(MGM/UA, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Barbershop is a fun flick – simple as that. In the spirit of Ice Cube's Friday series, it's a witty and warm look at a neighborhood barbershop owned by Calvin (Cube), whose dreams of entrepreneurship don't include the family shop. He sells it to a local loan shark, but soon regrets his decision – and tries everything in his power to get the barbershop back. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with the director, producers, and writer), 4 behind the scenes featurettes, deleted scenes with director's commentary, bloopers and outtakes, an interactive game, music video, behind-the-scenes photo gallery, and trailer.

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

Two young men enlist the aid of a woman they both desire in order to help them rob her own home. That, in a nutshell, is the story behind Jean-Luc Godard's classic gangster tale with a romantic – and melancholy – twist. It's also the latest film to be given the Criterion treatment, a treatment I really shouldn't have to explain again – but I will anyway, because they do such an incredible job. First up is a beautiful new transfer which is the best this film has ever looked. Special features include interview excerpts with Godard, rare behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with Raoul Coutard and Anna Karina, Agnes Varda's silent comedy Les Fiances du Pont Mac Donald (featuring Godard and members of the Outsiders cast), two theatrical trailers (including Godard's original), and a sixteen page booklet.

(Universal, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

I have to admit – in all honesty – that this was one of my favorite flicks as a kid (and yes – you read that right). I don't know if it was because of the musical numbers, the humor, Dolly Parton's… assets… or because it co-starred Dom Deluise and Gomer Pyle. Whatever the reasons behind it, I've always had a special place in my heart for the "based on a true story" tale of the Texas Chicken Ranch – so-named because men would pay with chickens during the depression. I kid you not. Either way, it's great to have this flick on DVD with a nice anamorphic widescreen transfer (oddly enough for a musical, it was shot in scope). The DVD also includes the original making-of featurette from 1982, outtakes, and the theatrical trailer.

(Universal, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

Speaking of guilty pleasures, here's another one that fits nicely into that category. Cheech Marin (who also wrote and directed) plays Rudy, a native of Los Angeles, who goes to a toy factory to pick up his cousin (played by Paul Rodriguez). Unfortunately, the INS stages a raid at the same time, picking up Rudy as an illegal – the fact that he forgot his wallet at home doesn't help matters. Deported over the border, Rudy tries to find a way back home. Not the funniest flick in the world, but the end of the film alone is worth the price of admission.

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP)

Although it hit its stride during year two, the third season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is when the show was really firing on all cylinders. It wouldn't be hyperbole on my part to call it the best season so far, either… I mean, you had the introduction of the dark slayer Faith, the Scooby's final year of high school, the introduction of Anya, Giles and Joyce Summers going at it in the episode "Band Candy", the introduction of Wesley Wyndam-Price as Buffy's new watcher, and the impact of the Jonathan episode "Earshot". Oh yeah – best of all – it featured the greatest Buffy villain ever… The Mayor (played full-tilt by Harry Groener). It seems to be taking Fox forever to churn out these box sets (the UK is already up to Season 5 on DVD), but maybe the anticipation factor makes it seem longer than it really is… Although I doubt it. Still, the final result was well worth the wait, especially with the special features -  scripts (for the episodes "Faith, Hope and Trick", "Band Candy script", "Lover's Walk", and "The Wish") commentaries (on the episodes "Helpless", "Bad Girls", "Consequences", and "Earshot"), "Season 3 Overview" featurette, "Buffy Speak" featurette, "Special Effects" featurette, "Weapons" featurette, "Wardrobe" featurette, gallery, and cast biographies.

(Universal, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

CB4 plays like a long neglected comedy gem – a brilliant parody of the gangsta rap movement of the early 90's, played with gusto. Speaking of gusto, Chris Rock plays MC Gusto, leader of the hot new rap group CB4 ("Cell Block 4"), a trio living high on the success of their hardcore albums. However, their glory days run into trouble from two directions – an opportunistic politician (Phil Hartman) and a corny documentary filmmaker (Chris Elliott), who finds out that the supposed thugs are actually three respectable middle-class kids. Definitely a flick worth rediscovering. The anamorphic DVD contains a music video and the theatrical trailer.

