(MPI Media, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP)

A fascinating look at the lives and work of modern-day astronomers, this 2-dsic set explores the concepts, theories, and discoveries currently driving modern star-gazing. What otherwise might be a dry exercise full of unpalatable science instead proves to be an engrossing look at the personalities that drive such exploration, thereby humanizing the process.

(BFS Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$9.99 SRP)

After watching this 8-episode collection of random episodes from the classic Dick Van Dyke Show, my overwhelming reaction was: "I want more." The humor – revolving largely upon realistic household situations – holds up remarkably well, and the cast is simply wonderful. The presentation on DVD is also quite nice, providing relatively clean prints and good sound. Now then… where are more volumes?

(Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

When I first saw the title of this disc, I was a bit confused… Eastwood After Hours? Is that like Playboy After Dark? Much to my surprise, it is actually a combination concert/retrospective on Eastwood's lengthy career combined with jazz performances – all taking place in Carnegie Hall. Anyone who knows Eastwood (or his films) knows that he has a deep and abiding love of jazz, and it's clearly evident here – the performances are all top-notch. In fact, watching this documentary has made me interested in picking up the accompanying CD release (from Malpaso Records/Warner Bros Records). The anamorphic DVD also contains a behind-the-scenes documentary.

(MPI Media, Not Rated, DVD-$79.98 SRP)

Collected in this box set are most of George Carlin's best HBO specials – Carlin at Carnegie, On Location with George Carlin, George Carlin Again!, Carlin on Campus, and the 1998 "greatest hits" retrospective Personal Favorites. All-in-all, it's an excellent primer on one of America's most acerbic – and pointed – social commentators… And did I mention how friggin' funny he is?

(MPI Media, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP each)

Any fan of classic television should reserve a place of honor on their shelves for the continuing release of the classic Honeymooners episodes on DVD. What is perhaps most surprising is just how well these episodes hold up, after almost 50 years – a true testament to the power of good writing and wonderful performances. Considering the age of the materials, the picture quality is quite nice – much better than you would get watching it on TV. Currently, 16 volumes are available (either individually, or in 4-disc sets for an SRP of $49.98) containing 4 episodes each. Overall, it's an excellent value for a piece of comedy history – I can't wait till they finish releasing them all.

(MPI Media, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP each)

I would call Hullabaloo a curious novelty if it wasn't packed with a plethora of wonderful performances. For those unfamiliar with the show, it was a musical showcase which aired on NBC during 1965-1966. As for the aforementioned performances, there are vintage sets from acts including The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Maguire, The Moody Blues, Paul Revere & the Raiders, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and many, many more. In fact, the array of talent is stunning. The picture quality is a bit lacking, but understandable when one realizes that the original masters were destroyed – leaving only black & white kinescopes. Thankfully, though, the audio quality is very good – not pristine, but not horrible… Considering the historical nature of some of these performances – all performed live – it's nice to have anything all. There are currently three volumes available, and each DVD contains over 4 1/2 hours of performances, including bonus songs. A definite must-have for any music fan.

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

This National Geographic special takes a fascinating look inside one of the most secretive – and sacred – locations on Earth. Inside the Vatican explores the history and hidden areas of this city state, as well as detailing the traditions that have remain virtually unchanged for almost 2,000 years. The DVD edition contains 30 minutes of additional footage not shown in the original PBS airing.

(BFS Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

There's nothing like ending a long-running series in style – and that's exactly how Britain's acclaimed detective drama Inspector Morse goes out. After a yearlong investigation, a murder case is rekindled when the promise of new evidence comes to light – and Morse is on the trail. The DVD also includes a retrospective documentary looking-back on the series, The Last Morse, which includes interviews with the principles in front of and behind the camera, as well as guest stars. Like I said – it would be nice if more series went out with this kind of well-crafted splash.

(BFS Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

If you've ever been channel-surfing late at night, odds are you've come across the Orson Welles hosted special on the predictions of Nostradamus – and either thought it was terribly funny or terribly prescient. Even if you don't believe in Nostradamus prognostications (and I don't), this is still a fun documentary to watch just to see Welles intone the predictions in his solemn – yet wonderfully showmanlike – fashion.

