DVD Playhouse--August 2011

DVD PLAYHOUSE—AUGUST 2011

By Allen Gardner



HIGH AND LOW (Criterion) Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 adaptation of Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom is a multi-layered masterpiece of suspense and one of the best portraits ever of class warfare in post-WW II Japan. Toshiro Mifune stars as a wealthy businessman who finds himself in a moral quandary when his chauffer’s son is kidnapped by ruthless thugs who think the boy is Mifune’s. Beautifully realized on every level. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince; Documentary on film’s production; Interview with Mifune from 1984; Trailers and teaser. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 4.0 surround.

LEON MORIN, PRIEST (Criterion) One of French maestro Jean-Pierre Melville’s rare non-crime-oriented films, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo as a devoted cleric who is lusted after by the women of a small village in Nazi-occupied France. When Fr. Morin finds himself drawn to a libidinous widow (Emmanuelle Riva) who borders on the atheistic, their relationship turns into a confrontation for both of desire versus faith. Fascinating and compelling, from start to finish. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Melville and Belmondo from 1961; Select scene commentary; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.

SUPER (IFC Films) Rainn Wilson plays Frank, a lifelong loser whose bad luck continues to get worse when his gorgeous wife (Liv Tyler) leaves him for a sleazy drug dealer (Kevin Bacon). Obsessed with comics and superheroes, Frank is plagued by otherworldly visions of angels, demons and Jesus Christ Himself. When Frank meets an overzealous comic book store manager (Ellen Page), he decides to reinvent himself as the Crimson Bolt, a pipe wrench-wielding vigilante. Suddenly gifted with permission to vent all the rage he’s been building up for 40 plus years, Frank becomes a Travis Bickle-style avenger of brutal retaliation against evildoers of all stripes, from car jackers to smarmy hipsters who cut in line at the movies. Writer-director James Gunn has fashioned a black (and bleak) social satire of the highest order, but be warned: Super is more disturbing than it is funny, and more unsettling than it is entertaining. Like Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, it will stick with you like the most arid of summer nights. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer and TV spot; Deleted scene; Featurettes; Commentary by Gunn and Wilson. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

THE BANG BANG CLUB (eOne) Based on the true story of four photojournalists (Ryan Phillippe, Taylor Kitsch, Frank Rautenbach, and Neels Van Jaarveld) covering the bloody end of Apartheid in South Africa, and the constant danger they both find themselves in and seem to feed off of. Writer-director Steven Silver’s film could have been a powerful examination of the addiction to war that many journalists find themselves falling victim to, but instead is a two-dimensional exercise in cliché. A real let-down, as this is a story that had great promise. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Commentary by Silver; Deleted scenes; Interviews with cast and crew; Slideshow. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

LIMITLESS (20th Century Fox) Bradley Cooper plays a wannabe writer/full-time slacker who is given a potent (and not FDA-approved) drug that enables him to use 100% of his brain capacity. Before he knows it, he is literally on his way to not only artistic success, but possible world-domination. Of course, as in all morality tales, there is a price for this perfection, and therein lie the charm, wit and thrills that abound in this entertaining sci-fi thriller. Robert De Niro delivers his usual masterly turn as a corporate titan who tries to use Cooper’s new skill set to his advantage, and Abby Cornish provides an attractive love interest. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by director Neil Burger; Alternate ending; PG-13 and unrated versions. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

LIFE DURING WARTIME (Criterion) Filmmaker Todd Solondz delivers another bleak view of the human condition, this time offering a (sort of) sequel to his 1998 hit Happiness, examining the dysfunctional lives of the previous film’s same New Jersey family, all played here by different actors (Shirley Henderson, Allison Janey, Ally Sheedy, Ciaran Hinds). Charlotte Rampling has a nice turn as a libidinous woman of a certain age. Some nice moments interspersed between the gloom, but enough already! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Q & A with Solondz; Featurette; Interviews with cinematographer Ed Lachman; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT (20th Century Fox) Topher Grace plays Matt Franklin, a video store clerk circa 1988 whose life is going nowhere fast. When his high school dream girl drops by the store one night, he makes up a story about being a successful stock broker. After scheming with his best friend to “run into her” again at a party being thrown by his former high school rival…you get the idea. Painfully unfunny trip back in time. Instead of watching the ‘80s best teen comedies, one gets the feeling that the filmmakers studied the titles that even sucked in the Reagan era! Too bad, because to those of us who were there, we’d love a laugh fest that not only took us back, but made us feel like staying a while. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music video; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

