DVD Playhouse--November 2011

DVD PLAYHOUSE—NOVEMBER 2011
By Allen Gardner

TREE OF LIFE (20th Century Fox) Terrence Malick’s latest effort is both the best film of 2011 and the finest work of his (arguably) mixed, but often masterly canon. A series of vignettes, mostly set in 1950s Texas, capture the memory of a man (Sean Penn) in present-day New York who looks back on his life, and his parents’ (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) troubled marriage, when word of his younger brother’s suicide reaches him. Almost indescribable beyond that, except to say no other film in history so perfectly evokes the magic and mystery of the human memory, which both crystalizes (and sometimes idealizes) the past. Like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001, this is a challenging, polarizing work that you must let wash over you. If you go along for the ride, you’re in for a unique, rewarding cinematic experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
KURONEKO (Criterion) Poetic and atmospheric horror fable from director Kaneto Shindo set in war-torn feudal Japan, where samurai are found with their throats ripped out, seemingly by malevolent spirits. When a military hero is chosen to find and confront the supernatural forces killing his comrades, he must slay some inner demons, as well. Gorgeously shot, with an eerie atmosphere of dread that pervades throughout. Stunning special effects, particularly for 1968. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Shindo; Interview with critic Tadao Sato; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 (Warner Bros.) Epic finale of the Harry Potter saga, has Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) finally facing off against arch-enemy Lord Voldemort (Ralph Feinnes). Full of eye-popping special effects and visuals, as expected, but also a film of tremendous heart and terrific suspense. All-star cast of British talent includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Jason Isaccs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and of course, Rupert Gint and Emma Watson as Harry’s comrades-in-wands. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Nine in-depth Featurettes; A conversation between Daniel Radcliffe and J.K. Rowling; Extra Featurettes; Additional scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ON STRANGER TIDES (Disney) Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow, here matching wits with a beautiful woman (Penelope Cruz) from his past, who seeks the legendary Fountain of Youth. The series has been getting slightly stale, but here officially jumps the shark. In spite of all the talent before (Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush) and behind (director Rob Marshall) the camera, everyone feels like they’re just going through the motions, even Depp, whom most people rightfully regard as a national treasure. A real let-down. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interactive featurettes; Commentary by Marshall and producer John DeLuca; Bloopers; LEGO Animated Shorts. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (Criterion) Pre-Code horror masterpiece from 1932 is nearly unrivaled in its nightmarish atmosphere and truly disturbing images that are every bit as potent today as they must have been nearly 80 years ago. Charles Laughton makes his screen debut as the demented scientist conducting mad genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, offering shelter of sorts to a shipwrecked man (Richard Arlen) who washes up there, but soon finds himself a prisoner. Watch with the lights out! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Uncut theatrical version; Conversation between John Landis and makeup artist Rick Baker, who discuss the film’s landmark makeup effects; Interviews with film historians and critics; Short film from 1976 by Devo; Stills gallery; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
CRAZY STUPID LOVE (Warner Bros.) Steve Carell plays Cal Weaver, another average Joe/average schlub whose gorgeous wife (Julianne Moore) wants a divorce. Seeking to reinvent himself as a ladies’ man, Carell enlists the help of master player Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) who promises to teach him the ropes in all things female and seduction. Meanwhile, Jacob finds his player mettle tested when he meets comely and smart lady lawyer Emma Stone. Likable enough comedy has lots of charming moments, but was also wildly overpraised by critics upon its release, most of whom were hungry, no doubt, for some funny romantic fare that didn’t involve bodily function jokes aimed at teens. Nice support from Kevin Bacon, Marisa Tomei and John Carroll Lynch. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN (20th Century Fox) Wayne Wang’s latest feature is an adaptation of the best-seller about friendship among two women from rival clans in Feudal China, and their secret communication system through the folds of a white silk fan. Later, in modern day Shanghai, the womens’ ancestors seek to draw inspiration from their great-grandmothers’ past to find their own identities in the hyper-modernized/mechanized present. Visually gorgeous, with Wang’s Eagle eye for detail a major selling point. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: In-depth documentary; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
