DVD Playhouse--October 2012

By Allen Gardner

PROMETHEUS (20th Century Fox) Ridley Scott’s quasi-prequel to his 1979 classic “Alien” has an intergalactic exploratory team (Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba) arriving on a uncharted planet, where they discover what appears to be a dormant alien spacecraft and what might be the first discovery of intelligent life outside of Earth. Of course, everything goes straight to hell before you can scream “Don’t touch that egg!” Sumptuous visuals and strong performances from the cast (not to mention a nearly-perfect first half) can’t compensate for gaping plot and logic holes that nearly sink the proceedings in the film’s protracted second half. It feels as though some very crucial footage wound up on the cutting room floor. Perhaps, as with “Alien” and “Aliens” we’ll see a “Director’s Cut” of “Prometheus” arriving on DVD within the next year. In the meantime, this version is worth a look. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Two audio commentaries by Scott and writers Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof; Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Alternate ending and opening. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY (Criterion) Director John Schlesinger followed his Oscar-winning triumph with “Midnight Cowboy” with this 1971 critical darling, which many view as his finest hour behind the camera. A middle-aged doctor (Peter Finch) and a divorcee in her thirties (Glenda Jackson) both share the affections of a handsome bachelor (Murray Head). Considered one of the first mainstream films to deal openly with homosexuality and bisexuality, while it certainly isn’t daring by today’s standards, its honest look at the complexities and subtleties that form human relationships makes it as relevant, and contemporary, as ever. Fine work across the board from all involved, with Penelope Gilliatt’s screenplay one of the decade’s best. Bonuses: Interviews with D.P. Billy Williams, Head, production designer Luciana Arrighi, Schlesinger biographer William J. Mann, and his longtime partner, Michael Childers; 1975 audio interview with Schlesinger. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE FORGIVENESS OF BLOOD (Criterion) Director Joshua Marston, whose remarkable debut “Maria Full of Grace” looked at the drug trade in Colombia, moves his camera to contemporary northern Albania, a region still fueled by interfamilial blood feuds that have gone on for centuries. Story of a brother and sister who are caught up in a cycle of violence and betrayal due to their father’s feud with another clan is a powerful, unflinching and unsentimental look at the conflict between an ancient culture and the changing world around it. Bonuses: Commentary by Marston; Interviews with cast and crew; Trailer. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE DO-DECA-PENTATHALON (20th Century Fox) Estranged brothers (Steve Zissis, Mark Kelly) reconnect at a family reunion and decide to compete in a 25 event competition of increasingly infantile and bizarre events to determine who is the better man. Written and directed by the Duplass Brothers, your enjoyment of this broad brand of humor will depend on how you reacted to their earlier features, such as “Cyrus.” Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
30 BEATS (Lionsgate) An ensemble of New Yorkers’ lives interconnect through a series of sexual encounters during a summer heat wave. Paz de la Huerta, Justin Kirk, Lee Pace, Thomas Sadoski, and Jennifer Tilly headline the group in this interesting, Robert Altman-esque tableaux. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
GENERAL EDUCATION (Well Go USA) Levi Collins (Chris Sheffield s set to go to the local University on a tennis scholarship, but he forgot to tell his parents one thing - he didn't graduate. As a result, he must take summer school before his mom and dad discover he's failed senior science. Comedy vets Janeane Garofalo and Larry Miller do their best to raise this wan comedy to an acceptable level of “ha!” but even their gravitas does little to help. Bonuses: Commentary by filmmakers; Outtakes; Featurettes; Trailer. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
LOLA VERSUS (20th Century Fox) Greta Gerwig plays the titular character, a 29 year-old Manhattanite whose impending marriage to her dream boy (Joel Kinnaman) shatters when he dumps her shortly before the nuptials are to take place. Lola then decides to spend the remainder of her twenties following the advice of her friends and eccentric parents, seizing the day and experiencing the nectar of life. Awkward blend of comedy, pathos and character study has some endearingly sweet and silly moments, but ultimately is a bit too self-consciously hip for its own good, as are many works of the so-called “Mumblecore” school. Folks in the same demographic as the characters depicted might really resonate, others beware. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes and alternate ending; Outtakes; Featurettes; Commentary by co-director/co-writer Daryl Wein and actor/co-writer Zoe Lister-Jones. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (20th Century Fox) A group of British seniors (Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson) decide to pool their dwindling resources and buy a resort hotel in India, only to arrive and find it’s hardly the glamorous, old world spot they were promised, but a dilapidated shell almost beyond repair. When they decide to fix the place up, they find new lease on life as well as some romance in the air. Delightful comedy is sure to warm the hardest of hearts. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE COURIER (Well Go USA) Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays the titular role, a tough guy who delivers, in this instance, a simple briefcase, for which he is paid a cool million. Morgan soon finds himself pursued by half the world’s population, it seems, all of them heavily-armed and seeking not only the briefcase, but his blood and that of his new partner (Josie Ho). Slam-bang action from Oscar-winning director Hany Abu-Assad, co-stars Mickey Rourke, Til Schweiger. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Extended/deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (Criterion) Wong Kar Wai’s masterpiece of ships passing in the night. Set in 1962 Hong Kong, two neighbors (Tony Leung Chui-wai and Maggie Cheung) have passing, friendly exchanges until a discovery about their spouses creates an instant bond between them. The best depiction of heartache and unrequited love ever put to film, given a lush visual style by cinematographer Roddy Doyle that’s obviously influenced by the style of Douglas Sirk. A tremendous cinematic achievement, not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary on the film’s production, directed by Wai; Deleted scenes, with Wai’s commentary; Short film by Wai; Archival interview; Featurettes; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DELICACY (Cohen Media Group) Audrey Tautou as a woman whose boyfriend dies tragically, causing her to retreat into virtual seclusion until one day she kisses a stranger (Francois Damiens) impulsively. Charming and gentle meditation on love and loss, with damn-near perfect turns from the two leads. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BAIT 3D (Anchor Bay) A tsunami shreds a small beach town where a disparate group of survivors (Xavier Samuel, Sharni Vinson, Julian McMahon among them) have taken refuge inside a grocery store. As they try to make their way to safety, they realize that Great White sharks are in their midst and the boys are ready for some lunch! As the sharks pick the survivors off (how else?) one-by-one, the group work together to defeat the uber-fishies. Yes, it’s as utterly preposterous and derivative as it sounds but…it’s also kinda fun. And the 3-D effects are quite good, particularly for home viewing. Bonuses: Storyboard gallery. Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD combo pack. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround.
HYPOTHERMIA (Dark Sky Films) A man (Michael Rooker) takes his family ice fishing, only to encounter not only an obnoxious father and son with whom he’s had past unpleasant encounters, but something less-than-human that lurks beneath the ice and is hungering for human flesh. So-so “monster in the house” movie that’s raised up a few notches by a good cast, which also includes Blanche Baker and Greg Finley. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PEACE, LOVE & MISUNDERSTANDING (IFC Films) A stressed-out yuppie (Catherine Keener) leaves her cheating husband and packs their two kids (Elizabeth Olsen and Chace Crawford), leaving NYC for Woodstock, NY., where her estranged hippie mother (Jane Fonda) resides on a sprawling farm. The expected truths and reconciliations follow in director Bruce Beresford’s awkward family dramedy, which never quite finds its center, in spite of a terrific turn by the ageless Fonda, who’s always mesmerizing when on-screen. She just needs a movie worthy of her incandescent talents. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE 3D (Vivendi) Jet Li stars in this kinetic period adventure, helmed and written by iconic Hong Kong director Tsui Hark, this is a quasi-sequel to the classic “Dragon Inn,” from 1967, set three years after that film’s story ended. Former innkeeper Jade has disappeared and a new inn has risen from the ashes - one that's staffed by marauders masquerading as law-abiding citizens, who hope to unearth the fabled lost city buried in the desert. Film works best when, forgive me, the characters aren’t explaining themselves and their backstories (ostensibly to those audience members too young to have seen the first film, which isn’t necessary to enjoy this one). The eye candy and the action are simply spectacular, even more so in 3-D. Don’t think too much about it, just sit back and enjoy the razzle-dazzle. Available as Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray combo. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
