(Lions Gate, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.95 SRP)

There's something wonderfully off-kilter about Danny Deckchair – one of those small little foreign films that just manages to ooze affability from every one of its low-budget pores. Rhys Ifans plays the man whom the media have dubbed "Danny Deckchair" – a schlub so fed up with his common existence that he straps a load of balloons to a deckchair and floats away, eventually landing in a remote town and starting a new life with a new love ( LOTR's Miranda Otto). The only problem is that he's become a bit of a cult figure, and everyone – particularly the media - is desperate to find him. Like I said – it's small, it's quirky, and it's fun. The DVD features an audio commentary with Ifans and director Jeff Balsmeyer, a making-of featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

(Lions Gate, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

I know there were a lot of people that were blown away by the cinema verite-style diving nightmare Open Water , but I was less-than-impressed by the water-based Blair Witch rip-off. I thought the acting was subpar, which meant I could care less about the plight of the couple accidentally abandoned in the open sea by their dive tour, left to fend for themselves as sharks and jellyfish circle. And they flail away with the only weapon at their disposal – whining. Bonus features include audio commentaries with the filmmakers and the actors, deleted scenes, and a making-of documentary.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$64.99 SRP)

I've never understood the appeal of CSI, particularly the original, with its annoying leads and regurgitated plots. Having said that, I think CSI: Miami is far better, due mainly to lead David Caruso (who, can you believe it, is still employed). The second season really started to make the differences between the original show and its first spin-off much clearer, establishing an identity all its own. Bonus features include audio commentaries on 7 episodes and a quartet of behind-the-scenes featurettes.

(Universal, Rated, R, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

For a Charlie Kaufman film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is surprisingly accessible. Sure, the story is a big mindbender – after a sudden break-up and seemingly instant cold shoulder from his girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet), Joel (Jim Carrey) finds out that she has undergone a procedure which has literally wiped their time together from her memory. Bitter and distraught, Joel decides to undergo the procedure as well. Things get a bit complicated when, almost halfway through – and as he experiences those moments with Clementine being erased -  he decides that he really doesn't want to erase their time together, because they actually shared some really good times as well. See – this review is already getting convoluted. Just go see it in all its quirky glory for yourself. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Kaufman and director Michel Gondry, a conversation with Gondry and Carrey, a making-of featurette, deleted scenes, the commercial for the fictional Lacuna company, and a music video. The new 2-disc edition adds deleted/extended scenes, a conversation with Winslet and Gondry, "Inside the Mind of Michel Gondry" featurette, and an anatomy of a scene featurette.

(Columbia/Tristar, Not Rated, DVD-$59.95 SRP)

How long has it been since the first season release of Forever Knight? Seems like, literally, forever and a day (nearly 3 years, I believe). Well, the wait for the second, penultimate series of police detective/vampire Nick Knight's adventures is finally here, with all 26 episodes plus commentaries, a featurette, and a quiz for the fans.

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

God, The Devil and Bob was an animated series before its time, and was quickly axed by NBC for being so. Unfortunately, it's damn funny take on religion is still too hot a subject for today's conservative climate on network TV, but thanks to the miracle that is DVD you can catch all 13 episodes (most of which went unaired) complete with audio commentary on select episodes, a making-of featurette, and a character featurette.

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

You know, one of the things I like so much about Las Vegas is its return to the campy, hyper-real storytelling of the 70's, such as Vega$ , and a guest cast that recalls the heyday of The Love Boat (Sean Astin, anyone?). The DVD presents the complete first season uncut, uncensored, and in anamorphic widescreen, with bonus features including commentaries on select episodes, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and a mini-movie starring the cast with Jon Bon Jovi and John Elway.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.95 SRP)

As romantic comedies go, Little Black Book is like a puff pastry – light, fluffy, and not terribly good for you in large doses. Brittany Murphy stars as a nice girl who's seduced by the Dark Side when she decides to pursue one of the themes of the Sally Jessy-esque talkshow she works for by examining the secret contents of her boyfriend's Palm Pilot. Can you say madcap, revelatory Pandora's Box time? The DVD features a making-of and a featurette on the inner workings of daytime talk shows.

