Picture
Picture
Picture

Every once in awhile, I get a hankering for a little mini "cinema as art" festival (I'm sure the French have a term for it). Usually the mood strikes me after enduring something traumatically Hollywood, like Scooby-Doo. It was very fortuitous, then, that my need for this kind of cultural uplift happened to coincide with the arrival of a package of discs from Wellspring Media – one of the preeminent purveyors of art flicks on DVD. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying all of the flicks in their own way… No small feat. My mini-marathon began with an intriguing Otto Fassbinder film, The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant (Wellspring, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), whose themes dwell on the depths of jealousy and dependency. A heady start, I know. Next came Girls Can't Swim (Wellspring, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), which examines the complex – and to the male mind, befuddling – social interactions between two-teenage girls coming of age, when friendship is tested by approaching adulthood… with some shocks added to the mix. Needing a little testosterone, I next moved to a flick starring James Duval (Donnie Darko) named Doe Boy (Wellspring, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP). Duval plays a half Cherokee afflicted with hemophilia (a "White Man's disease") who earns his father's disappointment as a boy by accidentally killing a doe on a hunting trip – seen as a sign of misfortune. The rest of the film deals with – you guessed it –his coming-of-age. Margarita Happy Hour (Wellspring, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP) deals with a group of "disreputable" women who meet in the late afternoon to drink and bitch about their lives. Seriously – and I liked it more than I thought it would. Last up was The Next Best Thing (Wellspring, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP) which, thankfully, was a bit more lighthearted – about a down on his luck artist who gets swept up into a glorious scam, replete with a new identity, a blossoming career, and the terrible fear of being "found out" just as everything is happening for him. So there you go – my little "run of quality". It's back to the salt mines, now…

Picture
Picture

(Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

Words cannot describe how much I dig the (long-awaited) DVD release of the documentary Chuck Jones: Extremes & Inbetweens. In a nutshell, it's a tribute to the art and genius of Chuck Jones – one of the men responsible for the golden age of Warner Bros animation. Whether it be Daffy Duck going up against Marvin the Martian, Bugs outsmarting both Elmer and Daffy during Rabbit Season, a peculiar dancing frog, the amorous quests of Pepe le Pew, or the futile pursuit of one Wile E. Coyote – the man behind it all was Chuck Jones. Not only is the documentary wonderful, but the bonus features on the DVD include additional interviews, pencil tests, and the shorts "Duck Dodgers in the 24th ½ Century" and "Feed the Kitty" (both of which have been completely remastered… perhaps in anticipation of Warner Cartoon DVDs? One can only hope).

Picture
Picture

(Dark Horse, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP)

Destination Mars! is an amazingly well-done spoof of any schlocky 50's sci-fi film/serial/TV show you care to remember. From the cheesy sets to the even cheesier acting (not to mention the Swiss cheese scripts), this parody lampoons them all to wonderful effect. The DVD also contains a 12-minute mockumentary on the making of Destination Mars! – as if your head wasn't spinning enough.

Picture
Picture

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

To say that director Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law is a unique picture is an understatement. When you have a cast that consists of John Lurie, Roberto Benigni and Tom Waits (yes… Tom Waits) – three men whom fate lands in a Louisiana prison – wouldn't you call it unique? What you get, as the viewer, is a Beat fable, wrapped in a post-modern fairytale, smothered in idiosyncrasies. Aw heck… Check it out and see for yourself. The two-disc set contains an audio commentary with Jarmusch, interviews, music videos, press conference footage, trailers, and photo galleries.

Picture
Picture

(Warner Bros, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Eight Legged Freaks is a good ol' fashioned big monster movie in the tradition of THEM! and Tremors. So, basically, don't expect a thinking man's movie. What you should expect are monstrously hug mutated spiders (thanks to toxic waste, of course) who terrorize an isolated town full of stereotypes, a select few of whom are chosen by fate to stand up to the big baddies. If you want a dumb fun good time, pick it up. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with David Arquette and director Ellory Elkayem, an alternate ending, additional scenes, spider trivia, "Larger Than Life" (the director's original short film that inspired the movie), and the theatrical trailer.

