For those forced with the prospect of having to spend quality time with your girlfriend (or wife, as the case may be), here's a couple of flicks that will satisfy her romantic viewing needs while not turning your mind to gelatin. First up is Charlotte Gray (Warner Bros, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP), which tells a rather interesting tale about a young woman's (Cate Blanchett) covert assignment to parachute into Nazi-occupied Vichy, France as an undercover courier – a mission that could prove to be her last. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Gillian Armstrong, two behind-the-scenes documentaries, and trailer. Next up is The Affair Of The Necklace (Warner Bros, Rated R, $26.98 SRP) – and with a cast that includes Hillary Swank, Christopher Walken, and Jonathan Pryce, how can you go wrong? Swank stars as Jeanne de la Motte-Valois, a conniving, deceitful social climber whose scandalous actions eventually help to send Queen Marie Antoinette to the guillotine The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Charles Shyer, additional scenes with optional commentary, a gag reel, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and trailer. Finally, there's singer Mandy Moore's acting debut A Walk To Remember (Warner Bros, Rated PG, DVD-$26.98 SRP). And, in the biggest shock I've had in along time, she's actually quite good. Jamie (Moore) is a self-confident preacher's daughter whose path crosses with Landon (Shane West), a slacker coasting through high school with his good looks and bravado. How many of you have guessed that they fall for each other? The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Shane West, Mandy Moore, and director Adam Shankman, an audio commentary with novelist Nicholas Sparks and screenwriter Karen Janszen, the Mandy Moore "Cry" music video, and the theatrical trailer.

(Koch, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP each)

A few years back, during the height of his own show, Jerry Seinfeld hosted a special about the classic comedy team Abbott & Costello. In it, he mentioned how much of the tone of his show was based on the duo's TV show from the early 50's – from the oddball characters inhabiting the city to a clutch of even odder friends and neighbors, the template for the now famous "show about nothing" is clearly visible in The Abbott & Costello Show. Maybe that's why I really dug discovering these TV gems in the recent DVD releases of the show, featuring surprisingly nice transfers directly from the original 35mm masters. There are four volumes currently available, and each disc contains 4 episodes.

(Anchor Bay, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

While I'm a fan of most British comedy, I've never been a fan of the department store-based situation comedy Are You Being Served?. Unfortunately, that made my viewing of this – the big screen adaptation with the original cast – somewhat of a biased affair. Fans of the show will probably enjoy it, as the staff is sent on a continental holiday while the store is being remodeled. One highlight is Fawlty Towers' own Manuel, Andrew Sachs, in a supporting role. The anamorphic DVD contains the film's original theatrical trailer.

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$79.95 SRP)

While as technically proficient – if not more so – than its Supermarionation predecessor Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet is a far darker, more adult series. In a nutshell, it's about an interstellar war between Earth and the invisible race the Mysterons, able to assume any form. Their infiltration meets its match when they are unable to take over the top agent of Earth's Spectrum Security Force, Captain Scarlet – who becomes their greatest foe and Earth's greatest hope. It's a wonderful series, and its entire 32 episode run is contained in this 4-disc box-set. Best of all, it boasts a nice line-up of special features, including audio commentary with Gerry Anderson on two episodes, a bio and filmography on Anderson, character bios, vehicle guides, photos and production stills, an introduction to Captain Scarlet, and Spectrum ID cards.

(White Star, Not Rated, DVD-$ SRP each)

Yes, I'm a junkie for celebrity biography programs – that's probably why in enjoyed this collection of five profiles of some of country music's classic superstars. The five artists are Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and Patsy Cline. Containing interviews and rare behind-the-scenes footage, they mostly engaging portraits. My one caveat to that is, because all of these programs are authorized, don't expect a complete "warts and all" approach. Still, they're worth checking out for both country music fans or the aforementioned bio-junkies.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated R, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

Director Guillermo Del Toro is know for his somewhat disturbing films (Mimic, Blade II) and this flick certainly lives up to that reputation. When a young boy arrives at a school sheltering the orphans of the Republican militia in the last days of the Spanish Civil War, he uncovers the darkness and mystery contained within its walls – everything from hidden riches to the ghost of a murdered student. Stylish and freaky, it's worth checking out with the lights on. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Del Toro and cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, a making-of featurette, storyboard comparisons, and trailer.

(ADV Films, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP)

In a departure from their releases of the first season of Farscape – which took forever and contained only two episodes on each disc – ADV has made the much better decision of releasing the Second Season as 2-disc sets containing four episodes. Mind you, the perfect solution would be seasonal boxsets, but this is a definite improvement. Add to that special features including an audio commentary on the episode "Crackers Don't Matter", deleted scenes, "Farscape Dictionary: Alien Slang" feature, "Alien Encounters" feature, conceptual artwork, "Actor Biography: Ben Browder" feature, and "Character Backstory: John Crichton" feature, and what you have is a release that's definitely on the right track.

