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

While not nearly as earth-shatteringly brilliant as many reviewers gushed, Adaptation is still an engagingly witty look into the creative mind. What began as a straightforward adaptation of Susan Orlean's book The Orchid Thief turned into this – starring Nick Cage as writer Charlie Kaufman (the man behind Being John Malkovich), whose unending writer's block is compounded by his (fictional) twin brother's lowbrow screenwriting aspirations. Also interwoven is the tale of the book's writer, Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep), as her rather stilted life begins to blossom while researching her subject, orchid thief John Laroche (Chris Cooper). Sadly, the anamorphic DVD contains only the film's trailer.

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

When the Royal Air Force took on the German Luftwaffe, it was like David and Goliath. The Brits were severely outnumbered, but they managed to win the day by overcoming those odds and help turn the course of the war. That story is stunningly told in The Battle of Britain, a star-studded affair (Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier, Robert Shaw, Susannah York, and Michael Redgrave, to name a few) that contains some of the finest aerial combat footage ever presented on screen. The anamorphic DVD contains the film's original theatrical trailer (I only wish they had included a making-of documentary explaining some of those shots).

(MGM/UA, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

I've literally been waiting years to finally pick Dances With Wolves up on DVD. Even though an edition has been available on disc for quite awhile, I always knew that a greatly expanded special edition was in the offing. So I waited. And waited. And waited. Then waited a bit more. I gave up hope of it ever coming out when, lo and behold, its release was announced. The 2-disc edition contains the almost four hour expanded edition of the film, an audio commentary with director/star Kevin Costner and producer Jim Wilson, a second audio commentary with editor Neil Travis and cinematographer Dean Semler, the original making-of featurette, a photo montage with introduction by Ben Glass, poster gallery, music video, TV spots, and the original theatrical trailers.

(Home Vision, Not Rated, DVD-$59.95 SRP)

I'm a casual history buff. I won't often go out seeking answers to questions I may have, but if I should stumble across a fascinating program – I'm hooked. Israel: A Nation is Born is one such production. This six-part documentary chronicles the formation and development of the Jewish state. It's a powerful story that goes a long way towards putting the recent history of the region into context, and even signaling a hopeful note for the Arab/Israeli conflict. The 3-disc DVD set contains letters of tribute from world leaders, a historical timeline, a video tribute, and an interview with former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres.

As the Sci-Fi Channel continues its devolution away from its core programming (they ran Braveheart, for crissakes), Comedy Central has begun to realize its full potential with innovative (and downright funny) original programming. There was a time when Comedy Central was known as the "All SNL Rerun" channel, especially after they abandoned classic originals like Mystery Science Theater 3000. Ah, but a second golden age was just around the corner, as the rapid-fire premieres of South Park and The Daily Show came on the scene. Now, Comedy Central has begun to focus their attention (finally!) on DVD, with a few top-line releases. First up is the complete second season of South Park (Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP), featuring 18 episodes across 3 discs. Unfortunately, there is no audio commentary this time around (not even direct from Comedy Central, as with Season One's commentaries), but you do get the "Chef's Salty Balls" music video and the UK "Goin' Down to South Park" documentary. But where's "Chef Aid: Behind the Menu"? Come on, people, get it together. I know, it's a bit unimpressive – hopefully we'll get audio commentary and the missing special one day. Next up is Martin Short's brilliant Jiminy Glick, whose off-kilter skewering of celebrities can be found on The Best of Primetime Glick (Comedy Central, Not Rated, DVD-$14.99 SRP). The DVD also features additional interview footage with Janeane Garafalo, Kathie Lee Gifford, Steve Martin, and Conan O'Brien. One of the most unique (borderline cult) shows ever to air on the network was Strangers With Candy, which gets a release of its complete 10 episode first season (Comedy Central, Not Rated, DVD-$29.99 SRP). Amy Sedaris is Jerri Blank, a 43 year-old "user, boozer, and loser" who goes back to a most surreal high school in order to get the diploma she passed up long ago when she skipped town. The 2-disc set contains audio commentary with Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, and Paul Dinello on four episodes, as well as the original pilot presentation. My favorite show on Comedy Central (besides the "when will it ever hit DVD" Daily Show ) has to be comedian Dave Attell's Insomniac (Comedy Central, Not Rated, DVD-$14.99 SRP). His drunken late night travelogue through America is a priceless snapshot of our national underbelly, made palatable via Attell's wry wit and open personality. The DVD features uncensored excursions in New York, Montreal, New Orleans, Houston, and Chicago.

