DVD Playhouse: September 2010

DVD PLAYHOUSE SEPTEMBER 2010
By
Allen Gardner

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (Music Box Films) Follow up to the hit The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo finds Lisabeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) and Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) joining forces once again as Blomkvist is about to break a story on Sweden’s sex trade, which leads unexpectedly to a dark secret from Elizabeth’s past. Starts off well, then quickly nose-dives into sensationalism and downright silliness, with a pair of villains who are straight out of a Roger Moore-era James Bond film. A real letdown for those of us who felt Dragon Tattoo had finally breathed life into the cinema’s long-stagnant genre of the thriller. Bonuses: English language track; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE KILLER INSIDE ME (IFC Films) Michael Winterbottom’s adaptation of Jim Thompson’s classic, and notorious, novel about the psychotic mind of a small town sheriff (Casey Affleck, excellent once again playing an unhinged loner). Winterbottom wisely sets the film in the 1950s milieu in which the story was originally written, which just heightens the feeling of creepiness and despair that almost drips from the edges of every frame. Overall, a major triumph in the film noir genre, although it does lose steam, and come apart somewhat, during the final twenty minutes. Excellent supporting cast includes Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Ned Beatty, Elias Koteas, Simon Baker, Tom Bower and Bill Pullman. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SOLITARY MAN (Anchor Bay) Michael Douglas does one of his best turns in years as Ben Kalmen, a one-time self-made millionaire who has let his career, and life, slide over the past decade after getting a grim diagnosis from his doctor. While visiting his old college, Ben embarks on a final bender of self-destruction, nearly taking a succession of women (Susan Sarandon, Mary Louise Parker, Jenna Fischer, Olivia Thirlby) with him, along with a hero-worshiping kid (Jesse Eisenberg, who is honestly in every other film that’s being produced). Douglas is the entire show in this sentimental piece of puff, which, without his star power, would have been a Lifetime movie of the week. Not bad, but in the end we’re left with a feeling of “So what?” Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Brian Koppelman, director David Levien and actor Douglas McGrath; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MONSTER HOUSE (Sony) Fun, eye-popping animated film (also done in 3D) about an earnest lad who foolishly decides to explore a rickety old house that is rumored to be haunted. Hang on! Inventive, smart horror/comedy has something to please kids and adults alike. Exec produced by Steve Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis. Fine voice work by Steve Buscemi, Nick Cannon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin James, Jason Lee, Catherine O’Hara, Kathleen Turner and Fred Willard. 3D effects look quite spectacular on 3D-enabled TVs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: 3D glasses; Filmmaker commentary; Eight featurettes; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-MA 5.1 surround.
TEMPLE GRANDIN (HBO Films) Claire Danes shines in this true story of a woman afflicted with autism during a time (1950s-‘60s) when little was known about the disease. Through perseverance and the encouragement of her strong-willed mother (Julia Ormand, also excellent) and science teacher (David Strathairn). Manages to be emotional, without ever veering into sentimentality—a terrific film. Fine support from Catherine O’Hara, as well. Bonuses: Featurette; Commentary by Grandin, director Mick Jackson, writer Christopher Monger. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
COCO CHANEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY (Sony) Stirring biopic about the love affair between the eponymous fashion designer (Anna Mouglalis) and the legendary composer (Mads Mikkelsen, excellent) during the 1920s. Reminiscent of Ken Russell’s superb biographies of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, combining stunning period detail, rich performances and unbridled lust and sexuality. Well-done across the board. Bonuses: Featurette. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE THIN RED LINE (Criterion) Terrence Malick’s adaptation of James Jones’ 1962 novel about WW II is a visual feast, full of stunning nature shots, lush vistas, and epic battle scenes, all brought to life by an all-star cast (Sean Penn, James Caveizel, Nick Nolte, Adrien Brody, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly). All that’s missing is a center, and a soul. One of the most maddeningly uneven films ever made: part brilliant, part pretentious, and part indecipherable. Worth seeing, however, for the 60% that’s good. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cinematographer John Toll, production designer Jack Fisk; Interviews with cast and crew; Audition footage; Outtakes; WW II newsreels; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME (Disney) Based on the classic video game of the same title, Jake Gyllenhaal becomes a live action version of the rogue prince who teams up with a rival princess (Gemma Arterton) to safeguard a magical dagger that gives its possessor the power to reverse time and rule the world—which is just what bad guy Ben Kingsley intends to do with it. Almost indescribably moronic from start to finish, this is a movie that would suck even if the viewer were flying high on the world’s greatest LSD from 1966. It’s always a bad sign when a movie is based on a video game (as opposed to the other way around, which doesn’t always work, either), but this train wreck takes the cake in spades that most card sharks have never stuffed up their sleeves. I hope Kingsley and Gyllenhaal, two of their respective generation’s most gifted actors, were handsomely compensated! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: CinExplore features and featurettes; Deleted scene; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. LAWRENCE (Criterion) Nagisa Oshima’s study of culture clash, camaraderie and homosexual repression in a Japanese POW camp during WW II. David Bowie delivers one of his best performances as a British officer who refuses to knuckle under to the camp’s sadistic commander (Japanese pop star Ryuichi Sakamoto) who may or may not be in love with him. Tom Conti is the British colonel who acts as interpreter between the captors and the prisoners, and Beat Takeshi, in his screen debut, scores as a sympathetic sergeant. Not for every taste, to be sure, but like all of Oshima’s films, it’s a feast for the mind and the senses. Bonuses: 1983 featurette; Interviews with cast and crew; Documentary on author Lars van der Post, whose novel was the basis for the film; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD stereo.