Picture
Picture

(Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

If there's one surprise in the documentary Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer, it's that Gene Kelly is actually a pretty dang fascinating performer. For years, I easily dismissed him as "they guy who dances" in film classics like Singin' in the Rain and Anchors Aweigh (amongst many, many others). So, it was with some surprise, that I discovered how much of a professional everyman Kelly actually was – a man dedicated to his craft and his performance, often fighting for quality. And hey – he hosted The Muppet Show. That makes him aces in my book.

Picture
Picture

(Rhino, Not Rated, DVD-$59.95 SRP)

Before the Iron Giant, there was Gigantor. Operate via remote control by young Jimmy Sparks, the son of his creator, Gigantor flew into battle, defending the Earth against aliens and other giant robots. Can you tell this is a Japanese cartoon? What makes this such a classic are the unique, often cinematic camera angles used in the animation – that and the fact that it premiered in the mid-60's. The Gigantor box-set contains all 26 black & white episodes from the very first season, newly remastered from the 16mm prints. Bonus materials include an interview with director/writer/producer Fred Ladd, an interview with anime historian Fred Patten (from Animation World Magazine), a director's commentary for the "Spider Series" (Episodes 3 and 5), photo gallery, and Manga Max Magazine's "Renegade Master" (on Gigantor's creator, Mitsuteru Yokoyama.

Picture
Picture

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

They say war is hell, but it's often the case that military life can be trying in either war or peace. Maybe that's why Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp resonates so much. In it, we follow the life of an exemplary British soldier, Clive Candy (Roger Livesy) – seeing how his career, and his life, are affected by romance, three wars, age, and encroaching obsolescence. As far as bonus features go, there's an audio commentary with director Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a making-of, and photo galleries.

Picture
Picture

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

A&E has produced a pretty spiffy little adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's tale of The Lost World that manages to remain pretty darn faithful to the source material without being disastrously slavish. It doesn't hurt that it stars Bob Hoskins (as Professor Challenger) and Peter Falk – and whoever thought of that team deserves a medal. The two-disc anamorphic DVD set includes two bonus documentaries ("The Making of The Lost World" and "Dinosaur Secrets Revealed"), cast bios, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle bio and bibliography.

Picture
Picture

(Columbia/Tristar, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

In re-watching the first season of this Paul Reiser/Helen Hunt sitcom about the idiosyncrasies of marriage, it actually is more consistently funny than I remember it being. My memory is that it really didn't kick in until the second season – which is not to say that there aren't some rough edges here. The comedic chemistry between Reiser and Hunt is the true star of the show (which made the final seasons so painful, when they attempted to add overly dramatic elements). There are absolutely no features, and all 22 episodes are contained on two discs.

Picture
Picture

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP)

Every once in awhile, a show comes along that disrupts the status quo – either through sheer genius or unadulterated incompetence. Malcolm in the Middle is a work of genius. Filmed with a single camera and sans a laugh track, the quirky humor of this completely functional dysfunctional family sitcom (say that ten times fast) plays like a movie. Despite all of the attention that has been paid to Jane Kazmarek's over-the-top performance as the kids overpowering mother, the true highlight of the family is Bryan Cranston's father, Hal – a delightful doofus who loves his family dearly, but is clearly at a loss when it comes to understanding his life. This three-disc set contains all 16 first season episodes ( Malcolm was a mid-season replacement), as well as audio commentaries, original openings ( for the episodes "Red Dress", "Krelboyne Picnic", "Funeral", and "The Bots And The Bees"), deleted scenes (for the episodes "Sleepover", "Stockcar Races", "Smunday", and "Krelboyne Picnic"), a very nicely done making-of documentary "Malcolm in the Middle: A Stroke of Genius", season 1 gag reel, season 1 promos, "Malcolm Vision" (about the problems with HD presentation for the show). "Behind The Middle" featurette, a preview of Season 2, and the rather fun "Dewey's Day Job: A Portrait of Erik Per Sullivan" featurette.

