DVD Playhouse--May 2011

DVD PLAYHOUSE: MAY 2011
By
Allen Gardner

BLOW OUT (Criterion) Brian De Palma’s greatest Hitchcock homage, with a dash of Antonioni thrown in for good measure. John Travolta gives one of his best turns as a sound-effects engineer who unwittingly records a political assassination, then finds himself hunted by a ruthless hitman (John Lithgow, a memorably creepy psycho) after saving the life of the kindly, albeit dim-witted call girl (Nancy Allen, excellent) who was with the deceased. Terrific blend of suspense and very black humor, perhaps De Palma’s finest hour as an auteur. Beautifully shot by Vilmos Zsigmond. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with De Palma, Allen, cameraman Garrett Brown; Photo gallery; De Palma’s 1967 feature Murder a la Mod; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0 surround.
KES (Criterion) Ken Loach’s landmark 1970 film is both a heart-rending portrait of adolescence, and a pointed socio-political commentary on life in the North of England. David Bradley is stunning as a fifteen year-old miner’s son whose only close relationship is with a wild kestrel bird who provides him with escape from his bleak existence. Loach pulls no punches and never ventures into the sentimental with this honest portrait of hard people who lead tough lives. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: New documentary on film’s production, featuring interviews with cast and crew; “Southbank Show” profile of Loach; Cathy Come Home, Loach’s groundbreaking 1966 TV movie; Alternate soundtrack; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE RITE (Warner Bros./New Line) A seminary student (Colin O’Donoghue) who possesses more ambition than faith, travels to Rome, apprenticing with a legendary priest (Anthony Hopkins) who specializes in exorcism. When the two encounter a case involving a pregnant teen who might be demonically-possessed, the men are forced to muster all their skills (and their faith) to battle the strange forces before them. Atmospheric to a fault, with a few highly-charged scenes, but feels overwrought and familiar overall. Since no one will ever make a movie dealing with this subject that will top William Friedkin’s The Exorcist, why bother? Hopkins might be the English language’s greatest living actor, but we’ve seen him tackle this type of role dozens of times by now. Move on, Sir Tony! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate ending; Featurette on the true life inspiration for the story; Deleted scenes. BD-LIVE features. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE WAY BACK (Image) Disparate group of prisoners (Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell among them) escape from a brutal Russian POW camp during WW II, and attempt to trek across Siberia to freedom. Beautifully shot and designed, with skillful direction by the great Peter Weir, but the script foolishly focuses on Sturgess’ underdeveloped character, and constantly shifts points-of-view, making it impossible to empathize with, and therefore root for, anyone. Harris and Farrell, in a double-barrel, scenery-chewing turn as a criminal psycho, come off best, with a nice turn by young Saoirse Ronan, as well. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE OTHER WOMAN (IFC Films) Natalie Portman stars as Emilia, a Harvard law graduate who experiences heartache when she and her fellow attorney husband (Scott Cohen) lose their newborn daughter. When Emilia attempts to move on with her life, trying to form a bond with her precocious stepson (Charlie Tahan), her husband’s vindictive ex (Lisa Kurdow, excellent) doesn’t make it easy. Warts-and-all slice of life story is handled with skill by writer/director Don Roos, adapted from Ayelet Waldman’s best-seller Love and Other Impossible Pursuits. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
RED, WHITE & BLUE (IFC Films) A promiscuous party girl (Amanda Fuller), a discharged Iraq war vet (Noah Taylor) and a struggling musician (Marc Senter) find their lives intersecting in an unexpected, and finally brutal way during a week in Austin, TX. Written, directed and produced by Brit Simon Rumley, film takes a decidedly skewed, but powerful, look at the flip side of the American dream. Strong stuff, not for the faint-of-heart. Bonuses: Commentary by Rumley, producer Bob Portal; Blooper reel; Featurette; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DAYDREAM NATION (Anchor Bay) A frustrated 17 year-old (Kat Dennings) finds herself in even deeper angst after her widowed father moves them from the city to a rural town that’s only slightly more normal than David Lynch’s infamous hamlet of Twin Peaks. When she begins a dangerous affair with her handsome teacher (Josh Lucas) while simultaneously bedding a sweet-natured, but troubled classmate (Reece Thompson), a bizarre love triangle ensues. Skillfully-made film from writer-director Mike Goldbach, with fine performances across the board, including fine support from Andie MacDowell and Rachel Blanchard. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SOMETHING WILD (Criterion) Jonathan Demme’s zany blend of road picture, romantic comedy and thriller is one of the ‘80s’ great sleepers. Mild-mannered Charlie (Jeff Daniels) decides to take a chance on a fling with free-spirited Lulu (Melanie Griffith), driving to Pennsylvania for the weekend, only to have things take a dark turn when her ex-con husband (Ray Liotta, in his breakout performance) shows up. Terrific work across the board by actors and filmmakers at the peak of their powers. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with Demme and screenwriter E. Max Frye; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0 surround.
