(Artisan, Rated G, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

Art has a way of transcending social and political boundaries – and no art form excels at that as well as music. That point is driven home in a most entertaining fashion in this documentary, which spotlights the artistry of a group of Cuban folk musicians. The music is as emotionally resonant as the stories the musicians have to tell, all while they're playing sell-out concerts – including Carnegie Hall and Amsterdam. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Wim Wenders, additional scenes, crew info, musicians info, and production notes.

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

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 both Series One and Two (both currently 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.

(BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$34.98 SRP)

If you're a fan of Douglas Adams' masterpiece of wit, whimsy, and galactic insanity, then this is the ultimate edition of the TV adaptation. Not only has the series been completely re-mastered (and anyone who's seen the VHS version knows it needed it desperately), but there's also a second disc of bonus features. Included on Disc 2 is an audio interview with Adams, outtakes, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, a making-of documentary (along with additional interviews), a tribute program celebrating Adams, A Tomorrow's World segment on Beeblebrox's second head, an appearance by animator Rob Lord and producer/director Alan J. W. Bell on Pebble Mill at One, Peter Jones' introduction to the first screening of the first episode, behind-the-scenes footage during the production of the radio series, a photo gallery, and the original trailer. See… I told you that you couldn't do without it.

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

I've always been a science nut, so it was with much anticipation that I dove into this series, hosted by Sam Neil, which examines everything from the Big Bang to black holes. Thankfully, the show – comprised of six programs – never plays dry, but instead is engaging and downright fascinating. The geek in me was marveling at the coolness of it all (especially the segment about extraterrestrial life), while the layman in me was going, "Now that's interesting…" The DVD contains a featurette on the graphics, a photo gallery, and an encyclopedia of space facts.

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

While not as literate as The Spanish Prisoner, Novocaine is still an excellent showcase for the dramatic talents of Steve Martin, as he navigates a tale filled with sex, drugs, and murder… Oh, and dentistry. And yes, that description nicely suits how surreal this pic can be – often veering from genre to genre at the drop of a hat – but that's what makes it such a nice watch. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director David Atkins, deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, a featurette on forensic dentistry, production notes, trailers, and cast & crew bios.

(Buena Vista, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

While the main thrust of this DVD is, on the surface, a 5-epsiode arc of the disappointing Spider-Man cartoon of the mid-90's (an arc featuring a bevy of Spidey baddies, including the Green Goblin), the real treat here is the bonus materials. What are those bonus materials, you wonder? Well, it's a series of introductions and a mini-featurette on the history of the web-spinner featuring Stan Lee, plus it's the origin episode of the original 1967 Spider-Man cartoon (with one of the catchiest theme songs in TV history). So, while I won't recommend this title on the merits of the cartoon episodes, the bonus materials get a most enthusiastic thumbs-up.

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

As Sesame Street continues to forget what made it such a joy for both children and adults to watch, it's comforting to know that Bear in the Big Blue House has picked up the baton and run with it. Fresh, innovative, and fun, it's easy to forget that the show is aimed at toddlers – touching on subjects ranging from potty training to sharing. In the volume Everybody's Special, Bear and his extended family learn about dealing with differences, charity, and opposites. In Tidy Time With Bear, it's work, picking up, and getting a job done right. Combining snappy dialogue, great music, and the Muppets is a recipe that Sesame Street needs to rediscover - until then, you can find it all here.

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

There's just something about a good old-fashioned monster flick that's appealing – and it's that kind of schlocky atmosphere that this remake or Earth Vs. The Spider captures nicely. When a nerdy lab security guard is attacked by thugs, killing his partner, he injects himself with an experimental drug made from the blood of a laboratory spider. The drug has after-effects, however –monstrous ones – and he slowly begins to mutate into a spider… and he becomes hungry. Like I said –schlocky fun, courtesy of creature impresario Stan Winston. The anamorphic DVD contains a making-of featurette, photo gallery, filmographies, and trailers.

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

As a kid who used to tote the How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way book to and from school, it was quite fun to see this video, originally released in the late 80's as a supplement to the printed version. Hosted by Stan Lee, you actually get to see the late John Buscema step you through the different chapters and lessons of the book. What can I say? I loved it.

