(Universal Music, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

Peter Gabriel's Secret World Live has to be one of the finest concert films ever produced – not only from a cinematic standpoint, but also sonically. Gabriel is at the top of his form here, running through classics like "Come Talk To Me", "Steam", "Sledgehammer", and an absolutely showstopping version of "In Your Eyes". What really electrifies the concert, though, is the elaborate staging that Gabriel brings to the songs, from the telephone booth in "Come Talk to Me" to the tree of "Shaking the Tree" – it's just plain difficult to adequately relay just how great this concert is. And now, finally, it's on DVD in anamorphic widescreen – and the 5.1 mix is stunning. As far as special features go, the disc contains a brief behind-the-scenes featurette, additional footage, and a preview of Gabriel's current "Up" Tour.

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

Much like their wonderful Alec Guinness Collection, Anchor Bay's 6-disc Peter Sellers Collection contains some overlooked – and long out-of-print – gems from Sellers early career. The most well-know (and classic) film of the lot would have to be the biting social satire I'm All Right Jack , here presented in remastered anamorphic glory. Thankfully, all five films (Jack, Two-Way Stretch, Hoffman, The Smallest Show On Earth, Carlton-Browne of the F.O., and Heavens Above!)  are anamorphic. No Sellers afficianado (or comedy fan, for that matter) should be without this set.

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

The Day the Earth Stood Still is director Robert Wise's classic (and extremely relevant) tale of mankind's first encounter with an alien being, whose enigmatic agenda leads a fearful world to turn to violence – even though the alien may be their only hope for survival. The DVD features fully restored picture and sound (beautiful, though not quite as stunning as the job done on Citizen Kane a few years back), an audio commentary with Wise and Nicolas Meyer, the 70-minute "Making the Earth Stand Still" documentary (Where's the recent AMC: Backstory special?), a restoration comparison, a 1951 Movietone Newsreel, still galleries, the shooting script, and the original theatrical trailer.

(National Geographic, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP each)

As a kid growing up, I was utterly fascinated with two things – the Titanic and ancient Egypt. I've never lost my fascination with either, which is probably why I'm unabashedly endorsing two new documentaries from National Geographic – Into the Great Pyramid and Egypt Eternal: The Quest for the Lost Tombs. Into the Great Pyramid takes viewers where they've never gone before with the aid of a remote-controlled robot, venturing into a mysterious shaft within the massive tomb. Egypt Eternal is loaded with archeological discoveries spanning the region from the Cliffside of Tombs to the Nile Valley.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP for Series One, $34.98 SRP for Series Two & Three)

Eccentricity is a quality that is seemingly de rigeur in British sitcoms… Anyone with a memory of Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, or Ab Fab will know what I'm talking about. Being well-versed in that eccentricity, it's surprising when a Britcom actually takes me by surprise – but that's exactly what happened with Father Ted. If someone pitched you the idea – about three Catholic priests stuck on a tiny island parish off the coast of Ireland – you'd probably ask them to leave. However, that premise is mined to delirious –and often surreal – heights in a sitcom that's not afraid to go for the jugular in its religious humor. To try and explain its merits any further would be a difficult proposition – suffice it to say, you should check out all three series  (all of which are finally available on DVD) as soon as possible. While Series one contains no special features, Series 2 contains commentary with writer Graham Linehan on episodes 1-5, a photo gallery, and cast & crew bios, while Series 3 features the Christmas episode "A Christmassy Ted", an interview with Ardal O'Hanlon, an interview with the creators, "Fundraising with Father Dougal" PBS spots, photo gallery, Father Ted and Dougal hosting Comic Relief UK, and cast & crew bios.

(MGM/UA, Rated PG-13, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

John Malkovich and Gary Sinise star as Lennie and George in this spot-on adaptation of the Steinbeck novel. Presented in anamorphic widescreen, the DVD contains an audio commentary with Sinise, "In Conversation – Gary Sinise and Horton Foote" featurette, deleted scenes with optional director's commentary, screen and make-up tests, a making-of featurette, and the original theatrical trailer.

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

Even though I've seen the episodes a half-dozen times or more in the last year, I still get a kick out of the first season of The Osbournes. If I were profound, I'd probably come up with something incredibly pithy, like the show striking primal, archetypal familial chords in viewers. But I won't say that – so the bottom line is that the show is just addictively enjoyable to watch. This DVD set collects all ten first season episodes (9 of which have audio commentary with Jack and Sharon), unused bonus footage, blooper reel, "Ozzy's Ten Commandments" featurette, brand new interviews with the family, and a "Season Highlights" featurette. The set is also available in two versions – Censored and Uncensored. The uncensored edition allows you to turn off the "beeping", which I personally find is less funny, but at least you'll have the option.

