DVD PLAYHOUSE—NOVEMBER 2010
By Allen Gardner
PATHS OF GLORY (Criterion) Stanley Kubrick’s 1957 antiwar classic put him on the map as a major filmmaker. Kirk Douglas stars in a true story about a French officer in WW I who locks horns with the military’s top brass after his men are court-martialed for failing to carry out an obvious suicide mission. A perfect film, across the board, with fine support from George Macready as one of the most despicable martinet’s ever captured on film, Ralph Meeker, and Adolphe Menjou, all oily charm as a conniving General. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Audio commentary by critic Gary Giddins; Excerpt from 1966 audio interview with Kubrick; 1979 interview with Douglas; New interviews with Jan Harlan, Christiane Kubrick, and producer James B. Harris; French television documentary on real-life case which inspired the film; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
WINTER’S BONE (Lionsgate) After her deadbeat father disappears, 17 year-old Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), who lives in the rural slum of Missouri’s Ozark mountains, must track him down, or face eviction from the family’s ramshackle home that houses her two younger siblings and slow-witted mother, as well. After making contact with her father’s feuding, drug-dealing and drug-addicted family, Dolly finds herself navigating a slippery slope of violence, betrayal and buried secrets. Riveting film from start to finish, with a star-making turn from young Lawrence. Not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by director Debra Granik and cinematographer Michael McDonough; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Alternate opening; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
JONAH HEX (Warner Bros.) Josh Brolin stars as the D.C. Comics hero, a scarred Civil War vet and bounty hunter on the run from renegade military officers who agree to wipe his slate if he takes out a dangerous terrorist (John Malkovich). Jeez, what a frustrating mess of a movie! It’s another example of a movie crammed with talent (co-starring Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett, and Michael Shannon, to name a few) that aims for the middle and hits its target dead-on. What a cool, badass movie this could have been…Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK (HBO Films) Al Pacino delivers another stellar turn as controversial doctor Jack Kevorkian in Barry Levinson’s wise, witty and very dark look at Kevorkian’s ongoing legal battle to offer terminally-ill patients assisted suicide. Adam Mazer’s script definitely wears its politics on its sleeve, but is executed so well, along with all the other key elements of the film, that it doesn’t matter. Terrific support from Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, and the great Brenda Vaccaro. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (Warner Bros.) Another example of why great movies should be remade. Inept retread of Wes Craven’s 1984 classic about a group of teens who find their nightmares being visited by the charred remains of child killer Freddie Kreuger (Jackie Earle Haley), with fatal consequences. Director Samuel Bayer emphasizes gore over psychological scares, and it gets tiresome. Let’s hope this is one series that doesn’t get resurrected. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate opening, ending and scenes; BD-LIVE features on BD; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SPLICE (Warner Bros.) Genetic engineers, and couple, Clive and Elsa (Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley), create new hybrids from splicing DNA of disparate animals together. When they attempt the same thing with human tissue, they give birth to a hybrid that could change not only modern science and medicine, but the future of human engineering. When the pharmaceutical company that funds them suddenly shuts the experiment down, Clive and Elsa continue their experiment in private, which takes on a horrifying life of its own. Sci-fi thriller starts out quite well, intelligently written, posing some truly thought-provoking questions and ideas, then degenerates into sensationalism and some wild plot twists that come out of left field. Bears strong signs of post-test screening re-shoots and rewrites. Too bad. And by the way, is this the same Adrien Brody who won an Oscar for The Pianist? WTF, Adrien?! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted and alternate scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
LOVE RANCH (eOne) Taylor Hackford’s latest is based on the true story of Grace and Charlie Bontempo (Joe Pesci and Helen Mirren), the proprietors of mid-70s Nevada’s most popular legal brothel. When Charlie sponsors an up-and-coming young boxer (Sergio Peris-Mencheta) and Grace falls hard for the strapping young fighter, complications ensue. Another movie that seems to have everything going for it in terms of pedigree, but falls flat on its face almost from the get-go. Mirren is the lone standout, offering yet another stellar turn in a career of them. Pesci seems bored playing yet another insecure thug prone to violence as a way of proving himself. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Hackford; Introduction by Hackford and Mirren; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
6 MOVIES—ONE SET MGM/UA releases two collections of six films: 6 SPORTS MOVIES features a disparate group of films about life on the field: BULL DURHAM is Ron Shelton’s wise, witty take on minor league baseball, love versus lust, and how the heart is a muscle that is never ruled by logic. Stellar work from Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. ROCKY MARCIANO stars Jon Favreau in an unlikely bit of casting as the heavyweight champ. Solid biopic with Favreau delivering the goods. BODY AND SOUL (1981) is a remake of the 1947 John Garfield classic, starring Leon Isaac Kennedy as a streetwise kid who finds redemption in the ring; BODY AND SOUL (1999) is a less-than-stellar third try at bat, with real-life champ Ray “Boom-Boom” Mancini stepping into acting shoes for the first time—which he should have left off; DIGGSTOWN stars James Woods as a sleazy promoter/con man who teams with boxer Lou Gossett to get revenge on a small town boss (Bruce Dern). Amiable comedy, helmed by the great Michael Ritchie; SEMI-TOUGH is a fun adaptation of Dan Jenkins’ scatological novel about life in the NFL. Stars Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson and Jill Clayburgh play well off each other, with Robert Preston a hoot as the team’s owner, and Clayburgh’s dad. Also directed by Michael Ritchie.Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 surround. 6 ‘80S MOVIES features some of the day-glo decade’s best, and little-known titles. VALLEY GIRL is the classic Romeo & Juliet tale of forbidden love between suburban babe Julie (Deborah Foreman) and Hollywood punk Randy (Nicolas Cage, in his star-making turn). Terrific direction by Martha Coolidge, and one of the great ‘80s soundtracks help make this a winner. THE RACHEL PAPERS is a delightful adaptation of Martin Amis’ first best-seller about an awkward bloke (Dexter Fletcher) about to matriculate from Oxford, and the comely American (Ione Skye) he falls for, complicating his orderly life. LOSIN’ IT is one of the better “getting laid” comedies of the period, directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Tom Cruise and Jackie Earle Haley as mid-60s teens who head south to Tijuana for some testosterone-fueled fun. THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN is an Americanized remake by writer/director Boaz Davidson of Going All the Way, the first chapter of his wildly popular Lemon Popsicle film series from Israel. An awkward teen (Lawrence Monoson) takes cues from his handsome best friend (Steve Antin) for scoring with the girl of his dreams (Diane Franklin). Starts out as a typical ‘80s sex comedy, then takes a wild left turn halfway through and becomes a deadly serious, and honest, portrait of teen angst, with one of the darkest endings of any film in this genre. A below-the-radar sleeper, if there ever was one. CLASS is a terrific male fantasy in concept, with nerdy Andrew McCarthy having a torrid affair with roommate Rob Lowe’s mother—Jacqueline Bisset! I mean c’mon, what teenage boy (still) wouldn’t go for that, but is clumsy in its execution, sabotaging what could have been a great social satire, a la The Graduate. Finally, ZAPPED! features Scott Baio as a science nerd who develops telekinetic powers which he uses to, what else, disrobe comely female classmates. This movie sucked in 1982, and it hasn’t gotten better with age! Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 surround.
LAST DAY OF SUMMER (eOne) Charming coming-of-age story about a perpetual adolescent (DJ Qualis) stuck in a dead-end job, who decides to kidnap the girl of his dreams (Nikki Reed). When the very savvy girl turns the tables on him, things get interesting. Skillful performances and a smart, knowing script help raise this low budget gem above the fray. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NICE GUY JOHNNY (MPI) Young Johnny is engaged to a princess-type who demands he give up his job as a radio sportscaster and work for her father in a steady, but deadening career. When his high-living uncle Terry (Edward Burns, who also wrote/directed) arrives for a visit, he takes Johnny to the Hamptons, where he meets beautiful Brooke (Kerry Bishe), who might just be the real girl of his dreams. Low-key and likable for the most part, but like many of Burns’ films, ends up feeling like “Woody Allen lite,” and is soon forgotten. Bonuses: Commentary by Burns; Deleted scenes; Trailers; Casting footage. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HOUSE (Criterion) Nobuhiko Obayashi’s almost indescribable 1977 film is part horror movie, part slapstick comedy, part satire, part romance and part…drug-fueled hallucination? A timid schoolgirl travels with classmates to her grandmother’s home, only to be confronted by evil spirits, the world’s nastiest cat, and other unsettling visions. Stunning use of mixed media (matte paintings, animation, collage) results in one of the cinema’s most unique works. The stunning color palate really pops in the Blu-ray edition. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; 1966 short film by Obayashi; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
DON’T LET ME DROWN (Image) In the aftermath of 9/11, two teens—one Latino (E.J. Bonilla) and one Black (Gleendylis Inoa)—find comfort in one another, despite the objections of their traditional-minded parents. Simple, but powerful, kitchen sink drama pulls no punches, and is quietly affecting. Fine cast. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
AGAINST THE CURRENT (IFC Films) Joseph Fiennes stars as a man who feels he has nothing left to live for, and determines to fulfill a childhood dream of swimming the entire 150 mile length of the Hudson River. Justin Kirk, Elizabeth Reaser, Michelle Trachtenberg and the always-wonderful Mary Tyler Moore co-star in this offbeat drama, which shows there are many ways to be a winner. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HOLY ROLLERS (Vivendi) A naïve young man (Jesse Eisenberg) from a strict Hasidic community in New York suddenly finds himself indoctrinated into the dark side when he agrees to help some Israelis transport “medicine.” Soon, he finds himself seduced by a fast world of women, money, and very dangerous characters. Solid drama has some powerful moments, but is also rather heavy-handed in its execution. Worth a look if there’s nothing else in your Netflix queue. Bonuses: Commentary with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Interviews with Eisenberg and co-star Justin Bartha. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround.