THE BEAUTIFUL PERSON (IFC Films) Modern adaptation of Madame La Fayette’s classic novel The Princess of Cieves by French auteur Christophe Honore. Beautiful Junie (Lea Seydoux) attends a new school, only to find herself falling for her dashing Italian teacher (Louis Garrel) while also being pursued by a fellow student (Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet). Touching tale of adolescent lust and longing, with a refreshing lack of idealistic or overly romantic fattiness that populates most American films of this type. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
IP MAN 2 (Well Go USA) Kinetic sequel to the original hit, telling the true story of the martial arts master known as Ip Man, whose pupils included Bruce Lee. Story picks up in British-occupied Hong Kong after WW II, where Ip (Donnie Yen, excellent) finds himself up against a corrupt clique of martial arts masters who demand he prove himself in the ring before he’s allowed to open a school. Great blend of historical drama and dynamite martial arts action. Co-stars kung-fu vet Sammo Hung. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
JOLENE (eOne) Newcomer Jessica Chastain stars in this adaptation of E.L. Doctrow’s story concerning a beautiful girl’s ten-year trek across the U.S., from age 15-25. Picaresque drama is told with straightforward zeal by director Dan Ireland, making it reminiscent of some of the 1970s’ best “kitchen sink” dramas. Fine support from Rupert Friend, Dermot Mulroney, Theresa Russell, Michael Vartan, and Chazz Palminteri. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Ireland; Interviews with cast and crew; Bloopers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CHAWZ (Magnolia/Magnet) Nice blend of humor and full-throttle horror from Korea, which is currently in the first place slot for “Most Consistently Original Exported Cinema.” A young police officer from Seoul is transferred to a small village in the countryside and soon finds himself investigating a series of gruesome murders, seemingly by a beast with an appetite for human flesh. When they discover the creature they’re dealing with might be a genetic mutant leftover from wartime experimentation, the cops enlist a master hunter to help them bring down the beast. Bloody as hell, but also great fun, and loaded with genuine scares. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Bloopers; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SHOESHINE (eOne) Vittorio De Sica’s neorealist masterpiece from 1946 deservedly won a “Special Oscar” before the Best Foreign Film category was invented. Two boys struggle to survive the mean streets of post-war Rome, and find themselves in reform school for petty crimes. Uncompromising, brutal and unsentimental in its portrait of life amongst the forgotten class. Not to be missed. Bonuses: Commentary by author Bert Cardullo; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE CAPTIVE CITY (MGM/Fox) Robert Wise directed this taut, tough drama, beautifully shot by Lee Garmes, about a federal investigation into the corruption of a small town by gangsters. John Forsythe stars in this winner, shot documentary-style. Holds up beautifully. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
COP HATER (MGM/Fox) Robert Loggia, in his screen debut, stars as a young cop whose colleagues are being bumped off execution-style. Poverty row production creaks from its low budget, but is also refreshingly frank for a ‘50s policier, featuring fine support from character actor Gerald S. O’Loughlin. Based on a novel by Ed McBain. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
A COLD WIND IN AUGUST (MGM/Fox) Frank drama from 1961 about a handsome teen (Scott Marlowe) who finds himself in a steamy affair with a beautiful older woman (Lola Albright, sexy as hell, in a masterful turn that should have made her a bigger star) that lives upstairs, only to have his heart broken when he finds out she’s a stripper and prostitute. Daring for its day, and still packs quite a punch. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