(MGM/UA, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

Woodstock: The Movie is a documentary that captures an era through music. The Last Waltz, by contrast, is a film that celebrates the sheer joy of musical expression. Waltz documents the final performance of one of rock's most legendary – and musically brilliant – bands, known simply as The Band. Film aficionados will recognize one of their most famous tunes – "The Weight" – as the musical centerpiece of Easy Rider. Not content to mark the end of their career with a simple farewell performance, they got their friends and personal influences to participate - a roster that included Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and many more. What resulted was one a one-of-a-kind musical experience captured on film – directed by Martin Scorsese – that simply should not be missed. The special edition anamorphic DVD contains two commentaries (one with Scorsese and Robbie Robertson, the other with members of The Band), rare jam footage, and a brand-new retrospective documentary. If you have no idea who The Band is, let this be your introduction.

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

I've been waiting quite awhile for the original adventures of Winnie the Pooh to finally make it to DVD and, thankfully, the wait was well worth it. The restoration performed in mastering this feature – which strung together three shorts originally released independently in theaters – is quite nice. The picture is clean, sharp, and colorful – just like it should be. As far as bonus features, we get the short "A Day for Eeyore", the theme song performed by Carly Simon, an art gallery, a sing-along song, and a brand-new (and nicely done) making-of featurette.

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

There is nothing quite so stylish as Steven Soderbergh doing a good ol' fashioned popcorn flick – and no better one than a remake of Ocean's 11. Sure – it's not the best script in the world, but it has enough energy that it simply propels the viewer forward, eager to see just how they pull off the big heist. Also, let no mention of the film's merit exclude the wonderful ensemble cast – George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, and Scott Caan. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with stars Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Andy Garcia), an audio commentary with director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Ted Griffin, the "HBO First Look: The Making Of Ocean's Eleven" featurette, "The Look Of The Con" featurette on the costuming, and the film's theatrical trailer. Bottom line… Don't just rent this flick – own it.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$134.99 SRP)

It seemed like just yesterday that Paramount's massive ST:TNG Season 1 set came out, but here we are again – this time with the 22 episodes comprising Season 2. While the first season exemplified a show still struggling through an awkward launch, it's during Season 2 that the show began to gel. It was also a far darker show, tonally – the bleak episode Time Squared being a prime example. There's also the first appearance of the holodeck-enhanced Professor Moriarty, the introduction of the Borg, and the crotchety, McCoy-esque Dr. Pulaski filling in for an absent Dr. Crusher. While TNG didn't really hit its stride until Season 3, Season 2 is still worth checking out. The 6-disc DVD set contains the "Mission Overview" year two featurette, "Selected Crew Analysis" featurette, "Departmental Briefing" production featurette, "Department Briefing: Memorable Missions" featurette, and the "Inside Starfleet Archives" featurette.

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

I figured it would be much easier to cover this quartet of Disney live-action classics in one fell swoop, as opposed to breaking them up. The four titles in question are Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, Swiss Family Robinson, and Old Yeller. And, without a doubt, these films do live up to the appellate "classic", and I personally have many a childhood memory which revolves around these flicks. Thankfully, Disney has inaugurated a new classification for these DVD releases – Vault Disney. What the viewer gets is an astounding amount of quality bonus materials spanning two discs for each release, plus beautifully restored (anamorphic!) picture and sound elements. Pollyanna contains an audio commentary (with Hayley Mills and director David Swift), "Pollyanna: Making of a Masterpiece" documentary, "Re-creating Pollyanna's America" featurette, "1912!" featurette, the original Walt Disney TV introductions from the 1963 TV broadcast, production archives, 1960 Studio Album featurette, audio features, and the theatrical short "Nifty Nineties". Swiss Family Robinson contains an audio commentary (with director Ken Annakin, Tommy Kirk, James MacArthur, and Kevin Corcoran), "Adventure in the Making" documentary, "Conversations with James MacArthur" featurette, "Pirates!" featurette, footage from the opening of Disneyland's Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse with Hayley Mills commentary, production archives, 1960 Studio Album featurette, audio features, and the theatrical short "Sea Salts". The Parent Trap contains an audio commentary (with director David Swift and Hayley Mills), "Caught in the Act: The Making of The Parent Trap" documentary, a featurette on the Sherman Brothers, "Who's the Twin" featurette, production archives, , 1961 Studio Album featurette, audio features, and the theatrical short "Donald's Double Trouble". Old Yeller contains an audio commentary (with Tommy Kirk, Fess Parker, Bob Weatherwax, and Kevin Corcoran), "Old Yeller: Remembering a Classic" documentary, "Conversations with Tommy Kirk" featurette, "Dogs!" featurette, "Ranch of the Golden Oak" featurette, production archives, 1957 Studio Album featurette, audio features, and the theatrical short "Bone Trouble". A rather embarrassing side note – I even got emotional just watching the making-of documentary for Old Yeller. It's true.

