DVD Playhouse--June 2011

DVD PLAYHOUSE JUNE 2011
By
Allen Gardner

KISS ME DEADLY (Criterion) Robert Aldrich’s 1955 reinvention of the film noir detective story is one of cinema’s great genre mash-ups: part hardboiled noir; part cold war paranoid thriller; and part science- fiction. Ralph Meeker plays Mickey Spillane’s fascist detective Mike Hammer as a narcissistic simian thug, a sadist who would rather smash a suspect’s fingers than make love to the bevvy of beautiful dames that cross his path. In fact, the only time you see a smile cross Meeker’s sneering mug is when he’s doling out pain, with a vengeance. When a terrified young woman (Cloris Leachman, film debut) literally crossed Hammer’s path one night, and later turns up dead, he vows to get to the bottom of her brutal demise. One of the most influential films ever made, and perhaps the most-cited film by the architects of the French New Wave as being the movie that inspired their own works. Plus, it has what must be the ballsiest finale in film history. Not to be missed. Get the picture, punk? Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by film noir specialists Alain Silver and James Ursini; Video tribute by director Alex Cox; Excerpts from The Long Haul of A.I. Bezzerides, a 2005 documentary about the film’s screenwriter; 1998 Spillane documentary, Mike Hammer’s Mickey Spillane; Locations featurette; Alternate ending; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
UNKNOWN (Warner Bros.) Liam Neeson plays an American physician in Berlin who finds himself questioning his very identity after surviving a car crash, when no one in his life, including arm-candy wife January Jones, seems to know who he is, and there is another man (Aidan Quinn) in his place, claiming to be him. Intriguing paranoid thriller has some great moments that hearken back to some of the greats of the genre during the Watergate era, but most of the fuses it lights go out with a fizzle instead of a bang. Too bad, as this could have been a dynamite piece of escapism. Fine supporting cast includes Diane Kruger, Frank Langella, Bruno Ganz. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
RED RIDING HOOD (ALTERNATE CUT) (Warner Bros.) The beloved fairy tale, reimagined for the Twilight set (and helmed by the first film in the series’ director, Catherine Hardwicke). If ever there was a story that didn’t need to be reinvented (or re-told for that matter), it’s this one. Amanda Seyfried stars as a lass whose sister has been slain by a werewolf. Did we happen to mention that during the day said lupine takes human form, a form that looks like a hunky boy hot off the cover of this month’s Men’s Health? There is talent to burn both in front (Gary Oldman, Julie Christie, to name a few) and behind the camera. Why, oh why, would they waste their time on this? Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Gag reel; Picture-in picture commentary from cast and filmmakers; Two music videos; Additional scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HALL PASS ENLARGED EDITION (New Line) Two buddies (Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis) with roving eyes drive their wives (Christina Applegate and Jenna Fischer) to distraction so often, they issue the boys “hall passes” for one week of unsupervised sexual play with no consequences for them afterward. Raunchy, sophomoric, and sporadically funny output from the Farrelly Brothers, Peter and Bobby, who have yet to equal the manic brilliance of their first two outings: Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary. Hall Pass is pretty amusing for 40 minutes or so, then loses its steam when the boys have their moment of clarity pretty early on in the story. Not bad, but not so good either. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Extended cut with bonus footage; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
INSIGNIFICANCE (Criterion) Nicolas Roeg’s fascinating “what if?” about what happens when four unnamed characters who look and sound a great deal like Marilyn Monroe (Theresa Russell), Joe DiMaggio (Gary Busey), Albert Einstein (Michael Emil) and Sen. Joseph McCarthy (Tony Curtis) converge in a New York City hotel room for an evening of conversation, confrontation and revelation. Stunning cinematic rendering of Terry Johnson (who also did the screenplay)’s play by Roeg, who manages to make the confined space work beautifully to push forward the story’s narrative. Great stuff. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with Roeg, producer Jeremy Thomas, editor Tony Lawson; Short behind-the-scenes documentary; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE MAKIOKA SISTERS (Criterion) From 1983, Kon Ichikawa’s lyrical adaptation of Junichiro Tanizaki’s novel follows four siblings who have taken over the family’s kimono manufacturing business. Cleverly structured around the change of the four seasons and set during the 1930s, this quiet, but powerful story is a brilliant examination of a family both bending to and resisting the changing tide of history. Beautifully photographed and designed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
36TH PRECINCT (Palisades Tartan) Dynamite action thriller from France about rival cops (Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil) who engage in “by any means necessary” tactics to take down a brutal gang of criminals, with the prize being the office of Police Chief to whomever brings them to justice, or the morgue, first. Tough, nasty and gritty in the extreme, with echoes of the best crime thrillers of the ‘70s bouncing off its blood-spattered walls. Depardieu and Auteuil are superb, as always, as is the lovely Valeria Golino in support. Bonuses: Interview with director Olivier Marchal; Documentary; Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE WILD HUNT (Film Buff) A cuckolded boyfriend follows his ex and her new suitor into the woods of Quebec, where the two engage in the world of live roleplaying games. Before he knows it, the “games” of medieval warfare turn all too real. Solid thriller enhance by gritty location filming, terrific performances from its young cast. Bonuses: Featurettes; Storyboard gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
EXORCISMUS (IFC Films) A teenage girl (Sophie Vavasseur) begins experiencing strange seizures which leave doctors baffled, leaving her agonized parents to summon a priest (Doug Bradley). Sound familiar? It is, but this Spanish import is executed with a great deal more skill than most of the other Exorcist imitations in recent years. Some very scary scenes, not for the faint-of-heart! Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