(Miramax, Rated R, DVD-$39.99 SRP)

It's only possible to fully appreciate director Krzysztof Kieslowski's Colors trilogy (Blue, White, & Red) by watching them back-to-back – a feat made quite easier with their release on DVD, all of which are loaded with extras. In fact, it's hard to sum up the films individually, as they all deal with contemporary French society in such a way as to be interlocked – even though each film is complete in and of itself. Confusing, no? Suffice it to say, I recommend checking these films out, and you can discover for yourself. As I mentioned, these three discs are loaded with audio commentaries, interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, student films, and much, much more.

(Fox, Rated R, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

Quest for Fire is an interesting little flick. Set 80,000 years ago, it follows the story four tribes of early man – each unique in their methods, customs, and interactions with each other. However, they all share the same goal – the attainment of fire. Visually stunning, it's a surprisingly engrossing human drama – and now it's on DVD in nice special edition. The anamorphic disc contains audio commentaries (featuring director Jean-Jacques Annaud, executive producer Michael Gruskoff, and actors Ron Perlman and Rae Dawn Chong).

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

Even though it is the Star Trek film that achieved the greatest mainstream success, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home has never been my favorite (which is Khan, of course). Don't get me wrong – ST IV still ranks pretty high on the list (even higher since the release of the insipid Nemesis), and the special edition DVD does the film justice. Sporting a brand new production team (a definite plus after the disappointing ST II & III DVDs), this 2-disc set contains a newly recorded audio commentary with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner, a text commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda, "Time Travel: The Art of the Possible" featurette, "The Language of Whales" featurette, "A Vulcan Primer" featurette, "Kirk's Women" featurette (how can that not be fun), "Future's Past: A Look Back" making-of documentary, "On Location" featurette, "Dailies Deconstruction" featurette (which is basically a look at multiple takes of the crew's encounter with San Francisco traffic), "Below-the-Line: Sound Design" featurette, 2 visual effects featurettes ("From Outer Space to the Ocean" and "The Bird of Prey"), tributes to Gene Roddenberry and Mark Lenard (Sarek), storyboards, production gallery, trailer, and even original uncut EPK interviews with Shatner, Nimoy, and DeForesy Kelley. All in all, it's a nicely done set, and I look forward to Star Trek V.

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

Yeah – I know, I know. Every once in awhile, you just need feel the urge to watch a tacky, overconfident, underwritten suspense flick. Fitting the bill nicely is this film about the crew of a US submarine in World War II who pick up a group of survivors after a U-boat attack, only to find that they now share the claustrophobic corridors of their vessel with increasingly disturbing otherworldly occurrences. Everyone needs a little schlock in their cinema diet, and this film provides it in spades.  The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with the director and cast, deleted scenes (with optional director commentary), "The Process" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$27.94 SRP)

There are bad films… and there are complete and utter travesties. Without a doubt, this film falls into the latter category. There's just no way I can fully shame this wretched waste of celluloid. Not only is it a bad remake of a decent 60's TV show (starring the memorable duo of Robert Culp and Bill Cosby), but it also manages to squander Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson. Honestly, I can't even begin to list its faults. Just avoid it. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary, "Cloak And Camouflage" featurette, "Gadgets And Gizmos" featurette, "Schematics And Blueprints" featurette, "The Slugfest" featurette, and trailers.

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

After the death of his fiancée and while still living with her family (Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon), Joe Nast (Jake Gyllenhaal) tries to be exactly what is expected of him. He participates in the fight to find her killer, but also finds himself falling in love with another woman. Moonlight Mile is a touching portrait of a man torn between the past and the future, and what other people expect from him in the face of both. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Brad Silberling, a second audio commentary with the cast (Dustin Hoffman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Brad Silberling), "Moonlight Mile: A Journey to Screen" making-of, and the theatrical trailer.