ROCK OF AGES (New Line) L.A., 1987, the end of the so-called “hair metal” era, finds the Bourbon Club, once the scene of much Sunset Strip debauchery in its heyday, in dire straits. Hoping a benefit concert by club alumni-turned-rock icon Stacie Jaxx (Tom Cruise) will help resurrect the club to its former glory, only to have a newcomer fresh off the bus take the stage when Stacie doesn’t show. What should have been a riotous, ribald, risqué send-up of the 1980s and all its numerous extremities, falls flatter than a pancake almost from the first frame. Terrific period soundtrack is the only thing that saves it from being a complete disaster. Dream cast includes Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Malin Ackerman, Russell Brand, Bryan Cranston, Mary J. Bilge, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Julianne Hough. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes; Outtakes; Music videos; Trailers and TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE SAMARITAN (IFC Films) Samuel L. Jackson has one of his best roles in years as Foley, a recently paroled con man who did 25 years for murdering his best friend and business partner. Determined to go straight in Toronto, Foley soon finds himself indentured to silky local crime boss (Tom Wilkinson, great as always) who recruits Foley for a final lucrative con in exchange for sparing his life. Rock-solid modern noir tale isn’t perfect, but being damn good these days is almost enough. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SOUND OF MY VOICE (20th Century Fox) Wunderkind actress/writer Brit Marling astounds once again in this tale of a filmmaker (Christopher Denham) and his girlfriend (Nicole Vicius) who set out to expose the charismatic leader of a cult (Marling), only to find themselves in increasing danger. Director Sal Batmanglij co-wrote the script with Marling. A taut, intelligent thriller. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE LADY (Cohen Media Group) Luc Besson helms this true story Burmese icon Aung San Suu Kyl, the woman at the core of the country’s democracy movement and her husband Michael Aris (David Thewlis), and how their love endured through years of separation due to her imprisonment. Fascinating and, oddly enough for Besson, very deliberately paced. A fine, intelligent historical drama, the type we need more of! Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CHILDREN OF PARADISE (LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS) (Criterion) Widely considered the greatest French film ever made, this sprawling, 190 minute epic depicts 19th century Paris’ theatrical demimonde. Shot surreptitiously during the Nazi occupation of WW II, story follows a mysterious woman (Arletty) loved by four different men (all based on historical figures). Director Marcel Carne and screenwriter Jacques Prevert bring an amazing world to vivid life in this classic, which feels as fresh today as it must have in 1945. Not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Two-disc set bonuses include: Audio commentaries by film scholars Brian Stonehill and Charles Affron; 2011 restoration of the film; Video intro by Terry Gilliam; Restoration demonstration; Featurettes; 2009 documentary on the film’s production; 1967 Dutch documentary on the film, featuring interviews with surviving cast and crew. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
LES VISITEURS DU SOIR (Criterion) Another classic from director Marcel Carne, this 1942 production tells the medieval tale of two strangers (Arletty and Alain Cuny) dressed as minstrels who arrive at a castle in advance of court festivities and are revealed to be emissaries of the devil, dispatched to spread heartbreak and suffering. Their plans are thwarted by an unforeseen factor: human love. Moving, funny and still-relevant tale of love conquering all. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: 2009 documentary on film’s production; Trailer. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
EATING RAOUL (Criterion) Paul Bartel wrote (with Richard Blackburn) and directed this blackest of comedies starring himself and muse Mary Woronov as a prudish couple who feel put upon by swingers living amongst them in their apartment building. When they discover an ingenious method of ridding the world of the “perverts” living down the hall, the couple open a restaurant which makes a literal killing with its unusual entrees. Hilarious and barbed, filled with laughter that will sting in your throat. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Blackburn, production designer Robert Schulenberg, editor Alan Toomayan; Two shorts by Bartel; Documentary on film’s production; Gag reel and outtakes; Archival interviews; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE GAME (Criterion) Michael Douglas plays the repressed scion of a wealthy San Francisco family whose money and power have helped him create his own personal prison. When his ne’er do well younger brother (Sean Penn) buys him a “game” for his birthday, Douglas suddenly finds himself at the center of a vast, labyrinthine conspiracy against…himself. Director David Fincher cemented his reputation (after sleeper hit “Se7en”) with this elegant, twisting thriller that is the best depiction of a Kafkaesque universe ever put to film. Deborah Kara-Unger is excellent as Douglas’ reluctant gal Friday. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Alternate 5.1 surround mix optimized for home theater viewing; Commentary by Fincher, D.P. Harris Savides, Douglas, writers Jon Brancato and Michael Ferris, and other key crew members; Featurettes; Film-to-storyboard comparisons; Alternate ending; Trailer and teaser, with commentary. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DRUNKBOAT (Virgil Films) Coming-of-age film based on writer/director Bob Meyer’s teen years in Chicago finds adolescent Abe (Jacob Zachar) who cons his alcoholic uncle (John Malkovich) to buy a boat from a shyster named Mr. Fletcher (John Goodman) while his mother (Dana Delaney) is out of town. Charming film with some very serious undertones, a real homerun for Meyer. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
LAST RIDE (Music Box Films) Hugo Weaving gives the performance of his career as an embittered criminal who kidnaps his 10 year-old son and heads into the Australian outback, on the run from the law. Many critics coined this “an Aussie ‘Badlands,’” and the comparison isn’t far off: both tender and jarringly brutal, “Last Ride” is one of the best dramas to come from Down Under in a long time. Bonuses: Commentary by director Glendyn Ivin; Short films; Featurettes; Documentary. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE CUP (Lionsgate) Winning true story of Damien Oliver, a young jockey (Stephen Curry) who takes his brother’s place in the Melbourne Cup after he dies in a tragic accident, just as their father had years earlier. Brendan Gleeson is terrific as Irish trainer Dermot Wald, who does his best to get the lad and his steed in shape in time for the race. Film works well because it avoids the sentimentality that sinks most inspirational sports movies. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!

MAD MEN: SEASON FIVE (Lionsgate) The denizens of Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Price return, this time facing the truths and reconciliations of 1965-66 and the changing manners and morays of a society in what seems like constant flux. Stellar cast includes Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Damien Harris, Vincent Kartheiser, Robert Morse and many more performers, all at the top of their game. Among the usual themes of lust, adultery, and the gray moral area in which we all tread, Jaguar automobiles play a prominent role, as does the tragic passing of one of the firm’s most crucial players. Series creator/writer Matthew Weiner continues to dazzle with his subtle blend of drama, satire and pathos. 3-disc set contains 13 episodes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Newsweek Magazine digital gallery; Commentary by Weiner, cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASONS ONE & TWO (PBS) The first two seasons of the hit series set in and around the ancestral home of the Earl and Countess of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) and their daughters, all of whom live under the watchful eye of the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith). Beautifully recreates the early 20th century and the events which helped shape it. One of PBS and Masterpiece Theater’s finest hours. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
20th Century Fox releases a host of new titles, including HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER: THE COMPLETE SEASON 7, which has Marshall and Lily moving away to start a family, Ted continuing to search for the woman of his dreams and Robin revealing a shocking secret. Great fun. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Commentary by cast and crew on select episodes. NEW GIRL: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON stars Zooey Deschanel as free-spirited optimist Jess, who moves in with three bachelors (Lamorne Morris, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield) after a bad breakup and must navigate not only the minefield of single life again, but living among three disparate, and often difficult, single guys. Bonuses: Commentary on select episodes; Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes: Gag reel. MODERN FAMILY: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON offers more adventures of the Pritchett/Dunphy clan as they face an uproariously unpredictable array of family vacations, holiday hassles, troublesome in-laws and surprising secrets. Winner of eleven Emmy awards. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted and alternate scenes; Featurettes; Gag reel. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. TERRA NOVA: THE COMPLETE SERIES offers high sci-fi adventure in the year 2149 when humanity is in the final throes of extinction. Those fortunate enough to survive are able to travel 85 million years back in time to an outpost called Terra Nova, where the Shannon family are grateful to survive, but must fend off hungry dinosaurs and mysterious forces that conspire to destroy the entire experiment. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Gag reel; Commentary on select episodes. All are widescreen, Dolby 5.1 surround unless otherwise noted.
