(TimeLife, Not Rated, $24.99 each)

It's always a joy when another classic television show hits DVD – and this is no exception. In fact, having episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show on DVD is an even bigger joy, because it's one of the true, certifiable classics of the medium. Time Life has released an initial volley of five volumes, each containing 4 episodes… Uncut. These episodes contain footage not seen since the original network broadcasts in the early 60's. As if that wasn't enough of a sales point, the discs also contain bonus materials galore, including interviews with the cast and crew – Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, and more. In fact, the first volume contains the biggest bonus of all – the original pilot episode, when the show was called Head of the Family and starred Reiner as Rob Petrie! For more information about The Dick Van Dyke Show (and other TV classics), check out Classic Sitcoms (http://www.classicsitcoms.com).

(Fox UK, Not Rated, DVD-£24.99 SRP)

Sometimes I really do envy the people in DVD Region 2 over in the UK. While we're still waiting for Season 4 of Buffy to come to our favorite digital disc, they're getting ready for Season 6. We haven't even gotten the first seasons of Angel and Futurama here in the States, but they've had the second seasons of both series for months. Another show that they've had is Fox's Family Guy – the second season of which has just been released in the UK. While not as highbrow as The Simpsons, Family Guy was a show that could always be counted on for two things – belly laughs and "How did they get away with that?!?" laughs. The two-disc Region 2 set contains all 15 second season episodes, as well as the infamous unaired episode, "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein".

(BFI, Not Rated, DVD-£19.99 )

On Halloween night in 1992, the BBC aired a 90-minute program hosted by respected TV presenters Michael Parkinson, Mike Smith, and Sarah Greene, as well as comedian Craig Charles. Ghostwatch purported to be a live broadcast at the "most haunted house in Britain" – a house containing a violent poltergeist who was currently terrorizing a single mother and her young children. Loaded with man-in-the-street interviews, testimonials, experts, and constant live updates from the house in question, the night quietly ratcheted up the tension util all hell broke loose at the end. But it was only fiction. Unfortunately, a large number of the viewing public believed it real and – after having been let in on the truth (even though it was clear from the credits at the top and bottom of the program that it was fake) – the BBC was flooded with complaints. The special was quickly buried and never re-aired, and has been unavailable until now. The British Film Institute has recently released the special as a special edition DVD in the UK that contains the full program as well as an audio commentary with the writer, director, and producer. The DVD is Region 2, but if you have a Region-Free player (or the ability to play R2), this disc is well worth picking up both as solid entertainment and an interesting insight into the suggestive power of television.

(Acorn Media, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP each)

Lexx is an odd duck. It's an adult science fiction series produced in Canada with German money, containing strange characters and surreal situations, and is often funny – in a weird way. Maybe that's why I can't help but like it, black sheep that it is. With the release of first volume from Season 4 (the show's final season), the DVD releases are slowly coming to an end. Season 4 finds the crew of the Lexx on Earth – after having taken a chunk out of the ol' big blue. The DVDs are uncut (the aired versions are usually censored) with behind-the-scenes materials, production sketches, bios, and featurettes.

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

It's taken awhile, but the second season of All in the Family has finally arrived on DVD. All 24 episodes are contained on 3 discs, including the landmark Sammy Davis Jr. episode "Sammy's Visit." If that weren't enough, the second season of Sanford and Son (DVD-$39.95 SRP) has arrived, as well as the very first season of Good Times (DVD-$29.95 SRP). Unfortunately, they're all bare-bones release, but the sound and picture quality (and the simple fact that we're even getting them on DVD) is good enough for me.