PREDATORS (20th Century Fox) Adrien Brody, who is quickly becoming his generation’s Vincent Price as the headliner of big-budget horror movies, stars in this follow-up to the successful 1980s franchise. A group of mercenaries find themselves mysteriously brought together on an uncharted planet, and soon find themselves as the prey of alien predators. Good special effects and some rather pointed political allegory make this splatter-fest watchable for most of its 107 minute running time, but it probably won’t be a keeper for your collection. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Motion comics; Commentary by producer Robert Rodriguez, director Nimrod Antal; Deleted and extended scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CLAPHAM JUNCTION (eOne) Powerful story about a disparate group of gay Londoners brought together after a hate crime in the neighborhood of Clapham Junction. Powerful, honest and unflinchingly realistic in its depiction of violence and the horrible domino effect it can have. Great turn by Rupert Graves in the lead. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
ANTICHRIST (Criterion) Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg star as a grieving couple, devastated over the loss of their young son. When they retreat to their rural cabin in the woods, they find terror and violence awaiting them in many forms, including each other. Director Lars Von Trier has always been an acquired taste for most filmgoers, and in this he has created his most polarizing work. Hailed by some as a masterpiece and excoriated by others as sick, vulgar trash that wallows in sensationalism, dressed up as “art.” This writer is in the latter camp, and while I’ve never been a fan of Von Trier, I’ve always admired his audacity and skill. With Antichrist, it’s quite obvious that Lars has slid off his axis. Let’s hope the slide is temporary and he can come back from the abyss, even if his characters can’t. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Von Trier and film scholar Murray Smith; Interviews with Von Trier, Dafoe and Gainsbourg; Featurettes; Documentary on film’s world premiere; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THREE AND OUT (eOne) Very funny black comedy from the UK. When his train kills two people in two weeks, conductor Paul Callow (Mackenzie Crook) has had enough. But when he learns of a contractual loophole that will offer him early retirement and ten years’ salary if he runs over one more hapless pedestrian, he earnestly searches for a willing volunteer. When Tommy Cassidy (Colm Meany) steps forward, he agrees under one condition: Paul must help him make things right with his estranged wife (Imelda Staunton) and daughter (Gemma Arterton). Darkly tongue-in-cheek, as only the Brits can deliver! Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (eOne) A decadent Halloween party in the Big Easy turns into a blood feast when a young lovely (Monica Keena) and her friends overstay their welcome, and find themselves served up to seven very ill-tempered demons as a sacrifice! Shannon Elizabeth and Edward Furlong also star in this very bloody, but good-humored, horror satire. Those looking for Shakespearean poetry will be disappointed, but those who like their gore served with healthy dollops of laughs are sure to have a ball. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
PLEASE GIVE (Sony) Two New York yuppies (Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt) make their money by selling unique furniture purchased from estate sales of the recently-passed. When they buy the unit next door in the hopes of expanding and remodeling their apartment, they don’t take into account that its current 91 year-old, miserable tenant (Ann Guilbert) refuses to die, and must placate the woman’s two granddaughters (Rebecca Hall and Amanda Peet). Smart, stinging comedy is another winner for writer/director Nicole Holofcener. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Outtakes; Featurettes; Q&A with Holofcener. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround.
OLDER THAN AMERICA (IFC Films) A woman is beset by haunting visions that lead her back to the Indian reservation where her mother grew up. Once there, she discovers a sinister cover-up by a Catholic priest that ties back to crimes committed against her mother, and other Native American children. Powerful drama with supernatural overtones also stars Bradley Cooper, Wes Studi, and Adam Beach. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DOGHOUSE (IFC Films) A group of mates (Danny Dyer, Noel Clarke, Stephen Graham) head off for a boys’ weekend to cheer up a pal who’s gone through a painful divorce. As luck would have it, they end up in an isolated hamlet where a bio-weapon has turned the entire female population into man-hating zombies that scream for their flesh—which is what the lads always suspected they were, anyway. Funny, raucous comedy from the UK, in the spirit of Shaun of the Dead. Bonuses: Featurettes; Bloopers; Deleted scenes; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WILD GRASS (Sony) Legendary French filmmaker Alain Resnais brings his brilliance to this story of how a lost wallet brings a disparate group of people together in a unique romantic adventure that is part psychodrama, sex farce, tragedy, and comedy. A true original, as only Resnais could make. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ARN THE KNIGHT TEMPLAR (eOne) Stunning epic from Sweden about a young solider (Joakim Natterqvist) whose adventures during the Crusades leads him to join the mysterious and powerful Knights Templar. Terrific costume drama is chock full of intrigue, drama and eye-popping battle scenes. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SKELETONS (IndiePix) Offbeat comedy about two paranormal techs who travel Britain to literally clean the skeletons from people’s closets, performing “the procedure.” When assigned a make-or-break job by their intimidating boss, known as The Colonel (Jason Isaacs), the two men realize that not all skeletons want to leave their hiding place. Clever, deadpan little film was aptly described by one critic as “Ghostbusters meets Samuel Beckett.” Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HARRISON MONTGOMERY (IndiePix) A young artist-cum-drug dealer (Octavio Gomez Berrios) on the lam hides out in a transient hotel, where he meets recluse Harrison Montgomery (Martin Landau, affecting as always), who has devoted his life to deciphering and analyzing the winning patterns on TV game shows. Odd and offbeat character study is quietly powerful, with nice support from Melora Walters and Diane Baker. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and filmmakers; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE SICILIAN GIRL (Music Box Films) Shattering thriller based on the true story of a mafia daughter in Sicily who turns evidence against the mobsters who killed her father and brother. Cast with a phenomenal group of actors, the film retains a cinema verite feeling throughout, and never loses its sense of realism. Not to be missed. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
DON’T LOOK BACK (IFC Films) Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci star in this dark thriller about an author (Marceau) who loses touch with reality when her latest book fails to get published, and morphs into an entirely different woman (Bellucci), who investigates what went wrong in the author’s carefully-planned former life. Mind-bending exercise in psychology a la David Lynch, with the suspense of an Alfred Hitchcock picture. A truly unique work. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
VENGEANCE (IFC Films) French legend Johnny Halliday stars in Hong Kong maestro Jonnie To’s kinetic thriller about a seemingly mild-mannered chef with a dark past who hires professional assassins to take out the Chinese gangsters that nearly killed his daughter. Brilliantly staged action sequences and the greatest performance of Halliday’s career make this a kick-ass action flick that’s sure to please the most discriminating connoisseur. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BLU BAYOU MGM/Fox releases the original MAD MAX to Blu-ray, the 1979 classic that made Mel Gibson an international star as the titular character: an Aussie cop in a bleak future where gangs of marauding bikers terrorize the roads. Some of the best car stunts and action filmmaking of all-time, particularly considering the film’s low budget, all a testament to the genius of writer/director George Miller. Includes both BD and DVD versions of the film, and the original Aussie soundtrack on both. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew; Trivia and fact track; Photo gallery; TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. The ALIEN ANTHOLOGY features all four films in the series: ALIEN, ALIENS, ALIEN 3, and ALIEN RESURRECTION. The first two, helmed by Ridley Scott and James Cameron respectively, are rightfully regarded as classics of the genre, and hold up brilliantly, really coming to life on Blu-ray, showing how far ahead of their time both films were technically. The latter two films of the series fell horribly flat, although they’re not without merits of their own, particularly David Fincher’s bleak, revisionist take on the series in part 3, which has some truly horrific and disturbing scenes. Six disc set includes original theatrical versions as well as director’s cuts of all four films. Bonuses: Mobile interactive experience, featuring datastreams of production notes and historical facts; Audio commentaries on all versions of the films; Featurettes; Unseen dailies; Deleted scenes; Photo and artwork galleries; Isolated score tracks, including alternate and unused cues; Archival documentaries; Test footage; TV specials; Mutli-angle studies; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION features the first BD release of the ultimate midnight movie, starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as hopelessly square Janet and Brad, who stumble upon Dr. Frank N Furter (Tim Curry) and his band of “sweet transvestites in transsexual Transylvania.” Gleefully goofy blend of sci-fi, satire and musical comedy still plays well, although it’s better with an audience. Includes both U.S. and U.K. versions of the film. Bonuses: Picture-in-picture track, pop-up trivia track; BD-LIVE features; Featurettes; Documentary; Photo, pressbook and poster galleries; Commentary by writer/actor Richard O’Brien and actress Patricia Quinn; Deleted scenes and outtakes; Alternate b&w opening; Alternate endings; Archival clips; Music videos; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. Two of director Baz Luhrmann’s biggest hits arrive on BD: ROMEO + JULIET, which stars Clare Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio as the star-crossed lovers, the story reset in modern times with the Montague and Capulet families recast as rival gangs. Dazzling production design can’t save the fact that the mostly non-classically trained cast shouts the Bard’s speech at each other, and Luhrmann’s hyperactive camera inspires little but motion sickness in the viewer. MOULIN ROUGE suffers from the same AD/HD that Luhrmann brings to the proceedings, telling the tale of romance between a courtesan (Nicole Kidman) and a struggling writer (Ewan McGregor) in a dazzling Paris nightclub of the 19th century. Your enjoyment of both films depends upon your appreciation of Luhrmann’s style. Fans are sure to be delighted by both, others beware! Bonuses: Audio commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted and alternate scenes; BD-LIVE features; Photo and production design galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, adapted from James Bond author Ian Fleming’s sole foray into children’s literature, stars Dick Van Dyke as an eccentric inventor who creates an extraordinary car loaded with gadgets, and the ability to fly and float! Soon, he finds himself, his two children, and his girlfriend (Sally Ann Howes) transported to a magical land of pirates, castles and endless adventure. Fun romp for kids, with some eye-popping production design, but adults might find it tiresome, not to mention dated, even for 1968, the year it was released. Bonuses: Sing-along; Driving game; Interview with Van Dyke; Featurettes; Photo and vintage ad gallery. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 7.1 surround. TROLL 2 is one of those indescribable “so bad, they’re good” movies, in which a hoard of evil trolls terrorizes a family living in a rural town. Amateurish doesn’t even begin to describe the level of filmmaking, acting and make-up, but the real prize in this package is the documentary Best Worst Movie, directed by Troll 2 co-star Michael Stephenson, who takes a hard look at the cost of C-movie notoriety. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS was director Michael Mann’s first foray into period filmmaking, with this rousing adaptation of the classic James Fenimore Cooper novel, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye, adopted Anglo son of the Mohican Indians who tries to straddle both sides of the brutal French-Indian war in Colonial America. Fine support from Madeline Stowe and eye-popping battle scenes, make this one of the best epics in recent years. Bonuses: Definitive director’s cut of the film; Commentary by Mann; Featurette. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. The ROBOCOP TRILOGY is a long-awaited BD release, featuring all three films in a series that should have stopped at one. Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 ROBOCOP is a masterpiece of sci-fi action satire, as a mortally-wounded cop (Peter Weller) is transformed into a robotic law enforcement machine by evil corporate goons (Miguel Ferrer and Ronny Cox) who are in cahoots with the city’s biggest criminal mastermind (Kurtwood Smith, one of the screen’s most loathsome villains). This is the “unrated” cut which was slapped with an X-rating for violence when originally submitted to the MPAA, and it’s even more shocking, and funny, that the censored original. Classic film, made for the high-tech world of BD. ROBOCOP 2 and ROBOCOP 3 are, sadly, pale imitations of the original, with part 3 being so bad, original Robo Peter Weller didn’t even show up to don the metal suit, and the film got a PG-13 rating, to boot. WTF?! Worth buying for the first film, while the other two will make fine coasters at any dinner party. Sadly, there are no extras on the discs. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE SOUND OF MUSIC: 45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION is a sumptuous BD/DVD package of one of the world’s most beloved films. Julie Andrews stars as singing nun Maria who is charged with the unruly Von Trapp brood, helmed by their stern father (Christopher Plummer) in the early days of the Nazis coming to power in Austria. Some count this among their all-time favorites, while others find its sentiment saccharine and its naiveté maddeningly simplistic with its sunnyness in the face of pure evil. Decide for yourself. 3 disc set bonuses include: Interactive viewing experience, with behind-the-scenes images, on-screen lyrics, trivia track and location quiz; Sing-along; Audio commentary by Andrews, Plummer and director Robert Wise; BD-LIVE features; Featurettes; Vintage programs; Screen tests, outtakes, interviews, photo galleries, and other vintage treasures. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. Lionsgate releases HIGHLANDER starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery as members of a Scottish clan of immortal warriors who must travel across centuries to present-day New York City to battle other immortals who have less-than-honorable intentions. Fun silliness with a great turn by Clancy Brown as the lead bad guy. HIGHLANDER 2, while still managing to stay barely afloat due to the presence of Connery, finds MacLeod and Ramirez returning in the year 2024 to try their hand at once again saving Earth from certain destruction. Virginia Madsen supplies nice scenery, but little else. Bonuses: Documentaries and featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases two sleaze classics to BD: MANIAC stars (and was co-written by) character actor Joe Spinell as a loner by day who preys on and slaughters unsuspecting women at night. Hailed by gorehounds for some of the most graphic killings ever depicted on-screen at the point of its 1980 release, 30 years later the film feels like a pointless exercise in sensationalism created by a truly sick and twisted mind. There isn’t a single redeeming quality to this film, unless you enjoy watching women get senselessly butchered, in which case you might want to make an appointment with your neighborhood shrink, but quick. Tom Savini’s make-up effects are shockingly realistic, but so what? Uncut version. Bonuses: Commentary by director William Lustig, co-producer Andrew W. Garroni, Savini; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers, TV spots, radio spots; Promo reel; Documentary on Spinell. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. SALON KITTY is director Tinto Brass’ softcore period piece set in Berlin during the early days of WW II. A power-mad SS officer (Helmut Berger) is ordered to find and train Germany’s most beautiful women to work in the brothel of Madame Kitty (Ingrid Thulin), which will be made into the Nazis’ private house of joy. Berger, meanwhile, films all of the illicit encounters that the rich and powerful enjoy, for future blackmail. When a young prostitute (Teresa Ann Savoy) uncovers the plot, she decides to enact her revenge on those responsible. Uncut version is more coherent than the heavily-edited version that played in the U.S. for years, but is still far too long at 133 minutes. Trashy fun for the first half, but like Brass’ later hit Caligula, wears out its welcome halfway through. Bonuses: Interviews with Brass, production designer Ken Adam; Trailers and radio spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD mono. Criterion releases a gorgeous BD version of Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece SEVEN SAMURAI, one of cinema’s finest hours. A group of desperate peasants hire a motley band of masterless samurai to defend their village from a gang of marauding bandits. Starring the great Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura, this 207 minute epic has it all: breathtaking battle scenes, pungent dialogue and one of the greatest studies of humanity ever committed to celluloid. An authentic movie masterpiece. Two disc set bonuses include: Two audio commentaries from film scholars David Desser, Joan Mellen, Stephen Prince, Tony Rayns, and Donald Richie, along with Japanese film expert Michael Jeck; Documentary on the film’s production; Two hour video conversation from 1993 between Kurosawa and Nagisa Oshima; Featurettes; Trailers and teaser; Photo gallery; Collectible booklet featuring interviews with Kenneth Turan, Peter Cowie, Philip Kemp, Peggy Chiao, Alain Silver, Stuart Galbraith, Arthur Penn, Toshiro Mifune and Sidney Lumet. Full screen. DTS-HD mono.
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Fox/MGM releases LIE TO ME: SEASON 2, starring Tim Roth as Dr. Carl Lightman, the world’s leading deception expert. Watch as Dr. Lightman flushes out murders, liars and thieves, all through the art of conversation and observation. Smart, stinging dialogue and Roth’s expert work before the camera make this one of network TV’s finest hours. 22 episodes on 6 discs. Bonuses: Extended and deleted scenes; Featurettes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. DOLLHOUSE: THE COMPLETE SEASON 2, creator Joss Whedon’s final chapter of the hit series about a shadowy organization that supplies clients with “actives,” human beings imprinted with the personas of whomever the client desires. When the technology behind the actives spins dangerously out of control, lovely, lethal active Echo (Eliza Dushku) must unlock the deadly secret that will determine the fate of mankind. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary on select episodes; Deleted scenes and outtakes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON features the final episodes of the iconic ‘70s series, as the gang bids a final farewell to WJM and each other. 3-disc set contains all 24 episodes of the 1976-77 season, including the final curtain call from the last show. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. ALLY MCBEAL: SEASONS 3-5 contains all 66 episodes of the 1999-2002 seasons, starring Calista Flockhart as the titular character: a young lawyer filled with intelligence, ambition and the yearning to find true love. Loaded with cameos from big name actors (Anne Heche, Christina Ricci, Matthew Perry) and musicians (Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting), David E. Kelley’s series is a unique blend of comedy, pathos and inventiveness. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. THE FAMILY GUY: PARTIAL TERMS OF ENDEARMENT was too crude for TV, so it finds a new home on DVD, in this episode where Lois agrees, against Peter’s wishes, to become a surrogate mother for an infertile couple. Lots of raunchy laughs. Bonuses: Commentary by Seth MacFarlane, Danny Smith, Joseph Lee, and Alex Borstein; Featurettes; 9 downloadable songs. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BONES: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON features more adventures of Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) who combine their respective scientific genius and streetwise abilities to make up one of TV’s sexiest, savviest crime-fighting duos. 6-disc set contains all 22 season five episodes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Select audio commentary; Extended versions of select episodes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Paramount/CBS releases WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE FINAL SEASON from 1989-90, a powerful, modern-day adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic tale about a Martian invasion of Earth, and how Earthlings fight back. Cast includes Jared Martin, Lynda Mason Green and Adrian Paul. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CSI: MIAMI THE EIGHTH SEASON stars David Caruso in the popular spin-off series set in the Sunshine State, featuring the teams from Miami, Las Vegas and New York guest starring for the first time to collaborate on cracking open a crime syndicate. Bonuses: Featurettes; Audio commentaries. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE GHOST WHISPERER: THE FINAL SEASON stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as a psychic who engages ghosts and those they haunt. Terrific finale to a hugely popular show. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; The Other Side IV webseries; Games. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE FINAL SEASON features the final 20 episodes of the popular ‘80s horror anthology series, these being from 1987-88. Some big scares, big laughs, and a few duds in the mix, as well. Overall, great fun. Bonuses: Extra episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE REAL L WORD: SEASON ONE takes a reality-show look at the world of high-profile, powerful women who are also openly gay. Interesting look at changing mores and times. Bonuses: Featurettes; Audition footage; Ladies’ bios; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE TUDORS: THE FINAL SEASON, marks the finale of one of cable’s most epic, opulent period pieces, detailing the reign of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Terrific supporting cast includes vets like Joely Richardson, Gerard McSorley, Joss Stone and the great Max Von Sydow. Bonuses: United States of Tara episodes; Via EBridge Technology on select episodes of Tudors, Dexter, and Californication. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. eOne releases EVENING PRIMROSE, a rarely-seen 1966 ABC-TV production that originally aired on the “ABC Stage 67” program. Adapted by James Goldman, directed by Paul Bogart, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this touching musical love story stars Anthony Perkins and Charmian Carr as, respectively, a lonely poet and a young girl who meet by chance after-hours in a closed department store. If only television were still producing work like this! Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Test footage. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. Warner Bros. releases TWO AND A HALF MEN: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON, starring Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer in a modern-day Odd Couple story, loaded with laughs and sharp writing. Bonuses: Extra episodes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. HUMAN TARGET: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, is adapted from the hit DC Comics graphic novels about a badass protector-for-hire (Mark Valley) who finds himself hired to protect a disparate lot of society’s good, bad, and ugly. Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley co-star. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Pilot commentary by cast and crew; Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. V: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON is the remake of the hit ‘80s series about a group of reptilian-like aliens who to Earth, seemingly, in peace, but in fact have more nefarious plans afoot. Modern version is slick, suspenseful and quite smart, although we miss the tongue-in-cheek goofiness of the original. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Unaired scenes; Executive producers commentary on episode 11. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Lifetime releases the supernatural thrillers HUSH LITTLE BABY about a young mother (Victoria Pratt) grieving over the loss of her daughter, who finds that she’s unexpectedly pregnant, and that her newborn might be…evil! Echoes of Rosemary’s Baby abound, but overall, a tight little thriller. THE HAUNTING OF SORORITY ROW stars Leighton Meester as a sorority pledge who uncovers a sinister secret about the sisterhood. Silly, but fun. Catherine Bell stars in STILL SMALL VOICES, as a 911 operator suffering from haunting visions of a girl who drowned. Solid work across the board, with nice support from character vet Charles Martin Smith. THE GATHERING stars Peter Gallagher, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Peter Fonda in an eerie tale of a modern-day witches’ coven. DEVIL’S DIARY tells the Stephen King-like tale of a group of teens who stumble upon a sinister diary that might be the writings of the Devil himself. Pretty scary, with nice turns by its young cast. All are widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. HBO releases THE PACIFIC a six disc box set of the hit HBO miniseries about the Marines who fought the Japanese in the Pacific Theater during WW II. Sprawling epic features some terrific performances from a new group of young actors (James Badge Dale, Joe Mazzello, Jon Seda) and eye-popping battle scenes. Not as affecting as its predecessor, “Band of Brothers,” but still knocks the ball out of the park on its own merits. Winner of 8 Emmys, including Outstanding Miniseries. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentaries and featurettes; Audio commentary. BD features include: Enhanced viewing with Picture-in-picture features; Interactive field guide, which includes animated maps, interviews with historians and veterans, archival footage, photos. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. IN TREATMENT SEASON 2 offers more fine, adult drama starring Gabriel Byrne as Dr. Paul Weston, a therapist undergoing his own crisis of conscience as he deals with a disparate group of new clients, including Hope Davis, Alison Pill, Aaaron Shaw, and the great John Mahoney, never better than here playing a stressed-out millionaire. 35 episodes on seven discs. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. A&E releases BENNY HILL THE THAMES YEARS 1969-1989, THE COMPLETE MEGASET, starring the beloved British comic in all his ribald glory. 58 uncut episodes, 585 classic sketches and 18 DVDs are a testament to Hill’s comic genius. Most American audiences might find themselves gasping, seeing the uncensored versions of “Benny Hill” for the first time on the side of the Pond! Bonuses: Documentary; Featurettes; Trivia quizzes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. GREAT DETECTIVES ANTHOLOGY offers up adventures from three of literatures greatest sleuths: Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot (Michael Suchet), Miss Marple (Joan Hickson) and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing). Just a few of the 18 classic capers include the favorites: “Death on the Nile,” “The Moving Finger,” and “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Great fun, and beautifully made, all. Bonuses: Documentaries; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE BOONDOCKS: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON features the uncut, uncensored continuing animated adventures of bad boys Huey, Riley and Robert Freeman. Loaded with irreverence, and pointed political and social humor. Great fun for discriminating adults! Bonuses: Episodes hosted by Cedric Yarborough and Gary Anthony Williams; Four audio commentaries featuring cast and crew; Featurettes; Sketch and photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY: THE COMPETE SERIES stars the venerable Leo McKern in the beloved BBC series which ran from 1979 to 1992, with McKern inhabiting his signature role: Horace Rumpole, defender of the downtrodden, and rebel against the ruling class. Great mixture of comedy and drama, with some of the tube’s best courtroom theatrics. Bonuses: Bonus movie, “Rumpole’s Return”; Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes; Biographies of cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE WORLD AT WAR, the groundbreaking BBC documentary series from 1973, narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier, is a staggering collection of archival footage from WW II, available for the first time on Blu-ray disc. The restoration of the series’ interviews with surviving witnesses (all of whom are now long deceased), and vintage footage, much from the front lines of combat, is nothing short of dazzling. One of television’s finest hours, not to be missed. Bonuses: Extra documentaries; Retrospective look at the series’ production; Featurettes; Biographies; Photo gallery from the Imperial War Museum; Bonus historical footage; Famous songs, quotes and maps. Full screen. DTS-HD 2.0 stereo. Acorn Media releases AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, starring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, in a lavishly-produced version of the classic story about a disparate group of passengers (Suchet, Eileen Atkins, Toby Jones, Hugh Bonnevile, Barbara Hershey) aboard the Orient Express, any of whom could be the prime suspect in the murder of a fellow passenger. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Suchet gives a tour of the Orient Express; Featurettes. Widescreen. DTS-HD 2.0 mono. SLINGS & ARROWS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, is the hit show from Canada that swept the Gemini awards that follows the exploits of a dysfunctional Shakespearean theater troupe. Loaded with biting humor, memorable characters and quotable dialogue. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Three disc set bonuses include: Three audio commentaries by cast and crew; Featurettes; Bloopers, deleted and extended scenes; Photo galleries; Production notes; Trailers; Song lyrics. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DOCUMENTARY DAYS Shout Factory releases VIDEO GAMES LIVE LEVEL 2, a record of a stunning immersive concert event featuring music from the greatest video games of all-time. The brainchild of veteran game composer Tommy Tallarico, and featuring top orchestras and choirs from around the world, the show is a mixed media spectacular, with music from games going back to the 1980s, to present day. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews; Creator commentary; Documentary. Widescreen. DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 surround. IndiePix releases FORBIDDEN LIE$ is a provocative look at author Norma Khouri, whose expose, “Forbidden Love” detailed an honor killing in Jordan—until it was revealed as a hoax by journalist Malcolm Knox. Fascinating portrait of the relativism of truth. Bonuses: Commentary by director Anna Broinowski and Khouri; Featurettes; Interviews with filmmakers; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Disinformation releases CAR BOMB, a look at how this most elusive of explosive devices has become the weapon of choice for terrorist organizations the world over. Former CIA agent Robert Baer takes viewers on a sobering journey into the minds of extremists. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Lionsgate releases LET’S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER, Hal Ashby’s document of the Rolling Stone’s triumphant 1981 American tour. Shot with 20 cameras, the film is a remarkable record of the Stones at the peak of their musical powers. Caleb Deschanel was one of the cinematographers. Bonuses: Trailer; Photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MVD releases ERIC SARDINAS AND BIG MOTOR LIVE, a terrific look at Sardinas’ brand of “Delta Dynamite,” featuring Eric and his band performing some of their biggest tracks. Stunningly shot in HD. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. DELERIUM: EPIPHANY, is a terrific concert compilation of the band’s unique blend of electropop, sacred and world music. Filmed in October 2008 at Washington D.C.’s Nightclub 9:30, with additional footage from Atlanta, West Palm Beach and Montreal. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Athena releases two collections of Bill Moyers’ specials: BILL MOYERS GENESIS: A LIVING CONVERSATION, in which the veteran newsman looks at the book of Genesis and all its tales with groups of biblical scholars, theologians, and everyday people. BILL MOYERS: ON FAITH AND REASON, features Moyers’ conversations with 12 noted writers and thinkers a wide spectrum of beliefs to discuss their search for meaning. Bonuses: 12-page viewer’s guide; Biographies. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Cinema Libre releases Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER, a fascinating look at the current state of socio-politics in Latin America. Featuring interviews with leaders like Hugo Chavez, Cristina Kircher, Raul Castro, and many other politicians and private citizens alike, Stone paints a vivid, and very different picture, of South America. Bonuses: Extra interviews; Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE BEST GOVERNMENT MONEY CAN BUY takes a hard look at the world of Washington lobbyists, and how deep coffers can directly affect policymaking. Featuring interviews with insiders such as R. Bruce Josten, Patrick E. O’Donnell and former congressman Anthony J. Moffett, film is a candid and sobering look at the business of politics. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sexy Intellectual releases two new music docs: THE SACRED TRIANGLE: BOWIE, IGGY AND LOU 1971-1973, a penetrating look into the brief, but intense, partnership between David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, three of their generation’s most unique and influential musical voices, featuring new and archival interviews with the people who were there. BRIAN WILSON SONGWRITER 1962-1969, takes a look at the Beach Boys’ reclusive genius in a sprawling, three-hour look at Wilson’s most active period of creativity, as well as his subsequent breakdown. Loaded with archival footage and photos never before seen. Both are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo. A&E releases three History Channel titles: EMPIRES is a 14-disc set that takes a look at history’s greatest empires that helped shape the world we live in today. From Ancient Rome, to Greece, to the Egyptians and beyond, this epic series is sure to please the most discriminating history buff. Bonuses: Featurettes; Documentary; Bonuses episode of Biography. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. WORLD WAR II 360 is a sprawling look at every decisive battle of the Pacific Theater in WW II. Tremendous blend of archival footage, interviews and computer animation puts the viewer in the middle of the action. Dynamite stuff! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Additional scenes. EARTH AND SPACE is a groundbreaking miniseries that employs cutting-edge CGI and stunning NASA footage to take viewers on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos. 26 episodes on six discs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Feature-length documentary. Both are full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0. Stax releases ALBERT KING WITH STEVIE RAY VAUGHN: IN SESSION, a remarkable document of the meeting of two great musical minds and talents, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. Vaughn, who idolized King since childhood, is obviously still in awe of the blues guitar master during these sessions, and they are a feast for the eyes and ears. Not to be missed for music fans. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround.
FOR THE WEE ONES Disney releases A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Robert Zemeckis’ eye-popping computer-animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, with Jim Carrey voicing Ebenezer Scrooge. Zemeckis displays the same skill and verve with CGI that he did in Holiday Express and Beowulf, and he doesn’t disappoint here. Other voice talent includes Gary Oldman, Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn and Cary Elwes. Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Production documentaries; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MGM/Fox releases 6 KIDS MOVIES, featuring adaptations of the greatest titles in children’s literature: SNOW WHITE, RED RIDING HOOD, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PUSS IN BOOTS, SLEEPING BEAUTY, and HANSEL AND GRETEL. Produced between 1986-88, all the films boast gorgeous production design and lots of smart, tongue-in-cheek humor, for the precocious little ones in your house. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Warner Bros. releases C IS FOR COOKIE MONSTER, a collection of Cookie Monster stories and songs from the “Sesame Street” archives. Great fun, lots of delightful humor mixed with learning. Also from “Sesame Street” is ELMO AND FRIENDS: THE LETTER QUEST AND OTHER MAGICAL TALES, featuring Elmo and his band of knight acting out the adventures of King Arthur. Each title features 3 twenty minute segments. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. A&E/Flatiron Films releases THE SECRET OF KELLS, an Oscar nominee for Best Animated Film, which combines magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology in a riot of color and detail that dazzles the eyes in this sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. A prescient tale if there ever was! Voice talent includes Brendan Gleeson. Bonuses: Commentary by the filmmakers. Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Paramount/Nickelodeon release PRINCESS KAI-LAN, featuring voice work from Lucy Liu, in three adventures, drawn in gorgeous, Japanese anime. Bonuses: Music video. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MERRY CHRISTMAS OLIVIA features everyone’s favorite pig in four holiday-themed adventures. Bonuses: Extra episode, “Olivia’s Pirate Treasure.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACKYARDIGANS features more holiday fun with the Backyardigans characters, in four episodes centered around the holidays and friendship. Bonuses: Game; Music video. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lionsgate releases SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE, starring Dudley Moore as a rebellious elf who ditches the North Pole for New York City, where he gets mixed up with dastardly toy maker John Lithgow. Will Santa save the day? Cute family comedy holds up well after 25 years. Bonuses: Commentary by director Jennot Szwarc, Featurettes; Talent bios; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE WUBBULOUS WORLD OF DR. SEUSS: THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR IN HERE features three Halloween-themed adventures with the beloved Cat in the Hat: “There is Nothing to Fear in Here,” “The Blag-Bludder Beast,” and “Norval the Great.” Seuss’ inventiveness reigns supreme! Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. CARE BEARS: THE GIVING FESTIVAL MOVIE features the bears adventures in creating the Giving Festival, which is threatened by a powerful wind blowing through Care-a-lot. Adorable, and perfect for small kids. Bonuses: Game; Bonus episodes. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. LEAPFROG LEARNING DVD + CD SET VOL. 2, features three math and language learning DVDs and one song CD aimed at kids from ages 3-6. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Scholastic releases more titles in their Storybook Treasures collection: TREASURY OF 100 STORYBOOK CLASSICS 2 features another centenary of award-winning stories adapted for viewing, including “Corduroy,” “Is Your Mama a Llama?” “Crazy Hair Day,” and many more stories, which have won more than 50 awards. 17 disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE HALLOWEEN STORIES COLLECTION features 18 stories on 3 discs, including “A Very Brave Witch,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “The Teacher From the Black Lagoon.” Narrated by Calista Flockhart, Elle Fanning, and others. Bonuses: Spanish and French-language versions; Featurettes; Interviews with authors and illustrators; Read-along; Discussion questions. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF features the classic B.G. Hennessy story, illustrated by Boris Kulikov and narrated by Peter Scolari, along with four other classic stories, including “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” narrated by Michael York, and “Seven Blind Mice,” narrated by B.D. Wong. Bonuses: Interviews with authors and illustrators; Read-along; Discussion questions. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE…AND MORE FUN ON THE FARM, features a total of 18 animated stories revolving around animals. Three disc set features narration by Abigail Breslin, Hank Azaria, Randy Travis, and others. Bonuses: Spanish versions; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