HAMMER HOUSE OF HORRORS (Synapse Films) Hugely popular anthology series from the UK held the top spot in the ratings during most of 1980, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine a sort-of R-rated version of “The Twilight Zone” and you’ll not want to miss these 13 episodes of terror, twists and real scares. Featuring appearances from vets like Peter Cushing and Denholm Elliott, as well as early turns from future stars like Pierce Brosnan. Five disc set bonuses include: Introduction by film historian Shane M. Dallmann; Featurettes; Still gallery. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
WHAT COLOR IS LOVE? (New Video/Lifetime) Inspired by a true story of an affair between Ty (Roger Cross), a black pro-basketball star and Nicole (Jennifer Finnegan), a Caucasian woman. When Nicole becomes pregnant with their mixed-race son, a huge court battle ensues. Definitely a TV-movie, with all the shortcomings that implies, but strong performances by the two leads keep it afloat. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
THE FIRM: THE COMPLETE SERIES (eOne) Based on John Grisham’s best-seller, Josh Lucas takes the reins from Tom Cruise as Mitch McDeere, the idealistic young attorney who took on the mob and the law firm they owned in the original story. Series takes up ten years later, with Mitch and his family emerging from Federal Witness Protection, only to find that old threats from their past are still lurking in the shadows. Also stars Molly Parker, Juliette Lewis, and Callum Keith. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.

DOCUMENTARY DAYS

GHOSTS OF THE ABYSS 3D (Disney) James Cameron’s eye-popping documentary featuring “Titanic” actor Bill Paxton and a team of the world’s greatest historical and marine experts journeying back to the actual wreck site of the HMS Titanic. With large sections of the ship nearly perfectly-preserved in the freezing waters that have been its watery grave for a century, Cameron’s cameras give viewers the opportunity for one of the great voyeuristic cinematic experiences as the ghostly exterior and interior of the ship are revealed for the first time since its sinking in 1912. The 3D effects are truly dazzling, even on home video, and just add to the film’s majesty. Cameron is quite simply a master of cinema, regardless of the genre where he hangs his hat. Bonuses: Extended and theatrical versions; Featurettes and bonus footage. Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: KU SHEN’S JOURNEY (Virgil Films) The story of Nancy Kwan, Hollywood’s first Asian “it” girl, is explored in this fascinating documentary, following the Eurasian beauty’s early days in Hong Kong, to her education in England, to being catapulted to stardom at age 21 in “The World of Suzie Wong,” starring opposite William Holden. Following with the hit musical “The Flower Drum Song” a year later, Kwan would never recapture the success of her salad days. Terrific blend of Hollywood history, fate, and sociology, featuring interviews with Kwan, her friends and family and rare film clips spanning her career. Bonuses: Trailer; Photo gallery; Watercolor art gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
ADVENTURES IN PLYMPTOONS! (Cinema Libre Studio) The life and work of legendary animator Bill Plympton, whose work has been a centerpiece of the animation world since debuting with his inimitable “Plymptoons” political cartoons were nationally syndicated in 1981. Interviews with Plympton himself as well as colleagues and friends such as Terry Gilliam, David Silverman, Tom Kenny, Matthew Modine, Martha Plimpton and many more. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE LOVERS’ GUIDE (Truemind) Two volumes (“The Lovers’ Guide: The Original Collection,” “The Lovers’ Guide: The Essential Collection”) offering advice from sex experts Dr. Sarah Brewer, Dr. Sarah Humphrey, Dr. Dawn Harper and author Tracey Cox, all of whom explore sexual techniques and skills designed to take viewers to new heights of passion and intimacy. Each set contains five discs that cover a variety of topics. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
