DVD PLAYHOUSE—NOVEMBER 2009
By
Allen Gardner
WATCHMEN—THE ULTIMATE 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, and this “ultimate edition,” also features the animated Tales of the Black Freighter integrated into the story. 5-disc set. Bonuses: 2 all-new commentaries by Snyder and graphic novel co-creator and illustrator Dave Gibbons; Entire Watchmen graphic novel; Documentaries and featurettes; 11 video journals; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
BRUNO (Universal) More cringe-inducing hilarity from Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), this time in character as gay Austrian fashion critic Bruno, traveling the globe in search of the best way to become a celebrity, and offending nearly every category of human demographic (celebrities, politicians, Hasidic Jews, terrorists and cage fighters, to name but a few) along the way. Even more outrageous and scatological (yes) than Borat, but also wears out its welcome more quickly, as well. At 1 hr. 22 min., it could’ve been trimmed a bit. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Over an hour of deleted, alternate, and extended scenes; Bonus interviews. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE UGLY TRUTH (Sony) Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler star in this romantic comedy about a successful morning show producer (Heigl) who locks horns with her misogynistic star (Butler) when he offers her love advice for a new beau who’s entered her life that appears too good to be true. Trite, tired and stale, this is a sit-com made with an A-list cast and budget. With all these resources, this is the best you lot could do? Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Gag reel; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE LIMITS OF CONTROL (Universal/Focus) Jim Jarmusch’s latest is a deadpan thriller about a mysterious loner (Isaach De Bankole) who arrives in Spain with instructions to meet with a disparate group of strangers, each of whom make up one part of his top secret, and deadly, mission. Eclectic cast includes Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Gael Garcia Bernal and John Hurt. Fans of Jarmusch are sure to be delighted by this film’s deliberate pace and offbeat charm. Others, beware! Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THIRST (Universal/Focus) When a young priest finds his life saved by a blood transfusion, he also finds himself turning into a vampire! As he struggles to keep his undead impulses under wraps, a seductive young woman soon unleashes his primal forces in deadly and bloody fashion. Director Park Chan-Wook, who dazzled international audiences with Old Boy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, creates a film that’s swimming in mood, style and eye candy—but lacks a soul to bring it to life. It’s also painfully pretentious at times, particularly as it nears its denouement. Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize, 2009. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER (20th Century Fox) When the biggest geek in school (Paul Rust) professes his love for the most popular girl (Hayden Panettiere) in school during his valedictory speech at graduation, he soon finds his dream girl becoming a reality, but not in the way that he’d hoped. Chris Columbus tries his best at the helm of this too-squeaky clean adaptation (by the book’s author Larry Boyle) of the best-selling book. The film version has the heart, guts (and yes, even the lungs) ripped from it. Too bad. John Hughes did it better in the ‘80s guys. Maybe it’s time to let this genre sleep with the big hair and Reganomics. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate ending; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1-2-3 (Sony) A group of armed robbers, helmed by an uber-psycho John Travolta, highjack a NYC subway train and demand ten million dollars for the release of its passengers. It’s up to subway dispatcher and regular guy Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) to keep the situation in check until the money can be raised, and the troops rallied. Director Tony Scott incorporates his trademark visual razzle-dazzle (and over-direction) of this very disappointing remake of Joseph Sargent’s 1974 classic that had beauty in its simplicity. Washington is superb, as always, but Travolta might as well be in a Bullwinkle cartoon with his over-the-top histrionics. We miss Robert Shaw, Walter Matthau, and Martin Balsam. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Four featurettes; Commentary by Scott, screenwriter Brian Helgeland, producer Todd Black. BD bonuses: Cinechat; MovieIQ; Digital copy of the film. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION (Criterion) Beautifully-restored Kinescopes of original live TV dramas from the 1950s: "Marty" (1953), "No Time for Sergeants" (1955), "A Wind From the South" (1955), "Bang the Drum Slowly" (1956), "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1956), "The Comedian" (1957) and "Days of Wine and Roses" (1958). Conceived by up-and-comers like Rod Serling, Reginald Rose and John Frankenheimer, and starring then-neophyte actors such as Paul Newman, Rod Steiger, Cliff Robertson, Julie Harris, and Piper Laurie. Not only do they not make ‘em like this anymore, but today’s television execs could take a page from these fine programs. Bonuses: Commentary by directors Frankenheimer, Delbert Mann, Ralph Nelson, Daniel Petrie; Interviews with cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
DOWNHILL RACER (Criterion) Michael Ritchie’s cinema-verite look at a narcissistic competitive skier (Robert Redford, excellent in a rare unsympathetic turn) and his quest for glory. Gene Hackman also scores in an early turn as the no-nonsense coach who tries to keep Redford’s ego in check, often to little avail. Contains some of the best skiing footage every committed to celluloid. Bonuses: New interviews with Redford, screenwriter James Salter, editor Robert Harris; Audio excerpts from AFI seminar with Ritchie; Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
GOMORRAH (Criterion) Director Matteo Garrone’s shocking, repellent and magnificent portrait of modern-day organized crime in northern Italy is a cinematic tour-de-force, based on journalist Roberto Saviano’s best-selling expose of the Naples’ mob. We see how the modern mafia infects the lives of every strata of Italian society, from the peasants, to the immigrants, to the middle and upper classes. Garrone paints a unique celluloid tapestry with his nimble camera and fine cast (many of whom are non-pros). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Two disc set bonuses include: Documentary on the film; Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Trailer. BD edition features DTS-HD master audio. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Warner Bros.) Beautiful restoration of Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense masterpiece. Cary Grant stars as a Madison Avenue exec who suddenly finds himself plunged into a world of dangerous blondes (Eva Marie Saint), foreign spies and top secret microfilm. Some of the screen’s greatest set pieces (the crop duster scene is sure to give you goosebumps, still) as well as one of cinema’s greatest love stories, an authentic American classic. Two-disc set bonuses include: Commentary by screenwriter Ernest Lehman; Music-only audio track; New 2009 documentary on Hitchcock; Featurettes; Photo gallery; Trailers and TV spot. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE DEAD (Lionsgate) John Huston’s final film, an epic treatment of James Joyce’s short story, is a rich and exquisite study of a time long past. Angelica Huston and Donal McCann star as a young couple in early 20th century Dublin who converge with family and friends over a holiday feast, where grievances are aired, stories told, and memories of unrequited love stirred as the evening progresses. A fine coda to the career of a remarkable artist. Screenplay by Tony Huston (son and brother of aforementioned Hustons). Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