(MPI Media, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP each)

MPI's release of classic television continues with the story of Lucas McCain (Chuck Conners) – a widower forced to raise his son alone on the rough and tumble frontier in 1880's New Mexico. It's got everything one would expect from a classic TV western – solid stories, high drama, action, and even a little levity here and there. Also, The Rifleman was a hotbed for up-and-coming talent – Robert Culp. Dennis Hopper, Michael Landon, Martin Landau, and John Carradine – as well as established stars. Currently, 6 volumes are available (with the first 4 volumes also available as a set with an SRP of $49.98).

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

I won't say that, going in, I was terribly big fan of Robbie Williams… Frankly, I wouldn't say I was a fan at all. However, after viewing this raucous, infectiously fun concert filmed in London's famed Royal Albert Hall, I've changed my tune.. Williams is a consummate entertainer – heck he even has Jon Lovitz as a guest star. Oh – did I mention that it's Williams performing swing tunes with a huge backing orchestra? The DVD also contains behind-the-scenes footage, a documentary on the recording of the Swing When You're Winning album, a featurette on a day in the life of Williams, a gallery, and the video of "Somethin' Stupid" – featuring Nicole Kidman.

(BFS Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP each)

Fans of Sean Bean's performance in Lord of the Rings might want to check out his *other* big role – that of British officer Richard Sharpe in the series of adaptations of Bernard Cornwell's novels. Operating during the Napoleonic Wars, the series runs the gamut from drama to intrigue to high adventure – and it's a fun lesson in history, to boot.  Bean's Sharpe is an epic hero, both dashing and intelligent. Currently, the series consists of 14 movies -  Sharpe's Battle, Sharpe's Company, Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Enemy, Sharpe's Gold, Sharpe's Honour, Sharpe's Justice, Sharpe's Mission, Sharpe's Regiment, Sharpe's Revenge, Sharpe's Rifles, Sharpe's Siege, Sharpe's Sword , and Sharpe's Waterloo.

(BFS Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP)

Sorrell & Son is, simply put, about the relationship between a father and son. The elder Sorrell (Richard Pasco) returns from the first World War with a broken body and a ruined marriage. After his wife deserts him, he raises his son, Kit (Peter Chesolm), alone – dreaming that his son will one day be a doctor, he works at menial jobs and scrapes together the money to ensure a place for his son in society. After 30 years of toil, however, everything he's worked for is put in jeopardy. All in all, it's a touching portrait of a familial bond often fraught with complications, and well worth checking out on DVD.

(National Geographic, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

I'd like to see Steve Irwin try and wrestle the true-life monster detailed in this National Geographic special – a 10-ton, 40-foot SuperCroc. Delve into the science and terrifying recreations of the environment that was dominated by this huge creature.

(BFS Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

It's a fascinating exercise to compare Till Death Do Us Part to the American show it was adapted into – All In The Family. While many of the conceits are the same, the biggest difference would probably be how uncompromising Till Death is. In fact, All In The Family looks positively plain by comparison. The head of the family here is Alf Garnett – a bitter blowhard dockworker who can't keep his opinions to himself, and often it's his family who are on the receiving end of his blustery tirades. The DVD contains three episodes, plus a bonus presentation of the Christmas episode. Funny and blistering, it's definitely worth checking out.

(National Geographic, Not Rated, DVD-$166.92 SRP)

If you're as big a fan of National Geographic's documentaries as I am, then this set really does live up to its name. Containing seven documentaries, it's a both a treasure trove and an enormous time requirement – but it's well worth it. The specials collected in the set are Tigers of the Snow, Nature's Fury, Secrets of the Titanic, Surviving Everest, The Battle For Midway, The Photographers, and the retrospective 30 Years of National Geographic Specials . Impressive, no?