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

Millennium was a hard show to get into. Maybe it was because, in showing us the grisly exploits of FBI profiler Frank Black (the always excellent Lance Henriksen) as he became entangled with the shadowy and apocalyptic Millennium Group, it was just such a relentlessly dark program. I mean, it was just plain depressing, no more so than in the "everything goes from worse to devastatingly awful) second season. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you think it was sunshine, puppies, and unicorns. Bonus features include a documentary overview of the second season, "Academy Group: Victimology" featurette, and audio commentary on select episodes.

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

Unlike many (and those geniuses behind South Park), I don't have a problem with Phil Collins. Okay, let me clarify that – I have nothing against classic, 80's-era Phil Collins. I do think his recent Disney work is unbelievably, sickeningly smarmy… Of course, I think the same thing regarding classic versus modern Elton John, as well. Thankfully, the majority of the tracks on the 2-disc live compilation Phil Collins: Finally… The First farewell Tour are all classic Collins, meaning we get "Don't Lose My Number," "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," and more. Even better, the discs feature all of Phil's classic music videos – including the 14 hour-long video for "Take Me Home" – as well as featurettes and a lost network TV special.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$24.96 SRP)

I'm not a beach person, but I've always been fascinated by the surfing culture and, yes, I often wonder what it would be like to "ride giants." There's a glimpse of that thrill in, appropriately enough, Riding Giants, a multigenerational document of the culture and the surfing giants who rode the monster waves over the years, from 1950's Hawaiian surfing pioneer Greg Noll to current day "extreme" surfer Laird Hamilton. The DVD contains a pair of commentary tracks, deleted scenes, a spotlight special on the "Blue Carpet" ceremony, and a making-of featurette.

(Warner Bros., Rated R, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

In a year that gave us Oliver Stone's muddled Alexander, somehow Troy manages to be even more bloated, boring, and downright ugh-inducing mediocre. How is it that, in both The Two Towers and Return of the King, Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings adaptations managed to present – with orcs and all – more realistic period battles than two flicks that are based on actual history? Notice I didn't even begin railing on Brad Pitt's "Where Am I?" performance as the legendary Achilles, whose one weakness seems to be half-baked historical epics. The 2-disc special edition features behind-the-scenes featurettes on the battles, production design, and effects.

(Columbia/Tristar, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

There have been many iterations prior to this, but I think we've finally got a definitive version of Luc Besson's Leon (The Professional) with the release of the 2-disc deluxe edition. The first disc features the Superbit version of the film, with the bonus features on disc 2. Those bonus features are a 10 Year Retrospective, "Jean Reno: The Road to Leon" featurette, and "Natalie Portman: Starting Young" featurette.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$79.98 SRP)

You could always pick up the second volume of MI-5, the celebrated BBC actioner about the secretive British intelligence service (think 24 without the time gimmick). The 5-disc set contains cast & crew interviews, deleted scenes, featurettes, and audio commentaries.

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

Although the series stumbled in its third (and most recent) season, the quirky dramedy Monk was still going strong in its sophomore year. The real strength of the show remains Tony Shalhoub's brilliant rendering of the obsessive-compulsive detective, whose problems prevent him from returning to the police force – but not from solving crimes with his assistant Sharona. The 4-disc Season Two set features character profiles of Disher and Stottlemeyer, "The Minds Behind Monk" featurette, and precinct tours.

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

With The Village, I hope audiences have finally realized, digested, and fully comprehended what a one trick pony hack writer/director/ego M. Night Shyamalan is. Not only has his insufferable reliance on a "twist" gimmick finally reached its inevitably pathetic nadir, but the story – about an isolated village full of idiots, a blind girl, and something "spooky" lurking in the woods – is complete crap as well. As far as bonus features go, you've got deleted scenes with "explanations" from Night, a home movie, a diary from Bryce Howard, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and a photo gallery. Oh, and for further insight into the pathetic insanity of M. Night, there's the mockumentary The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan that originally aired to critical drubbing on the Sci-Fi Channel. Who's unbreakable now, Night?