WINGS OF DESIRE (Criterion) Wim Wenders’ elegant fantasy about an angel (Bruno Ganz) in modern (1987) Berlin who falls in love with a very living trapeze artist and must decide whether to give up his immortality so he can come down to earth and be with her. Shot in gorgeous black & white (and some color, too) by Henri Alekan, Wings remains Wenders’ greatest cinematic achievement, and boasts a charming cameo from the great Peter Falk, playing himself. 2 disc set bonuses include: Commentary by Wenders and Falk; Trailers; Documentary on the film’s production; Featurettes; Deleted scenes and outtakes; Notes and photos by art directors Heidi and Tom Ludi. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WHO IS KK DOWNEY? (IndiePix) Funny examination of ambition, fame and celebrity follows the story of two wannabes (Darren Curtis and Matt Silver) who decide they are sick and tired of trying to make a name for themselves the old-fashioned way. Terrance is trying to make it as a rock star, while Theo dreams of getting his first book published: ‘Truck Stop Hustler,’ a racy look at life on the streets as a junkie prostitute. After a string of humiliations by both publishers and music critics, the two hatch a plan to turn Theo’s fictional book into an autobiography by having Terrance dress up as the story’s protagonist, KK Downey, and claim all the events as having happened to him. All of a sudden the book nobody wanted becomes an overnight literary sensation, and Terrance has realized his dream of becoming famous. But at what price? Great stuff from Montreal comedy group Kidnapper Films. Bonuses: Trailer; Deleted scenes; Outtakes; Commentary by Kidnapper Films; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
COLLECTIBLE COLLECTIONS Several box sets of films hit DVD this month. Here’s a few of note: Sony releases THE THREE STOOGES COLLECTION, VOLUME SEVEN (1952-1954), featuring Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard as everyone’s favorite physically-abusive “knuckleheads.” 22 digitally-remastered shorts feature the boys at the height of their slapstick highjinks. Full and widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono. Universal releases THE CLAUDETTE COLBERT COLLECTION, six films from the popular and versatile actress of the ‘30s and ‘40s: Three Cornered Moon (1933), a comedy featuring Claudette as a resourceful gal who must help make ends meet after her family’s fortune is lost; Maid of Salem (1937) based on the infamous Salem witch trials; I Met Him in Paris (1937), a love story with Claudette and Melvyn Douglas; Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife (1938) pairs Claudette with Gary Cooper; No Time for Love (1943) is an offbeat love story starring Fred MacMurray opposite Claudette; The Egg and I (1947), pairs Claudette with MacMurray once again, this time as newlyweds who decide to uproot from the city to the rural confines of a farm. Bonuses: Documentary on Colbert. All are full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MGM/Fox release six different collections of films by some of today’s most popular actors: THE REEESE WITHERSPOON COLLECTION features the hit comedies Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2; Reese’s debut in the coming of age drama The Man in the Moon; and S.F.W., a satire on the media and the nature of celebrity, co-starring Stephen Dorff. THE WINONA RYDER COLLECTION features the period drama 1969, with Winona growing up during the nation’s most pivotal year; Autumn in New York is a May-December romance pairing Ryder with Richard Gere; Great Balls of Fire stars Ryder as the teenage bride of rocker Jerry Lee Lewis (Dennis Quaid); Mermaids features Ryder and Christina Ricci as the daughters of a very eccentric mother (Cher). THE SUSAN SARANDON COLLECTION features Igby Goes Down, starring Sarandon as the loathsome mother of a 17 year-old trust fund baby (Kieran Culkin); The January Man stars Sarandon opposite Oscar-winner Kevin Kline in John Patrick Shanley’s comedy/thriller about a serial killer on the loose in Manhattan; Something Short of Paradise is an early (1979) turn for Sarandon, here playing an ambitious reporter who finds herself reluctantly falling for David Steinberg’s neurotic theater manager. Think Woody Allen lite. Finally, Thelma & Louise earned Sarandon an Oscar nomination, in the now-classic story of two fugitive women on the lam across the southwest. Helmed by Ridley Scott, and featuring a star-making turn by Brad Pitt. THE MICHELLE PFEIFFER COLLECTION offers up The Fabulous Baker Boys, with Michelle playing a sexy chanteuse for brother act Beau and Jeff Bridges; Love Field stars Pfeiffer as a Dallas housewife who befriends an African-American man (Dennis Haysbert, excellent) the day that JFK is killed; Married to the Mob is a zany comedy with Michelle as a mobster’s widow who must enlist an inept FBI agent (Matthew Modine) to protect her from lecherous godfather Dean Stockwell. The Russia House is a so-so adaptation of John Le Carre’s novel (by Tom Stoppard) with Pfeiffer oddly cast as a Russian woman acting as an emissary between her volatile friend and a British publisher (Sean Connery). THE MICKEY ROURKE COLLECTION features Desperate Hours, an over-the-top remake of the Humphrey Bogart classic, with Rourke as an escaped con who holds a suburban family (led by pater familas Anthony Hopkins) hostage; Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man didn’t help Rourke’s dwindling career spiral in the ‘90s, in this lame action flick that teams him with Don Johnson; The Pope of Greenwich Village is a terrific take (and the best film here) on modern-day losers with big dreams on the fringes in New York City. Great work from Rourke and co-star Eric Roberts. Finally, A Prayer for the Dying should have been a great thriller about an IRA hitman (Rourke) whose latest mission is witnessed by a priest (Bob Hoskins) who grants the assassin sanctuary in his church. All the right elements are there, but it never quite gels. THE ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. COLLECTION features Back to School, one of the ‘80s' best comedies starring Rodney Dangerfield as a middle-aged millionaire who decides to finish college. Downey is a hoot as Rodney’s son (Keith Gordon)’s best pal. Charlie Bartlett features Downey as a slightly clueless high school principal who finds new pupil Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin) appropriately puzzling. Home for the Holidays, directed by Jodie Foster, features Downey as the eccentric brother of a woman dangerously on the brink, offering a combustible mix during a Christmas gathering. Finally, Richard Loncrane’s film of Shakespeare’s Richard III, a modern re-imagining of the story with Sir Ian McKellan in the title role, with Richard as a WW II-era Fascist dictator, is nothing short of brilliant, with Downey offering a fine turn as Lord Rivers, the queen’s brother. All films are widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono, 2.0 surround, 5.1 surround.