IN HER SKIN (IFC Films) Import from Down Under, supposedly based on a true story. Caroline, a homely outcast 19 year-old (Ruth Bradley) longs to be popular and have a life like the pretty, vivacious Rachel (Kate Bell), whom she occasionally babysits. When Rachel goes missing, the twisted path leads into some dark, unexpected corners. Very well-made docudrama, with stellar performances from some of Oz’s finest: Guy Pearce, Sam Neill, Miranda Otto. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NICE GUY JOHNNY (Film Buff) Writer/director/co-star Edward Burns’ amiable comedy about Johnny, a young man (Matt Bush) engaged to a high-maintenance girl that demands he quit his dream job as a sports radio DJ to work a more lucrative gig for her dad. When perpetual adolescent Uncle Terry (Burns) blows through town, he takes Johnny on a joyride to the Hamptons, where he encounters a comely tennis pro (Kerry Bishe) who makes Johnny question who he is, and what he wants. As with Burns’ previous efforts, this comes off as Woody Allen/Truffaut “lite,” but is still enjoyable. Bonuses: Commentary by Burns; Interview with Burns; Casting footage; Deleted and extended scenes; Teasers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
KINGDOM OF WAR PARTS 1 AND 2(Magnet) Epic historical film that dramatizes the childhood years that Siam's 16th-century King Naresuan spent as a hostage to the king of Burma, learning the military skills he'd one day use to set his country free of Burmese domination, with part 2 finding Naresuan as an adult, leading an army against the Burmese invaders. Massive, eye-popping epic is old-fashioned filmmaking at its finest, with rousing battle scenes that would make David Lean green with envy. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music video; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CEREMONY (Magnolia) Sad sack Sam Davis (Michael Angarano) tries to rekindle his relationship with a former best pal at the estate of a renowned filmmaker (Lee Pace) who is engaged to lovely Zoe (Uma Thurman), who happens to be Sam’s ex, and still the love of his life. As the pair try to thwart the impending nuptials, a comedy of errors ensues that, overall, is quite amusing. Nice work from writer/director Max Winkler (Son of Henry Winkler). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Outtakes; Extended scene; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DRIVE ANGRY (Summit) Nicolas Cage plays an undead felon who breaks out of hell to avenge his daughter’s murder at the hands of Satanic cultists, and rescue his grandchild from their evil clutches. Aided by a tough but gorgeous partner (Amber Heard), the two wreak a path of bloody vengeance upon all those guilty and otherwise, as a deadly assassin (William Fichtner) sent by the Devil Himself is hot on their tail. Almost unbelievably well-made utter trash, redeemed only by the utter glee it seems to take in its unredeemability. Nic Cage is one of his generation’s best actors who surely will claim the mantle of “most bad movies made by a great actor” when his time on Earth is up. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interactive featurettes; Commentary by filmmakers Patrick Lussier and Todd Farmer; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
JUST GO WITH IT (Sony) Adam Sandler plays a successful plastic surgeon who meets the girl of his dreams (Brooklyn Decker), but must enlist his loyal gal Friday (Jennifer Anniston) to pose as his soon-to-be-ex after Decker discovers the wedding ring he wears as a seduction tool (less available = more attractive to some women, I guess). Sound really stupid so far? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, kids! Mind-blowingly inept from start to finish, one can only hope that there was a good script in here at one time that was summarily destroyed by committee. Even Decker’s ample gifts couldn’t keep this viewer from wanting to hit the “eject” button every five minutes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Blooper reel; Filmmaker and cast commentaries. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
ANOTHER YEAR (Sony) Over the course of a tumultuous year, contented medical counselor Gerri (Ruth Sheen) and her geologist husband, Tom (Jim Broadbent), see their friends and relations through a series of happy events and heartbreaks -- including a birth and a death. Another Year is another gem from writer/director Mike Leigh, whose portraits of everyday people in the UK have delighted audiences for nearly 40 years. Co-star Lesley Manville is a real standout. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Leigh and Manville; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
RUBBER (Magnolia) Surreal, hilarious and utterly original horror comedy about Robert, an abandoned tire (yes, you read it right) left to rot in the desert. As he comes to life, Robert quickly realizes he has deadly telepathic powers which allow him to destroy anything on sight. Writer/director Quentin Dupieux has fashioned an unforgettable gem in this low budget masterpiece. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Dupieux and cast members; Camera tests; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE HOUSEMAID (IFC Films) Remake of the 1960 Korean classic about a young woman (Jeon Do-yeon) hired to care for a wealthy pregnant woman. When her innocent beauty attracts the attention of the woman’s husband, he begins an affair with her, igniting the jealousy of an older maid in the house, one who holds many of the family’s dark secrets. Dark, claustrophobic blend of drama and erotic thriller packs a punch. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WHITE LIGHTNIN’ (MPI) Correctly described by one critic as “a white trash, rockabilly nightmare,” this “based on a true story” thriller about a backwoods mountain dancer who also moonlights as a vicious criminal/psychopath has to be seen to be believed. Edward Hogg stars as Jesco White, one of Appalachia’s most notorious figures. Carrie Fisher co-stars. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE GUN RUNNERS (MGM/Fox) Audie Murphy plays the owner of a cabin cruiser in Florida who naively rents it to an arms dealer selling guns to Cuba during the Revolution. B-movie remake of To Have and Have Not, written by ace screenwriters Daniel Mainwaring and Paul Monash, and helmed by the great Don Siegel. Their involvement raises it up several notches. Nice support also by Eddie Albert and Everett Sloane. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE DESTRUCTORS (MGM/Fox) Entertaining crime thriller starring Anthony Quinn as a badass U.S. Embassy official in Paris determined to take down drug kingpin James Mason. In desperation, he hires assassin Michael Caine to do what the government boys can’t. Obviously inspired by The French Connection, but stands quite well on its own. Nice support from Alexandra Stewart and FC heavy Marcel Bozuffi, not to mention Kennedy confidante Pierre Salinger, who makes an amusing (if not bizarre) cameo. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE CEREMONY (MGM/Fox) Laurence Harvey produced, directed and stars in this addle-brained thriller as a man imprisoned for bank robbery whose brother (Robert Walker, Jr.) agrees to bust him out if the older brother’s girl (Sarah Miles) sleeps with him as payment. Terrific supporting cast includes John Ireland, Ross Martin, Jack McGowran, and Murray Melvin. Might have seemed daring when it was released in 1963, but dates badly today. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THOSE LIPS, THOSE EYES (MGM/Fox) Frank Langella gives the performance of his career as a hack actor who manipulates two neophytes (Tom Hulce, Glynnis O’Connor) at the Cleveland Playhouse in the early 1950s. Fine support from vets Gerry Stiller and Kevin McCarthy enhance David Shaber’s sharp script and Michael Pressman (also his best work)’s direction. Touching, tough and honest to a fault. One of the 1970s’ unheralded great films. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE ROOMMATE (Sony) College freshman Sara (Minka Kelly) find herself saddled with an overly-attentive roommate (Leighton Meester) whose obsession with her suitemate turns deadly, particularly in the romance department and boyfriend Cam Gigandet. Familiar thriller has been made and seen dozens of times before—and done better. Watering down of a potentially tough thriller to PG-13 safety doesn’t help matters. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted and alternate scenes; Director commentary; Featurettes; BD-LIVE features. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BLACK DEATH (Magnet) Sean Bean stars as a brave knight during the dark days of the Black Plague whom the Church charges to investigate rumors of a necromancer in a hidden village who can bring the dead back to life. Scary, atmospheric chiller is reminiscent of the best of Hammer’s horror films of the ‘50s and ‘60s (with a lot of contemporary violence thrown in). Co-starring Eddie Redmayne and lovely Carice Van Houten, this tough thriller is chock full of images you won’t soon forget. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
VANISHING ON 7TH STREET (Magnet) Overall effective, but flawed thriller from talented indie director Brad Anderson (Session 9, The Machinist) in which a blackout plunges Detroit into total darkness. When the sun comes up the following day, a handful of survivors (Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton, John Leguizamo and Jacob Latimore) meet up in a seedy bar, finding themselves surrounded by piles of empty clothing left by those who have seemingly vanished. Lots of nuclear holocaust allusions pervade in this sci-fi thriller, which plays out almost like a modern-day “Twilight Zone” episode. In spite of its shortcomings, you’ll still find it a satisfying ride. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate ending; Featurettes; Interviews with Anderson and Latimore; Commentary by Anderson. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
MAO’S LAST DANCER (20th Century Fox) Terrific drama from director Bruce Beresford, based on a true story. Li Cunxin, a peasant boy from rural China beats impossible odds to become an internationally renowned ballet dancer. When he makes his way to the United States, he falls in love with an American woman, then must risk everything to stay in his newly-adopted country. Unsentimental and straightforward, which is what makes it such a powerful film, as opposed to a maudlin MOW. Fine cast includes Kyle McLachlan, Bruce Greenwood, Joan Chen, and Aussie great Jack Thompson. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
I AM NUMBER FOUR (DreamWorks/Touchstone) John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) is a shy teen who lives with his guardian (Timothy Olyphant) in a small town, trying to keep a low profile. However, he masks a secret identity, which becomes harder to confine when he finds himself suddenly blessed with extraordinary abilities and true love with a local girl (Dianna Agron), whom he tries to keep his secret hidden from. What could have been a dynamite teen coming-of-age/sci-fi epic is instead a tired retread of countless plots we’ve seen recycled dozens of times, with all those plots overloaded with top-heavy special effects. Obviously aimed, once again, at the Twilight set, but isn’t it possible to merge commerce with quality? Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Bloopers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
I SAW THE DEVIL (Magnet) When a demented serial killer brutally murders the pregnant fiancée of an intelligence agent with lethal skills of his own, he vows revenge on the killer, but not as you would think. Director Kim Jee-Woon is a filmmaker of virtuoso skill, but he chooses to wallow in sadism and bloodletting (it would seem) for its own sake, as opposed to using the violence as a device to move the story forward. Loaded with brilliant cinematic moments, Devil has numerous opportunities to become something more than the sum of its parts, but never fully realizes them. As a result, you have a great film that could have been, mired in sensationalism. What could have been a modern take on A Clockwork Orange, is more akin to films like Saw, and the torture porn genre that continues to pollute multi-plexes and DVD players the world over. Polarizing to be sure, so judge for yourself. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
NIGHTMARES (Severin) Classic (of sorts) “Ozploitation” from 1980, where an aspiring actress (Jenny Neumann), traumatized by her mother’s death years earlier, finds herself surrounded by bloody deaths of her fellow cast members. Lots of gratuitous nudity, gore and not many scares punctuate this largely-ineffectual thriller, which must have seemed shocking thirty years ago, but now is just pretty dull. Bonuses: Commentary by director John Lamond and Not Quite Hollywood director Mark Hartley; Featurette; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE BABY (Severin) Twisted horror outing from 1972 about an idealistic social worker (Anjanette Comer) who investigates the household of a strange family (Ruth Roman as the mother) whose youngest son (David Mooney) is stuck in a perpetually child-like state—to the point of sleeping in a crib and wearing diapers. “Baby,” as they call him, might also be committing brutal murders. Quite nasty for a PG-rated film (although the standards seemed to have changed over 40 years), with some genuine scares and unsettling moments. The film’s low budget grunginess just enhances its realism. Not necessarily a recommendation, but not a pan, either. Also stars ‘60s glamour girl Marianna Hill and Michael Pataki, directed by talented helmer Ted Post (Magnum Force). Bonuses: Audio interviews with Post, Mooney; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.0 mono.