(Fox, Rated R, DVD-$27.98 SRP)

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this film. I had heard all the accolades… how Jennifer Aniston turned in a remarkable performance (I thought she's been wasted in every film she's done except Office Space), that Jake Gyllenhaal (who helped make Donnie Darko the modern classic it is) was equally as good, and that the story was a compelling blend of humor and drama. Still, I had trouble getting my hopes up. Thankfully, the film lives up to all of those pronouncements. Aniston stars as 30 year-old Justine Last, who dreams of a life consisting of more than her dead-end job and lifeless husband (John C. Reilly). Her good-girl existence is put to the test when she falls for a young co-worker (Gyllenhaal), whose passion pulls Last out of her shell – with unexpected results. I hope Aniston continues to make more flicks like this (and less like Rock Star). The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Miguel Arteta and writer Mike White, an audio commentary with Aniston, 9 deleted scenes with optional commentary, a gag reel, and an alternate ending.

(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$26.99 SRP)

I was never a fan of Martin Lawrence's sitcom, and his forays into film (save for his co-starring turn with Eddie Murphy in Life) have left me cold. Where Lawrence always shone for me, though, was in his stand-up. It's been a long time coming, but this concert film perfectly captures the energy and incredible comedy that have been hidden since his hosting gig on Def Comedy Jam. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with director David Raynr, producer Michael Hubbard and executive producer Robert Lawrence), "Backstage Pass" featurette, "The Making of Runteldat" featurette, a deleted scene, and the theatrical trailer.

(MGM/UA, Rated PG-13, DVD-$14.95 SRP)

Nobody does the bard on film like Kenneth Branagh, even when it's one of his lesser efforts. Maybe it's because he's as faithful as possible without sacrificing entertainment value… personally, I think that his casting choices have a lot to do with it. In this, one of Shakespeare's comedies, Branagh pulls together Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, Emma Thompson, and Michael Keaton. For the ADD amongst you, let's just say that the plot revolves around love and war and the high cost of romance. The anamorphic DVD contains a making-of featurette and the original theatrical trailer.

(Fox, Not Rated, $59.98 SRP)

While watching the entire first season of The Shield, you'll probably be struck by the same thought I had – "Michael Chiklis deserved that Emmy". Chiklis stars as Vic Mackey, an LA cop that utilizes a corrupt system while fighting crime in the streets – think of it as Training Day: The Series. Like Dennis Franz's Detectives Buntz and Sipowicz before him, Chicklis' Mackey is a man of flexible morals that you can't help but a love… but in an incredibly guilty way. His charisma makes his evil horribly palatable, and therein lies the main appeal of The Shield – you can't help but be gripped by the force of the events that unfold on the screen, and the personalities that drive them. It's also nice that Fox has released the entire first season on DVD so quickly (all 13 episodes in a 4 disc box set) – just in time for Season 2, in fact. So catch up before the new season begins… you won't be sorry. Special features include an audio commentary on each episode, a featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes, a still gallery, and previews for season two.

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

When it was announced that ABC would be mounting a TV miniseries based on Stephen King's The Shining, many Stanley Kubrick fans were up in arms – "How could they remake a masterpiece? Sacrilege!" Obviously they'd never read the book. The film version of The Shining was a Stanley Kubrick film, and bore little more than a superficial resemblance to the central themes of King's novel. The TV miniseries, however, *is* King's novel – heck, the script was written by King himself. Running almost five hours, it's about as close as once can come to seeing the novel brought to life - and unlike past disappointments often associated with filmmakers' attempts to translate King to the screen, this one succeeds. That's largely due to three factors: King's script, the casting, and director Mick Garris (who also brought The Stand to TV sets in the early 90's). The DVD set is actually in anamorphic widescreen (Huzzah!) and contains an audio commentary (with Garris, King, Steven Weber, Cynthia Garris, and more) and 11 deleted scenes.