GULLIVER’S TRAVELS (20th Century Fox) The kids should be amused by this Jack Black vehicle, a modernization of the classic tale which features Gulliver reinvented as a lowly mailroom clerk who finds himself shipwrecked on an uncharted island that’s populated by a diminutive civilization. Some clever bits abound, enough so that mom and dad will stay awake while the little ones yuck. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
3 IDIOTS (20th Century Fox) Amiable comedy from India about a group of college pranksters, led by a particularly rakish lad nicknamed “Rancho,” who proceed to turn the country’s most prestigious university upside down, much to the consternation of the institution’s uptight Dean. But when Rancho falls hard for the Dean’s comely daughter, he starts to rethink his lifestyle. Echoes of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and other ‘80s teen comedies about in this derivative, but fun outing. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
STREET KINGS 2 (20th Century Fox) Ray Liotta stars in this solid direct-to-video sequel, playing a Detroit cop leading an undercover narcotics team whose members are being murdered mysteriously. Lots of high-octane car chases, shoot-outs and chest thumping machismo abound in this unremarkable, but watchable thriller. Available in R-rated and unrated versions. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
KA-BOOM (MPI) Filmmaker Gregg Araki unleashes another extreme study of gorgeous bi-sexual teens behaving badly, this time examining three college students (Thomas Dekker, Chris Zylka, Haley Bennett) involved in an awkward love triangle. Dekker soon finds his teen angst on the backburner after he uncovers a sinister cult in his idyllic California college town. Gonzo insanity abounds in Araki’s uniquely bizarre cinematic universe. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Outtakes and deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NOW & LATER (Cinema Libre Studio) If John Cassavetes had made a film with (seemingly) unsimulated sex between his actors, it might have been something like this fly-on-the-wall story about the torrid affair between a washed up investment banker on the run from the law, and a kindly illegal immigrant in East L.A. Not bad, as it goes, but seems to be much more about the fact that it’s loaded with graphic sex than it is about its story and characters. As it is, the story is pretty thin. Bonuses: Deleted sex scene; Interviews with cast; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
COUGARS, INC. (Lionsgate) Bad boy Sam (Kyle Gallner) finds himself doing the right thing (sort of) after being kicked out of every high school across the country, he becomes an unwitting entrepreneur to help his mother pay for boarding school. Along with a couple pals, he starts an escort service populated by lonely, but still attractive, middle-aged women that caters to younger men with a taste for the vintage. Not bad of its type, but also plays it a bit too safe, never venturing into the playful raunchiness that made this genre an ‘80s staple. Some very pretty ladies, though (Kathryn Morris, Denise Richards, Rebecca Mader, Sarah Hyland, to name a few) and Jim Belushi is terrific as a dad that’s probably too good to be true, but what the hell. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Deleted scene; Featurette; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
FAT GIRL (Criterion) Catherine Breillat’s scathing study of male-female relations that focuses on two sisters: one homely and obese, the other a stunning beauty, while they vacation with their parents at a seaside resort. As with all of Breillat’s films, this smacks the viewer in the face with a sledgehammer, but in the most skillful and powerful way. A unique work from one of the cinema’s most original voices. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with Breillat; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0 surround.
SWEETIE (Criterion) Jane Campion’s breakthrough film from 1989 that focuses, a bit like Fat Girl, on two disparate sisters: one conservative and repressed, the other a freewheeling hell-raiser, both being a response to their dysfunctional family’s ways. Powerful and uncompromising filmmaking across the board. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Interviews with cast and crew; Early short films by Campion; Photo gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0 surround.