BLOODY BIRTHDAY (Severin) Four children, all born in the same hospital during a solar eclipse ten years earlier, suddenly start brutally killing people in their bucolic suburban neighborhood (shot in the affluent hill section of Glendale, CA.). It comes down to a resilient babysitter (Lori Lethin) to stop the murders and solve the mystery. Pretty bland overall, although future MTV and comedic star Julie Brown does a striptease that’s sure to get male hearts palpitating. Co-stars a bizarre mélange of actors, including K.C. Martel, Jose Ferrer, Joe Penny, Michael Dudikoff, and Susan Strasberg. Bonuses: Audio interview with director Ed Hunt; Interview with Lethin; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
OF GODS AND MEN (Sony) Based on the true story of Cistercian monks of Tibehirine in Algeria from 1993 to their kidnapping in 1996, this powerhouse film about faith and redemption packs a wallop. When a crew of foreign workers is murdered by Islamic extremists, fear sweeps through the region, but the monks refuse protection from the military, or any other force of war. In spite of the growing menace of civil war, the monks decide to stand their ground at their monastery, come what may. Superb cast includes Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale, and Olivier Rabouron. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE AMBASSADOR (MGM/Fox) Robert Mitchum stars as an American ambassador who finds himself, his wife (Ellen Burstyn) and her Arab lover (Fabio Testi) caught up in a dangerous game of intrigue, extortion and murder in the mid-80s Middle East. Tough thriller directed with economy by vet J. Lee Thompson, based on Elmore Leonard’s “52 Pick-Up,” remade two years later by John Frankenheimer. Co-stars Donald Pleasence and Rock Hudson (his final film). Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
HARRY IN YOUR POCKET (MGM/Fox) Intelligent drama about a family of pickpockets (James Coburn, Michael Sarrazin, Trish Van Devere, Walter Pidgeon) roaming the U.S. looking for scores. Existential, but never boring, with Coburn and Sarrazin delivering some of their best work. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
PARK ROW (MGM/Fox) Sam Fuller’s examination of 19th century journalism stars Gene Evans as a newspaperman who tries to start an independent paper to rival the big, corporate-owned rag that seemingly runs the city. Tough, lean and punctuated by bursts of violence, the signature of Fuller’s work to come. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER (MGM/Fox) Brutal urban drama stars Michael Moriarty as a naïve rookie cop who finds himself in the center of a departmental war when he accidentally kills an undercover policewoman (Susan Blakely). Great screenplay by pros Abby Mann and Ernest Tidyman, solid direction by Milton Katselas. Co-stars Yaphet Kotto, Hector Elizondo and, in his film debut, Richard Gere. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.