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$124.95 SRP)

Wrong Men And Notorious Women: Five Hitchcock Thrillers 1935-1946  is a box-set collecting five previously released Criterion discs all in one package. The set contains The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Rebecca, Spellbound, and Notorious with the exact same features as the original individual releases. All of the prints are beautifully restored and remastered (in true Criterion fashion) and all come with bonus features galore (the two-disc edition of Rebecca is a stand-out, with documentaries, rare footage, radio programs, and much more). If you're a fan of the master of suspense, you'll be doing yourself a great disservice if you don't pick up this collection.

(New Line, Rated R, DVD-$27.98 SRP)

There's an old adage that says "The only act Jack has is Jack." The "Jack" in question is Jack Nicholson, and the act it speaks of is Nicholson's unerring ability to only play a version of himself – devilish grin and arched eyebrow included – in every role he takes. That's probably why About Schmidt is such a revelation. In it, Nicholson is Warren Schmidt – a man trapped in a henpecked marriage and an aimless life, both of which he realizes after his retirement. When his wife dies suddenly, he decides to take the recently purchased motor home they were to tour the country in, and make a mad dash to Colorado in order to stop his distant daughter from marrying a man he thinks is completely wrong for her. As Schmidt, Nicholson is frumpy and listless – he's downright schlubby. I love it. The anamorphic DVD contains 9 deleted scenes and trailers.

(Warner Bros, Rated R, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

If you're already one of those moon-eyed disciples of The Matrix, then you'll probably devour The Animatrix without much thought. A collection of traditional and computer generated animated shorts – all drawing heavily on the anime influences that shaped the Wachowskis when crafting the original film – The Animatrix is a mixed bag. Sure, there are some truly stunning pieces of work to be found (mostly done by the very same artists that provided the aforementioned inspiration), but the stories mostly appeal only to the true Matriphants. You know who you are…

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated R, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

Okay, so I'm not entirely sure why Black Hawk Down  rated a re-release as a 3-disc special edition. If anyone does know, please write me. I mean, it's not a bad film (producer Jerry Bruckheimer was saving all of his worst crap for Pearl Harbor), and Ridley Scott's visual panache is always top-notch (even when the story is blah – see Gladiator). Still, here we are with a 3-disc special edition. What's on this behemoth, you ask? Well, you've got an audio commentary with Bruckheimer & Scott, an audio commentary with author Mark Bowden & screenwriter Ken Nolan, an audio commentary with U.S. Special Forces veterans, "The Essence of Combat: Making Black Hawk Down" featurettes, 8 deleted & alternate scenes with optional commentary, production design archive, storyboards with optional commentary, Ridleygrams with optional commentary, Jerry Bruckheimer's Black Hawk Down photo album, opening title explorations, photo gallery, "The History Channel Presents: The True Story of Black Hawk Down" program, "PBS Presents Frontline: Ambush in Mogadishu" program, interactive mission map/timeline, "Target Building Insertion" multi-angle sequence with optional commentary, Q&A forums from BAFTA, "Gortoz A Ran - J'Attends" music video, theatrical poster explorations, and the theatrical trailer.