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! The TV-to-DVD event of the month is the arrival of A&E's THE PRISONER—THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-ray, timed in conjunction with the series’ remake premiering on AMC November 15. The original 1967 series, starring Patrick McGoohan, is one of television’s finest hours. McGoohan plays an intelligence agent who, for reasons known only to himself, abruptly resigns, and soon finds himself kidnapped to a remote seaside enclave called “The Village.” He is assigned a number, 6, as opposed to a name, and in each episode must match wits with a new Number 2, who tries to get 6 to confess his reasons for resigning. Brilliant blend of metaphor, satire and pure Kafkaesque horror. 5 disc set bonuses include: Feature-length documentary, Don’t Knock Yourself Out, on the series’ production; Featurettes; Original edits of episodes “The Arrival” and “The Chimes of Big Ben”; Crew commentary on select episodes; Archival film clips; Commercial break bumpers; Photo archive; DVD-ROM features. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Sony releases DAWSON’S CREEK—THE COMPLETE SERIES, a massive 24-disc set featuring all 127 episodes of the groundbreaking series about a film crazed teen (James Van Der Beek) and his friends (Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Kerr Smith, Busy Philipps, to name a few of the actors who began the show as neophytes and quickly became household names) who populate a coastal New England town. Bonuses: Interview with creator Kevin Williamson; Trivia game; Collectible book packaging; Soundtrack CD. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. NATALEE HOLLOWAY is based on the true story of the Alabama teen who disappeared during her senior trip to Aruba in 2005. Not bad of its type, helped by a strong cast, especially Tracy Pollan as Natalie’s determined mother. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Disney releases ZORRO: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON and ZORRO: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, both 6 disc sets containing all episodes aired from 1957-1959, beautifully restored from original vault elements. Holds up beautifully, thanks in large part to terrific production values and a star-making turn by Guy Williams in the title role. Bonuses: Introductions by Leonard Maltin; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Collectible pin, lithograph, and certificate of authenticity. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Universal releases BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE PLAN, a feature-length Galactica movie, helmed by star Edward James Olmos, about two powerful leaders of the Cylons who are working separately to destroy the human race, with only the denizens of the battlestar to bring them down. Great fun, loaded with the series’ signature political and social subtext. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Olmos, exec producer/writer Jane Espenson; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. THE ROCKFORD FILES MOVIE COLLECTION VOLUME 1 features four TV-movies featuring a latter-day Jim Rockford (James Garner, still in fine form): “I Still Love L.A.,” “A Blessing in Disguise,” “If the Frame Fits,” and “Godfather Knows Best.” The first, which takes place during the L.A. riots, is the best of the bunch, although Stuart Margolin is a sight for sore eyes as inept conman Angel in “Blessing.” All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 mono. E1 Entertainment releases THE BARBARA STANWYCK SHOW VOLUME 1 features 15 hour-long dramas from Stanwyck’s acclaimed anthology series, co-starring stars such as Lee Marvin, Vic Morrow, Julie London, Ralph Bellamy and Milton Berle. Bonuses: Unaired pilot episode; Stanwyck’s 1961 Emmy acceptance speech; 20-page booklet with commentary by Robert Osborne. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. HEARTLAND SEASON 1, PART 2 continues the adventures of a 15 year-old horse whisperer (Michelle Morgan) and her grandfather (Shaun Johnston) through the highs and lows of their family-owned ranch that rehabilitates neglected horses. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. SHOW ME YOURS THE COMPLETE SERIES follows the adventures of a shrink-turned-sex expert (Rachael Crawford) who is living her dream until her publisher pairs her up with an arrogant, yet irresistible PhD (Adam Harrington) for her next book. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. 20th Century Fox releases BONES SEASON FOUR BODY BAG EDITION, featuring more police procedural adventures from stars David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel. 26 episodes on 5 discs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON features more smart newsroom shenanigans from liberated newswoman Mary Richards (Moore) and her surrogate family of co-workers (Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Betty White, and Cloris Leachman. One of TV’s finest hours, which inspired several spin-offs. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. HBO releases Will Ferrell’s one-man comedy special YOU’RE WELCOME AMERICA: A FINAL NIGHT WITH GEORGE W. BUSH, a hilarious, often scatological and sometimes sad look at our last president, whom Ferrell interprets with both honesty and pure glee. Bonuses: Featurettes; True or false game. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
BLU-RAY TITLES Sony releases a terrific edition of EASY RIDER 40th ANNIVERSARY, the groundbreaking story of two hippie bikers (Peter Fonda and director Dennis Hopper) who sell a major score of coke, stuff the cash in their gastanks, and drive cross-country to Mardis Gras. Jack Nicholson became a star with his turn as a boozed-out Southern lawyer. A classic that is still sadly relevant today. Bonuses: Commentary by Hopper; Documentary on film’s production; Movie IQ via BD-LIVE. Widescreen. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround. NIGHT OF THE CREEPS is a cult classic horror cheesfest about fraternity pledges who unthaw a circa 1959 college experiment as a prank, then find out too late that the body is infected by an alien creature, which proceeds to overrun the entire campus. Shot at USC in the ‘80s, film is a terrific blend of satire (the college and all the leading characters are named after famous horror movie directors), sci-fi, and full-throttle horror. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Fred Dekker and cast; Deleted scenes and alternate ending; Featurettes; Trivia track; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE, a 1974 cult favorite, which tells the ghoulish tale of two friends (Ray Lovelock and Christine Galbo) who stumble into a small English town that’s been overrun by zombies! Veteran actor Arthur Kennedy plays a relentless detective who is convinced that the two hippy kids are responsible for all the carnage in their wake. Beautifully shot and helmed by renowned Spanish horror maestro Jorge Grau. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers, radio and TV spots; Poster and photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround, Dolby 5.1 surround. MY BRILLIANT CAREER was one of the first films of the “Aussie New Wave” to gain international attention. Judy Davis stars as a free-spirited young woman in early 20th century Australia whose notions of feminism and equality drive her apart from her peers and suitors (Sam Neill) alike. Gillian Armstrong directed this Oscar-nominated classic. Bonuses: Commentary by Armstrong; Interviews with cast and crew; Cannes Film Festival premiere footage; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS 7.1 surround. Lionsgate releases FRAILTY, actor Bill Paxton’s directing debut, about an FBI agent who returns to a small Texas town where a long-dormant serial killer seems to be in action once again. Terrific cast includes Matthew McConaughy, Powers Boothe, Luke Askew and Jeremy Sumpter. Strong, atmospheric thriller, not for the squeamish! Bonuses: Commentary by Paxton, writer Brent Hanley, crew members; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Storyboards; Photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround. RED HEAT is a lame 48 Hrs.