BLU BAYOU MGM/Fox, as always, leads the pack with a host of BD releases, beginning with a 25th anniversary edition of Oliver Stone’s iconic, Oscar-winning PLATOON, the filmmaker’s autobiographical account of his experiences in the Vietnam War. Charlie Sheen, in the role that made him a star, stars as Stone’s alter-ego, with fine support from Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, and newcomers Johnny Depp, Forest Whitaker, and Kevin Dillon. One of the best films ever made, to say the least the best, and most authentic, war film. 2 disc set contains BD and DVD copies of the film. Bonuses: Commentary by Stone and military advisor Capt. Dale Dye; Deleted and extended scenes; Featurettes; Two documentaries; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. The original ROCKY was the sleeper champ of the 1976 Oscars, catapulting writer/star Sylvester Stallone to stardom. Today, Rocky is as good as it ever was, although it plays much more like a neo-realist character study, as opposed to a formulaic blockbuster, which its numerous sequels surely were. Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young, Carl Weathers and, of course, Talia Shire, all shine in this classic, which looks even better on Blu. 24-page collectible book packaging. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Joel Schumacher’s TIGERLAND remains his finest hour as a filmmaker, and gave a star-making role to then-newcomer Colin Farrell, playing a late ‘60s era draftee whose defiance sends him to the notorious Tigerland, a hellish training ground in the swamps of the Deep South that is the bad boy soldier’s last stop before heading out to the ‘Nam. Tough, stirring and authentic from start to finish. Bonuses: Commentary by Schumacher; Featurettes; Casting footage; Trailer and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. John Frankenheimer’s THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE was decades ahead of its time in 1962, and remains every bit as potent and powerful today. Frank Sinatra plays an army Colonel who finds himself suffering PTSD nearly a decade after the Korean War has ended. When he realizes his former commanding officer, Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey) is at the center of these dreams, he seeks Shaw out, uncovering a twisted conspiracy that will leave the most jaded viewer with goosebumps. Fine support from Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury (as one of the screen’s great villainesses), and Henry Silva, who has a knockout brawl with Sinatra that left both men with broken bones in real life! Frankenheimer’s finest hour as a director, as well as everyone else involved with this classic masterpiece. Bonuses: 1988 interview with Sinatra, screenwriter/producer George Axelrod, and Frankenheimer; Commentary by Frankenheimer; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. LEAVING LAS VEGAS is director Mike Figgis’ downbeat, but stunning look at an alcoholic screenwriter (Nicholas Cage, in his Oscar-winning turn. Please Nic, more roles and movies like this!) who determines to drink himself to death in Sin City, with the unconditional love of a hooker (Elisabeth Shue) who just might have found redemption in the form of Cage’s pathetic soul. Unrated version of the film. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE HUSTLER is Robert Rossen’s 1961 drama that plays out like Greek tragedy set in seedy pool halls. Paul Newman was never better as “Fast” Eddie Felson, a talented pool shark whose only true determination in life is to self-destruct, and take all those in his orbit with him. Piper Laurie is the crippled girl who tries to love him, George C. Scott the nefarious creep who tries to hustle the hustler. Jackie Gleason oozes charm and grace as pool legend Minnesota Fats. One of the great films of its era. Bonuses: Commentary by Newman, film historian Jeff Young, critic Richard Schickel, and others; Featurettes; Trailer; 24-page collectible book packaging. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE COMMANCHEROS, also from 1961, is a rock-solid, if unremarkable John Wayne vehicle, with Duke as a gutsy Texas Ranger determined to bring down a gang of cutthroat gunrunners known as The Commancheros. Two-fisted action from start to finish, with fine support from Stuart Whitman, Ina Balin, and the great Lee Marvin. Helmed by veteran Michael Curtiz. Bonuses: Commentary by Whitman, Nehemiah Persoff, Michael Ansara, and Patrick Wayne; Featurettes; Two-part documentary; Trailers; 24-page collectible book packaging. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE USUAL SUSPECTS is director Bryan Singer and writer Christopher McQuarrie’s diabolically clever crime thriller about a gang of crackerjack thieves (Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak, and Benecio Del Toro) who find themselves double-crossed by a criminal mastermind called Keyser Soze. Told in flashback by Spacey’s character to intrepid FBI agent Chazz Palminteri, the film is like an elaborate cinematic chess game that grows more fascinating with each successive viewing. Dynamite! 24-page collectible book packaging. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. THE TERMINATOR is the film that started it all for writer/director James Cameron and star Arnold Schwarzenegger, in this non-stop thrill ride about a soldier (Michael Biehn) sent from the future to take out a robot assassin (der Governator) also sent from days yet to pass to take out a waitress (Linda Hamilton) who will become the mother of the world’s Messiah if she’s allowed to live. Film never lets up, from its opening frames to its harrowing finale. Bonuses: 7 deleted scenes; Featurettes; 24-page collectible book packaging. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases Dario Argento’s thriller THE CAT O’ NINE TAILS, a nasty whodunit starring James Franciscus as a tenacious reporter who joins forces with a blind puzzle maker (Karl Malden) to solve a series of vicious murders. Chock full of Argento’s signature cinematic flair and creative bloodletting. Bonuses: Interviews with Argento, co-writer Dardano Sacchetti, composer Ennio Morricone; Trailers and TV spots; Radio interviews with Malden and Franciscus. Widescreen. DTS-HD 2.0 surround. Severin releases Richard Rush’s THE STUNT MAN, one of the cinema’s great satires and greatest films about filmmaking. Steve Railsback plays a felon on the run who stumbles into a movie scene being films, causing the death of the film’s lead stuntman. When messianic director Eli Cross (Peter O’Toole) realizes what’s happened, he enlists Railsback to take the stunt man’s place, which is when the games, literally, begin. One-of-a-kind film has to be seen to be believed! Nice support from Barbara Hershey, Allen Goorwitz, Alex Rocco, Adam Roarke and Sharon Farrell. Bonuses: Commentary by Rush, O’Toole, Railsback, Hershey, Rocco, Farrell and Chuck Bail; Featurettes; Documentary; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE NESTING is a nasty, albeit forgettable, horror outing from 1981, focusing on a beautiful writer (Robin Groves) who decides to relocate to the quiet countryside in hopes of curing her writer’s block. Instead, she finds the seemingly-quaint Victorian house she’s rented is haunted, and taking the lives of everyone who crosses her path. Of interest to film buffs mainly as the final film of one-time starlet Gloria Grahame, otherwise just another ‘80s exercise in gore and nihilism. Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Trailers and TV spots; Poster and still galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround.



DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Sony releases BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON, which, along with "Mad Men," is by far the best show on television, both under the auspices of the AMC network. Bryan Cranston continues to excel and evolve as former high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to manufacturing his own unique brand of crystal meth to provide for his family as he battles terminal cancer. Aaron Paul provides equally fine support as Jesse, Walter’s former student, and meth cooking tutor/business partner. The third season finds the stakes rising considerably as Walter and Jesse find themselves running afoul of a vicious Mexican drug cartel, Walter abandoned by his wife (Anna Gunn), and Walter facing a terrible choice between working for a lethal drug kingpin or walking away from everything he has worked to build. Great, morally ambiguous drama abounds in this series that never stops pushing the envelope. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: 3 uncensored episodes; Cast and crew commentary; Deleted scenes and unused footage; Gag reel; Featurettes; Video podcasts; Commercials and testimonials; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. HAWTHORNE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON stars Jada Pinkett Smith as a Director of Nursing at a major hospital, a passionate advocate for her patients and also a struggling widowed mother. When cutbacks close her facility, she and her fellow health care professionals are forced to join struggling James River Hospital. Co-starring Michael Vartan, and guest starring Marc Anthony, Sara Gilbert, Bill Macy, Debi Mazar, and NBA star John Salley. 10 episodes on 3 discs. Bonuses: Featurettes; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE BIG C: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Laura Linney stars as an unconventional schoolteacher who is diagnosed with cancer, and decides instead of surrendering to the inevitable, to live it up! Oliver Platt and Gabourey Sidibe co-star in this painfully funny series. 3 discs contain 13 episodes. Bonuses: Deleted scenes and outtakes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. WHITE COLLAR: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Matt Bomer stars as sophisticated conman Neal Caffrey who teams with FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) to investigate an intriguing array of crimes. Smart and full of twists. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Audio commentary on select episodes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. THE GLADES: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON stars Matt Passmore as a Chicago detective who relocates to sunny Florida anticipating easy times, but instead finds swamps and streets cluttered with murder. Fun and entertaining, with an attractive young cast. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary on selected episodes; Featurettes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. BURN NOTICE: SEASON FOUR resumes the adventures of master spy Michael Westen, here joined by counterintelligence expert Jesse Porter. Watch as they take on outlaw biker gangs, drug dealers and terrorists. 4-disc set contains 18 episodes. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Audio commentary on select episodes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. 20th Century Fox/MGM releases LOUIE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, conceived by and starring comedian Louis C.K., this outrageous series finds Louis playing a well-meaning single father raising two daughters. As he struggles with his day-to-day existence, his stand-up routines provide fodder and catharsis from the doldrums of his life. Very funny, featuring guest stars Matthew Broderick and Ricky Gervais. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted and extended scenes; Audio commentary by Louis C.K. on select episodes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. SG.U STARGATE UNIVERSE: THE COMPLETE FINAL SEASON follows the Destiny crew to the end of the line, as the find themselves running out of supplies and with no knowledge of their final destination. With this in addition to their usual encounters with strange and hostile life forms, the crew perseveres to struggle to stay alive and find a way home. Bonuses: Interviews with the cast; Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. eOne releases ROOKIE BLUE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, described by one critic as “’Grey’s Anatomy’ with guns,” and quite aptly at that. Five cops who trained at the police academy together, led by rookie Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), hit the streets and all that they serve up. Sort of like a reboot of the ‘70s hit “The Rookies” dressed up for the post-MTV generation, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad, either. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. HAVEN: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, is based on Stephen King’s novel “The Colorado Kid,” and follows FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) as she travels to Haven, Maine to investigate the murder of an ex-con, but soon discovers a small hamlet full of people with supernatural powers. Interesting, smart blend of suspense and sci-fi. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Audio commentary with cast and crew; Featurettes; Video blogs. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Acorn Media releases ROBIN OF SHERWOOD: SET 1, tells the legend of Robin Hood with a gritty feel. Starring Michael Praed as Robin, with a scene-stealing Ray Winstone as Will Scarlett and Nickolas Grace as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rousing action, sweeping romance and great fun! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Five episode commentaries; Featurettes; Documentary; Photo galleries; Music-only tracks; Outtakes; Textless and foreign credit sequences; PDF material, including PR, Richard Carpenter’s original story treatment, and several scripts. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. NEW TRICKS: SEASON FOUR features more adventures from four retired cops across the Pond who continue to solve the cold cases that their younger counterparts can’t. Amanda Redman, James Bolam, Alun Armstrong and Dennis Waterman star in this witty, sharp crime series. 8 episodes on 3 discs. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. A&E releases THE KIDS IN THE HALL: DEATH COMES TO TOWN, features all the crazy “kids” (Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson) in an 8-episode comedy series playing all the townspeople of a small hamlet of Shuckton, Ontario, who face Death, literally, as he steps off a Greyhound bus, and the denizens start dropping dead. Outrageous, inventive and gleefully offensive, sure to please fans of the legendary series. Bonuses Commentary by Foley and McCulloch; Deleted and extended scenes; Bloopers; Described video for the hearing impaired. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. BILLY THE EXTERMINATOR: SEASON THREE, features wild man Billy Bretherton taking on the nastiest creepy crawlers that nature can throw at him. Watch Billy and his Vexcon team face off against a family of alligators, feral hogs, an army of fire ants, a deadly snake, not to mention gators, spiders and raccoons! Great fun and quite suspenseful. Bonuses: Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER offers six episodes of the reality hit about Duane “Dog” Chapman and his family of bounty hunters who track down some of the criminal community’s most evasive suspects. Great fun at times, but also has the feeling of being staged more often than it feels authentic. Bonuses: Retrospective special for the series’ 200th episode. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Lifetime releases BRINGING ASHLEY HOME, based on a true story about a dutiful daughter (A.J. Cook) who joins forces with her mother (Patricia Richardson) to find her bad girl younger sister, who’s gone missing. Solid drama, punctuated by a lack of sentimentality. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. WILLIAM & KATE is a so-so dramatization of the storybook romance between royal heartthrob Prince William and commoner Kate Middleton, starring Nico Evers-Swindell and Camilla Luddington. Raised up a few bars by a fine supporting cast, including Ben Cross, Victoria Tennant, Serena-Scott Thomas, and Richard Reid. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. TAKEN FROM ME stars Taraji P. Henson in the true story of a single mother’s dramatic rescue of her six year-old son, after being kidnapped by his biological father, and taken from New York to Seoul, South Korea. Good drama, with some suspenseful moments. Co-starring Terry O’Quinn, Beverly Todd. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Warner Bros. releases the classic Quinn-Martin production THE FBI: THE FIRST SEASON, PART ONE, starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as Agent Lewis Erskine, who soberly tackles crime and criminals all over the nation. Great fun to see future stars like Burt Reynolds, Ted Knight, Dabney Coleman, Beau Bridges, Robert Duvall, Jack Klugman, and Leslie Neilsen circa 1965. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. SOUTHLAND UNCENSORED: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON offers unexpurgated drama from one of television’s finest hours of late, as the men and women of the LAPD do their damndest to keep the City of Angels safe. Stars Michael Kudlitz, Benjamin McKenzie and Regina King. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Lionsgate releases TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE: VOLUME EIGHT, featuring more sitcom zaniness from the Payne family, with 24 episodes on three discs. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround.



DOCUMENTARY DAYS As always, PBS leads the pack with some of the finest docs on DVD. First up, BRAIN FITNESS, VOLUME 1 which takes a look at the brain’s ability to change and adapt, and even rewire itself. Broken up into three parts: “Brain Fitness Squared: Sight and Sound,” “Brain Fitness Frontiers,” and “Brian Fitness Peak Performance.” All combine interviews with the greatest scientists of our times, research statistics and demonstrations. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. OUTBACK PELICANS takes a gander at some of Down Under’s most majestic birds, and how they manage to survive in Australia’s outback, one of the most desolate places on the planet. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. REMOTE CONTROL WAR takes a look at the men and women who pilot the unmanned drones that help the U.S. Army fight the war on terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Currently there are over 7,000 robots in the air and 12,000 on the ground, all of which are piloted by remote control. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. IRENA SENDLER: IN THE NAME OF THEIR MOTHERS takes a look at a group of young Polish women during WW II who managed to save over 2500 Jewish children by forging ID papers and placing them in Catholic safe houses. Led by Irena Sendler, this pulse-pounding doc plays out like the most double-barreled wartime thriller. Not to be missed. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. CHRONICLES OF THE THIRD REICH is a four hour special doc made in 1998 on the Reich’s 65th anniversary, examining its 12 year, 3 month and 9 day reign in Germany and Europe, and how its own perversion, greed and hubris brought its dreams of thousand year glory crashing down. Loaded with archival footage and interviews with survivors, a terrific historic document. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. JAPAN’S KILLER QUAKE examines the devastating earthquake March 11, 2011 that spawned some of the deadliest tsunamis in modern history, causing death, destruction and nuclear meltdown on an epic scale. Gripping stories from the storm’s survivors, along with heart-pounding footage of the killer waves in action help make this a powerful doc you won’t soon forget. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. SURVIVORS OF THE FIRESTORM looks at the brushfires that swept through the Australian state of Victoria in 2009 and incinerated over a million acres of land. Scores of rare animals died, but many wounded and displaced creatures were rescued and nursed back to health by workers at wildlife hospitals across Oz. Touching, at times heartbreaking, documentary. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. BLACK IN LATIN AMERICA is a four-part series that examines the African influence on Latin America, produced by Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Gates looks at how Africa and Europe came together to create the rich cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. Four parts are: “Haiti & Dominican Republic: An Island Divided,” “Cuba: The Next Revolution,” “Brazil: A Racial Paradise,” and “Mexico & Peru: A Hidden Race.” Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. SALMON: RUNNING THE GAUNTLET is a surprisingly exciting look at how tens of millions of salmon used to make the run up the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, but today, due to pollution, the Columbia River salmon are quickly vanishing from existence. Narrated by Jay O. Sanders, and also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. MLB BLOOPES DOUBLE HEADER is a riotous collection of some of the biggest gaffes ever recorded on a baseball diamond. Two-part special, narrated by Chris Katan and John Webber, respectively. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. PRIME 9: MLB HEROICS contains over 3 hours of content, exploring who makes up baseball’s greatest past, present and future. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. History Channel/New Video release ANCIENT ALIENS: SEASON TWO which explores the controversial theory that extraterrestrials have been visiting our planet for millions of years. From early cave drawings to sightings across the world, scholars and pundits continue the age-old debate: is there something out there? Ten episodes on three discs. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. SWAMP PEOPLE: SEASON ONE takes a look at the denizens of Louisiana’s byzantine bayou country, and their efforts to balance the wilds of nature with civilization. Terrific balance of interviews and raw, no-holds barred, man vs. nature moments. Bonuses: Additional footage. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. UNDERWATER UNIVERSE: SEASON ONE is a compilation of four episodes, all looking at how undersea forces have brought terror and destruction to our planet throughout history. Great blend of CGI animation, breathtaking cinematography and submersible expedition footage. Bonuses: Feature-length special “Underwater Universe.” Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Caipirinha releases CULTURES OF RESISTANCE, a fascinating look by director Iara Lee at how disparate groups of people the world over use equally varied methods to combat oppression. Travelling over five continents in several years, Lee offers an optimistic view of human nature when pushed to its very limits of tolerance. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Sexy Intellectual releases NEIL YOUNG’S MUSIC BOX, a look at the legendary Canadian rocker’s life and times. Loaded with interviews of Young’s contemporaries, rock critics and historians, as well as archival footage of Young performing. A must-own for any serious fan of Young’s work. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Sony releases CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: JOURNEY OF MAN IN 3D, a stunning visual and aural feast that offers a filmed record of the famed troupe’s show that is a breathtaking odyssey that follows the stages of human development from birth to maturity. Beautifully shot and presented, with visuals that really pop in Blu-ray and 3-D. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT 2011: THE 3-D EXPERIENCE offers up some of the world’s most beautiful women being photographed for SI’s legendary Swimsuit Issue, a staple since the 1970s. Featuring supermodels Julie Henderson, Alyssa Miller and Irina Shayk, watch as the lovely ladies enhance the natural beauty of the island of Maui. Yeow! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases AC/DC: LET THERE BE ROCK a stunning remastering of the legendary concert film on the 30th anniversary of its release. In addition to seeing the lads circa 1981 in digitally-remastered glory, the film is being packaged in a limited edition tin, with over an hour of all-new bonuses, including Featurettes, interviews with the band and their contemporaries, as well as journalists and rock historians, who discuss the band’s significance in the world of music and popular culture. Also features a 32-page tribute book, souvenir guitar pick, 10 collector cards. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.



FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS Paramount/Nickelodeon lead the pack with ROCKO’S MODERN LIFE: SEASON ONE, starring Rocko the wallaby and all his pals from the outback in 13 episodes on two packed DVDs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. BIG BOX OF PLAY DATES 2 features three DVDs sure to please the most discriminating kiddo: SUMMER VACATION, SISTERS AND BROTHERS and WE LOVE OUR FRIENDS, all featuring Dora the Explorer, Diego, the Yo Gabba Gabba! gang and other Nickelodeon favorites in a variety of themed adventures. YO GABBA GABBA! CIRCUS features the gang in four circus-themed adventures, sure to please kids 4-6. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: HEROES OF BIKINI BOTTOM features Spongebob and pals in eight adventures focusing on to town of Bikini Bottom and the value of teamwork. Bonuses: Animated shorts; Bonus episode of “T.U.F.F. Puppy.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. SUMMER VACATION offers six adventures featuring all the Nickelodeon characters with travel, ecological and outdoor themes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Shout Factory releases TRANSFORMERS BEAST WARS: THE COMPLETE SERIES, the complete Emmy-winning series telling the epic story of the Maximals and the Predacons in one DVD set. A huge hit on Saturday mornings in the mid-90s, the Transformers ran for three hit seasons, offering eye-popping animation and imaginative storylines. Bonuses: Retrospective featurettes; Art galleries; Collectible booklet. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Warner Bros. releases GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS, an all-new animated adventure in six episodes, written by acclaimed comic scribes Geoff Johns, Alan Burnett, and Dave Gibbons, which explores the origins and lore of the legendary DC Comics character. Great fun and whets the appetite for this summer’s big screen feature. Bonuses: Featurettes; Filmmaker commentary; Sneak peak of Batman: Year One; 2 bonus cartoons. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Disney releases GNOMEO & JULIET, from the director of Shrek 2, resetting Shakespeare’s classic into the world of gnomes and fairies. Featuring the music of Elton John and voice work from stars such as Emily Blunt, James McAvoy and Sir Michael Caine. A delightful animated romp that is sure to please young and old alike. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS-HD 7.1 surround. LEMONADE MOUTH: EXTENDED EDITION is a Disney original movie, starring Bridgit Mendler and Adam Hicks in a musical coming-of-age adventure that follows five freshmen who meet in detention. Thought it seems they have nothing in common at first, they all realize they share the common bond of music. Sort of an updated (and sanitized) Breakfast Club with kids who can sing and play guitar, but sure to please the pre-high schoolers in your house. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Extended music score; Sing-along. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.