(New Line, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Invincible, from director Werner Herzog, is quite an interesting tale. Based on a true story of Zishe Breitbart, the Jewish son of a blacksmith, who rises to fame in the prewar 1930's as the mythical Aryan strongman Siegfried. His employer, Hanussen (Tim Roth), dreams of spearheading the formation of an all-powerful Ministry of the Occult for Hitler. But both men's ambitions come to a crossroads as the wave of anti-Semitism in Berlin reaches a crescendo, forcing Zishe into a crisis of conscience about his identity and heritage. Not light fare, admittedly, but worth viewing.

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

If the second season found the show beginning to find its footing, it was during the third season of Deep Space Nine that the 2^nd Trek spinoff came into its own. The Dominion War was on the horizon, the Defiant was introduced, the character dynamic had been fully established, and the entire cast were bringing their A game. Most importantly of all, though – especially in the touching father/son outing "Explorers" and the incredibly relevant time travel two-parter "Past Tense"- Deep Space Nine established a voice wholly unique from The Next Generation, which was no mean feat. The 7-disc set features all 26 episodes, as well as special feature including 5 featurettes ("The Birth of The Dominion And Beyond", "Michael Westmore's Aliens", "Time Travel Files: 'Past Tense'", "Crew Dossier: Odo", and "Sailing Through The Stars: A Special Look At 'Explorers'", and 8 hidden Easter egg featurettes.

(MGM/UA, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

There are times during the last (almost) two decades worth of Bond flicks that I feared the end was nigh. I feared the formula had overtaken the storytelling, leaving a lifeless husk inhabited only by a faint memory of what used to make the Bond series so much fun. Remember fun? It was something that, as the franchise tried to "modernize" itself, seemed to be left by the wayside. But then came Die Another Day, and gadgets, gals, clear-cut villainy, and – most of all – fun made a roaring comeback. The 2-disc anamorphic DVD set contains an audio commentary with director Lee Tamahori and producer Michael G. Wilson, an audio commentary with Pierce Brosnan and Rosemund Pike, a trivia track, "Inside Die Another Day" making-of documentary, storyboard to final shot comparison, multi angle exploration of stunts, an inside look at the creation of opening titles, before and after comparison of digitally altered shots, a featurette on all the gadgets, photo gallery, the Madonna music video, the making of the video, the making of the video game "Nightfire", TV spots, and the theatrical trailer.

(Warner Bros, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

In one of the most out-of-left-field-yet-welcome developments to hit DVD, Warner Home Video has released a special fan edition of the cult favorite Empire Records… you know, the flick that shows up every 20 minutes on HBO about the day in the life of the oddball employees of an independent music store. Empire Records: Remix contains 16 minutes of additional footage reintegrated into the film. As if that weren't enough, there are 4 additional scenes and 3 music videos as bonus features. An interesting, yet welcome, addition to my DVD shelf.

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

After years of a middling TV spin-off (and a recent insipid reality show), one can forget just how much of a raw portrait of the passionate pursuit of personal art the movie Fame was. Thanks to DVD, I can only hope that it gets rediscovered (and erases the memories of the crap derived from its template). Director Alan Parker captures the triumph, sweat, tears, and defeat endured by the students of New York City's High School for the Performing Arts. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Alan Parker, a "Class Reunion" commentary with branching video (featuring castmembers), "On Location with Fame" making-of documentary, "Fame Field Trip" featurette, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Universal, Rated R, DVD-$26.98)

Yeah, it's lowbrow, but I found myself enjoying The Guru, even though my fellow film critics warned me against it. What can I say? Who can pass up a flick starring Heather Graham as a porn star whose mentoring of a young mystery man (Jimi Mistry) unexpectedly tuns him into a sex guru after a chance meeting with a ditzy socialite (Marisa Tomei). The DVD contains an audio commentary with Mistry, an audio commentary with director Daisy Von Sherler Mayer and writer Tracey Jackson, deleted scenes, a photo gallery, and the theatrical trailer.

