drama from filmmaker Jean-Jacques Beineix, available for the first time in the U.S. Bonuses: Interview with Beineix; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
RUDO Y CURSI (Sony Classics) Two brothers (Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal) with a talent for soccer are pulled out of the sticks and taken to Mexico City to play in the pros, quickly climbing the ladder of fame and success, and succumbing to all its trappings (drugs, alcohol, women of questionable moral character). Old-fashioned morality tale is beautifully-made by writer/director Carlos Cuaron, and bolstered by the charm of its two leads. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Cuaron, Bernal and Luna; Deleted scenes; Featurette; Music videos. On Blu-ray: Q & A with Cuaron, Bernal and Luna. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
JEANNE DIELMAN 23, QUAI DU COMMERCE 1080 BRUXELLES (Criterion) Chantal Akerman’s 1975 film is a stunning piece of neo-realism that gets all the small details right. In what feels like real time (201 minutes), the life of a lonely, middle-aged widow (Delphine Seyrig) is observed by us, the audience, and deconstructed by Akerman, the filmmaker. Tough going at times, to be sure, but if ride this wave instead of fighting it, the result is hypnotic, quite beautiful and at times, revelatory. An early feminist masterpiece, made by an all-female crew. 2 disc set bonuses include: Documentary on the film’s production; Interviews with Akerman and cinematographer Babette Mangolte; Episode of Cinema de notre Temps on Akerman; Archival interview with Akerman and Seyrig; Akerman’s first short film, Saute ma Ville (1968). Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO (Criterion) Whit Stillman’s examination of the disco era’s waning days and the party girls (Kate Beckinsale, Chloe Sevigny) whose fast-lane nightlives are 180 degrees from their mundane daytime routines. Fine, nuanced performances by a fine cast and Stillman’s trademark dry brand of social commentary bring this low-key satire to life. Bonuses: Commentary by Stillman, Sevigny and Chris Eigeman; Deleted scenes; Audio of Stillman reading a chapter from his book; Featurette; Photo gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BAD LIEUTENANT: SPECIAL EDITION (Lions Gate) Director/co-writer Abel Ferrara’s no-holds-barred study of a loathsome cop (Harvey Keitel, in his finest, most unhinged performance that was ignored by Oscar) whose physical, mental and spiritual deterioration is sparked by his investigation into the brutal rape of a young nun. There are no apologies in sight in this masterpiece, just behavior, some aberrant, some noble, all put in focus for the audience to draw their own conclusions. Earns its NC-17 rating in spades, but hey, that’s why it was created in the first place! Bonuses: Commentary by Ferrara, cinematographer Ken Kelsch; Retrospective documentary. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE SOLOIST (Paramount) Robert Downey, Jr. stars in this true story about LA Times columnist Steve Lopez who befriends a homeless street musician (Jamie Foxx) who was once one of Julliard’s most promising students, before mental illness destroyed his mind. Fine turns from an excellent cast, featuring Catherine Keener among others, still can’t raise this drama above movie-of-the-week level schmaltziness. Too bad, because there was a great, edgy story in here, full of moral ambiguity, like Lopez’s book, on which it was based. Query for the studio brass: why buy the book to begin with if your intention was to remove all the elements that made it great? Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Deleted scenes; Commentary by director Joe Wright. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT—UNRATED (Universal) Remake of director Wes Craven’s 1972 slasher classic brings Craven and Sean Cunningham back as producers, and replaces Craven with Dennis Iliadis in the director’s chair. Exploitation version of Bergman’s The Virgin Spring, about a gang of psycho creeps who kidnap and torture two girls, then receive their just desserts from one of the girl’s parents, is more polished and less-disturbing than Craven’s original, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but isn’t a recommendation, either. Craven’s original was sick and unsettling, to be sure, but ultimately pointless. Its low budget and technical primitiveness did help make it seem real, however, whereas the remake is far too slick and over-the-top to ever seem plausible. If you’re looking for state-of-the-art splatter, look no further. Others, give this baby a wide berth! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Theatrical and unrated versions; Deleted scenes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
17 AGAIN (New Line/Warner Bros.) 30-ish Mike (Matthew Perry) wishes he could do high school over again and suddenly finds himself back at his old school, and a big man on campus to boot. Amiable vehicle for teen heartthrob Zac Efron (as young Mike) is sure to please the tweens in your family, but older folks might find it a tired rehash of time travel comedies that peaked with the Back to the Future series, over 20 years ago (kind of makes you want to go back again, doesn’t it?). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trivia track; BD-Live features. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
