DVD Playhouse: June 2010

DVD PLAYHOUSE—JUNE 2010
By
Allen Gardner

THE WHITE RIBBON (Sony) On the eve of WW I, a small village in Germany is struck by a series of tragic, seemingly unconnected events until the townspeople, and the audience, start to connect the dots. Shot in stark, beautiful black & white, director Michael Haneke has fashioned a haunting metaphorical drama that is as coldly chilling as anything made by Ingmar Bergman, and darkly unsettling as anything from the canon of David Lynch. A rich, tough, brilliant cinematic experience you’re not likely to forget. Also available on Blu-ray disc. BD bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; featurettes. Widescreen Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Disney) Tim Burton’s take on the Lewis Carroll classic finds young Alice (Mia Wasikowska), a 19th century girl who finds herself in an unhappy engagement to a boorish suitor, tumbling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, where she encounters magical cakes, mischievous rabbits, and one very mad hatter (Johnny Depp) who tries to help keep Alice’s head off the evil Queen (Helena Bonham Carter)’s chopping block. Eye-popping CGI is so rich and vibrant with color and detail, the viewer almost feels as though he or she could reach out and touch it—and therein lies the problem with this magnificent, opulent production: it’s TOO eye-popping! If Burton had toned down the visuals slightly and balanced them out with the story and characters contained therein, he would have had a modern classic on his hands. As it is, the real world scenes at the beginning and end work brilliantly, but Wonderland fries your senses dead within about ten minutes of its frenetic, surreal beauty washing over, and ultimately drowning you. Young Wasikowska is a real find as the plucky Alice. Available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo back. Bonuses: Featurettes; Character profiles; Games; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE BOOK OF ELI (Warner Bros.) Fun post-apocalyptic western from Allen and Albert Hughes about a lone wanderer (are there any other kind?), played by Denzel Washington, who carries the last copy of a sacred text which could be the blueprint for a renewed society and civilization. In the wrong hands, however, such as those of warloard Gary Oldman, it could be the hammer of a despot. Familiar territory, to be sure, but executed with skill and aplomb, and, we get the feeling, with most of the cast and crew's tongues very firmly in-cheek. Nice support from Mila Kunis, Jennifer Beals, Ray Stevenson and the great Michael Gambon. Also available on Blu-ray disc. BD Bonuses: Storyboard-to-screen comparisons; Featurettes that explore the film's produciton as well as the historical and mythological roots of the film's central themes; Soundtrack featurette. Other bonuses: Additional scenes; Animated short. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
RED DESERT (Criterion) Michelangelo Antonioni’s first color film, from 1964, is a visual feast. Addressing his usual theme of alienation, Antonioni this time attacks the spiritual desolation of the technological age, with Monica Vitti playing a bourgeois woman who wanders through a bleak industrial landscape, laid to waste by factories, power stations and pollution. Along the way, she may, or may not, be falling for her husband’s co-worker (Richard Harris), who seems unsure of his feelings, as well. Antonioni’s most controversial film, which most viewers and critics either hail as a masterpiece or slam as a pretentious bore. A true cinematic litmus test, if there ever was one. Decide for yourself. Also available on Blu-ray disc, in a stunning transfer. Bonuses: Commentary by Italian film scholar David Forgacs; Archival interviews with Antonioni and Vitti; Two short documentaries about Antonioni; Dailies from original production; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
A SINGLE MAN (Sony) Spellbinding, beautiful film directing debut from designer Tom Ford, adapted from Christopher Isherwood's novel, about a college professor (Colin Firth, who gives the performance of his career) in 1962 L.A. who, following the sudden death of his lover (Matthew Goode), finds himself slowly losing his very carefully-orchestrated grip on life. Julliane Moore is also dazzling in support as a self-loathing, lonely Beverly Hills matron whose own grief nearly overshadows Firth's. Top-drawer in every respect, and not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses on BD: MovieSynch and BD-LIVE features including trivia, cast bios, and more. Bonuses: Commentary by Ford; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