(Walt Disney, Not Rated, DVD-$14.95 SRP each)

If for some reason you're too timid to make the incredibly worthwhile investment in the Walt Disney Treasures collection of DVDs (which are doing a brilliant job of presenting Disney's classic cartoons in an archival – and complete – fashion), Disney's introduced the Classic Cartoon Favorites discs, a budget approach to spotlighting their lead characters. Each disc features 9 cartoons, with four volumes available at launch, featuring Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Chip N Dale. Apple core…

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

It's not genius by any stretch of the imagination, but there's a dumb affability to Without a Paddle, owing mostly to its trio of treasure-seeking stars – Seth Green, Matthew Lillard, and Dax Shepard. The story – about the trio's deep south hunt for the money stolen by the legendary missing hijacker D.B. Cooper – is mostly inconsequential, as it's really just a string of comic set pieces… And I'm fine with that. Sometimes you need mental floss. The DVD features an audio commentary with director Steven Brill, a video commentary with the cast and Brill, MTV's making-of special, deleted scenes with optional commentary, MTV interstitials, and the theatrical trailer.

(Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$34.95 SRP)

Setting what would be a very lucrative – and creatively destructive – precedent, the first Aladdin direct-to-video sequel The Return of Jafar. It's missing Robin Williams as the Genie (The Simpsons' Dan Castellaneta pinch hits) and the quality of the animation is well below that of the original feature, but it holds itself together relatively well. A placated Williams is back in time to reprise his role for the diminishing returns of Aladdin and the King of Thieves, which decides it's a good idea to introduce Aladdin's father. It's not. Both films are available as a two-pack.

(New Line, Rated PG-13, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

Woman (Kim Basinger) is kidnapped at gunpoint and locked in an attic, and she frantically calls a stranger (Chris Evans) who must try and determine her location before two things happen – the killers return or his cell phone dies. That's the nutshell premise of Cellular, a not-unwatchable stopwatch thriller that marks the second big screen (misad)venture of producer Dean Devlin's Electric Entertainment. The DVD features deleted/alternate scenes, an audio commentary, and a trio of behind-the-scenes featurettes.

(Lions Gate, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.95 SRP)

The Cookout wants nothing more to be a wild and crazy romp about a suddenly-rich basketball star who tries to prove he can still "keep it real" by holding a massive cookout for all of his family and friends from the "hood" in his new upscale neighborhood. Well, things don't quite work out how he planned… But you guessed that, didn't you? Don't get me wrong – it's enjoyable enough, but it tries too hard. The DVD features an intro, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, an audio commentary, and more.

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

Good. Laughing is good. So I decided to keep laughing by popping in the complete third season of Larry David's brilliant Curb Your Enthusiasm. This was the year that found Larry going into partnership with a consortium of investors (including Ted Danson and Michael York) to open a restaurant, starring in a Scorsese flick, bonding with a gangsta rapper, and learning the miracle uses of club soda & salt and corpse-sniffing dogs. Bonus features include interviews and clips with the stars from the Aspen Comedy Festival.

(Lions Gate, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

I'll be upfront with you – I never, ever liked Farscape. I tried… I tried very hard… to like it, but it was just so incredibly off-putting to me that I eventually had to walk away from it, acknowledging that it just wasn't my cup of tea. It was a lot of other people's cup of tea, so I'm sure they'll all be snapping up the wrap-up miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars which puts the series to rest. The 2-disc anamorphic set features galleries and a 30-minute making-of special.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$28.95 SRP)

Here's a fun drinking game – every time you identify a plot hole in the Twilight Zone-esque The Forgotten, which stars Julianne Moore as a mother informed her child, killed 14 months prior in a plane crash, never existed – take a drink. Trust me – you'll be sloshed by midway. The DVD features an extended, even more drunken version of the film, plus audio commentary, deleted scenes, a making-of, and a featurette on the creators of the film.

