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(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.

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(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?

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(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.

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(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?

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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).

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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?

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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…

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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).

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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?

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(Wellspring, Not Rated, DVD-$99.98 SRP)

Spanning three discs, this is the entirety of Joseph Campbell's 10-hour journey into mythology – exploring the cultural origins of beliefs about nature, god, and life through the years. Well-presented and (thankfully) coherent, it presents an engrossing view of one of humanity's greatest environmental coping mechanisms – the myth.

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(USA Home Entertainment, Rated R, DVD-$ SRP)

Writer Ben Elton (Blackadder) makes directorial debut with a tale of love, marriage, the entertainment industry, and the quest to have a baby. After a couple (Hugh Laurie & Joely Richarsdson) try for months to have a baby, they eventually settle into a monotonous grind of ovulation charts and schedules. When the husband hits upon the idea to use their experiences to pen what he hopes to be a successful screenplay, his wife objects – leading to friction and hilarity in what is ultimately a very warm and endearing comedy. What is perhaps the biggest surprise about this flick, though, is the amount of great British talent involved – Dawn French, Adrian Lester, James Purefoy, Tom Hollander, Joanna Lumley, Emma Thompson, and Rowan Atkinson as the couple's obstetrician.

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(Miramax, Rated PG-13, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

It usually takes quite a bit for me to actually enjoy a romantic comedy – the fact that this one stars John Cusack goes a long way towards endearing it to me. After a chance meeting one night, Jonathan (Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsdale) decide to part, letting fate decide their paths. Years later, both of them engaged to other people, they meet again – and fate decides to play its hand. Witty and engaging, it's a date flick that will be acceptable to both parties. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Peter Chesolm, a behind-the-scenes special, Peter Chesolm's production diary, deleted scenes with optional commentary, a still gallery, storyboard comparisons, and the theatrical trailer.

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

The true story of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton - and the 27-man crew of his ship, the Endurance – is one of courage, determination, and loyalty in the face of seemingly insurmountable events. When their ship was torn apart by shifting ice, the crew abandoned ship – stranding themselves hundreds of miles away from civilization in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. What had started out as an expedition to cross Antarctica now became a life-and-death struggle for Shackleton and his crew, eventually leading him to attempt a daring 800-mile sea journey in a open boat in order to bring back rescuers and retrieve his crew.  Kenneth Branagh portrays Shackleton in this absolutely stunning mini-series, presented on DVD in anamorphic widescreen. Beautifully shot and extremely taut, one can not help but be swept up in the drama. As if the mini-series itself wasn't enough, A&E has stockpiled the DVD release to the rafters with an excellent selection of bonus materials – including a 50 minute making-of documentary, the Biography on Shackleton, the 2-hour History Channel documentary "Antarctica: A Frozen History", and bio/filmography information on Branagh. This is highly recommended.

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

It's not often that a foreign espionage thriller trumps the Hollywood movie mill by producing a flick that's as taut and energetic as this. When key South Korean intelligence figures are assassinated one-by-one, two South Korean special agents, Ryu and Lee, are sent to investigate their prime suspect – a deadly North Korean female operative named Hee. What they uncover is a vast conspiracy with a potentially devastating outcome – one that they must act quickly to avert. The anamorphic DVD contains a making-of documentary, a music video, and trailers.

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(Universal, Rated R, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

When a CIA mission goes awry - leading to the capture and sentencing to death of agent Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt) – his boss (Robert Redford) must battle enemies at home and abroad in order to get him home safe. If you're looking for a high intensity, kick-butt diversion that's (surprise, surprise) well-written and well-acted (a true rarity nowadays), you can't go wrong picking up this disc. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Tony Scott, behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes with director's commentary, an interactive script-to-screen comparison, and a requirements for the CIA featurette.