(Fox, Rated R, VHS-Priced For Rental, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

Even if it weren't a good flick, director Richard Linklater's experimental use of animation to tell his exploration of reality and dreamlife would still be worth a viewing. Thankfully, the experiment is backed up with a deep humor and even deeper philosophical subtext. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Linklater (as well as Sabiston, Pallootta, and Wiggins), a commentary track with 25+ animators, a text commentary, live action greatest hits, Bob Sabiston's animation software tutorial, deleted live-action scenes, audition tape selections, a featurette, a Sundance Channel special, short films by Sabiston, and the theatrical trailer.

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

Fans of Alan Moore's interesting theory about the identity and motivation of Jack the Ripper – chronicled in Moore's immense graphic novel From Hell – should be happy with this mostly faithful adaptation. Johnny Depp stars as the inspector hot on the killer's trail – but his chase of the bloody murderer leads to a deeper conspiracy and shocking revelations in a quite stylish thriller. The anamorphic DVD 2-disc set is available for only a limited time, after which the title will be re-released sans the second disc of bonus materials. Disc One contains an audio commentary (with directors Allen and Albert Hughes, screenwriter Rafael Yglesias, cinematographer Peter Deming, and star Robbie Coltrane) and an alternate ending and 20 deleted scenes with optional commentary from Albert Hughes. Disc Two contains "Jack the Ripper: Six Degrees of Separation" featurette, the "A View From Hell" HBO making-of special, "Tour of the Murder Sites" featurette, a production design featurette, "Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder" featurette, a "Graphic Novel-to-Film" featurette, and the original theatrical trailer.

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

For me, Oliver & Company's big selling point is the fact that Billy Joel provides the voice of a canine Artful Dodger in this adaptation of Oliver Twist which casts a cat as the titular hero in modern New York. Add to that the wonderful songs - provided by Huey Lewis, Bette Midler, and Joel – and you have a wonderful Disney film that still holds up as a an enjoyable watch for kids or adults. The anamorphic DVD contains a making-of, "Disney's Animated Animals" featurette, the Pluto short subjects "Puss Café" and  "Lend A Paw", a featurette on the 1996 theatrical re-release, 2 sing-along songs, and a scrapbook of concept art.

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

Ever since I saw The Sixth Sense in a theater in 1999, I've been eagerly awaiting another film that would realize that more chills come from what the mind perceives than can ever come from blood and gore. Thankfully, another film finally came along – and this is it. During wartime, Grace (Nicole Kidman) is awaiting her husband's return while living with her two children in large home isolated on an island. Her secluded existence take a chilling turn when three mysterious servants arrive, and her home seems to have quite a few secrets – threatening both her children and her sanity. Stylish and classically thrilling, this is how suspense should be played. The anamorphic 2-disc DVD set contains a making-of documentary, a featurette on the disease featured in the film, a featurette on director Alejandro Amenabar, still gallery, and trailer.

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

Anthony Quinn delivers a powerfully moving performance as a battered prizefighter faced with a career-ending prognosis from his doctor – stop fighting or risk permanent mental damage. His attempt at leaving the ring behind are foiled by his scheming manager (Jackie Gleason), whose gambling debts make him desperate to book highly lucrative – but extremely embarrassing – staged wrestling matches. Screenwriter Rod Serling is at the top of his game here, crafting a taut tale of gray decisions and even grayer ethics. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Muhammad Ali in the opening (billed as Cassius Clay). The anamorphic DVD contains the film's original theatrical trailer.