-style retread from its director, Walter Hill (who should’ve known better), teaming wisecracking Chicago cop Jim Belushi with hardnosed Moscow officer Arnold Schwarzenegger, who join forces to take down a psychotic Russian mobster who is terrorizing the windy city. Gratuitously violent, not at all funny, and just plain boring. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Universal releases LOVE ACTUALLY, a mostly-successful romantic comedy from the UK about a disparate group of Londoners (Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson, to name a few) and their adventures in and out of love. Written and directed by Richard Curtis. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music videos; Commentary by Curtis, Grant, Bill Nighy, Thomas Sangster. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases SAY ANYTHING…20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, Cameron Crowe’s directing debut is the smart, funny and sometimes painful story of a hopelessly average, but big-hearted guy (John Cusack) who falls for his class’ beautiful valedictorian (Ione Skye), beginning an unlikely romance that puzzles everyone, particularly the girl’s father (John Mahoney, excellent). Holds up beautifully. Bonuses: Commentary by Crowe, Skye, and Cusack; Retrospective documentary; Featurettes; Alternate, extended and deleted scenes; Trivia track; Trailers and TV spots; Photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. James Toback’s TWO GIRLS AND A GUY stars Robert Downey, Jr. as a philanderer who finds himself confronted by the two women in his life (Natasha Gregson Wagner and Heather Graham). Tough, funny and downright dirty at times, a real mixture of acting and filmmaking that cooks with gas and scenes that fall flat on their face. Worth a look for the good stuff, though. Downey is terrific. Bonuses: NC-17 and R-rated versions of the film; Interview with Toback; Commentary by Toback, Downey and Wagner; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Miramax releases THE KEVIN SMITH COLLECTION, featuring his hits Clerks, about New Jersey convenience story employees who battle their ennui with ribald conversation; Chasing Amy, Smith’s best film, a modern take on the battle of the sexes with star Ben Affleck falling for committed lesbian Joey Lauren Adams; and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, a less-than-stellar tale of Smith’s slacker heroes Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) who journey to Hollywood to stop a movie about them from being made. Skip this one. Bonuses: Commentary by Smith, cast and crew; Featurettes; Alternate cuts on Clerks; Interviews with cast and crew; Outtakes and deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
ANIMATION NATION Disney/Pixar releases UP, the delightful tale of a pensioner (voiced by Ed Asner) who attaches thousands of helium balloons to his tiny house to travel across the globe to the exotic land of his boyhood dreams. Little does he know, a pint-sized Wilderness Explorer (think Cub Scout) has stowed away on his front porch, adding more drama to his adventurous journey. Possibly Pixar’s finest hour: a delightful blend of humor, visual splendor and pathos. 4 disc set bonuses include: Blu-ray and regular DVD versions of the film; Theatrical shorts; Featurettes; Alternate scenes; Games; 8 documentaries; Trailers and TV spots; DVD-ROM features. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. TINKER BELL’S LOST TREASURE is sure to please the little people in your house, with Tink starring in an all-new adventure, finding herself in deep trouble when she accidentally puts all of her hometown of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, and must travel across the sea on a secret quest to put things right. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film; Featurettes; Games; Music videos; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. MICKEY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS has Mickey Mouse and pals (Winnie the Pooh, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, and others from the Disney world) gathering for four holiday tales, including The Nutcracker and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Again, sure to please the little folks in your house. Bonuses: Premiere episode of “House of Mouse”; Sing-along songs; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases ICE AGE DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS, with Manny and the herd discovering a lost world of dinosaurs, including a foul-tempered T-rex who runs afoul of Sid. Nice animated feature, with gags designed for young and old alike. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Filmmaker commentary; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; BD-LIVE features; Digital copy of film. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. CHOP SOCKY CHOOKS VOLUME ONE offer the first thirteen episodes of this acclaimed animated series, which serves up eye-popping visuals and inventive storylines. 2 disc set. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. Warner Bros. releases RUBY-SPEARS SUPERMAN, 13 episodes of the’80s-era Saturday morning series produced by Ruby-Spears Productions, with the Man of Steel doing battle with arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. Bonuses: Featurette. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, features 4 episodes of the Saturday morning animated series, with the Dark Knight joining forces with other heroes such as The Green Arrow, Wildcat, Deadman and Blue Beetle. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. Lionsgate releases TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES THE COMPLETE SEASON 7 SET, a 4 disc set featuring 27 episodes of the pizza-munching, kung-fu fighting reptiles and their “gnarly” adventures. Bonuses: Retrospective featurettes; Interviews with cast and creators; Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
DOCUMENTARY DAYS IndiePix releases THE ART STAR AND THE SUDANESE TWINS a look at conceptual artist Vanessa Beecroft and her attempt to adopt Sudanese twins she used in a photo shoot, whether her husband, the government of Sudan, or the local orphanage likes it or not. Fascinating film by award-winning documentarian Pietra Brettkelly. Bonuses: Commentary by Brettkelly; Deleted and extended scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Brave New Films releases MOVEON: THE MOVIE, which focuses on the history of the biggest progressive grassroots movement in the U.S. since the 1960s, MoveOn.org. Created from years of behind-the-scenes footage with MoveOn staff and members, writer/directors Alex Jordanov and Scott Stevenson offer a fascinating look into what might be the future of American politics. Bonuses: Extended interviews with Al Gore and John Kerry; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. RETHINK AFGHANISTAN is acclaimed filmmaker Robert Greenwald’s look at the U.S. policy in Afghanistan, interviewing soldiers, policy-makers on Capitol Hill and Afghani citizens on their views. Not to be missed for anyone with a political conscience. Bonuses: Featurettes; Extended interviews; Commentary by Greenwald. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Medici Arts releases portraits of four acclaimed jazz artists from the Masters of American Music series: LADY DAY: THE MANY FACES OF BILLIE HOLIDAY, takes an intimate look at the doomed chanteuse through archival footage and interviews with friends and colleagues; CELEBRATING BIRD: THE TRIUMPH OF CHARLIE PARKER, looks at the famed saxophonist’s invaluable contribution to modern music, and how his addiction to heroin destroyed him; THELONIUS MONK: AMERICAN COMPOSER offers the first fully-rounded look at the tragically-misunderstood pianist, ringleader of the bebop revolution, and early jazz pioneer; Finally, THE STORY OF JAZZ puts a crown on the Masters of American Music series, blending footage of performances, commentary and interviews to offer rare historic insight into the music of jazz and the culture that it spawned (and vice-versa). Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck and a host of other legendary names contribute to the mix. All are full screen, PCM mono 2.0.