(Warner Bros, Rated PG-13, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

Astrid is a 15 year-old living in the shadow of her manipulative mother, Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer), who manages to hold sway even while behind bars for the murder of her lover. Through a succession of foster homes, Astrid slowly build a life of her own. While it certainly isn't usually my cup of tea, the performances alone (including Robin Wright Penn and Renee Zellweger as two of the foster mothers) make it worth catching. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with director Peter Kosminsky, producer John Wells, and the author of the novel, Janet Fitch), additional scenes, 3 behind-the-scenes featurettes, and the original theatrical trailer.

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

I'm not a fan of Eminem, rap, or movies based upon the frequently fleeting success of music stars (save for one exception, A Hard Day's Night). Surprisingly enough, I didn't hate this film as much as I thought I would. Maybe it's because it was directed by the capable hand of Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential). Maybe it was because Eminem was a decent actor (surprisingly enough). Either way, this tale of a young man's struggle for the success necessary to bring him out of his dismal surroundings is entirely watchable. Color me shocked. The "Unedited" anamorphic DVD contains never-before-seen rap battles (unedited) with Eminem, the unedited "Superman" music video from "The Eminem Show" album, a conversation with Eminem on the making-of the film, a tour of the actual 8 Mile Road with director Curtis Hanson, "The Music Of 8 Mile" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

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

When her ex-boyfriend, a talented young composer, mysteriously disappears, Katie Burke (Katie Holmes) is drawn into an increasingly convoluted web of sex, lies, and murder alongside a detective (Benjamin Bratt) who's investigating the case. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with writer/director Stephan Gaghan and cinematographer Matthew Libatique, a making-of featurette, deleted scenes (with optional director commentary), and the theatrical trailer.

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

I don't necessarily agree with this dramatization of the life of Hogan's Heroes star Bob Crane (Greg Kinnear), which focuses on his penchant for filming himself having sex (a lot of sex, and a lot of film) and his mysterious murder in a seedy hotel room. The film paints Crane's obsession in a slightly sinister light (I believe Crane was, unfortunately, an honest enthusiast of what he did), and places the blame for his (still unsolved) murder squarely on video technician John Carpenter (Willem Dafoe). The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Paul Schrader, an audio commentary with Kinnear and Dafoe, a third audio commentary (with producers Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski and writer Michael Gerbosi), a making-of featurette, 5 deleted scenes (with optional director commentary), and trailers.

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

As far as Britcoms go, Keeping Up Appearances can be a bit of an acquired taste. It's not as out there as Absolutely Fabulous or as high energy as Fawlty Towers, but it's a brilliant portrait of the futility of social-climbing (especially in class-conscious Britain). Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet", as she will instantly point out) is a middle-class wife and mother who wants nothing more than to be seen as a peer by those on the rungs above her, and she'll step on whomever is in her way in order to scale that ladder - no matter the pretense. Her only stumbling blocks (besides herself) are her down-to-earth, perennially put-upon husband, Richard, and her borderline white trash family, sisters Rose and Daisy, and Daisy's slovenly husband Onslow. The first two series have been collected in the 4-disc box set Hyacinth in Full Bloom, which also contain a bevy of bonus materials – including outtakes, the BBC Funny Women profile of star Patricia Routledge, Routledge's early "Kitty Files" comedy skits, and cast bios.

For the cinephiles out there, Warner Bros has released a trio of DVDs that no film fan should be without. First out of the gate is director Claude Lelouch's A Man and a Woman (Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP), about the rekindling of love thought lost between a widowed man and a lonely woman. A beautifully touching love story, it's well worth checking out. The anamorphic DVD contains 2 documentaries – the all new "37 Years Later with Claude Lelouch" and the original "Un Homme et Une Femme – and trailers. Next up is the eagerly awaited release of Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (Rated PG, DVD-$19.98 SRP). Easily one of Kurosawa's most personal, deeply affecting works, it delves into the relationship between man and nature, and the fragility of mankind in the face of war and nuclear power. Kurosawa has influenced Lucas, Spielberg, and Scorsese (who has a cameo here as Vincent Van Gogh), and his work should be required viewing for all. Finally, there's Francois Truffaut's film about filmmaking, Day for Night (Rated PG, DVD-$19.98 SRP). Semi-autobiographical and slyly humorous, it's about all the little things that make filmmaking both exhilarating and a massive pain in the a**. The feature-laden DVD contains 4 brand new documentaries ("Day for Night: An Appreciation", "Day for Night: A Conversation with Jacqueline Bisset", "La Nuit Americaine: The French Connection", and "Truffaut in the USA"), the original behind-the-scenes featurette "Truffaut: A View from the Inside", a 1973 interview with Truffaut from the Cannes Film Festival, a 1973 interview with Truffaut from the National Society of Film Critics, and the original theatrical trailer.