I LOVE YOU, MAN (Paramount) Paul Rudd plays a recently-engaged guy who realizes that he has no “best bud” to be the best man in his wedding. Encouraged by his fiancée (Rashida Jones) to seek out a male pal, he finds an unlikely candidate in slacker Jason Segel, setting off an awkward “bromance.” A few chuckles can’t compensate for a forced feeling that permeates the entire movie. And a note to the writers: you can be sophomoric (see the films of Mel Brooks, Caddyshack, Animal House) and still be smart and funny! This stinker is neither. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Gag reel; Featurette; Commentary by director John Hamburg, Rudd and Segel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PARIS 36 (Sony Classics) Charming, old-fashioned story set in pre-war Paris about a theater impresario who hits bottom personally and financially, then finds redemption in the form of a beautiful young singer who breathes life back into his troupe of performers. Nice blend of musical, period drama and romance, with terrific production design that beautifully captures the time and place. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary by director Christophe Barratier and actress Nora Arenezeder; Featurettes; Interviews with cast. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE NEW WORLD (Casque D’Or Films) Winning French comedy/drama about a lesbian couple who have been happy for years, until one of them feels her biological clock beginning to tick. Deft blend of social commentary, satire and romantic comedy, as only the French can do. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE CLASS (Sony Classics) Terrific film based on Francois Begaudeau’s autobiographical novel captured the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Film follows a year in the life of a teacher (played by Begaudeau) at a tough, inner city Paris school and the dynamic between him and his students as they each struggle to relate, cope and respect one another. Shades of gray abound in this cinema veritie-style film, with Begaudeau portraying a fictionalized version of himself in an often less-than-flattering light. Fine work all around—a real winner. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Commentary on select scenes. On Blu-ray: Actors’ workshop; Actors’ self-portraits. Widescreen. Dolby 3.0 surround.
GREY GARDENS (HBO Films) Fluid, sobering drama tells the story of former New York socialites “Big Edie” (Jessica Lange) and “Little Edie” (Drew Barrymore) Bouvier Beale, cousins to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis whose fall from grace was famously (some would say infamously) documented by the Maysles brothers in their 1975 documentary, showing mother and daughter, both obviously delusional, living in squalid conditions in their crumbling, once-grand estate in the Hamptons. Film wisely answers many of the questions that the Maysles’ documentary raised, but left ambiguous, and never veers into stereotypes or melodrama, though it easily could have. Lange and Barrymore (in her best turn to date) make a believable mother and daughter. Jeanne Tripplehorn is excellent in her brief turn as Jackie O., as is the formidable Ken Howard as the Edies long-suffering husband and father. Bonuses: Commentary by exec producers; Documentary comparing the Maysles’ brothers film to the feature version. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
LONDON TO BRIGHTON (E1 Entertainment) Gritty drama about a desperate prostitute (Lorraine Stanley) on the run with an 11 year-old girl (Georgia Groome) whom she procured for a pedophile mobster. Tough to watch at times, but utterly honest and realistic, recalling the films of Mike Leigh and Ken Loach. The two girls give knockout performances. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Alternate ending; Featurette; Commentary by director Paul Andrew Williams. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DEMON WARRIORS (Magnet/Magnolia) Twisted thriller from Thailand about a detective who commits suicide in order to enter the spiritual realm between life and death so he can battle demons controlled by an evil overlord. Yes, it’s every bit as crazy as it sounds, but is also as entertaining as it is preposterous! Slam-bang bloody action and some truly dazzling filmmaking combine to make this a unique hybrid of the horror and action genres. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BIG MAN JAPAN (Magnet/Magnolia) Bizarre, very funny take on the super hero genre, telling the story of Daisato, who is transformed through electroshock into a stick-wielding giant that must do battle against a group of twisted monsters who have descended upon Japan, wreaking havoc. The twist is, where his predecessors were revered by their countrymen, Daisato finds himself an outcast. Some truly odd and startling images punctuate this unique import. Bonuses: Featurette with commentary; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SEVERED WAYS (Magnet/Magnolia) Stark, brutal epic set in the 11th century telling the tale of Vikings, Native Americans and Irish monks colliding on the shores of North America. Reminiscent of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Quest for Fire, the film features an incongruous, but terrific, heavy metal soundtrack by the likes of Burzum, Morbid Angel, Judas Priest and Dimmu Borgir. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