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

Signs is a maddening flick. Maybe that's because I find M. Knight Shyamalan to be a maddeningly egocentric filmmaker whose pretense often overrides his story sense. That ego came to the forefront in Unbreakable, a film that never engaged me – it was just *lifeless*. Signs, as a film, is all foreplay – it teases the audience with the tale of the rural Pennsylvanian Hess family, who wake up one morning to find an enormous crop circle in their backyard. Already reeling over the loss of his wife, Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) tries to wrap his brain around the appearance of this sign, as reports of similar circles around the world begins to flood the news. As the signs become a bit more tangible – and dangerous – Graham tries to defend his family against the unknown… an unknown that may be more dangerous than anyone suspects. But that's where the films fails the audience – nothing really happens. Shyamalan knows how to create atmosphere, but it's really all smoke and mirrors hiding an emptiness – sound and fury signifying nothing. If he ever learns to actually *do* something, he might be a storyteller to be reckoned with. The anamorphic DVD contains a six-part making-of, deleted scenes, storyboards, and M. Knight's first alien film.

(Universal, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Believe me – I'm just as shocked at you are that Hugh Grant has truly become an actor to be reckoned with. I thought his caddish turn in Bridget Jones's Diary might have been a fluke, but his performance in this film (and the currently in theaters Two Weeks Notice) blew me away. Here, Grant plays Will Lightman – a responsibility avoiding bachelor constantly on the prowl. His latest scheme is to pick up attractive single mothers by pretending to have a son. His plan backfires when one of his liasons introduces him to a hopelessly geeky 12 year-old whom Will tries to teach to be cool, leading to a hilarious set of circumstances. Soon, however, the boy begins to teach Will a thing or two about responsibility. Witty and unsaccharine, it's definitely worth checking out. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with directors Chris and Paul Weitz, deleted scenes with directors' commentaries, "Silent Sigh" & "Something To Talk About" music videos by Badly Drawn Boy, an English to English dictionary, "Santa's Super Sleigh" lyrics, and a making-of documentary.

(Universal, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Yes, this film is quite pleasant to look at. Of course, you realize I'm talking about the ocean, right? Right? Okay, even if you don't believe me, this film basically boils down to a buddy flick featuring three girlfriends living their surfing dream in Hawaii's North Shore. It's got beautiful surfing cinematography (right up there with the groundbreaking work on Big Wednesday) and three actresses that are amiable in both acting and visual quality. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director John Stockwell, audio commentary with the actors (Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sanoe Lake), behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes with director's commentary, a making-of featurette, "The Female Surfing Revolution" featurette, "Wipeout! The World Of Surfing" featurette, "If I Could Fall In Love" music video by Lenny Kravitz, surf fashion, "Inside the World of Surfing" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP each)

While a good many studios seem to be abandoning the principles that have made DVD such a joy for film lover's, Fox Home Entertainment has jumped into the deep end of the pool with a trio of discs that mark the premiere of their Studio Classics line: All About Eve, Gentleman's Agreement, and How Green was My Valley. Not only are these three titles bona fide film classics, they're also Best Picture Academy Award winners (for 1950, 1947, and 1941, respectively). Fox has pulled out all the stops by making these truly special editions, replete with brand new transfers (that put the original DVD releases of these film's to shame). All About Eve contains an audio commentary (with Celeste Holm, Christopher Mankiewicz, and Kenneth Geist), a second audio commentary with Sam Staggs (author of All About "All About Eve"), the AMC Backstory episode on the film, original interviews with Bette Davis and Ann Baxter, 4 Movietone Newsreels (showcasing the film's premiere and award shows), a restoration comparison, and the theatrical trailer. Gentleman's Agreement contains an audio commentary (with Celeste Holm, June Havoc, and film critic Richard Schickel), the AMC Backstory episode on the film, 2 Fox Movietone Newsreels, a still gallery, and the theatrical trailer. How Green Was My Valley contains an audio commentary (with Anna Lee Nathan and film historian Joseph McBride), the AMC Backstory episode on the film, a still gallery, and the theatrical trailer. It looks like Fox has committed themselves fully to this line, and I say more power to them. It's an excellent start.