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

I can't express to you just how happy I am that Columbia/Tristar is continuing their special edition releases of the Ray Harryhausen Collection. Even when the films don't exactly sparkle (this is a good example), Harryhausen's work always elicits awe and admiration – it's a joy to see a true craftsman at work. The DVD contains a featurette detailing the processes behind his work on 3 Worlds of Gulliver entitled "This is Dynamation", as well as "The Harryhausen Chronicles" featurette, "The Making of The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" featurette, trailers, production notes, and filmographies.

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(Fox, Rated PG-13, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

I really thought long and hard to come up with a few positive comments regarding this flick. Then I gave up and got a drink. I then came back and tried again. Then I got a snack. Then I had an epiphany… It's a decent Martin Lawrence film. The only caveat to that is that I really don't like Martin Lawrence films. In a nutshell, this is A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court with Lawrence as the Yankee. Madcap hijinks ensue. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Gil Junger, a choreography featurette with Paula Abdul, deleted scenes with optional commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes, outtakes, storyboard-to-scene comparisons, and trailers.

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

After watching this film, you can see why Goldie Hawn won an Oscar for her performance as the mistress to a bachelor dentist (Walter Matthau) who convinces her that he's married with kids in order to stave off her marital advances. His ruse crumbles when she attempts suicide over him, and he finally agrees to marry her. However, she protests – she doesn't want to be a home wrecker – so he asks his nurse (Ingrid Bergman) to pose as his fake wife in order to placate her. What results is a great comedy with plenty of twists and surprises. The anamorphic DVD contains the film's theatrical trailer.

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

Hal Ashby's devastating tale of Post-Vietnam America still retains its energy and poignancy, examining a love triangle (between stars Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, and Jane Fonda) set against the awkward time period when bitter, disillusioned military men were returning home to a changed country. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with Voight, Dern, and cinematographer Haskell Wexler), the retrospective featurette "Coming Back Home", "Hal Ashby: A Man Out of Time" featurette (a well-done legacy piece), and the film's original theatrical trailer.

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(Paramount, Rated PG-13, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

If you're in the mood for a good old-fashioned thriller, I'd recommend you pick up this flick. Frank Morrison (John Travolta) has concerns about his son's new stepfather (Vince Vaughn). He begins to dig into this man's past, but his discovery only proves his fears correct – and he must race to get his son out of danger. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Harold Becker, deleted scenes with optional commentary with Becker, storyboards, and the film's theatrical trailer.

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(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$24.99 SRP)

No amount of sugarcoating will hide the big attraction about this flick –we love seeing a crazy b*** go after a man who's screwed up. When attorney Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas) has a tryst outside his marriage with seductive woman (Glenn Close) but decides to abandon it as a mistake, he finds that the woman won't let him go – even if it means destroying his family. Did I mention she's crazy? The anamorphic DVD is packed to the gills with an audio commentary with director Adrian Lyne, an alternate ending with an introduction by Lyne, rehearsal footage, brand new retrospective cast & crew interviews, a behind-the-scenes look at the production titled "Visual Attraction", a featurette on the cultural phenomenon entitled "Social Attraction", and the film's trailer.

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

As if the title didn't give it away, Husbands and Wives is a Woody Allen comedy about marriage – the passion, the problems, the joy, the despair, the confusion, and the clarity… It's all there, and it all crystallizes nicely under Allen's direction. In recent years, Allen's films have been a bit scattershot, but thankfully he's at the top of his game here, as the crumbling marriage of their best friends (Sidney Pollack & Judy Davis) leads Allen and his wife (played, conveniently, by Mia Farrow) to reexamine their own relationship. That reexamination takes the form of a separation where they each pursue younger mates – and the resulting jealousies and comedy is priceless. The anamorphic DVD contains the film's theatrical trailer.

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(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$24.99 SRP)

In light of "entertainment" like Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire, the centerpiece of Indecent Proposal – a rich man (Robert Redford) offering a young couple (Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson) $1,000,000 if he can sleep with his wife – just doesn't pack much of a punch. It's still a well-produced flick with solid performances, though, and worth checking out on DVD – it's anamorphic and contains an audio commentary with director Adrian Lyne.

