DVD Playhouse--March 2012

DVD PLAYHOUSE—MARCH 2012
By Allen Gardner

J. EDGAR (Warner Bros.) Director Clint Eastwood provides a rock-solid, albeit rather flat portrait of polarizing FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, covering his life from late teens to his death. Leonardo DiCaprio does an impressive turn as Hoover, never crossing the line into caricature, and creating a Hoover that is all too human, making for an all the more unsettling look at absolute power run amuck. Where the film stumbles is the love story at its core: Hoover’s relationship with longtime aide Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer). In the hands of an openly-gay director like Gus Van Sant, this could have been a heartbreaking, tender story of forbidden (unrequited?) love, but Eastwood seems to tiptoe around their romance, with far too much delicacy and deference. The film works well when recreating the famous crimes and investigations which Hoover made his name on (the Lindbergh kidnapping, for example) and also painstakingly recreates the past, putting the viewer in the thick of supremely atmospheric moments, the sort Eastwood has made his name on as a filmmaker. On the whole, this film is almost the definition of a mixed bag, but remains worth seeing for the parts that work beautifully. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary, J. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the World. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

WORLD ON A WIRE (Criterion) Rainer Werner Fassbinder made this gleefully paranoid, quite brilliant sci-fi tale for German television in 1973 as a miniseries. It not only holds up against any of the auteur’s celebrated theatrical releases, but is one of the prolific filmmaker’s most stunning works. Klaus Lowitsch plays a cybernetics engineer who uncovers a corporate conspiracy which, if allowed to go forward, will change the very nature of reality as experienced by the human race. Mammoth in scope and scale with a running time of 3 ½ hours, but also endlessly fascinating, inventive and hilarious, loaded with Fassbinder’s black humor that will bring forth laughter guaranteed to sting in your throat. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary on film’s production; Interview with German film scholar Gerd Gemunden. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.

TWO FROM VISCONTI (eOne) One of the fathers of the Italian Neo-Realist Movement, Luchino Visconti was a master at capturing the lives of everyday people in post-war Italy. Two of his earliest masterpieces have been lovingly restored: LA TERRA TREMA (1948) takes a look at the hardscrabble lives of fishermen in the Sicilian village of Aci Trezza, where they have been exploited for generations. When a young soldier returns from war, hardened by his experiences, he encourages his family to strike out on their own, with tragic results. BELLISSIMA (1951) stars Anna Magnani as a movie-obsessed stage mother who believes her beautiful young daughter is the key to her struggling family’s prosperity and crosses every moral line imaginably to get the girl a screen test. A shattering portrait of post-war ambition as well as an indictment of show biz itself. Both films are full screen, Dolby 1.0 mono.

BLADE OF KINGS (Well Go USA) A cruel empress (Qu Ying) who presides over a matriarchal society lives in fear of a prophecy that a boy shall rise up and take the throne, restoring the rights of men. To keep this from happening, sends out teams of assassins to kill any newborn that could fulfill this vision. Enter veteran warrior Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Donnie Yen), who is intent on overthrowing the empire after he does battle with the Lord of Armor (Jackie Chan). Great fun from start to finish, filmed with a truly epic scope. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

VANYA ON 42nd STREET (Criterion) Louis Malle’s swan song as a filmmaker is a record of director Andre Gregory’s spare, private production of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya in a crumbling Manhattan theater. Featuring a stellar cast (Wallace Shawn, Julianne Moore, Brooke Smith and George Gaynes), the film is a tribute to Chekov’s genius as well as the creative process itself. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

THE SON OF NO ONE (Anchor Bay) Set in the days following 9/11, Channing Tatum plays a second-generation NYPD officer who finds himself over his head when he’s assigned to re-open a homicide cold case which implicates his late father’s former partner (Al Pacino). Writer/director Ditto Montiel’s film is full of great ideas and potentially intriguing themes, but all that promise is lost in its sketchy execution which, at 90 minutes, feels noticeably scant. If the film had taken the same approach as, say Mystic River, which played out its themes perfectly with a nearly 2 ½ hour runtime, perhaps this would be a movie that had gone directly to big screens, instead of straight to video. As it is, the ideas, and the terrific cast (Juliette Binoche, Tracy Morgan, Katie Holmes, Ray Liotta, Jake Cherry) are all for naught. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Montiel and exec producer/editor Jake Pushinsky; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