(Warner Bros, Rated PG, VHS-$14.95 SRP, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

It's not often that an independently produced adaptation of a classic children's novel gets a decent presentation in animated form. Offhand, I can think of Charlotte's Web and The Phantom Tollbooth. You can add Watership Down to that as well. Down is based on the book by Richard Adams, and tells the story of an uprooted group of rabbits who must brave an unknown countryside – fraught with dangers and villainous competition – in order to find a new home. It's beautifully animated and wonderfully written. The anamorphic (Yes! Anamorphic!) DVD contains a Richard Williams profile, a Bunny Talk glossary, Watership Down Today, and the film's theatrical trailer.

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

If you're in the mood for a Baz Luhrmann head trip that isn't quite as ADD as Moulin Rouge , then you'll want to check out Fox's special edition re-release of William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet. Despite its unique editing and modern-day trappings, it's one of the most faithful adaptations of the source material yet done on film – how's that for trippy? Add to that a stunning cast (including Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo, Paul Sorvino, and Brian Denehy), and you get some idea why it's worth watching. The new anamorphic edition features an audio commentary (with Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Don McAlpine, and Craig Pearce), scene studies with cinematographer Don McAlpine, a behine-the-scenes featurette with Baz Lurhmann, cast & crew interviews, a production design gallery narrated by Catherine Martin, two music videos, TV spots, and the theatrical trailer.

(Columbia/Tristar, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP)

When you're hankering for a piece of pure Americana, there's nothing like partaking in a classic western – and 3:10 to Yuma fits the bill. Glenn Ford plays Ben Wade, an outlaw who is set to be transferred via train to his trial in Yuma. His gang has plans to free him en route to the station, but standing in their way is a down-on-his-luck rancher (Van Heflin) who takes the job of escorting Wade – despite the danger and over the pleas of his wife. The anamorphic DVD contains bonus trailers.

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

The are three great latter-day baseball pictures – The Natural, Field Of Dreams, and Bull Durham. Finally, the last of those three has been released in a special edition befitting its prestige. The anamorphic DVD contains 2 audio commentaries (one with director Ron Shelton, the other – quite fun – one with stars Tim Robbins and Kevin Costner), a brand new making-of documentary, 2 original featurettes, a photo gallery, and trailers. So while you're waiting for this year's season to get into full swing, kick back and relive the minor league love triangle between two men, the same woman, and America's past time.

(Touchstone, Rated PG, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

While its script leaves something to desired, nothing has yet compared to this flick's ability to create a visually stunning adaptation of a comic strip – it's a true four-color world on screen. The cast is nothing to shake a stick at, either: Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, James Caan, Paul Sorvino, and Madonna – just to name a few. It's been a disc that's a long-time coming – and there's no special features to speak of and it's not anamorphic. What's up, Buena Vista? Try again…

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

Sure, the sets are cheap and the villains are sometimes laughable, but there's a certain charm about Doctor Who – either in its writing or the earnestness of its actors – that overpowers the cardboard sets and mediocre special effects. The BBC releases two more volumes – Remembrance of the Daleks (with Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor) and The Caves of Adrozani (with Peter Davison) – chock full of cheesy fun.

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

If you're in the mood for a classic, fun, and downright silly Jackie Chan flick, nothing beats Drunken Master. It stars Chan as the clownish son of a martial arts instructor who, tired of his son's antics after a mistake leaves another man's son injured, enlists the aid of his harsh uncle to teach his son a lesson – the special art known as the "Drunken Boxer." The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Hong Kong film expert Ric Myers and bonus trailers.

(Warner Bros, Rated PG-13, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

While not my favorite of the Vacation movies (that would be the original classic), there's still a certain charm to this follow-up, which finds the hapless Griswold clan touring through Europe after winning the grand prize in a game show. In true Griswold fashion, things god disastrously astray. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Chevy Chase – this is truly a great track, and one can only hope that Warners is going to re-release the other Vacation flicks (in anamorphic widescreen) with commentaries as well. The disc also contains the film's original theatrical trailer.

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

Easily one of the trippiest shows ever to be realized in clay on national television, Gumby gets the red carpet treatment from Rhino in a comprehensive boxed set that contains every bit of classic Gumby and Pokey action a fan could want. Spanning 7 discs, all of the Gumby shorts are contained within. As far as bonus materials go, fans will be pleased with behind-the-scenes footage of animators producing the show, interviews with Art Clokey and his son Joe Clokey, an interview with the voice of Gumby (Dal McKennon), the pilot episode, storyboards, and other Art Clokey animation (including "Gumbasia," the forerunner of the "Gumby" pilot, all introduced by Art Clokey).