LITERARY CLASSICS Fox/MGM releases some of the best book-to-film adaptations ever made, including THE GRAPES OF WRATH, John Ford’s masterful telling of John Steinbeck’s classic novel about migrant drifters from the Depression-era Midwest journeying to California for a better life. Ford won a Best Director Oscar and Jane Darwell Best Supporting Actress for her iconic turn as Ma Joad. Henry Fonda’s final speech is one for the ages. A powerful, classic film that stands the test of time. Bonuses: Commentary by film scholars Joseph McBride and Susan Shillinglaw; UK prologue; Featurettes; Movietone News; Outtakes; Photo gallery; Restoration comparison. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MOBY DICK is John Huston’s mammoth take on Herman Melville’s timeless novel about an obsessed sea captain (Gregory Peck) risking his ship, his life and the lives of his crew to hunt and kill an elusive albino whale. Pure cinema at its best, all the more remarkable for its production year of 1956. Screenplay by Huston and Ray Bradbury. Bonuses: Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. RICHARD III is the brilliant reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, re-set in Fascist Europe of the 1930s. Ian McKellen stars as the evil turncoat Richard, who sells out and betrays everyone he knows to gain the throne of power. Dynamite supporting cast includes Annette Bening, Robert Downey, Jr., Jim Broadbent, Nigel Hawthorne, Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith and John Wood. Screenplay adaptation by McKellen and director Richard Loncrane, whose cinematic eye is unparalleled. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MARMADUKE (20th Century Fox) Live action movie based on the popular comic strip should please the kiddies in your house, but older folks, beware! Owen Wilson, Kiefer Sutherland, and George Lopez are the human stars who back up Marmaduke, the world’s most lovable Great Dane. When Marmaduke moves into a new neighborhood with his family, the super-sized teen dog soon discovers he doesn’t quite fit in—literally. With the help of best friend Carlos the Cast (Lopez) and some other four-legged friends, Marmaduke might just find his niche. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SEARCHERS 2.0 (Microcinema) Alex Cox (Repo Man) helmed this quirky road picture about Mel and Fred, two washed-up child stars now floundering in adulthood, who see a chance at redemption by taking vengeance upon the screenwriter who abused them as kids. Traveling to Monument Valley, AZ., the site of John Ford’s greatest westerns, where the old man is taking part in a t-shirt signing ceremony, the two men hitch a ride with Mel’s estranged daughter, which generates lots of existential, and very real, angst on the journey. Funny, surreal and quite poignant, a welcome return to form from a wholly original filmmaker. Exec produced by Roger Corman. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
GOOD (NEM) Viggo Mortensen stars as a German writer who finds his latest novel championed by the hierarchy of the Nazi party. When he finds his career taking off and his life surpassing his wildest dreams, he also discovers the Nazi’s nefarious agenda. Does he take a stand, or keep quiet and enjoy the perks of being a member of the club? Powerful story is buoyed by Mortensen’s strong performance. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WHO IS CLARK ROCKEFELLER? (Sony) Eric McCormack stars in this true story of one of the most elusive con artists in history. Clark Rockefeller, aka Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, passes himself off as an heir to the Rockefeller family fortune, tying the knot with wealthy Sandra Boss (Sherry Stringfield). When Sandra figures out that Clark is a fraud, he kidnaps their daughter, and attempts to disappear forever. Truth is stranger than fiction in this bizarre, made-for-TV tale. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
KUNG-FU MASTER (Lions Gate) Solid chop-socky flick about a man in feudal China who must decide between being a master with the Kung-fu alliance that holds his region together, or stand up for what’s right and defend the people of his village. These films haven’t changed much content-wise since Bruce Lee’s films of the early ‘70s, but they remain great fun to watch. Bonuses: Trailer gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PRINCESS KATULANI (Lions Gate) Q’orianka Kilcher stars as Katulani, heir to the Hawaiian throne in this true story about the teenager’s early life: shipped off to the UK to receive an education in becoming “civilized,” as befits a future queen. In England, she meets the dashing Clive Davies (Shaun Evans), who sweeps the naïve girl off her feet. When destiny calls back home, and the Hawaiian monarchy is overthrown with U.S. annexation looming on the horizon, Katulani