SOMETHING BORROWED (Warner Bros.) When pert and perky Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) finds herself hooking up with her best friend (Kate Hudson)’s fiancée (Colin Egglesfield) after a drunken birthday party, she finds herself feeling conflicted in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Strained romantic comedy is neither terribly funny nor romantic, with Hudson devouring the scenery of every frame that she’s in. John Krasinsky’s easy charm manages to add some light to his scenes, but that’s about it in this chick flick, that has all the charm of a fart in the bathtub. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Additional scenes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

STAKE LAND (Dark Sky Films) After a vampirism virus causes a new civil war that nearly wipes the U.S. out, a young survivor (Connor Paolo) travels the wastes with his mentor/bodyguard in search of a rumored sanctuary called New Eden. Episodic adventure tale is highly charged, atmospheric and suspenseful. Nice feature debut from director Jim Mickle. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Two cast and crew commentaries; Featurettes; 7 short prequel films. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

HEARTBEATS (MPI) Writer/director Xavier Dolan was only 21 when he completed this film, which won the Youth Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Sort of a French-Canadian Jules and Jim, this loosely constructed romantic fable follows two best friends (Dolan and Moira Chokri) who both fall in love with the same guy (Niels Schneider), and decide to share him. Dolan is a talent to watch! Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

CRACKS (IFC Films) Eva Green plays a headmistress at an all-girls boarding school in rural England. Her students idolize her glamour and athletic abilities, but are thrown for a loop with the arrival of an aristocratic Spaniard (Maria Valverde) who not only rivals the headmistress’ gifts, but surpasses them. When former class queen Di (Juno Temple) finds her role as teacher’s pet usurped, things turn dark very quickly. Dead Poets Society meets Fatal Attraction in this atmospheric, but flat, feature debut from Jordan Scott, daughter of Sir Ridley Scott. Green and Temple are quite good. Bonuses: Trailer; Interviews; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

WE ARE WHAT WE ARE (IFC Films) Three siblings find their lives turned upside down after the untimely death of their father. What makes it even tougher than usual: theirs is a family of cannibals, and daddy was the hunter! Writer/director Jorge Michel Grau delivers a unique blend of genuine pathos and full-throttle horror in this one-of-a-kind film. Not for the faint-of-heart! Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

ZONAD (MPI) Filmmaking brothers John and Kieran Carney cooked up this goofy comedy about a small town that welcomes a recently-escaped thief (Simon Delaney) into their community, after he convinces the gullible denizens that he’s Zonad, a visitor from outer space. When “Zonad” finds himself attracted to the comely teenage daughter of the family he’s staying with, and she a willing lover, he can’t believe his good fortune—that is until a fellow escapee hits town, and threatens to rain on his parade. Bonuses: Directors’ commentary; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

Lionsgate releases two AFTER DARK ORIGINALS: SCREAM OF THE BANSHEE stars Lauren Holly and Lance Henricksen in a terror tale about a college professor (Holly) and her students who discover a mysterious ornate box in the school’s basement, which unleashes pure horror when opened. THE TASK follows contestants on a reality show of the same title, in which participants must spend the night in an abandoned prison and complete a scary series of tasks in order to win. Guess what’s lurking in those darkened halls…Both films are competently executed, filled with inventive gore and killings, but nothing too special, either. Bonuses: Featurettes; Filmmaker commentary. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

THE CONQUERER (eOne) Mammoth Russian production based on the classic novel Taras Bulba, by Nikolai Gogol, about a soldier who learns that his farm has been destroyed, his eldest son captured and his wife murdered, while he’s been away in battle. Epic tale of vengeance is handsomely produced, with rousing battle scenes, gorgeous scenery, and strong performances. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