Picture
Picture

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$32.95 SRP)

I still remember how much I enjoyed watching the very first (and purest) iteration of MTV's reality series workhorse, The Real World. Maybe it was because that cast – seven strangers living in a New York  loft in the early 90's – weren't as media savvy as later casts. Maybe it was because they were such interesting people. Either way, I still remember the tribulations of Julie, Heather, Becky, Andre, Kevin, Eric, and Norman with great affection… Which is probably why I watched the DVD release of all 13 episodes of that season in one marathon sitting. Yes, I was engrossed… It's rather insidious, really. Maybe there's a help line. The 2-disc DVD set contains a stand-alone audio commentary with series co-creator Jon Murray and the original pilot episode (shot to sell the network on the concept). 

Picture
Picture

(MGM/UA, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

If there are two arts that Hollywood seems to have lost, it's farce and political comedy. Both of those elements are vital components of The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming. Produced in 1961, the story concerns a Soviet submarine that runs aground off the coast of New England. The sub's commander, Lt. Rozanov (Alan Arkin), is eager to get his crew and his vessel out of there as quickly as possible, fearing the local populace may panic. Panic does ensue, however, leading to a confrontation between Rozanov, the local sheriff and his deputy (Brian Keith & Jonathan Winters), the VFW, a writer (Carl Reiner) and his family, and the rest of the small little coastal town. What's fascinating about the film is that it was released near the Cuban Missile Crisis, but presented the Soviets as – shock of shocks – human beings. In fact, the film was actually screened in Moscow, where Muscovites were surprised at the level of freedom that filmmakers had in the US. The anamorphic DVD contains a 29 minute interview with director Norman Jewison (which is pretty much a combination making-of and audio commentary) and the film's original theatrical trailer.

Picture
Picture

(Home Vision, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

In this age of grand evils, it's almost shocking to watch this documentary. Maybe it's because the evil in question was perpetrated by a man who, on camera, looks to be the very model of mediocrity. The man in question is Lieutenant Colonel SS, Adolf Eichmann – the man responsible for the expulsion and deportation to Death Camps of millions of Jews, Gypsies, and Slovenians from the Reich between 1938 and 1941. After the war, he hid in Argentina – but was captured and brought to trial in 1961 – one of the first such events recorded on video for the entire world to see. The picture of evil presented in this film is shocking by its very insidiousness - wrapped in plain, almost nondescript shell. The DVD contains an interview with the filmmakers, an excerpt from the book "In Praise of Disobedience", and the film's trailer.

Picture
Picture

(Paramount, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

I was quite leery when I heard that Ben Affleck would be taking over the role of Tom Clancy protagonist Jack Ryan (a role whose lineage includes Alec Baldwin and Harrison Ford). Maybe it's because I just couldn't envision the rather young Affleck in a role that seemed to be characterized by its world-weary approach to international problems. Surprisingly, though, Affleck does an admirable job. Unfortunately, the film falls apart in the script – a melodramatic affair that rarely, if ever, shines. One of the most powerful scenes occurs early on, however, when a nuclear bomb is detonated during the Super Bowl – a horrific sight, especially in this day and age. The goal behind the blast is a terrorist plan to provoke a war between the US and Russia… So who's left to stop that from happening? Jack Ryan, of course. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Phil Alden Robinson and Tom Clancy, an audio commentary with Robinson and cinematographer John Lundley, a making-of featurette, a special effects featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

Picture
Picture

(Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$99.98 SRP)