must choose between love and duty. Sweeping romantic epic is beautifully made. Bonuses: Commentary by director/writer Marc Forby; Documentary; Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE LEGEND OF BRUCE LEE (Lions Gate) Fictionalized dramatization of Bruce Lee’s life (exec produced by his daughter Shannon) is okay, but nowhere near the film that Dragon was, fifteen years ago. Chinese martial artist and actor Kwok Kwan Chan stars as Lee, in the film that traces his life from the streets of Hong Kong, to stardom in Hollywood, to his untimely (and mysterious) death at 32. Bonuses: Trailer gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MADCHEN IN UNIFORM (GIRLS IN UNIFORM) Romy Schneider stars in this 1958 remake of the classic 1931 film about repressed lesbian love in a German boarding school. Schneider was never better, and is matched by the great Lilli Palmer as the teacher with whom she falls in love. More frank than the original version, and beautifully shot in color. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
TEKNOLUST (IFC Films) Tilda Swinton continues to astound, here playing no less than four roles as Rosetta Stone and her three self-replicating automatons cloned from her own DNA. In order to maintain their lives, the clones must seek lifeforce in male reproductive fluid, or sperm, which they seek out the old-fashioned way. Quirky and odd, to say the least, but also inventive and highly entertaining. Winner of the Alfred P. Sloan award for writing and directing. Fine support from Karen Black, Jeremy Davies and Thomas Jay Ryan. Bonuses: Interview with Swinton and director Lynn Hershman. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
BOOGIE WOOGIE (IFC Films) Fun send-up of the pretensions of the art world from director Duncan Ward. All-star cast includes Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, Alan Cumming, Danny Huston, and the venerable Christopher Lee as the artist who created the work known as “Boogie Woogie” which they all hope to possess. A nasty good time! Bonuses: Trailer and TV spot. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SHERLOCK HOLMES DOUBLE FEATURE (MPI) Two classic Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce Holmes tales from the 1940s, the first of which, SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON, while one of the best entries in the series, inexplicably transported Holmes and Watson from their 19th century confines to modern-day America, where they are sent to ferret out Nazi spies! Goofy, to be sure, but also well-written, and expertly-performed by the two leads. SHERLOCK HOLMES FACES DEATH has our heroes back in England, this time investigating strange goings-on at a centuries old mansion, where Dr. Watson is tending to wounded soldiers. Great fun. Bonuses: Audio commentary; Photo gallery. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (IFC Films) A mad German doctor (is there any other kind?) forces two stranded American tourists to be his human guinea pigs to create a new species by conjoining them to the buttocks of a Japanese businessman. Yes, that’s really the plot of this very straightforward (and straight-faced) horror/comedy that must be seen to be believed. Not for every taste, to be sure, but there are some truly unsettling sequences that will stay with you. Bonuses: Trailer; Deleted scene; Featurettes; Casting and foley sessions; Poster gallery; Commentary by director Tom Six. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE DARLEELING LIMITED (Criterion) Wes Anderson’s story about three estranged brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman) who reunite for a train trip across India. Full of Anderson’s signature deadpan humor, surreal touches and overall celebration of weirdness. Also chock full of a smug self-satisfaction that has sunk many of his films that could have lived up to the promise that Bottle Rocket and Rushmore showcased so beautifully. A mixed bag, to be sure. Fans are sure to love it, others…beware. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Anderson, Schwartzman, and co-writer Roman Coppola; Documentary; Featurettes; Audition footage; Deleted and alternate scenes; Photo galleries; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE MAGICIAN (Criterion) Ingmar Bergman’s masterful tale stars Max Von Sydow as a 19th century mesmerist and peddler of potions whose powers are put to the test by a tyrannical royal medical advisor in Stockholm. One of the cleverest, nastiest battle of wits every captured on film follows between the two men. One of Bergman’s finest hours, gorgeously shot in moody black & white. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Visual essay by Bergman scholar Peter Cowie; 1967 interview with Bergman; Audio interview with Bergman, done in English. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.



DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! A&E releases SECRET AGENT AKA DANGER MAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, all 86 episodes of the legendary spy series that ran from 1965-67, starring Patrick McGoohan as British agent John Drake, who hops the globe keeping the world safe, often utilizing his brains more than his brawn, although there’s plenty of that to go around. Smart, fun and still quite timely. Shot almost entirely in moody black & white, save for the final two episodes, which were done in color. All have been beautifully restored and remastered for this terrific box set, featuring 18 discs. Bonuses: McGoohan biography/filmography; U.S. opening title sequence; Photo gallery. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. RICH MAN, POOR MAN is the groundbreaking 1976 miniseries (the first of its kind), based on Irwin Shaw’s best-selling novel, starring Nick Nolte and Peter Strauss as the star-crossed Jordache brothers, sons of a proud immigrant who go on to lead disparate, and sometimes tragic lives. Still holds up beautifully today. Also includes the sequel, "Book II," from 1977. Fine support from Susan Blakely, Ed Asner, and William Smith, as one of TV’s great heavies. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew on Book I. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Warner Bros. releases THE BIG BANG THEORY: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON features 23 episodes on 3 discs of the hit comedy that revolves and three uber-geeks and their ridiculously hot neighbor. Loaded with in-jokes and pop culture references sure to please the most jaded cinefile and comic book junkie. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. FRINGE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, features 22 episodes on 4 discs, which follows the adventures of three clandestine FBI agents who investigate the paranormal. Full of clever twists and far-out plotlines, but always manages to feel very real. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Bonus episode; Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew on select episodes; Gag reel; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Paramount/CBS releases NCIS: LOS ANGELES, THE FIRST SEASON, starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J as Office of Special Projects operatives who enforce the law in the City of Angels. Loaded with slam-bang action set pieces and a great turn by Oscar-winner Linda Hunt as their boss. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music video; Spin-off episodes from “NCIS” season 6; Commentary by Shane Brennan on “Identity.” Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE GOOD WIFE: THE FIRST SEASON, stars Julianna Margulies as the resilient wife of a disgraced State’s Attorney who must take control of her family and her life in the wake of her husband’s downfall. A nice mix of smarts and trash. Bonuses: Deleted scenes with commentary; On-air promos; Featurettes; Cast and crew commentary. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER: THE COMPLETE SEASON 5, features 24 episodes on 3 discs, and the most star-studded season ever, with guest spots from the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Amanda Peet, and Rachel Bilson. Bonuses: Bloopers; Featurettes; Music video; Trailer; Extended version. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA: SEASON FIVE, features 12 episodes on two discs, and more zaniness from the gang at Paddy’s Irish Pub, climaxed by a road trip to the Grand Canyon that has to be seen to be believed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes; Blooper reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE LEAGUE: THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE, features all six episodes of the freshman season of the zany show that follows a group of fantasy football fanatics and their unbridled obsession with the pigskin. Very funny and quite profane! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Bloopers; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MODERN FAMILY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, stars Ed O’Neill as another family patriarch, this time as a befuddled father and grandfather trying to make sense of family dynamics in our complicated time. Nicely combines humor and real-life dilemmas. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted, extended and alternate scenes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. GLEE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON is the Golden Globe-winning comedy series that follows a talented group of high school misfits who turn into a performing sensation under the direction of a dedicated, and often manic teacher (Jane Lynch, brilliant). Charming and funny, not to be missed! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: (On BD) Visual commentary with cast and crew; Sing-along musical jukebox; Featurettes; Audition footage. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. SONS OF ANARCHY: SEASON 2, features 13 episodes on two discs, following the lives and loves of an outlaw motorcycle gang with nefarious intentions. Great cast of anti-hero characters really get under your skin and stay with you. Terrific performances by Ron Perlman, Katey Sagal, and Charlie Hunnam. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. HBO releases BORED TO DEATH: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, starring Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ames, would-be writer, romantic, and unlicensed private eye. After getting his heart broken, Jonathan is determined to become the Sam Spade of Brooklyn, aided by fellow fringe-dweller Zach Galifianakis. Low key comedy is fully of quiet laughs, with nice support by Ted Danson and Heather Burns. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-5.1 surround. BILL MAHER: “…BUT I’M NOT WRONG” features the politically-incorrect comic performing live in Raleigh, North Carolina, letting loose on every sacred cow in the book, and taking no prisoners. Maher provides a welcome blend of social commentary, political satire, and genuine raunchiness. Not to be missed, especially for fans. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Disney releases LOST: THE FINAL SEASON 6, in which the hit series about a group of stranded plane crash survivors on a remote island all ties together. One of television’s finest hours, from the fertile mind of creator J.J. Abrams. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Bonus chapter; Bloopers; Deleted scenes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Acorn Media releases POLDARK: SERIES 2, a sweeping, swashbuckling epic based on the beloved novels by Winston Graham about a gallant English army officer in the 18th century who finds the trials and tribulations of life at home far more challenging than the ones he survived on the battlefield. One of the most popular series in British TV history, originally broadcast in 1977. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. ON THE ROAD WITH CHARLES KURALT, SET 3, features more homespun, real-life stories from the veteran journalist, who traveled the country from 1967-87 in search of the unusual and overlooked that was sometimes literally in your own backyard. Bonuses: Bonus interview; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. A MIND TO KILL: SERIES 2 features more adventures of Welsh detective Noel Bain (Philip Madoc), a workaholic whose constant exposure to mankind’s worst side does little to improve his life in a grim Welsh mining town. Great guest spots from David Warner, Ioan Gruffudd, Richard Harrington and Carol Drinkwater. Bonuses: Filmographies and bios of cast; Clip from Welsh-language version of the series. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lionsgate/ABC releases BOY MEETS WORLD, THE COMPLETE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD SEASONS, each a 3-disc set with 22 episodes, stars Ben Savage as a typical boy entering sixth grade, then navigating the tenuous halls of middle school for the next two seasons. Fun for kids and grown-ups alike, with its mix of slapstick humor and genuine pathos. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Bonus episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. LESS THAN PERFECT: SEASON ONE stars Sara Rue as a woman who has moved up the ladder in TV news from secretary to the anchor’s desk, much to the consternation of her fellow workers. How does a former temp calm the waters of envy in a cut-throat workplace? Watch and find out. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sony releases RULES OF ENGAGEMENT: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON, featuring 13 episodes on two discs. David Spade stars as the leader of a longtime group of friends who find that their personal lives are hopelessly intertwined. Patrick Warburton, Adhir Kalyan, Megyn Price, Bianca Kajlich and Oliver Hudson co-star. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.