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

It seems like the wait has been forever (especially since the first two seasons have been out in the UK for awhile, and season 3 is about to hit shelves), but Angel: Season One has finally hit DVD in the US. Not only do we get all 22 episodes, but the 6 disc set also contains a modest collection of bonus materials - including an audio commentary with Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt (on the episode "City Of"), an audio commentary with Jane Espenson (on the episode "Rm W/A/ View"), "Season One" featurette, scripts (for "Five By Five" and "Sanctuary"), "I'm Cordelia" featurette, "Introducing Angel" featurette, "The Demons" featurette, cast bios, and a still gallery. It's not the greatest of seasons – Angel has always been a show looking for an identity – but it's always had a stellar cast and some good writing to buoy it up. Personally, I can't wait for Season 2…

(Anchor Bay, Rated PG, DVD-$34.98 SRP)

The Salkinds retelling of the Musketeer saga – told via two films, The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers – is, at the very least, a star-studded affair. Featured in the cast are luminaries including Michael York, Christopher Lee, Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain, Charlton Heston, Raquel Welch, and Faye Dunaway. Under Richard Lester's direction, the films are fun, swashbuckling affairs that are worth checking out. This two disc set contains "The Saga Of The Musketeers" featurettes, "The Making Of The Three Musketeers" featurette, a poster and still gallery, and the theatrical trailers.

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

Rumspringa is an Amish term that literally means "running around". In practice, it is the Amish tradition of turning their 16 year-old children loose in the "English" world, allowing them to experience all of the vices shunned by their faith before they decide whether or not they will join the church. Brought up in extremely strict religious households, the children often go wild, bingeing on all the worldy pleasures long denied them – like drinking, drugs, malls, phones, TV, and cars. This documentary chronicles the experiences of a handful of these teens, including – believe it or not - an Amish drug dealer. Often heart-wrenching, it's an intimate look at a secretive – and incredibly fascinating – American subculture.

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

Honestly, when I first heard about it way back when, I never thought I would enjoy Driving Miss Daisy. Here was the tale of a crusty older southern woman (Jessica Tandy) and her driver (Morgan Freeman) whose relationship is explored over the course of multiple decades. Just hearing about it had me disinterested. As these things often happen, I ran across the film on cable a few years back and – either through curiosity or laziness – I decided to watch it. What I found was a fascinating film that explores not only societal issues, but is also a touching – and sometime humorous – portrait of two diametrically opposed characters who slowly move closer together as the years roll by. At the end of the day, what makes the film work are the stellar performances from Tandy and Freemen – and even from Dan Aykroyd (who'da thunk it?). The brand-new special edition anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with director Bruce Beresford, writer Alfred Uhry, and producer Lili Fini Zanuck), the making-of documentary "Miss Daisy's Journey: From Stage to Screen", "Jessica Tandy: Theatre Legend to Screen Star" tribute, the original 1989 featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

(HBO Films, Not Rated, DVD-$26.95 SRP)

Albert Finney's portrayal of Winston Churchill in this HBO film is nothing short of extraordinary – to say he deserved his Emmy for this performance would be an understatement. His Churchill is a battered bulldog suffering from depression, the temporary absence of his tireless wife (Vanessa Redgrave), and the loss of his family fortune. Despite these setbacks, he's determined to wake his country up to the a threat in the East that is quickly gaining in strength – Adolph Hitler's Germany. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Richard Loncraine and producer Frank Doelger.

(BFS, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP each)

Girls on Top is fascinating as a study of nascent comedians just beginning to feel their TV oats. As a quartet of incompatible roommates in a London flat, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Tracey Ullman, and Ruby Wax all show signs of the comedy powerhouse they will mature into, even if the series itself is incredibly stiff and sometimes difficult to watch. Still, it's worth viewing from an archeological perspective – even if its only occasionally funny. Sets 1 & 2 collect the entire run of the series, consisting of 14 episodes (7 per disc).

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

I really wanted to like this flick. I'd heard rave things about it in the months since its release. Yet, when I sat down to watch it, I found it to be an uninvolving, pretentious jumble. Kieren Culkin stars as Igby Slocumb, a disenchanted, disenfranchised, and disinterested 17 year-old from a well-to-do household consisting of a mentally ill father (Bill Pullman), a psychologically imposing mother (Susan Sarandon), and an overachieving brother (Ryan Phillipe). Igby is a black sheep in the Holden Caufield mold, banging around within society's borders with no inkling of a goal in sight. Eventually, he winds up in New York City thanks to a summer job offer from his godfather (Jeff Goldblum). His first job exposes him to a young artist with a penchant for drugs (Amanda Peet), who just so happens to be his godfather's mistress. Add to that a nice Jewish girl (Claire Danes) and more complications than you can shake a stick at, and what should have been a tour de force instead turns into a quagmire of self-importance. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Burr Steers and star Kieran Culkin, "In Search Of Igby" featurette, deleted scenes with optional director's commentary, and a photo gallery.