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

Roger (Campbell Scott) fancies himself a ladies man extraordinaire. Fast-talking and confident, he's usually able to talk his way into a one-night stand on any night he pleases. It's that knowledge which draws Roger's nephew Nick to him, in hopes of getting some pointers on how to lose his virginity. Unfortunately Roger's crash course in the art of shallowness leads to some unexpected deep revelations in this charmingly smarmy comedy. The anamorphic DVD contains a director's preface to the special features, an audio commentary (with director Dylan Kidd & DP Joaquin Baca-Asay), a second audio commentary (with Kidd, Campbell Scott, & Jesse Eisenberg), "Examination of a Scene: Opaline", deleted scenes (with optional director's commentary), "New York at Night: The Roger Dodger Walking Tour with Jesse Eisenberg", the Player's Guide to Scoring with Women, and the theatrical trailer.

(New Line, Rated R, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

We're three movies in, and the Friday franchise still hasn't run out of steam (not for me, anyways). This go round, Craig (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) are having a horrible Friday – and it just so happens to be Christmas Eve. Their apartment was broken into by a thief dressed as Santa, who made off with their CDs, rent money (and even a baby picture). In their own way, they try and hunt down the ersatz St. Nick and reclaim their loot – while also dealing with crappy rent-a-cop jobs, their crazy family, and the looming shadow who has followed them through all three flicks. The anamorphic DVD contains two audio commentaries, a fact track, blooper reel, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes with optional commentary, music video, and trailers.

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

It seems like it takes forever for Fox US to catch up with Fox UK. Long available on DVD over in the UK, Futurama: Volume One is finally available here in Region 1. Containing all 13 first season episodes over 3 discs, special features include audio commentaries on every episode, deleted scenes, animatics, and a brief behind-the-scenes featurette. Personally, I think the first season of Futurama contains the strongest episodes of the series – especially the pilot. Also, a brief note about the packaging… in the cardboard slipcase, Fox has decided to package the discs themselves in the new slimline DVD cases, which are about 1/3 the width of normal cases. As someone who's quickly running out of shelf space, I hope Fox continues this practice on their future releases.

(Warner Bros, Rated R, DVD-$27.98 SRP)

Unfortunately, Ghost Ship is not as classy as the first pic to come out of Dark Castle Entertainment (the gloriously schlock production company fronting Bob Zemeckis and Joel Silver's baser filmmaking desires) – House on Haunted Hill. In fact, it's not even as classy as the profoundly disappointing Thirteen Ghosts. So why am I recommending it? Because it has no aspirations beyond being a 91 minute diversion – and in that it succeeds. The story – such as it is – involves a group of salvagers who get more than they bargained for when they come across a vacant liner adrift at sea. The anamorphic DVD contains "Max on Set: Ghost Ship" making-of featurette, "A Closer Look at the Gore" featurette, "Designing the Ghost Ship" featurette, "Visual Effects" featurette, music video, and the theatrical trailer.

(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

Jackass: The Movie is puerile, sure. Yes, there were times that I was profoundly disappointed in both myself and humanity (it alternated) that a) such a thing existed and b) I was enjoying it. Yes, there is a certain car accident aspect to watching some of the stunts in the film (which go way above and far beyond the now almost innocent bits they did on TV), but there is definitely a humor to what they're doing. Aw hell, the bottom line is that I liked the film. I like the Three Stooges, too. Sue me. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with director Jeff Tremaine, DP Dimitry Elyashkevich, and Johnny Knoxville), a second audio commentary with the cast (including the exceedingly erudite Steve-O), MTV's "Making-of" special, outtakes, deleted scenes and additional footage, promo spots, music videos, photo galleries, cast & crew bios, and the theatrical trailer.

(Docurama, Not Rated, DVD-$26.95 SRP)

Ron Jeremy is a lovable schlub. He plays classical piano, is borderline narcoleptic, frugal to the point of pinching with money, a bit overweight, unkempt, and even-tempered. His parents served with distinction during World War II (his mother even conducted missions while in the OSS) and he earned a Masters degree before teaching school for two years. Oh yeah - he's also the most well-known male porn stars in the world. This documentary examines the multiple facets of a guy who just wants to be loved… Take that as you will. Your best bet is to get the unrated version (which surprisingly pretty much just contains more interview segments… one would have thought it would be because of… well… you know). The DVD contains additional interviews, trailers, and audio commentary with Jeremy and director Scott J. Gill.