FANNY & ALEXANDER (Criterion) Ingmar Bergman’s autobiographical tale of two children growing up under the unforgiving hand of their stern father in early 20th century Sweden is one of the master filmmaker’s greatest works. Originally made for Swedish television in 1982, that complete, four hour version is available here for the first time, and is even richer, more beautiful and more complex than the three hour theatrical version which was intended by Bergman to be his cinematic swan song (but thankfully wasn’t). Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Theatrical and television version; Bergman’s documentary The Making of Fanny & Alexander; Conversation between Bergman and critic Nilks Petter Sundgren from 1984; Interviews with cast and crew; Stills gallery; Costume and production design galleries; Commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
SOUTH OF HEAVEN (Synapse Films) Weird, wacky and wild blend of Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers that must be seen to be believed. Two brothers (Aaron Nee, Adam Nee) get caught up in a case of mistaken identity, kidnapping, extortion and revenge—and that’s just in the first ten minutes. Writer/director J.L. Vara has fashioned a wholly originally satire of the darkest order, with fine support from a terrific cast, including Jon Gries, Thomas Jay Ryan and Shea Whigham, who nearly steals the show as one of cinema’s most twisted, and convincing sociopaths. If you’re thrown by the film’s low budgeted weirdness during the first act, stick with it, and enjoy the quirky, dangerously twisted ride down a celluloid road to hell. Bonuses: Audio commentaries by Wigham, Vara, cast and crew, producers Brian Udovich, Glenn Abbott, Eric Inman, and Jason Polstein, critics Todd Brown, Scott Weinberg and Devin Faraci; Three short films by Vara. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE HEART SPECIALIST (20th Century Fox) Writer/director Dennis Cooper’s smart, funny romantic comedy about a cocky, womanizing Harvard Medical School grad (Brian White) who gets lessons beyond the E.R. from a senior doctor (Wood Harris) under whom he is interning. Zoe Saldana co-stars as Harris’ knowing girlfriend who also teaches the young doc a thing or two about the Rx of love, life and medicine. Bonuses: Additional scenes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
ATTACK ON LENINGRAD (eOne) World War II’s most iconic, and infamous, battle is given epic treatment in this Russian production, with some truly eye-popping battle scenes and set pieces, but fails to achieve the greatness it reaches for when the bombs start dropping and its cast starts speaking. Mira Sorvino, Gabriel Byrne and Armin Mueller-Stahl lead the most Eastern European cast (with Sorvino speaking in a highly-questionable British accent). Writer/director Alexander Buravsky seems as though he studied all those star-studded WW II pictures from the ‘60s, which tried to balance great action set pieces with soapy subplots from its gorgeous international casts. It was middling then, and really creaks now. Worth seeing for its good points, but not likely to hold a place in most cinefiles’ permanent libraries. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Burvasky; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE FOUR FEATHERS (Criterion) An early Technicolor masterpiece, from director Zoltan Korda and producer Alexander Kora, in 1939, is the finest of the many adaptations of A.E.W. Mason’s classic 1902 adventure novel about British colonial soldiers and their exploits in late 19th century Africa. Fine cast includes Ralph Richardson, John Clements, and June Duprez, with a fine score from the great Miklos Rozsa and gorgeous cinematography from Georges Perinal and Osmond Borradaile. Also available on Blu-ray disc, which is the perfect format to reproduce the beauty of early Technicolor. Bonuses: Commentary by film historian Charles Drazin; Interview with David Korda; Behind-the-scenes footage; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
BAARIA (Image) Writer/director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso)’s autobiographical tale looks at generations of life in the small Sicilian town of Bagheria, nicknamed “Barria” by its residents. Sprawling epic is mostly successful in its ensemble stories, with some amazing imagery, reminiscent of Fellini (and particularly of his masterpiece Amarcord, of which this is a first cousin), nicely balanced with Tornatore’s signature blend of sentimentality and pathos. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Tornatore; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Photo and poster galleries. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HORRIBLE BOSSES (Warner Bros./New Line) Three working stiffs (Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, and Charlie Day) are mad as hell and not taking it anymore as they plan concurrent revenge against their horrific, soul-crushing, rage-inducing bosses (Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey). For the most part, very funny, always raunchy and immensely entertaining, although it does go over-the-top one too many times for this reviewer. Nice support from Donald Sutherland, Jamie Foxx, and a welcome cameo from the great Bob Newhart. Also features extended, unrated cut and theatrical R-rated cut. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HARAKIRI (Criterion) A masterless samurai begs a feudal lord for permission to commit ritual suicide on his property so he can die with honor. The samurai in the lord’s employ think it’s a trick on the part of the desperate ronin to gain a position of power within the lord’s circle. Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Special Jury Prize of 1962, director Masaki Kobayashi ‘s masterful blend of sociology, melodrama and pathos is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Introduction by Japanese film historian Donald Richie; Interviews with Kobayashi, star Tatsuya Nakadai, screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
MAIN STREET (Magnolia) Author/screenwriter Horton Foote’s swan song is a picaresque tale about a once-prosperous North Carolina tobacco town that has fallen on hard times. When an outsider (Colin Firth) arrives, promising an era of new prosperity if he’s allowed to bring new industry and businesses to their hamlet, the residents find themselves divided. Fine support from a dream cast (Ellen Burstyn, Patricia Clarkson, Amber Tamblyn, Orlando Bloom) raises the bar on this quiet little drama, but its ensemble plot remains too diffuse for the viewer to ever empathize with any one character, resulting in a pleasant, albeit detached, experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL (Magnet) Two hillbillies (Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine) take a weekend off at their West Virginia mountain cabin , only to find themselves under siege from a group of preppy collegians who assume they’re both chainsaw-wielding killer/buggerers of the Deliverance variety. Shamelessly campy, over-the-top bloody, and also much, much better than it has any reason to be, this gleefully goofy comic thriller is one of the most inventive films of its genre since Shawn of the Dead. Katrina Bowden adds lovely scenery to the proceedings. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Outtakes; Storyboards; Commentary by director Eli Craig, Labine, and Tudyk; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
IDENTIFICATION OF A WOMAN (Criterion) Michelangelo Antonioni’s bleak, haunting drama about a filmmaker (the great Tomas Milian) who embarks on affairs with two wildly divergent women after his wife leaves him. Renowned for its sexual explicitness at the time of its release (1982), the film is less shocking today for its ample helpings of flesh, but remains a pungent, and scathing commentary on male/female relations and the circular battle of the sexes. Antonioni’s last film before suffering a stroke which nearly incapacitated him until his death. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (20th Century Fox) Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star in this adaptation of Sara Gruen’s best-seller, the love story between a veterinary student (Pattinson) and a circus performer (Witherspoon) whose mutual love for an elephant brings them together, while her jealous husband (Christoph Waltz) threatens to destroy them both. Well-meaning in the extreme and gorgeous to look at, but also lifeless and uninvolving. Too bad, particularly with talents like screenwriter Richard LaGravenese and director Francis Lawrence working behind the camera. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by Lawrence; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DAZED AND CONFUSED (Criterion) A disparate group of teens is followed during the last day of high school in an Austin, TX. suburb circa 1976 in this delightful time capsule from writer/director Richard Linklater, rightfully compared to George Lucas’ American Graffiti for its evocative portrait of young adults coming-of-age. Terrific young cast of stars-to-be, including Matthew McConaughy, Ben Affleck, Adam Goldberg, Parker Posey, Rory Cochrane, as well as should-have-been-bigger stars such as Joey Lauren Adams, Michelle Burke, Wiley Wiggins and Jason London make this one of those rare films that begs repeated viewings. Terrific soundtrack of period music just ups the ante even more. Not to be missed! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Linklater; Documentary on film’s production; Behind the scenes footage; Audition footage and deleted scenes; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HELLDRIVER (Well Go USA) After an alien-spawned, mysterious mist blankets northern Japan, the country is torn in half, with the top being populated by flesh-hungry zombies who must journey south to find food. A savoir arrives in the form of Kika, a high school girl whose beauty is only matched by her skill with a chainsaw against hungry flesh-eaters. Deliberately over-the-top and goofy, this gorefest should appeal to aficionados of the genre, while others (myself included) who have had their fill of zombies, vampires and the like in recent years, stay away! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Director’s introduction; Three spin-off short films; Featurette; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE PASSAGE (MGM/Fox) During WW II, a Basque peasant (Anthony Quinn) smuggles a French scientist (James Mason) and his family (Kay Lenz, Patricia Neal) into Spain, while being pursued by a psychotic SS officer (Malcolm McDowell). Director J. Lee Thompson delivers an unabashedly trashy melodrama, with McDowell’s turn a high point in modern camp (and also what makes the movie so much fun). Christopher Lee, Marcel Bozuffi and Michael Lonsdale also make appearances, and help make the proceedings far better than they have any business being. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE WHITE BUS (MGM/Fox) Lindsay Anderson’s follow-up to his auspicious debut with This Sporting Life (1963) was filmed and released four years later, and tells the story of a fragile young girl (Patricia Healey) who is taken from the brink of suicide in London, back to her small town in the North of England. Sharp, often brutal social commentary on the futility of life for most Brits of working class origin, this film is a fascinating time capsule and touches on many of the themes that were explored more in-depth in Anderson’s next film, the masterpiece If...Produced by Tony Richardson’s company, Woodfall. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE MUSIC LOVERS (MGM/Fox) Ken Russell’s deliriously cinematic biopic about the ill-fated love affair between Peter Tchaikovsky (Richard Chamberlain), who wrestled with his homosexuality his entire life, and Antonina Milyukova (Glenda Jackson) is a feast for the senses, and displays Russell’s wizardry behind the camera better than any other film in his career. Marvelous soundtrack featuring the composer’s greatest works, conducted by Andre Previn. Screenplay by journalist and TV host Melvyn Bragg. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
TRIGGER (eOne) Rock solid Canadian production about former bandmates (Molly Parker and Tracy Wright) who reunite to play a benefit concert. After a heartfelt tete-a-tete, the women face down and examine their friendship, warts-and-all. Plays more like a photographed play than something written directly for the screen, but still works quite well, thanks to a good script and powerful turns by the two leads. Bonuses: Table reading footage; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ATLAS SHRUGGED PART I (20th Century Fox) Almost inexplicable low budget filming of Ayn Rand’s seemingly unfilmable signature novel is at best a curiosity and at its worst, an abomination of Biblical proportions. Set in the near-future of 2016, with the U.S. on the brink of economic collapse and the emphasis changing from individual achievement to collective mediocrity, with its most gifted citizens targeted for elimination. Rand’s 1957 novel, some might say rightfully, certainly seems prescient on many levels today, but the team that produced this amateur-hour version of the story seem to be living up to Rand’s worst nightmare prophesized in the story they purport to be telling. God help us if part II ever makes it to celluloid! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Filmmaker commentary. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SHAOLIN (Well Go USA) In the early days of the Republic of China, a handful of greedy warlords, left over from the Feudal era, attempt to fuel war and strife to retain their foothold on a changing society. When one of them, the brutal Hou Jie (Andy Lau) seeks refuge with the gentle Shaolin monks, whom he previously betrayed. When his traitorous former protégée (Nicholas Tse) tracks him down, Hou must adapt to the ways of the Shaolin to stop the monster he created. Jackie Chan offers fine support in this excellent drama, which expectedly, also features some incredible martial arts action. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.





BLU BAYOU
Criterion leads the pack this month, with their BD release of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s SALO, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM, the controversial auteur’s notorious final film (he was brutally murdered days after its 1975 release) takes the Marquis de Sade’s story of torture and degradation and re-sets it in the waning days of Fascist Italy. Arguably the most disgusting, and debated, “art” film ever made, this reviewer counts it as one of neo-realisms great masterpieces. Tough going, to be sure, but for discriminating viewers, an experience that is sure to stay with you, and a message that remains timely as ever (think about some of the images that came out of Abu Ghraib prison, and compare them to those in this film). Bonuses: Trailer; Three documentaries on the film; Interviews with film scholars and crew members. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
MGM/Fox releases David Lynch’s 1986 masterpiece BLUE VELVET, in a beautiful, 25th anniversary edition. Described by Lynch as “The Hardy Boys go to hell,” this surreal, horrific, and often hilarious tale stars Kyle MacLachlan as a naïve college student whose dangerous obsession with a torch singer (Isabella Rossellini) plunges the young man into a nightmarish world of kidnapping, murder and madness, not to mention an encounter with what might be the screen’s most terrifying and hypnotic villain, Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper, in his greatest performance, which was criminally-overlooked by Oscar). Nearly indescribable beyond that, other than the fact that it remains one of “the great films” that must be seen multiple times to fully appreciate. Fine support from Dean Stockwell, Laura Dern, Hope Lange, George Dickerson and Brad Dourif. Bonuses: Nearly an hour of lost footage; Original “Siskel & Ebert” review; Featurettes; Trailer/TV spots; Outtakes. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