By
Allen Gardner
WATCHMEN—THE ULTIMATE 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, and this “ultimate edition,” also features the animated Tales of the Black Freighter integrated into the story. 5-disc set. Bonuses: 2 all-new commentaries by Snyder and graphic novel co-creator and illustrator Dave Gibbons; Entire Watchmen graphic novel; Documentaries and featurettes; 11 video journals; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
BRUNO (Universal) More cringe-inducing hilarity from Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), this time in character as gay Austrian fashion critic Bruno, traveling the globe in search of the best way to become a celebrity, and offending nearly every category of human demographic (celebrities, politicians, Hasidic Jews, terrorists and cage fighters, to name but a few) along the way. Even more outrageous and scatological (yes) than Borat, but also wears out its welcome more quickly, as well. At 1 hr. 22 min., it could’ve been trimmed a bit. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Over an hour of deleted, alternate, and extended scenes; Bonus interviews. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE UGLY TRUTH (Sony) Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler star in this romantic comedy about a successful morning show producer (Heigl) who locks horns with her misogynistic star (Butler) when he offers her love advice for a new beau who’s entered her life that appears too good to be true. Trite, tired and stale, this is a sit-com made with an A-list cast and budget. With all these resources, this is the best you lot could do? Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Gag reel; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE LIMITS OF CONTROL (Universal/Focus) Jim Jarmusch’s latest is a deadpan thriller about a mysterious loner (Isaach De Bankole) who arrives in Spain with instructions to meet with a disparate group of strangers, each of whom make up one part of his top secret, and deadly, mission. Eclectic cast includes Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Gael Garcia Bernal and John Hurt. Fans of Jarmusch are sure to be delighted by this film’s deliberate pace and offbeat charm. Others, beware! Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THIRST (Universal/Focus) When a young priest finds his life saved by a blood transfusion, he also finds himself turning into a vampire! As he struggles to keep his undead impulses under wraps, a seductive young woman soon unleashes his primal forces in deadly and bloody fashion. Director Park Chan-Wook, who dazzled international audiences with Old Boy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, creates a film that’s swimming in mood, style and eye candy—but lacks a soul to bring it to life. It’s also painfully pretentious at times, particularly as it nears its denouement. Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize, 2009. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER (20th Century Fox) When the biggest geek in school (Paul Rust) professes his love for the most popular girl (Hayden Panettiere) in school during his valedictory speech at graduation, he soon finds his dream girl becoming a reality, but not in the way that he’d hoped. Chris Columbus tries his best at the helm of this too-squeaky clean adaptation (by the book’s author Larry Boyle) of the best-selling book. The film version has the heart, guts (and yes, even the lungs) ripped from it. Too bad. John Hughes did it better in the ‘80s guys. Maybe it’s time to let this genre sleep with the big hair and Reganomics. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate ending; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1-2-3 (Sony) A group of armed robbers, helmed by an uber-psycho John Travolta, highjack a NYC subway train and demand ten million dollars for the release of its passengers. It’s up to subway dispatcher and regular guy Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) to keep the situation in check until the money can be raised, and the troops rallied. Director Tony Scott incorporates his trademark visual razzle-dazzle (and over-direction) of this very disappointing remake of Joseph Sargent’s 1974 classic that had beauty in its simplicity. Washington is superb, as always, but Travolta might as well be in a Bullwinkle cartoon with his over-the-top histrionics. We miss Robert Shaw, Walter Matthau, and Martin Balsam. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Four featurettes; Commentary by Scott, screenwriter Brian Helgeland, producer Todd Black. BD bonuses: Cinechat; MovieIQ; Digital copy of the film. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION (Criterion) Beautifully-restored Kinescopes of original live TV dramas from the 1950s: "Marty" (1953), "No Time for Sergeants" (1955), "A Wind From the South" (1955), "Bang the Drum Slowly" (1956), "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1956), "The Comedian" (1957) and "Days of Wine and Roses" (1958). Conceived by up-and-comers like Rod Serling, Reginald Rose and John Frankenheimer, and starring then-neophyte actors such as Paul Newman, Rod Steiger, Cliff Robertson, Julie Harris, and Piper Laurie. Not only do they not make ‘em like this anymore, but today’s television execs could take a page from these fine programs. Bonuses: Commentary by directors Frankenheimer, Delbert Mann, Ralph Nelson, Daniel Petrie; Interviews with cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
DOWNHILL RACER (Criterion) Michael Ritchie’s cinema-verite look at a narcissistic competitive skier (Robert Redford, excellent in a rare unsympathetic turn) and his quest for glory. Gene Hackman also scores in an early turn as the no-nonsense coach who tries to keep Redford’s ego in check, often to little avail. Contains some of the best skiing footage every committed to celluloid. Bonuses: New interviews with Redford, screenwriter James Salter, editor Robert Harris; Audio excerpts from AFI seminar with Ritchie; Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
GOMORRAH (Criterion) Director Matteo Garrone’s shocking, repellent and magnificent portrait of modern-day organized crime in northern Italy is a cinematic tour-de-force, based on journalist Roberto Saviano’s best-selling expose of the Naples’ mob. We see how the modern mafia infects the lives of every strata of Italian society, from the peasants, to the immigrants, to the middle and upper classes. Garrone paints a unique celluloid tapestry with his nimble camera and fine cast (many of whom are non-pros). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Two disc set bonuses include: Documentary on the film; Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Trailer. BD edition features DTS-HD master audio. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Warner Bros.) Beautiful restoration of Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense masterpiece. Cary Grant stars as a Madison Avenue exec who suddenly finds himself plunged into a world of dangerous blondes (Eva Marie Saint), foreign spies and top secret microfilm. Some of the screen’s greatest set pieces (the crop duster scene is sure to give you goosebumps, still) as well as one of cinema’s greatest love stories, an authentic American classic. Two-disc set bonuses include: Commentary by screenwriter Ernest Lehman; Music-only audio track; New 2009 documentary on Hitchcock; Featurettes; Photo gallery; Trailers and TV spot. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE DEAD (Lionsgate) John Huston’s final film, an epic treatment of James Joyce’s short story, is a rich and exquisite study of a time long past. Angelica Huston and Donal McCann star as a young couple in early 20th century Dublin who converge with family and friends over a holiday feast, where grievances are aired, stories told, and memories of unrequited love stirred as the evening progresses. A fine coda to the career of a remarkable artist. Screenplay by Tony Huston (son and brother of aforementioned Hustons). Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