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

Drawing on a series of interviews conducted by CNN Washington bureau chief Frank Sesno - as well as numerous interviews with administration officials, world leaders, and his family – Ronald Reagan: A Legacy Remembered paints a fascinating portrait of one of the most influential, and hotly debated, American presidents. The DVD also contains the Reagan episode of Biography and a Reagan Family Tree.

(A&E, Not Rated, $59.95 SRP)

A&E brings the DVD release of yet another classic TV series to a close with the release of the final sets (Set 6, to be exact) of Secret Agent (aka Danger Man). Patrick McGoohan's secret agent is a thinking man's spy, only using violence as a last resort. While attempts may be made to compare him to Bond, McGoohan's John Drake makes 007 look oafish by comparison – heck, there are even shades of MacGuyver. Drake finds creative ways to work within the parameters of his mission and sanction, while Bond frequently crosses the line – making Drake a far more complex character. A&E continues to do a nice job on the digital restoration of their series releases – it's always nice to pop something like this in and be amazed at just how good it looks compared to how it's looked in the past. It's also interesting to note that the final two episodes were the only ones ever shot in color, and they're presented as such on the DVD. As far as supplements go, the three-disc set contain the original US opening of the show (featuring Johnny Rivers "Secret Agent Man"), Patrick McGoohan bio/filmography, and a photo gallery.

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

Every aspect of Teddy Roosevelt's life and career (military, presidential, and private) are chronicled in unbelievable – and engrossing – detail over the course of this extensive documentary. The portrait it paints is of a hard-driven, fiercely principled man who remade a country in his uncompromising image, lifting a nation up by its bootstraps and setting it on the path to greatness. Thankfully, it also reveals the man as imperfect and completely human. The 2-disc set also contains the A&E Biography episode featuring Roosevelt, a family tree, and a bio & fact file.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

I'm sorry, but I like Troop Beverly Hills. Unless you're a child of the 80's, you probably don't remember this Shelly Long vehicle, about a wealthy soon-to-be divorced mother who signs up to lead a troop of "Wilderness Girls". Her participation is opposed by a bitter, by the book, touch as nails troop leader (Betty Thomas) who wants nothing more than to drum her – and her powderpuff troop – out of the Girls. Again – I'm sorry – but I like it. It's funny, it's totally 80's, and it costars Mary Gross. My only regret is that the disc isn't anamorphic widescreen. Damn you Columbia/Tristar!

(A&E, Not Rated, $59.95 SRP)

It must be something in the water over there. It's amazing how adept the BBC is at adapting these seemingly unfilmable (for reasons of sheer onscreen boredom) works of classic literature. Somehow, they're able to make them entirely watchable and, shockingly, enjoyable. This take on William Thackeray's tale of society and the whims of fortune is enjoyable from start to finish – no mean feat when the running time is five hours.

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

It's taken years, but Disney has finally released a DVD more befitting Who Framed Roger Rabbit's status as a classic film (rather than the incredibly tacky – and shoddy looking – bare bones release from years back). No, with time has come an incredibly well-constructed 2-disc set whose quality left me thirsting for even more. So what exactly does this 2-disc set contain? Well, the first disc is "Family Friendly" – which means it contains the fullscreen version of the film (ugh), a mini-documentary called "Who Made Roger Rabbit" (hosted by the voice of Roger, Charles Fleischer, and definitely for the kiddies), and the three Roger Rabbit theatrical shorts ("Tummy Trouble", "Rollercoaster Rabbit", and "Trail Mix-Up"). The real meat is on Disc 2, which contains the film in its newly anamorphic glory, an audio commentary (with director Bob Zemeckis, Frank Marshall, Jeffrey Price, Peter Seaman, Steve Starkey, and Ken Ralston), "Toontown Confidential" fact subtitle track, a deleted scene (the infamous "Pig Head" sequence, with introduction), before-and-after split screen comparisons, the newly produced (and extensive) "Behind the Ears: The True Story of Roger Rabbit" making-of documentary, "Toon Stand-Ins" featurette, "On Set! Benny the Cab" featurette, and an interactive gallery. Whew! Was it worth the incredibly long wait? You betcha…