Shout Factory releases THE GRATEFUL DEAD MOVIE, co-directed by the band’s frontman, Jerry Garcia, is a superlative record of the band’s October, 1974 concert at San Francisco’s Winterland arena, showcasing the band at the peak of their powers. Beautifully restored and remastered for BD, with five different audio mixes, and two different formats, with one Blu-ray and one regular DVD in the collection. Bonuses: Over 95 minutes of bonus concert footage; Bonus songs transferred from original 16mm camera negative; Visible lyrics option; Two documentaries about the film’s production; TV commercial from ’74; Multicamera and multitrack audio demonstration; Photo gallery. Full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1
MVD releases IGGY AND THE STOOGES RAW POWER LIVE: IN THE HANDS OF THE FANS, where six fans were selected to film The Stooges’ September 3, 2010 reunion concert as the band performed “Raw Power” to a stunned audience at the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival. Following the show, the same fans did extensive interviews with Iggy Pop and the band. Terrific stuff and a must for all Iggy/Stooges fans! Bonuses: Exclusive interviews with Iggy, James & Scott; Contest submission videos; Linter notes from Mike Watt. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
Blue Underground releases two titles from Italian gore maestro Lucio Fulci. ZOMBIE (1979) is regarded by most of his fans as Fulci’s “masterpiece,” a sort of unofficial sequel to George Romero’s masterpiece Dawn of the Dead, where a mad doctor (former British heartthrob Richard Johnson) is conducting experiments on his Caribbean island hideaway that result in a plague of the living dead. In this reviewer’s opinion, Mr. Fulci couldn’t direct traffic, and this film is living proof of that, utterly inept on every level, unless Fulci’s signature zoom shots of spurting wounds and beautiful women getting their eyeballs gouged out are your idea of entertainment. Not to mention those whip pan shots that would give football players with 19-inch necks whiplash. Utter garbage, and in no way worthy of the A+ treatment given it on this handsomely-produced disc. Two disc set. Bonuses: Commentary by star Ian McCullouch and Diabolik Magazine editor Jason J. Slater; Trailers, TV and radio spots; Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Interview with and introduction by Guillermo del Toro. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround and Dolby 5.1 surround. Fulci’s follow-up, 1981’s THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY, is about a young family that relocates from crime-ridden New York City to seemingly idyllic New England, into a gorgeous, rambling house that turns out to have very bad karma, indeed, with previous owner Dr. Freudstein (yes, you read it right) having performed monstrous experiments within the confines of the home’s genteel walls. Another excuse for excessive gore and dismemberment, courtesy of some very impressive make-up special effects, but that’s about it. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scene; Trailers; TV spot; Posters and still galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 2.0 stereo.
Anchor Bay releases THE HOWLING REBORN, an in-name only “reboot” of the original 1980 classic, with the mark of the werewolf finding itself wreaking havoc upon a class of high schoolers. Again, some impressive make-up special effects, but otherwise a real stinker. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Joe Nimziki and actor Lindsey Shaw; Featurette; Storyboard gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HBO releases Angelina Jolie’s star-making turn in GIA (UNRATED), a harrowing biopic about supermodel Gia Carangi, whose reign over the modeling world of the late ‘70s in New York was surpassed by her descent into the subculture of disco, hard drugs and harder sex. Jolie creates one of the most complex and harrowing portraits of an addictive personality ever committed to film, so much so that we soon forget that we’re watching one of the world’s biggest stars as she seamlessly disappears into Gia’s tragic skin. Fine support from Faye Dunaway, Mercedes Reuhl, and Elizabeth Mitchell. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE CANNONBALL RUN is the 1981 box office smash starring Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Dan Marin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jackie Chan, and Jamie Farr (get the idea?), all of whom take part in a winner-take-all cross country auto race. Produced by chopsocky vet Raymond Chow and directed by legendary stuntman Hal Needam, if you’re willing to accept the film’s unabashed awfulness (which all the cast most certainly does), you’re in for a great time. If you’re a fan of Bergman, look elsewhere. Bonuses: Commentary by Needham and producer Albert S. Ruddy. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.




DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!PBS releases PAGE EIGHT, a smart, clever political thriller starring Billy Nighy in a contemporary spy thriller from playwright David Hare, who also directed. Nighy plays a veteran MI5 officer who finds his life topsy-turvy after the death of his mentor (Michael Gambon) brings him into contact with a Top Secret file that threatens the stability of the entire agency. Fine support from Rachel Weisz, Judy Davis, and Ralph Fiennes, just add to the brilliance of this drama, that’s sure to become a modern classic. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
A&E releases FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES, featuring all four seasons (88 episodes) of the sci-fi hit on four discs in a handsome box set loaded with extras, and in a Blu-ray edition that really enhances the show’s dazzling production design and special effects. Bonuses include: New, feature-length documentary on the series’ production; Behind-the-scenes special, “Farscape Undressed”; Three archival documentaries; Three Featurettes; 31 audio commentaries; Deleted scenes; Director’s cut scenes; Alternate version of season 2 premiere; Video profiles and interviews with cast and crew; TV promos. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
ROBOTECH: THE COMPLETE SERIES offers another beautiful box set of the hit anime series’ 85 episodes on 17 discs, including 10 hours of bonus material, including: New documentary, “Carl Macek’s Robotech Universe”; Music videos; Alternate versions of select episodes; Robotech: the Movie supplementals; Promo reel of the Chinese series launch; Over an hour of deleted scenes; Featurettes; Original pilot episodes, including a 70 minute extended version; Presentation reels; International clips: Stills gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
20th Century Fox releases BONES: THE COMPLETE SIXTH SEASON, stars Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz as forensic detectives Dr. Temperance Brennan and FBI agent Seeley Booth, assigned to crack the most confounding cases. 4-disc set contains all 23 episodes of season six. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Two extended episodes; Featurettes; Select episode audio commentary; Pilot episode for “The Killing.” Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE LEAGUE: THE COMPLETE SEASON TWO, offers all 13 episodes of the series’ sophomore season about a group of friends obsessed with fantasy football. Bonuses include: Extended episodes; Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Gag reel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
History Channel/Newvideo releases TOP SHOT: RELOADED, the competition series where sixteen top marksmen complete for a $100,000 prize and the title of “Top Shot.” 13 episodes on 4 discs. Bonuses: Featurettes. PAWN STARS VOLUME THREE offers all sixteen third season episodes on two discs, taking a fly-on-the-wall view of Las Vegas’ Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, and the venerable Harrison family, who have run it for generations. AMERICAN PICKERS VOLUME TWO looks at Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, owners of Antique Archeology, who scour the nation’s garbage dumps for hidden treasures among the refuse. Eight episodes on two discs. All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.
Lifetime releases a host of holiday themed TV-movies, including: HOLIDAY WISHES, starring Britt McKillip as a spoiled rich kid and Katie Keating, an orphan, who switch bodies after paying a visit to Santa. UNDER THE MISTLETOE stars Jaime Ray Newman as a lifelong altruist whose self-sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed by her young son, who decides to play matchmaker. A VERY MERRY DAUGHTER OF THE BRIDE stars Joanna Garcia as a wedding planner who disapproves of her mother (Helen Shaver) getting remarried, and joins forces with her stepbrother-to-be (Luke Perry) to bring the nuptials to a halt. A CHRISTMAS WEDDING stars Sarah Paulson as a bride-to-be who finds her Christmas Day wedding plans heading south after a series of foul-ups. Also stars Dean Cain, Mimi Kuzyk and Art Hindle.




DOCUMENTARY DAYS
MPI/Sundance Selects releases Errol Morris’ TABLOID, a scathing, funny and painful portrait of Joyce McKinney, woman who gained tabloid infamy in the late ‘70s UK after traveling from the States to “rescue” her Mormon missionary lover from the clutches of his church. Has to be seen to be believed, but Morris delivers his signature blend of sociological insight, character study and jaw-dropping revelations with such panache, the just-under 90 minutes of the film goes by in a flash. A must-see! Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PBS releases THOSE AMAZING SHADOWS: THE MOVIES THAT MAKE AMERICA takes a look at the select list of films that have been deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress, including diverse classics like Casablanca, West Side Story and Blazing Saddles. Fascinating, and a must-see for film buffs. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Film preservation/restoration documentary; Outtakes; Alternate and deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE MAN WHO KNEW is a “Frontline” program that tells the story of FBI agent John O’Neill, who believed Osama Bin Laden posed a deadly threat to the U.S. years before 9/11 took place, and how the Bureau forced him out, when his “James Bond” tactics became an embarrassment, only to meet an ironic, tragic fate. TOP SECRET AMERICA is another “Frontline,” this time examining the invisible legacies of 9/11: a series of clandestine government and private agencies designed to hunt terrorists and prevent future attacks on the U.S. HISTORY DETECTIVES follows a group of academics who travel around the country to explore stories behind local folklore, prominent figures and family legends. All are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.