PALE FLOWER (Criterion) Masahiro Shinoda’s key film of the Japanese New Wave caused a sensation upon its 1964 release. When a yakuza is paroled from prison, he finds what he thinks is redemptive love with a beautiful, but enigmatic gambling addict. Instead, he finds himself traveling south down the path of self-destruction. Terrific blend of film noir and Japanese manners and morays. Beautifully shot, with a hypnotic score by Toru Takemitsu. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Shinoda; Selected scene audio commentary by film scholar Peter Grilli; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE GREAT DICTATOR (Criterion) Charlie Chaplin’s ballsiest, and most controversial film, is a barbed send-up of Adolf Hitler and Nazism at the height of the regime’s power, in 1940. Preachy and on-the-nose at times, but also brimming with some of Chaplin’s most brilliant moments and some of the cinema’s most inspired satire. An authentic classic, across the board. This was Charlie’s first all-sound picture, and the first time audiences had ever heard Charlie speak on film. Fine support by Jack Oakie (hilarious as a Mussolini-like despot) and the lovely Paulette Goddard (then Mrs. Chaplin). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Chaplin historians Dan Kamin and Hooman Mehran; The Tramp and the Dictator, a documentary by Kevin Brownlow and Michael Kloft paralleling the lives of Chaplin and Hitler; Two visual essays; Color production footage from the set, shot by Chaplin’s half-brother, Sydney Chaplin; Deleted scenes from Chaplin’s 1919 film Sunnyside; Rerelease trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
DIABOLIQUE (Criterion) Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1955 thriller is still regarded as one of the most influential, and frightening, films ever made. Two women (Vera Clouzot and Simone Signoret), one the fragile wife of a sadistic school headmaster, the other his steely and calculating lover, plot the perfect murder to ride themselves of this monster. Think you’ve figured it out? Not even close! Hang on for one of the cinema’s great rides. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Select scene commentary by French film scholar Kelley Conway; Video introduction by Serge Bromberg; Interview with novelist and critic Kim Newman; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
SOLARIS (Criterion) Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1972 sci-fi epic put Russian cinema back on the map upon its release, and it remains one of the most hypnotic, confounding and debated films of all time. A cosmonaut/psychologist is sent to investigate mysterious transmissions that have been received from the space station Solaris. Once there, he finds himself experiencing the same strange hallucinations that afflict the Solaris crew. One-of-a-kind film (remade by Steven Soderbergh, one of his few misfires) must be seen several times, like Kubrick’s 2001, to truly appreciate its layers of meaning. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Tarkovsky scholars Vida Johnson and Graham Petrie; Deleted and alternate scenes; Interviews with cast and crew; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.





BLU BAYOU Blue Underground releases a Blu edition of Dario Argento’s DEEP RED, regarded by most aficionados as the maestro’s finest cinematic hour. David Hemmings plays a musician in Rome who is witness to a brutal murder, and is compelled to help track down the killer with a frisky lady reporter (Daria Nicolodi, aka Mrs. Argento). Contains both the 126 minute Italian language Director’s Cut and the 105 minute uncensored English version. This is one of the few cases of a shorter version being far superior to its longer cousin (even Argento prefers the 105 minute cut), which is more streamlined and all but removes an unnecessary romantic subplot. Inventive, gorgeous, repellent, scary, and darkly funny, arguably the greatest giallo ever made. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers; Music videos. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround and Dolby 5.1 surround EX. Cinema Libre Studio releases Jean-Jacques Beineix’s BETTY BLUE in its original uncut, European theatrical presentation. A no-holds-barred study of a volatile sexual relationship between two uninhibited non-conformists, Betty is one of the best studies of self-destructive passion since Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris. A scintillating film for adults, starring Jean-Hughes Anglade and Beatrice Dalle. Bonuses: Interview with Beineix. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Criterion releases SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 classic that put him on the international map as a major voice in cinema. Set in turn-of-the-century Sweden, Smiles follows four men and four women who delicately navigate the laws of male/female attraction. At once a comedy of manners and a deft examination of how what makes us different is also what makes us wonderful. Bonuses: Introduction by Bergman; Conversation between Bergman scholars Peter Cowie and Jorn Donner; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS is Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s memoir about his 1971 adventure in Sin City. Johnny Depp does a wonderful Thompson with fine support from Benicio Del Toro but, as with most of Gilliam’s films, he starts the film with the amp cranked up to 11, and there’s nowhere left to go by the time the two hour proceedings are even halfway over. All that’s left is an audience with a serious case of sensory overload. Some inspired cinematic moments to be sure, but your tolerance for Gilliam’s manic style will dictate your level of pleasure during viewing. Bonuses: Audio commentaries by cast and crew, and by Thompson; Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Thompson correspondence, read by Depp; Artwork gallery; Audio recording excerpts; Storyboard, production design, photo galleries; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox releases the Alien Anthology as single disc titles, after releasing the box set of all four last year. ALIEN, ALIENS, ALIEN 3 and ALIEN RESURRECTION, have never looked and sounded better, although only the first two rank in the “masterpiece” category, helmed by Ridley Scott and James Cameron, respectively. Part 3, offering an early turn behind the camera from future great David Fincher, has some incredible moments and has its legion of fans for an uncompromising dark and bleak vision that seems leftover from a ‘70s film. Only the fourth film, Resurrection, leaves a lot to be desired. That said, the four discs remain a living example of why Blu-ray has changed the home video experience for film buffs everywhere, crammed with high-tech bonuses: Audio commentaries by cast and crew; Interactive mode includes datastreams of production notes and historical facts; Unseen dailies and deleted scenes; Featurettes; Photo and artwork galleries; Isolated score tracks; Archival documentaries; Test footage; TV specials; Multi-angle studies. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MGM/Fox release LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, a near-brilliant deadpan comedy about a delusional young man (Ryan Gosling, excellent) who orders a blow-up sex doll and convinces everywhere in his small Minnesota town that she’s his fiancée. The punchline: they all go along with it as if it’s perfectly normal. Director Craig Gillespie and writer Nancy Oliver walk a very fine line between comedy and drama here, and do so with the utmost precision. Fine cast also includes Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner and Patricia Clarkson. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. BENNY & JOON stars Johnny Depp as the potential suitor of a schizophrenic lass (Mary Stuart Masterson, adorable as always) whose protective older brother (Aidan Quinn) objects to their union, while finding his baby sister wanting to pull out from under his wing. Nice blend of comedy, drama and pathos, buoyed by an attractive cast, which also includes Oliver Platt, Julianne Moore, and Dan Hedaya. Bonuses: Commentary by director Jeremiah Chechik; Deleted scenes; Costume, make-up tests and stunt reel; Music videos; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. DE-LOVELY is a biography on composer and raconteur Cole Porter, with Kevin Kline excellent as Porter, but is unfortunately stuck in a stiff and stale film that feels like it came from the 1950s. Too bad, especially with the great Jay Cocks penning the screenplay, and a great story it is, to be sure. Porter’s story deserves a more skillful crack than this. Bonuses: Commentary by director Irwin Winkler and Kline, and Winkler and Cocks; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is Kenneth Branagh’s spirited adaptation of Shakespeare’s most spirited play, focusing on two couples (Kate Beckinsale, Robert Sean Leonard and Branagh with then-wife Emma Thompson) and the trials and tribulations they must battle to see their love through. Great fun with a dream cast that includes Michael Keaton, Denzel Washington, and the hugely out of place Keanu Reeves. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MYSTIC PIZZA is a whimsical romantic comedy from 1988 focusing on three girls (then-newcomers Julia Roberts, Annabeth Gish, Lili Taylor) working in a New England pizza parlor the summer after high school graduation, and their hopes and dreams for the future. Look fast for a pubescent Matt Damon, in his film debut. A charming little gem that holds up beautifully. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.



DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Acorn Media releases a new slate of titles from across the Pond: A MIND TO KILL—SERIES 3 finds more adventures from Welsh detective Noel Bain (Phillipe Madoc), an uncompromising stickler who toils away in Wales’ bleak landscape. Tough, uncompromising police drama. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. LORNA DOONE stars very young, 1990-era future stars Clive Owen, Sean Bean, and Polly Walker in this 17th century drama about a lad (Owen) who swears vengeance upon the family that murdered his father, even though he finds himself falling for one of their clan (Walker). Handsomely produced, with fine support from vets Billie Whitelaw, Robert Stephens and Hugh Fraser. Bonuses: Filmographies and biographies of cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. NEW TRICKS—SEASON FOUR follows the exploits of three retired cops (Dennis Waterman, Alun Armstrong, James Bolam) recruited back into action by a seductive and persuasive superintendent (Amandan Redman). Smart, with great writing and top-flight acting across the board. 8 episodes on 3 discs. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE FEATHERED SERPENT—COMPLETE SERIES is a fun, at times campy romp through ancient Mexico during the Aztec era. Lavish costumes, elaborate sets, literate scripts and timeless themes make this 1976-77 cult curio great fun. Bonus: Historical background on the period. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. MURDOCH MYSTERIES—SEASON 3 is the legendary Canadian series that racked up a record 25 Gemini (Canada’s Emmy) nominations during its run. Story follows William Murdoch, a 19th century Toronto detective who is always on the cutting edge of Victorian-era forensic science, and interacting with the most renowned people of the era, this season teaming up with H.G. Wells and Nikolai Tesla. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Alternate ending. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. IDENTITY is a crackling good cop show following an elite unit which tracks identity thieves and aids their unwitting victims. Attractive cast includes Aidan Gillen, Shaun Parkes, and Keely Hawes. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and filmographies. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CIRCLES OF DECEIT is a crackling good thriller, which follows a former Special Forces op (Dennis Waterman) who remains on call for Britain’s toughest jobs, be it tangling with Irish terrorists, tracking down hit men, or matching wits with ruthless drug dealers. Fine support from Derek Jacobi, John Hannah, Peter Vaughn, Kate Buffrey, Claire Higgins, and the great Leo McKern. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE DOC MARTIN COLLECTION—SERIES 1-4 features 30 episodes (24 hours!) on 9 discs of the hilarious series about a hotshot London surgeon (Martin Clunes) who is forced to retrain as a general practitioner in a quiet seaside village. Bitter, the once swinging bachelor clashes with the hamlet’s quirky populace, with side-splitting results. Bonuses: Photo gallery; Cast trivia and filmographies. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. DEMOB stars Martin Clunes, Griff Rhys Jones and Amanda Redman in this post-WW II story about British soldiers who are “demobbed,” or demobilized, and sent back into civilian life, focusing on three former USO performers who find life back in London rather dull and itch to return to the stage, even if their stage had bullets and bombs surrounding it. Great witty fun, with a terrific eye for period detail. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lifetime releases a new slate of telefilms starting with: HONEYMOON WITH MOM, a story about a jilted bride (Virginia Williams) whose single mother (Shelley Long) accompanies her on her honeymoon to a remote island resort. Once there, both find the true loves of their lives. PLAYING HOUSE stars Joanne Kelly as a copy editor who finds herself suddenly working with her favorite author (Colin Ferguson). While all her dreams seem to be coming true, she suddenly finds herself pregnant by new boyfriend. Interesting examination of duty over dreams. MOM DAD AND HER stars Brittney Wilson as a troubled teen from a broken home who is sent to her father for the summer. The lonely girl finds herself bonding with her stepmother and some locals in town who help her turn things around. SEX & THE SINGLE MOM stars Gail O’Grady as a single mom of a precocious teen daughter (Danielle Panabaker) who is curious about sex. Although mom preaches abstinence, she is forced to examine her values after she herself get pregnant following a fling with a handsome surgeon (Grant Show). All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo. 20th Century Fox releases AMERICAN DAD—VOLUME 6 features more animated zaniness from the comic minds of Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman and Seth MacFarlane, following the exploits of trigger-happy CIA agent Stan Smith, who thumps his jingoistic chest at every opportunity, defending things like strip clubs, fast food and crack cocaine—the things that make America great. Terrific irreverent humor abounds in this deserved hit show. Bonuses: Audio commentary on select episodes; Uncensored episodes; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Sony releases DROP DEAD DIVAS—THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, the Lifetime Network hit about a former model-turned-plus-size attorney (Brooke Elliott), who finds her new incarnation holds plenty of challenges, quirks and curve balls of its own. Guest stars include Paula Abdul, Chad Lowe, Vivica A. Fox, Robin Givens, Cybil Shepherd and Natasha Henstridge. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.



