DVD Playhouse: July 2010

DVD PLAYHOUSE—JULY 2010
By
Allen Gardner

TWO FROM POWELL/PRESSBURGER Criterion releases gorgeous new transfers of two of the greatest films to come out of post-war Britain, from that period’s greatest filmmaking team: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. BLACK NARCISSUS was originally released in 1947 and caused a sensation with its explosive story about a nun (Deborah Kerr), cloistered in a remote convent in the Himalayas, who must battle elements both external (the punishing weather) and internal (temptations of the flesh over duty to the spirit). Also features stellar turns by England’s greatest actresses at the time: Flora Robson, Kathleen Byron and a young Jean Simmons. One of the most dazzling films ever made, bolstered by Oscar-winning cinematography from Jack Cardiff. Bonuses: New transfer, supervised by Cardiff, editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell; Introduction by filmmaker Bernard Tavernier; Commentary by Powell and Martin Scorsese; Featurettes; Documentaries and interviews; Trailer. THE RED SHOES, from 1948, is another dazzling masterpiece, again shot in glorious Technicolor by Jack Cardiff. Beautiful Moira Shearer stars as a rising prima ballerina torn between her love for an idealistic composer and the ruthless impresario who won’t let her venture from under his thumb. Perhaps the ultimate backstage drama, featuring one of the most stunning, and tragic, finales in film history. Both titles are also available on Blu-ray disc, which make their visual brilliance pop from the screen even more. Bonuses: New high-def master from award-winning 2009 restoration; Commentary by film historian Ian Christie, featuring interviews with surviving cast and crew; Introduction/restoration demonstration with Martin Scorsese; Featurettes and documentaries; Trailer. Both are full screen, Dolby 1.0 mono.
PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF (20th Century Fox) No, the aforementioned names in the title are not those of an obscure 1950s do-wop group from Brooklyn, but the moniker of a teenage boy (Logan Lerman) who happens to be the son of the Greek god Poseidon (Kevin McKidd) and a mortal woman (Catherine Keener) who goes from being what he thinks is an ordinary teen with all its accompanying angst and tribulations, to being accused of stealing Zeus’ lighting bolt—and those kids on “Glee” thought they had problems…Nice mixture of coming-of-age comedy with fantasy/science fiction, providing you don’t look at the plot too closely and accept its overall goofiness for just what it is. Pierce Brosnan steals the show as Percy’s teacher (who’s also a centaur, by the way—half man/half horse), with nice support from Uma Thurman (surely the comeliest Medusa in film history), Sean Bean, Steve Coogan, Rosario Dawson and Joe Pantoliano. Director Christopher Columbus brings his flair for upscale juvenile fare to the table with aplomb. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: 10 deleted scenes; Featurettes; Trailer; Regular DVD and digital copy with BD version. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
HOT TUB TIME MACHINE (Fox/MGM) Four friends (John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke) take a vacation at a run-down ski resort. When their hot tub malfunctions, they find themselves transported back to the loud, proud year of 1986. True to the era it tries to recapture and satirize, the film is loud, profane, and has never met the word “subtle,” yet is painfully unfunny, and overall downright dull from the get-go. And can we, for a moment, address the fact that “fuck” is not only the most overused word in the English language at the moment, but in movies in particular? This film drops more F-bombs than a 24-hour marathon of Scarface. There are so many great swear words in our vernacular, but Hollywood seems to have forgotten them all, save for the once-notorious “F-word,” which, when used properly in a script, can have the power of a brick through a plate glass window, but like too much of any good thing, overuse breeds familiarity and, ultimately, meaninglessness. Bottom line: tremendously disappointing on every level. John Cusack—you should’ve known better! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: R-rated and unrated versions of the film; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