(Universal, PG-13, DVD-$19.98 SRP each)

There's nothing quite so sad as a film franchise in decline. Thankfully, the occasional decline will lead to unintentional humor - as in the case of Jaws 3 and Jaws: The Revenge. Both titles have gotten brand-new anamorphic transfers, but the clear prints only illuminate further the crap on screen. I mean, come on – sharks are bent on revenge? And why did Sea World give permission to be the place that everything went to hell in Jaws 3? And how sad are the 3-D effects when we're forced to see them in 2-D? How about the terrifying addition of Michael Caine to Jaws: The Revenge? Or the idea that a shark impaled by wood explodes? The mind boggles…

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

After the released of the complete first season of Law & Order on DVD last Fall, I'm a bit confused and disappointed by Universal's decision to release only the pilot episodes of both Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Both series deserve seasonal sets, so I can only assume that Universal is testing the waters in regards to demand with these limited releases. Of the two spin-offs the venerable workhorse, SVU would probably be my favorite for one reason alone – the inclusion of Richard Belzer as his Homicide character Detective John Munch. Whatever machinations went on behind-the-scenes for this crossover to happen I am eternally grateful for. Both discs contain the premiere episode of the original Law & Order ("Everybody's Favorite Bagman") and a Law & Order featurette. SVU also contains a "Special Victims Unit: The Beginning" featurette and a squad room walk-through.

Just in time for the recent thaw in public opinion over Roman Polanski, New Line has released a pair of overlooked recent Polanski films. Death and the Maiden (New Line, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP) stars Sigourney Weaver as a woman whose life was ripped to shreds when she was tortured at the hands of a sadistic doctor. When a chance encounter leads her to believe that she has run across that man (Ben Kingsley), can she trust her memory enough to act on her desire for vengeance? On a slightly lighter tack, Bitter Moon (New Line, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP) follows a mild-mannered man (Hugh Grant) in his attempt to rekindle his marriage with a cruise – only to have the entire plan run aground when he falls in love with another woman on ship. Both flicks are worth definitely worth rediscovering.

I get a kick out of getting my favorite flicks making their way to DVD, and am often quite happy even if they're bare bones editions – just the fact that they were released is cool with me. But when studios decide to revisit my favorite films and turn them into full-fledged special editions, I'm freakin' giddy. Two recent delights are Sneakers (Universal, Rated PG-13, $14.98 SRP) and Midnight Run (Universal, Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP). Sneakers stars Robert Redford as Martin Bishop, a computer expert whose team of hackers (Dan Aykroyd, David Strathairn, River Phoenix, Sidney Poitier) runs up against a information conspiracy headed by a friends from Bishop's past (Ben Kingsley) who took the fall for both he and Bishop's college hacking and went to jail. The new edition contains an audio commentary (with director/co-writer Phil Alden Robinson and co-writers/producers Walter Parkes and Lawrence Lasker), a making-of featurette, and the original theatrical trailer. Midnight Run stars Robert De Niro as a bounty hunter tasked with bringing in an accountant who embezzled money from the mob (Charles Grodin), all the while dodging the Feds, the mob, and a none-too-bright rival bounty hunter on their trek cross-country. The anamorphic DVD contains the original making-of featurette.

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

The Spirit of 76 is a disturbing little flick. Made in 1990, it's about a pair of time travelers from 2176 (David Cassidy & Olivia D'Abo) who attempt to travel back in time to 1776 – but instead land in 1976. A pair of stoner kids guide the two time hoppers through the decade of polyester and 8-tracks, with often funny (and bizarre) results. The film was directed by Reiner sibling Lucas (Carl's son and Rob's brother), and the family's offbeat sensibilities permeate the whole affair. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Lucas and Carl Reiner, a featurette, deleted scenes, a music video, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Columbia/Tristar, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

Columbia/Tristar Home Video continues to be the frontrunner in releasing classic TV shows on DVD, further cementing their position with S.W.A.T: The Complete First Season. Chronicling the covert missions of the LAPD's Special Weapons & Tactics unit, the show was one of the first hard-hitting cop dramas, paving the way for NYPD Blue and Hill Street. This 3-disc set contains the 13-episodes comprising the debut season.