AN EMPRESS AND THE WARROIRS (Genius Products/Weinstein Co.) Eye-popping period epic starring Hong Kong martial arts sensation Donnie Yen who, along with HK stars Kelly Chen and Leon Lai, team up as deadly mercenaries on a quest to unite a divided China so they can defend their homeland against an invading horde. Directed by Tony Ching Siu-Tung, the legendary action choreographer and cinematographer who helped make a star of Jet Li. Bonuses: Featurette; Commentary by HK film expert Bey Logan. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DISNEY CLASSICS Disney Home Video releases PETE’S DRAGON: HIGH-FLYING EDITION, a classic blend of animation and live action about a boy and his beloved pet: an invisible dragon, who wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy, leaving a series of unintended “accidents” in their wake. Featuring Helen Reddy, Red Buttons, Shelley Winters, and Jim Backus in support, this 1977 favorite is sure to please kid of all ages. Bonuses: Featurettes; Original demo recordings; Promotional record of four songs in the film, including Oscar-nominated “Candle on the Water.” Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE TIGGER MOVIE: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, finds Tigger, beloved pal of Winnie the Pooh, setting off on an adventure of his own, in search of new friends, new sights, and the meaning of family. Delightful animated film keeps the spirit of A.A. Milne’s characters alive, while adding healthy doses of contemporary sensibilities, as well. 2 disc set bonuses include: “New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” episodes; Interactive games; Music video; Sing-along songs; DVD storybook; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN is a high-octane remake of the 1975 Escape to Witch Mountain, reimagined for the 21st century. Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson stars as a Vegas cab driver who gets more than he bargained for when he picks up two aliens, disguised as teenagers, who are on the run from government agents, an alien hunter, and time itself. Quite fun, even for us jaded adults who fondly remember the original. Also available on Blu-ray disc. 3 disc set features Blu-ray, DVD and digital copies of the film. Bonuses on Blu-ray: Discover hidden references to the original film. Also, deleted scenes; Bloopers; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DELGO (20th Century Fox) Imaginative animated adventure story in the Lord of the Rings vein, about a spirited princess and unlikely hero who must join forces to battle an enemy long-forgotten by most. Dazzling CG animation and an incredible voice cast (Freddie Prinze, Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Chris Kattan, Val Kilmer, Anne Bancroft, Lou Gossett, Jr., Malcolm McDowell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Eric Idle, Burt Reynolds, and Sally Kellerman) bring this all-ages-friendly tale to life. Bonuses: Commentary by the directors; Featurettes; Animated short; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DAKOTA SKYE (E1 Entertainment) Dakota Skye is a young woman with a problem: she can see the truth in any lie she hears. Now approaching adulthood, Dakota has lost all faith in the human race and life in general, until she meets Jonah, a breath of honest fresh air. He’d be the perfect guy, if only he weren’t her boyfriend’s best friend. Charming, mature teen comedy is an offbeat winner, and was understandably a film festival favorite. Bonuses: Commentary by director John Humber, writer Chad J. Shonk; Interviews with cast; Outtakes and bloopers; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
KATYN (Koch-Lorber) Legendary Polish director Andrzej Wajda’s WW II epic was nominated for Best Foreign Film of 2008, telling the gripping true story of Stalin’s liquidation of the Polish officer corps in the Katyn Forest after Germany’s invasion of Poland. Stunning historical fiction at its finest, in the hands of a true master. Bonuses: Interview with Wajda; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
JULIA (Magnolia) Tilda Swinton stars as an unapologetic drunk who finds herself over her head when she gets involved in a criminal scheme that goes horribly awry. Swinton, in a career marked by great performances, has never been better than she is in this gripping thriller, which also benefits from liberal doses of character study. Fine support from vet actor Saul Rubinek. Bonuses: Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SURVEILLANCE (Magnolia/Magnet) Writer/director Jennifer Lynch’s macabre thriller about two FBI agents (Bill Pullman, Julia Ormand) investigating a series of brutal slayings plaguing a rural town. With only three witnesses (Pell James, Ryan Simpkins, French Stewart) left alive, the agents interrogate and observe them closely in an out-of-the-way police station, hoping one of them will crack, and the guilty culprit will reveal him or herself. One of the most unsettling, and ruthlessly clever films in recent memory, Lynch has inherited her father, David Lynch’s dark sensibilities, with a perverse sense of wickedness (and humor) all her own. This film will get under your skin like a bad rash—but it’s worth the itch! Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Alternate ending; Commentary by Lynch, Mac Miller, and Charlie Newmark. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.