ANATOMY OF A MURDER (Criterion) Otto Preminger’s groundbreaking courtroom drama was strong stuff in 1959, and remains potent today. James Stewart, in one of his best turns, stars as a small town Michigan lawyer defending a young army officer (Ben Gazzara) accused of murdering a man he believes raped his wife (Lee Remick). Landmark film in terms of its discussion of sex, but even more powerful in its examination of the power of language. Terrific cast also features George C. Scott, Arthur O’Connell, Eve Arden, Kathryn Grant, and real-life attorney Joseph C. Welch as the judge. Classic score by Duke Ellington. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Preminger biographer Foster Hirsch; Featurettes; Archival footage from the set; 1967 episode of William F. Buckley’s “Firing Line” featuring Preminger; Photo gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

MANDRILL (Magnolia) Dynamite action film from Chile about a self-made bounty hunter/angel of vengeance (talented marital artist Marko Zaror) whose sole mission is to avenge the murders of his parents. While on a mission, Mandrill makes the mistake of falling for his target’s daughter, who might lead him to, but make it difficult, to kill his parents’ assassins. Slam-bang, no-frills action from start to finish, taking a worthy page from the tough thrillers of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

I MELT WITH YOU (Magnolia) Four college buddies (Thomas Jane, Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe, Christian McKay) meet up for a weekend reunion of debauchery, reminiscing, and the fulfillment of a late-adolescent oath with the darkest implications. Director/co-writer Mark Pellington (who penned the script with Glenn Porter) have fashioned one of the best Generation X films yet, with the four characters each embodying an archetype of the era. Only in the film’s final act do things unravel, particularly when the criminally-underused Carla Gugino appears, miscast as a local sheriff. Overall quite powerful, extremely sobering and well worth seeing, with the four leads delivering some of the finest work of their careers. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Interviews with cast members; Photo and poster galleries; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

MOZART’S SISTER (Music Box Films) Lush period piece details the life of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart, older sister to Wolfgang Amadeus, who was a musical prodigy in her own right, and trained under the strict guidance of her father (Marc Barbe). As Nannerl slowly gives the spotlight over to her younger brother, she realizes the limitations imposed by the times on her gender, and uses her friendship with the children of Louis XV to challenge the morays of the day. Fine performances, beautifully shot, and a worthy companion piece to Milos Forman’s multi-Oscar-winning Amadeus. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

THE REBOUND (20th Century Fox) Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as a wife who leaves her cheating husband and moves herself and the kids to the Big Apple for a New Life. When she needs a babysitter, she turns to handsome, and much younger, barista Aram (Justin Bartha). Before you can say “May/December,” the sparks start to fly. Predictable in the extreme, but also very well-executed across the board. Zeta-Jones and Bartha have terrific chemistry and writer/director Bart Freundlich delivers the rom-com goods in spades. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

THE CATECHISM CATACLYSM (IFC Films) Father Billy (Steve Little), an eccentric young priest, is forced to take a sabbatical after getting caught telling inappropriate parables to his flock. After tracking down an old high school buddy (Robert Longstreet), the two go on a canoe trip that goes horribly awry. Not much plot to speak of, but works quite well as a vehicle for Little to go off in (what seems like) inspired fits of improvisation. Not for every taste, but for those who like their humor left of center, this won’t disappoint. Bonuses: Commentary by Little, Longstreet, director Todd Rohal; Short film; Outtakes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (IFC Films) Earnest “last night of summer” period teen drama about kids in a cloistered Michigan suburb navigating the delicate boundary between adolescence and adulthood. A cast of unknowns (mostly) shine in editor-turned-writer/director David Robert Mitchell’s story that feels quite authentic, but equally much ado about nothing for those of us who navigated those waters long ago. Sure to hit home with teens and twenty-somethings, however. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

WAR OF THE ARROWS (Well Go USA) The highest-grossing epic in the history of Korean cinema, this eye-popping period piece is set in the 17th century, telling the story of two siblings, children of a loyal solider, wrongly executed for crimes he didn’t commit. After being raised by a family friend, the brother and sister vow revenge and go on to lead a brutal invasion against the king, in what became known as “the second Manchu invasion of Korea.” Stunning period detail and battle scenes are just a couple reasons to spend an evening with this magnificent piece of pure cinema. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (20th Century Fox) A young woman (Elizabeth Olsen), searching for an identity, joins a cult led by a charismatic drifter (John Hawkes, excellent) whose seemingly-benign nature hides a darker side. After breaking ties with the group, the woman moves in with her older sister (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy), only to find the traumatic events from her past playing havoc with her present life. Olsen, in her feature debut, is a major talent and carries the film well, appearing in virtually every scene. The film itself, in spite of many powerful moments, never completely gels and feels almost unfinished after a less-than-satisfactory denouement. Still worth seeing for some terrific performances. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music video by Hawkes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

