DVD Playhouse--April 2012

DVD PLAYHOUSE—APRIL 2012
By Allen Gardner

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE (Warner Bros.) An eleven year-old boy (newcomer Thomas Horn, in an incredible debut) discovers a mysterious key amongst the possessions of his late father (Tom Hanks) who perished in 9/11. Determined to find the lock it matches, the boy embarks on a Picaresque odyssey across New York City. Director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter Eric Roth have fashioned a film both grand and intimate, beautifully-adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel, thought by most who read it to be unfilmable. Fine support from Jeffrey Wright, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Viola Davis and the great Max von Sydow. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BATTLE ROYALE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION (Anchor Bay) Adapted from Koushun Takami’s polarizing novel (compared by champions and detractors alike as a 21st century version of A Clockwork Orange) and set in a futuristic Japan, where unemployment is at an all-time high, as is juvenile crime. To combat the growing epidemic of delinquency and youth-oriented crime, the government mandates that a group of randomly selected students will be kidnapped and dropped on a deserted island, where they must fight to the death, with the last one standing earning the prize of their life. Battle Royale, the first film in the trilogy, is a brilliant masterpiece, deftly blending sci-fi, action and allegory to create a truly unique and unsettling work. “Beat” Takeshi Kitano is riveting (as always) playing the game’s sadistic overseer. Nominated for ten Japanese Academy Awards and, arguably, the most controversial film in the country’s history. Director Kinji Fukasaku died during production of Battle Royale II: Requiem, and was replaced behind the camera by his son, Kenta Fukasaku. The sequel finds the young survivors from the first film three years later living on the lam as wanted terrorists. The government enlists another group of teens, this time to kill the terror group’s leader, Shuya Nanahara, in exchange for their own lives. Not in the same league as its predecessor, but still exciting and thought-provoking. And if you’re thinking this sounds like a tougher, NC-17 variation on The Hunger Games, you’re spot-on! Five disc set features the theatrical cut and the director’s cut of Battle Royale I, as well as a bonus DVD, featuring: The Making of Battle Royale; TV Spot: Tarantino Version; Basketball Scene Rehearsals; Tokyo International Film Festival 2000; Trailers and TV Spots; Original Theatrical Trailer; Battle Royale Documentary; Special Effects Comparison Featurette; Filming On-Set; Behind-The-Scenes Featurette; Audition & Rehearsal Footage; Instructional Video: Birthday Version; Battle Royale Press Conference. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby TrueHD 7.1 and 5.1.
WE BOUGHT A ZOO (20th Century Fox) Matt Damon stars as a recently-widowed writer who moves his family to a rural farmhouse that houses a dilapidated zoo, housing a host of exotic animals. Co-writer/director Cameron Crowe adapts author Benjamin Mee’s memoir with decidedly mixed results. What could have been a bittersweet tale of a family’s redemption instead goes for the easy laughs of playing cute. This is a real surprise from a filmmaker and writer of Crowe’s stature, who has made a name for himself by fashioning heart-felt stories with a decidedly sharp edge. Scarlett Johansson provides an attractive love interest, but that is paint-by-numbers, as well. A let-down across the board. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Crowe, actor JB Smoove, editor Mark Livolsi; Deleted and extended scenes; Gag reel; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
WAR HORSE (DreamWorks/Touchstone) Steven Spielberg helms this tale of an Irish lad (Jeremy Irvine) who forms an unbreakable bond with his pet horse, Joey, even after being drafted into the trenches of WW I. When the horse is taken by the army, as well, to serve on the front lines as a so-called “war horse,” Joey captures the hearts of those he comes in contact with, from a young British officer, to a sickly French girl, to reluctant soldiers on either side of the line. Beautifully photographed by Janusz Kaminski, with impeccable production design by Rick Carter, Spielberg has created a remarkable work—a truly retro piece of cinema that could have been produced around 1939, awash with unabashed sentimentality and a bloodless portrait of the 20th century’s bloodiest conflict that would have been passed by the Hayes Office’s toughest censor. For that reason, the film will be a polarizing experience, sure to divide its viewers into either champions or detractors, and it’s safe to say no one will come away from this astonishing film shrugging their shoulders, and muttering “Whatever,” which for Spielberg, might be the greatest compliment of all. Fine support from Emily Watson, Peter Mullan, and David Thewlis. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Photo galleries. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