BLU BAYOU Criterion releases two classics onto BD. Jean-Luc Godard’s BREATHLESS officially started the “French New Wave” movement upon its release in 1960. Shot on the cheap, it’s an homage to American gangster pictures, with Jean-Paul Belmondo as an edgy Paris hood, who foolishly takes up with a callow American student (Jean Seberg) after committing a senseless murder. Still holds up, fifty years later. Bonuses: Archival interviews with cast, crew and colleagues; Video interviews with cinematographer Raoul Coutard, A.D. Pierre Rissient and filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker; Two video essays on Godard and Seberg; Documentary; 1959 short by Godard, starring Belmondo. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. CHARADE is Stanley Donen’s sexy, suspenseful Hitchcock homage, starring Cary Grant as a mysterious gent who helps young American Audrey Hepburn as she’s chased by murderous thugs trying to recover the fortune they claim her husband stole from them. Gorgeously shot in Technicolor, featuring great atmosphere in 1963-era Paris. Bonuses: Commentary by Donen, screenwriter Peter Stone; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono. MGM/Fox release BD editions of THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, a weak remake of the equally weak 1979 (supposedly) based-on-fact ghost story about a young family that moves into a rambling Long Island house, only to be driven off by angry spirits who were there first. Not a scare in sight, just a lot of jittery camerawork and excessive bloodletting. Scary doesn’t equal gross, kids. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Commentary by star Ryan Reynolds and producers; Multi-angle POV; Photo gallery. RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD is one hoot of a zombie horror flick/satire starring venerable character actor Clu Gulager as the only thing standing between a pack of ravenous brain-eaters and some hard-partying punk rockers holed up in a warehouse where toxic nerve gas has been released. Written and directed by sci-fi master Dan O’Bannon. Bonuses: Commentary by cast, crew and undead; Featurettes. INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS is Philip Kaufman’s masterful 1978 remake of the ‘50s classic, relocated to contemporary San Francisco, where health inspector Donald Sutherland stumbles upon strange goings-on among the city’s populace. Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy and Veronica Cartwright co-star in this brilliantly-made chiller. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Commentary by Kaufman. THE ORDER is a goofy thriller with a terrific pedigree: written and directed by Brian Helgeland, who won (along with Curtis Hanson) a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for L.A. Confidential, and starring the late Heath Ledger as a rebellious young priest who is sent to Rome to investigate the mysterious death of a member of a secret society with the Church. Pretty silly stuff, with little to recommend it, save for the location filming and Ledger’s undeniable star quality. Bonuses: Commentary by Helgeland; Deleted scenes and dailies; Trailer. All are Widescreen, DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Lionsgate releases 2001 MANIACS, a hyped-up remake of Herschell Gordon Lewis’ 1964 gore cult classic 2000 Maniacs, starring Robert Englund as the leader of a small hamlet in the Deep South that reappears every hundred years to massacre wandering Yankees in vengeance for a Civil War-era massacre. Nearly as bad as the original, but at least this version is presented with tongue firmly in-cheek. Bonuses: Filmmaker commentary; Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes; Alternate opening with John Landis. HIGH TENSION (HAUTE TENSION) is a about two college girls taking a weekend off in the summer home of one of the girl’s parents, only to find their journey interrupted by a knife-wielding maniac. Starts off strong, but then director Alexandre Aja takes the easy way out by substituting buckets of gore and a weak (not to mention predictable) plot twist to advance his story. Made a major killing at the box office worldwide, however, which is even more frightening than this movie has any business being. Bonuses: Original French director’s cut; U.S. dubbed version; Commentary by Aja, cast and crew; Featurettes. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. BAD LIEUTENANT is director Abel Ferrara’s masterpiece of misogynist self-destruction, with Harvey Keitel as the dirtiest cop in movie history: an on-the-take skirt-chaser who abuses suspects physically and sexually, and is into the mob for major money due to a gambling problem, not to mention drug and alcohol abuse that makes Keith Richards circa ’72 look like Pat Boone. When the cop investigates the brutal sexual assault of a nun by a group of gang kids, he sees a final chance at redemption before the clock on his very wasted life runs out. Keitel gives the performance of his career, unjustly ignored by the Academy, and Ferrara delivers his goods in spades, as well. Not for the faint of heart (take the NC-17 rating seriously, please), but not to be missed by mature, discriminating viewers. Bonuses: Commentary by Ferrara and cinematographer Ken Kelsch; Retrospective documentary; Trailer. DTS-HD 2.0 surround. OPEN WATER/OPEN WATER 2 are two things: the first is a terrific, microbudget thriller about a couple (Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis) mistakenly left by their boat while deep sea diving. They must survive in shark-infested waters, hoping that rescuers will arrive soon. All we can say is: Alfred Hitchcock would have been jealous! Top-notch thriller from start to finish. The second is an in-name only sequel, and a wholly unnecessary one at that, when a high school reunion at sea turns into a deep blue nightmare for a group of revelers who are left unable to board the boat after going in for a swim. Fine cast includes Susan May Pratt, whose talents still can’t save this stinker. Bonuses: Cast and crew commentary; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. SECRETARY is a sexy, kinky romantic comedy about a repressed attorney (James Spader, never better) who finds his inner dominate coming out as he engages in a torrid S & M affair with his comely young secretary (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Spot-on from start to finish. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Steven Shamberg; Featurette; Photo gallery. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. WONDERLAND is the sordid, but powerful, true story of washed-up porn star John Holmes (Val Kilmer) and his involvement in one of LA’s most gruesome murder cases, in a house on Wonderland Ave. in the Hollywood Hills. Terrific portrait of early ‘80s nihilism, with standout work from Eric Bogosian, Kate Bosworth, Lisa Kudrow, Josh Lucas, and a who’s-who supporting cast. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Crime scene footage; Commentary by director/co-writer James Cox and co-writer Captain Mauzner. HARD CANDY is a tough, brutal little film about a pedophile (Patrick Wilson) whose would-be victim (Ellen Page, startling in her film debut) turns the tables on him, in spades. Nasty, clever and cringe-inducing thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bonuses: Commentary by director David Slade and writer Brian Nelson, Page and Wilson; Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes; Trailer. THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, a pseudo-documentary about a group of student filmmakers investigating a centuries-old legend about witchcraft in New England, was the first Internet-created film sensation, and perhaps one of the biggest con jobs ever perpetrated on the movie-going public. A six year-old could shoot a Polaroid flip book that’s better than this piece of amateurish junk. Don’t be conned AGAIN, and avoid it! Bonuses: Director and producer commentary; Alternate endings; Featurettes; Trailers and teasers. DTS-HD 2.0 surround. All titles are widescreen, DTS-HD 5.1 surround, unless otherwise indicated. Finally, Blue Underground releases VIGILANTE, a grindhouse classic from 1983 starring Robert Forster and Fred Williamson as vigilantes who take vengeance, Death Wish-style, on the thugs who murdered Forster’s family, and then on all low-lifes in New York, in general. Yes, they have their work cut out! Woody Strode, Joe Spinell and Willie Colon co-star in this unapologetically trashy, but “guilty pleasure” level entertaining drive-in flick. Uncut, unrated version. Bonuses: Commentary by co-producer/director William Lustig, co-producer Andrew W. Garroni, Forster, Williamson and Frank Pesce; Trailers, TV spots, radio spots; Promo reel; Photo gallery. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and Dolby EX 5.1 surround. Palm Pictures releases SEX AND LUCIA, one of the sexiest mainstream films ever released. Paz Vega stars as a woman who, after the death of her boyfriend, moves to an island in the Mediterranean, and falls in love with a new man. Honest portrait of adult relationships and sexuality is a visual feast, thanks in no small part to Vega's stunning presence. Bonuses: Featurettes; Cast interviews; Photo gallery; Soundtrack excerpts; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.