I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that the first season of Babylon 5 is great… mainly because, frankly, it's not. It's terribly uneven and a bit hard-going at first. However, the stories began a marked increase in quality during the later part of this season, setting up the 5-year arc of what is arguably one of the finest sci-fi series to ever grace the airwaves. The show's strongest suit – clearly evident even in those awkward opening episodes – is its phenomenal (and I mean PHENOMENAL) cast. The true highlights are the interactions between bitter ambassadorial rivals G'Kar and Londo – played by Andreas Katsulas and Peter Jurasik. The pilot episode "The Gathering" is not included (it was released on DVD alongside the prequel movie "In the Beginning"), so you'll have to pick that up separately (Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)… but it's worth it. If you never experienced Babylon 5, let this be your introduction – just keep in mind that it does get a remarkably better after a rough start. If you're already a fan, then I'm kind-of preaching to the choir here, aren't I? Best of all, all 22 episodes (spanning 6 discs) are presented in anamorphic widescreen (yay!). As far as extras go, there are two commentaries from series creator J. Michael Straczynski (on the episodes "Signs and Portents" and "Chrysalis"), a making-of documentary (from the first season, hosted by Walter Koenig), the brand new "Back to Babylon 5" retrospective documentary (which I wish could have been longer and included more participants), a station tour, data featurettes on the universe of Babylon 5, and episode previews.

Picture
Picture

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated R, DVD-$27.96 SRP)

"Coming of Age" is a genre that, to be perfectly honest, I'm quite sick of. They're either cloying, boring, or full of a desperate attempt at being "significant". That predisposition may be why The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys surprised me, because it's none of those. Maybe that's because it's particular tale – about a pair of Catholic School boys (Kieran Culkin & Emile Hirsch) who plot the ultimate prank (through comic-book inspired daydreams) while evading the watchful eye of Sister Assumpta (Jodie Foster). The daydreams of the two boys, Tim and Francis, are interrupted when a girl (Jena Malone) enters the picture, leading Francis to begin his growth into adulthood while straining his relationship with Tim. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Peter Care screenwriter Jeff Stockwell, an audio commentary on the animated sequences with animation producer Todd McFarlane, the Sundance Channel's "Anatomy of a Scene", featurette, deleted scenes, interviews with the cast and filmmakers, TV spots, bios, and the theatrical trailer.

Picture
Picture

(Warner Bros, Rated PG, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

I've said it before and I'll say it again – I love The Powerpuff Girls. It's still one of the best written and designed animated shows to ever grace the airwaves, and their feature film debut lives up to the promise of those TV adventures. A major stumbling block for these TV-to-Film adaptations often comes from an inability to fully utilize the expanded scope a movie requires from the story, but the PPG movie delivers a more-than-satisfying experience by telling the story of the girls' creation and early disastrous misadventures before tackling their greatest enemy – the simian with delusions of grandeur, Mojo Jojo. My one regret from the DVD presentation is that, for some unfathomable reason, Warners chose to release the film in Pan & Scan. Hopefully, they'll rectify the mistake (Willy Wonka, anyone? You'd thing they'd learn…). As far as bonus features go, the DVD contains an audio commentary with creator/director Craig McCracken, cast interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, character commentaries, trailer, Cartoon Network sneak peeks, and the Dexter's Lab cartoon "Chicken Scratch".

Picture
Picture

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$28.96 SRP)

I re-watched it on DVD, and my initial impressions from the theatrical run were confirmed – this film really, really sucks. They got the costume right, but that was about it. Mediocre writing, poor acting (save for Willem Dafoe and James Franco, who seemed eager to escape their celluloid purgatory), lousy cinematography, and uninspired direction all helped to create a massive disappointment that has no excuse for being as wretched as it is. Don't even get me started on the Green Ranger… er… Goblin. And people actually made this one of the highest-grossing films of all time. I hate, and greatly pity, you all. The anamorphic 2-dsic DVD set contains "Weaving TheWeb" subtitled factoids (pop-up production notes and historical facts) an audio commentary (with director Sam Raimi, star Kirsten Dunst, producer Laura Ziskin and co-producer Grant Curtis), a SFX commentary with John Dykstra, branching Web-i-Sodes featurettes, music videos (Chat Kroeger featuring Josey Scott "Hero" and Sum 41's "What We're All About"), TV spots, theatrical trailers (but not the WTC trailer), filmographies, character files, the HBO making of "Spider-Man", the E! Entertainment special "Spider Mania", director/composer profiles, screen tests, costume and makeup tests, outtake reel, conceptual art & production design gallery, "Spider-Man: The Mythology Of The 21st Century" documentary (featuring comic creators), "Spider-Man" comic archives, rogues gallery, "The Loves Of Peter Parker" profiles, comic book artist photo gallery, and Activision game hints and tips.