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(Paramount, Rated R, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

What do you get when you combine a 17 year-old Goth (Leelee Sobieski) with a middle-aged businessman (Albert Brooks)? A truly dark-comedy about the life altering effects of colliding worlds – and a rather unlikely comedy gem. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Christine Lahti.

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(Dimension, Rated PG-13, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

The only thing truly enjoyable about this film is just how unintentionally funny it is. A great deal of the humor stems from the mediocre script, but a lot of it comes to the fore thanks to a cast (James Van Der Beek, Ashton Kutcher, Usher Raymond, Robert Patrick, Dylan McDermott, and Rachel Leigh Cook) that hasn't been let in on the joke. The story, such as it is, concerns the formation of the Texas Rangers –a group of cowboys who band together in order to tame the rise of banditry in Texas in the aftermath of the Civil War. The anamorphic DVD contains a behind-the-scenes featurette, storyboard sequences, still gallery, and the film's trailer.

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(Anchor Bay, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP each)

You either like The Three Stooges or you don't – there seems to be very little gray area between the two. For those who love the lovable knuckleheads, Anchor Bay has released 2 collections of Stooges rarities – The Three Stooges: Greatest Hits & Rarities and The Three Stooges: All Time Favorites. Greatest Hits contains four Stooges shorts (the public domain ones – Malice in the Palace, Disorder in the Court, Brideless Groom, and Sing a Song of Six Pants - in rather poor quality), an episode of Ed Wynn's Camel Comedy Caravan featuring the Stooges as CBS executives, a rare film appearance of Shemp in the lead role slapping around four other stooges, a 1950's commercial for Simoniz car wax, two film trailers, and the Hollywood On Parade short that features the first film appearance of Curly. The All Time Favorites disc features the "Family Album" documentary (with rare home movies), a short documentary on the first Stooges Convention in California, the ultra-rare unaired Jerks of All Trades TV pilot made for ABC in 1949, and the Kook's Tour documentary, which marks the final film appearance of the Stooges. Again – for true Stooge fans, these two discs can't be passed up.

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

As a fan of The Transformers, I can't fully express how excited I was when I heard that Rhino was going to be releasing the entire first season on DVD… Well, I can tell you – I was floored. How cool is that? The Transformers was a part of my childhood, and to have those episodes available in digital form with a cleaned up picture and 5.1 sound is a joy. In fact, I'm giddy just thinking about it. Spanning 4 discs, all 16 first season episodes are here – as well as special features, including outtakes and anomalies, the Japanese "Transformers" show opening, bumpers, Japanese bumpers, the script from Episode #4 ("Transport to Oblivion"), and "A Taste of Botcon" - highlights from the 2001 Transformers Convention.

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

In what I hope is a precedent that will be followed by more volumes, this release contains the first five episodes of the original Batman animated series ("On Leather Wings", "Christmas With The Joker", "Nothing To Fear", "The Last Laugh" and "Pretty Poison"). Every single episode trumps anything done in the live action features – these are small films that are beautifully scripted, well-animated (no SuperFriends grimace here), and brought to life by an excellent vocal cast (Kevin Conroy *is* Batman). The DVD contains an interview with producer Bruce Timm, a game, and a "How to Draw Batman" featurette.

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

This animated movie – helmed by the talented people behind the Batman animated series - was produced to coincide with the release of the live action Batman & Robin, which is why Mr. Freeze is the villain here. However, speculation goes that when the suits at Warners realized that the animated film was far superior to their live action behemoth, they ordered the release date of Sub-Zero pushed back. Well, this *is* a superior film – where Batman & Robin was comic schlock bombast, Sub-Zero is a nuanced, subtle film packed with action and drama. It's highly recommended – and it almost erases Schumacher's monstrosity from memory… Almost. The DVD contains a music montage, trailers, and a "How to Draw Batman" featurette.