IMMORTALS (20th Century Fox) The warrior Theseus (Henry Cavill) is chosen by the god Zeus (Luke Evans) to fight the evil king Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) who is tearing a bloody swath across Greece in search of an ancient weapon that will give him absolute power. Director Tarsem Singh provides a pumped-up, blood-spurting variation on Greek mythology with an emphasis on eye-popping (and gouging) visuals over any actual substance. Freida Pinto provides attractive scenery as love interest Phaedra, but so much of the proceedings draw unintentional laughter as to make a smattering of good ingredients almost null and void. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Alternate opening and endings; Deleted scenes; Graphic novel. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DAVID LEAN DIRECTS NOEL COWARD (Criterion) Four films from the 1940s marked a unique collaboration between the twentieth century’s wittiest writer and (arguably) its greatest filmmaker. In Which We Serve (1942) is one of WW II’s finest dramas, recreating the sinking of the British war ship HMS Torrin during the Battle of Crete. Three survivors (Noel Coward, Bernard Miles and John Mills) on a raft recount their lives aboard the sunken vessel. Coward co-directed with Lean (his only film directing credit). This Happy Breed (1944) chronicles the ups and downs of the lower-class Gibbons family (Stanley Holloway, Celia Johnson, John Mills and Kay Walsh) during the transitional period between the two world wars (1919-1939). Blithe Spirit (1945) follows the frustrations of novelist Charles Condomine (Rex Harrison), who seeks marital bliss with his second wife, Ruth (Constance Cummings), but finds himself at odds with the ghost of his mischievous first wife, Elvira (Kay Hammond). Weary of Elvira's interference, Ruth asks a medium (Margaret Rutherford) to make the ghost leave. Often imitated, but never equaled! Brief Encounter (1945) stars Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson as unhappily married people who cross paths in a tube station and teeter on the precipice of an affair. Terrific romantic drama that still packs a punch. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by film historian Bruce Eder; Interviews with Noel Coward scholar Barry Day; Interview with producer/screenwriter Ronald Neame; Short documentaries; 1971 TV documentary on Lean’s career; Episode of “The Southbank Show” on Coward; 1969 audio recording of conversation between Richard Attenborough and Coward. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (Criterion) The third film treatment (after a 1943 German and 1953 American production, both titled Titanic) of the Titanic disaster, this a British effort from 1958, is regarded by many purists as being superior to James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster, and they might have a solid argument. Director Roy Ward Baker deftly helms Eric Ambler’s fine screenplay telling the disparate stories of the ill-fated luxury liner’s passengers (Kenneth Moore, Ronald Allen, Honor Blackman, to name a few), many of whom met an icy, watery demise on April 14, 1912—exactly a century ago. Supremely understated work, particularly given the period it was made the subject matter—ripe material for melodrama. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Don Lynch and Ken Marschall, author and illustrator of “Titanic”: An Illustrated History; Documentary on film’s production; Archival interview with Titanic survivor Eva Hart; 1962 Swedish documentary interviewing the ship’s survivors; BBC documentary on the ship; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
NICOLE KIDMAN: 4-FILM COLLECTION (Lionsgate/Miramax) Some of the finest work featuring Down Under’s loveliest export in one collection, including: COLD MOUNTAIN, director Anthony Minghella’s Civil War drama about a woman (Kidman) waiting for her love (Jude Law) to return from the front. Nominated for seven Oscars. RABBIT HOLE stars Kidman in another Oscar-nominated turn as a young mother who, along with her attentive husband (Aaron Eckhart) tries to move on from the loss of their child. THE OTHERS is a supremely creepy ghost story, featuring Kidman as a widowed mother who discovers supernatural goings on in the remote mansion she shares with her two children on the island of Jersey during the end of WW II. Finally, DOGVILLE is director Lars Von Trier’s post-modern period piece featuring Kidman as a mysterious woman who hides out in the small hamlet of Dogville, escaping from a dangerous past. Fine support from an all-star cast, including Harriet Andersson, Lauren Bacall, Paul Bettany, Blair Brown, Patricia Clarkson, Jeremy Davies, Ben Gazzara, Philip Baker Hall, John Hurt, and many more. Your tolerance for the film will depend on your tolerance for the work of its director. All films are widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