THE BEST OF PBS The Public Broadcasting System releases a new host of titles this month, beginning with MARIACHI HIGH, which takes a look at a year in the life of the champion mariachi ensemble at Zapata High School on the Rio Grande in South Texas. JOHN LEGUIZAMO: TALES FROM A GHETTO KLOWN is a record of the actor/comedian’s one-man show on Broadway and the trials and tribulations that went into mounting it. Fascinating look at not only the artistic process, but the incredible amount of intense work it takes to bring that process to the stage. Leguizamo is a dynamo for the ages. ALASKA GOLD looks at the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska, which is home to the last great wild Sockeye salmon fishery in the world and also is home to an enormous mineral deposit cache: one worth over a billion dollars. This “Frontline” episode examines the battle between conservationists who want to keep the land intact and the mining companies who want to purge it for its natural resources. THE DAY CARL SANDBURG DIED looks at the life and work of the iconic American poet. Features interviews with legendary figures such as Pete Seeger, Norman Corwin, Studs Terkel, and Marc Kelly Smith. Bonuses: Extra interviews. ORANGUTAN DIARIES takes a look at the effort to save our closest simian relatives in the Borneo rainforest at the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary. With over 600 animals being cared for at the facility, most of whom led difficult lives before being rescued, either from poachers or fleeing the vanishing rain forest around them, the staff have their hands full. Fascinating and touching. Two-disc set. ENDGAME: AIDS IN BLACK AMERICA is a “Frontline” episode that looks at the AIDS virus in the African-American community, which if it were a country unto itself, would have the 16th worst epidemic in the world. Sobering and tragic look at a situation that could have been avoided had our government tackled the AIDS issue earlier. Finally, I’M CAROLYN PARKER: THE GOOD, THE MAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL is a film by Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme about the titular woman, who in addition to being a former Civil Rights activist, a successful cook-turned-chef and survivor of the Jim Crow south, was the last person to leave the lower ninth ward of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. An inspiring look at the resilience of the human spirit, told by a master filmmakers. All titles are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.
ART, MUSIC AND POP CULTURE are examined in a series of new releases, among them: PLAY IN THE GRAY, from Planted Seeds Productions, which takes a penetrating, raw look at the members of All the Kings Men, a drag cabaret theater troupe based out of Boston and their struggles to make it. LEMON, from Cinema Libre and produced by Russell Simmons, looks at three-time felon and Tony Award winner Lemon Andersen and his struggle for personal and professional survival. Features interviews with luminaries such as Spike Lee, Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Aloe Blacc. MARINA ABRAMOVIC: THE ARTIST IS PRESENT, from Music Box Films/HBO, looks at the titular performance artist who has used herself as her primary performance instrument for over forty years, creating art that has challenged, shocked and moved audiences the world over. Bonuses: Featurettes; Exhibition gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. BEATLES STORIES is a priceless collection of interviews with people from all walks of life who crossed paths with the Fab Four during their reign as kings of the pop world in the 1960s. From Ben Kingsley to Sir George Martin to Beach Boy Brian Wilson to regular folks next door, songwriter/filmmaker Seth Swirsky captures the essence of Beatlemania in this terrific look back. Bonuses: Extra interviews; Commentary by Swirsky. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono. CIRCLE JERKS: MY CAREER AS A JERK (MVD) Filmmaker David Markey looks at the lives and career of legendary California punk band The Circle Jerks, incorporating in-depth interviews with archival footage and rare live footage, to explore a unique time in American popular culture. Bonuses: Deleted scenes and bonus interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. JUST AROUND THE CORNER (Virgil Films) looks at the life of Bob Benjamin who, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 38, recruited many of his friends in the music world to help him fight the disease through a series of benefit concerts that continue to this day. Bruce Springsteen, Michael J. Fox, Jesse Malin, Danny Clinch, Vincent Pastore and many others appear. NINA CONTI: HER MASTER’S VOICE (Virgil Films) is a look at the internationally-acclaimed ventriloquist, directed by herself, as she takes the bereaved puppets of her former lover and mentor Ken Campbell on a pilgrimage to “Venthaven,” the final resting place for puppets of dead ventriloquists. If it sounds odd and inaccessible, it’s not, but a very touching, sweet-natured valentine to a lost love and the codas that we all reach in life. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