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

While not abysmal, Life Stinks is, to say the least, extremely disappointing. The tale of a billionaire who makes a bet to live as a homeless bum for 30 days – only to fall in love with a bag lady while his fortune is swindled – is a lifeless mess. Simply put, there's none of the charm and humor that always made a Mel Brooks film special. This flick marked a low point on exceeded by Dracula: Dead and Loving It. Surprisingly, the anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Brooks (something he didn't even do for The Producers) and a brand new retrospective featurette. The mind boggles.

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

For the life of me, I still can't figure out why Married with Children is being released as a series of "Best-of" compilations instead of full-season sets (wake-up, people!), but watching this collection of five episodes reminded me just what a wonderfully crude – and downright funny – show this was when it was firing on all cylinders. The most pleasant surprise is that this set contains the infamous lost episode, "I'll See You In Court", which was banned by the network censors. Here's hoping seasonal sets are in the cards – this release plays too much like a tease.

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

I'm going to be honest with you – I've been waiting years for this flick to hit DVD. I've always been a big fan of it, and it delighted me to no end when I saw its imminent release announced. Remember a time when Tom Hanks wasn't afraid to be funny? And Shelly Long hadn't made as many disastrous career decisions? Well, I do – and that's why I love this amiable flick about a young couple's seemingly endless battle with a lemon of a house. The DVD also contains the original making-of featurette.

(Wellspring, Not rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

Muddy Waters is a true blues legend, and its fitting that his legacy be so fully explored in this wonderful documentary produced for PBS' American Masters. His song "Rollin' Stone" may have inspired a band name and a magazine, but the breadth of his music inspired so many artists, many of which contribute to this doc – including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, and Chuck D. If you're a fan of Muddy, the Blues, or just music in general, you've got to check this out. The DVD also contains outtakes.

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

I don't care what anyone says, this is just an awkwardly made, paint-by-numbers film that – while not awful – is certainly not good. Engaged sophisticated city girl Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) must return to her backwoods roots in order to secure her divorce from the equally backwoods man she married in high school. As if that wasn't enough, Melanie comes around to the charms of her aforementioned backwoods man and home, leading to a typical series of complications when her city fiancé and his domineering mother (Candace Bergen) come to collect her from her newfound backwoods bliss. Arrrgghhh. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Andy Tennant, 8 deleted scenes introduced by Tennant, an alternate ending, and the "Mine All Mine" music video by SHeDaisy.

(MGM/UA, Rated R, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

With Ridley Scott's comeback in recent years (anyone remember the depths of GI Jane?), it's really not a surprise that MGM took the time to revisit one of Scott's finest films – Thelma & Louise. Long available as a bare bones disc, it's now a true special edition, replete with a brand new anamorphic transfer (that looks quite spiffy, thank you). Best of all, there's an audio commentary with Scott, a second audio commentary (with stars Susan Sarandon & Geena Davis and screenwriter Callie Khouri), 30 minutes of deleted scenes, 4 newly produced documentaries (covering every aspect of production, including the controversy surrounding the film after its release), the alternate ending with director's commentary, multi-angle storyboards, music video, and trailers. Can that special edition of GI Jane be far behind?

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

I always thought the tale of Benedict Arnold's betrayal of the Colonial Army was a fascinating tale – and leave it to A&E to finally make a compelling film out of it. Arnold was one of the shining stars of the Revolution, but strife with Congress and the love of a woman led him to make a fateful decision that would forever brand him as the ultimate traitor. Aidan Quinn and Kelsey Grammar are spot-on as Arnold and George Washington. The DVD contains the "Benedict Arnold" episode of Biography , a behind-the-scenes featurette, bios, and filmographies.