GWYNETH PALTROW: 4-FILM COLLECTION (Lionsgate/Miramax) Shakespeare in Love won Gwyneth Paltrow a Best Actress Oscar for her turn as the Bard’s greatest muse. Emma features Paltrow in the titular role of this comedy based on Jane Austen’s classic novel about a young woman whose misguided attempt at playing matchmaker leads to true love of her own. BOUNCE pairs Gwyneth with Ben Affleck, with the latter playing a slick executive whose devil-may-care attitude is tested when fate puts him in the path of a recently-widowed young woman. VIEW FROM THE TOP is a riotous comedy, featuring Paltrow as a small town gal determined to become a glamorous, first-class flight attendant. All are widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
RENEE ZELLWEGER: 4-FILM COLLECTION (Lionsgate/Miramax) Bridget Jones’ Diary stars Zellweger in one of her most beloved roles: a determined British career girl torn between two vastly different men (Hugh Grant and Colin Firth). Chicago is the multi-Oscar-winning film based on the legendary Broadway musical, featuring Renee as a ruthless showgirl on trial for murder. Cold Mountain is a riveting Civil War drama featuring Zellweger’s Oscar-winning turn as a scrappy drifter who teaches Nicole Kidman’s genteel lady the ropes. New in Town has Renee starring opposite Harry Connick, Jr. as a high-powered Miami exec who relocates to chilly Minnesota, where she finds true love. All are widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
VICE RAID (MGM/Fox) Mamie Van Doren stars as a hooker that the mob hires to frame a straight cop who refuses to go on the take. Poverty row production from 1959 is tough, nasty and great fun in spite of its obvious limitations. Brad Dexter offers able square-jawed support. Directed by B-movie stalwart Edward L. Cahn. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
PRAY FOR DEATH (MGM/Fox) Sho Kosugi stars as a Japanese immigrant who comes to the U.S. to start a new life, only to be leaned on none-too-gently by gangsters, who realize too late that the meek little man they think is under their thumb is, in fact, a ninja master of the deadliest variety. Not a good movie in any way, shape or form, but the fact that it almost seems to revel in its badness makes it worth watching on a slow night. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
SLEEPING BEAUTY (IFC Films) A young Australian woman (Emily Browning) answers an ad in her school’s newspaper to be a “sleeping beauty”: sedated into complete submission and used as an object of sexual desire for paying clients. Unsettling and mesmerizing at the same time, first time writer/director Julia Leigh, under the watchful eye of exec producer Jane Campion, has created a modern fable that has many things to say about the times in which we live. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE BROKEN TOWER (Focus World) James Franco writes/directs and stars as poet Hart Crane, a noted figure in early 20th century literature. Divided into twelve chapters, Franco takes a decidedly avant-garde look (with heavy influence from ‘60s auteurs such as Jean-Luc Godard) at Crane’s life and work that, while interesting at times, never rises above the feel of a graduate student thesis film. Michael Shannon also appears and Franco’s die-hard fans are sure to be pleased, whereas others should approach with more trepidation. Bonuses: Commentary by Franco, producer Vince Jouvette, cinematographer Christina Voros; Interviews with Crane scholars by Franco. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
FROM TIME TO TIME (Freestyle) A young boy (Alex Etel) in WW II era England finds himself able to see, and sometimes communicate, with ghosts from the past in his grandmother (Maggie Smith)’s centuries old manor house, in the process unraveling an ancient mystery that has haunted his family for generations. Amiable supernatural story from writer/director Julian Fellowes features a top-flight cast that also includes Timothy Spall, Pauline Collins, Carice Van Houten, Dominic West and Hugh Bonneville. Bonuses: Cast and crew interviews; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY (Focus Features) John le Carre’s classic spy novel, thought by many to be the finest of its genre, has been meticulously adapted by director Thomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) and screenwriters Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan. Gary Oldman stars as veteran spook George Smiley who, at the height of the Cold War (1974) discovers that there is a Russian mole in deep cover within his own top secret section of British Intelligence. As Smiley attempts to discover the double agent’s identity, a brilliant chess game of a story slowly unfolds. Utterly brilliant film requires careful attention from its viewers. Those expecting James Bond-style pyrotechnics will be disappointed, but those seeking out an intelligent thriller will find the rewards ample. Dream cast includes John Hurt, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Deleted scenes. Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE DESCENDANTS (20th Century Fox) George Clooney stars as the scion of a Hawaiian blue blood clan who attempts to repair his relationship with two young daughters while his wife, whom he just learned had been cheating on him, lies in a coma. Writer/director Alexander Payne, responsible for some the greatest American comedic satires of the past two decades (Election, About Schmidt, Sideways) has crafted a rock-solid, albeit unremarkable, comedy-drama that, while worth seeing, was the most wildly over-praised film of 2011, earning a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for its efforts. We feel that Clooney’s own directorial effort, The Ides of March, was far more deserving of Oscar’s attentions that this well-meaning, but quite ordinary, film. Fine support from Robert Forster, Judy Greer, Beau Bridges and young Shailene Woodley, in a star-making turn as Clooney’s oldest daughter. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music videos; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HORNET’S NEST (MGM/Fox) Rock Hudson stars as a WW II paratrooper dropped behind enemy lines in Italy to blow up a Nazi-controlled dam. When his company is shot to pieces with Hudson as the lone survivor, a group of Italian war orphans, led by hot-tempered Aldo (Mark Colleano, excellent) nurses him back to health and aids him in his mission, for a price: they demand the veteran officer teach them how to fight and kill Nazis. Beautifully shot, solid war drama from vet director Phil Karlson, aided immeasurably by Hudson’s assured performance and a healthy dose of moral ambiguity throughout. Sylva Koscina, one of the sixties’ great European beauties, offers lovely scenery as a German doctor kidnapped by the brood, although her character is little more than that. Sergio Fantoni also scores as a tired German army officer committed to doing his duty, but ready for the war to end. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
DEADHEADS (Freestyle) Slackers Mike and Brent find themselves reborn as part of a marauding zombie horde, but they also seem to be the only ones who are self-aware and still able to carry on a conversation, which they do throughout this utterly original, very funny horror comedy. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer; Commentary by directors the Pierce brothers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
TIMBUKTU (MGM/Fox) Victor Mature stars as an American mercenary in WW II Africa sent to help French colonials put down a rebel uprising and finds himself spending more time studying the commanding officer’s wife (Yvonne De Carlo). Mediocre melodrama should have been better, considering it was helmed by the great Jacques Tourneur. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
LOOSIES (IFC Films) Bobby (Peter Facinelli, who also scripted and produced) is a skilled NYC pickpocket who disguises himself as a stock broker. When he lifts the badge of an NYPD detective (Michael Madsen), he becomes the target of a citywide search. When Bobby’s pregnant former flame (Jaime Alexander) shows up, his world starts closing in too close for comfort. Very solid mix of drama and character study, well-directed by veteran helmer Michael Corrente. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SIDEWALLS (MPI/Sundance Selects) Fascinating blend of comedy and experimental filmmaking from Argentinian director Gustavo Taretto is set in Buenos Aires, and examines how a city’s architecture can have distinctive effects on its residents. Mixing animation, photography and graphic art, he reveals how the isolation and anxiety that come with modern life in a big city can inadvertently lead two hearts to find each other against all odds. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
NUMBER ONE WITH A BULLET (MGM/Fox) Robert Carradine and Billy Dee Williams star as two LAPD detectives who escort a mobster back to L.A. to testify in a trial, only to lose him to an assassin’s bullet. When they investigate, the trail leads straight back to their own department. Routine actioner is helmed by director Jack Smight, who fared much better with his earlier films (Harper), but delivers solid work here in spite of the story’s shortcomings. Four screenwriters (including James Belushi) are credited. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE BIG NIGHT (MGM/Fox) An angry young man (John Barrymore, Jr.) seeks revenge on the man who nearly beat his father to death. Dark, brooding drama is spare, but extremely well-done, helmed by the great Joseph Losey. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
LOST ANGELS (MGM/Fox) The Beastie Boys’ Adam Horovitz stars as a suburban 1980s gangbanger who is sent to a psychiatric hospital filled with kids even more troubled than he is. Donald Sutherland is terrific as the once-idealistic, now burned-out therapist who tries to shape him up. Director Hugh Hudson (Chariots of Fire) serves up a mixed bag that never quite gels, but has enough powerful moments and images (particularly as a time capsule of the ‘80s) to warrant a look. Amy Locane offers a fine supporting performance that is unsettling in the extreme given what a tragic life she led as an adult. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround.