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

Joe Versus the Volcano ranks right up there with Ishtar and Heavens Gate as a flick universally regarded as a complete and utter failure. I won't speak of the other two flicks, but describing Joe this was is hogwash – those willing to rediscover this film will find it a fun, funny, and ultimately unique romantic comedy. It is by no means a perfect film, but its quirkiness deserves to be reevaluated. And hey – can you think of anything more interesting than Tom Hanks playing a man who, under the belief that he's about to die anyway, takes an old man (Lloyd Bridges) up on his offer to be a human sacrifice to a volcano in the ritual of a remote island tribe? What if I told you his love interest was Meg Ryan and the chief of the island tribe was Abe Vigoda? If that doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will. The anamorphic DVD contains a very brief behind-the-scenes featurette, Eric Burdon's "Sixteen Tons" music video, and the film's trailer.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

Although it's taken a critical beating since its release, I happen to think that it's actually a flick worth reconsidering. When a computer expert (Sandra Bullock) stumbles upon a major conspiracy, her life is electronically "erased" – bank records, identity, everything – and she finds herself on the run. Bullock plays the heroine on the run quite well, and it's a taut thriller that doesn't sacrifice intelligence for action.

The anamorphic special edition DVD contains an audio commentary with director Irwin Winkler and producer Rob Cowan, an audio commentary with writers John Brancato and Michael Ferris, "From Script To Screen" featurette, "Inside The Net" HBO making-of, and trailers.

(Touchstone, Rated R, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

I remember this film having more bite than it did on my re-watching for this review. The plot – in very simplified form – is about millionaire businessman Sam Stone (Danny Devito), who loathes his inheritance-rich wife (Bette Midler). He wants nothing more than to kill her off and collect her money. His plans to do it himself go awry when she's actually kidnapped by a disgruntled couple (Helen Slater & Judge Reinhold) who hold a grudge against Sam after he screwed them on a business deal, leaving them broke and him reaping the profits. Sam seizes upon this opportunity to be rid of his wife, and refuses to pay the ransom – leaving the kidnappers in the lurch with Sam's disgruntled wife – and the trio starts to plan on how to get rid of Sam. That's the simple version, but you get the gist of it. Overall, it's still a funny movie – just not nearly as dark as I recall. The DVD contains no special features and is not anamorphic.

(Warner Bros, Rated R, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

I'm probably the wrong person to review this, for the simple reason that I'm not a big fan of gory horror flicks. Having said that, I did respect the wonderfully disturbing psychological undercurrent at play in the predecessor to this, House On Haunted Hill. Whatever subtlety that film had is noticeably absent in this updating of the 1960 William Castle horror "classic" about a haunted house inhabited by, well, 13 ghosts. So the updating gives us the same inheritors of the haunted house, and their subsequent terror – but the gore and schlock are cranked to far too high an extreme, making a scary movie unintentionally funny. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with production designer Sean Hargreaves and special effects creator Howard Berger, 12 "Ghost Files" vignettes profiling each ghost,  "Thirteen Ghosts Revealed" behind-the-scenes documentary, the theatrical trailer, and a music montage.

(Touchstone, Rated R, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

After a fender bender involving their prized Cadillacs in 1963 Baltimore, two "Tin Men" (aluminum siding salesmen) - played by Danny Devito and Richard Dreyfuss – engage in a rapidly escalating game of one-upsmanship. When one decides to raise the stakes by moving in on the other's neglected wife (Barbara Hershey), a cascade of unexpected – and hilarious – results ensue. One of Barry Levinson's finest films, it finally gets the special edition it deserves. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with Levinson, Dreyfuss, Hershey, Bruno Kirby, John Mahoney, Seymour Cassel, producer Mark Johnson, and costume designer Gloria Gresham) and a deleted scene with an introduction from Levinson.