Picture
Picture

Before The West Wing stole his attention, Aaron Sorkin created what still stands as one of the finest dramatic comedies (and yes, I mean that) ever to grace the boob tube. Ostensibly about the behind-the-scenes madness at a cable sports news show, Sports Night really shone as a character piece (and with actors like Felicity Huffman, Josh Charles, Peter Krause, and Robery Guillaume, it's not hard to see why). What's great about Sports Night: The Complete Series (Buena Vista, $59.99 SRP) is that it collects both season of the show across its six discs (the show was cancelled after its second season). While there are no bonus features to speak of, it's nice to have such a remarkable show all in one place without the hassle of waiting for another release. In addition to Sports Night, Buena Vista has also released the complete first seasons of cult favorites Felicity and Once And Again ($59.99 SRP each) – two shows that were finally finding their voices when the axe fell.

Picture
Picture

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$134.99 SRP)

I will give Paramount a big thumbs-up on one thing – when a majority of studios have been trickling out their TV material with few series even getting a season 2 release yet, Par has been consistently – and quickly – releasing the entirety of Star Trek: The Next Generation on DVD. Here we are up to Season 5 already, and the final set will be out before the new year. That's FAST. ST:TNG Season 5 contains, overall, a pretty darn good grab bag of episodes. Sure, there are clunkers galore – but that's just the nature of trek. So what are the highlights this go round? First off, there's the two-part "Unification", which brings TOS's Mr. Spock into the 24th century, as he works towards bringing the Romulans and Vulcans together. As if that doesn't perk you up, there's the time traveling con man played by Matt Frewer in the episode "A Matter of Time", a one-on-one encounter with a Borg named Hugh in "I, Borg", the time travel mystery of "Cause and Effect", and we even get Mark Twain in the season finale, "Time's Arrow Part I".  For anyone who's picked up the previous sets, the bonus features are pretty much standard (which is not to say that they aren't nicely put together). Features include the "Mission Overview: Year Five" featurette, "Departmental Briefing: Year Five" featurettes on "Production" and "Visual Effects", "Memorable Missions: Year Five" featurette, and a very nicely done "Tribute to Gene Roddenberry". My big disappointment? No audio commentaries. Hopefully this will be rectified in next year's Deep Space Nine releases.

Picture
Picture

(Fox, Not Rated, $149.98 SRP)

If your tastes (or the tastes of the person you're shopping for) tend to skew a bit into Sci-Fi, then there's always the X-Files Season 6 box-set. Season 6 was an interesting year for the show – it was circling the shark, but hadn't yet jumped it (it would eventually do backflips and somersaults over the shark as the end approached). Season 6 contains some of my favorite episodes of the series, including the time-tripping Hitchcockian coolness of "Triangle", the holiday episode "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" (with Ed Asner & Lily Tomlin as the devilish spirits in question), and the two-part "Dreamland" – featuring the body-swapping of Mulder and Man in Black Michael McKean. The fact that Season 6 is presented in anamorphic widescreen certainly makes for a nice treat as well. Fox has also upped the ante when it comes to bonus materials, featuring two audio commentaries (with Chris Carter on "Triangle" and Kim Manners on "Milagro"). Other bonus features include behind-the-scenes documentaries, promos, special effects deconstructions, and much more.

Picture
Picture

(Touchstone, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

I can't even begin to imagine what the pitch meeting was like for this movie, but I'm sure it went something like this… "See, we've got a special CIA agent played by Chris Rock who's killed in the middle of a nuclear arms negotiation. The CIA then recruits his clueless, street smart twin brother – played by Chris Rock – to replace him. And his handler in the CIA is Anthony Hopkins. And Joel Shumacher can direct it. And… you know… It'll be funny with lots of action." Ah, how quickly the best intentions come crashing down into a steaming mess – and that's exactly what this movie is. Try as they might, neither Hopkins nor a surprisingly restrained Rock can lift the material much higher than its roots as a schlocky formula piece that relies on the good ol' "personality clash but then mutual respect blossoms" film we've come to know all too well. The anamorphic DVD contains a behind-the-scenes feature with cast interviews.