By Allen Gardner
PATHS OF GLORY (Criterion) Stanley Kubrick’s 1957 antiwar classic put him on the map as a major filmmaker. Kirk Douglas stars in a true story about a French officer in WW I who locks horns with the military’s top brass after his men are court-martialed for failing to carry out an obvious suicide mission. A perfect film, across the board, with fine support from George Macready as one of the most despicable martinet’s ever captured on film, Ralph Meeker, and Adolphe Menjou, all oily charm as a conniving General. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Audio commentary by critic Gary Giddins; Excerpt from 1966 audio interview with Kubrick; 1979 interview with Douglas; New interviews with Jan Harlan, Christiane Kubrick, and producer James B. Harris; French television documentary on real-life case which inspired the film; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
WINTER’S BONE (Lionsgate) After her deadbeat father disappears, 17 year-old Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), who lives in the rural slum of Missouri’s Ozark mountains, must track him down, or face eviction from the family’s ramshackle home that houses her two younger siblings and slow-witted mother, as well. After making contact with her father’s feuding, drug-dealing and drug-addicted family, Dolly finds herself navigating a slippery slope of violence, betrayal and buried secrets. Riveting film from start to finish, with a star-making turn from young Lawrence. Not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by director Debra Granik and cinematographer Michael McDonough; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Alternate opening; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
JONAH HEX (Warner Bros.) Josh Brolin stars as the D.C. Comics hero, a scarred Civil War vet and bounty hunter on the run from renegade military officers who agree to wipe his slate if he takes out a dangerous terrorist (John Malkovich). Jeez, what a frustrating mess of a movie! It’s another example of a movie crammed with talent (co-starring Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett, and Michael Shannon, to name a few) that aims for the middle and hits its target dead-on. What a cool, badass movie this could have been…Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK (HBO Films) Al Pacino delivers another stellar turn as controversial doctor Jack Kevorkian in Barry Levinson’s wise, witty and very dark look at Kevorkian’s ongoing legal battle to offer terminally-ill patients assisted suicide. Adam Mazer’s script definitely wears its politics on its sleeve, but is executed so well, along with all the other key elements of the film, that it doesn’t matter. Terrific support from Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, and the great Brenda Vaccaro. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (Warner Bros.) Another example of why great movies should be remade. Inept retread of Wes Craven’s 1984 classic about a group of teens who find their nightmares being visited by the charred remains of child killer Freddie Kreuger (Jackie Earle Haley), with fatal consequences. Director Samuel Bayer emphasizes gore over psychological scares, and it gets tiresome. Let’s hope this is one series that doesn’t get resurrected. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate opening, ending and scenes; BD-LIVE features on BD; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SPLICE (Warner Bros.) Genetic engineers, and couple, Clive and Elsa (Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley), create new hybrids from splicing DNA of disparate animals together. When they attempt the same thing with human tissue, they give birth to a hybrid that could change not only modern science and medicine, but the future of human engineering. When the pharmaceutical company that funds them suddenly shuts the experiment down, Clive and Elsa continue their experiment in private, which takes on a horrifying life of its own. Sci-fi thriller starts out quite well, intelligently written, posing some truly thought-provoking questions and ideas, then degenerates into sensationalism and some wild plot twists that come out of left field. Bears strong signs of post-test screening re-shoots and rewrites. Too bad. And by the way, is this the same Adrien Brody who won an Oscar for The Pianist? WTF, Adrien?! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted and alternate scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
LOVE RANCH (eOne) Taylor Hackford’s latest is based on the true story of Grace and Charlie Bontempo (Joe Pesci and Helen Mirren), the proprietors of mid-70s Nevada’s most popular legal brothel. When Charlie sponsors an up-and-coming young boxer (Sergio Peris-Mencheta) and Grace falls hard for the strapping young fighter, complications ensue. Another movie that seems to have everything going for it in terms of pedigree, but falls flat on its face almost from the get-go. Mirren is the lone standout, offering yet another stellar turn in a career of them. Pesci seems bored playing yet another insecure thug prone to violence as a way of proving himself. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Hackford; Introduction by Hackford and Mirren; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
6 MOVIES—ONE SET MGM/UA releases two collections of six films: 6 SPORTS MOVIES features a disparate group of films about life on the field: BULL DURHAM is Ron Shelton’s wise, witty take on minor league baseball, love versus lust, and how the heart is a muscle that is never ruled by logic. Stellar work from Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. ROCKY MARCIANO stars Jon Favreau in an unlikely bit of casting as the heavyweight champ. Solid biopic with Favreau delivering the goods. BODY AND SOUL (1981) is a remake of the 1947 John Garfield classic, starring Leon Isaac Kennedy as a streetwise kid who finds redemption in the ring; BODY AND SOUL (1999) is a less-than-stellar third try at bat, with real-life champ Ray “Boom-Boom” Mancini stepping into acting shoes for the first time—which he should have left off; DIGGSTOWN stars James Woods as a sleazy promoter/con man who teams with boxer Lou Gossett to get revenge on a small town boss (Bruce Dern). Amiable comedy, helmed by the great Michael Ritchie; SEMI-TOUGH is a fun adaptation of Dan Jenkins’ scatological novel about life in the NFL. Stars Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson and Jill Clayburgh play well off each other, with Robert Preston a hoot as the team’s owner, and Clayburgh’s dad. Also directed by Michael Ritchie.Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 surround. 6 ‘80S MOVIES features some of the day-glo decade’s best, and little-known titles. VALLEY GIRL is the classic Romeo & Juliet tale of forbidden love between suburban babe Julie (Deborah Foreman) and Hollywood punk Randy (Nicolas Cage, in his star-making turn). Terrific direction by Martha Coolidge, and one of the great ‘80s soundtracks help make this a winner. THE RACHEL PAPERS is a delightful adaptation of Martin Amis’ first best-seller about an awkward bloke (Dexter Fletcher) about to matriculate from Oxford, and the comely American (Ione Skye) he falls for, complicating his orderly life. LOSIN’ IT is one of the better “getting laid” comedies of the period, directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Tom Cruise and Jackie Earle Haley as mid-60s teens who head south to Tijuana for some testosterone-fueled fun. THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN is an Americanized remake by writer/director Boaz Davidson of Going All the Way, the first chapter of his wildly popular Lemon Popsicle film series from Israel. An awkward teen (Lawrence Monoson) takes cues from his handsome best friend (Steve Antin) for scoring with the girl of his dreams (Diane Franklin). Starts out as a typical ‘80s sex comedy, then takes a wild left turn halfway through and becomes a deadly serious, and honest, portrait of teen angst, with one of the darkest endings of any film in this genre. A below-the-radar sleeper, if there ever was one. CLASS is a terrific male fantasy in concept, with nerdy Andrew McCarthy having a torrid affair with roommate Rob Lowe’s mother—Jacqueline Bisset! I mean c’mon, what teenage boy (still) wouldn’t go for that, but is clumsy in its execution, sabotaging what could have been a great social satire, a la The Graduate. Finally, ZAPPED! features Scott Baio as a science nerd who develops telekinetic powers which he uses to, what else, disrobe comely female classmates. This movie sucked in 1982, and it hasn’t gotten better with age! Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 surround.
LAST DAY OF SUMMER (eOne) Charming coming-of-age story about a perpetual adolescent (DJ Qualis) stuck in a dead-end job, who decides to kidnap the girl of his dreams (Nikki Reed). When the very savvy girl turns the tables on him, things get interesting. Skillful performances and a smart, knowing script help raise this low budget gem above the fray. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NICE GUY JOHNNY (MPI) Young Johnny is engaged to a princess-type who demands he give up his job as a radio sportscaster and work for her father in a steady, but deadening career. When his high-living uncle Terry (Edward Burns, who also wrote/directed) arrives for a visit, he takes Johnny to the Hamptons, where he meets beautiful Brooke (Kerry Bishe), who might just be the real girl of his dreams. Low-key and likable for the most part, but like many of Burns’ films, ends up feeling like “Woody Allen lite,” and is soon forgotten. Bonuses: Commentary by Burns; Deleted scenes; Trailers; Casting footage. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HOUSE (Criterion) Nobuhiko Obayashi’s almost indescribable 1977 film is part horror movie, part slapstick comedy, part satire, part romance and part…drug-fueled hallucination? A timid schoolgirl travels with classmates to her grandmother’s home, only to be confronted by evil spirits, the world’s nastiest cat, and other unsettling visions. Stunning use of mixed media (matte paintings, animation, collage) results in one of the cinema’s most unique works. The stunning color palate really pops in the Blu-ray edition. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; 1966 short film by Obayashi; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
DON’T LET ME DROWN (Image) In the aftermath of 9/11, two teens—one Latino (E.J. Bonilla) and one Black (Gleendylis Inoa)—find comfort in one another, despite the objections of their traditional-minded parents. Simple, but powerful, kitchen sink drama pulls no punches, and is quietly affecting. Fine cast. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
AGAINST THE CURRENT (IFC Films) Joseph Fiennes stars as a man who feels he has nothing left to live for, and determines to fulfill a childhood dream of swimming the entire 150 mile length of the Hudson River. Justin Kirk, Elizabeth Reaser, Michelle Trachtenberg and the always-wonderful Mary Tyler Moore co-star in this offbeat drama, which shows there are many ways to be a winner. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HOLY ROLLERS (Vivendi) A naïve young man (Jesse Eisenberg) from a strict Hasidic community in New York suddenly finds himself indoctrinated into the dark side when he agrees to help some Israelis transport “medicine.” Soon, he finds himself seduced by a fast world of women, money, and very dangerous characters. Solid drama has some powerful moments, but is also rather heavy-handed in its execution. Worth a look if there’s nothing else in your Netflix queue. Bonuses: Commentary with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Interviews with Eisenberg and co-star Justin Bartha. Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround.