BLU-RAY TITLES Universal releases Terry Gilliam’s TWELVE MONKEYS, starring Bruce Willis as a scientist who must travel back in time to prevent a deadly virus from spreading, and wiping out all life on Earth above-ground. Some impressive visuals and a knockout (Oscar-nominated) turn from Brad Pitt are the film’s highlights. Bonuses: Commentary by Gilliam and producer Charles Roven; Featurettes. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. THE LAST STARFIGHTER: 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, is a fun sci-fi tale about a teen video game wiz (Lance Guest) who finds himself recruited by an alien race to defend them in an intergalactic war—based on his gaming skills. Catherine Mary Stuart and the late, great Robert Preston offer nice support. Bonuses: Featurettes; Photo gallery; Commentary by director Nick Castle and production designer Ron Cobb. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Severin Films releases the 1978 exploitation classic THE INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, a B-version of The Dirty Dozen, starring Bo Svenson and Fred Williamson as condemned criminals who are forced to undertake a suicide mission behind enemy lines in WW II. Quentin Tarantino’s remake hits theaters later this month. He has nowhere to go but up! Bonuses: Conversation with Tarantino and director Enzo Castellari; Documentary on film’s production; Featurettes; Commentary by Castellari; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Touchstone releases the Adam Sandler hit THE WATERBOY, about a simple-minded Louisiana boy (Sandler) from the backwoods whose gentle demeanor masks a killer instinct on the gridiron. Nice support from Kathy Bates, Jerry Reed and Fairuza Balk in this broad comedy, sure to appeal to teens, although more discriminating audiences may find it a bit “big” for their tastes. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Miramax releases Billy Bob Thornton’s Oscar-winning SLING BLADE, written, directed by and starring Thornton as Carl Childers, a recently-released mental patient who tries his best to adjust to life in a small Arkansas town, befriending a troubled teenage boy (Lucas Black) and his family in the process. Understated film packs a punch, particularly in the finale. Unforgettable work by Thornton, whose star status was cemented with this remarkable work. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Commentary by Thornton. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Magnolia/Magnet releases THE MUTANT CHRONICLES, starring Thomas Jane in a futuristic tale of world war between Earth’s four biggest corporations, duking it out over the planet’s remaining natural resources. When the heavy combat releases the seal keeping a hoard of mutant warriors sealed beneath the ground, a single squad of soldiers must make the descent to save mankind. Terrific cast also includes Ron Perlman and John Malkovich all of whom help make what could have been another B programmer a very entertaining ride. Bonuses: Director’s cut of the film; Commentary by director Simon Hunter and Perlman; Featurettes; Short film; Teaser and trailers; Storyboard gallery; Q & A with cast and crew; Webisodes. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Image releases ALIEN TRESPASS, a fun, retro sci-fi satire set in 1957 about a spaceship that lands in small town, USA and threatens mankind’s existence. Eric McCormack stars as an astronomer possessed by an alien who is bent on saving Earth. Clever film also stars Dan Lauria and Jenni Baird. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with director R. W. Goodwin and McCormack; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Paramount releases HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS, a slight, but pleasing comedy starring Kate Hudson as an advice columnist who agrees to pen a column about how a woman can rid herself of an unwanted male in exactly 10 days. Unbeknownst to her, hotshot ad exec Matthew McConaughey makes a bet with his pals that he can make any woman fall for him in 10 days. Get the picture? We got it in the first couple minutes…Robert Evans was one of the producers on this film, and boy, must he miss the ‘70s! Bonuses: Commentary by director Donald Petrie; Featurettes; Music video; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox/MGM release THE TOWERING INFERNO, Irwin Allen’s blockbuster about half an all-star cast (William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Susan Blakely, Robert Wagner) trapped in a burning luxury highrise, while the other half (Paul Newman, Steve McQueen) try to put the fire out and rescue the beautiful people inside. Pyrotechnic effects are still impressive, even