Picture
Picture

(Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

Yes, this is one of Disney's lackluster direct-to-video sequels that go a long way towards tarnishing loving memories of the original film from which its derived. Sadly, this is a movie that was quite popular when it was released on VHS a few years back, so is it any wonder that it's getting the DVD treatment so close to the holidays? As far as special features go, the DVD contains a behind-the-scenes featurette, music video, "Enchanted Environment", and a game.

Picture
Picture

(Anchor Bay, Not Rated, DVD-$89.98 SRP)

Highlander has never been one of those premiere franchises that just cry out "this is a quality product." No, you turn to the Highlander films and TV series because you just wanted some good ol' fashioned schlock that has the thin veneer of quality (heck, they got Sean Connery for the flicks). In revisiting the first season of the Highlander TV series on DVD, I was reminded of just how goofy the entire franchise is - especially when it takes itself deadly serious. The 9-disc set contains all 22 episodes, plus original series promos, interviews, character profiles, watcher chronicles, and – best of all – bloopers.

Picture
Picture

(New Line, Rated PG-13, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

Though I have many issues with the film itself, I can – without a doubt – state that The Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Expanded Edition is the most well-produced set to ever hit DVD. Ever. Spanning four discs, the supplemental materials alone are worth the price of admission. Before I get to those, however, first there are the discs 1 & 2, which contain the expanded cut of the film (adding almost 30 minutes – mainly character moments – back into the piece). While Tolkein fans (and fans of the film) will not doubt delight in these additions, I was enthralled by the audio commentaries – all four of them. By far my favorite is the cast commentary, populated with Hobbits (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, & Dominic Monaghan – recorded together), Wizards (Ian McKellen & Christopher Lee), Humans (Viggo Mortensen & Sean Bean), Elves (Orlando Bloom & Liv Tyler), and a Dwarf (John Rhys-Davies). The anecdotes come fast and furious (as does the humor), and by far the most interesting participant is Christopher Lee (who knew he was a Tolkein nut?). Following close on its heels is the Director/Writers track, featuring Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillipa Boyens. It's fascinating to hear their take on the difficulties of adapting –and filming – such a huge epic. For the purely technical-minded, there are the commentaries featuring the Design team and the Production team. Discs 3 & 4 are the labeled as the appendices, but they contain some of the most remarkably well-done documentaries I have ever seen produced for a film. Every single aspect of the production is addressed – from pre-production to editing – with no aspect getting short-changed. These documentaries top even the quality work seen on the Pixar-produced discs. If the DVDs for The Two Towers and Return of the King are even half as good, I await them with bated breath.

Picture
Picture

(Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98)

No one likes to be bored during the holidays, and nothing cures boredom more than popping in DVD after DVD of your favorite TV shows as the gray skies outside unleash their bitter cold. If laughter is the game, then you can do no better than to focus your sights on South Park: The Complete First Season - especially if you've become hooked again after watching the new episodes currently airing on Comedy Central. All 13 of those first season Episodes are contained in the set (including Trey Parker and Matt Stone's introductions from the original DVD releases), as well as the "South Park Thanksgiving Short" from The Tonight Show, the boys' presentation from the 1997 CableACE Awards, on-air promos, and the "O Holy Night" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" music videos. What isn't included on the set – but is easily obtainable via Comedy Central's website – is the audio commentary Parker & Stone recorded for every episode (as to why it's available separately, let's just say there were some "issues"). Luckily, it's very easy to obtain, and makes the set a beautiful gift for any loved one who'd like to see Kenny die, old school.

Picture
Picture

(Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

I have a real soft spot in my heart when it comes to anything Winnie the Pooh. It's a blindspot that leads back to a childhood steeped in the denizens of the Hundred Acre Wood, so even when the Pooh product is subpar treacle – as it is in this release – I still feel a certain warmth towards my old friends. Kids, I'm sure, will eat this release up – in which Winnie and friends celebrate Christmas and New Year's – even while adults long for the much better product of yore. The DVD contains a "New Year's Eve Party" countdown, a sing-along feature, "Covered in Snow" game, and an interactive "Enchanted Environment".