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

Another day, another DVD release of Terminator 2. Marking the third outing on our favorite digital format, the Extreme edition contains a unique feature that trumps all previous releases – an audio commentary with Jim Cameron. The picture has also been revisited with a brand new high definition digital telecine transfer. The 2-disc DVD set also includes a Dolby headphone audio track, graphic commentary and rare behind-the-scenes footage, "No Feat But What We Make" documentary, "T2: On The Set" retrospective, "T2: High-Definition" (which allows you to play the complete theatrical version of the film in high resolution and 5.1 sound directly from your PC), "Infiltration Unit Simulator and T2 FX Studio" (which allows you to morph your imported images into a T-1000 or a T-800 terminator), and "Skynet Combat Chassis Designer" (where you can construct and field-test your own ultimate fighting machine).

(HBO Home Video, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP)

Arli$$ is probably one of the most-maligned shows on TV. The butt of critic's jokes for years, Robert Wuhl's series about a conniving, manipulative, ego-driven sports agent is about as misunderstood as the come. Frankly, I enjoy Arli$$. Is it highbrow? No. But it's consistently enjoyable, and Wuhl is a damn funny actor. Since it seems that HBO doesn't believe seasonal sets will perform well (pshaw!), I'll have to make do with The Best of Arli$$ (HBO Home Video, Not Rated, DVD-$ SRP). This two-disc set contains 10 episodes from across the show's 7 season run. Bonus features are limited to an audio commentary on the episode "Moments to Remember" with Wuhl, Jim Turner, Sandra Oh, and Michael Boatman. It would be nice if seasonal box sets were forthcoming…

(Paramount, Rated PG-13, DVD-$19.99 SRP each)

The Brady Bunch movies should have been abysmal. I mean, they had no right to be good – nay, watchable – in any way. Here you have a pair of flicks based on one of the most saccharine, artificial sitcoms to come down the pike since Father Knows Best. But both The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel work because they realize what a pop culture landmark the show is – and how entrenched in its era it is – and play off the humor of the ensuing culture clash… Sort of a "Brady in Late 90's Court". Neither DVDs have any special features to speak of (which is a shame) but the films alone are worth picking up.

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

After the dizzying heights of Season 3, the fourth season of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer couldn't help but be a letdown. Gone were familiar story elements (Angel, Cordelia, High School), making for quite a transitional year where the series had to get accustomed to its new footing. Still, despite these factors, Season 4 was far from a disaster.  What season that contained both the near-silent episode "Hush" and the Jonathan-centric "Superstar" could be? Wondering about bonus features? Well, here's the rundown – audio commentaries from Joss Whedon (on "Wild at Heart", "Hush", and "Restless"), Doug Petrie (on "The Initiative" and "This Year's Girl"), Marti Noxon & Seth Green (with Whedon on "Wild at Heart"), Jane Espenson (on "Superstar"), David Fury & James A. Cotner  (on "Primeval"), scripts (for "Fear Itself", "Hush", and "Who Are You"), featurettes ("Hush", "Spike Me", "Oz Revelations: A Full Moon", "Buffy: Inside the Sets of Sunnydale", and "Season 4 Overview"), cast bios, and still galleries. And no – no matter how much fans wanted it, no widescreen for us Region 1ers. If you can play Region 2 discs, tho…

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

Frida is more than just the story of Salma Hayek's brave decision to sport a unibrow. In reality, it's the true story of headstrong artist Frida Kahlo (Hayek), whose unique work and relationship to her manager/husband, Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina) – as well as quite a few scandalous affairs – form a story well worth viewing. The 2-disc anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Julie Taymor, a conversation with Hayek, selected scene commentary with composer Elliot Goldenthal, an AFI Q&A with Taymor, a Chavela Vargas interview, featurettes ("The Voice Of Lila Downs", "The Vision Of Frida: With Rodrigo Prieto and Julie Taymor", "The Design Of Frida: With Felipe Fernandez", "The Music Of Frida: With Elliot Goldenthal and Salma Hayek, and "Bringing Frida Kahlo's Life And Art To Film: A Walk Through Real Locations"), Salman's recording session, "Amoeba Proteus" and "The Brothers Quay" visual FX featurette, and Frida Kahlo facts.