LETTER NEVER SENT (Criterion) Mikhail Kalatoznov, the renowned director of I Am Cuba, helmed this 1959 under-seen masterpiece that was rescued and restored by Francis Coppola in 1995. Four members of a geological expedition are stranded in the bleak, unforgiving Siberian wilderness during a hunt for priceless diamonds. The dialogue is minimal, as are the characterizations (which was intentional) in this grand man vs. nature tale that contains some of the most striking and startling images ever put to film, courtesy Kalatoznov’s frequent collaborator Sergei Urusevsky. Beautifully restored, and a must-see for all true cinefiles. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Booklet with essay by film scholar Dina Iordanova. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.


LONDON RIVER (Cinema Libre Studio) Brenda Blethyn stars as a woman from the country who journeys to London on the day of the July 7th 2005 terrorist attacks. When she fails to hear from her daughter after the bombings, she fears the worst and prophetically keeps crossing paths with a West African Muslim man (Sotigui Kouyate) who has come from France to find his missing son. Stirring, powerful drama of opposites attracting and the dissolution of cultural clashes during times of crisis. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

MELANCHOLIA (Sony) Lars Von Trier’s latest brain twister stars Kirsten Dunst as a newlywed who finds her joyous occasion overshadowed by old family tensions and resentments, along with the fact that a planet called Melancholia is heading on a collision course for Earth. Like all Von Trier’s films, this is a visually-arresting, albeit overly metaphorical exercise that feels like a beautifully-made graduate student thesis. The all-star cast (Dunst, Alexander Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling, Charlotte Gainsbourg, John Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland) all have stellar moments, but how you respond to the film will depend on how you have digested Von Trier’s material in the past. Fans are sure to come away pleased, while those that aren’t are in for an interminable experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

ROADIE (Magnolia) Jimmy (Ron Eldard) has been a long-time roadie for legendary rockers Blue Oyster Cult, but finds himself fired by the band. Returning home to Queens with his tail between his legs, he visits his ailing mother and reconnects with some old high school buddies. Co-writer/director Michael Cuesta, who scored a big indie hit with L.I.E. a decade ago, revisits similar territory here, exploring the lives of disaffected suburbanites for whom the American dream has remained elusive. Full of honest, darkly humorous moments, but also wildly uneven, with an equal number of scenes that fall flat. Game cast includes Jill Hennessy, Bobby Cannavale and vet Lois Smith. Bonuses: Featurette; Photo gallery. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

A LONELY PLACE TO DIE (IFC Films) A group of climbers in the Scottish Highlands stumble across a little Serbian girl, the victim of kidnappers, who are close by. When they try to spirit the girl to safety, they quickly find themselves targeted not only by the villains who snatched the girl, but by a team of crack mercenaries hired by the girl’s father to bring her home and dispatch anyone who gets in the way. Pulse-pounding tension from start to finish marks this fine thriller, a no-frills, low-tech breath of fresh air. Fine Turns from Melissa George, Ed Speelers, Sean Harris, Karel Roden and Alec Newman. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

HOUSE OF PLEASURES (IFC Films) Stirring tale set in a 19th century French bordello, focusing on the intimate camaraderie between the working girls who keep the house running, all of whom are kept in virtual slavery by their iron-handed madam. Both a strong personal drama as well as a political allegory, the film recalls some of the best work of French masters such as Louis Malle. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