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

As an experiment, Steven Soderbergh's off-the-cuff Full Frontal is a success. As a film, not so much. A "day in the life" of seven strangers whose paths cross and double-cross, the free-wheeling nature sometimes plays like a low-end Altman flick. However, when its stars (including Julia Roberts, David Hyde Pierce, David Duchovny, and Blair Underwood) are on top of their game, it almost sings. Ironically enough, with a little more structure, this might have been a classic. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Soderbergh and writer Coleman Hough, deleted scenes with optional commentary, in-character interviews, "Director's Spy Cam", a copy of the rules the cast had to follow, "Conversation with Stephen Soderbergh" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

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

Before the Iron Giant, there was Gigantor. Operated 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 26 black & white episodes from the second season, newly remastered from the 16mm prints. Bonus materials include a commentary with director/writer/producer Fred Ladd for the "Lurks-Professor Envee Series" (Episodes 27, 28, and 29), photo gallery, and an article by anime historian Fred Patten.

(Anchor Bay, Rated R, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

The Man Who Fell to Earth is an odd duck. One part allegory and one part sci-fi, it was also intended as a starring vehicle for the recently Ziggy Stardust-ed David Bowie. Amazingly, director Nicolas Roeg was able to craft a masterful tale that is at the same time both beautiful and enigmatic. In it, Bowie stars as an alien from a dying planet who, upon landing on Earth, becomes a reclusive millionaire enveloped by the decadent, self-destructive lifestyle he embraces. This 2-disc set contains the uncensored, fully restored version of the film, "Watching The Alien" featurette, trailers, and a poster and still gallery.

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

Call me corny. Call me sentimental… but dammit, I liked this flick. It's a romantic comedy in the classic vein, harkening back to the forbidden social strata love of the 40's and 50's. Drawing upon her own Greek background, writer/star Nia Vardalos is Toula – an ugly ducking whose family has long ago given up for a life of spinsterhood… at 30. She's unmarried, childless, and working in her family's restaurant – a great disappointment to the traditions of her family. Just when Toula is about to give up on love, she decides to take control of her life… she takes computer courses, earns a degree, and gets a job at her aunt's travel agency - and that's when a man enters her life. The only problem is whether her family will accept a non-Greek into their guidebook for Toula's life… and whether Toula will eventually break free. So shoot me… I dug it. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Joel Zwick, actress/writer Nia Vardalos, and actor John Corbett.

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

At one time, it seemed (quite rightly) that it took forever for Rhino to release new Mystery Science Theater 3000 DVDs. However, now that they've introduced the Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection box sets, things are looking up. Volume 2 has just been released, featuring the MST episodes Cave Dwellers, Pod People, Angel's Revenge, and the first collection of short subjects. Here's hoping they continue this program at the same rapid pace they've stuck to so far (Volume 1 was released just a few months ago, and Volume 3 is due in a few months).

(Fox, Rated PG-13, $26.98 SRP)

Fans of Bryan Singer's X-Men are no doubt salivating over the release of the brand-new special edition on DVD. Many were disappointed by the original edition that lacked a commentary, but had copious amounts of tacky EPK documentaries and TV specials. This time around, all of that is rectified in a 2-disc set containing an enhanced viewing mode with 6 deleted scenes and 17 behind the scenes featurettes, an audio commentary with Bryan Singer, a Disc Two Introduction by Bryan Singer, "The Uncanny Suspects" featurette, "X-Factor: The Look Of The X-Men Costumes" featurette, special effects featurette, storyboard to film comparisons, "Reflection of the X-Men" featurette, exclusive movie premiere footage from Ellis Island and around the world, multi-Angle scene studies, still photo gallery, trailers, 14 TV spots, 12 Web Interstitals, and an X-Men 2 sneak preview teaser. Satisfied now?