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

Giant is a sprawling, epic film that uses its scope to quietly deliver audiences an intimate story of family, tolerance, love, and strife. Rock Hudson is Jordan "Bick" Benedict, a Texas cattle rancher whose marriage to an eastern girl (Elizabeth Taylor) greatly upsets his aunt (Mercedes McCambridge). Following her sudden death after falling off a wild horse, Benedict discovers that his aunt took out her displeasure by willing a portion of her land to cow-hand Jett Rink (played by James Dean, who died during production of the film). Rink decides to drill for oil on his land, setting off a struggle between Benedict and Rink after Rink strikes it rich, spanning two generations. The struggle between these two men – and the overall themes of the old ways versus the new – spill over into the aforementioned  second generation. A beautiful film that deserves to be rediscovered by modern audiences, Warner has crafted a lavish 2-disc special edition featuring an introduction and audio commentary with George Stevens Jr., screenwriter Ivan Moffat and critic Steven Farber, "George Stevens: Filmmakers Who Knew Him" documentary, "Memories of Giant" documentary, "Return to Giant" documentary, New York and Hollywood premiere footage, newsreel, "Behind the Cameras" segments, photo galleries, and trailers.

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

Why does Disney feel the need to continue raping and pillaging my childhood with these tacky, poorly realized – embarrassing, even – "sequels" to their classic films? The writing is sub-par, the music is atrocious, and the animation is lackluster. When I saw Mowgli follow the girl into the Man Village at the end of The Jungle Book, I was completely satisfied. Did we really need to see this horrible attempt at a follow-up? The anamorphic DVD contains deleted scenes, "Mowgli's Jungle Ruins Maze" game, "The Legacy Of The Jungle Book" featurette, a synopsis of the original movie, "I Wanna Be Like You" music video by Smash Mouth, "W-I-L-D" music video, and a "Jungle Rhythm" music video.

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

One of my favorite films of all time remains The Right Stuff, and I'm happy that Warner Home Video decided to finally revisit the formerly lackluster DVD with a brand new special edition. Its representation of the early space program – and the test pilots who made history happen – remains a riveting drama, a frequently humorous story, and an always exciting adventure. If you have not seen this film, you should abandon everything you're doing this weekend and make it a point of rectifying that egregious wrong. The 2-disc DVD set contains a production audio commentary (with director Philip Kaufman, producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel) a cast commentary (with cast members Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, and Barbara Hershey), deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews with the creative talent and filmmakers, interviews with three of the Mercury Seven astronauts (Commander Scott Carpenter, Colonel Gordon Cooper and Captain Walter Schirra), an interview with Chuck Yeager, and an interactive timeline to space (with NASA footage).

Warner Bros continues to produce some of the finest repackagings of catalog titles via their two-disc special editions, the latest of which are Kevin Costner's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America (Warner Bros, Rated R, DVD-$26.99 SRP each). Both films are digitally remastered and feature impressive new anamorphic transfers (especially Once Upon a Time, which contains copious amounts of reintegrated footage). When it comes to special features, Robin Hood contains a star audio commentary (with Costner, Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater), a production audio commentary (with writers/producers Pen Densham and John Watson), an audio commentary with composer Michael Kamen, "Robin Hood: The Man, The Myth, The Legend" featurette, interviews, a music-only track, music video, photo gallery, trailer, and TV spots. Once Upon a Time in America sports an audio commentary with film critic Richard Schickel, "Revealing Once Upon A Time" documentary, a photo gallery, and the original theatrical trailer. Both sets are worth picking up, if only to encourage Warners to continue down this most cinephile-friendly path.