(Touchstone, Rated PG, DVD-$19.99 SRP each)

I'll say this up front – both these flicks are comedies so saccharine that I felt my teeth were at risk just watching them. Of the two, the original film (directed by Leonard Nimoy) is the easier watch – the flabby sequel lacks any punch whatsoever. And hey – you know you've missed Steve Guttenberg… Haven't we all? Adding insult to injury, both discs are featureless – and the first film is non-anamorphic widescreen, and the second is only fullscreen. What is the deal, Buena Vista?

(Touchstone, Rated PG, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

Forget Forrest Gump and Philadelphia – this is the film that Tom Hanks should have gotten an Oscar for. Say what you will about those other performances, it's Hanks turn as a frustrated detective forced to share his life with a slobbering dog that really shines. His frustration is palpable, as is his comic timing. If only we could have a sequel, then all would be right with the world. The non-anamorphic DVD contains no special features… Except for Hooch's ability to drool.

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

After a long wait, fans of Bryan Singer's one great film (I'll argue the rest with you) finally get the special edition we should have gotten in the first place… And, though I hate to say it, it was worth the wait. Thrill to the twisted blind alleys, witty dialogue, perfect performances, and limber plot of the criminals gathered together under the aegis of the mysterious Keyser Soze with an anamorphic picture that is pretty darn near pristine. The DVD also contains an audio commentary with Singer and writer Chris McQuarrie, an audio commentary with editor/composer John Ottman, deleted scenes with Ottman introduction, a nice gag reel with an intro from Singer, TV spots, trailers, "Heisting Cannes with The Usual Suspects" featurette, "Keyser Soze – Lie or Legend" featurette, "Pursuing the Suspects" featurette, and "Doing Time With the Suspects" featurette. Great stuff – go pick it up and donate your old copy to a less fortunate relative.

(Anchor Bay, Rated PG, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

Watcher in the Woods is one of those horror flicks that everyone says is required viewing, but few have actually seen. After having seen it, I'm not prepared to call it a classic, but its tale of mystery and suspense does pack a kick – and the fact that Bette Davis is on hand ain't too shabby. The collector's edition anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director John Hough, two alternate endings, a TV spot, theatrical trailers, and a 20-page booklet with interviews and more.

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

When two best friends – one a London nurse (Minnie Driver) and the other a struggling American actress (Mary McCormack) – overhear a bank robbery on a radio scanner, they attempt to blackmail the thieves into giving them a cut. They refuse, and instead threaten the girls' lives – but the thugs get more than they bargained for when the women decide to play the game by their rules. This is actually a pretty funny comedy full of action and quick wit – I know… I was just as surprised as you are. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Mel Smith and writer Kim Fuller, a making-of featurette, and a musical montage.

(Anchor Bay, Rated R, DVD-$39.98 SRP)

Highlander is not a great film – in many respects, it's not even a good film –but it is a film that knows exactly what it is, and that allows the viewer to just have fun with its tale of immortals fighting to be the last one standing. This anamorphic special edition of the film comes in a limited edition metal slipcover, with a commentary track (with director Russell Mulcahy and producers Peter S. Davis and William N. Panzer), trailers, bios, poster and still gallery, Queen music videos (for "Who Wants to Live Forever", "A Kind Of Magic", and "Princes of the Universe"), and a Queen still gallery. In addition, the limited set also features a bonus audio CD containing "Princes of the Universe", "Friends Will Be Friends", and an extended version of "One Year Of Love". It's a guilty pleasure flick that's well-worth picking up.

(USA Home Entertainment, VHS-Priced For Rental, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

There's nothing quite so engrossing as watching a Coen brothers flick in black & white – bringing to the forefront their often neo-noir sensibilities. Those sensibilities extend to the story, about a small town barber (Billy Bob Thornton) whose escalating attempts to escape his dull life – including blackmail and a complicated revenge plot – eventually begins to unravel with spectacular, and unexpected,  results. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Joel and Ethan Coen (a first!) and actor Billy Bob Thornton, a making-of featurette, an interview with cinematographer Roger Deakins, deleted scenes, a still gallery, and the film's trailer.