DONNIE DARKO 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (20th Century Fox) Writer/director Richard Kelly’s surreal psychological thriller about a high schooler (Jake Gyllenhaal) plagued with disturbing visions of the past and future, became an instant cult hit, praised by many and excoriated by other. Drew Barrymore, Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze and Mary McDonnell also star. We happen to be in the pro-Donny camp, but judge for yourself. Certainly a film worthy of debate, if nothing else! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Theatrical version and 2004 director’s cut; Commentary by Kelly; Commentary by Kelly and Kevin Smith; Commentary by cast and crew; Commentary by Kelly and Gyllenhaal; Commentary by cinematographer Steven Poster; Featurettes; Website gallery; Music video; Art and photo gallery; Trailer and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

SECRET SUNSHINE (Criterion) Powerful drama from Korean director Lee Chang-dong stars Jeon Do-yeon (Best Actress, 2007 Cannes Film Festival) as a widowed piano teacher who moves with her young son from Seoul to the rural community where her husband grew up. Deliberately paced, but never dull, Secret Sunshine is a quiet film about the search for grace after tragedy, filled with haunting images and fine performances. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Lee; Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

THE KILLING (Criterion) Stanley Kubrick was put on the map with this nifty little thriller from 1956: an expressionistic take on a desperate group of disparate losers (Sterling Hayden, Colleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Timothy Carey, Elisha Cook, Jr., Marie Windsor) whose carefully-plotted racetrack robbery goes south all too fast. Brilliantly shot, edited and executed, one of the finest noirs ever made. Not bad for a 27 year-old kid! Kubrick co-wrote the script with celebrated noir author Jim Thompson. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Kubrick’s early feature Killer’s Kiss; Interview with producer James B. Harris; Archival interview with Hayden; Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.

CUL-DE-SAC (Criterion) Roman Polanski followed up his career-making hit Repulsion with this blackly comic tale of sexual politics and repression. An unhappily-married couple (Donald Pleasence and Francoise Dorleac) find their home invaded by an American gangster (Lionel Stander) on the lam. The odd trio quickly find themselves engaged in role-playing of a sexual and emotional nature. Polanski takes the claustrophobia he mastered with films like Knife in the Water and Repulsion and raises it to the next level in this sly, sexy and very dark tale. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary about the film’s production, featuring interviews with Polanski, producer Gene Gutowski, cinematographer Gilbert Taylor; 1967 interview with Polanski; Trailers; Essay by critic David Thomson. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.

LITTLE BIG SOLDIER (Well Go USA) Jackie Chan stars in this tale set in Feudal China as a solider who kidnaps a general from the opposing side, deciding to try and sneak through enemy lines back to his home base in hopes of collecting a reward. When the two men realize they must depend on each other to get there in one piece, an unlikely bond forms. Nice blend of Chan's trademark slapstick humor, dazzling stunts and real pathos. One of Chan's best films in many a moon. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailers; Music video featuring Chan; Featurette; English track. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.











BLU BAYOU Paramount releases the ‘80s cult classic BETTER OFF DEAD, starring John Cusack as Lane, a nerdy teen whose hot girlfriend (Amanda Wyss) dumps him for an arrogant preppy. Despondent, Lane comes up with increasingly inventive ways to kill himself, until a comely French exchange student (Diane Franklin) moves next door and catches Lane’s eye. Writer/director Savage Steve Holland’s creation is a near-seamless blend of surrealism, black humor and teen angst. Holds up beautifully after 25 years. Disappointing lack of extras, however, on the disc. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Lionsgate releases Robert Rodriguez’s SPY KIDS (Spy Kids, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3: Game Over) trilogy, featuring Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara as the offspring of secret agents Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino. When mom and dad find themselves in increasingly hot water, it’s the kids to the rescue in this inventive and highly entertaining trilogy that’s kid and adult-friendly alike. Co-stars include Sylvester Stallone, Alan Cumming, Cheech Marin, Terry Hatcher; Danny Trejo, Ricardo Montalban, and Steve Buscemi). Bonuses: Commentary by Rodriguez; Rodriguez’s ten minute film school; Featurettes; Music videos; Trailers. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