WINGS OF DESIRE (Criterion) Wim Wenders’ elegant fantasy about an angel (Bruno Ganz) in modern (1987) Berlin who falls in love with a very living trapeze artist and must decide whether to give up his immortality so he can come down to earth and be with her. Shot in gorgeous black & white (and some color, too) by Henri Alekan, Wings remains Wenders’ greatest cinematic achievement, and boasts a charming cameo from the great Peter Falk, playing himself. 2 disc set bonuses include: Commentary by Wenders and Falk; Trailers; Documentary on the film’s production; Featurettes; Deleted scenes and outtakes; Notes and photos by art directors Heidi and Tom Ludi. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WHO IS KK DOWNEY? (IndiePix) Funny examination of ambition, fame and celebrity follows the story of two wannabes (Darren Curtis and Matt Silver) who decide they are sick and tired of trying to make a name for themselves the old-fashioned way. Terrance is trying to make it as a rock star, while Theo dreams of getting his first book published: ‘Truck Stop Hustler,’ a racy look at life on the streets as a junkie prostitute. After a string of humiliations by both publishers and music critics, the two hatch a plan to turn Theo’s fictional book into an autobiography by having Terrance dress up as the story’s protagonist, KK Downey, and claim all the events as having happened to him. All of a sudden the book nobody wanted becomes an overnight literary sensation, and Terrance has realized his dream of becoming famous. But at what price? Great stuff from Montreal comedy group Kidnapper Films. Bonuses: Trailer; Deleted scenes; Outtakes; Commentary by Kidnapper Films; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
COLLECTIBLE COLLECTIONS Several box sets of films hit DVD this month. Here’s a few of note: Sony releases THE THREE STOOGES COLLECTION, VOLUME SEVEN (1952-1954), featuring Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard as everyone’s favorite physically-abusive “knuckleheads.” 22 digitally-remastered shorts feature the boys at the height of their slapstick highjinks. Full and widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono. Universal releases THE CLAUDETTE COLBERT COLLECTION, six films from the popular and versatile actress of the ‘30s and ‘40s: Three Cornered Moon (1933), a comedy featuring Claudette as a resourceful gal who must help make ends meet after her family’s fortune is lost; Maid of Salem (1937) based on the infamous Salem witch trials; I Met Him in Paris (1937), a love story with Claudette and Melvyn Douglas; Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife (1938) pairs Claudette with Gary Cooper; No Time for Love (1943) is an offbeat love story starring Fred MacMurray opposite Claudette; The Egg and I (1947), pairs Claudette with MacMurray once again, this time as newlyweds who decide to uproot from the city to the rural confines of a farm. Bonuses: Documentary on Colbert. All are full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MGM/Fox release six different collections of films by some of today’s most popular actors: THE REEESE WITHERSPOON COLLECTION features the hit comedies Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2; Reese’s debut in the coming of age drama The Man in the Moon; and S.F.W., a satire on the media and the nature of celebrity, co-starring Stephen Dorff. THE WINONA RYDER COLLECTION features the period drama 1969, with Winona growing up during the nation’s most pivotal year; Autumn in New York is a May-December romance pairing Ryder with Richard Gere; Great Balls of Fire stars Ryder as the teenage bride of rocker Jerry Lee Lewis (Dennis Quaid); Mermaids features Ryder and Christina Ricci as the daughters of a very eccentric mother (Cher). THE SUSAN SARANDON COLLECTION features Igby Goes Down, starring Sarandon as the loathsome mother of a 17 year-old trust fund baby (Kieran Culkin); The January Man stars Sarandon opposite Oscar-winner Kevin Kline in John Patrick Shanley’s comedy/thriller about a serial killer on the loose in Manhattan; Something Short of Paradise is an early (1979) turn for Sarandon, here playing an ambitious reporter who finds herself reluctantly falling for David Steinberg’s neurotic theater manager. Think Woody Allen lite. Finally, Thelma & Louise earned Sarandon an Oscar nomination, in the now-classic story of two fugitive women on the lam across the southwest. Helmed by Ridley Scott, and featuring a star-making turn by Brad Pitt. THE MICHELLE PFEIFFER COLLECTION offers up The Fabulous Baker Boys, with Michelle playing a sexy chanteuse for brother act Beau and Jeff Bridges; Love Field stars Pfeiffer as a Dallas housewife who befriends an African-American man (Dennis Haysbert, excellent) the day that JFK is killed; Married to the Mob is a zany comedy with Michelle as a mobster’s widow who must enlist an inept FBI agent (Matthew Modine) to protect her from lecherous godfather Dean Stockwell. The Russia House is a so-so adaptation of John Le Carre’s novel (by Tom Stoppard) with Pfeiffer oddly cast as a Russian woman acting as an emissary between her volatile friend and a British publisher (Sean Connery). THE MICKEY ROURKE COLLECTION features Desperate Hours, an over-the-top remake of the Humphrey Bogart classic, with Rourke as an escaped con who holds a suburban family (led by pater familas Anthony Hopkins) hostage; Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man didn’t help Rourke’s dwindling career spiral in the ‘90s, in this lame action flick that teams him with Don Johnson; The Pope of Greenwich Village is a terrific take (and the best film here) on modern-day losers with big dreams on the fringes in New York City. Great work from Rourke and co-star Eric Roberts. Finally, A Prayer for the Dying should have been a great thriller about an IRA hitman (Rourke) whose latest mission is witnessed by a priest (Bob Hoskins) who grants the assassin sanctuary in his church. All the right elements are there, but it never quite gels. THE ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. COLLECTION features Back to School, one of the ‘80s' best comedies starring Rodney Dangerfield as a middle-aged millionaire who decides to finish college. Downey is a hoot as Rodney’s son (Keith Gordon)’s best pal. Charlie Bartlett features Downey as a slightly clueless high school principal who finds new pupil Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin) appropriately puzzling. Home for the Holidays, directed by Jodie Foster, features Downey as the eccentric brother of a woman dangerously on the brink, offering a combustible mix during a Christmas gathering. Finally, Richard Loncrane’s film of Shakespeare’s Richard III, a modern re-imagining of the story with Sir Ian McKellan in the title role, with Richard as a WW II-era Fascist dictator, is nothing short of brilliant, with Downey offering a fine turn as Lord Rivers, the queen’s brother. All films are widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono, 2.0 surround, 5.1 surround.