BLU BAYOU


Criterion leads the pack this month with the BD release of Martin Scorsese’s controversial THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHIRST. Willem Dafoe stars in the titular role as an all-too-human interpretation of Jesus, portrayed as a radical, uncompromising thinker who was tempted by lust, power, and even an urge to lose his faith. Stirring adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel features some of Scorsese’s best work behind the camera, as well as stellar turns from Barbara Hershey, Harvey Keitel, Harry Dean Stanton, and David Bowie as Pontius Pilate. Bonuses include: Commentary by Scorsese, Dafoe, writers Paul Schrader and Jay Cocks; Photo galleries; Location production footage shot by Scorsese; Interview with composer Peter Gabriel. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Palisades Tartan releases THE TRIAD TRILOGY, Hong Kong director Johnnie To’s stylistic organized crime tales, comprised of ELECTION, where competing Triad clans vie for the position of chairman; TRIAD ELECTION follows the trials and tribulations of a rising Triad Lieutenant who wants to go clean, but must work with the government to clean up corruption before he’s allowed to go straight; TRIAD UNDERWORLD tells the story of a mob boss who, on the eve of his son’s birth, learns that an assassin will kill him in the next 12 hours. Refusing to leave his son’s side, he readies himself for what may be his last stand. All three films are filled with dazzling gunfights, fistfights and cinematic pyrotechnics that have become both To’s signature, and that of Hong Kong cinema. Dynamite! Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Blue Underground releases the infamous giallo, STRIP NUDE FOR YOUR KILLER, an as-promised gleeful sleazefest about a motorcycle helmet-wearing killer who is systematically bumping off people involved in the death of a Milanese fashion model who succumbed to a back alley abortion. Giallo queen Edwige Fenech stars as the gorgeous model who launches her own investigation into the murders. Lots of stripping, lots of nudity and lots of killing fill this celebration of political incorrectness. Sure to please fans of the genre. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Trailers; Poster and still gallery. Widescreen. DTS-HD 2.0 mono.

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!


PBS leads the charge this month with a host of titles: AMERICA GOES TO WAR is a two-disc look at WW II, loaded with rare newsreels, propaganda documentaries, cartoons and humor. A unique look at an often-covered period in history.
RACCOON NATION takes a look at how the small beasts roost in cities, particularly in Toronto, known as “the raccoon capital of the world.” Watch as scientists track a family of raccoons for six months in and around the city, and get an amazing lesson in animal sociology. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
FORTRESS OF THE BEARS takes a look at southwestern Alaska’s Admiralty Island, which supports the largest population of brown bears in the world. Filmmakers follow the struggle of one mother bear’s effort to raise three cubs amidst climate change. Beautifully shot. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
CLINTON is a stirring, 4 hour documentary about Bill Clinton’s life and legacy before, during and after his presidency. Warts-and-all portrait pulls no punches in detailing the president’s shortcomings as both a politician and a man, but also gives an in-depth look into the monumental achievements of Clinton himself and his administration during his two terms in office. Hilary Clinton is given much screen time, as well. Narrated by Campbell Scott. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD is a Masterpiece Theater adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel about headstrong heroine Bathsheba Everdene (Paloma Baeza) who draws the amorous attentions of two wildly different suitors: the unassuming Mr. Boldwood (Nigel Terry) and dashing soldier Frank Troy (Jonathan Firth). Nicely captures the period and filled with fine turns from an impeccable cast.
THE INTERRUPTERS was helmed by Oscar-winning director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and bestselling author Alex Kotlowitz, taking an unflinching look at the violence that plagues our inner cities. Three people: Ameena, Eddie and Cobe are followed by cameras over the course of a year, documenting their struggles to stay on the straight and narrow and avoid violence at all costs. Sobering and downright depressing at times, but also completely riveting. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
BILLY THE KID tells the oft-mistold tale of William Bonney, aka Billy the Kid, who cut a swath of violence in the old west as one of the era’s most notorious outlaws and killers. Perhaps the first anti-hero of pop culture, Bonney’s story is far more complex than most novels, movies and television shows have portrayed.
THE LONG WALK OF NELSON MANDELA takes an in-depth look at the iconic South African leader and statesman, from his early years to his 27 years in prison, to his figurative resurrection as the leader of the new, post-Apartheid South Africa. Loaded with archival footage, interviews with friends and confidantes, and memorable conversations with the man himself.
THE AMISH examines the legacy and beliefs of the 500 year-old insular religious community, beginning with the infamous 2006 massacre in an Amish schoolhouse by a gunman who then took his own life, only to be forgiven by the community’s leaders hours later. Fascinating look into a rarely-seen subculture that shines light on previously unknown territory. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
LINCOLN’S SECRET WEAPON takes a look at the Union warship USS Monitor, the first iron-clad military seafaring vessel, which also boasted a revolving gun turret and submerged hull, helping to ensure the Union’s victory in the Civil War. Today the Monitor sits in a watery grave, where it sank after less than a year of active duty, off North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras. Watch as an elite team of Navy divers scours the wreck for artifacts of American and Naval history, and much more.
MYSTERY OF A MASTERPIECE examines the forensics of fine art, as a Renaissance era portrait thought to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci is examined by experts to determine if it is both authentic of its period, as well as of its assumed artist. Spellbinding and quite suspenseful!
KANGAROO MOB tackles the subject of kangaroo migration into some of Australia’s most populous cities, which is becoming worse annually after a 15 year drought. Filmmakers follow alpha ‘roo Black Spot and his mate Madge, along with their two young joeys, as they try to make it in the big city. Kids especially are sure to get a kick out of this one. Also available on Blu-ray disc. All of the above are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 stereo and 5.1 surround.
History/A&E releases HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN TWO HOURS is a landmark television special that cuts 13.7 billion years of history down to just two hours, and does so quite beautifully. Find out why your original ancestor is an exploding star, how your handheld device holds a Stone Age secret, and why your fast-paced modern lifestyle originated from seeds planted over 10,000 years ago. Amazing, rapid-fire view of history, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
TITANIC: THE COMPLETE STORY is a two-disc set featuring three feature-length programs about the ill-fated luxury liner: “Death of a Dream” looks at the origins and ultimate fate of the largest ship ever built. “The Legend Lives On” tells the story of the watery fates of the 1500 passengers who went down with the Titanic into the Atlantic’s icy waters, as well as the deep sea expedition to find the ship’s wreckage years later. “Titanic’s Achilles Heel” follows the elite divers who explore the theory that Titanic may have had a fatal design flaw. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