Picture
Picture

(Artisan, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

The DVD release of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross has been a long – and I do mean LONG – time coming. Who'd have thought you could set a potbolier in – of all places – a real estate office? Mamet does, to excellent effect, setting the stage for a tale of a trio of salesman – two of whom are down on their luck, while one is on a hot streak. The front office decides to hold back sales reports until the two "losers" prove themselves… but then the leads get stolen, leaving everybody in the lurch and tempers running high. Where the film really shines (apart from a wonderful script) is in its cast – Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, and Jonathan Pryce. I'm sorry, but that lineup alone is incredibly cool. The two-disc anamorphic set includes an audio commentary with director James Foley, interviews, "A.B.C. (Always Be Closing)" documentary, a tribute to Jack Lemmon, and production notes.

Picture
Picture

(Touchstone, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

In a world that has seen the return of dragons – horrible creatures that eat ash and breed like bunnies – pockets of humanity are all that are left in the year 2020. The world is a barren ruin, and it looks like humanity will go the way of the dragon's previous victims, the dinosaurs. One of those aforementioned pockets is in what used to be the English countryside, headquartered in an old castle and led by a man named Quinn (Christian Bale), who was there when the first dragon was uncovered during a London tunnel project when he was only 12. Content to try and stave off the dragons and slowly try to rebuild, Quinn's applecart is upturned when a brash American militia leader named Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey) shows up with his band of "dragonslayers". What follows is an often bleak, incredibly atmospheric, and often exciting roller-coaster ride of a flick that's well worth checking out. The anamorphic DVD contains a "Breathing Life Into Terror" making-of featurette, "If You Can't Stand The Heat" featurette, "Conversations with director Rob Bowman" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

Picture
Picture

(Columbia Music Video, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

He may be fueled by spring water and not drugs now, but the Robin Williams on display in this year's Robin Williams Live on Broadway is just as incredibly funny as the Robin from the late 70's and early 80's. The manic energy is still there, as is the rapid-fire comedy Tourett's we've all come to know and love from our hairy, foul-mouthed king of American comedy. For over 90 minutes, Williams bounces from topic to topic with ADD precision. What can I say? Watch it and laugh your ass off. The DVD contains an interview with director Marty Callner (conducted by Williams), a brief glimpse of Robin backstage before the program (joking with crew and consuming water like a fiend), a short "Noises" featurette (that I can't even begin to describe), and a wonderful "Easter Egg".

Picture
Picture

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$99.95 SRP)

Who'd have thought that the history of Britain would be so fascinating? I'm a bit of a history nut, so that might have had something to do with it – but I suspect it had more to do with my recent viewing of Lord of the Rings (Tolkein was very keen on creating a mythology for Britain with his works). A History of Britain chronicles England's past, from the dawn of civilization to the 20th century. Not content to be a tiresome rehash of boring timelines and stale facts, this unique miniseries is a breath of fresh air – choosing instead to bring the personalities and events behind the history to life. Hey – it drew me in… And considering it's a 15-part series, that's saying an awful lot.

Picture
Picture

(Fox, Rated PG, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

If you were to cross The Land Before Time, A Bug's Life, and an old Warner Bros cartoon – then mix thoroughly in a blender – you'd probably get Ice Age. As the world's climate begins to cool and the ice sheets stretch out across the land, a group of migrating animals attempt to reunite a human baby with his tribe. Did I mention that hijinks ensue? Fast and funny, Ice Age endeared itself to me right off the bat by having better design and animation than Shrek (which is really not that hard). The two disc set contains the film in both anamorphic widescreen and pan & scan, an audio commentary with director Chris Wedge and co-director Carlos Saldanha, interactive games, the all-new animated short "Scrat's Adventure" (which is a hoot), "Behind the Scenes of Ice Age" HBO special, 8 deleted scenes with optional commentary, 6 production featurettes, "The Making of Ice Age" documentary, scene specific commentary with Sid (John Leguizamo), 3 interactive animation studies, international clips, promos spots, the Oscar winning short "Bunny" (with optional commentary), the theatrical teaser, and the full theatrical trailer.