if the soapy story isn’t, but how can you hate a film that has Fred Astaire AND O.J. Simpson in the cast? Bonuses: Commentary by film historian F.X. Feeney; Scene specific commentary by special effects and stunt experts; Over 30 extended/deleted scenes; 9 featurettes; Storyboard-to-film comparisons; 1977 interview with Allen; Teasers and trailers; Photo galleries; 3 interactive articles from American Cinematographer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. THIS IS SPINAL TAP was the first of co-writer/star Christopher Guest’s “mockumentaries” (this time directed by and co-starring Rob Reiner), about an English heavy metal band in its waning days. It remains one of the 1980s’ seminal comedies and seems to get funnier with repeated viewings. Smart, inventive and achingly honest with terrific turns from Guest regulars Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. Bonuses: Over an hour of deleted scenes and outtakes; Commentary by Spinal Tap; Featurettes; Music videos. Bonus DVD features concert footage and interview with Nigel Tufnel on Stonehenge. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION: Z EDTION is based on one of the most popular Japanese Magna series of all time, following a young warrior’s epic journey of self-discovery. Packed with high-flying action and special effects, ideal for kids. Bonuses: Featurettes; Games; Deleted scenes; Music video; Gag reel; Digital copy of film. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. MY COUSIN VINNY stars Joe Pesci as a fish-out-of-water (almost) attorney from Brooklyn who must travel to the Deep South with his big-haired girlfriend (Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei) to defend his cousin and the cousin’s friend (Ralph Macchio and Mitchell Whittfield) on murder charges. Fred Gwynne is a hoot as a southern-fried judge. Bonuses: Commentary by director Jonathan Lynn; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Kurt Russell stars in John Carpenter’s action/fantasy epic BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, a hoot of a pastiche about macho truck driver Jack Burton (Russell) who must do battle with supernatural forces when his best friend’s fiancée is kidnapped by gangsters in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Non-stop thrills from start to finish, a real sleeper. Bonuses: Commentary by Carpenter and Russell; Deleted scenes; Extended ending; Featurettes; Music video; Trailers and TV spots; Photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Sony releases THE INFORMERS, based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel about intersecting lives in 1980s LA. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Winona Ryder and Mickey Rourke, film has style to spare and, if you’re willing to go on the ride it offers, more than a few rewards at the end of the trip. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Lions Gate releases Roman Polanski’s THE NINTH GATE, starring Johnny Depp as a nefarious rare books dealer who is hired to locate the last copy of a demonic manuscript that can supposedly summon the Devil Himself. Intrigue, murder and Polanski’s signature macabre humor permeate these proceedings which, while half-baked, are better than most in the hands of a master filmmaker and star. Bonuses: Commentary by Polanski; Featurette; Storyboard selections; Satanic drawings gallery; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround. CUTTHROAT ISLAND is director Renny Harlin’s glorious mess of a swashbuckler starring his then-wife Geena Davis and Matthew Modine. Frank Langella is fun as a dastardly pirate. Bonuses: Commentary by Harlin; Featurette; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround. REPLICANT stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as a heinous serial killer and his replicated clone that is determined to bring him down. Hong Kong action maestro Ringo Lam raises the bar on this actioner with his mastery of the genre. Bonuses: Commentary by Van Damme and Michael Rooker; Deleted scenes; Storyboards. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. SEE NO EVIL stars wrestling superstar Kane as a reclusive psychopath holed up in an abandoned hotel who gets to exercise his DNA when eight petty criminals arrive to perform community service—along with the cop that put a bullet in Kane’s head four years earlier. Not bad of its kind, skillfully made, with some truly suspenseful and horrific scenes. NOT for the faint-of-heart! Bonuses: Commentary by director Gregory Dark and writer Dan Madigan, Kane and co-exec producer Jed Blaugrund; Featurettes; Storyboard-to-film comparison; WWE promotional spots; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround.