(Warner Bros, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

In the annals of rap history (a history that is, alarmingly, far longer than my mind tells me it should be… I'm getting old), Krush Groove holds a place of honor. Why? Because it was the first film to legitimize rap as a rapidly burgeoning artform. As a film, it's okay – but the true delight in watching this flick are the artists assembled… Run-DMC, Sheila E, Beastie Boys, Chaka Khan, New Edition, and more. Whereas some studios might dump a catalogue title this in the market and run, Warner Bros has made a very nice special edition replete with an audio commentary (with star Blair Underwood, director Michael Schultz, and Source Magazine senior editor Brett Johnson), "Tender Love Live with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis", and the Krush Groove All Stars music video "Krush Groovin".

(Universal, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

In a world where The Man tries to keep brothers (and sisters) down, who do you call? Undercover Brother (Eddie Griffin), that's who. Backed by The Brotherhood – an agency dedicated to fighting The Man – Undercover Brother fights against the nefarious plans of The Man and his henchman, Mr. Feather (Chris Kattan). Their plans? In order to undermine the potential presidential run of well-respected General Boutwell (Billy Dee Williams), they've brainwashed him into abandoning his political aspirations and instead open a fried chicken chain. Will Undercover Brother and the Brotherhood succeed? Can Undercover Brother fend off the enticing evils of White She-Devil? Check out this incredibly witty spoof and find out. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Malcolm Lee, an audio commentary with Eddie Griffin, an alternate ending with director's commentary, deleted scenes with director's commentary, a making-of featurette, outtakes, "Undercova Funk" music video by Snoop Dogg, the original "Undercover Brother" animated shorts, classic quotes, music highlights, "Beat The Man" trivia challenge, and the theatrical trailer.

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

Every time another one of these Disney direct-to-video sequels hits, another piece of my childhood dies a horrible death. I don't know if it's the 50 cent storytelling or the nickel animation, but there's just no heart in these films. They all play like the crass money-grab they are – which it pains me to even think about. As a kid, I loved 101 Dalmatians, and to see its legacy come to this… Ugh. I suppose there are undiscerning kids who will eat up this pap – and it makes me pity the younger generation. The anamorphic DVD contains a behind-the-scenes featurette, "Thunderbolt: An Inside Look", music videos and a game.

(MGM/UA, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

When a good friend of mine mentioned that 24 Hour Party People was a flick I had to – HAD TO – watch, I was a bit doubtful. Telling the tale of the rise and fall of the pioneering Manchester record label The Factory – the company behind Joy Division and Happy Mondays – the film uses as its centerpiece the charismatic, and slightly daffy, head of the record label, Tony Wilson (played as a creature of Pythonesque beauty by Steve Coogan). Shot in a mockumentary style, I found myself loving it from minute one… It's absolutely brilliant. Keep an eye out for the man behind Gollum, Andy Serkis, as the larger-than-life mad professor, Martin Hannett. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Steve Coogan and producer Andrew Eaton, an audio commentary with the real Tony Wilson, 2 featurettes, and a photo gallery.

(Universal, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

In a year packed with a lot of crap trying to pass itself off as a spiritual successor to the Bond franchise (XXX comes to mind), this film was the only thing that even remotely resembled the panache and solid storytelling that I expect from a good thriller. Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne – a man pulled from the sea with two bullets in his back and no memory. He quickly discovers, however, that he is quite adept at some quite deadly skills. His search for a past leads him to an unexpected truth – he's an elite government agent, and a rather costly one at that. To the government, he's thirty million dollar weapon gone rogue – and they seek to eliminate what they perceive to be a very serious threat. As property, Bourne has no say in the matter… which isn't to say that he's not hell-bent on changing that particular outcome. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Matt Damon and director Doug Liman, an alternate ending with director's commentary. deleted scenes with director's commentary, a making-of featurette, "Extreme Ways" music video by Moby, and the theatrical trailer.