PREDATORS (20th Century Fox) Adrien Brody, who is quickly becoming his generation’s Vincent Price as the headliner of big-budget horror movies, stars in this follow-up to the successful 1980s franchise. A group of mercenaries find themselves mysteriously brought together on an uncharted planet, and soon find themselves as the prey of alien predators. Good special effects and some rather pointed political allegory make this splatter-fest watchable for most of its 107 minute running time, but it probably won’t be a keeper for your collection. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Motion comics; Commentary by producer Robert Rodriguez, director Nimrod Antal; Deleted and extended scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CLAPHAM JUNCTION (eOne) Powerful story about a disparate group of gay Londoners brought together after a hate crime in the neighborhood of Clapham Junction. Powerful, honest and unflinchingly realistic in its depiction of violence and the horrible domino effect it can have. Great turn by Rupert Graves in the lead. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
ANTICHRIST (Criterion) Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg star as a grieving couple, devastated over the loss of their young son. When they retreat to their rural cabin in the woods, they find terror and violence awaiting them in many forms, including each other. Director Lars Von Trier has always been an acquired taste for most filmgoers, and in this he has created his most polarizing work. Hailed by some as a masterpiece and excoriated by others as sick, vulgar trash that wallows in sensationalism, dressed up as “art.” This writer is in the latter camp, and while I’ve never been a fan of Von Trier, I’ve always admired his audacity and skill. With Antichrist, it’s quite obvious that Lars has slid off his axis. Let’s hope the slide is temporary and he can come back from the abyss, even if his characters can’t. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Von Trier and film scholar Murray Smith; Interviews with Von Trier, Dafoe and Gainsbourg; Featurettes; Documentary on film’s world premiere; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THREE AND OUT (eOne) Very funny black comedy from the UK. When his train kills two people in two weeks, conductor Paul Callow (Mackenzie Crook) has had enough. But when he learns of a contractual loophole that will offer him early retirement and ten years’ salary if he runs over one more hapless pedestrian, he earnestly searches for a willing volunteer. When Tommy Cassidy (Colm Meany) steps forward, he agrees under one condition: Paul must help him make things right with his estranged wife (Imelda Staunton) and daughter (Gemma Arterton). Darkly tongue-in-cheek, as only the Brits can deliver! Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (eOne) A decadent Halloween party in the Big Easy turns into a blood feast when a young lovely (Monica Keena) and her friends overstay their welcome, and find themselves served up to seven very ill-tempered demons as a sacrifice! Shannon Elizabeth and Edward Furlong also star in this very bloody, but good-humored, horror satire. Those looking for Shakespearean poetry will be disappointed, but those who like their gore served with healthy dollops of laughs are sure to have a ball. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
PLEASE GIVE (Sony) Two New York yuppies (Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt) make their money by selling unique furniture purchased from estate sales of the recently-passed. When they buy the unit next door in the hopes of expanding and remodeling their apartment, they don’t take into account that its current 91 year-old, miserable tenant (Ann Guilbert) refuses to die, and must placate the woman’s two granddaughters (Rebecca Hall and Amanda Peet). Smart, stinging comedy is another winner for writer/director Nicole Holofcener. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Outtakes; Featurettes; Q&A with Holofcener. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround.
OLDER THAN AMERICA (IFC Films) A woman is beset by haunting visions that lead her back to the Indian reservation where her mother grew up. Once there, she discovers a sinister cover-up by a Catholic priest that ties back to crimes committed against her mother, and other Native American children. Powerful drama with supernatural overtones also stars Bradley Cooper, Wes Studi, and Adam Beach. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DOGHOUSE (IFC Films) A group of mates (Danny Dyer, Noel Clarke, Stephen Graham) head off for a boys’ weekend to cheer up a pal who’s gone through a painful divorce. As luck would have it, they end up in an isolated hamlet where a bio-weapon has turned the entire female population into man-hating zombies that scream for their flesh—which is what the lads always suspected they were, anyway. Funny, raucous comedy from the UK, in the spirit of Shaun of the Dead. Bonuses: Featurettes; Bloopers; Deleted scenes; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WILD GRASS (Sony) Legendary French filmmaker Alain Resnais brings his brilliance to this story of how a lost wallet brings a disparate group of people together in a unique romantic adventure that is part psychodrama, sex farce, tragedy, and comedy. A true original, as only Resnais could make. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ARN THE KNIGHT TEMPLAR (eOne) Stunning epic from Sweden about a young solider (Joakim Natterqvist) whose adventures during the Crusades leads him to join the mysterious and powerful Knights Templar. Terrific costume drama is chock full of intrigue, drama and eye-popping battle scenes. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SKELETONS (IndiePix) Offbeat comedy about two paranormal techs who travel Britain to literally clean the skeletons from people’s closets, performing “the procedure.” When assigned a make-or-break job by their intimidating boss, known as The Colonel (Jason Isaacs), the two men realize that not all skeletons want to leave their hiding place. Clever, deadpan little film was aptly described by one critic as “Ghostbusters meets Samuel Beckett.” Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HARRISON MONTGOMERY (IndiePix) A young artist-cum-drug dealer (Octavio Gomez Berrios) on the lam hides out in a transient hotel, where he meets recluse Harrison Montgomery (Martin Landau, affecting as always), who has devoted his life to deciphering and analyzing the winning patterns on TV game shows. Odd and offbeat character study is quietly powerful, with nice support from Melora Walters and Diane Baker. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and filmmakers; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE SICILIAN GIRL (Music Box Films) Shattering thriller based on the true story of a mafia daughter in Sicily who turns evidence against the mobsters who killed her father and brother. Cast with a phenomenal group of actors, the film retains a cinema verite feeling throughout, and never loses its sense of realism. Not to be missed. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
DON’T LOOK BACK (IFC Films) Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci star in this dark thriller about an author (Marceau) who loses touch with reality when her latest book fails to get published, and morphs into an entirely different woman (Bellucci), who investigates what went wrong in the author’s carefully-planned former life. Mind-bending exercise in psychology a la David Lynch, with the suspense of an Alfred Hitchcock picture. A truly unique work. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
VENGEANCE (IFC Films) French legend Johnny Halliday stars in Hong Kong maestro Jonnie To’s kinetic thriller about a seemingly mild-mannered chef with a dark past who hires professional assassins to take out the Chinese gangsters that nearly killed his daughter. Brilliantly staged action sequences and the greatest performance of Halliday’s career make this a kick-ass action flick that’s sure to please the most discriminating connoisseur. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BLU BAYOU MGM/Fox releases the original MAD MAX to Blu-ray, the 1979 classic that made Mel Gibson an international star as the titular character: an Aussie cop in a bleak future where gangs of marauding bikers terrorize the roads. Some of the best car stunts and action filmmaking of all-time, particularly considering the film’s low budget, all a testament to the genius of writer/director George Miller. Includes both BD and DVD versions of the film, and the original Aussie soundtrack on both. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew; Trivia and fact track; Photo gallery; TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. The ALIEN ANTHOLOGY features all four films in the series: ALIEN, ALIENS, ALIEN 3, and ALIEN RESURRECTION. The first two, helmed by Ridley Scott and James Cameron respectively, are rightfully regarded as classics of the genre, and hold up brilliantly, really coming to life on Blu-ray, showing how far ahead of their time both films were technically. The latter two films of the series fell horribly flat, although they’re not without merits of their own, particularly David Fincher’s bleak, revisionist take on the series in part 3, which has some truly horrific and disturbing scenes. Six disc set includes original theatrical versions as well as director’s cuts of all four films. Bonuses: Mobile interactive experience, featuring datastreams of production notes and historical facts; Audio commentaries on all versions of the films; Featurettes; Unseen dailies; Deleted scenes; Photo and artwork galleries; Isolated score tracks, including alternate and unused cues; Archival documentaries; Test footage; TV specials; Mutli-angle studies; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION features the first BD release of the ultimate midnight movie, starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as hopelessly square Janet and Brad, who stumble upon Dr. Frank N Furter (Tim Curry) and his band of “sweet transvestites in transsexual Transylvania.” Gleefully goofy blend of sci-fi, satire and musical comedy still plays well, although it’s better with an audience. Includes both U.S. and U.K. versions of the film. Bonuses: Picture-in-picture track, pop-up trivia track; BD-LIVE features; Featurettes; Documentary; Photo, pressbook and poster galleries; Commentary by writer/actor Richard O’Brien and actress Patricia Quinn; Deleted scenes and outtakes; Alternate b&w opening; Alternate endings; Archival clips; Music videos; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. Two of director Baz Luhrmann’s biggest hits arrive on BD: ROMEO + JULIET, which stars Clare Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio as the star-crossed lovers, the story reset in modern times with the Montague and Capulet families recast as rival gangs. Dazzling production design can’t save the fact that the mostly non-classically trained cast shouts the Bard’s speech at each other, and Luhrmann’s hyperactive camera inspires little but motion sickness in the viewer. MOULIN ROUGE suffers from the same AD/HD that Luhrmann brings to the proceedings, telling the tale of romance between a courtesan (Nicole Kidman) and a struggling writer (Ewan McGregor) in a dazzling Paris nightclub of the 19th century. Your enjoyment of both films depends upon your appreciation of Luhrmann’s style. Fans are sure to be delighted by both, others beware! Bonuses: Audio commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted and alternate scenes; BD-LIVE features; Photo and production design galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, adapted from James Bond author Ian Fleming’s sole foray into children’s literature, stars Dick Van Dyke as an eccentric inventor who creates an extraordinary car loaded with gadgets, and the ability to fly and float! Soon, he finds himself, his two children, and his girlfriend (Sally Ann Howes) transported to a magical land of pirates, castles and endless adventure. Fun romp for kids, with some eye-popping production design, but adults might find it tiresome, not to mention dated, even for 1968, the year it was released. Bonuses: Sing-along; Driving game; Interview with Van Dyke; Featurettes; Photo and vintage ad gallery. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 7.1 surround. TROLL 2 is one of those indescribable “so bad, they’re good” movies, in which a hoard of evil trolls terrorizes a family living in a rural town. Amateurish doesn’t even begin to describe the level of filmmaking, acting and make-up, but the real prize in this package is the documentary Best Worst Movie, directed by Troll 2 co-star Michael Stephenson, who takes a hard look at the cost of C-movie notoriety. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS was director Michael Mann’s first foray into period filmmaking, with this rousing adaptation of the classic James Fenimore Cooper novel, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye, adopted Anglo son of the Mohican Indians who tries to straddle both sides of the brutal French-Indian war in Colonial America. Fine support from Madeline Stowe and eye-popping battle scenes, make this one of the best epics in recent years. Bonuses: Definitive director’s cut of the film; Commentary by Mann; Featurette. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. The ROBOCOP TRILOGY is a long-awaited BD release, featuring all three films in a series that should have stopped at one. Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 ROBOCOP is a masterpiece of sci-fi action satire, as a mortally-wounded cop (Peter Weller) is transformed into a robotic law enforcement machine by evil corporate goons (Miguel Ferrer and Ronny Cox) who are in cahoots with the city’s biggest criminal mastermind (Kurtwood Smith, one of the screen’s most loathsome villains). This is the “unrated” cut which was slapped with an X-rating for violence when originally submitted to the MPAA, and it’s even more shocking, and funny, that the censored original. Classic film, made for the high-tech world of BD. ROBOCOP 2 and ROBOCOP 3 are, sadly, pale imitations of the original, with part 3 being so bad, original Robo Peter Weller didn’t even show up to don the metal suit, and the film got a PG-13 rating, to boot. WTF?! Worth buying for the first film, while the other two will make fine coasters at any dinner party. Sadly, there are no extras on the discs. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE SOUND OF MUSIC: 45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION is a sumptuous BD/DVD package of one of the world’s most beloved films. Julie Andrews stars as singing nun Maria who is charged with the unruly Von Trapp brood, helmed by their stern father (Christopher Plummer) in the early days of the Nazis coming to power in Austria. Some count this among their all-time favorites, while others find its sentiment saccharine and its naiveté maddeningly simplistic with its sunnyness in the face of pure evil. Decide for yourself. 3 disc set bonuses include: Interactive viewing experience, with behind-the-scenes images, on-screen lyrics, trivia track and location quiz; Sing-along; Audio commentary by Andrews, Plummer and director Robert Wise; BD-LIVE features; Featurettes; Vintage programs; Screen tests, outtakes, interviews, photo galleries, and other vintage treasures. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. Lionsgate releases HIGHLANDER starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery as members of a Scottish clan of immortal warriors who must travel across centuries to present-day New York City to battle other immortals who have less-than-honorable intentions. Fun silliness with a great turn by Clancy Brown as the lead bad guy. HIGHLANDER 2, while still managing to stay barely afloat due to the presence of Connery, finds MacLeod and Ramirez returning in the year 2024 to try their hand at once again saving Earth from certain destruction. Virginia Madsen supplies nice scenery, but little else. Bonuses: Documentaries and featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases two sleaze classics to BD: MANIAC stars (and was co-written by) character actor Joe Spinell as a loner by day who preys on and slaughters unsuspecting women at night. Hailed by gorehounds for some of the most graphic killings ever depicted on-screen at the point of its 1980 release, 30 years later the film feels like a pointless exercise in sensationalism created by a truly sick and twisted mind. There isn’t a single redeeming quality to this film, unless you enjoy watching women get senselessly butchered, in which case you might want to make an appointment with your neighborhood shrink, but quick. Tom Savini’s make-up effects are shockingly realistic, but so what? Uncut version. Bonuses: Commentary by director William Lustig, co-producer Andrew W. Garroni, Savini; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers, TV spots, radio spots; Promo reel; Documentary on Spinell. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround. SALON KITTY is director Tinto Brass’ softcore period piece set in Berlin during the early days of WW II. A power-mad SS officer (Helmut Berger) is ordered to find and train Germany’s most beautiful women to work in the brothel of Madame Kitty (Ingrid Thulin), which will be made into the Nazis’ private house of joy. Berger, meanwhile, films all of the illicit encounters that the rich and powerful enjoy, for future blackmail. When a young prostitute (Teresa Ann Savoy) uncovers the plot, she decides to enact her revenge on those responsible. Uncut version is more coherent than the heavily-edited version that played in the U.S. for years, but is still far too long at 133 minutes. Trashy fun for the first half, but like Brass’ later hit Caligula, wears out its welcome halfway through. Bonuses: Interviews with Brass, production designer Ken Adam; Trailers and radio spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD mono. Criterion releases a gorgeous BD version of Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece SEVEN SAMURAI, one of cinema’s finest hours. A group of desperate peasants hire a motley band of masterless samurai to defend their village from a gang of marauding bandits. Starring the great Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura, this 207 minute epic has it all: breathtaking battle scenes, pungent dialogue and one of the greatest studies of humanity ever committed to celluloid. An authentic movie masterpiece. Two disc set bonuses include: Two audio commentaries from film scholars David Desser, Joan Mellen, Stephen Prince, Tony Rayns, and Donald Richie, along with Japanese film expert Michael Jeck; Documentary on the film’s production; Two hour video conversation from 1993 between Kurosawa and Nagisa Oshima; Featurettes; Trailers and teaser; Photo gallery; Collectible booklet featuring interviews with Kenneth Turan, Peter Cowie, Philip Kemp, Peggy Chiao, Alain Silver, Stuart Galbraith, Arthur Penn, Toshiro Mifune and Sidney Lumet. Full screen. DTS-HD mono.
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Fox/MGM releases LIE TO ME: SEASON 2, starring Tim Roth as Dr. Carl Lightman, the world’s leading deception expert. Watch as Dr. Lightman flushes out murders, liars and thieves, all through the art of conversation and observation. Smart, stinging dialogue and Roth’s expert work before the camera make this one of network TV’s finest hours. 22 episodes on 6 discs. Bonuses: Extended and deleted scenes; Featurettes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. DOLLHOUSE: THE COMPLETE SEASON 2, creator Joss Whedon’s final chapter of the hit series about a shadowy organization that supplies clients with “actives,” human beings imprinted with the personas of whomever the client desires. When the technology behind the actives spins dangerously out of control, lovely, lethal active Echo (Eliza Dushku) must unlock the deadly secret that will determine the fate of mankind. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary on select episodes; Deleted scenes and outtakes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON features the final episodes of the iconic ‘70s series, as the gang bids a final farewell to WJM and each other. 3-disc set contains all 24 episodes of the 1976-77 season, including the final curtain call from the last show. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. ALLY MCBEAL: SEASONS 3-5 contains all 66 episodes of the 1999-2002 seasons, starring Calista Flockhart as the titular character: a young lawyer filled with intelligence, ambition and the yearning to find true love. Loaded with cameos from big name actors (Anne Heche, Christina Ricci, Matthew Perry) and musicians (Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting), David E. Kelley’s series is a unique blend of comedy, pathos and inventiveness. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. THE FAMILY GUY: PARTIAL TERMS OF ENDEARMENT was too crude for TV, so it finds a new home on DVD, in this episode where Lois agrees, against Peter’s wishes, to become a surrogate mother for an infertile couple. Lots of raunchy laughs. Bonuses: Commentary by Seth MacFarlane, Danny Smith, Joseph Lee, and Alex Borstein; Featurettes; 9 downloadable songs. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BONES: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON features more adventures of Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) who combine their respective scientific genius and streetwise abilities to make up one of TV’s sexiest, savviest crime-fighting duos. 6-disc set contains all 22 season five episodes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Select audio commentary; Extended versions of select episodes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Paramount/CBS releases WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE FINAL SEASON from 1989-90, a powerful, modern-day adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic tale about a Martian invasion of Earth, and how Earthlings fight back. Cast includes Jared Martin, Lynda Mason Green and Adrian Paul. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CSI: MIAMI THE EIGHTH SEASON stars David Caruso in the popular spin-off series set in the Sunshine State, featuring the teams from Miami, Las Vegas and New York guest starring for the first time to collaborate on cracking open a crime syndicate. Bonuses: Featurettes; Audio commentaries. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE GHOST WHISPERER: THE FINAL SEASON stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as a psychic who engages ghosts and those they haunt. Terrific finale to a hugely popular show. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; The Other Side IV webseries; Games. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE FINAL SEASON features the final 20 episodes of the popular ‘80s horror anthology series, these being from 1987-88. Some big scares, big laughs, and a few duds in the mix, as well. Overall, great fun. Bonuses: Extra episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE REAL L WORD: SEASON ONE takes a reality-show look at the world of high-profile, powerful women who are also openly gay. Interesting look at changing mores and times. Bonuses: Featurettes; Audition footage; Ladies’ bios; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE TUDORS: THE FINAL SEASON, marks the finale of one of cable’s most epic, opulent period pieces, detailing the reign of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Terrific supporting cast includes vets like Joely Richardson, Gerard McSorley, Joss Stone and the great Max Von Sydow. Bonuses: United States of Tara episodes; Via EBridge Technology on select episodes of Tudors, Dexter, and Californication. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. eOne releases EVENING PRIMROSE, a rarely-seen 1966 ABC-TV production that originally aired on the “ABC Stage 67” program. Adapted by James Goldman, directed by Paul Bogart, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this touching musical love story stars Anthony Perkins and Charmian Carr as, respectively, a lonely poet and a young girl who meet by chance after-hours in a closed department store. If only television were still producing work like this! Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Test footage. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. Warner Bros. releases TWO AND A HALF MEN: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON, starring Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer in a modern-day Odd Couple story, loaded with laughs and sharp writing. Bonuses: Extra episodes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. HUMAN TARGET: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, is adapted from the hit DC Comics graphic novels about a badass protector-for-hire (Mark Valley) who finds himself hired to protect a disparate lot of society’s good, bad, and ugly. Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley co-star. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Pilot commentary by cast and crew; Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. V: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON is the remake of the hit ‘80s series about a group of reptilian-like aliens who to Earth, seemingly, in peace, but in fact have more nefarious plans afoot. Modern version is slick, suspenseful and quite smart, although we miss the tongue-in-cheek goofiness of the original. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Unaired scenes; Executive producers commentary on episode 11. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Lifetime releases the supernatural thrillers HUSH LITTLE BABY about a young mother (Victoria Pratt) grieving over the loss of her daughter, who finds that she’s unexpectedly pregnant, and that her newborn might be…evil! Echoes of Rosemary’s Baby abound, but overall, a tight little thriller. THE HAUNTING OF SORORITY ROW stars Leighton Meester as a sorority pledge who uncovers a sinister secret about the sisterhood. Silly, but fun. Catherine Bell stars in STILL SMALL VOICES, as a 911 operator suffering from haunting visions of a girl who drowned. Solid work across the board, with nice support from character vet Charles Martin Smith. THE GATHERING stars Peter Gallagher, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Peter Fonda in an eerie tale of a modern-day witches’ coven. DEVIL’S DIARY tells the Stephen King-like tale of a group of teens who stumble upon a sinister diary that might be the writings of the Devil himself. Pretty scary, with nice turns by its young cast. All are widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. HBO releases THE PACIFIC a six disc box set of the hit HBO miniseries about the Marines who fought the Japanese in the Pacific Theater during WW II. Sprawling epic features some terrific performances from a new group of young actors (James Badge Dale, Joe Mazzello, Jon Seda) and eye-popping battle scenes. Not as affecting as its predecessor, “Band of Brothers,” but still knocks the ball out of the park on its own merits. Winner of 8 Emmys, including Outstanding Miniseries. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentaries and featurettes; Audio commentary. BD features include: Enhanced viewing with Picture-in-picture features; Interactive field guide, which includes animated maps, interviews with historians and veterans, archival footage, photos. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. IN TREATMENT SEASON 2 offers more fine, adult drama starring Gabriel Byrne as Dr. Paul Weston, a therapist undergoing his own crisis of conscience as he deals with a disparate group of new clients, including Hope Davis, Alison Pill, Aaaron Shaw, and the great John Mahoney, never better than here playing a stressed-out millionaire. 35 episodes on seven discs. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. A&E releases BENNY HILL THE THAMES YEARS 1969-1989, THE COMPLETE MEGASET, starring the beloved British comic in all his ribald glory. 