EVERLASTING MOMENTS (Criterion) Jan Troell’s study of early feminism in turn-of-the-last century Sweden is a moving, heart-felt tale. A young woman (Maria Heiskanen), stuck in poverty and an abusive marriage, finds an outlet in the burgeoning art of photography, eventually realizing her own voice and identity for the first time. Gorgeously shot in sepia tones that recall vintage tintype photos of the late 19th and early 20th century, Everlasting Moments is a restrained gem of a film that could only have come from the hands of a master, like Troell. Based on a true story. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Short documentary about the film’s production; Collection of photos from the woman on whom the film is based; Documentary on Troell; Trailer. Widescreen; DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
UNTHINKABLE (Sony) The terror alert is raised to red when a nuclear expert-turned-terrorist (Michael Sheen, excellent as always) plants nukes in three unnamed major American cities. When he's captured, an idealistic FBI agent (Carrie-Ann Moss) must join forces with a no-holds-barred intelligence operative/interrogator (Samuel L. Jackson, who chews the scenery with aplomb) to get the locations of the devices from the extremist, by any means necessary...or not. Tense thriller is raised up several notches by fine cast and a top-flight script by Peter Woodward (son of the late actor Edward Woodward). Strangely relegated straight to DVD by Sony, when this very solid thriller surely would have made a worthy theatrical release, especially given the utter wasteland that currently populates the nation's multiplexes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Extended version of the film with alternate ending; Commentary by director Gregor Jordan. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (Sony) Fun animated story, based on the popular 1980s children's book, about a young inventor who comes up with a device that can convert water into any food on Earth, saving the citizens of his tiny island from their mundance dependence on the sardines which they catch, can, and must live on day-in, day-out. But, as always with too much of a good thing, events get out of hand, with the machine developing a mind of its own, and running amock, slamming the island with spaghetti tornadoes and raining giant meatballs which threaten the entire population. Enjoyable most of the way through, but then engages in sensory overload in the extreme, particularly with its impressive 3D effects which, while techincally amazing, also prove that too much of a good thing is...well, too much! Also playable in 2D. Nice voice work from Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Benjamin Bratt and Mr. T (!), to name a few. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Extended scenes; Music video; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround.
CLOSE-UP (Criterion) Acclaimed film from Iranian helmer Abbas Kiarostami: a fiction/documentary hybrid that uses a real-life event: the arrest of a man on charges that he fraudulently assumed the identity of a famous filmmaker, to create a stunning examination of the nature of reality, movies and popular culture, identity, and existence, heightened all the more by the real people from the case playing themselves. A fascinating, utterly unique work. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Kiarostami’s biographers; The Traveler, Kiarostami’s first feature; Documentaries and featurettes; Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE GREATEST (E1 Entertainment) Solid family drama about a grieving couple (Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan, who also exec produced) mourning the loss of their son. When the son's girlfriend (Carey Mulligan, fine as always) shows up on their doorstep, pregnant with their grandchild, old feelings and emotions rise to the surface, pushing the already-delicate fabric of the family closer to unraveling. Honest, powerful story pulls no punches in its warts-and-all depiction of its characters. Brosnan and Sarandon deliver some of their finest work, with fine support from Michael Shannon, Zoe