(Warner Bros, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.99 SRP)

I know there are people out there who consider it a one of his lesser works, but I've always been a fan of The Color Purple. I think it was the first film that exhibited the potential for emotional depth that Spielberg would eventually explore more fully with Schindler's List. Long available on DVD as a dreaded (though anamorphic) bare bones "flipper disc", this watershed flick finally gets the full special edition treatment via a two-disc set loaded with some choice material. Disc one contains the newly remastered film (including a glorious 5.1 mix) as well as the teaser and theatrical trailers. Disc two contains 4 newly-produced documentaries - "Conversations with the Ancestors: From Book to Screen", "A Collaboration of Spirits: Casting and Acting", "The Color Purple: The Musical" (before you get the wrong idea, this doc explores the music in the film), and "Cultivating a Classic: The Making of the Color Purple" – and storyboard and photo galleries. I hope the eventual release of Schindler's List on DVD is handled even half as well.

(Criterion, Rated R, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

In a completely unexpected surprise, Criterion saw fit to grace a wonderfully underappreciated Terry Gilliam flick with an astoundingly wonderful 2-disc special edition. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is an acquired taste… adapted from Hunter S. Thompson's classic tale of Vegas and vagaries, it's an odd duck. Here, though, it's been graced with a brand-new anamorphic transfer and new DTS and Dolby 5.1 mixes. As far as audio commentaries go (all of them brand new), there's one with Terry Gilliam, another with stars Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, and producer Laila Nabulsi, and a third track with – believe it or not – Thompson himself. The set also contains deleted scenes (with optional commentary from Gilliam), storyboards, production designs, stills, a selection of Thompson correspondence read by Johnny Depp, "Hunter Goes to Hollywood" documentary, an audio feature about the controversy over the screenwriting credit, TV spots, trailer, Ralph Steadman artwork, excerpts from the 1996 Fear and Loathing audio CD, the 1978 BBC documentary "Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood) featuring Thompson and Steadman, and rare materials on Oscar Zeta Acosta (the inspiration for Dr. Gonzo). Now if only Criterion would give us brand-new versions of their excellent Brazil and Time Bandits releases with anamorphic transfers, the world would be a happy place.

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

Harry Feversham (Heath Ledger) is a British soldier with a bright future – at least until he abruptly resigns from his regiment. He's branded as a coward and a failure, but when he learns that his former regiment has come under brutal attack by Sudanese rebels, he embarks on a journey to redeem himself in the eyes of his comrades and his one true love (Kate Hudson). I expected the worst from this film – both as an adaptation of a classic piece of literature and as a remake of a respectable adaptation of said material – but it surprised me by being quite well done. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Shekhar Kapur, "A Journey from Within: The Making Of The Four Feathers" featurette, "A Journey of Self-Discovery" featurette, "The Sounds of East and West" featurette, "The Battle of Abou Clea" featurette, "The Mystery of the Desert" featurette, "A Historical Perspective" featurette, "The Friendship of Abou Fatma" featurette, "Surviving the Prison" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

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

Criterion's 2-disc edition of The Killers contains not one, but two versions of Ernest Hemingway's classic tale of crime, murder, love, and betrayal – the 1946 version directed by Robert Siodmak, and the 1964 version directed by Don Siegel. Viewed together, they provide an interesting study of how radically divergent two films can be from the same source material, a viewing made all the better with Criterion's beautiful-as-always presentation. As far as special features go, there's actor Stacy Keach reading Hemingway's short story, an essay by Jonathan Letham, an essay by Geoffrey O'Brien, Paul Schrader's seminal 1972 essay "notes on film noir", and production and publicity stills with actor biographies.

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

I'm a fan of M*A*S*H, but I've always had a preference for the early seasons before the show became preachy. Season Three was a watershed season for the show – it would be the last for the characters of Col. Henry Blake and Trapper John. It would also see the rise of to prominence of Jamie Farr's cross-dressing Cpl. Klinger. It was also a season that had one of the most powerful moments ever featured in the long-running show – Radar's sober announcement in the final moments of the season finale that Col. Blake had been killed on his journey home. As with the previous DVD releases of M*A*S*H, the only special feature on the discs is the ability to turn off the laugh tracks.