(Universal, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

Okay, just to be up front about this, I hate sports. Okay… maybe hate is too strong a word… I just don't care about sports. With that as a given, a sports-centric film has to have a heck of a lot going for it to move me, because the visceral crutch of the sports alone doesn't phase me. The list of sports films that I enjoy is rather short, but I've added Friday Night Lights to the list. Billy Bob Thornton is a key to its appeal, as a coach driven to help his small-town Texas high school football team realize their dream. Like Remember the Titans and Rudy before it, it knows what emotional underdog buttons to push. The DVD features deleted scenes, a featurette on Tim McGraw's acting turn, player cams, and a featurette on the real 1988 Permian Panthers.

(Fox, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

The greatest crime of Alien Vs. Predator is its sheer mediocrity. For a film match-up that has kept fanboys salivating for over a decade, the final result is incredibly eh-inspiring. In fact, the only real highlight of the Resident Evil take on the material, with its group of schlubs being picked off one-by-one as they find themselves in the middle of a centuries old Predator hunting ritual (gee, can you guess their ceremonial prey?) deep in an ancient temple buried beneath the Antarctic ice, is Lance Henrikson's role as the mythical Charles Bishop Weyland. It even makes Predator 2 (Fox, Rated R, DVD-$ SRP) – which is newly re-released as a 2-disc uber-edition with commentaries, documentaries, deleted scenes, and more – look like a work of bloody genius. Bonus features include a pair of audio commentaries, deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, and an extended cut of the film which restores a turn-of-the-century prologue.

It's a relief to know that certain TV shows that spent years on the "Where are they?" list are coming out, even if the wait has occasionally seemed interminable. Case in point is Batman: The Animated Series (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$44.98 SRP), which gets its second volume, containing 28 additional episodes, brings us up to the classic "Harley & Ivy." Bonus features include audio commentaries on 4 episodes ("Robin's Reckoning: Part 1," "Heart of Steel: Part 2," "Almost Got 'im," and "Harley & Ivy") and featurettes on Robin, the supporting characters, and the voice talent. Also seeing release is the first volume of Superman: The Animated Series (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$26.95 SRP), which saw the Batman team tackle the Man of Steel with the same quality, care, and success they brought to the Dark Knight. The 2-disc, 18 episode Volume I contains commentary on 4 episodes ("The Last Son Of Krypton Part 1," "Stolen Memories," "The Main Man Part 1," and "Tools of the Trade"), "Superman: Learning to Fly " featurette, "Building the Mythology: Superman's Supporting Cast," and optional pop-up trivia over the "A Little Piece of Home" episode.

(Anchor Bay, Rated PG, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

Ach, how I love old school schlocky 80's sword & sorcery flicks (say that 10 times fast). High up on the list is the cheesy Marc Singer (and his abs) vehicle The Beastmaster, which is being treated to a spiffy new deluxe special edition. So what do you get? An all-new documentary, an audio commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli and writer/producer Paul Pepperman, photos, and the theatrical trailer. Huzzah!

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$49.95 SRP)

Be prepared for plenty more bawdy Brit humor with the second volume of the complete and unadulterated Benny Hill. Yes, the laughs are often base, but sometimes a belly laugh is just necessary as an intellectual chuckle. The 3-disc set also includes the "Benny Hill: Laughter and Controversy" episode of Biography.

(Lions Gate, Not Rated, DVD-$9.99 SRP each)

When looking for a distraction from painfully boring lectures during my junior high and high school years, my nose would often be firmly (albeit surreptitiously) buried in the biography of legendary cartoon director Chuck Jones, Chuck Amuck. I must have read that book hundreds of times. Branded under the "Chuck Jones Signature Edition" banner, a trio of his later works have been released on DVD – Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, The White Seal, and Mowgli's Brothers. Each disc also contains a bonus Jones cartoon. Fans should definitely snap these up.

(Acorn, Not Rated, DVD-$59.99 SRP)

If you were to make Friends a dramedy – sort of a comedic Thirtysomething – you'd probably wind up with one of the UK's biggest hits, Cold Feet, which follows three couples at various stages in their relationships. The scripts are the real strength here, nicely complemented by a spot-on cast (including Helen Baxendale, who spent time on Friends as Ross's fiancée). The 1^st Series set features all 6 episodes plus the pilot.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

Maybe after four years, people will stop referring to the UK's Coupling as just a Friends rip-off. Sure, it's a quick shorthand for a bunch of sexually hyperactive friends who share a complicated – and comedic – interplay. The anamorphic DVD features outtakes, deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette on the production process, and an interview with actor Richard Mylan.