Kravitz, Aaron Johnson and Johnny Simmons. Bonuses: Interviews with cast members; Deleted scenes. Widescreeen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS/THE FOUR MUSKETEERS (Lions Gate) Double feature of Richard Lester’s hit films, based on Alexander Dumas’ popular writings, that tell the classic tale of four mercenaries (Michael York, Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain, Frank Finlay) who join forces to fight corruption in the court of Louis XIII. All-star cast features Charlton Heston, Raquel Welch (in her best role), Faye Dunaway, Christopher Lee, Geraldine Chaplin, Roy Kinnear, and Jean-Pierre Cassel, to name a few. Originally shot as one epic film, then cut into two separate features by director Lester, released a year apart (1973, ’74). Both hold up beautifully. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
SMALL TOWN SATURDAY NIGHT (Lions Gate) Nice “kitchen sink” story about a small town musician (Chris Pine) who dreams of traveling to Nashville to pursue his dreams of being a singer/songwriter, dreams which his less-ambitious girlfriend (Bre Blair) doesn’t share. Honest, unsentimental slice-of-life story pulls no punches, and is reminiscent of similar films which came out the UK in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. Bonuses: Trailer gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
CINEMA PRIDE COLLECTION (20th Century Fox) Terrific box set of films that deal with gay and lesbian themes, dating from the early ‘60s with Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour, to recent titles such as Kissing Jessica Stein. All ten films are masterpieces of their genre, using comedy and drama alike to bring their stories to life. The films are: The Children’s Hour, La Cage Aux Folles; Boys Don’t Cry, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Bent; Kissing Jessica Stein; The Birdcage; Imagine Me & You; The Object of My Affection; and My Beautiful Laundrette. All are widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono, 2.0 surround, 5.1 surround.
ELVIS 75th BIRTHDAY COLLECTION (20th Century Fox) Terrific collection of Elvis Presley pictures, including two of his best (Don Siegel’s Flaming Star, from 1960, and Clifford Odets’ Wild in the Country, from 1961). The other titles are all enjoyable, if standard, Presley fare, with Love Me Tender (1956), Elvis’ first film, the standout of that lot. The entire set contains: Clambake, Flaming Star, Follow That Dream, Frankie and Johnny, Kid Galahad, Love Me Tender, and Wild in the Country. All are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 mono and surround.
STOLEN (IFC Films) Solid drama tells parallel stories, set 50 years apart: Josh Lucas plays a distraught single father in 1958 whose mentally-impaired son goes missing after an evening of carousing. 50 years later, small town cop Jon Hamm finds himself reopening the old case when a child’s bones are discovered during the excavation of a construction site, the remains dating back 50 years, and the case triggering the painful memory of Hamm’s own missing son, who may have fallen prey to the same serial killer. Excellent support from James Van Der Beek and veteran Joanna Cassidy. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
YOUTH IN REVOLT (Sony) Enjoyable, and surprisingly edgy, coming-of-age comedy starring Michael Cera as angsty teen intellectual Nick Twisp, a lad desperately trying to bed the beautiful Sheeni (Portia Doubleday) whom he meets while on a family vacation. With Sheeni’s encouragement, Nick abandons his safe, risk-free life to create alter-ego Francois Dillinger, a Euro-trash fop who smokes Gittanes, wears an ascot, and will bend in any direction to win Sheeni’s carnal favors. Funny and winning from start to finish, with a sense of intelligence and literacy that is lacking from most of today’s teen comedies (or just about any genre, for that matter). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes and animated sequences; Audition footage; Commentary with Cera and director Miguel Arteta. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