DOCUMENTARY DAYS


Cinema Libre Studios releases NO SUBTITLES NECESSARY: LASZLO & VILMOS an intimate look at the friendship between legendary cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond, who escaped Hungary together during the revolution of 1956 and went on to photograph some of the most renowned films of the 1960s and ‘70s, including Easy Rider, Deliverance, McCabe &Mrs. Miller, Five Easy Pieces, and many more. Loaded with film clips and interviews with the Easy Riders and Raging Bulls generation’s biggest names: Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Robert Altman, Karen Black, Bob Rafelson, Peter Bogdanovich and others. Terrific fun and quite touching. Bonuses: Featurettes, including a tribute to Dennis Hopper, master classes with Black and Rafelson and a bonus interview with Bogdanovich. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround.
A SECOND KNOCK AT THE DOOR offers a rare glimpse into the lives of military families dealing with the loss of loved ones to friendly fire. Through interviews and investigative reports, the film explores key incidents that forces families of the fallen to seek out the truth of what happened after the military attempted to cover up the truth. Powerful stuff, with both sides of the story explored with equal objectivity. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with filmmakers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
SHADOW OF AFGHANISTAN 1959-2012 is an epic look inside Afghanistan through the eyes of an Afghan warrior, independent filmmakers and a small group of independent journalists. This is not the country or the war you see covered on the evening news, and covers the country’s tragic, violent history from its attempted westernization during the 1950s and ‘60s, to the Soviet Occupation of the 1980s, to the death of Osama Bin Laden. Not for the faint of heart, but an important document which should be viewed by all who are truly interested in “why we fight.” Bonuses: Featurettes; Music video; Deleted scene. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.

Criterion releases Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker’s THE WAR ROOM, a fly-on-the-wall study of the 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton. Granted behind closed doors access to virtually all of the campaign’s vital moments, the film made stars out of two young political consultants: James Carville and George Stephanopoulos. Fascinating mixture of kinetic energy and history unfolding before our eyes, another documentary classic from Pennebaker, who previously helmed 1967’s Bob Dylan: Don’t Look Back. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Sequel from 2008 Return of the War Room; Featurettes; Panel discussion featuring Carville, Vernon Jordan, journalist Ron Brownstein and Bill Clinton; Interview with strategist Stanley Greenberg. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 surround.

DINOSAUR JR. LIVE AT 9:30 CLUB (MVD) Dave Markey helmed this record of an intimate concert given by Dinosaur Jr. for six fans, who also filmed the proceedings. Features some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Freak Scene,” “Let it Ride,” “Pond Song,” and more. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interview with Henry Rollins; Interviews with the fans; Featurettes; Bonus live footage. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD surround.