BETTY BLUE is Jean-Jacques Beineix’s sexy box office smash about the obsessive love between a mercurial beauty (Beatrice Dalle) and an aspiring novelist (Jean-Hughes Anglade), who finds his life turned upside down by Betty’s wild mood swings and impulses. One of the most candid and provocative examinations of destructive relationships since Last Tango in Paris. Original uncut theatrical version. Bonuses: Interview with Beineix. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. Criterion releases THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, Gillo Pontecorvo’s landmark 1966 cinema verite masterpiece, which painstakingly recreates one of the key years of the Algerian war of independence against the French during the 1950s. In the same league with films like Costa-Gavras’ Z, the viewer almost immediately forgets they are watching a narrative feature, its documentary-style realism is so on-target. Still powerful, and sadly still relevant, today. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Three disc (two on BD) set bonuses include: Documentary on Pontecorvo; Documentary on film’s production; Interviews with filmmakers whose work has been influenced by Battle of Algiers; Production gallery; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.







DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! Warner Bros. releases ER: THE FINAL SEASON, offers the fifteenth season and swan song for the hit series that has endured changing casts (the departure of George Clooney, whose career finally broke with his starring role, among others), the death of series creator Michael Crichton, and shake-ups at its home network to endure for 1.5 decades. 22 episodes in this boxed set. Bonuses: Unaired scenes; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

eOne releases OMNIBUS: AMERICAN PROFILES, the landmark 1952-1960 series that profiled some of the world’s greatest minds. Two disc, 14 segment set features episodes on Leonard Bernstein, Pearl Buck, Sugar Ray Robinson, Dr. Seuss, Frank Lloyd Wright, and The New York Times, among others. Features early work from Alistair Cooke, Richard Leacock and Don Hewitt. Bonuses: 16-page booklet. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.

HBO releases EASTBOUND & DOWN: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, starring Danny McBride as washed-up baseball player Kenny Powers who has sought solace south of the border to lick his wounds and live the outlaw lifestyle. Kenny finds himself joined by pal/lackey Steve (Steve Little), plus a new love interest (Ana de la Reguera). Funny, irreverent, and more than slightly crude. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Outtakes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Acorn Media releases GARROW’S LAW: SERIES 2 offers up more 18th century British courtroom drama, based on actual cases of the period. Andrew Buchan stars as fiery barrister William Garrow in this two disc set that features four episodes. Also stars Rupert Graves and Lyndsey Marhsal. Bonuses: Featurette; Photo gallery; Cast filmographies. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

Sony releases JESSE STONE: INNOCENTS LOST, starring Tom Selleck as the titular character, a former cop who takes on the agonizing investigation of a young woman who was like a daughter to him. Solid drama is bolstered by a fine supporting cast, including Kathy Baker, Stephen McHattie, William Sadler, Saul Rubinek and William Devane. Selleck is great to watch, as always. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

A&E releases STORAGE WARS: SEASON ONE, which follows four professional “buyers” and their teams as they scour repossessed storage units in search of hidden treasure. While it might sound like an odd choice for television entertainment, the team do find some startling things: from dead bodies, to a million-dollar comic book collection, and other items of wonder. 3-disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

THE THOMAS HARDY COLLECTION features two made-for-television adaptations of the legendary author’s work: TESS OF THE D’UBERVILLES, about a young woman born into hardship and driven into tragedy, and THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE, starring Ciaran Hinds as a destitute farmhand who sells his wife and daughter into indentured servitude, and then gets a shot at redemption. Suffice to say, Hardy wasn’t known for his comedy. Both tales are handsomely produced, and very grim indeed.

HORATIO HORNBLOWER: THE FURTHER ADVENTURES, stars Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd as C.S. Forester’s Naval hero in two old fashioned, feature-length adventures: THE DUCHESS AND THE DEVIL and THE WRONG WAR. Nice support from Robert Lindsay, Jamie Bamber, and Paul Copley. Bonuses: Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

ONLY IN AMERICA WITH LARRY THE CABLE GUY: VOLUME ONE features the popular comedian taking a colorful series of trips across America, offering an offbeat look at the people, places and activities of the U.S. Watch Larry shoot guns, wrestle alligators, ride with the Hell’s Angels, and more! Ten episodes on two discs. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

GONE is a Lifetime production starring Molly Parker as a woman whose young daughter is kidnapped. She soon gets a chilling call that if she wants to see her little girl again, she must kill a recently-admitted patient in the hospital where she works. Quite suspenseful, with more than a few touches from the Alfred Hitchcock school. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.