Picture
Picture

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$129.95 SRP)

The wonderfully executed adaptations of P.G. Wodehouse's tales of daffy upperclassman Wooster (Hugh Laurie) and his unflappable manservant Jeeves (Stephen Fry) have been released in their entirety as a 8-disc box-set, featuring all 23 episodes . Meddling aunts, romantic entanglements, hopeless friends, annoyingly unexpected guests, and his unfortunately limited intellect conspire to upset poor Bertie Wooster, and he's surely drown in a sea of lunacy if not for Jeeves. Each of the episodes is a true gem in both writing and execution, bolstered by the amazing comedic talents of Laurie and Fry. The set contains a P.G. Wodehouse bio/filmography.

Picture
Picture

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP)

You know – all these years later – Audrey Hepburn is still incredibly cute. Okay, I'm sure she won the Oscar for her performance, but she could have won it on looks alone. Hepburn stars as a princess rebelling against her restrictive obligations. While exploring Rome, she encounters an American newspaperman (Gregory Pecks) who feigns ignorance of her true identity in hopes of landing a big story – but winds up falling in love instead. A fun and funny romantic comedy that holds up even today. Thankfully, Paramount has graced this release with a very nice restoration (on par with their restored Sunset Boulevard). Bonus features include the "Remembering Roman Holiday" featurette, "Edith Head: The Paramount Years" featurette, "Restoring Roman Holiday" featurette, photo galleries, and trailers.

Picture
Picture

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

A&E's collection of Roger Moore's pre-Bond adventure thriller The Saint concludes with the release of Set 7 (containing Volumes 13 & 14). The Saint isn't great TV, but it's most definitely fun TV – and really, isn't that more important? There's just something about a debonair hero who drives a white Volvo that's tremendously appealing to the 60's kitsch fan in me. More than that, though, is actually seeing Roger Moore in his prime… If only he could have played Bond at this age. The set contains the final 7 episodes spanning 2 discs, the original broadcast trailers, Roger Moore bio/filmography, history of The Saint, and a production still gallery.

Picture
Picture

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

On the eve of the big Hollywood remake directed by Steven Soderbergh (and starring George Clooney) comes Criterion's top-notch release of Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky's mind-numbing original. I honestly never thought I'd ever find a science fiction flick that hurt my brain more than 2001, but Solaris accomplishes that goal in spades. To be even more completely honest with you, I really don't know how to summarize this movie except to say it is - at the same time - both the most emotional and most frigid piece of sci-fi I've ever seen, exploring the mind of man and the depths of love. The two-disc anamorphic DVD set includes an audio commentary from Tarkovsky scholars Vida Johnson and Graham Petrie, nine deleted and alternate scenes, video interviews (with actress Natalya Bondarchuk, cinematographer Vadim Yusov, art director Mikhail Romadin, and composer Eduard Artemyev), a documentary excerpt with Solaris author Stanislaw Lem, and essays on the film (by Akira Kurosawa and Phillip Lopate).

Picture
Picture

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP)

The cinematic merits of Sunset Boulevard are well-established – it's simply one of finest films ever made. So no, I'm not going to concentrate on what is already a given. What I will concentrate on, however, is the absolutely beautiful restoration that was done to this almost 50 year-old film. In fact, it rivals the miraculous job that Warners did on Citizen Kane last year. Not only do we get a snazzy picture, but we also get a bona fide special edition DVD containing an audio commentary with Ed Sikov (author of "On Sunset Boulevard: The Life and Times of Billy Wilder"), a making-of documentary, "Edith Head – The Paramount Years" featurette, "The Music of Sunset Boulevard" featurette, photo galleries, the "Morgue" prologue, Hollywood location map, and trailer.

Picture

Tibby's Bowl Entertainment Magazine copyright 2002 by Kenneth Plume. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without permission is prohibited. All articles, stories, and columns contained within are copyright their respective authors.