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

This is what a meeting of the animated versions of Batman and Superman should be – pure, unadulterated action, adventure, and fun. When the Joker steals a statue made entirely of Kryptonite, he heads to Metropolis to present Lex Luthor with an offer - $1 billion and he'll get rid of Superman. What neither Joker nor Luthor counts on is that Batman is in town – Bruce Wayne is in talks with Lexcorp on a business deal. As the Joker runs wild, Superman and Batman must team up to rescue an imperiled Lois – and the entire world, if the Joker gets his way. Did I mention how much fun this flick is? The DVD contains an interview with producer Bruce Timm, a music montage, trailers, a "How to Draw Batman" featurette, and a "How to Draw Superman" featurette.

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

It's been a long time coming, but the uncut version of Return of the Joker is finally getting to officially see the light of day. For those who are unaware of the brouhaha over this title, the short of it is as follows – set to be released in the Fall of 2000, it was delayed after a rash of school violence. Warner Home Video decided to extensively edit the picture to excise violent content – including significantly altering story points. These changes might have gone unnoticed if screener tapes of the uncut version hadn't already shipped to a few journalists – word (and bootleg tapes) quickly spread. Personally, I find the uncut version to be a far superior product – it's a dark, haunting, brilliant Batman movie that showcases a Joker at the height of insane viciousness. If only the live action flicks lived up to this standard, I would be a much happier person.  Kudos to Warners for giving the fans what they want. The anamorphic DVD contains the original audio commentary (with producer Bruce Timm, writer/producer Paul Dini, producer Glenn Murakami, and director Curt Geda) recorded prior to the edits (the original DVD release featured a more somber commentary re-recorded after the edits), a making-of featurette, deleted scene, music video, and animation tests.

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(Fox, Rated PG-13, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$27.98 SRP)

I always hate it when a mediocre flick swallows up Gene Hackamn – one of my favorite actors. Here, it's the tedious tale of a commanding officer (Gene Hackman) who goes against orders and launches a renegade rescue mission to retrieve a downed pilot (Owen Wilson) who's fighting for his life on the ground in Bosnia. It's a jumbled mess that has me still wondering if it was a failure in script or direction that shot this flick down. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director John Moore and editor Martin Smith, an audio commentary with producers John Davis and Wyck Godfrey, extended/deleted scenes with optional commentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

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

Don Baker (Edward Albert) is a young blind man who would like to make a go of it in the world – so he makes a deal with his overprotective (and overly worried) mother to move out of his parents' house for 3 months, during which time he'll try to live independently. If he can't make it on his own, he tells his mom (Eileen Hackart) he'll move home. Upon moving into his new apartment, his first friend is his beautiful and eccentric neighbor (Goldie Hawn), Jill,  who is also an aspiring actress. They quickly charm each other and fall in love, but their relationship is jeopardized when Jill is offered an important part in a play – an offer hinging on the whims of a lascivious producer. The anamorphic DVD contains bonus trailers.

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  (Home Vision Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

While Reefer Madness will probably go down in history as cinema's attempt at a damning case against marijuana use, director Ron Mann and Woody Harrelson teamed up to produce the case for – all the while pointing out the hilarity of such propaganda as the aforementioned Madness. It's a funny cultural statement, and is just as much a propaganda tool as anything that's come before it (pro or con on the issue) – although this one actually entertains on purpose. The anamorphic DVD contains the "Ron Mann on Grass" featurette, a deleted scene, a High Times magazine gallery, and the theatrical trailer.