DOCUMENTARY DAYS Sony releases EXPORTING RAYMOND, in which writer/director Phil Rosenthal (creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond”) travels to Russia to help adapt his hit sitcom for Russian TV. Not only do the Russians not understand American humor, but Rosenthal’s encounters with the denizens of the former Soviet Union are a riotous comedy in and of themselves. A truly hilarious take on culture clash. Bonuses: American and Russian versions of “Raymond” episodes; Commentary by Rosenthal; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

Shout Factory releases PETER, PAUL AND MARY: 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, the trio’s much-beloved 1986 reunion, originally broadcast on PBS. P,P and M perform nearly 20 of their biggest hits, including “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and “If I Had a Hammer.” Nineteen songs over 90 minutes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

HBO releases Carrie Fisher’s WISHFUL DRINKING a filmed record of the famed actress and author’s one-woman show where she candidly shares anecdotes from her checkered and colorful life. From her childhood as the off-spring of “America’s sweethearts” Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, to her Princess Leah years after Star Wars, to her battles with depression and addiction, Fisher holds nothing back in her witty barrage of memories. Compelling, and more than a little sad to boot. Bonuses: Interview with Debbie Reynolds; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

PBS releases WIKISECRETS, a “Frontline” documentary about the biggest intelligence breach in U.S. history in which an army intelligence analyst named Bradley Manning leaked more than half-a-million classified documents on hacker and Internet activist Julian Assange’s WikiLeaks website. Fascinating psychological portrait of two utterly disparate characters whose needs made their relationship uniquely symbiotic. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

Magnolia releases DUMBSTRUCK, filmmaker Mark Goffman’s humorous look at the annual ventriloquist convention held in Ft. Mitchell, KY., following a disparate band of voice-throwers and their “little friends” as they perform across the country. Alternately funny, heartfelt and a bit sad at times. A fascinating look at a rarely-seen subcultural performance community. Bonuses: Additional scenes and interviews; Commentary by Goffman, producer Lindsay Goffman, cinematographer George Reasner. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

WILL THE REAL TERRORIST PLEASE STAND UP? (Cinema Libre) Renowned documentarian and activist Saul Landau helmed this fascinating doc about the sour history of U.S.-Cuban relations over the past fifty years. Profiling the so-called “Cuban Five,” intelligence agents sent by Castro to penetrate Cuban exile terrorist groups, who are now serving hard time in U.S. prisons. Taking a no-holds barred look at the U.S.’s history of assassination attempts and sabotage sanctioned by Washington over the years, Landau asks the question of the title in this provocative look at political hypocrisy. Features interviews with Fidel Castro, Danny Glover, and many other. Bonuses: Extended interviews. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

eOne releases two live comedy titles, starting with LAVELL CRAWFORD: CAN A BROTHER GET SOME LOVE? Featuring the comic’s return performance at St. Louis’ Orpheum Theater, Crawford’s hometown. Tackling everything from President Obama, to a mother’s love and the universal rules of grocery shopping, Crawford brings the house down. JOHN PINETTE: STILL HUNGRY features the rotund comic at Chicago’s Vic Theater, with the Broadway and network TV star delivering his smart, original observations on everyday life. Bonuses: Featurettes. Both are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 mono.

A&E releases two baseball-themed titles: MAGIC IN MINNESOTA looks at the 1991 World Series, in which the Minnesota Twins took the pennant in a dramatic series of games against the Atlanta Braves. If you’re looking for even more detail about the ’91 Series, check out THE MINNESOTA TWINS 1991 WORLD SERIES COLLECTOR’S EDITION, a mammoth seven DVD boxed set containing over 19 hours of footage, including full TV broadcasts of the games, from what many baseball enthusiasts call “The greatest World Series ever.” Both are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.