PRETTY BIRD (Paramount) Quirky comedy about a group of would-be inventors (Billy Crudup, Paul Giamatti, Kristein Wiig and David Hornsby) who decide to form a rocket belt company (yes, as in what Sean Connery sported in Thunderball). Giamatti scores as the neurotic rocket scientist who just might hit the big time if he keeps out of his own way. Nice blend of comedy, pathos and real-life, reminiscent of some the off-beat comedies of the ‘70s. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WILLIAM MALONE’S PARASOMNIA (E1 Entertainment) A young woman (Cherilynn Wilson) is diagnosed with a rare disorder called “parasomnia,” a condition that keeps her trapped in an almost constant dream state. When a naïve art student (Dylan Purcell) falls in love with the sleeping beauty, he has no idea that a psychotic killer (Patrick Kilpatrick) also has his eyes, and his dreams, on the comely lass, as well. Quite good of its type, with some shocking phantasmagorical imagery (obviously influenced by Clive Barker’s work) and plot twists. Wilson makes for an attractive and appealing lead. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director William Mallone; Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Photo gallery; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE GIRL BY THE LAKE (IFC Films) Stunning thriller from Italy which won the Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival for star Tony Servillo, as well as 10 David Di Donatello Prizes, including Best Picture, Actor, Director, Screenplay, and Cinematography. Servillo plays a dogged police inspector investigating the murder of a beautiful young girl in an idyllic Italian village. Of course, in such settings, things are rarely as they seem, and the more Servillo digs, the complicated and twisted the case becomes. Features a stellar supporting cast, including Valeria Golino, Fabrizio Gifuni and Omero Antonutti. Stunning debut from writer/director Andrea Molaioli. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ZIFT (IFC Films) Clever, stunningly shot blend of satire and thriller about a hardened criminal known as “the Moth,” who is released from prison into the Bulgarian capital that has decayed after 20 years of post-Communism. Finding himself a stranger in his former home turf, Moth must battle his way through a new breed of gangsters, femme fatales, bureaucrats and old enemies to try and regain his position. Great pastiche of Eastern European sensibility and American film noir, shot in evocative black & white. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NEIGHBOR (Lionsgate) When a sexy, mysterious new girl moves into an upscale suburban neighborhood, residents discover too late that her intentions are less than neighborly. Well-made torture porn is still torture porn, and this “unrated director’s cut” certainly falls into that category in spades. Writer/director Robert Angelo Masciantonio shows some skill behind the camera, which he should try to put to use, instead of relying on splatter effects to move his story forward. Bonuses: Commentary by Masciantonio, producer Charles St. John Smith II and Dr. Karen Oughton; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Gag reel; Music video; Trailer gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DON’T LOOK UP (E1 Entertainment) An American director (Reshad Strik), haunted by paranormal visions, travels to Romania to shoot a horror film based on an ancient curse. While on location, his worst fears are realized when the curse comes true, and supernatural forces rip open a portal to the past, summoning evil spirits that wreak havoc on the cast and crew. Some nice thrills and chills, and lots of SFX make-up, but Lucio Fulci did it better 30 years ago with The Beyond! Still, not bad of its type, although someone really needs to tell Eli Roth that he’s not an actor. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
GOLD (MVD) Curious ‘60s artifact, long regarded as a “lost” film for over 40 years. Shot in 1968 by filmmaker Bob Levis, the improvisational storyline follows a group of hippie outcasts in an upstate New York hamlet who raise the ire of the local Sheriff because of their freewheeling nudity, drug use, and general “far out” behavior. Featuring what looks like lots of unsimulated drug use, sex and plentiful rock n’ roll, from the likes of the MC5, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, and other mainstays of the era, Gold is nothing if not a curious time capsule of a very different period, featuring a zany lead performance by improv guru Del Close in the lead. Bonuses: Commentary by Levis and actor Garry Goodrow; Commentary by members of the Upright Citizens Brigade; Interview with Levis; Featurettes; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
X’S & O’S (Rivercoast Films) Charming indie comedy about life and love amongst a group of recent college grads in San Francisco, focusing on a bookish chemist (Clayne Crawford) who lusts after a blonde beauty (Sarah Wright) who barely knows he exists. With tutelage from his womanizing best friend (Warren Christie), will this nerd find true love? Refreshingly honest and realistic look at relationships at that awkward period between late adolescence and adulthood. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Trailers; Commentary with filmmakers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