SPORTY STUFF this month includes GAMES OF THE XXX OLYMPIAD (NBC), a two-disc Blu-ray edition, featuring highlights from the summer 2012 games in London. Beautifully shot by the best cameramen in the business and a wonderful record of this seminal event. Bonuses: Featurettes; Athlete profiles. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. A FOOTBALL LIFE: SEASON 1 (Vivendi) takes a look at NFL icons such as Bill Belechick, Kurt Warner, Walter Payton, Mike Ditka, Al Davis and many more. Loaded with great game footage and in-depth interviews. THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS: BEHIND THE STEEL CURTAIN examines the legendary football team and their storied beginning, through their glory days of the 1970s, to their present day lineup. Bonuses: Archival game footage. THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers: TEAM OF THE ‘80s takes us back to the Niners’ glory days with coach Bill Walsh at the helm, implementing an offensive system that came to be known as “The West Coast Offense.” A must for all 49ers fans. Bonuses: Archival game footage. THE WORLD SERIES: HISTORY OF THE FALL CLASSIC (A&E) is a mammoth, four-disc set that offers a comprehensive chronicle of all the landmark moments of the Series’ history. Narrated by Bob Costas, and loaded with contemporary and archival interviews and game footage, a must-have for any serious fan or student of baseball. Bonuses: Featurettes. Wide and full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE ESSENTIAL GAMES OF THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS (A&E) offers four iconic games from the Brewers’ storied history: the 1982 ALCS game 5 vs. Cal, the 1982 World Series game 4 vs. St. Louis, the 2008 NL Wild Card Clincher vs. Chicago and the 2011 NLDS game 5 vs. Arizona. Bonuses: Featurettes and interviews. Widescreen and full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.

FOR THE WEE ONES

CINDERELLA: DIAMOND EDITION (Disney) Walt Disney’s animated classic about the “fairest of them all,” a young girl raised by her cruel stepmother and given redemption by a Fairy Godmother so she can win the hand of a handsome prince at the Royal Ball. Gloriously restored and remastered with state-of-the-art digital technology, and offered in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. A must-own for all cinema buffs! Bonuses: Alternate opening sequence; Animated short; Featurettes; Digital storybook. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS PART 1 (Warner Bros.) All-new animated adventure which has an aged, weathered Caped Crusader coming out of retirement, doing battle with Harvey “Two Face” Dent. Stellar voice work by Peter Weller, Ariel Winter and David Selby, with eye-popping animation offering a gritty, dark take on Gotham City and the Batman legend. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Digital comic: Featurettes; 2 bonus cartoons. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: THE COMPLETE SERIES (Scholastic) Eight disc set offers all 52 episodes of the hit kids’ series, featuring Ms. Frizzle, teacher extraordinaire, and her enthusiastic students as their magic school bus takes them on cliff-hanging field trips inside the human body, back to prehistoric times, far out into space and everywhere else in between. All four seasons of the Emmy-winning series are offered, along with a bonus 24 page activity booklet. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
DORA’S ROYAL RESCUE (Paramount/Nickelodeon) A double-length episode of the hit TV show feature Dora as a lady knight and her squire, Boots, embark on a noble quest to help Rocinante the Horse save Don Quixote, who has been locked away in Story Castle by the evil Malambruno. Fun and educational for the little ones. Bonuses: Bonus episode. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
IRON MAN ARMORED ADVENTURES: SEASON 2 VOL. 2 (Vivendi) The continued animated adventures of Tony Stark and his high-tech suit of armor has Iron Man clashing with arch-enemy Doctor Doom, who has his sights set on the Iron Man tech Stark has invented. Also featuers Iron Man’s first meeting with Black Widow and Hawkeye. Great fun, especially for comics fans. Bonuses: Artwork gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
Shout Factory releases three kid-friendly titles: VR TROOPERS: SEASON ONE VOLUME ONE offers the freshman season of the 1994 series of three teenagers who gain the power to transform into superheroes: the VR Troopers, who have been chosen to defeat the evil Grimlord. 26 episodes on three discs. BIG BAD BEETLEBORGS SEASON ONE VOLUME ONE is sparked by three kids exploring Charterville’s haunted Hillhurst Mansion on a dare, only to discover a wild, wacky creature named Flabber, who grants their wish to become superheroes. 27 episodes on 3 discs. TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS features the Transformers performing good deeds off the coast of Maine, teaming with a family of first responders. All titles should please the little ones in your house. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.