(Lions Gate, Rated R, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

By now, everyone know all there is to know about The Crying Game, so let me just say that this new remastered special edition features an audio commentary with director Neil Jordan, an alternate ending with optional commentary by Jordan, a featurette on the political situation in Northern Ireland, a making-of featurette, a spotlight on the American marketing campaign, and trailers.

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$69.95 SRP)

Britain in 1940 was in the full throes of the German Blitzkrieg, with warplanes raining thousands of bombs from the sky, a fair number of which reached the ground unexploded (UXB) but still extremely dangerous. Danger UXB was a drama which focused on Lieutenant Brian Ash and the men of the 97^th Tunneling Company, both in their defusing duties and their respective home lives. Think of it as a WWII precursor to shows like ER or NYPD Blue, and a perfect companion piece to M*A*S*H. And, even better, it was a truly great show to boot, full of not just drama, but a fair share of everyday humor. The 4-disc set contains the complete 13 episode run, plus the "Bomb Squad" episode from The History Channel's Suicide Missions.

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

I can't help thinking, seeing Katie Holmes in disposable trash like First Daughter, that she really is so much better than the material she continually finds herself involved with (like that unfortunate run on Dawson's Creek). And yes, as the title implies, Holmes plays the daughter of the president, and all she wants is a normal life – and she falls in love. Whoo-boy. Bonus features include an audio commentary (with Holmes, and costars Marc Blucas and Amerie), a making-of featurette, a touching tribute to composer Michael Kamen, and deleted scenes.

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

In doing a little research, I was stunned to discover that Barry Levinson's wonderful Baltimore-based cop drama Homicide: Life on the Street ran for seven seasons. Maybe it's because it seemed to always be this little gem of a show perpetually situated on the bubble, toiling away in the shadow of the increasingly popular Law & Order . Either way, the penultimate Sixth Season is hitting DVD with a few extras, including an audio commentary on the episode "The Subway" and the documentary Anatomy of a Homicide.

(HBO, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

While not as strong as some of his best work, Lewis Black's HBO special Black on Broadway is still light-years funnier – and more topical – than the majority of what passes for comedy today. Like a mental brillo pad, Black's abrasive style quickly strips away the layers of crap encrusting everything from politics to the mundane.

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

Sid and Marty Krofft were on something. They had to be. Look no further than the severely trippy world they created for the short-lived Lidsville , where a magical hat takes Butch Patrick to a land filled with creates who are oversized hats, with a villain played by C. Nelson Reilly. See – they were on SOMETHING. The 3-disc set features all 17 episodes, plus audio commentaries, interviews, and excerpts from Butch Patrick's scrap album.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95)

The release of the complete first season of MacGyver is sure to make Patty & Selma happy. There are no bonus features to speak of, but I'm sure, given the chance, he could make some out of a toothpick.

(Columbia/Tristar, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

If it can be said that Married With Children had a golden age, I think it began in its third season. You kne3w the characters, you knew the style of storytelling, and the actors were all completely settled into their roles. If you don't believe me, go remind yourself. The 3-disc set features all 22 episodes plus the infamous "lost" episode, as well as 10 hidden easter egg interviews with the cast.

(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

Revenge can have terrible consequences, particularly in Mean Creek, where a group of teens decide to get even with their bullying tormentor – a simple lesson that quickly escalates into tragedy. The performances are stellar across the board, but the real standout is the main victim of the local bully, played by Rory Culkin (who far outshines his brothers). The DVD features an audio commentary with director Jacob Aaron Estes and the cast, plus storyboards.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP each)

The short-lived US version was a complete dud, but when one actually partakes of the original UK version of Men Behaving Badly, you can see why someone would want to try and mount an American version – the original show is pretty damn funny. For the uninitiated, it basically deals with the lazy, debauched, piggish lives of a pair of roommates – Gary and Dermot – and their endless pursuit of booze, women, and good old-fashioned sloth. The first two series are currently available, and both discs feature outtakes.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

If you were to remake Spinal Tap as a shockingly moving docudrama, it would probably be Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which follows the titular band as the regroup to record their Grammy-winning album St. Anger while facing down demons, interpersonal issues, and the encroachment of family responsibilities… You know, middle age stuff. The DVD features additional scenes, interviews with the band, festival and premiere highlights, a pair of commentaries from the band and the filmmakers, trailers, and a music video.