WWII IN HD: COLLECTOR’S EDITION is a stunning collection of color footage (culled from over three thousand hours of film) as well as journals and personal accounts of the men who served and fought. Series follows 12 soldiers who fought in both the Pacific and European Theaters. An absolutely breathtaking an immersive experience you won’t forget. Bonuses: “The Battle for Iwo Jima,” a look at the famous battle using recently restored color footage; “WW II: The Air War,” the untold story of the 8th Air Force’s bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffe in the months leading to D-Day; Featurettes; Character profiles. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
AMERICA: THE STORY OF US, COLLECTOR’S EDITION, tells the riveting story of how the United States was invented, covering 400 years of American history. Epic, 12-part series uses recreations, mixed media, interviews with historians and exceptional individuals, including Meryl Streep, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Douglas, Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw, Brian Williams, and more. Bonuses: 400 page, hardback companion book; “Modern Marvels: The Statue of Liberty.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
Lionsgate releases THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS, a (slightly) satiric account of the love-hate relationship between Star Wars fans and the iconic, reclusive filmmaker who brought the film series and its characters to life. Utilizing interviews from over 600 hours of footage, the film paints a humorous, and sometimes sad, portrait of the subculture that has grown up around Star Wars and (to a lesser but still significant extent) Indiana Jones. Bonuses: Filmmaker commentary; Featurettes; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
MVD releases NAZI HUNTERS, offering eight spellbinding, suspenseful portraits of Nazi war criminals who were hunted down and brought to trial, as well as a few who managed to elude justice to the end of their days. Stunning true-life stories will leave your jaw agape at many points. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
Columbia/Monkey Wrench releases Cameron Crowe’s documentary PEARL JAM TWENTY, chronicling the years leading up to the iconic band’s formation and the chaos that ensued after their rise to superstardom. Told as only a rock music aficionado and expert like Crowe could, this is a seamless blend of intimate interviews with the band’s members, their fans and colleagues, as well as amazing concert footage that proves why the band still endures after two decades. Bonuses: Featurettes; Bonus interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
eOne releases THE CAPTAINS, a doc written and directed by William Shatner, in which the iconic thespian interviews all six actors (Chris Pine, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew and Scott Bakula) who have played the commander of the Starship Enterprise since Shatner first assumed the mantle in the 1960s. Charming, insightful and intimate portrait of actors and why they love their work. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.




FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS
Warner Bros. releases BATMAN YEAR ONE, an eye-popping, original animated movie about the birth of Batman, and the crime-fighting legend he became. Featuring stellar voice work from actors like Bryan Cranston, Ben McKenzie, Katee Sackhoff, Eliza Dushku and Alex Rocco. Two-disc set. Bonuses: Featurettes; Two bonus cartoons, including “Catwoman.” Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. SESAME STREET: BYE-BYE PACIFIER! teaches children lessons in how to be a “big kid,” with help from Elmo, Abby and Baby Bear. Bonuses: Classic clip, “Proud”; Tips for parents; Downloadable coloring and activity book. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
Disney releases WINNIE THE POOH, a brand new animated adventure based on A.A. Milne’s classic series of books. Narrated by John Cleese and bursting with songs performed by Zooey Deschanel, this is one bear that’s sure to find a place in any child’s heart! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Sing-alongs; 5 deleted scenes; Shorts. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
Shout Factory releases MR. MAGOO: THE TELEVISION COLLECTION 1960-1977, a beautiful 10-disc set that contains all three television series following the optically-challenged bumbler in all his glory. Voiced by the inimitable Jim Backus, Magoo has delighted generations of kids and adults since his debut in 1949. Bonuses: Featurette; Commentary by animation historians; Photo gallery with storyboards and drawings. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
Paramount releases CELEBRATE WITH DORA, a 3-disc gift set featuring three adventures set during Halloween, Dora’s birthday and Christmastime, respectively. Over four hours of programming, sure to delight the most die-hard Dora fan in your household. HOLIDAYS WITH SPONGEBOB is another holiday-themed 3-disc set, this time featuring Spongebob in adventures set during Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day. Both are full screen, Dolby 2.0 mono.