DOCUMENTARY DAYS Criterion releases THE ACTUALITY DRAMAS OF ALLAN KING, a cutting-edge filmmaker whose contribution to the documentary spans a fifty year career. Criterion offers five of King’s best-known works in this box set: Warrendale, his feature debut from 1967, takes viewers into an experimental home for troubled youths. A Married Couple takes a hard look at the institution of matrimony by getting up close and personal with Billy and Antoinette Edwards. Alternately amusing and unsettling. Come On Children focuses on a group of disaffected teens who spend a summer on a Canadian farm, without adult supervision, for ten weeks. Picture Lord of the Flies meets Easy Rider, and you get an idea of a few of the dark corners this unsettling doc explores. Dying at Grace takes a look the final days of five terminally-ill patients, and Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company examines a group of nursing home residents who struggle with different forms of dementia. All utilize the “direct cinema” approach to narrative, in which the camera stays focused exclusively on its subjects, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. Full and widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono and 2.0 stereo. A&E releases BATTLE 360: THE COMPLETE SERIES takes a look at the legendary WW II-era aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, and the pivotal missions it helped carry out. All 10 episodes on three discs, including “Call to Duty,” “Midway,” “Hammer of Hell,” “The Grey Ghost,” and “Battle of Leyte Gulf.” Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Additional scenes. Full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0. AMERICA THE STORY OF US tells the riveting story of how the United States was invented, covering over 400 years of American history in this 12-part series on two discs. Featuring interviews with a diverse group of prominent Americans including Michael Douglas, Tom Brokaw, Meryl Streep, Colin Powell, Melissa Ethridge, Brian Williams, and an introduction by President Barack Obama. Bonuses: Additional scenes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. PATTON 360: THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE, is a fascinating blend of restored archival footage and computer graphic animation that recreates Gen. George S. Patton’s triumphant defeat of the Nazis in Europe. 2 disc set offers nearly eight hours of programming. Dynamite, especially for history and WW II buffs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0. NOSTRADAMUS: 2012 is a detailed, imaginative look at the prophecy of the legendary soothsayer, who predicted that the year 2012 would bring global Armageddon to Earth and all its inhabitants. Unsettling and thought-provoking program, which wisely avoids sensationalism. Bonuses: Documentary “The Lost Book of Nostradamus.” Also available on Blu-ray disc. Full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0. THE REAL NATIONAL TREASURE takes an inside look at the Library of Congress, the more than two decades old institution, where some of the world’s most important documents are housed. 745 miles of shelves hold close to 145 million items, from George Washington’s hand-written diaries to historic drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Bonuses: Featurette. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE ESSENTIAL GAMES OF THE SEATTLE MARINERS features four legendary games from the swatters of the Emerald City: The 1995 AL West Playoff against California, “The Double” ALDS game vs. the Yankees from 1995, the 2000 AL Division Series, and the Division Championships vs. the Angels from 2001. Bonuses: Extra highlights from the games and the seasons; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. PARANORMAL STATE: SEASON FOUR takes you along with the investigators of the Paranormal Research Society (PRS), including founder Ryan Buell, as they investigate seemingly inexplicable events. Fascinating, real-life “X-Files” adventures that have to be seen to be believed. Bonuses: Additional footage. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Indiepix releases SOUNDTRACKER, a look at the life and work of nature sound recordist Gordon Hempton as he scours the ever-developing American west for three quiet places to record ambient sounds. Fascinating combination of social commentary and social document. Bonuses: Interview with director Nicholas Sherman; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. WADE IN THE WATER, CHILDREN is a devastating look at post-Katrina New Orleans from the POVs of the city’s children who reside in the rough Central City neighborhood. Sobering and infuriating look at how our inner cities and its denizens are ignored. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interview with directors Elizabeth Wood and Gabriel Nussbaum; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MVD releases another stellar series of music docs, entitled AMERICA’S MUSIC LEGACY, with four titles in the series: “Country and Western,” focusing on the growth of country music and its influence on other genres, including rock ‘n roll, with performances from people like Jerry Lee Lewis, Doug Kershaw, and Ricky Scaggs. “Rhythm & Blues” looks at the roots of R&B in black Gospel, jazz, ragtime, and spiritual standards, featuring tunes by Billy Eckstein, Billy Preston, Mary Wells, and Sam Moore, of Sam and Dave. “Rock ‘N Roll” looks at the birth of the world’s most popular musical genre, with performances from diverse artists such as The Coasters, Chubby Checker and Fabian. “Gospel” looks at the popular genre that grew out of spiritual favorites, featuring songs from Doug Miller, The Chambers Family and The Archers, among others All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo. JOHNNY WINTER: LIVE THROUGH THE ‘80s features seven live performances from the legendary guitarist, recorded in disparate locations from New Hampshire to Sweden. Winter’s mastery of the axe is apparent throughout. A terrific record of a unique artist. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CACTUS: LIVE, LOUD & PROUD features live performances from the popular band during their 2006-07 tour. Bonuses: Interviews with the band; Music video; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Athena/CBS releases 20TH CENTURY WITH MIKE WALLACE: POLITICS AND PRESIDENTS, has the veteran newsman hosting a series of historic clips from some of television news’ most timely moments, featuring reporting from Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, Roger Mudd, and other veteran TV journalists, as well as Wallace’s own chats with historians such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, Michael Beschloss, Hugh Sidey, and others. Bonuses: Viewer’s guide; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Paramount releases PETTY BLUE, a look at the legendary Petty family who have virtually cornered the market on auto racing. Follow the stories of Richard “the King” Petty, son Kyle and grandson Adam as they tear up the blacktops of speedways the world over. Narrated by Kevin Costner. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Bonus interviews; Featurettes; Vintage audio interviews; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. HBO releases MAGIC & BIRD: A COURTSHIP OF RIVALS, an intimate look at the intense rivalry between two of the 1980s’ biggest NBA stars: Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird, who ferocity on the court was only equaled by their loyalty to each other after the game was over. Narrated by Liev Schreiber. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.



FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS Warner Bros. releases SUPERMAN/BATMAN APOCALYPSE, a brand new animated feature that has the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight (as well as DC stalwarts Wonder Woman and Darkseid) clashing over what should be done with the passenger that emerged from a mysterious spaceship originating from the planet Krypton. Voiced by Tim Daly, Andre Braugher, Kevin Conroy and Summer Glau, and quite dark and violent in parts. Take the PG-13 rating to heart! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; 4 bonus cartoons featuring Darkseid. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Disney releases BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: DIAMOND EDITION, the film which put Disney back on the map as the leader in animated entertainment after a long dry spell in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Nominated for Best Picture in 1991, the classic story of a princess who finds true love with a horrific-looking creature who is actually a dashing prince under the spell of a curse. Filled with eye-popping images and a beautiful music score by Alan Meken. Terrific voice work from Angela Lansbury, Robby Benson, Jerry Orbach and David Ogden Stiers. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: 3 versions of the film; Featurettes; New music video; Alternate opening; Deleted scene; Sing-along mode; Audio commentary by cast and crew; Game. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround and Dolby 5.1 surround. CAMP ROCK 2: THE FINAL JAM, EXTENDED EDTION, features more adventures from the kids at Camp Rock, this time locking horns with rich kid cross-lake rivals, Camp Star, who challenge the Camp Rockers to a battle of the bands. Music and dance-filled sequel is sure to delight any kid who loved the first Camp Rock film. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Rock-along; Featurettes; Music videos. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. TINKER BELL AND THE GREAT FAIRY RESCUE offers up Tinker Bell in a brand new animated adventure that’s a pre-quel, if you will, to Peter Pan, telling the tale of Tink’s aiding a young girl named Lizzy, whose steadfast belief in the power of fairies brings Tink to her side at a time of need. Eye-popping animation and a touching story should please the toughest kid critic in your house. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Lionsgate releases JIM HENSON’S FRAGGLE ROCK: SCARED SILLY, featuring the “Fraggle Rock” gang in three Halloween-themed adventures: “Terrible Tunnel,” “Scared Silly,” and “The Dark and Stormy Night.” Bonuses: Extra episodes; Sing-along; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. E1 Entertainment releases THE SECRET OF MOONACRE, based on the classic children’s novel “The Little White Horse,” by Elizabeth Goudge, tells the tale of a young orphan who goes to live with her eccentric uncle at Moonacre Manor, where she discovers a magical world inhabited by outlandish characters and mythical beasts. Fans of the Harry Potter books and films should delight in this fantasy, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Tim Curry, Nastascha McElhone and Dakota Blue Richards. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Cast interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. New Video/Scholastic releases another title in its Storybook Treasures series: DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, and two other animated adaptations of beloved children’s stories, including “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale,” and “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster.” Bonuses: Featurettes; Spanish versions of the stories; Read-along. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. 20th Century Fox releases two titles in the “Goosebumps” series, based on the popular books of R.L. Stine: GOOSEBUMPS: THE BLOB THAT ATE EVERYONE, featuring the aforementioned story, as well as “My Hairiest Adventure” and “Piano Lessons Can Be Murder,” and GOOSEBUMPS: GO EAT WORMS, that also features the stories “Bad Hare Day” and “Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes.” All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 surround. Paramount releases five new Nickelodeon titles: EVERYBUNNY LOVES WINTER, featuring 12 animated adventures of everyone’s favorite lupines, Max & Ruby. LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE LAURIE BERKNER BAND! features sing and dance-along performances from the beloved children’s trio, who offer up 15 music videos for the kids’ entertainment. Bonuses: Extra videos. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: 10 HAPPIEST MOMENTS features ten animated adventures from the underwater-dweller and his friends. Bonuses: Extra episodes. DORA THE EXPLORER’S SLUMBER PARTY features Dora in six animated adventures revolving around bedtime. Bonuses: Featurettes. DORA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL ADVENTURE features Dora in a full-length Yuletide romp where she must help Swiper get back on Santa’s “nice” list. Bonuses: Music videos; Featurettes. All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.