(Lions Gate, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

OK, so when I heard they were doing an SNL: Best of Jimmy Fallon, two thoughts immediately leapt to mind – who would buy a 20 minute DVD and who would watch 15 minutes of cracking up on camera? It's not that I didn't like Fallon – he was a likeable performer – but I don't think he ever really hit his stride on the show, and many of his "characters" bordered on annoying. Yes, I admit, there was a certain perverse joy in counting the moments until either he or Horatio Sanz would crack during a scene, but a Best of? Well, my misgivings are still there, but the 90 minutes chosen for this edition are pretty strong – most of which comes from his interplay with Tina Fey during "Weekend Update" - but don't expect a Volume 2. The bonus materials re actually quite impressive, chief among them being an audio commentary with Fallon and a pair of the show's longtime writers. The disc also includes Fallon's original audition tape, a pair of music videos (including "Idiot Boyfriend"), and a dress rehearsal sketch that really should have been in the final program.

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

There's no way that Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow could have lived up to my initial viewing experience, at a packed advance screening during last year's Comic-Con. I was sitting with Smilin' Jack Ruby and we would periodically (and frequently) exchange looks of "Oh my god – did they just do that? Oh my god. They did." The movie is the ultimate bit of pulp fiction, incorporating every 1930's serial convention into a fast-paced pastiche that manages to throw the kitchen sink in, too. There are some flat notes, to be sure, but overall is propels itself along at enough of a jubilant clip that you've just got to sit back and enjoy the ride. The DVD features a pair of audio commentaries, deleted scenes, a gag reel, the original pitch presentation, and more.

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

Bringing the idea of soap operas and their serialized nature to TV is nothing new. Putting a comic spin on the genre, however, was unique – and as funny as it was groundbreaking. The show that did it was titled, appropriately enough, Soap. It revolved around the intertwined stories of two sisters – Jessica Tate (played to daffy perfection by Katherine Helmond) and Mary Campbell – and their vastly different families. Jessica's family is well-off, Mary's is blue collar. From there, things get crazy – in a good way. In the first season (released on DVD last year), we find that Jessica's husband Chester is cheating on her with his secretary, while Jessica is cheating with her tennis instructor - who also is sleeping with Jessica's daughter. Said tennis instructor is also the long-lost son of Mary's second husband, Burt (Richard Mulligan), who murdered Mary's first-husband (a gangster) when he tried to extort money out of Burt's construction business. Mary has two sons – Danny (Ted Wass) is a mobster tasked with killing Burt if he wants to get out of the mob, and Jodie (Billy Crystal), TV's first open homosexual, who wants to get a sex change. And that's not the half of it… I didn't even get to Burt's ventriloquist son. Also featured is Robert Guillaume as the Tate's butler, Benson – a character which would spin off after the second season into his own long-running show. That second season brought us cults, kidnappers, and alien abduction, and the penultimate third season gives us alien doubles, death, lust, and more.

(History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

If you want to get Oliver Stone's misfire out of your mind with a solid dose of real – and far more engaging – history, check out The True Story of Alexander the Great. I'm a sucker for history, and Alexander's story is a fascinating one, from his schooling by Aristotle to his early death at the age of 32 – while he was, literally, the king of the world. The DVD features a making-of featurette.

(HBO, Not Rated, DVD-$99.95 SRP)

I've said it before, but I've never really gotten into HBO's drug scene drama The Wire. Personally, it's always left me a bit cold, although I can see where the multiple perspective look at the Baltimore inner-city drug trade – from both sides of the law – can suck in those looking for a quality piece of television. The Complete Second Season is now available, which features audio commentaries on select episodes.