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

Even casual comic fans know who Stan Lee is – co-creator of nearly the entire pantheon of classic Marvel comics characters, from the Fantastic Four to Spider-Man. Thankfully, someone (finally) decided to do a documentary on this remarkably prolific writer, and the result is just as interesting as his stories. As interviewed by Kevin Smith, Stan's stories are engaging and enlightening – his affable bombast the real star of the piece. My one complaint is I wish there was more. The anamorphic DVD also contains a behind-the-scenes featurette, Stan's spoken readings of one of his poems (a highlight), rare home movies, an interview with Stan's wife Joan, and a short interview snippet on the ill-fated, low-budget Fantastic Four movie.

(Home Vision Entertainment, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP each)

After viewing this classic Japanese series – about an anti-hero who lives by the Yakuza code and defends himself with his deadly cane sword – it's easy to see why the character has become a cult hero, and why it has been so influential to filmmakers in the decades since its premiere. Grandly atmospheric yet intimately human, it's a fun watch – and definitely recommended. Currently, the first two installments are available (The Tale of Zatoichi and The Tale of Zatoichi Continues), both of which have been fully remastered in their original anamorphic widescreen with newly translated subtitles. The discs also contain galleries of theatrical stills. Here's hoping for more releases… Sooner rather than later.

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

I think Brewster's Millions is one of those flicks that people either love or hate – personally, I love it. True, it's not Citizen Kane… but it doesn't pretend to be, either. What it is, though, is the hilarious journey of minor league ballplayer Montgomery Brewster (Richard Pryor) – a man who is gifted, out of the blue, with a $300 million inheritance by an uncle (Hume Cronyn) he never knew he had. There's a catch, however – Brewster won't inherit the $300 million unless he can spend every last cent of $30 million… But he must do so without telling anyone, including his best friend (John Candy), why he has to spend it all. What results is a madcap romp and one of Pryor's most solid performances. The anamorphic DVD contains production notes, cast & crew bios, and the original theatrical trailer.

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

Going in, I certainly was not expecting to like this flick. As the title suggests, it's about the "high"-jinks of rap stars Method Man and Redman, playing a pair of slackers who both ace their college entrance exam and are accepted to Harvard. Yes… Harvard. Surprisingly enough, this is actually an entirely likeable flick that I found myself enjoying quite a bit. So, if you want to kick back and relax with a fun film, check this out. The anamorphic DVD contains a making-of special, an audio commentary with Method Man and Redman, deleted scenes, outtakes, music videos, cast & crew bios, and the original theatrical trailer.

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

If you were to sit down and make a short list of sci-fi cult classics, It Came From Outer Space certainly deserves a slot… It's even based on a story by Ray Bradbury. The quickie version of the premise is this – an amateur astronomer (Richard Carlson) and his fiancée (Barbara Rush) witness the crash landing of a spaceship in the desert, and the emergence of an alien creature before the ship is buried in a landslide. Their attempts to convince people of the impending threat is met with skepticism until strange things start to happen… and that's when the fun begins. The DVD contains a brand-new making-of documentary, an audio commentary with film historian Tom Weaver, photo and poster gallery, production notes, cast & crew bios, and the film's original theatrical trailer.

(Universal, Rated PG, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

If nothing else, Legend is a visually stunning film – director Ridley Scott captures perhaps the most stunning fantasy world ever placed on film. As a story, its tale of good and evil can be a bit overbaked – but it certainly does leave an impression on the viewer. That may be in large part because good is represented by Tom Cruise, and evil is represented by the magnificently imposing Tim Curry (in arguably the best role of his career). Over 2 long years in the making, the special edition DVD is finally being released… Thankfully, the wait was worth it. Disc One of this 2-disc release contains the Ridley Scott's director's cut in fully restored anamorphic widescreen and 5.1 surround. The director's cut reinstates footage orignally cut for the American release, while also restoring Jerry Goldsmith's original score. If you're a fan of the original, shorter version with the Tangerine Dream score, fret not – it's contained in its entirety on Disc Two. As far as bonus features go, Disc One contains an audio commentary with Scott. Disc Two contains the 51-minute making-of documentary "Creating a Myth: The Making of Legend", the isolated Tangerine dream score, deleted scenes, storyboards, Brian Ferry's "Is Your Love Strong Enough?" music video, photo galleries, theatrical trailers, TV spots, cast & crew bios, and production notes.