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

It's actually quite disturbing just how well Robin Williams has been able to slip into villainous roles (this and last year's Insomnia). In One Hour Photo, Williams is Parrish – an employee at the local photo shop. Over the years, he's developed every single photo the Yorkin family has taken since their first son was born. However, the increasingly lonely Parrish soon believes himself a part of the family – a belief that will have horrible consequences when his perfect fantasy is confronted by the imperfect reality of the Yorkin's life at home. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with writer/director Mark Romanek and Williams, "The Charlie Rose Show" interview, a Cinemax featurette, the "Anatomy Of A Scene" Sundance special, and the theatrical trailer.

(Dimension, Rated PG, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

Maybe it's because, as a viewer, I can sense how much a labor of love these films are… Or maybe it's just because they're so much fun. Either way, director/writer/producer Robert Rodriguez's two Spy Kids flicks are grand fun in the tradition of classic kiddie pics like Willy Wonka and Mary Poppins – enjoyable for the younger set and adults alike. Spy Kids 2 continues the fun of the first film, as our young heroes Carmen and Juni must team up with not only their mom and dad (Carla Gugino and Antonio Banderas), but with their spy grandparents (Ricardo Montalban and Holland Taylor) as well, as they struggle against the evil machinations of a twisted genetic scientist (Steve Buscemi). The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Rodriguez, behind-the-scenes montages, lost scenes, "Isle Of Dreams" music video, "School At The Big Bend National Park" featurette, "Total Access 24/7" special, still gallery, gadget and stunt featurettes, and a teaser trailer.

(Artisan, Rated PG-13, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

It's taken awhile, but we've finally gotten a definitive version of Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin's Stargate. Not only do we have an anamorphic transfer of both the theatrical and director's cuts (the original special edition release was not anamorphic), but we also have two brand-new documentaries – "Is there a Stargate?" and "The Making of Stargate". Carried over from the special edition is the audio commentary with Emmerich and Devlin and the theatrical trailers. So when are we finally going to get a sequel to the film?

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

I really do think that Disney actually likes causing people pain. How else can one explain these excruciatingly bad direct-to-video pop tarts? Subpar animation, writing, and songs completely negate any charm derived from the return of the original voice cast. Still, I'm sure this is perfect "video babysitter" fodder… which is a real shame. The DVD contains a desktop game, the ability to explore Belle's forest, and song selections.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$139.99 SRP)

I remember being terribly unimpressed by the first season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Maybe it's because of all the abysmal crap that's been foisted upon us with the Trek imprint since then (Voyager and – worst of all – Enterprise), but in re-watching the premiere outing of DS9, it's actually quite good. Not perfect - but really, really good. Commander Benjamin Sisko is assigned by Starfleet to administer Deep Space Nine – a former Cardassian station abandoned in the wake of a treaty with the Federation. The station orbits the planet Bajor, also newly liberated and still stinging from years of bloody occupation. Sisko has problems of his own – he's a single father who lost his wife to the Borg at the infamous battle of Wolf 359 (while the Borg were being guided by Locutus/Picard). The station soon becomes a bustling economic and political gateway when it's discovered (in the pilot episode "Emissary") that the station is near a stable wormhole to the unexplored Gamma Quadrant. What's unique about DS9 is that it's a series containing interpersonal conflict amongst its leads – be it Sisko and his Bajoran second-in-command Kira Nerys, or shape-shifting constable Odo and crafty entrepreneur/club-owner Quark – which is rather rare in the usually goody-goody Trek universe. Best of all, unlike the mind-numbing Enterprise, the conflicts on DS9 arise through remarkably wonderful writing. The bottom line? If you dismissed DS9 all those years ago, give it another try. If you've never experienced it, check it out. I don't think you'll be sorry. Special features on the six-disc set (containing all 20 first season episodes) include "Deep Space Nine: A Bold Beginning" documentary, "Crew Dossier: Kira Nerys" featurette, "Michael Westmore's Aliens: Season One" featurette, "Secrets of Quark's Bar" props featurette, "Deep Space Nine Sketchbook" featurette, "Alien Artifacts: Season One" props featurette, photo gallery, and 10 hidden easter eggs featuring brief additional interviews with castmembers. As with the final seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Best Buy is offering a bonus disc exclusive for its customers. The disc includes…

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

For half a century, Ellis Island was the gateway to America. It was where the United States greeted the scores of immigrants that made the long, dangerous journey to what they hoped would be a better life in the land of opportunity. This 2 ½ hour documentary chronicles the history of the edifice, as well as the policies and people from the world over that shaped it over the years.