MVD releases THE DEATH OF ANDY KAUFMAN, a look at the many theories and mysteries surrounding the titular comedian’s untimely passing. Loaded with interviews and insights from family, friends and colleagues, as well as rare footage of Kaufman performing his unique, manic brand of humor. Bonuses: Interview with director Christopher Maloney; Trailers. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

JOHNNY WINTER: LIVE AT ROCKPALAST, features a dynamic performance from the musician, originally performed on German television, in which he performed some of R&B’s most classic titles, including “Suzie Q,” “Divin’ Duck,” and “Messin’ With the Kid.” Great stuff, particularly for audiophiles. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

Sexy Intellectual releases ROBERT PLANT’S BLUE NOTE, an in-depth look at the former Led Zeppelin frontman’s on-going mission to blend musical styles and genres in his work by travelling the world and exposing himself to new and unique tunes. Loaded with rare footage, interviews, and expert critique from rock’s most learned voices. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.







FOR THE WEE ONES 20th Century Fox leads the pack with the delightful RIO, an animated comedy of the highest order, from the folks who brought us Ice Age. Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg) is a rare domesticated Macaw who believes he’s the last of his kind. When Blu’s owner learns about Jewel (Anne Hathaway), Blu’s female counterpart in Rio, the two set off for an adventure of discovery. Eye-popping animation and color, as well as great vocal support from George Lopez and Jaime Foxx. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music video. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Paramount/Nickelodeon release FANBOY & CHUMCHUM, the duo who will do anything for a Frosty Freezy Freeze. Seven goofy animated adventures are featured on this disc, sure to please the most discriminating viewer. YO GABBA GABBA! MUSIC MAKES ME MOVE offers four rockin’ episodes with musically-themed games and activities, best for very young viewers. Bonuses: Bonus episode “Brain Freeze.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

Warner Bros. releases SESAME STREET: LEARNING LETTERS WITH ELMO, a fun and comprehensive lesson in alphabet, letter names and letter sounds featuring everyone’s favorite Muppets doing the teaching. Best for pre-schoolers. YOUNG JUSTICE: SEASON ONE, VOLUME ONE is a sharply animated look at our favorite DC superheroes when they were in their teens. Watch as Superboy, Robin, Boy Flash, Aqualad, and other pubescent heroes tackle crime and growing pains simultaneously. Four episodes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

Lionsgate releases TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE COMPLETE SEASON 9, offers 8 shell-busting episodes of the hit series featuring the pizza-munching reptilian mutant crime fighters. Great fun for kids and the adults who grew up with the Turtles as kids themselves. Fulll screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

Disney releases THE FOX AND THE HOUND 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, one of the Mouse House’s most beloved animated tales about the friendship between a Beagle pup and a friendly young fox, violating all the rules about natural enemies. Holds up beautifully. THE FOX AND THE HOUND II is a direct-to-video sequel that takes up where part I left off. Not the equal of its predecessor, but sure to please the young ‘uns! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Sing-alongs; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

MARS NEEDS MOMS is producer Robert Zemeckis’ tale about a lad named Milo (voiced by Seth Green) whose mother (Joan Cusack) is abducted by Martians who want to harvest her mothering skills for their own young. As Milo hatches a wild rescue mission, the story switches into high gear. Interesting, but also extremely dark and most likely quite scary for very young viewers. Parents might want to exercise caution before letting wee ones check this out. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Extended opening; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

HBO releases four titles in its EL PERRO Y EL GATO series: “Together Again (Juntos Otra Vez),” “The Adventure Begins (La Aventura Comienza),” “Unleashed (Sin Correa),” and “From Here to There (De Aqui Para Alla).” Delightful adventures of a dog and cat pal are told in both Spanish and English. Full and widescreen, Dolby 2.0 mono.

Scholastic releases another in its series of “Storybook Treasures” titles ZIN! ZIN! ZIN! A VIOLIN, as well as 14 other stories in this three disc set, all of which explore the theme of discovering the arts along with your inner artist. Nearly three hours of content on three discs, recommended for ages 4-8. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.