58 uncut episodes, 585 classic sketches and 18 DVDs are a testament to Hill’s comic genius. Most American audiences might find themselves gasping, seeing the uncensored versions of “Benny Hill” for the first time on the side of the Pond! Bonuses: Documentary; Featurettes; Trivia quizzes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. GREAT DETECTIVES ANTHOLOGY offers up adventures from three of literatures greatest sleuths: Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot (Michael Suchet), Miss Marple (Joan Hickson) and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing). Just a few of the 18 classic capers include the favorites: “Death on the Nile,” “The Moving Finger,” and “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Great fun, and beautifully made, all. Bonuses: Documentaries; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE BOONDOCKS: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON features the uncut, uncensored continuing animated adventures of bad boys Huey, Riley and Robert Freeman. Loaded with irreverence, and pointed political and social humor. Great fun for discriminating adults! Bonuses: Episodes hosted by Cedric Yarborough and Gary Anthony Williams; Four audio commentaries featuring cast and crew; Featurettes; Sketch and photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY: THE COMPETE SERIES stars the venerable Leo McKern in the beloved BBC series which ran from 1979 to 1992, with McKern inhabiting his signature role: Horace Rumpole, defender of the downtrodden, and rebel against the ruling class. Great mixture of comedy and drama, with some of the tube’s best courtroom theatrics. Bonuses: Bonus movie, “Rumpole’s Return”; Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes; Biographies of cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE WORLD AT WAR, the groundbreaking BBC documentary series from 1973, narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier, is a staggering collection of archival footage from WW II, available for the first time on Blu-ray disc. The restoration of the series’ interviews with surviving witnesses (all of whom are now long deceased), and vintage footage, much from the front lines of combat, is nothing short of dazzling. One of television’s finest hours, not to be missed. Bonuses: Extra documentaries; Retrospective look at the series’ production; Featurettes; Biographies; Photo gallery from the Imperial War Museum; Bonus historical footage; Famous songs, quotes and maps. Full screen. DTS-HD 2.0 stereo. Acorn Media releases AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, starring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, in a lavishly-produced version of the classic story about a disparate group of passengers (Suchet, Eileen Atkins, Toby Jones, Hugh Bonnevile, Barbara Hershey) aboard the Orient Express, any of whom could be the prime suspect in the murder of a fellow passenger. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Suchet gives a tour of the Orient Express; Featurettes. Widescreen. DTS-HD 2.0 mono. SLINGS & ARROWS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, is the hit show from Canada that swept the Gemini awards that follows the exploits of a dysfunctional Shakespearean theater troupe. Loaded with biting humor, memorable characters and quotable dialogue. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Three disc set bonuses include: Three audio commentaries by cast and crew; Featurettes; Bloopers, deleted and extended scenes; Photo galleries; Production notes; Trailers; Song lyrics. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DOCUMENTARY DAYS Shout Factory releases VIDEO GAMES LIVE LEVEL 2, a record of a stunning immersive concert event featuring music from the greatest video games of all-time. The brainchild of veteran game composer Tommy Tallarico, and featuring top orchestras and choirs from around the world, the show is a mixed media spectacular, with music from games going back to the 1980s, to present day. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews; Creator commentary; Documentary. Widescreen. DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 surround. IndiePix releases FORBIDDEN LIE$ is a provocative look at author Norma Khouri, whose expose, “Forbidden Love” detailed an honor killing in Jordan—until it was revealed as a hoax by journalist Malcolm Knox. Fascinating portrait of the relativism of truth. Bonuses: Commentary by director Anna Broinowski and Khouri; Featurettes; Interviews with filmmakers; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Disinformation releases CAR BOMB, a look at how this most elusive of explosive devices has become the weapon of choice for terrorist organizations the world over. Former CIA agent Robert Baer takes viewers on a sobering journey into the minds of extremists. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Lionsgate releases LET’S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER, Hal Ashby’s document of the Rolling Stone’s triumphant 1981 American tour. Shot with 20 cameras, the film is a remarkable record of the Stones at the peak of their musical powers. Caleb Deschanel was one of the cinematographers. Bonuses: Trailer; Photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MVD releases ERIC SARDINAS AND BIG MOTOR LIVE, a terrific look at Sardinas’ brand of “Delta Dynamite,” featuring Eric and his band performing some of their biggest tracks. Stunningly shot in HD. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. DELERIUM: EPIPHANY, is a terrific concert compilation of the band’s unique blend of electropop, sacred and world music. Filmed in October 2008 at Washington D.C.’s Nightclub 9:30, with additional footage from Atlanta, West Palm Beach and Montreal. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Athena releases two collections of Bill Moyers’ specials: BILL MOYERS GENESIS: A LIVING CONVERSATION, in which the veteran newsman looks at the book of Genesis and all its tales with groups of biblical scholars, theologians, and everyday people. BILL MOYERS: ON FAITH AND REASON, features Moyers’ conversations with 12 noted writers and thinkers a wide spectrum of beliefs to discuss their search for meaning. Bonuses: 12-page viewer’s guide; Biographies. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Cinema Libre releases Oliver Stone’s SOUTH OF THE BORDER, a fascinating look at the current state of socio-politics in Latin America. Featuring interviews with leaders like Hugo Chavez, Cristina Kircher, Raul Castro, and many other politicians and private citizens alike, Stone paints a vivid, and very different picture, of South America. Bonuses: Extra interviews; Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE BEST GOVERNMENT MONEY CAN BUY takes a hard look at the world of Washington lobbyists, and how deep coffers can directly affect policymaking. Featuring interviews with insiders such as R. Bruce Josten, Patrick E. O’Donnell and former congressman Anthony J. Moffett, film is a candid and sobering look at the business of politics. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sexy Intellectual releases two new music docs: THE SACRED TRIANGLE: BOWIE, IGGY AND LOU 1971-1973, a penetrating look into the brief, but intense, partnership between David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, three of their generation’s most unique and influential musical voices, featuring new and archival interviews with the people who were there. BRIAN WILSON SONGWRITER 1962-1969, takes a look at the Beach Boys’ reclusive genius in a sprawling, three-hour look at Wilson’s most active period of creativity, as well as his subsequent breakdown. Loaded with archival footage and photos never before seen. Both are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo. A&E releases three History Channel titles: EMPIRES is a 14-disc set that takes a look at history’s greatest empires that helped shape the world we live in today. From Ancient Rome, to Greece, to the Egyptians and beyond, this epic series is sure to please the most discriminating history buff. Bonuses: Featurettes; Documentary; Bonuses episode of Biography. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. WORLD WAR II 360 is a sprawling look at every decisive battle of the Pacific Theater in WW II. Tremendous blend of archival footage, interviews and computer animation puts the viewer in the middle of the action. Dynamite stuff! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Additional scenes. EARTH AND SPACE is a groundbreaking miniseries that employs cutting-edge CGI and stunning NASA footage to take viewers on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos. 26 episodes on six discs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Feature-length documentary. Both are full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0. Stax releases ALBERT KING WITH STEVIE RAY VAUGHN: IN SESSION, a remarkable document of the meeting of two great musical minds and talents, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. Vaughn, who idolized King since childhood, is obviously still in awe of the blues guitar master during these sessions, and they are a feast for the eyes and ears. Not to be missed for music fans. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround.
FOR THE WEE ONES Disney releases A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Robert Zemeckis’ eye-popping computer-animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, with Jim Carrey voicing Ebenezer Scrooge. Zemeckis displays the same skill and verve with CGI that he did in Holiday Express and Beowulf, and he doesn’t disappoint here. Other voice talent includes Gary Oldman, Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn and Cary Elwes. Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Production documentaries; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MGM/Fox releases 6 KIDS MOVIES, featuring adaptations of the greatest titles in children’s literature: SNOW WHITE, RED RIDING HOOD, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PUSS IN BOOTS, SLEEPING BEAUTY, and HANSEL AND GRETEL. Produced between 1986-88, all the films boast gorgeous production design and lots of smart, tongue-in-cheek humor, for the precocious little ones in your house. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Warner Bros. releases C IS FOR COOKIE MONSTER, a collection of Cookie Monster stories and songs from the “Sesame Street” archives. Great fun, lots of delightful humor mixed with learning. Also from “Sesame Street” is ELMO AND FRIENDS: THE LETTER QUEST AND OTHER MAGICAL TALES, featuring Elmo and his band of knight acting out the adventures of King Arthur. Each title features 3 twenty minute segments. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. A&E/Flatiron Films releases THE SECRET OF KELLS, an Oscar nominee for Best Animated Film, which combines magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology in a riot of color and detail that dazzles the eyes in this sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. A prescient tale if there ever was! Voice talent includes Brendan Gleeson. Bonuses: Commentary by the filmmakers. Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Paramount/Nickelodeon release PRINCESS KAI-LAN, featuring voice work from Lucy Liu, in three adventures, drawn in gorgeous, Japanese anime. Bonuses: Music video. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. MERRY CHRISTMAS OLIVIA features everyone’s favorite pig in four holiday-themed adventures. Bonuses: Extra episode, “Olivia’s Pirate Treasure.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACKYARDIGANS features more holiday fun with the Backyardigans characters, in four episodes centered around the holidays and friendship. Bonuses: Game; Music video. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lionsgate releases SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE, starring Dudley Moore as a rebellious elf who ditches the North Pole for New York City, where he gets mixed up with dastardly toy maker John Lithgow. Will Santa save the day? Cute family comedy holds up well after 25 years. Bonuses: Commentary by director Jennot Szwarc, Featurettes; Talent bios; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE WUBBULOUS WORLD OF DR. SEUSS: THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR IN HERE features three Halloween-themed adventures with the beloved Cat in the Hat: “There is Nothing to Fear in Here,” “The Blag-Bludder Beast,” and “Norval the Great.” Seuss’ inventiveness reigns supreme! Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. CARE BEARS: THE GIVING FESTIVAL MOVIE features the bears adventures in creating the Giving Festival, which is threatened by a powerful wind blowing through Care-a-lot. Adorable, and perfect for small kids. Bonuses: Game; Bonus episodes. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. LEAPFROG LEARNING DVD + CD SET VOL. 2, features three math and language learning DVDs and one song CD aimed at kids from ages 3-6. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Scholastic releases more titles in their Storybook Treasures collection: TREASURY OF 100 STORYBOOK CLASSICS 2 features another centenary of award-winning stories adapted for viewing, including “Corduroy,” “Is Your Mama a Llama?” “Crazy Hair Day,” and many more stories, which have won more than 50 awards. 17 disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE HALLOWEEN STORIES COLLECTION features 18 stories on 3 discs, including “A Very Brave Witch,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “The Teacher From the Black Lagoon.” Narrated by Calista Flockhart, Elle Fanning, and others. Bonuses: Spanish and French-language versions; Featurettes; Interviews with authors and illustrators; Read-along; Discussion questions. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF features the classic B.G. Hennessy story, illustrated by Boris Kulikov and narrated by Peter Scolari, along with four other classic stories, including “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” narrated by Michael York, and “Seven Blind Mice,” narrated by B.D. Wong. Bonuses: Interviews with authors and illustrators; Read-along; Discussion questions. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE…AND MORE FUN ON THE FARM, features a total of 18 animated stories revolving around animals. Three disc set features narration by Abigail Breslin, Hank Azaria, Randy Travis, and others. Bonuses: Spanish versions; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
Some of the film plots sound really interesting. I'm a big fan of movies, so I'll check them out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the list. ^^
This film tells the sad story of poverty pure whipped Missouri Ozark Hillbillies trying to survive in poor and even worse personal resources, so it was not surprising the production of methamphetamine has been taken as a profit center that is changing life that had the potential illegal to change their lives for the better.
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