DOCUMENTARY DAYS Cinema Libre Studio releases Oliver Stone’s LOOKING FOR FIDEL, a fascinating hour-long conversation between the iconoclast filmmaker and Cuba’s Fidel Castro, the modern world’s longest-reigning leader (1959-2008). Stone pulls no punches in questioning Castro about continued human rights violations in his country, as well as Cuba’s unique and complicated history. One of Stone’s most powerful recent works, and a must-see for any student of contemporary politics or world history. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. GASHOLE takes a look at how the United States went from being a leading exporter of oil to the world’s largest importer, as well as the fact that there are a host of affordable alternatives to fossil fuel, which the big oil and auto companies want to keep suppressed. Narrated by Peter Gallagher, and loaded with fascinating, enlightening interviews with major players on both sides of the fence. Bonuses: Commentary by the filmmakers. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. History/New Video releases REGAN, an in-depth look at Ronald Regan using rare archival footage and interviews with friends, colleagues, historians and critics. What emerges is a man who was a riddle wrapped in an enigma to most but a select few individuals. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. British Pathe releases BRITSH ROYAL WEDDINGS OF THE 20th CENTURY, featuring highlights from British Royal pomp dating back to the 1922 nuptials of Princess Mary and Viscount Henry Charles George, up to the 1986 pairing of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Great fun, and loaded with vintage film clips and photos. Bonuses: Extra vintage wedding footage, dating back to 1919. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Inspiration 101 releases THIS TIME, a compelling music documentary that follows the lives of three back-up singers, known as The Sweet Inspirations, who have performed with the legendary likes of Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Elvis Presley, but also found themselves at rock bottom, living on the streets. An inspirational story of perseverance and faith. Bonuses: Featurette; Bonus footage. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Magnolia releases SQUARE GROUPER: THE GODFATHES OF GANJA, an eye-popping look at 1970s marijuana culture and the men who brought it to the U.S. in abundance where it was consumed faster than it could be supplied. Focusing on South Florida, known as the prime corridor of pot smuggling, this is an entertaining, infuriating, and sometimes hilarious look at what, in many ways, seems like a more innocent time. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Music videos; Commentary by director Billy Corben and producer Lindsay Snell; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Shout Factory releases A MUSICIANS’ TRIBUTE TO NEIL YOUNG, a record of the January 29, 2010 concert in L.A. saluting one of the 20th century’s great songwriters and musicians. Featuring dynamite performances by Keith Urban, Dave Matthews, Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Jackson Browne, Wilco, Elvis Costello, James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Elton John, and Sheryl Crow, to name but a few, all covering Young’s biggest hits. Bonuses: Extra performances. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 5.1 surround. THE UNKNOWN WAR: WW II AND THE EPIC BATTLES OF THE RUSSIAN FRONT, is a mammoth, 5-disc set featuring all 20 episodes of the landmark television documentary about the Soviet struggle against, and ultimate victory over, the Nazi war machine. A Soviet-U.S. co-production from 1978, narrated by Burt Lancaster, it’s loaded with priceless film clips and interviews with the survivors who saw it all. Bonuses: Interviews with WW II scholars. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Blow Whistle Blow Films releases JULIAN ASSANGE: A MODERN DAY HERO? INSIDE THE WORLD OF WIKILEAKS, an intriguing look at the mysterious figure behind one of the most controversial uses of the information superhighway, which has blown the whistle on some of the world’s most sensitive top secret information. Three hour, in-depth study is very objective, allowing the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions about Assange, and what his organization represents. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Sexy Intellectual releases BRIAN ENO: 1971-77 THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, a revealing look at the musician/producer/renaissance man best known for his collaborations with David Bowie, Roxy Music, U2 and Coldplay. Loaded with interviews, archival footage and of course, great music. A real treat for fans of the songs and the period it portrays. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. PBS releases a host of titles from its vaults, starting with FREEDOM RIDERS, a look at the brave men and women who rode into the eye of the storm, literally, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, by riding buses into the Deep South in an attempt to register Black voters and encourage equal rights for all. Loaded with archival footage of one of the ugliest periods in U.S. history, as well as interviews with people who were on both sides of the battle. Excellent work across the board. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. OCEANS VOLUME ONE, is a collection of four documentary films about life under the waters that make up a majority of our planet: “Under the Sea with Al Giddings,” “Visions of the Sea,” “Ocean Odyssey,” and “Treasures of the Barrier Reef.” Eye-popping underwater photography and fascinating scientific data make this a must-see for all budding marine biologists and those fascinated by the waters. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE GREAT FAMINE looks at the famine that nearly destroyed much of Soviet Russia, circa 1921. A natural disaster echoing the Black Plague of the Middle Ages, the United States responded with a massive two year campaign of aid, led by new Secretary of Commerce, Herbert Hoover. By the summer of 1922, American kitchens were feeding nearly 11 million Soviet citizens a day. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. WILD WEST—VOLUME 1 takes a look at the key figures that helped shape America’s new frontier: “Annie Oakley,” “Buffalo Bill,” “Geronimo and the Apache Resistance,” “Jesse James,” “Kit Carson,” and “Wyatt Earp.” Fascinating and loaded with rarely seen photos, ephemera and interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. BROKEN TAIL is a record of the 600 days that Irish wildlife cameraman Colin Stafford-Johnson and local guide Salim Ali spent in Ranthambhore National Park, India’s premiere tiger reserve, following a majestic cat named Broken Tail and his family. Some of the best nature footage ever shot of large cats, who are a true natural wonder. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Additional scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE GREELY EXPEDITION examines the ill-fated 1881 voyage led by Lt. Adolphus Greely on a scientific expedition from St. John’s, Newfoundland to the high Arctic. Three years later, only six survivors returned, with tales of shipwreck, starvation, mutiny and cannibalism. Harrowing story, retold with skill. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. REVOLUTION IN CAIRO is taken from PBS’ “Frontline” series, and examines the uprising in the streets of Cairo, Egypt and the revolutionary fever that still sweeps much of the Middle East today. Fascinating and loaded with amazing, fly-on-the-wall footage. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THOROUGHBRED: BORN TO RUN takes a look at a diverse group of individuals and horses for a year, leading up to the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Terrific photography captures the world’s most magnificent horses at work and at play, along with interviews of the people who love and cherish them. Bonuses: Featurettes; Additional scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Athena releases GENIUS OF BRITAIN, in-depth portraits of some of the UK’s greatest minds in history, by today’s greatest minds of the UK. See Stephen Hawking discuss Isaac Newton, Richard Dawkins on Alfred Russell Wallace, David Attenborough on Joseph Banks, and many more. Three disc set. Bonuses: Bonus disc Stephen Hawking and the Theory of Everything; Viewer’s guide; Biographies; Timeline. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. 20th CENTURY WITH MIKE WALLACE: AMERICA AT WAR is hosted by the venerable Mike Wallace, takes a look at recent conflicts the U.S. has engaged in, from the Korean war to the first battle of the Persian Gulf. Great historical assembly, with on-the-spot archival reports from some of journalisms biggest names: Walter Cronkite, Morley Safer, Dan Rather, Edward R. Murrow, and more. Also features expert analysis from journalists, military leaders and historians. Bonuses: Viewer’s guide; Featurette; Timeline. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.



FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS Lionsgate/Marvel release THOR: TALES OF ASGARD, an animated adventure featuring the Norse warrior who embarks on a quest for the legendary Last Sword of Sutur. Loaded with colorful, eye-popping animation and action, sure to please the most jaded superhero fan in your household. Available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo back. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by crew members and animators; Trailer gallery. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround and Dolby 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases two Sesame Street titles: WILD WORDS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES, featuring Elmo and friends giving lessons on science vocabulary, and ELMO’S TRAVEL SONGS AND GAMES, featuring Elmo and pals taking a road trip, and engaging in fun games on the journey to pass the time. Good lessons for kids about to hit the road with their parents for the first time. Bonuses: Interactive featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Scholastic releases three new titles in their Storybook Treasures series: THE NORTH STAR features five stories that encourage kids to follow their dreams and navigate their full potential. Voice talent includes Tim Curry, Zooey Deschanel, and Allison Moorer. Bonuses: Bonus stories. THE SCRAMBLED STATES OF AMERICA AND MORE STORIES BY LAURIE KELLER, offers four animated adaptations of the children’s novelist/illustrator’s most beloved stories, including the title story, as well as “The Scrambled States of America Talent Show,” “Do Unto Others,” and “Open Wide: Tooth School Inside.” Voice talent includes Michael McKean. Bonuses: Interview with Keller; Music video; Read-along. SPLAT THE CAT is a 3-DVD set containing 14 stories for kids ages 2-6. Other stories include “The Story About Pint,” “The Napping House,” and many more. Voice talent includes Laura Dern, Catherine O’Hara, and many others. Bonuses: Interview with author/illustrator Rob Scotton; Spanish version of “Ping”; Read-along. All are full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Paramount/Nickelodeon release IT’S DORA’S HAIRCUT DAY, featuring Dora the Explorer in four adventures involving birthday, haircuts, and space travel. FOOD WITH FRIENDS features six adventures from the Nick network’s most popular characters, including Dora, Diego, Yo Gabba Gabba!, and more. Bonuses: Music videos. Finally, FANBOY & CHUMCHUM offers eight adventures of the wacky duo, including Emmy-winning episodes of the hit show. Bonuses: Animated shorts; Pilot episode of “Planet Sheen.” All are full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.