(Delta, Not Rated, DVD-$9.95 SRP each)

Geez-o-man, is this release a whole lot of fun. Collecting the entirety of the classic Flash Gordon serial Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe, these 3 discs are like a little time warp into a simpler cinematic era. No digital effects here – no, it's models on strings, fuses for exhaust, and plywood backgrounds. And the acting! Any one who thinks Shatner was a hammy actor on Star Trek needs to watch these thespians at work… but that's half the fun. No matter what George Lucas claims, within 5 minutes of viewing these serials it's clearly evident what Lucas "appropriated" for Star Wars. I can't talk these discs up enough… Go check 'em out.

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

This film is just a muddled mess. Ostensibly, it's about those who serve our country stateside at war, this story taking place during the Vietnam war. The title refers to Arlington Cemetery, which is tended by older decorated veterans. When a young recruit (D.B. Sweeney)  is enlisted in the unit, he's quickly mentored by  two of the "old guard" (James Caan, James Earl Jones). Add to that a romance angle with a former college sweetheart (Mary Stuart Masterson) and conflicts with war protestors, and you get the aforementioned mess.  Did I mention that it's directed Francis Coppola in full 80's mire? The anamorphic DVD contains the film's original theatrical trailer.

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

Hearts and Minds is a sometimes devastating, sometime controversial, but always interesting documentary about the United States' involvement in Vietnam. Told through interviews, newsreels, and documentary footage, it constructs a portrait of a struggle not only in a distant land, but also on the American homefront. It's a harrowing portrait of the affects of war on the titular hearts and minds of the people involved in any conflict man might enter into. Criterion presents the film with a newly restored transfer, as well as an audio commentary with director Peter Davis, and a 12-page booklet featuring essays and historical context.

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$ 29.95 SRP)

As the only film that Sir Alec Guinness ever scripted – adapted from the Joyce Cary novel – this film is already unique. That doesn't even factor in what an enormously wonderful flick it is. Guinness stars as Gulley Jimson - a scruffy, loveable, completely eccentric artist who is forever in search of the "perfect canvas". When he's hired to do a commission work for a rich family, he sets about creating that ultimate vision… creating nothing but chaos in the process. The anamorphic DVD contains the original documentary short "Daybreak Express" that opened the original New York theatrical run of the film (which is a wonderful inclusion, and something I hope Criterion continues to do whenever possible) along with a new video introduction from director D.A. Pennebaker, a new video interview with Horse's Mouth director Ronald Neame, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

In the educational portion of our this month's reviews, might I suggest you check out the original film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest? Before you get the wrong idea, this isn't some dry, uninteresting story. Wilde's scathing satire and subversive wit is in full evidence here in a story about misconception, deceit, and two young women engaged to the same man… A man who just happens to be nonexistent. Is it funny? Yes. Should you check it out? Definitely. The fully restored Technicolor picture on this DVD is quite nice to look at (thank you, Criterion) and special features include the original theatrical trailer and production stills with notes by film historian Bruce Eder.

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

If you've ever wondered what exactly fires the creative mind, you might want to check out this release, if only for the perspective of its participants. Director Michael Apted gathers together a wide range of creative people – ranging from David Bowie to pop artist Roy Lichtenstein – in order to discuss where they get their ideas. The answers are often surprising, delivered with a candor that is equally surprising.

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

Containing acoustic live performances from MTV's recent Unplugged special, this is a nice collection of previously unreleased songs from one of the most talented performers of our time. Hyperbole, you say? Wait till you sample this DVD before you dismiss my statement. The acoustic quality of this performance brings to the fore Hill's musicianship, and it's an experience that shouldn't be missed.

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

If you're a musician – or just a fan of music in general – then this collection of a series of talks given by composer Leonard Bernstein at Harvard should be required viewing. Spanning over 13 (!) hours, Bernstein completely deconstructs the language, art, and history of music – all the while analyzing its strength, importance and, above all else, providing a context for musical expression. Again, this is a set to be cherished.

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

When seventh grader Max Keeble (Alex D. Linz) finds out that he's moving in a week, he sets out to get a small measure of revenge on everyone who's bullied him. Unfortunately, after a week of getting back, he finds out he's not moving after all… Hilarity ensues. While I wasn't terribly supportive of the message behind this picture, it's a fun enough little romp that kids will probably get a big kick out of. The Pan & Scan DVD (SHAME ON YOU, DISNEY!) contains an audio commentary (with producer Mike Karz, director Tim Hill and stars Linz, Larry Miller and Jamie Kennedy), the "Alex To The Max" behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, and 3D Set-Top "Maze Craze" and "Max Keeble's House Of Knowledge And Stuff" trivia game.