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

If A&E Home Video released nothing else, I would still love them for their handling of the classic Gerry Anderson TV series. Not only have we gotten big time releases like Thunderbirds and Space: 1999, but they've also delivered the less well-known programs like Captain Scarlet and UFO. In that vein comes the release of Fireball XL5, Anderson's first venture into Supermarionation. Commanded by Captain Steve Zodiac, the spaceship Fireball XL5 patrols the region of space known as Sector 25 - populated by fantastic alien races. This 5 disc set collects all 39 black & white episodes, all of which are fully remastered. The set also contains an audio commentary on the episode "Doomed Planet" with voice artist David Graham, audio commentary on the episode "Space City Special" with director Alan Pattillo, an expanded Gerry Anderson bio, a featurette on the comic strip art of TV 21 with artist Mike Noble, and photo galleries.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$149.98 SRP)

As BBC epics go, The Forsyte Saga is one of the most massive – and respected – television miniseries ever to be undertaken on the small screen. When this show was began airing in the US on PBS stations in 1969, American audiences were enthralled by the gripping story of the nouveau riche Forsyte Family. For  half a year (didn't I mention this was massive?), millions of viewers followed the trials, tribulations, peccadilloes, failures, and foibles of the Forsytes. In fact, the tremendous response to this miniseries led PBS to create Masterpiece Theater specifically to meet the public's demand for more programs of its ilk. For the first time ever, the entire 26 episode run (totaling over 21 hours) has been released on DVD – and, remarkably enough, it still holds up as gripping storytelling. It's also worth noting – for trivia's sake – that it also featured a relatively fresh-faced actor named Michael York, long before the crystal in his hand went off. The 7-disc set contains a rehearsal room featurette, a making-of featurette, interviews, "Soames vs. Irene" featurette, "The Forsyte Phenomenon" archival behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted and alternate scenes, outtakes, and cast biographies.

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

For many Americans, there is a great deal of confusion about the Islamic faith – be it about its origins, its tenets, or both. In this comprehensive documentary, those questions are answered objectively and thoroughly. If you've ever had a question about – especially in this day and age – about the world's fastest growing religion, it's a good bet that you'll find the answer here.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$69.92 SRP)

It seems like it's taken forever – and I do mean *forever* - but Red Dwarf has finally made it onto DVD. For those unfamiliar with one of the funniest science fiction comedy TV shows ever to come out of Britain (not that the competition in that category is very tough), the story in a nutshell is this: the outer space adventures of the last human being, a hologram of his dead crewmate, a human-like highly evolved cat, and an slightly senile computer millions of years in the future. Got that? If you don't, check out the show anyway – you won't regret it. The first two series are currently available in a box-set that also contains audio commentaries with the castmembers, deleted scenes, outtakes, interviews, music cues, and featurettes. It's about time!

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

Winnie Foster (Alexis Bledel) is a young girl stymied by her rather uptight, upper class upbringing and a rather domineering mother. However, after getting lost in the woods near her house one summer day, she comes across Jesse Tuck (Jonathan Jackson). Jesse's family is everything Winnie's is not – easygoing and kind – but they also harbor a secret… A secret will force Winnie to make a decision about what exactly she'll do for happiness. Tuck Everlasting isn't the greatest flick in the world, but it's a solid, classic pic in the vein of Disney classics like Old Yeller and Pollyanna. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with director Jay Russell and stars Jonathan Jackson, Alexis Bledel and Scott Bairstow), a second audio commentary (with Russell and screenwriter James Hart), "Lessons Of Tuck" featurette, and "A Visit With Natalie Babbitt" featurette.