LET THE BULLETS FLY (Well Go USA) Chow Yun-Fat co-stars with Hong Kong stalwarts Jiang Wen and Ge You in this yarn set in China during the warring 1920s. Notorious bandit chief Zhang descends upon a remote provincial town posing as its new mayor, an identity that he had hijacked from Old Tang, himself a small-time imposter. Hell-bent on making a fast buck, Zhang soon meets his match in the tyrannical local gentry Huang as a deadly battle of wit and brutality ensues. Terrific blend of classic Hong Kong kinetic action and black comedy. As always, Chow steals the show! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

BLU BAYOU

BOUNCE (Miramax) Ben Affleck stars as a slick, skirt-chasing executive whose life is forever altered after switching plane tickets with another man. When the flight Affleck was originally supposed to take crashed, killing all on board, he seeks out the man’s widow (Gwyneth Paltrow), seeking redemption, but instead finds himself falling for her. Mostly successful blend of introspective drama, romance and light comedy, intelligently helmed by writer/director Don Roos. Fine support from Natasha Henstridge, Tony Goldwyn, Joe Morton, David Paymer and Jennifer Grey. Bonuses: Commentary by Roos, co-producer Bobby Cohen; Deleted scenes with commentary; Gag reel; Music video; Featurettes; Scene specific commentary from Roos, Affleck and Paltrow. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
KATE & LEOPOLD: THE DIRECTOR’S CUT (Miramax) When a tear in the fabric of time (bear with us) brings together a dashing 19th century nobleman (Hugh Jackman) and a lonely 21st century woman (Meg Ryan), an old-fashioned, modern romance ignites. Co-writer/director James Mangold delivers a refreshingly honest and smart adult romance. Jackman and Ryan are terrific together. Also features Liev Schreiber, Breckyn Meyer, Natasha Lyonne, Bradley Whitford and Philip Bosco. Bonuses: Commentary by Mangold; Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
KILLER NUN (Blue Underground) Sixties sex symbol Anita Ekberg stars as a sadistic nun who runs an Italian hospital and starts to slowly lose her mind to drug addiction and general psychosis, endangering all those around her. Notorious exploitation classic from 1979, this film was banned in Britain and branded “obscene” throughout the world. It seems more silly than shocking by today’s standards and, incredibly, is loosely based on an actual incident! Co-stars former Warhol stalwart Joe Dallesandro, Lou Castel, Paola Morra and legendary screen siren Alida Valli. Bonuses: Interview with co-writer/director Giulio Berruti; Trailer; Poster and still galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 2.0 mono.
WIZARDS: 35th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (20th Century Fox) Legendary animator Ralph Bakshi (Fritz the Cat) dreamed up this fantastic, phantasmagorical fantasy about warring siblings on a post-apocalyptic Earth populated by elves, fairies and mutants. Groundbreaking in 1977 for combining cell animation with live film footage, it remains eye-popping and quite spectacular today, not to mention incredibly dark for a film with a PG rating. Voice actors include Mark Hamill, Susan Tyrell and Richard Romanus. Bonuses: Commentary by Bakshi; Featurettes; Still gallery; TV spot and trailers. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!