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! The TV-to-DVD event of the month is the arrival of A&E's THE PRISONER—THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-ray, timed in conjunction with the series’ remake premiering on AMC November 15. The original 1967 series, starring Patrick McGoohan, is one of television’s finest hours. McGoohan plays an intelligence agent who, for reasons known only to himself, abruptly resigns, and soon finds himself kidnapped to a remote seaside enclave called “The Village.” He is assigned a number, 6, as opposed to a name, and in each episode must match wits with a new Number 2, who tries to get 6 to confess his reasons for resigning. Brilliant blend of metaphor, satire and pure Kafkaesque horror. 5 disc set bonuses include: Feature-length documentary, Don’t Knock Yourself Out, on the series’ production; Featurettes; Original edits of episodes “The Arrival” and “The Chimes of Big Ben”; Crew commentary on select episodes; Archival film clips; Commercial break bumpers; Photo archive; DVD-ROM features. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Sony releases DAWSON’S CREEK—THE COMPLETE SERIES, a massive 24-disc set featuring all 127 episodes of the groundbreaking series about a film crazed teen (James Van Der Beek) and his friends (Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Kerr Smith, Busy Philipps, to name a few of the actors who began the show as neophytes and quickly became household names) who populate a coastal New England town. Bonuses: Interview with creator Kevin Williamson; Trivia game; Collectible book packaging; Soundtrack CD. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. NATALEE HOLLOWAY is based on the true story of the Alabama teen who disappeared during her senior trip to Aruba in 2005. Not bad of its type, helped by a strong cast, especially Tracy Pollan as Natalie’s determined mother. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Disney releases ZORRO: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON and ZORRO: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, both 6 disc sets containing all episodes aired from 1957-1959, beautifully restored from original vault elements. Holds up beautifully, thanks in large part to terrific production values and a star-making turn by Guy Williams in the title role. Bonuses: Introductions by Leonard Maltin; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Collectible pin, lithograph, and certificate of authenticity. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Universal releases BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE PLAN, a feature-length Galactica movie, helmed by star Edward James Olmos, about two powerful leaders of the Cylons who are working separately to destroy the human race, with only the denizens of the battlestar to bring them down. Great fun, loaded with the series’ signature political and social subtext. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Olmos, exec producer/writer Jane Espenson; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. THE ROCKFORD FILES MOVIE COLLECTION VOLUME 1 features four TV-movies featuring a latter-day Jim Rockford (James Garner, still in fine form): “I Still Love L.A.,” “A Blessing in Disguise,” “If the Frame Fits,” and “Godfather Knows Best.” The first, which takes place during the L.A. riots, is the best of the bunch, although Stuart Margolin is a sight for sore eyes as inept conman Angel in “Blessing.” All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 mono. E1 Entertainment releases THE BARBARA STANWYCK SHOW VOLUME 1 features 15 hour-long dramas from Stanwyck’s acclaimed anthology series, co-starring stars such as Lee Marvin, Vic Morrow, Julie London, Ralph Bellamy and Milton Berle. Bonuses: Unaired pilot episode; Stanwyck’s 1961 Emmy acceptance speech; 20-page booklet with commentary by Robert Osborne. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. HEARTLAND SEASON 1, PART 2 continues the adventures of a 15 year-old horse whisperer (Michelle Morgan) and her grandfather (Shaun Johnston) through the highs and lows of their family-owned ranch that rehabilitates neglected horses. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. SHOW ME YOURS THE COMPLETE SERIES follows the adventures of a shrink-turned-sex expert (Rachael Crawford) who is living her dream until her publisher pairs her up with an arrogant, yet irresistible PhD (Adam Harrington) for her next book. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. 20th Century Fox releases BONES SEASON FOUR BODY BAG EDITION, featuring more police procedural adventures from stars David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel. 26 episodes on 5 discs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON features more smart newsroom shenanigans from liberated newswoman Mary Richards (Moore) and her surrogate family of co-workers (Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Betty White, and Cloris Leachman. One of TV’s finest hours, which inspired several spin-offs. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. HBO releases Will Ferrell’s one-man comedy special YOU’RE WELCOME AMERICA: A FINAL NIGHT WITH GEORGE W. BUSH, a hilarious, often scatological and sometimes sad look at our last president, whom Ferrell interprets with both honesty and pure glee. Bonuses: Featurettes; True or false game. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
BLU-RAY TITLES Sony releases a terrific edition of EASY RIDER 40th ANNIVERSARY, the groundbreaking story of two hippie bikers (Peter Fonda and director Dennis Hopper) who sell a major score of coke, stuff the cash in their gastanks, and drive cross-country to Mardis Gras. Jack Nicholson became a star with his turn as a boozed-out Southern lawyer. A classic that is still sadly relevant today. Bonuses: Commentary by Hopper; Documentary on film’s production; Movie IQ via BD-LIVE. Widescreen. Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround. NIGHT OF THE CREEPS is a cult classic horror cheesfest about fraternity pledges who unthaw a circa 1959 college experiment as a prank, then find out too late that the body is infected by an alien creature, which proceeds to overrun the entire campus. Shot at USC in the ‘80s, film is a terrific blend of satire (the college and all the leading characters are named after famous horror movie directors), sci-fi, and full-throttle horror. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Fred Dekker and cast; Deleted scenes and alternate ending; Featurettes; Trivia track; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE, a 1974 cult favorite, which tells the ghoulish tale of two friends (Ray Lovelock and Christine Galbo) who stumble into a small English town that’s been overrun by zombies! Veteran actor Arthur Kennedy plays a relentless detective who is convinced that the two hippy kids are responsible for all the carnage in their wake. Beautifully shot and helmed by renowned Spanish horror maestro Jorge Grau. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers, radio and TV spots; Poster and photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround, Dolby 5.1 surround. MY BRILLIANT CAREER was one of the first films of the “Aussie New Wave” to gain international attention. Judy Davis stars as a free-spirited young woman in early 20th century Australia whose notions of feminism and equality drive her apart from her peers and suitors (Sam Neill) alike. Gillian Armstrong directed this Oscar-nominated classic. Bonuses: Commentary by Armstrong; Interviews with cast and crew; Cannes Film Festival premiere footage; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS 7.1 surround. Lionsgate releases FRAILTY, actor Bill Paxton’s directing debut, about an FBI agent who returns to a small Texas town where a long-dormant serial killer seems to be in action once again. Terrific cast includes Matthew McConaughy, Powers Boothe, Luke Askew and Jeremy Sumpter. Strong, atmospheric thriller, not for the squeamish! Bonuses: Commentary by Paxton, writer Brent Hanley, crew members; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Storyboards; Photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 7.1 surround. RED HEAT is a lame 48 Hrs.