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

Easily last year's most unique film, it finally gets the DVD treatment it deserves in the deluxe, two-disc special edition. The bonus features include an audio commentary with director Christopher Nolan, a making-of featurette, a short story, the script, production stills, sketches, and trailers. The disc navigation – based around a mock psychiatric test – is a bit daunting at first, but worth the effort to get at the goodies inside.

(Universal, Rated R, DVD-$32.98 SRP)

I'm usually not one for self-realization comedies ("Ha ha – I just learned something about myself"), but I was genuinely surprised by this tale of a teenager named Jonathan (Cillian Murphy) who hides his adolescent angst behind witty banter and perpetual humor. Fate brings him in contact with a group of teenagers who are trying to cope with their own angst, along with a doctor (Stephen Rea) who can see right through his façade. Soon, Jonathan falls for a pretty girl (Tricia Vessey) and learns the aforementioned lesson, but the film doesn't sacrifice its intelligence or charm in order for him to do so. The anamorphic DVD contains production notes, cast & crew bios, and the film's theatrical trailer.

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

Silent Running was made at a time when sci-fi flicks were allowed to be contemplative and deep – not the adrenaline roller-coaster rides of today. Directed by special effects legend Douglas Trumball, it centers around botanist Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern), tasked with maintaining the last botanical specimens from earth under huge geodesic domes aboard the space freighter "Valley Forge." When he receives orders from Earth to jettison the specimens and return to Earth, he instead hijacks the freighter and plunges it into Saturn's rings – leaving him alone with the gardens and two caretaker robots, Huey and Dewey. The film is an exploration on obsession, and the desperate lengths a person will go to in order to preserve what they believe in. As befitting the film's seminal nature, Universal has pulled out all of the stops in producing a special edition. Presented in anamorphic widescreen, the DVD contains a brand new making-of documentary, an audio commentary with Trumball and dern, a conversation with Bruce Dern, a featurette on Douglas Trumball, the theatrical trailer, production notes, and cast & crew bios.

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

I think I'd have to call Vanilla Sky a "swing and a miss" for director Cameron Crowe. Adapted from Alejandro Amenábar's Abre los ojos – which was an engrossing head-trip of a film – what Crowe delivers is a turgid, tiresome, uninteresting piece of pretentious psuedo-art. High off of Almost Famous, I desperately wanted to embrace this flick – but it left me completely cold. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Crowe and composer Nancy Wilson (featuring a conversation with star Tom Cruise), "Prelude To A Dream" featurette, "Hitting It Hard" featurette, an interview with Paul McCartney, a gag reel, "Afrika Shox" music video by Leftfield/Afrika Bambaataa, the international theatrical trailer, a never-before-seen teaser trailer, and a photo gallery with an introduction by photographer Neal Preston.

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

While I know that fans of the young wizard's literary adventures simply adored this film, I found it to be bland and quite overlong. I do not fault the young actors for that, however – I enjoyed them all, as well as the adult cast. It was Christopher Columbus' direction that I found to be uninspired and flat, evoking none of the magic a tale like this should have had – and would have, in the hands of a more dynamic talent. The DVD is a disappointment as well. There's no commentary, and the second disc (it's a two-disc set) is constructed as a game, requiring the viewer to play the rather annoying puzzles simply to view the content. If you manage to manuever through it, you'll find a short making-of documentary (interesting, but I wish there was more to it), deleted scenes, and trailers. Frankly, I didn't have the time or the patience, and thought that even a kid would quickly tire of the "game". I will say that the picture quality of the film itself is quite nice, so there's something at least.

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

Despite the fact that I still find Hollow Man to be a disturbingly bad flick, there's little fault to find in Columbia/Tristar's Superbit presentation of the film. The picture and sound quality are the best viewers can get. In a departure from past Superbit releases, this and The Patriot are the first to feature a second disc containing a wide range of supplemental material. Bonus materials on this release include the HBO making-of documentary "Anatomy of a Thriller", 3 deleted scenes, 15 behind-the-scenes special effects featurettes, visual effects picture-in-picture comparisons, filmographies, and trailers.