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

As a fan of both the Batman and Superman animated series, I was eagerly anticipating their interpretation of DC Comics' greatest superheroes – the Justice League. Unfortunately –while the animation is up to the same excellent standards as their previous work – I found the script and voice casting for this premiere outing to be sub-par. The line-up (Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Hawk Girl) reflects a need for diversity (Hawk Girl replaces Hawkman and this Green Lantern is not the Hal Jordan of the original League nor the new Lantern, Kyle Rayner). The story revolves around an alien invasion of Earth which, naturally, must be fended off by our heroes – who gather together and come to realize that the world could use them as a group. It's not a total disaster, but the marginal script and voices (save for Kevin Conroy's return as Batman) make for a mediocre first outing. Also, I was disappointed to find that the disc was presented full screen – even though the Cartoon Network also airs a letterboxed version of each episode. With this discs pronounced lack of extras, one would think they could have put both versions on the disc.

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

Naysayers who continually trumpet that the end of 2-D animation should be required to watch the adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's masterpiece – if only to shut them up. Every time American animation falls into a period of stagnation, a piece of Japanese anime comes along to kick the industry in the a**… this is that film. Metropolis is a tri-level, industrial world with a powerful leader named Duke Red, who is about to unveil a powerful robot named Tima. Unfortunately, Duke Red's son – a bit of an unstable kid – hates robots and sets out to destroy Tima. Lost deep in the bowels of Metropolis, Tima befriends the young nephew of a Japanese detective  - a friendship that is threatened by Duke Red, with the fate of the universe at stake. If you're in the least bit confused, there's only one thing for you to do – go watch it. The anamorphic 2-disc set contains an in-depth making-of, filmmaker interviews, two multi-angle animation comparisons, a history of the "Metropolis" comic book featurette, a conceptual art gallery, and trailers.

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

Things are not going well for either Donald Quinelle (Robin Williams) or Sonny Paluso (Walter Matthau) – one was just fired by his boss' parrot and the other watched his gas station go up in flames. Both of them go to the same coffee shop to drown their sorrows, where they wind up disarming a would-be thief (Jerry Reed). Unfortunately, a snafu leads to the thief's release, and he decides to go after the erstwhile heroes – forcing them into a situation where they have to team up if they hope to survive. The leads have chemistry to spare, even if the script fails them on numerous occasions. Still, it's a film worth checking out. The anamorphic DVD contains the film's original theatrical trailer.

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(Columbia/Tristar, Rated R, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$27.96 SRP)

When informed of the casting of Michael Mann's big-screen biopic of the legendary Muhammad Ali, I was a bit flummoxed – how could the Fresh Prince play boxing's most iconic personality? Well, I should have had more faith in Will Smith's acting abilities – he plays Ali with a charismatic intensity that is truly wonderful to behold. I only wish that the film lived up to the performance. I don't mind the event compression or the inaccuracies (sorry – dramatizations), but I was disappointed in the languid pace and uninspired direction… And this from a director whose work I usually love. Another disappoint lay in the fact that this is basically a featureless DVD, containing just trailers – although I won't fault Columbia with that, since Mann isn't known for doing a lot of features for his discs (Mohicans, anyone?)

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(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

If you're hankering for a healthy does of that good ol' American patriotism, then this release is perfect. Spanning two discs, you'll find 6 stories of great American military victories – some of them despite tremendous adversity. The 6 tales included here are Nimitz at Midway, Eisenhower on D-Day, Patton at the Breakdown from Normandy, Halsey at Leyte Gulf, MacArthur in the Phillipines, and Schwarzkopf at Desert Storm. All-in-all, it's a red, white, & blue celebration of Yankee courage.

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

Marching inexorably closer towards finishing out the entirety of The Avengers run, A&E releases Sets 3 & 4 (Volumes 5-8) of the 1968 series, with Linda Thorson as the dashing sidekick. While not as powerful as the legendary Diana Rigg years, these episodes from the final season still shine in the exciting and fun fashion one expects from this classic British series. As far as supplementary materials go, the discs contains production still galleries.