NEW YORK GIANTS SUPER BOWL XLVI CHAMPIONS (Vivendi) offers a vivid look at the dark horse Super Bowl champs’ amazing comeback to take the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to New York. Loaded with game highlights, interviews with players, coaches and the fans who helped make it all possible. A must-have for all die hard Giants’ fans! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

FELIPE ESPARZA: THEY’RE NOT GONNA LAUGH AT YOU (eOne) Very funny record of stand-up comic Felipe Esparza’s one-hour debut special, where he takes us through diverse topics such as Latin stereotypes, illegal immigrants in Minnesota, and the battle of the sexes. Very funny stuff! Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL (Universal) In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s classic musical, Cameron Mackintosh produced a unique, spectacular staging, the likes of which had never been seen before. One of the best-filmed records of a stage production ever produced, with cinematic quality from the first frame to the final fade out. You almost feel like you’re in the Albert Hall, sixth row center, watching the spectacular proceedings! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

FROM STRAIGHT TO BIZARRE: ZAPPA, CAPTAIN BEEFHEART, ALICE COOPER AND LA’S LUNATIC FRINGE (Sexy Beast) Fascinating look at the late ‘60s progressive rock scene in Los Angeles, which was headlines by some acts that would become legends (Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Tim Buckley, Captain Beefheart) and some amazing bands that came and went with the wind (the all-girl GTOs, acapella gospel collective The Persuasions, and more. Amazing archival footage, beautifully restored audio and video, along with more recent interviews with the players, the groupies and the fans, shed light on this amazing moment in pop culture. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS

JUSTICE LEAGUE DOOM (Warner Bros.) Top-drawer animated effort finds Batman at odds with the Justice League, purportedly composed of the world’s greatest super hero crime fighters, but suspected by the Dark Knight of harboring darker ambitions of a Fascist nature. When the JL’s top secret files are compromised by a rising group of super villains the JL embarks on a collision course that will test the very fabric of its alliance with the people they’re supposed to be protecting. Smart, very dark drama/adventure is sure to please both parents and sophisticated kids, but do take the PG-13 rating seriously, please. Fine voice work from Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, and Nathan Fillion. Bonuses: Preview of DC’s next animated movie, Superman vs. the Elite. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

WALLACE & GROMIT’S WORLD OF INVENTION (Lionsgate) Six-part series with beloved characters Wallace and Gromit introducing profiles of real-life groundbreaking inventions and innovations and the people who made them possible. Terrific blend of entertainment and education that should fascinate kids and parents alike. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Vivendi releases NEVERLAND, an eye-popping, made for TV prequel to Peter Pan where we follow Peter (Charlie Rowe) and his gang of misfits as they are mysteriously transported to a magical world of pirates, magical tree spirits, and the budding villain who will one day grow into Captain Hook. Great fun, with a cast that includes Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and the voice of Keira Knightley. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by writer/director Nick Willing; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

Scholastic/New Video releases STELLALUNA, based on the beloved children’s book about a young fruit bat who finds friendship, love and acceptance in the most unexpected places. Attractive animation and sweet-natured story should appeal to very small children, although older ones will find it a bit simplistic. Bonuses: Sing-along; Read-along feature. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE VALENTINE’S COLLECTION features five Valentine’s Day-themed stories based on award-winning children’s stories: “One Zillion Valentines,” “A Letter to Amy,” “Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge,” “Will I Have a Friend,” and “Goggles!” Good fun for preschoolers. Bonuses: Read-along feature. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
Paramount/Nickelodeon release DANCE TO THE MUSIC, offering over two hours of music-filled episodes from Nickelodeon’s most beloved series, including Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, and Wonder Pets. Bonuses: Sing-along music videos. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
20th Century Fox releases three titles in the LITTLE ANGELS series, executive produced by actress Roma Downey. The three titles: LITTLE ANGELS 123’s, ANIMALS and ABC’s are faith-based educational stories designed for pre-school aged children. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music videos; Downloadable activity sheets. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

PBS Kids releases WORD GIRL: THE RISE OF MISS POWER, an animated, educational super hero tale starring Word Girl and her sidekick Captain Huggy Face who fight the good fight against bad vocabulary in a collection of two stories, including the aforementioned title, as well as “A World Without Wondergirl.” Good for preschoolers and early grade schoolers. Bonuses: Interactive games; Video shorts; Coloring pages. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
ARTHUR’S TRAVEL ADVENTURES features eight “Arthur” adventures, based on the best-selling book series by Marc Brown, starring the world’s most famous aardvark. The stories are: “D.W. Goes to Washington,” “Arthur Goes to Camp,” “Arthur’s Family Vacation,” “Grandpa Dave’s Old Country Farm,” and “The Shore Thing.” Fun for the whole family! Bonuses: Downloadable coloring pages. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
Two titles in the PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD series are released: BRINGING SPRING and FINDERS, KEEPERS, both following a newly-hatched chicken named Peep and his friends Chirp and Quack on their daily adventures. Eight stories on each disc, aimed at preschoolers. Narrated by Joan Cusack. Winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.