(Artisan, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

Prior to the launch of You Bet Your Life, Copacabana was the film that proved Groucho Marx could work as a solo act sans his brothers. Here, he stars as Carmen Miranda's agent in a hilarious comedy about mistaken (and false) identity, as he gets Carmen a job at the swanky Copacabana. Impressed with her act, the club's owner asks Groucho for more acts – and he proceeds to present them Miranda disguised as a different singer – the French "Mademoiselle Fifi". Things get a bit complicated when the club owner falls for Fifi, and Groucho must use every skill at his disposal to keep the con from being discovered.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

It's been called the UK's answer to Friends – and, in some respects, I can see that being a valid assumption. You've got a group of six friends whose love lives intermingle and they often meet at a drink establishment. But in truth, Coupling is a far different beast, often delving into the chaos of relationships with a far defter take than anything the group from Central Perk could handle. Maybe that's because the British public are a bit more open-minded when it comes to openly discussing the… intricacies… or relationships. Still, Coupling is worth checking out if you enjoy a good laugh, often at a joke that hits far too close to home (except the size-centric theory of "the sock gap", which I shall discuss no further). This disc collects the six episodes comprising the complete Series 1, and also contains behind-the-scenes interviews and cast bios.

(Artisan, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

The Magic Christian is – above all else – an incredibly trippy time capsule of psychedelic 60's filmmaking. To even attempt to describe its plot is a chore – something about the richest man in the world (Peter Sellers) who adopts, on a whim, an orphan he finds in the park (Ringo Starr). The two then go on madcap (and bewildering) adventures together. See… I told you it was baffling. The real reason to see it is for the cameos – John Cleese, Christopher Lee, Raquel Welch, Richard Attenborough, Roman Polanski, and Spike Milligan.

(New Line, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

If there's any one reason to watch S1MONE, it's to partake in the awesome glory of full-tilt Al Pacino… the Pacino that comes to the fore when the overdrive is engaged. I mean, you can't take your eyes off of him. As a film, S1MONE isn't as bad as the critics made it out to be, even if its analysis of the implications of a virtual performer who becomes a worldwide success tend to be a bit ham-fisted. Of course, it comes from the creator of The Truman Show, so that shouldn't be much of a surprise. Still, you've got to watch it for the Pacino Machine alone… Trust me. The anamorphic DVD contains "Cyber Stardom" featurette, "Simulating Simone" FX featurette, deleted scenes, and theatrical trailers.

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

Oscar Grubman (Aaron Stanford)is a 15 year-old kid who reads Voltaire and lusts after the maturity of older – and, to his mind, more sophisticated – women, with the main object of his desire being his stepmother (Sigourney Weaver). His infatuation get him in over his head when a 40-something year-old friend of the family (Bebe Neuwirth) takes him up on his desire, leading to a domino effect he never could have predicted. This a fun, funny flick that is a little bit slow to get into, but well worth the effort. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Gary Wincock.

(Paramount, PG-13, DVD-$26.99 SRP)

Based upon a real reconciliation meeting between John Lennon and Paul McCartney in New York one day in 1976, this fictionalized extrapolation deals with what exactly might have gone down between two estranged titans of rock and roll that were – first and foremost – friends. I was quite leery of this flick and avoided it when it originally appeared on VH1 a few years back. In reality, it's a wonderfully touching piece featuring amazing performances by Aidan Quinn and Jared Harris (as McCartney and Lennon). It's definitely worth checking out.

(Docurama, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

As the name implies, this is an at times serious, at times funny look at the explosion of blaxploitation films in the early 70's. Full of sex, action, comedy, and some of the era's most memorable music, they've transcended their low-budget exploitative origins and have become an honored piece of film history. This documentary examines the history and cultural legacy of these films, featuring interviews with Pam Grier, Richard Roundtree, and Quentin Tarantino. The anamorphic DVD also contains extended interviews.

(Fox, Rated R, DVD-$27.98 SRP)

When two 60's groupies (Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn) reunite – post marriage and kids – sparks fly… Or, at least, that's what is supposed to happen. Instead, it devolves into a pretty tepid flick that plays like an Almost Famous reunion special. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Bob Dolman, the HBO making-of special, blooper reel, and the theatrical trailers.