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

After some recent disappointments out of Bruce Willis, I didn't expect to like Tears of the Sun – so I was pleasantly surprised when I actually found myself enjoying it quite a bit. Willis plays Lt. A.K. Waters, a Navy S.E.A.L. assigned to rescue a U.S. doctor currently a mission in war-torn Africa. Upon arrival at the mission, Waters encounters a very headstrong doctor who refuses to abandon the refugees in her care, forcing Waters to decide whether to follow his orders or his conscience as a rebel militia group guns for them all. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Antoine Fuqua, writer's observations, "Journey To Safety: Making Of Tears Of The Sun" documentary, "Voices of Africa" featurette, deleted scenes, and trailers.

(Lion's Gate, Rated R, DVD-$14.99 SRP)

As horror film director James Whale, Ian McKellen captured the bitter, tragic, delusional mythmaker with startling clarity and immaculate skill. Whale's physical and mental decline in the twilight of his life, long after Hollywood had abandoned the director of film classics like Frankenstein and The Invisible Man. Coupled with the performances of Brendan Fraser (as Whale's gardener and object of lust) and Vanessa Redgrave (as Whale's stern, devoted housekeeper), Gods and Monsters is a classic piece of filmmaking that justified every award writer/director Bill Condon won for it. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Condon, "The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale" documentary, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

After the death of his partner, Henry Oak (Ray Liotta) - a revenge-driven narcotics officer – is teamed with Nick Tellis (Jason Patric), a suspended narc recruited to help investigate the murder of Oak's partner. The pair sink quickly into a shadowy drug underworld comprised of shades of gray, where the line between justice and revenge is dangerously blurred. The flick is buoyed immensely by Liotta's performance – it's powerful enough to make the film worth watching just to experience it. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with writer/director Joe Carnahan and editor John Gilroy, "Narc: Making The Deal" featurette, "Narc: Shooting Up" featurette, "Narc: The Visual Trip" featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

(MGM/UA, Not Rated, DVD-$69.96 SRP)

Stargate is one of those low-flying shows – it manages to escape under the radar that spotlights more high profile shows (Farscape), yet never flies into the ground as a mediocre failure ( Enterprise). Sure, it has a dedicated fanbase (what doesn't?), but it's never been a phenom. Regardless, it's always maintained a level of quality far above other sci-fi pap - while managing to make it (gasp!) 7 seasons. I was wondering how it made it this far, but after watching the complete third season, the answer hit me – it was, is, and will always be a fun, occasionally funny, adventure show. It's not intellectually dense, but it's not idiotic (Andromeda) either. Bonus features across the 5 discs are kind of sparse (mostly featurettes), but at least all of the episodes are presented in anamorphic widescreen. Now hurry up with Season 4!

(History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$139.95 SRP)

The Century of Warfare is one of the most comprehensive documentary series ever produced (clocking in at over 22 hours) about the conflicts that shaped the 20^th Century. Via archival film (some even dating back to 1896), everything from Lawrence of Arabia to Patton, prop plane to jet plane, and traditional to nuclear warfare is covered in detail. The 8-disc set is a must-have for anyone interested in world history – or merely addicted to the History Channel, like me.

(Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

I don't care how many awards its won, or how many people bow down to it, I simply could not get into The Hours. Maybe it's because of the Y chromosome, but this time-shifting tale of three disenfranchised women just left me cold. However, I know many of you probably enjoyed it at the cinema (and have fond memories of Nicole Kidman's prosthetic nose), so I'm sure you'll be checking out the DVD. The anamorphic disc contains an audio commentary with director Stephen Daldry and novelist Michael Cunningham, an star audio commentary (with Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Kidman), "Three Women" featurette, "The Mind And Times Of Virginia Woolf" featurette, "The Music Of The Hours" featurette, "The Lives Of Mrs. Dalloway" featurette, an introduction by the filmmakers, and the theatrical trailer.