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

I can honestly say – with no hesitation – that Lexx is one of the oddest sci-fi series ever made. Oddly enough, that weirdness is its most endearing quality. This release of the second volume from Season 3 contains episodes 5-7 – finding the crew of the Lexx embattled on a strange fire planet. The DVD contains a behind-the-scenes featurette, an interview with editor Stewart Dowds, storyboards, production sketches, and trivia.

(New Video, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

This documentary offers a fascinating portrait of a jazz legend at the height of his success – and just six short years before his death. Whether it's capturing Ellington at home or on the road, we get to see him performing and composing (a rare, and wonderful, treat), as well as ruminating on his life and career. If you're a fan of Ellington, jazz, or just the creative process, this documentary is a must-see. The DVD contains a photo gallery, Ellington bio, and a bio of filmmaker Robert Drew.

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

Compared with Emmerich and Devlin's past work, The Patriot was a disappointment. I found it to be overly slow and strangely detached, despite the extreme violence on screen. Fans of the film will be quite happy with this Superbit release, however, since the audio and video quality are top notch. Even though we lose the audio commentary contained on the regular release, we do get a second disc loaded with features, including a visual effects featurette, a featurette on the historical warfare depicted in the film, a featurette on the historical context of the film, conceptual art-to-film comparisons, a deleted scene, photo galleries, filmographies, and trailers.

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

If you've never heard of Red Green, here's a quick primer – think Home Improvement, Canadian style, where our handyman has a fixation on the multiple uses of duct-tape. What you get is an excellent comedy that clearly shows its roots in British sitcoms. There are three volumes currently available on DVD – Red Green: Stuffed and Mounted 2 , Red Green: Stuffed and Mounted 3, and Red Green: DVD.  All three are definitely worth a go… Just make sure you have your own roll of duct tape handy.

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

Where Final Fantasy failed as a CG movie, Roughnecks: Starship Troopers succeeds as a TV series – in telling an intelligent story with decent animation and hefty sense of adventure. Starship Troopers was not the greatest film in the world, but its energy translates nicely into these ongoing adventures of the film's military men and women as they campaign against the alien bugs on planets near and far. Currently, 6 volumes are available on DVD – The Hydora Campaign, The Tophet Campaign, The Pluto Campaign, The Tesca Campaign, The Homefront Campaign, The Klendathu Campaign ). The DVDs contain 2 separate commentary tracks (one with the creative team and the other with the production staff) that are completely fascinating, which go a long way towards illuminating how a CG enterprise like this is put together. The DVDs also contain conceptual art galleries and bonus trailers.

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

A&E's collection of Roger Moore's pre-Bond adventure thriller The Saint continues with the release of Sets 5 & 6 (containing Volumes 9-12). The Saint isn't great TV, but it's most definitely fun TV – and really, isn't that more important? There's just something about a debonair hero who drives a white Volvo that's tremendously appealing to the 60's kitsch fan in me. Each DVD set contains 7 episodes spanning 2 discs, the original broadcast trailers, Roger Moore bio/filmography, history of The Saint, and a production still gallery.

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

While most people didn't understand – or completely misunderstood – the film's satirical nature, it stands up as one of the blackest social commentaries ever to be hidden within the sheep's clothing of science fiction. Based on Robert Heinlein's novel about a fascistic future-Earth utopia's battle against giant alien bugs, it expertly deconstructs classic propaganda films even as it provides great entertainment for your money. Originally released as a single-disc special edition, it now gets a greatly expanded two-disc edition jam-packed with extras. Disc One contains an audio commentary with director Paul Verhoeven and writer Ed Neumeir, a cast commentary (with Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, and Neil Patrick Harris), and an isolated score with commentary from composer Basil Poledouris. Disc Two contains the brand-new making-of documentary "Death From Above", "Know Your Foe" special effects featurettes, "The Starships of Starship Troopers", special effects comparisons, storyboard comparisons, the original making-of featurette, conceptual art galleries, scene deconstructions with commentary from Verhoeven, deleted scenes, screen tests, and trailers.