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(History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$59.95 SRP)

If watching the big screen flicks Elizabeth or Shakespeare in Love whetted your appetite for finding out more about Britain's virgin queen, there is no better resource than this release from The History Channel. Spanning two discs and running over 200 minutes, this is a breathtakingly comprehensive look at the life (and times) of Elizabeth I – from her surprise ascent to power in a tumultuous time to her long, expansionist reign that made her country a superpower. As a supplement, the DVDs contain a chronology of the British monarchs.

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(Columbia/Tristar, Rated R, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

It's always nice to see a previously-released DVD title get a much-needed – and well-executed – revisiting. In this case, Cameron Crowe's Jerry Maguire gets a rather spiffy 2-disc affair jam-packed with extras that actually blew me away… Not an easy task. Disc one contains the film (the same anamorphic print as the original DVD release) and a brand-new commentary track featuring Crowe, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Renee Zellweger, and (marking his commentary debut) Tom Cruise. Disc Two features deleted scenes with optional commentary from Crowe and editor Joe Hutshing, rehearsal footage with optional commentary from Crowe, Rod Tidwell's first commercial, "Drew Rosenhaus: Sports Agent" featurette (featuring an interview with a real agent), Bruce Springsteen's "Secret Garden" music video, the original making-of featurette, trailers, Jerry Maguire's mission statement, and a photo gallery. Arguably the best feature of the lot is also found on Disc two – a video commentary, which is essentially video of Crowe, Cruise, Zellweger, and Gooding during the recording the audio commentary – and it's video of the entire session. Running in a small frame superimposed on the footage is the film, making for a unique viewing experience and a candid look at four people obviously having a good time. Hopefully, this feature will pop up on more titles in the future.

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(Columbia/Tristar, Rated R, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

When I first heard about the concept of this flick – a no-hold-barred spoof of the teen films of the past 20 years – I couldn't wait to see the end result. No other genre was in bigger need of a thumping than that spawned by the films of John Hughes. Unfortunately, the clever, uproarious pummeling is not to found in this off-putting, lackluster affair. While there are occasional bursts of comedy, for the most part its just a meandering morass… Here's hoping for a better spoof to come along. The anamorphic DVD contains a filmmaker's commentary (with director Joel Gallen and writer Mike Bender), a cast commentary (with stars Chyler Leigh, Chris Evans, Jaime Pressly, Eric Jungmann, and Eric Christian Olsen ), a teen movie factoids track, 18 deleted scenes (including the original ending), 3 "School's In Session" behind-the-scenes featurettes, the unrated  version of Marilyn Manson's "Tainted Love" music video, Joe Gallen's first short film "Car Ride", "Test your teen movie I.Q." quiz, auditions, a "Yearbook" gallery, and theatrical trailers.

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

A&E Home Video's release of Gerry Anderson's classic Super-marionation series comes to a close with these final 2-disc sets, comprising Volumes 9 through 12. If you're not already a fan of Thunderbirds (shame on you!), run (don't walk) to your nearest DVD emporium and partake in the kitcshy adventures of the International Rescue team. The remastering on these episodes provides a vibrancy and clarity lacking from those early Sunday morning viewings I remember as a kid – and the 5.1 surround sure beats a mono speaker. Set 4 contains five episodes, while Set 6 contains the final three episodes on Volume 11 – with the entirety of Volume 12 devoted to the behind-the-scenes documentaries "The Brains Behind Thunderbirds" and "The Making Of The Thunderbirds". These two in-depth supplements are worth the prices of admission all by themselves.

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

There's nothing quite so disturbing as an engineer stating that the World Trade Center towers could withstand an impact from a jet plane – especially when the interview was conducted just a few short months before the towers' demise at the hands of terrorists. That's just one of the many components of this fascinating retrospective on the developmental wrangling, construction, economic importance, social relevance, and legacy of these departed structures – all told through interviews with engineers, architects, politicians, and contractors, as well as archival footage.

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Tibby's Bowl Entertainment Magazine copyright 2002 by Kenneth Plume. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without permission is prohibited. All articles, stories, and columns contained within are copyright their respective authors.