(Warner Bros, Rated PG, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

If feels a bit odd to say this, but I actually dug the big-screen version of Dennis the Menace, starring Walter Matthau as Mr. Wilson. It could have been the (admittedly) low-brow John Hughes humor, although it was probably the gusto that the performers brought to their parts. Even the young actor playing Dennis, Mason Gamble (who turned in a memorable performance in Rushmore) is spot-on. To celebrate the film's 10^th anniversary, Warners has released an appropriately special anamorphic DVD release. The disc contains the original "A Menace Named Dennis" TV special (hosted by Matthau), a behind-the-scenes featurette, a 10 ^th anniversary chat with Mason Gamble, conversations with Matthau and John Hughes, and trailers. They've also released the inferior sequel Dennis the Menace Strikes Again on DVD (with a new Dennis and Mr. Wilson played by Don Rickles), but the less said about that the better.

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

I really wish I didn't have to say this, but Master of Disguise is an utterly abysmal film. You may think I'm being harsh – and maybe I am – but it's probably because I expected so much more from Dana Carvey. This flick was his baby, and it should have been a memorable experience. Unfortunately, it's memorable for all the wrong reasons. Carvey stars as Pistachio Disguisey, a mild-mannered waiter who learns of his family's secret legacy when his parents are kidnapped by an evil villain (Brent Spiner). The secret legacy? Pistachio comes from a long line of masters of disguise – a skill he'll need if he hopes to foil the plans of his parent's kidnapper. So where does the film fail? It's just a poorly written slopbucket that adults will find hard to digest. Small children may find it amusing (and Carvey has stated that the younger set was his target audience), so leave it to them and find a better film for yourself. The full frame (For shame, Columbia/Tristar!) DVD contains an audio commentary with director Perry Blake and Carvey, alternate and deleted scenes with Turtle Guy intros, "Man of a Thousand Faces" Costumes/Make-Up featurette, "The Magic of Disguise" Visual Effects featurette, "Identity Crisis" Behind-the-Scenes featurette, music video, and theatrical trailers.

(Paramount, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

Joe Tyler (Matthew Perry)  is a process server – and not a very happy one at that. He's constantly being undercut by his boss (Cedric the Entertainer) and his coworker (Vincent Pastore). But things begin to get interesting when he serves divorce papers on a beautiful socialite (Elizabeth Hurley) whose Texan husband (Bruce Campbell) has found a new trophy wife. Knowing the horrible settlement chances her divorce stands in the Texas court system, she makes an offer to Jo – ignore the papers he just served and help her serve her husband instead. The price? A million dollars of the settlement. Surprisingly fun, it's certainly made for Friday-night viewing. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary Reginald Hudlin, a behind-the-scenes featurette, outtakes, deleted/extended scenes, and the theatrical trailer.

(Docurama, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

The story of CBS' firing of The Smothers Brothers at the height of the Vietnam War has always intrigued me. Here you have one of the highest rated shows on TV at the time – The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour – cancelled at the height of its success and, far more telling, its influence on a culture rapidly tearing apart at the seams. The show employed writers like Steve Martin, Rob Reiner, and Carl Gottleib, and wouldn't hesitate – through pointed humor – tackling the divisive social ills of the time, which drove network censors and national politicians insane. This documentary very entertainingly chronicles the rise and fall of the show, and how important it really was during one of the most pivotal times in recent history.

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

While I patiently await A&E's DVD release of some of their wonderful documentaries from years past (The 50's comes to mind), I'll keep myself busy watching their newer, and still nicely done, docs – one of which is this Alfre Woodard hosted look at the Underground Railroad. While I remembered the basics from elementary school – a system of abolitionist waystations used to move slaves to freedom – this documentary illuminates the societal motivations and extreme dangers inherent in the process. The DVD contains the "Frederick Douglass" episode of Biography, the Emancipation Proclamation, background info on the Dredd Scott Case, a Harriet Tubman bio, and a timeline of key events.