DARK SHADOWS: THE GREATEST EPISODES COLLECTION (MPI) Two volumes offering cherry-picked episodes of the classic 1966-71 ABC series that combined the best of nighttime soaps with full-throttle gothic horror, revolving around vulnerable (and venerable) vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and his family. FAN FAVORITES features nine episodes that are the most popular amongst fans of the series, and offers a perfect introduction for new viewers or those original fans who wish to get reacquainted with the Collins brood. THE BEST OF BARNABAS also offers nine episodes, this time focusing on the origin of Barnabas and the episodes in which his character had the most screen time and development. Early episodes are black & white, later graduating to color and though the shows creak technically by modern standards, they remain great fun. Co-stars include David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Grayson Hall, Jerry Lacy, Kate Jackson, Thayer David, Denise Nickerson, and Joan Bennett. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
ERNIE KOVACS: THE ABC SPECIALS (Shout! Factory) Five specials produced and conceived by television pioneer Ernie Kovacs in 1961, his final year of life before perishing in a car crash at age 42. Dazzling programs show Kovacs at the peak of his creative powers, featuring some of his most innovative and famous sketches and set pieces. Also features Kovacs’ legendary, offbeat commercials for Dutch Masters cigars. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
LOGAN’S RUN: THE COMPLETE SERIES (Warner Bros.) A one season (1977-78) spin-off of the hit movie featured Gregory Harrison stepping into Michael York’s shoes as Logan, a 23rd century “sandman,” who hunts down those who try to flee this futuristic society’s rule of mandatory euthanasia at age 30. When Logan’s big 3-0 is approaching, he finds himself questioning his job and society’s rulebook, taking up arms with beautiful rebel Jessica 6 (Heather Menzies) to escape to the outside world. Series dates badly today (just as the original movie does) although it’s great fun as a piece of camp. 3-disc set features all 14 of the series’ episodes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
CALL ME FITZ: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON (eOne) Jason Priestly stars as a morally bankrupt car salesman who is forced to become business partners with his inner conscience, an off-beat do-gooder intent on healing Fitz's mangled psyche, one hilarious disaster at a time. Very dark, edgy and funny comedy, with Priestly showing a new side of his formerly sunny persona. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews; Bloopers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE KILLING: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (20th Century Fox) A teenage girl is found dead in the trunk of a car, sexually assaulted before her death. The lead detective on the case (Mirelle Enos), a single mother, finds herself reluctantly drawn in, despite the fact that she is supposed to leave Seattle to settle with her new fiancée and teenage son in Northern California. Coupled with a new, seemingly unhinged partner (Joel Kinnaman), the detective finds the case becoming anything but open-and-shut as the list of suspects, and the trails that lead to them, grows in a serpentine fashion. Riveting police procedural beautifully married to character drama in this English-language version of the hit Danish show. Fine support from Michelle Forbes, Billy Campbell, and a stellar cast. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Extended season finale; Commentary by exec producer/writer Veena Sud; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Commentary on “Orpheus Descending” by Enos and writer Nicole Yorkin. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BREAKOUT KINGS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (20th Century Fox) A squad of U.S. marshals team up with former fugitives to work together on tracking down prison escapees in exchange for getting time off their sentences. Solid drama loaded with good writing and clever plot twists. 4-disc set features all 13 episodes from season one. Bonuses: Audio commentaries; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS (PBS) Handsome production of the Charles Dickens classic coming-of-age story, starring Gillian Anderson, Ray Winstone, David Suchet, Douglas Booth and Vanessa Kirby. Beautifully shot on location, with sumptuous period detail in its production design, among the best Dickens adaptations ever put to film, almost on a par with David Lean’s 1946 masterpiece. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BIRDSONG (PBS) As an English soldier (Eddie Redmayne) fights in the horrific trenches of northern France, he is haunted by the memories of his forbidden love affair with a French woman (Clemence Poesy). Superb drama beautifully balances a no-holds-barred portrait of the horrors of war along with a heartfelt and honest love story. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

DOCUMENTARY DAYS

INTO THE ABYSS (Sundance Selects) Werner Herzog takes an unblinking look at the death penalty by examining the Texas case of a triple homicide involving two young men who wiped out three members of a local family for no discernible reason other than they wanted to take a joyride in their cars. By examining the grim confines and denizens of Conroe, Texas, Herzog offers “a gaze into the abyss of the human soul,” and asks the all-too-pertinent questions: Why do people kill? and Why does the state kill? One of 2011’s best films, one of the best, most sobering documentaries ever made, and one of Herzog’s finest works over a lifetime of exemplary films. Not to be missed and not to be forgotten. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CHASING MADOFF (MPI) Based on the New York Times best-seller “No One Would Listen,” this film takes a look at Boston-based securities analyst Harry Markopolos and his attempt to expose Bernard Madoff’s ongoing Ponzi scheme. Compelling examination of greed and denial, with one of the most sharply-drawn portraits of Madoff yet drawn. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Director commentary; Deleted scenes; Alternate ending; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CORMAN’S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL (Anchor Bay) Affectionate look at Roger Corman and how his nearly sixty year reign as “King of the B’s” gave rise to some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Jack Nicholson, Peter Bogdanovich, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Pam Grier, Joe Dante, John Sayles, Robert De Niro, Peter Fonda, William Shatner, and many more. Loaded with archival film clips and present day interviews with the men and women who were launched by Corman’s micro-budget operations, as well as the movies that launched them. Should be greatly appreciated by cinefiles. Bonuses: Extended interviews; Messages to Roger; Trailer. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DIANA ROSS LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK (Shout! Factory) Terrific record of the pop diva’s 1983 concert in the heart of NYC before an audience of 400,000 fans. Initially broadcast live around the world, the concert has remained largely unseen for the past 30 years, until this beautifully restored version was released. Features some of Ross’ biggest hits, including “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “”Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” and more. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by director Steve Binder. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
MR. ROGERS & ME (PBS) Charming documentary by brothers Benjamin, David and Christofer Wagner about their real-life Nantucket Island neighbor Fred (aka Mr.) Rogers, who encouraged the brothers to keep things “deep and simple” as opposed to “shallow and complex.” After Rogers’ death in 2003, the brothers interviewed dozens of friends and colleagues of the beloved children’s television host, including Tim Russert, Susan Stamberg, Marc Brown and many more who were deeply affected by Rogers and his Unitarian message. Bonuses: Commentary by the Wagners; Bonus interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
STRANGE FRUIT: THE BEATLES’ APPLE RECORDS (Sexy Intellectual) Fascinating look at the Beatles’ upstart Apple Records, an idealistic venture that the Fab Four hoped would re-shape the music business, but instead managed to attract a coterie of freaks, hangers-on and would-be artists and musicians, with only marginal creative output outside of the Beatles themselves who, arguably, recorded their greatest music for the Apple label. Featuring interviews with former Apple executive Tony Bramwell, members of Badfinger, The Iveys and Elephant’s Memory, Jackie Lomax, Brute Force and David Peel, plus musician and Beatles expert Chris Ingham, and biographer Stefan Granados. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
A&E/New Video releases BASEBALL’S GREATEST GAMES: 2011 WORLD SERIES GAME 6, offering the St. Louis Cardinals’ spectacular 11 inning victory over the Texas Rangers. Looks terrific in Blu-ray! Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE PRESIDENTS looks at the lives and legacies of the United States’ most iconic leaders in this four-disc set that looks at the denizens of the White House from 1789 to today. Based on the book To the Best of My Ability by Pulitzer Prize-winner James McPherson, this doc offers rare and unseen photos and film footage as well as insight and trivia from journalists and historians. Narrated by Edward Herrmann. Bonuses: Barak Obama episode of “Biography; Documentary on Presidents’ wives; Timeline. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
ONLY IN AMERICA WITH LARRY THE CABLE GUY: VOLUME TWO features the popular blue collar comic taking a series of offbeat journeys across the country over eleven hilarious episodes, including searching for Sarah Palin, investigating the paranormal and visiting iconic sites. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
TEEN A-GO-GO (Cinema Libre) Rock music doc takes a look at popular culture in America before and after the Beatles’ iconic appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” February 9, 1964, particularly the Teen Scene community in and around Fort Worth, Texas and their remarkable, one-take recordings that have become sought-after collectibles. Bonuses: Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS

ASTONISHING X-MEN: DANGEROUS (Shout! Factory) Boasting a story written by pop culture icon Joss Whedon and drawn by artist John Cassaday, this eye-popping animated adventure follows the X team as the investigate the tragic death of a student at the Xavier Institute, revealing that a powerful enemy is working from within the mansion to destroy the X-Men and all their allies. Great fun for young and old fans alike. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
Paramount/Nickelodeon release VICTORIOUS: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, a two-disc set featuring more adventures from the show biz-loving teens at Hollywood Arts. Twelve episodes plus bonuses: Featurettes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. YO GABBA GABBA! SUPER SPIES features four episodes from the series revolving around spies, gadgets and adventure. Great for really small kids. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
SESAME STREET 3-IN-1 TRIPLE FEATURE (Warner Bros.) Three Elmo adventures are offered in this set: Elmo’s Animal Adventure, featuring fun with Elmo and some friends at the zoo; Elmo and the Bookaneers, offering Elmo giving reading lessons with some friendly pirates; and Elmo and Friends: The Letter Quest. Features appearances from Cameron Diaz, Patricia Arquette, Tina Fey, and Neil Patrick Harris. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.