(HBO, Not Rated, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Live From Baghdad is an interesting film to watch in light of recent events. Telling, as it does, the tale of CNN's rise to prominence through its dangerous, risky Baghdad coverage during the first Gulf War, it cries out for comparisons to recent events. While not pure, there was definitely less of an extreme media culture in 1990, as one-by-one newspeople from across the globe abandoned Baghdad when it seemed increasingly likely the war would soon be on the doorstep, leaving only the CNN crew – including veteran producer Robert Wiener (Michael Keaton) and his producing partner (Helena Bonham Carter). A well-made look at the fine line between journalism and entertainment while history is being made. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Director Mick Jackson.

(New Video, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

Lost in La Mancha is the tale of a dream falling apart in a most spectacular fashion. The dream in question is the filming of Terry Gilliam's labor of love, The Man Who Shot Don Quixote. The same two documentary filmmakers who made the wonderful Gilliam behind-the-scenes chronicle The Hamster Factor were brought in to do the same with this latest epic, starring Johnny Depp, Jean Rochefort, and filming in Spain. Long a production skirting the edge of disaster, Gilliam fought long and hard to make the film without Hollywood money – quite a large undertaking for so complicated a film. Even last minute health problems with Rochefort (who, as Quixote, was indispensable) were cleared up right before shooting was to begin. But then all hell broke loose. On the very first day of shooting, the sky opened up, unleashing a torrential storm that swept away sets and equipment. That was quickly followed by the return of even more serious health problems for Rochefort, requiring him to fly back home. To add insult to injury, the investors then descended on the set for a scheduled visit, only to bear witness to the death of the film – all in the space of a week. This documentary painfully documents this train wreck – and like a train wreck, you can't look away. The 2-disc set contains interviews with cast and crew, deleted scenes, video soundbites, storyboards, production stills, Terry Gilliam interviews with Salman Rushdie and Elvis Mitchell, a making-of featurette, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Paramount, Rated G, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

The movie version of Popeye has been much-maligned over the years. Many is the fan who called it a flop, unwatchable, or worse. Me? I love it. For anyone familiar with E.C. Segar's original Thimble Theater comic strip (which birthed Popeye and the cast of characters in the film), the movie is actually quite faithful in tone, style, and humor. Admittedly, Robert Altman's pacing is a bit slow, but I give him credit for truly bringing Sweethaven to visual life – characters and all. Also not to be overlooked are Harry Nilsson's wonderful clutch of songs (this is a musical, after all), including Popeye's rousing "I Yam What I Yam." Sadly, the anamorphic DVD contains absolutely no special features (not even an Altman commentary), but it's nice to at least have this flick on disc. I recommend you give it a second chance.

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

As someone who enjoyed Boogie Nights but thought Magnolia was the work of an egotistical madman, I was pleasantly surprised by Punch Drunk Love. Maybe that's because writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson managed to squeeze a nuanced dramatic performance out of Adam Sandler… or maybe it's just because he had the chutzpah to use one of Harry Nilsson's songs from the Popeye movie. Either way, I enjoyed the story of Barry Egan (Sandler), a socially impaired, emasculated small businessman who goes on an emotional roller-coaster when love (Emily Watson) enters his life. The anamorphic 2-disc set contains deleted scenes, "Blossoms & Blood" featurette (alternate takes), "Here We Go" music video by Jon Brion, Jeremy Blake artwork, and the "Mattress Man" commercial.

(Rhino, Not Rated, DVD-$49.95 SRP)

As a cultural artifact, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In is a nice snapshot of the late 1960's. You get a good sense of where the country was socially and politically. As a comedy artifact, the humor of the show holds up remarkably well, despite the occasional bout of topicality. The Best of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In collects six unedited episodes that mostly do live up to the "Best of" part of the title. Not only did the show launch the careers of Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Henry Gibson, and many more, but it also featured cameos from the likes of Johnny Carson, Liberace, Carl Reiner, John Wayne, Jack Lemmon, Michael Caine, and – yes – even Richard Nixon. This 3-disc set also contains bonus interviews. So sock it to me!