MARY AND MAX (IFC Films) Delightfully odd claymation film from Down Under about the pen-pal relationship between 8 year-old Daisy (voiced by Toni Collette), a lonely little girl in the suburbs of Melbourne, and Max Horowitz (voiced by Philip Seymour Hoffman), an obese, middle-ager with Asperger’s Syndrome, living in New York City. Over two decades, their long-distance relationship covers life-changing moments, odd burgeoning interests and the always-changing human condition. Fascinating, heartbreaking and quite funny. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailers; Commentary by filmmaker Adam Elliot; Featurettes; Alternate scenes; Casting call; Short film by Elliot, Harvie Krumpet. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
CONTROL ALT DELETE (E1 Entertainment) Funny low-budget comedy about a geeky computer programmer named Lewis (Tyler Labine) who, on the eve of the millennium, gets dumped by his girlfriend. With Y2K threatening to wreak havoc on the world, Lewis takes his online obsession to an entirely new level, putting his job, and his happiness, on the edge. Very cute, enjoyable romantic comedy. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE PROFESSIONAL (Lions Gate) Fun escapist adventure from 1981 stars Jean-Paul Belmondo as a secret agent on a mission to assassinate a corrupt foreign dictator. When he finds himself betrayed by his own government, and left for dead in an African jail, this very angry Gaul warrior sets out to plot his escape and take revenge on those responsible. Tough, no frills action thriller with lots of explosions and pre-CGI action. Fun to see an old-school thriller like this for a change! Nice score by the great, and prolific, Ennio Morricone. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
REMEMBER ME (Summit Entertainment) Solid drama about a young man (Robert Pattinson) from an affluent family whose chance encounter with a fellow troubled soul (Emilie de Ravin, excellent) offers him the chance of love and redemption. Directed with a sure hand by Allen Coulter, with fine support from Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Lena Olin. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and director Coulter; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
WHEN IN ROME (Touchstone/Disney) Serviceable romantic comedy stars Kristin Bell as a romantically luckless New York museum curator who travels to Rome for her sister’s wedding. While there, she plucks some coins from the fabled Fontana de Amore, magically igniting amorous feelings from every unworthy suitor in the vicinity, until she encounters dreamy reporter Josh Duhamel. While she finds her feelings are mutual, how does she know if their love is real, or a result of the fountain’s legendary magic? A great date movie, if there ever was one. Also available on Blu-ray disc. BD bonuses: Alternate opening and ending; Featurettes; Extended scenes. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Bloopers; Music videos. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
STARSTRUCK (Disney) Tween-aimed musical about a young pop star (Sterling Knight) who finds himself falling for a small town girl (Danielle Campbell) he encounters against the backdrop of Hollywood glitz and glamour. Not bad of its type, but will most definitely be appreciated more by those with fewer days on their calendar. 2 disc extended edition features the movie, plus a soundtrack album with 12 original tracks. Bonuses: Extended movie score; Three music videos; Sing-along with the movie. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SHINJUKU INCIDENT (Sony) Slam-bang adventure starring Jackie Chan as a Chinese laborer who emigrates to Japan, hoping for a better life, and quickly finds himself rising up the ladder in the black market underworld. As a reward for his business aplomb, the local Yakuza boss rewards him with control of Tokyo’s lucrative Shinjuku district, where he must fight rival gangs to keep control of his turf. One of Chan’s rare completely dramatic outings, and it’s a winner from start to finish, with a gritty, authentic feel, some truly shocking violence, and terrific fight scenes. Bonuses: Commentary by Chan; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ONCE MORE WITH FEELING (IFC Films) Chazz Palminteri stars as a successful psychologist who finds himself hooked on the world of karaoke singing, and rediscovering his childhood dream of becoming a singer. The good doctor soon finds himself involved with a sultry fellow-lounge singer (Linda Fiornetino), and his old life coming apart at the seams. Fine supporting cast includes Drea de Matteo, in a hilarious turn as Palminteri’s daughter, and Maria Tucci. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.




DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! HBO releases CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON, featuring all ten episodes on two discs. Former Seinfeld co-creator/writer Larry David’s quasi-improvisational black comedy about his life and misadventures continues to beguile and tickle our collective funny bones. Features the long-awaited reunion of the Seinfeld cast, which has to be seen to be believed! Bonuses: Featurettes; Interview with David and Seinfeld cast. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. HUNG, THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, stars Thomas Jane as Ray Drecker, a former high school superstar who finds that the adult world has left him behind. After losing his wife, suffering a pay cut as a coach at his old school, and losing a good portion of his house to a fire, Ray turns to the one thing that he’s always been good at: lovin’, thanks in (very) large part to the endowment nature has given him, Ray becomes a reluctant male prostitute, with recovering hippie Tanya (Jane Adams) as his equally-reluctant pimp. Funny, barbed social satire pushes the envelope in spades, and mostly delivers. Anne Heche is a hoot as Jane’s gold-digger ex-wife. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Audio commentaries by series creators and executive producers, and writer Brett C. Leonard. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. ENTOURAGE, THE COMPLETE SIXTH SEASON, features more cynical Hollywood adventures from E, Vince, Turtle, Drama and the rest of the crew, as Vince once again finds his career in high gear after landing the lead role in Gatsby, directed by Martin Scorsese. Smart, scathing Hollywood satire is still irresistible and has lost none of its comic edge after all this time. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen Dolby 5.1 surround. Acorn Media releases more great titles from across the Pond: DOC MARTIN, SERIES 4 features Martin Clunes as an ill-tempered physician in the small, seaside town of Portwenn, who must deal with life, love and increasingly difficult patients on a daily basis. Will the doc finally leave Portwenn behind, and return to London to be the successful surgeon he once was? Very funny, clever social comedy. Eight episodes on two discs. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. STEALING HITLER is an uproarious farce, based on a true story, starring Jonathan Pryce as a German reporter who stumbles upon a story that involves the “lost” diaries of Adolph Hitler! When he convinces the legendary Stern Magazine to cough up millions for the story, reviving his sagging career in the process, he has no idea that it’s all been the work of a small-time forger (Alexei Sayle) in Stuttgart, who has been churning the books out for the highest bidder. Five episodes on two discs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. LIFE ON MARS, THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, features the entire groundbreaking British series, later unsuccessfully re-booted for U.S. television, about a present-day cop (John Simm) in Manchester who is hit by a car, and wakes up in 1973…as a cop in Manchester, where the rules of the game are very, very different. Terrific blend of police procedural, social commentary and sci-fi, which knew well enough to end on a high note. 16 episodes on 8 discs. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew on series one; Featurettes; Outtakes; Documentary on the series’ production. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. TOUCHING EVIL, THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, follows the adventures of Detective Inspector Dave Creegan (Robson Green) of the Organized and Serial Crime Unit, which takes on the biggest evildoers in Britain. Tough, disturbing drama isn’t afraid to pull punches, and doesn’t, and will never show up on U.S. network TV as a result. Our advice: get this terrific box set, and don’t look back! 8 episodes on 5 discs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Sony releases HAWTHORNE, THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, stars Jada Pinkett Smith as a nurse in a big city hospital who finds that her life is a daily battle, whether it’s seeing that all patients get equal medical care, battling the egos of the hospitals top doctors and administrators, or dealing with the death of her husband. Fine drama features solid support from Christina Moore, Suleka Mathew, Hannah Hodson, Michael Vartan, Judy Reyes, and Malcolm Jamal-Warner, with the welcome presence of the venerable Cloris Leachman. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interview with Pinkett Smith. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases FAMILY GUY, VOLUME EIGHT features 15 new episodes of the beloved animated series on 3 discs. Mixes gleefully offensive humor with an equal dose of heart, courtesy of creator Seth MacFarlane. Features extended, uncensored episodes considered too hot for TV! Bonuses: Commentary by MacFarlane, cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Family Guy karaoke. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. BURN NOTICE, SEASON THREE features more adventures of the seemingly indestructible Michael Western who, in spite of his good intentions, finds himself with a hard-nosed lady cop on his tail, leaving sidekick Sam and femme fatale Fiona to watch his back. 4 disc set contains 16 episodes. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. AMERICAN DAD, VOLUME 5 (UNCENSORED) features more twisted animated adventures from the subversive comic minds of Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman and Seth MacFarlane, following the two-fisted life of CIA agent Stan Smith, a one-man war on terror, and his expectedly dysfunctional family. Season five finds Stan in pursuit of the most all-American of past-times: revenge! 3 disc set contains 14 episodes. Bonuses: Trivia track; Deleted scenes; Drinking game; Commentary by cast and crew. Full screen . Dolby 5.1 surround. ABC Family releases THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, VOLUME FOUR, the network’s celebrated drama that takes a fly-on-the-wall look at contemporary teen life. Authentic-feeling drama cleverly casts Brat Pack vet Molly Ringwald as one of the kids’ overloaded parents. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases ER, THE COMPLETE THIRTEENTH SEASON, featuring more drama from the inner-city hospital emergency room sprung from the fertile mind of the late Michael Crichton. Season thirteen finds venerable Dr. Weaver leaving the hospital, and intern Dr. Tony Gates arriving with a straightforward attitude and complicated personal life. Love, death, birth and lots of gauze. What more can you ask for in a primetime drama? Bonuses: Unaired scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. SANCTUARY, THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, follows Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping), a scientist specializing in the paranormal, who seeks out all breeds of monstrous creatures with the potential of wreaking havoc, or panic, on mankind. Aided by her trusty team of minions (Ryan Robbins, Agam Darshi, Robin Dunne, Christopher Heyerdahl) the Sanctuary team tracks down, studies and tries to protect the strange and terrifying creatures that secretly populate our world. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes; Bloopers and outtakes; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.



BLU BAYOU Some of the best titles arriving on Blu-ray disc this month include Criterion’s BD release of Luchino Visconti’s THE LEOPARD, the 1963 classic starring Burt Lancaster as an aristocrat in 1860 Sicily who can’t quite fathom the social and political changes that are unifying Italy, and changing the antiquated values by which he’s lived his life. One of the great epic films, full of lush visual beauty, stunning battle scenes, and equally-powerful quiet moments. Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale make one of the screens great pair of lovers, as well. Blu-ray transfer practically pops off the screen, making this restored masterpiece look as if it were shot yesterday, instead of nearly 50 years ago. Hugely influential on generations of filmmakers after its release, it has been cited by Francis Ford Coppola as his primary inspiration for how he shot The Godfather films. Two disc set. Bonuses: Original Italian-language 185 minute cut and the 161 minute U.S. release, with English-dubbed dialogue; Retrospective documentary on the film’s production; Interview with film scholar Millicent Marcus; Trailers and newsreels; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono. MGM/Fox release the long-awaited BD version of THE MAN WITH NO NAME TRILOGY, Sergio Leone’s classics trio of “spaghetti Westerns” that made an international star of former TV actor Clint Eastwood: A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly have never looked or sounded better, with the latter ranking as a true masterpiece of the genre, and shown here in its restored, 179 minute version. Bonuses include: Commentary by film historians Christopher Frayling and Richard Schickel; Featurettes; American versions of the films; Network prologue for Fistful featuring Harry Dean Stanton; Documentaries on Leone and how the trilogy changed the modern Western; Trailers and TV spots; Easter eggs. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Eastwood’s first American Western, heavily-influenced by his Italian work, was 1968’s HANG ‘EM HIGH, with Clint playing an honest cowpoke who finds himself (unjustly) on the wrong end of a hangman’s noose at the hands of a crooked lawman (Ed Begley). When Clint survives, he sets out for revenge! Solid oater with fine support from Pat Hingle, Inger Stevens and (briefly) Dennis Hopper at his unhinged best. 2 disc set includes Blu-ray and regular DVD copies. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK is writer/director Randall Wallace (Braveheart)’s reboot of Dumas’ Three Musketeers, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu and Gabriel Byrne. Great fun, and appropriately gritty and dark, as opposed to the Disney-fied versions we’ve seen in years past. Contains BD and DVD versions of the film. Bonuses: Commentary by Wallace; Featurettes; Storyboard/conceptual drawings gallery. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE ILLUSIONIST is a deft cinematic sleight-of-hand starring Edward Norton as an illusionist who has captivated 19th century Vienna, including Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). When Leopold’s fiancée (Jessica Biel) finds herself falling for Norton, the Prince’s interest turns to obsession, and the city’s Chief of police (Paul Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime! Features BD and regular DVD versions. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Neil Burger; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Paramount/Lions Gate releases Barry Levinson’s JIMMY HOLLYWOOD, starring Joe Pesci as a struggling actor who can’t get arrested, but finds himself besieged by crime in his tough Hollywood ‘hood. Fed up, he assumes a new identity, “Jericho,” and recruits his spaced-out buddy (Christian Slater) to help him form a vigilante group that videotapes bad guys, then turns the tapes over to the cops. Spotty comedy/satire has some nice moments and is worth a look, but doesn’t rank among Levinson’s best. Pesci is very funny. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. LADYBUGS is a serviceable, if unexceptional, Rodney Dangerfield vehicle, featuring the least-respected comic in show biz playing a salesman who tries to impress his boss by volunteering to coach the company-sponsored girls’ soccer team. When he realizes that his players are hopelessly inept, Rodney recruits his fiancées soccer star son (the late Jonathan Brandis) to dress in drag and be the team’s ringer. Cute comedy, aimed at the kids. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. SHOWGIRLS, 15th ANNIVERSARY SINSATIONAL EDITION is a nice BD transfer of Paul Verhoeven and Joe Eszterhas' notorious trainwreck about a naif (Elizabeth Berkley) who arrives in Las Vegas with dreams of being a showgirl, and winds up becoming its premiere stripper instead. One of those rare gems that seems to take utter glee in its awfulness, which is why it endures as a cult/camp favorite. Game supporting cast includes Gina Gershon, Kyle MacLachlan and Glenn Plummer. Also earns points for being one of the few films that was made to embrace the NC-17 rating, which may have helped contribute to the NC's becoming a scarlett letter. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by David Schmader; Trvia track; Featurettes; Stripper tutorial; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases UNCLE SAM, a low-buget gorefest starring a who’s-who of horror film vets. During a 4th of July weekend, a small town’s recently buried hero of the first Gulf War rises from the dead to punish the unpatriotic. Quite campy and fun, if you can accept the ridiculousness of its premise. Cast includes Isaac Hayes, P.J. Soles, Timothy Bottoms, William Smith, Robert Forster. Directed by horror icon William Lustig and penned by the equally-renowned Larry Cohen. Bonuses: Commentary by Lustig, Cohen and producer George G. Braunstein; 2nd commentary with Lustig and Hayes; Featurette on stunts with commentary from stunt coordinator Spiro Razatos; Deleted scene; Gag reel; Trailer; Poster and still galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround.



DOCUMENTARY DAYS Reality has never looked or sounded better with the release of these new titles. Indiepix releases ESTILO HIP HOP, a portrait of three hip hop activists from Brazil, Chile and Cuba who believe that their music can help change the world. Warts-and-all film shows the young men struggling with day-to-day life, while still trying to keep their eyes on the prize. Bonuses: Origins of hip hop documentary. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. IT CAME FROM KUCHAR profiles the underground films of twins George and Mike Kuchar, who went from the 1960s New York underground film scene of Andy Warhol, Kenneth Anger, et al, to become the twin maestros of B-movie glamour and sleaze. Terrifically entertaining look at two uncompromising artists and their process. Bonuses: Commentary by the Kuchar brothers and director Jennifer M. Kroot; Deleted and extended scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. A&E releases PARANORMAL COPS, THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE, following a group of real-life Chicago police officers who apply their forensic and investigative expertise to paranormal casework. Sort of a documentary version of The X-Files, and nearly as thrilling and suspenseful as the classic series was. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Additional footage. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. New Video/History Channel releases HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE, THE COMPLETE SEASON TWO, a 4 disc set containing all 13 episodes of the popular series, which takes a scientific, and visually stunning look at how the Earth, as we know it today, was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, floods, and other natural disasters. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. ICE ROAD TRUCKERS, THE COMPLETE SEASON THREE, is a 3 disc set of the reality series which follows big rig truckers who navigate the treacherous frozen roads of northern Alaska. Some truly heart-pounding sequences, made all the more so when you realize it’s the real thing! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Additional footage. Full screen. DTS-HD 2.0 audio. AMERICAN PICKERS, THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE follows the scavenging adventures of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who trawl the backroads of America for antiques, knick-knacks and other collectible pieces of memorabilia and pop culture which people have unwittingly discarded. Fascinating look at the other side of the antique business. 3 disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Disinformation releases WORLD CUP SOCCER IN AFRICA. WHO REALLY WINS?, which takes a conceptual look at the effect this year’s World Cup will have on the society and economy of South Africa, particularly once the games are over, and the players and fans return home. Candid film features commentary from such luminaries as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, sports celebrities and ordinary South Africans. Fascinating and incendiary film. Bonuses: Extended interviews; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Athena releases WORLD WAR I IN COLOR, a tremendous compilation of archival footage of the first World War that has been meticulously colorized under the guidance of expert historians. Narrated by Kenneth Branagh, series also features archival interviews with WW I vets, who recall their terrifying experiences in the trenches, as well as chats with historians who shed light on the 20th century’s first epic-scale war. Six episodes on three discs. Bonuses: Featurettes; Biographies; Viewer’s guide. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. VENICE REVEALED is hosted by historian Peter Ackroyd, who takes a look at the social and artistic history of one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. 4 episode series on 4 discs. Bonuses: Viewer’s guide; Biographies; Featurette; Web extras. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.



FOR THE KIDDIES Paramount/Nickelodeon release the impressive boxed set of AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER, THE COMPLETE BOOK 1, an eye-popping animated series about twelve-year-old Aang, a reluctant and irresponsible boy who must face his destiny as the Avatar, the Chosen One who can restore the world order. Epic treatment of an oft-told story, but this version is so well-done, you’re willing to overlook the familiarity and clichés that abound. Sure to please the kids in your house. Seven disc set features a host of bonuses: Behind-the-scenes documentary; Conceptual art gallery; Interviews with the creative team; Featurettes; Preview edition of the Avatar book. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. YO GABBA GABBA! CLUBHOUSE features four animated adventures from the popular Nickelodeon series: “Clubhouse,” “Adventure,” “Summer,” and “Animals.” Perfect fare for those aged 5 and under. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. ICARLY: I SAVED YOUR LIFE is Nick’s tween-oriented series, and this DVD collection features two movies (iSaved Your Life, extended director’s cut and iQuit iCarly) and three TV episodes (“iThink They Kissed,” “iTwins,” and “iMove Out.” Bonuses: Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lions Gate releases JIM HENSON’S DOG CITY, an Emmy award-winning family classic, sending up gangster films with an all-dog puppet cast. Follow the cops and gangsters of Dog City in the 1930s as they battle for territory, bones, and control of Dog City itself. Very clever stuff, sure to please kids and adults alike. Bonuses: Concept art gallery; Photo gallery. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Warner Bros. releases HOT WHEELS BATTLE FORCE 5, SEASON ONE, VOLUME TWO, featuring more animated adventures of Very, Aguar, Stanford, Zoom, Sherman and Spinner who must stick together to save the world from destruction. Some nice animation, obviously influenced by Japanese Anime. Six episodes on one disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. SESAME STREET FIREFLY FUN AND BUGGY BUDDIES features all-entomological-themed episodes from the classic PBS kids’ show. Episodes include “Elmo’s World: Bugs,” “Slimey’s Pet Bug, Dirty,” and “Fly, Little Firefly.” Again, perfect for ages 5 and under, and nostalgic adults might get a kick out of it, too! Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.