OUR FAMILY WEDDING (20th Century Fox) Forced, over-the-top comedy about two families, one black and one Latin, who are awkwardly paired when their son and daughter become engaged, with nuptials ensuing. What can you say about a film that has three food fights, but no sight of the late John Belushi or a fraternity house in sight? Clever idea never rises above the sitcom level, and too bad, because there’s talent to spare here: Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera, Regina King, Lance Gross, to name a few. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes; Gag reel; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
THE SECRET OF THE GRAIN (LE GRAIN ET LE MULET) (Criterion) Winner of four Cesar Awards (the French Oscar), this 2007 hit follows the trials and tribulations of a French/Arab family, as the patriarch tries to open a seaside restaurant featuring his ex-wife’s recipes, leading to much conflict and strife within the extended family, that finally explodes. Engrossing, often suspenseful drama that tackles complex issues such as family ties, assimilation, and loyalty with great skill and documentary-like realism. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with director Abdellatif Kechiche; Re-edit of climactic sequence; Interview with film scholar Ludovic Cortade; Interviews with Kechiche and actresses Hafsia Herzi, Bouraouia Marzouk and the film’s musicians; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
ENTRE NOS ( Indiepix) Harrowing and inspiring story of survival following a devoted mother (Paola Mendoza) who travels with her two young children from Colombia to New York on the whim of her husband. When he abruptly abandons the family, she must use all her wits to figure a way for them to survive in an unfamiliar landscape. Tough, tender and unsentimental film packs a wallop. Bonuses: Commentary by the filmmaker; Featurettes; Short film by Mendoza; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
ARTOIS THE GOAT (Indiepix) Love-sick lab tech (Mark Scheibmeir) takes his beloved pet goat, Artois, to the hills with the quest of making the perfect goat cheese to win back the heart of his beloved (Sydney Andrews) who has recently dumped him. Left-of-center (to say the least) comedy is every bit as goofy as it sounds, but also equally charming, and extremely well-made. The two leads have terrific chemistry and Artois might be the cutest goat in movie history. Check this one out. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
CRUMB (Criterion) Terry Zwigoff’s acclaimed documentary on ‘60s underground cartoonist Robert “R” Crumb is a fascinating blend of armchair sociology, the blackest humor and the devastating effect that family dysfunction, particularly involving violence, has on the human psyche. Crumb is portrayed as a self-loathing genius, who saved himself from the self-destruction that plagued most of his siblings by embracing his hang-ups, and then putting down via pen and ink. A truly original look at a true American original. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary tracks from Zwigoff, and Zwigoff and Roger Ebert; Nearly an hour of deleted scenes; Photo gallery. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
A PROPHET (UN PROPHETE) (Sony Pictures Classics) Harrowing drama from France that follows the prison, and criminal, career of a 19 year-old French Arab (Tahar Rahim), who enters the big house an innocent and finds himself abused by the yard’s majority Corsican population, to his growth into a savvy sociopath and manipulator who learns to play both sides of the fence. Epic in scope and unsentimental, a true tour-de-force in filmmaking and acting. Winner of the London Film Critics Best Picture Award for 2009, along with a host of other accolades. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Rehearsal footage; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround.
IP MAN (Well Go USA/Mandarin Films) Dynamite martial arts adventure, loosely based on the true story of the karate grand master known only as “IP Man” (Donnie Yen), grandmaster of Wing Chun and mentor to Bruce Lee, among many other legendary martial artists. Set during the Sino-Japanese war, the film takes an unblinking look at the brutality of the occupying Japanese army, who forced native Chinese to fight to the death for them, often for as little as a bag of rice. When IP refuses to teach his deadly art to the occupying Japanese forces, he is forced to fight for the honor of his country and his philosophy. Great blend of historical drama and some truly spectacular martial arts set pieces, perhaps among the best ever filmed. Rightfully regarded as one of the best martial arts films ever made—not to be missed! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
VINCERE (IFC Films) Stunning historical epic from Italy’s Marco Bellocchio (Devil in the Flesh, Fists in the Pocket) based on the true story of Fascist dictator Mussolini (Filippo Timi) and his longtime mistress (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) Ida Dalser. Some very erotic love scenes punctuate their stormy relationship in this grand, acclaimed period piece from one of Europe’s greatest cinematic masters. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.



DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Sony releases THE BANNEN WAY, a not bad, ultra-slick M.O.W. about a charming con man (Mark Gantt) with a knack for gorgeous babes who finds himself stuck between the ire of the mob and the police. Vets Robert Forster, Michael Lerner and Michael Ironside add heft to the proceedings. Bonuses: Six featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE WRONGED MAN stars Julia Ormond as a legal secretary spends more than 20 years trying to get an innocent man released from prison. Quite good of its type, and exec produced by Gale Anne Hurd. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Paramount/CBS brings us MATLOCK: THE FIFTH SEASON, starring the venerable Andy Griffith as homespun attorney Ben Matlock, who uses his wits and his country-bred wiles to investigate, and solve the crimes that the police often can’t. Sort of a down-home take on the “Columbo” formula, and one that works quite well. 6 disc set contains all episodes from the 1990-91 season. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH: THE FINAL SEASON, stars Melissa Joan Hart as a now-grown woman who finds the challenges of being a good witch don’t change with adulthood, or get easier as she moves into her aunts’ Victorian mansion with two gal pals (Soleil Moon Frye and Elisa Donovan). 21 episodes on three discs. Bonuses: “Sabrina Goes to Rome” TV movie. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. 20th Century Fox releases SAVING GRACE: THE FINAL SEASON, stars Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko, a hard-living police detective who literally has an angel on her shoulder, guiding her through her most challenging cases, and through the bumpy road of life. Inventive and intelligent, a real loss when it was cancelled. 19 episodes on five discs. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Lifetime/New Video releases a series of M.O.W.s aimed at the ladies: THE DIVE FROM CLAUSEN’S PIER stars Michelle Trachtenberg as a young woman who breaks up with her fiancée who is soon paralyzed in a tragic accident. When she escapes the tragedy by heading to New York City, she becomes involved with an older man and tries to figure out her next step. PLAIN TRUTH stars Mariska Hargitay as a tough criminal lawyer who chucks it all to live in rural Pennsylvania where she soon finds herself engaged to defend a young Amish girl (Alison Pill) accused of murdering her baby. Solid courtroom drama. THE MERMAID CHAIRS stars Kim Basinger as a restless housewife who must return home to deal with her troubled mother. Once there, she finds herself drawn to a young Benedictine monk, and also making some shocking discoveries about her own past. Soapy, but entertaining drama. WHAT IF GOD WERE THE SUN? stars the great Gena Rowlands as a terminally-ill patient who shows a young ER nurse (Lacey Chabert) struggling with some painful life decisions of her own how life can be a joy no matter what the odds are that seem to be against you. Sentimental, to be sure, but its’ always a pleasure to see Rowlands grace the screen. JOY FIELDING’S THE OTHER WOMAN stars Josie Bissett as a devoted wife to a successful lawyer that suddenly finds her husband’s eye wandering towards a younger woman, who tells her “I’m going to steal your husband,” the irony being that that’s exactly what Bissett did with her husband’s previous wife. When her husband’s boss is found dead, Bissett turns to her old friend Pete (Jason Priestley, who also directed), a respected journalist, to find out the truth. Well-done murder mystery, crisply directed. All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo. Shout Factory releases MAX HEADROOM: THE COMPLETE SERIES, the groundbreaking 1987 sci-fi series that, while it only lasted one season, made lasting mark on popular culture. In the not too distant future, television networks have replaced governments in doing battle for the hearts and minds of the world’s population. When star reporter Edison Carter (Matt Frewer) uncovers a deadly conspiracy that could throw the power structure off its axis, he’s assassinated, but his mind is uploaded to create the world’s first self-aware, computer-generated TV talk show host! Will Max bow to his creators, or bring their walls tumbling down? Quirky, smart and edgy, with bursts of surrealism that must have left much of the standard TV viewing audience scratching their heads. We applaud every odd minute of it! Great supporting cast includes Amanda Pays, Jeffrey Tambor, and Morgan Sheppard. 5 disc set. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Acorn Media brings us more of the finest television from across the Pond, starting with PRIME SUSPECT: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, a seven disc box set that features all the “Prime Suspect” films, from 1991-2006, starring the great Helen Mirren as Detective Jane Tennison, one of the great television characters of all-time. Mirren’s Tennison is brilliant, impulsive, and self-destructive, a complex woman who must hold her own as one of the only women rising through the ranks of Britain’s Metropolitan Police and keep her fragile psyche together in the process, often failing as miserably with the latter as much as she succeeds brilliantly with the former. Supported by a series of dream actors in all seven films, including Ralph Fiennes, Tom Wilkinson, Zoe Wannamaker, David Thewlis, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Bell, and Johnny Lee Miller. Bonuses: Featurettes; Photo gallery; Filmographies. Full and widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono and stereo. POIROT: THE MOVIE COLLECTION SET 5, features the great David Suchet as the dapper Belgian sleuth who takes on three more cases in these elegant adaptations of Agatha Christie’s classics: “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Third Girl,” and “Appointment With Death” all feature terrific period detail, droll humor and stellar supporting casts, including Toby Jones, Barbara Hershey, Hugh Bonneville, Tim Curry and Elizabeth McGovern. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with Suchet; Notes from Suchet and Curry; Filmographies. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE AGATHA CHRISTIE HOUR, SET 1, features five more stories from the First Lady of crime fiction: “The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife,” “In a Glass Darkly,” “The Girl in the Train,” “The Fourth Man,” and “The Case of the Discontented Soldier,” all featuring Christie’s lesser-known sleuth, Parker Payne (John Nettles). 5 episodes on 2 discs. Bonuses: Christie biography, and background on the character on Parker Payne. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. LYTTON’S DIARY COMPLETE COLLECTION features Peter Bowles as suave Fleet Street reporter Neville Lytton who exposes corruption, scandal and crime without ever mussing his carefully-coiffed hair. Terrific, literate and sexy series was one of the jewels of British television in the mid-80s. 12 episodes on 4 discs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.



BLU BAYOU Shout Factory releases digitally-remastered, Hi-Def versions of some of legendary “King of the Bs” producer Roger Corman’s biggest hits: PIRANHA, a sly Jaws rip-off from 1978, features a script by John Sayles (his first) and direction by Joe Dante, with stars Bradford Dillman and Heather Menzies racing against time to stop a hoard of killer flesh-eating fish from devouring vacationing families at a Summer resort. Lots of fun, wisely done with tongue firmly in cheek. One question: what’s up with the claymation creature in the mad doctor’s lab? HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP is a twisted tale of fishlike creatures appearing from the depths and raping human women to create a new species of superhuman! Doug McClure and Ann Turkel star, along with Vic Morrow in this quite creepy, and often nasty chiller, made all the more so with the unrated, international version, available on DVD for the first time in North America. Early score from the great James Horner. GALAXY OF TERROR finds a crew of space explorers trapped on a strange planet where their worst subconscious fears come to light. Made on a microbudget but notable from some truly unsettling and bizarre production design and special effects, courtesy of a Canadian kid named James Cameron, whose first film job this was, and a struggling actor named Bill Paxton! Once you’ve seen the notorious “worm rape” sequence, it will never leave your mind—we promise! Eclectic cast includes Edward Albert, Erin Moran, Ray Walston, Robert Englund, Zalman King, and Sid Haig. FORBIDDEN WORLD is another twisted sci-fi tale, this time telling the story of a group of scientists on a remote planet who create an artificial life-form in hopes of preventing a galactic food shortage—only to have their experiment turn on them, and start devouring everyone in sight! Nice take on the classic The Thing, with some good low budget chills. Also features unrated director’s cut. All are widescreen, Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. Bonuses include: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes; Interviews with Corman, cast and crews of the various films; Deleted scenes; Bloopers and outtakes; Photo galleries, production sketches, ad designs; Radio and TV spots; Trailers; Archival footage. 20th Century Fox releases a new (and much-needed) Blu-ray version of John McTiernan’s PREDATOR, one of the ‘80s’ great sci-fi thrillers. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the leader of a mercenary band that travels into the jungles of South America on a top secret mission, only to find themselves hunted by an alien creature who can camouflage itself into its surroundings. Thrilling, terrifying and quite funny, one of Arnold’s best vehicles. Bonuses: Commentary by McTiernan; Featurettes; Text commentary by film historian Eric Lichtenfeld; Deleted scenes and outtakes; Interviews with the filmmakers; Photo galleries; Sneak peek at the new film Predators. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases THE PROWLER, a bloody splatterfest from 1981 about the ghost of a dead WW II vet that returns to his hometown forty years later and starts bumping off nubile teens. One of the most notorious “body count” splatter movies of its day, the unrated director’s cut, featured here, features flying viscera galore. Funny seeing veteran actors Farley Granger and Lawrence Tierney in the cast! Bonuses: Commentary by director Joseph Zito, and SFX guru Tom Savini; Behind-the-scenes gore make-up footage; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and Dolby EX 5.1 surround. Sony releases CHARLIE’S ANGELS, the cinematic take on the hit 1970s series, with 21st century gals Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu as the smokin’ hot, butt-kickin’ lady private eyes. When the Angels are duped by a devious mastermind into a high-tech plot that would destroy personal privacy, they must muster all their brains, brawn, and sex appeal to take him on—along with help from trusted sidekick Bosley (Bill Murray). Okay…where to start? Big, loud, dumb and unfunny and directed by a white guy from Orange County who goes by the name “McG.” Any other questions? Bill Murray looks like he’d rather be at a proctologist’s office—in Auschwitz. Bonuses: MovieIQ features; Commentary by McG; Featurettes; Bloopers; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS 5.1-MA.



DOCUMENTARY DAYS Acorn Media releases THE DIETS THAT TIME FORGOT, a fascinating look at how the eating habits of generations past can affect our present-day lives. A panel of volunteers comes together in a magnificent Victorian mansion to try weight-loss plans from three different eras: Victorian, Edwardian, and Roaring ‘20s. 6 episodes on 2 discs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. VISIONS OF ISRAEL is a picturesque travelogue of the Holy Land, featuring stunning high-definition images of some of history’s greatest landmarks. Narrated by renowned Israeli violinist Itzhak Perlman. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MONARCHY: THE COMPLETE SERIES is a fascinating, informative look at the British monarchy, hosted by historian David Starkey. From the Anglo-Saxon age to the present day ceremonial royal family, this is a wonderfully researched and presented trip into history. 16 episodes on 5 discs. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Disinformation releases TAPPED, from the same producers of the landmark Who Killed the Electric Car?, this timely documentary takes a not-so-positive look at the bottled water industry, pointing out in great deal how it’s not only unregulated, but causing great damage to the environment with the amount of plastic being dumped from empty bottles. Bonuses: Extra interviews and stories. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Paramount/MTV releases JERSEY SHORE UNCENSORED: SEASON ONE, a funny and sometimes sobering look at the over-the-top lifestyle of the denizens of Seaside Heights, NJ. You’ll keep shaking your head that these are real people, and not refugees from a Sopranos episode…Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Commentary by cast members. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. A&E releases LIFE AFTER PEOPLE: THE SERIES, a fascinating, and unsettling piece of conjecture that theorizes what would become of the Earth if the human race were to vanish. Stunning graphics using state-of-the-art CGI reveals in great scientific detail what would become of the world. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Full screen. Dolby and DTS 2.0 stereo. DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER offers a new season of the intrepid skip tracer tracking down criminals through sheer grit and determination, with a heavy dollop of testosterone thrown into the mix. Eight episodes on one disc. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MVD releases U2: LET THEM BE, a fascinating two disc documentary set that takes an in-depth look at one of rock music’s most enduring bands, chart-toppers internationally for more than 30 years. Loaded with rare and unseen footage, interviews with the band and their confidantes, a must for any U2 fan. Bonuses: Extra interviews; Featurettes; Trivia game. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE ROLLING STONES 1969-1974: THE MICK TAYLOR YEARS, takes a look at the period regarded by many fans and music scholars alike as The Rolling Stones performing at the peak of their powers, with guitarist Mick Taylor being the catalyst that seemed to raise the band to their best work. Chock full of interviews with fellow musicians, archival footage of the Stones and chats with Taylor himself, a wonderful piece of pop history. Bonuses: Extra interviews; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. IAN DURY: RARE AND UNSEEN, features little-seen performances from the groundbreaking Cockney musician and poet, from rare interviews to archival footage of Dury performing that has never been released publicly. Get hit with the rhythm stick and check it out! Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. IFC Films releases THE ART OF THE STEAL, a hard-hitting doc that takes a look at what’s been called the biggest art heist since WW II. The Barnes Foundation, founded in 1922, held what many felt was the finest collection of privately-owned art in the world. Works by Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Van Gough and other masters graced its halls. Following billionaire drug developer Albert Barnes’ death in 1951, what was meant to be an art school became a public museum, with artists, historians and lawyers on one side fighting to keep Barnes’ vision intact, and politicians, huge charitable trusts and wealthy socialites fighting to move it to downtown Philadelphia—and take charge of it themselves. A real-life David and Goliath tale, that has to be seen to be believed. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MPI releases THE DUNGEON MASTERS, a look at hard-core devotees of the role playing classic Dungeons & Dragons, specifically three middle-aged adults who have devoted their lives to their characters and the game, much to the detriment of their real lives, and the people in them. A fascinating and sad look at the crumbing American middle class, and their dreams. Bonuses: Trailers; Outtakes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.



FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS Warner Bros. releases BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD, a stunning, and very dark, animated adventure which features the Caped Crusader takes on a new nemesis, the villainous Red Hood, with old foe The Joker throwing himself into the mix. Stunningly designed, obviously influenced by the host of Batman graphic novels over the past 20 years. Take the PG-13 rating seriously before showing it to small kids, as some of it is pretty tough going for a cartoon! Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. SESAME STREET: ABCS WITH ELMO features three SS episodes with Elmo giving lessons in the alphabet. Perfect for the preschool set in your home. Bonuses: Classic clip, “The Alphabet Song.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE BEST OF THE WIGGLES features 35 of the Wiggles’ most beloved songs from the world’s biggest children’s entertainment group. Sure to please your most discriminating Wiggles fans at home. Bonuses: Interviews with the group; Featurettes; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lionsgate releases SESAME STREET: 20 YEARS…AND STILL COUNTING!, a PBS special originally broadcast in 1989, taking a look back at the groundbreaking children’s program and how it helped reshape kids’ TV, and they way they learned. Hosted by Bill Cosby, and full of fun, nostalgic clips from the show’s first 20 seasons. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Paramount releases SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: TRITON’S REVENGE, featuring seven episodes of the hit Nickelodeon series, including “The Clash of Triton.” Fun and imaginative stuff, great for the wee ones. Bonuses: Extra shorts and episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. A&E releases two new titles from their Scholastic Storybook Treasures series that, in addition to the bedtime stories they feature, also helps introduce children to sign language: GOODNIGHT MOON…AND MORE GREAT BEDTIME STORIES, features three stories: “Goodnight Moon,” “A Creature Was Stirring,” and “Gladys Goes Out to Lunch.” A POCKET FOR CORDUROY…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT FRIENDSHIP features 3 stories: “A Pocket for Corduroy,” “Blue Burt and Wiggles,” and “Big Al.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Bonuses: Sign language vocabulary lesson; Comprehension quizzes; Alphabet fingerspelling; Read-along. Both are full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.