DOCUMENTARY TITLES Sony releases James Toback’s powerful TYSON, an unapologetic look at boxer Mike Tyson’s life, career and troubled history. Terrific blend of present-day interviews with Tyson and archival footage, Toback very wisely never passes judgment on his subject (although Tyson often does so on himself) and keeps his distance from the film itself, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions. Fine work all around. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Toback; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. A&E releases MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: ALL-CENTURY TEAM, a look at a so-called “fantasy team” selected from over 15,000 men who played pro baseball during the 20th century. Fascinating trip through time, and to see how the selection process whittles down a huge list of legendary names to just 30 of the greatest players. Narrated by Bob Costas. Bonuses: Featurettes; Bonus footage. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. BATTLES B.C.: THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE takes a look at some of the most decisive military battles that took place in the ancient world, using computer graphics and live action stunts to re-enact the melee. Just a few of the legendary bouts examined include studies of Hannibal, David, Joshua, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, and Ramses. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. GANGLAND: THE COMPLETE SEASON FOUR, is a three disc set that takes a hard look at some of America’s hardest gangs in urban centers such as Dallas, Memphis, St. Louis, Charlotte and Detroit, examining 12 of the country’s most dangerous groups. Filmmakers take an unsentimental, matter-of-fact look at the sociology of the gangs, the psychology of their operations, and the collateral damage their activities cause in their communities. Bonuses: Additional footage. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. YANKEEOGRAPHY: THE CAPTAINS COLLECTION, salutes seven of the New York Yankees’ greatest team captains: Lou Gehrig, Thurman Munson, Graig Nettles, Ron Guidry, Willie Randolph, Don Mattingly and Derek Jeter. Bonuses: Featurette, Moments & Mystique. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE uses state-of-the-art special effects and footage from the planet’s most remote locations to document how, through a series of natural occurrences (and disasters) the Earth as we know it today was formed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary, Inside the Volcano; Additional scenes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. ART OF WAR takes a look at Sun-Tzu’s legendary manual of combat and philosophy that weaves together the epic story of Sun-Tzu himself and recreates a war in which his tactics saved a city that was under siege. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. HOW BRUCE LEE CHANGED THE WORLD takes an intimate look at the life and career of the martial arts legend, from his humble beginnings in the streets of Hong Kong, to international stardom after his untimely death at the age of 32. Interviews with Lee’s close friends, colleagues and those he influenced are interspersed with home movies and archival footage, much of it never before seen. Bonuses: Featurette; Lee filmography. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. WORLD WAR II ULTIMATE COLLECTIONS: THE WAR IN EUROPE AND THE PACIFIC is a 4-disc set that features eight documentaries on the European theater and seven on the Pacific, all beautifully produced with stunning archival footage punctuating the stories of the battles that shaped the war, and the men who fought them. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MADOFF AND THE SCAMMING OF AMERICA takes a comprehensive look at Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff and the biggest case of financial fraud in U.S. history. Excellent documentary uses the Madoff story not just as a factual, straightforward documentary, but digs deeper into the sociological implications of how the United States has fed on its own greed for the past several decades, and now the chickens are coming home to roost. Bonuses: Documentary, Crash: The Next Great Depression? Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Warner Bros. releases GOLDEN METAL, with cultural anthropologist Sam Dunn examining the influence of heavy metal music on disparate cultures around the world: Asia, South America, the Middle East, as well as its home in Europe and North America. Fascinating sociological study of youth culture and the universal appeal of music. 2 disc set bonuses include: Commentary by Dunn and Scot McFayden; Featurettes; Outtakes; Extended interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. 5 GREATEST GAMES: 49ERS, takes an in-depth look at the San Francisco 49ers and their greatest moments on the gridiron, from the January, 1982 game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, to their unforgettable match against the San Diego Chargers in January, 1995. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. 10 GREATEST GAMES: NY GIANTS, takes a look at the Giants’ greatest moments on the gridiron during the past 20 years, beginning with their heart-stopping victory against the 49ers in January, 1987, and concluding with their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in January, 2008. Both sets are any NFL fan’s dream. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Liberation Entertainment releases SECOND SKIN, an intimate, fascinating look at the world of computer gamers whose lives are literally devoted to hours in front of their monitors, playing interactive games such as “World of Warcraft,” “Second Life,” and “Everquest,” all of which are played online and allow players all over the world to connect and interact. Compelling look at a subculture that is growing by the day. Bonuses: Commentary by filmmakers; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MVD releases THE BEATLES: RARE AND UNSEEN, featuring footage of the Fab Four that’s been under wraps for the most part since being shot in the ‘60s. See the boys from Liverpool in their earliest filmed performance at the legendary Cavern Club in 1962, behind-the-scenes on the classic film Help!, and highlights of an interview with John Lennon for French television, to name but a few on this must-have for Beatlemaniacs everywhere. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Acorn Media releases VISIONS OF BRITAIN & IRELAND, a breathtaking travelogue on two discs that examines some of the UK’s greatest feats of architecture as well as its natural wonders. Beautifully shot and produced. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: An hour of bonus footage. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Indiepix releases AUDIENCE OF ONE, a funny, sad, and engaging look at Richard Gazowsky, a Pentecostal preacher who receives of vision from God, instructing him to shoot a multi-million dollar sci-fi/religious epic, taking the audience on a remarkable journey of obsession, faith, and delusion. Bonuses: Trailer; Deleted scenes; Commentary by director Michael Jacobs; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Rock City releases MICHAEL JACKSON: THE TRIAL AND TRIUMPH OF THE KING OF POP, follows Jackson during his infamous child molestation trial and his preparations for the 02 Arena, London This is It mega concert that put him back on top again. Loaded with appearances from celebrities in the worlds of music and film, this documentary provides a sad coda to a life that was snuffed out far too soon. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. HBO Films releases THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT, a 4-part documentary that examines the effects that Alzheimer’s disease has on its victims, their families and on the medical and political communities, as well. Fascinating study of progress, hope, and frustration. Bonuses: Four hours of additional material, including twelve comprehensive segments on the disease and its variables. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Inakustik releases five new titles on Blu-ray, all gorgeously shot in Hi-Def at the New Morning in Paris: MIKE STERN BAND, a recording of “one of the best electric guitarists of his generation,” featuring eight of their most famous tracks. JOSE FELICIANO BAND features the six-time Grammy-winner performing with his 5 piece band, also in 2008, dazzling with 20 of their greatest hits. STANLEY JORDAN TRIO, features the guitar impresario and his band performing 12 tracks—classical, jazz, and rock, in July, 2007, dazzling the audience with the multi-faceted talents. AUTOUR DU BLUES/CARLTON/FORD features a line-up of legendary blues players from Nashville, performing live in Paris with the members of Autour du Blues, the cream of France’s top studio musicians, joined by American guitar heroes Larry Carlton and Robert Ford. 13 tracks and two bonus numbers highlight this amazing performance. Finally, the YELLOWJACKETS grace the New Morning stage, sharing their unique fusion of jazz, bebop, R&B and rock. 12 tracks from this legendary band. All discs are widescreen, and feature DTS 5.1 Master Audio, as well as 5.1 linear PCM, and Dolby 2.0.



DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Lions Gate releases MAD MEN: SEASON TWO, a 3-disc set of all 13 episodes of the award-winning second season, following the trials and tribulations of ad exec Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and the denizens of Sterling-Cooper, one of Madison Avenue’s hottest agencies. Quite simply the best show on television: smart, literate writing; powerful, nuanced performances from an expert cast; and beautiful production design that perfectly captures the early 1960s. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary from cast and crew; Music sampler; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases SUPER FRIENDS: THE LOST EPISODES, a two-disc set of 24 episodes produced after the 1970s Saturday morning favorite was cancelled, and were thought to be lost for over a decade. Great fun for super-hero fans, young and old alike. Bonuses: Two downloadable comic books. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. HBO releases FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDS: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, the further adventures of everyone’s favorite duo of Kiwi slacker musicians, and their misadventures in the Big Apple. Unique blend of bone dry humor and full-blown surrealism makes this one of TV’s best bets for smart, discriminating viewers. Bonuses: Documentary; Featurettes; Deleted scenes and outtakes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. VSC releases THE LOLA FALANA SHOW, is a compilation of four network specials first aired in 1976, starring the multi-talented performer and some of the biggest names of the era: Bill Cosby, Muhammad Ali, Sonny and Cher, Billy Dee Williams, Redd Foxx and Dick Van Dyke. Available for the first time on any video format, these shows are a fun time capsule to an entertainment format (the variety show) that we’re unlikely to see again. Bonuses: Commentary by author Nelson George; Photo gallery; Biography. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Virgil Films releases THE DONNA REED SHOW: SEASON TWO, 38 episodes of one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ‘50s and ‘60s, following the adventures of Donna and her husband Alex (Carl Betz) and their children (Paul Petersen and Shelley Fabares). Cameos from Golden Age Hollywood stars like Esther Williams make this time capsule all the more fun. Bonuses: Photo galleries; Downloadable episode scripts; Cast bios. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Anchor Bay/Starz releases MARTIN LAWRENCE PRESENTS 1st AMENDMENT STAND-UP: SEASON 3, a compilation of ten comedy shows featuring some of the most promising up-and-comers in the business. Raunchy, raw, uncensored fun abounds in this two-disc set that contains over five hours of material. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Universal releases HOUSE: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON, featuring more of Hugh Laurie’s cantankerous curmudgeon of a doctor whose abrasive personality is matched by his brilliance in his field. 24 episodes, featuring guest turns from a diverse slate of actors such as Mos Def, Carl Reiner, and Zeljko Ivanek. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by the show’s creators. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. LIFE: SEASON TWO, stars Damian Lewis as a police detective reinstated to the force after being wrongly imprisoned. Using his Zen-like take on his second chance at life to solve cases unconventionally, Lewis keeps the bad guys of LA at bay. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: SEASON 4.5, features the thrilling final episodes of TV’s smartest, most subversive sci-fi masterpiece, as the human vs. Cylon conflict comes to a head and the search for the fabled 13th colony called Earth reaches its climax. Great stuff, and a landmark series that will be greatly missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes and documentaries; Deleted scenes; Unaired extended episodes; Podcast commentaries; Video blogs. On Blu-ray: BD-Live features; Interactive guide; Glossary of BG terms. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox/MGM releases PRISON BREAK: THE FINAL BREAK, the final chapter in the saga of wrongly-imprisoned Michael Scofield, who must do battle against corrupt government officials who go after the woman he loves in order to get to him. Terrific, exciting coda to the series. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. DOLLHOUSE: SEASON TWO, Joss Whedon’s sexy, suspenseful series starring Eliza Dushku as an agent for the mysterious Dollhouse Organization, which provides its clients with programmable human beings to be used as they see fit: thief, lover, spy, assassin. Lots of fun, with Whedon’s signature black humor abounding. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Original unaired pilot episode; Commentary by cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. STARGATE ATLANTIS: FANS’ CHOICE, offers a feature-length version of the series pilot “Rising,” and an extended version of “Enemy at the Gate,” the two most popular episodes of the series. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. Paramount releases DEXTER: THE THIRD SEASON, continuing the twisted adventures of Miami’s greatest forensic analyst/serial killer, who only preys on those evildoers who slip through the cracks of the system. One of television’s smartest, and most unsettling, programs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes; Episodes of United States of Tara and The Tudors. On Blu-ray: BD-Live features. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. EARLY EDITION: THE SECOND SEASON, starring Kyle Chandler as a man who mysteriously receives the following day’s edition of the morning paper, then risks life and limb to try and stop disasters from happening. 22 episodes on 5 discs. Bonuses: Episodic promos. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. JIM BREUER: LET’S CLEAR THE AIR, features the SNL alumnus’ outrageous stand-up act in which he covers his transition from childhood to family man. Funny and smart stuff. Bonuses: Photo shoot; Featurette. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Acorn Media releases a 20th anniversary edition of the classic miniseries TRAFFIK, on which Steven Soderbergh’s Oscar-winning Traffic was based. This six episode drama examines how the drug trade infects every avenue of society around the world: the growers, the dealers, the users, and the politicians who try and combat it all, and sometimes unwittingly help keep it going. Julia Ormand makes a stunning debut as the drug-addicted daughter of a member of Parliament. Bonuses: Interview with writer Simon Moore and producer Brian Eastman; Extended UK broadcast version of episode 6; Photo gallery; Production notes; Filmographies. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MIDSOMER MURDERS: SET 13 is a sort of rural, British version of Law & Order, following two detectives (John Nettles and Jason Hughes) and their dogged pursuit of criminals in England’s countryside. Four episodes on four discs. Bonuses: Biographies and filmographies. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE RIVALS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES: SET 1, is a classic from 1971 about other gifted detectives in Victorian England who helped solve the most dastardly of crimes. Fun early turns from stars such as Donald Pleasence, Jeremy Irons (in his screen debut), Peter Vaughn, and John Neville. Bonuses: Profiles of the rival detectives and their creators. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE BEIDERBECKE TAPES is a throwback to the zany whodunits of the ‘30s and ‘40s, about two Yorkshire schoolteachers who have a knack for amateur sleuthing and can’t keep their otherwise calm, predictable lives calm and predicable! James Bolam and Barbara Flynn star. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. AFFAIRS OF THE HEART: SERIES TWO, offers six scintillating tales based on the writings of Henry James and the romantic adventures of young people in late 19th century England. Classic from 1974 features early turns from notable actors like Derek Jacobi, Eileen Atkins, Edward Hardwicke, Sinead Cusack, Cheryl Campbell, Daniel Massey, and Christopher Cazenove. Bonuses: Henry James bio and cast filmographies. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.