-style retread from its director, Walter Hill (who should’ve known better), teaming wisecracking Chicago cop Jim Belushi with hardnosed Moscow officer Arnold Schwarzenegger, who join forces to take down a psychotic Russian mobster who is terrorizing the windy city. Gratuitously violent, not at all funny, and just plain boring. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Universal releases LOVE ACTUALLY, a mostly-successful romantic comedy from the UK about a disparate group of Londoners (Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson, to name a few) and their adventures in and out of love. Written and directed by Richard Curtis. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music videos; Commentary by Curtis, Grant, Bill Nighy, Thomas Sangster. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases SAY ANYTHING…20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, Cameron Crowe’s directing debut is the smart, funny and sometimes painful story of a hopelessly average, but big-hearted guy (John Cusack) who falls for his class’ beautiful valedictorian (Ione Skye), beginning an unlikely romance that puzzles everyone, particularly the girl’s father (John Mahoney, excellent). Holds up beautifully. Bonuses: Commentary by Crowe, Skye, and Cusack; Retrospective documentary; Featurettes; Alternate, extended and deleted scenes; Trivia track; Trailers and TV spots; Photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. James Toback’s TWO GIRLS AND A GUY stars Robert Downey, Jr. as a philanderer who finds himself confronted by the two women in his life (Natasha Gregson Wagner and Heather Graham). Tough, funny and downright dirty at times, a real mixture of acting and filmmaking that cooks with gas and scenes that fall flat on their face. Worth a look for the good stuff, though. Downey is terrific. Bonuses: NC-17 and R-rated versions of the film; Interview with Toback; Commentary by Toback, Downey and Wagner; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround. Miramax releases THE KEVIN SMITH COLLECTION, featuring his hits Clerks, about New Jersey convenience story employees who battle their ennui with ribald conversation; Chasing Amy, Smith’s best film, a modern take on the battle of the sexes with star Ben Affleck falling for committed lesbian Joey Lauren Adams; and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, a less-than-stellar tale of Smith’s slacker heroes Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) who journey to Hollywood to stop a movie about them from being made. Skip this one. Bonuses: Commentary by Smith, cast and crew; Featurettes; Alternate cuts on Clerks; Interviews with cast and crew; Outtakes and deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
ANIMATION NATION Disney/Pixar releases UP, the delightful tale of a pensioner (voiced by Ed Asner) who attaches thousands of helium balloons to his tiny house to travel across the globe to the exotic land of his boyhood dreams. Little does he know, a pint-sized Wilderness Explorer (think Cub Scout) has stowed away on his front porch, adding more drama to his adventurous journey. Possibly Pixar’s finest hour: a delightful blend of humor, visual splendor and pathos. 4 disc set bonuses include: Blu-ray and regular DVD versions of the film; Theatrical shorts; Featurettes; Alternate scenes; Games; 8 documentaries; Trailers and TV spots; DVD-ROM features. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. TINKER BELL’S LOST TREASURE is sure to please the little people in your house, with Tink starring in an all-new adventure, finding herself in deep trouble when she accidentally puts all of her hometown of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, and must travel across the sea on a secret quest to put things right. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film; Featurettes; Games; Music videos; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. MICKEY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS has Mickey Mouse and pals (Winnie the Pooh, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, and others from the Disney world) gathering for four holiday tales, including The Nutcracker and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Again, sure to please the little folks in your house. Bonuses: Premiere episode of “House of Mouse”; Sing-along songs; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases ICE AGE DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS, with Manny and the herd discovering a lost world of dinosaurs, including a foul-tempered T-rex who runs afoul of Sid. Nice animated feature, with gags designed for young and old alike. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Filmmaker commentary; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; BD-LIVE features; Digital copy of film. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. CHOP SOCKY CHOOKS VOLUME ONE offer the first thirteen episodes of this acclaimed animated series, which serves up eye-popping visuals and inventive storylines. 2 disc set. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. Warner Bros. releases RUBY-SPEARS SUPERMAN, 13 episodes of the’80s-era Saturday morning series produced by Ruby-Spears Productions, with the Man of Steel doing battle with arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. Bonuses: Featurette. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, features 4 episodes of the Saturday morning animated series, with the Dark Knight joining forces with other heroes such as The Green Arrow, Wildcat, Deadman and Blue Beetle. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. Lionsgate releases TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES THE COMPLETE SEASON 7 SET, a 4 disc set featuring 27 episodes of the pizza-munching, kung-fu fighting reptiles and their “gnarly” adventures. Bonuses: Retrospective featurettes; Interviews with cast and creators; Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
DOCUMENTARY DAYS IndiePix releases THE ART STAR AND THE SUDANESE TWINS a look at conceptual artist Vanessa Beecroft and her attempt to adopt Sudanese twins she used in a photo shoot, whether her husband, the government of Sudan, or the local orphanage likes it or not. Fascinating film by award-winning documentarian Pietra Brettkelly. Bonuses: Commentary by Brettkelly; Deleted and extended scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Brave New Films releases MOVEON: THE MOVIE, which focuses on the history of the biggest progressive grassroots movement in the U.S. since the 1960s, MoveOn.org. Created from years of behind-the-scenes footage with MoveOn staff and members, writer/directors Alex Jordanov and Scott Stevenson offer a fascinating look into what might be the future of American politics. Bonuses: Extended interviews with Al Gore and John Kerry; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. RETHINK AFGHANISTAN is acclaimed filmmaker Robert Greenwald’s look at the U.S. policy in Afghanistan, interviewing soldiers, policy-makers on Capitol Hill and Afghani citizens on their views. Not to be missed for anyone with a political conscience. Bonuses: Featurettes; Extended interviews; Commentary by Greenwald. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Medici Arts releases portraits of four acclaimed jazz artists from the Masters of American Music series: LADY DAY: THE MANY FACES OF BILLIE HOLIDAY, takes an intimate look at the doomed chanteuse through archival footage and interviews with friends and colleagues; CELEBRATING BIRD: THE TRIUMPH OF CHARLIE PARKER, looks at the famed saxophonist’s invaluable contribution to modern music, and how his addiction to heroin destroyed him; THELONIUS MONK: AMERICAN COMPOSER offers the first fully-rounded look at the tragically-misunderstood pianist, ringleader of the bebop revolution, and early jazz pioneer; Finally, THE STORY OF JAZZ puts a crown on the Masters of American Music series, blending footage of performances, commentary and interviews to offer rare historic insight into the music of jazz and the culture that it spawned (and vice-versa). Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck and a host of other legendary names contribute to the mix. All are full screen, PCM mono 2.0.
Good for you in calling out THIRST. Boring. And WHO IS KK DOWNEY is an admirable (and memorable) exhibition of comedic characterizations.
ReplyDeleteWill put the BARBARA STANWYCK collection on my wishlist. An amazing actress unrivaled today.