(Pioneer, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

Listening to Ray Charles is a joy – listening to Ray Charles live is almost revelatory. This disc not only contains over an hour of Charles singing his hits (live at the Montreux Jzzz Festival), but it also contains an audio commentary with the man himself. See… This is why I *love* DVD.

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

It's sad when a film with the caliber of talent that this has (including Kevin Spacey, Judi Dench, and Julianne Moore) just flounders about, existing somewhere between boredom and mediocrity. It's one of those "Small Town Changes Man" as Spacey moves back to his ancestral home in a small Newfoundland fishing community after a death in the family. He proceeds to fall in love and get a job at a local newspaper. That's about it. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Lasse Hallstrom, a still gallery, behind-the-scenes featurette, and a scenery gallery.

(Synapse, Not Rated, DVD-$12.95 SRP)

As far as sci-fi fan films go, I would hesitate to say that this is the funniest. It is, however, one of the most unique I've seen in quite awhile – in both concept and execution. The concept involves a non-too subtle take off of the crew of the original Enterprise, commanded by Captain Kwirk and Mr. Spuck, who get sucked into a Star Warp and must compete for a mysterious monolith against the forces of the Dark Smell of the Force – led by Darth Vapor. Just about every major sci-fi character (from E.T. to Robocop to the Predator) is sucked into this farce fighting for either the side of good or evil. The other unique aspect is its execution – it's done entirely in clay. Not exactly Claymation standards, but pretty darn good nonetheless. All in all, it's a fun romp worth checking out just for kicks. The DVD contains an audio commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and a sneak-peek at the upcoming sequel.

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG, DVD-$29.95 SRP)

So, where you ever sitting in history class and wonder to yourself, "What if they did a musical about the founding of the United States?" Okay… Maybe that's a bit far-fetched and odd… but such a musical does exist, and it's pretty darn good. It takes a little time to get used to it, but once you go with the historical flow, Benjamin Franklin bursting into song during a crucial moment in our past seems perfectly normal – and fun. Don't think that the facts are short-shrifted for the sake of the music however, as the proceeding are presented rather accurately. This anamorphic DVD release contains a newly assembled director's cut of the film, restoring a great deal of footage originally excised before its release. You can find out about that process during the audio commentary with director Peter Hunt and screenwriter Peter Stone. The disc also contains screen tests, production notes, and trailers.

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

While the animation isn't anywhere near to the standards set by Pixar, this is still a fun little flick for kids and adults alike. When Earth is threatened by a fleet of alien warships, the planet's only hope is Jimmy Neuton, boy genius. The aliens abduct all of the parents in Jimmy's hometown of Retroville with the intent of sacrificing them. It's up to Jimmy – with the help of his robot dog Goddard, his best pal Carl, and the kids of Retroville – to hurriedly build a fleet of spacships out of the town's brand-new amusement park rides in order to save the day. The anamorphic DVD contains a making-of, two music videos, 12 promotional spots, the teaser trailer, and the full theatrical trailer.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$14.99 SRP each)

It's been a long wait, but Paramount has finally begun releasing I Love Lucy on DVD. Was it worth the wait? Most definitely. The prints used are pretty darn spiffy, and there are even bonus features. Best of all, the show is being released sequentially, with the first two volumes of Season One (containing 8 episodes) hitting stores shortly. Bonus features include the original series opening, additional footage, radio shows, still gallery, and a behind the scenes audio featurette.

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

I will admit right of the bat – I am not a fan of Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay's bombastic, tacky, boring, annoying, and overall unintentionally hilarious desecration of Pearl Harbor. However, this is one of the best produced special editions for a DVD that I've seen since The Phantom Menace. What makes it so good? Why, quantity, of course! As a part of Disney's Vista series, we get a brand new director's cut (with a few minutes of additional battle footage that only underscores the poor juxtaposition of that sequence to the rest of the Titanic-wannabe film). Not only that, but there's oodles of extras spanning 4 discs, including: three audio commentaries (with Director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Wesleyan Film Professor Jeanine Basinger, Director of Photography John Schwartzman, Costume Designer Michael Kaplan, Production Designer Nigel Phelps, and actors Ben Affleck, Alec Baldwin and Josh Hartnett), "Journey To The Screen: The Making of Pearl Harbor" documentary, Faith Hill music video "There You'll Be", production diary with Michael Bay commentary, "Soldier's Bootcamp" featurette, "Officer's Bootcamp" featurette, a Super 8 montage, "The Recollections of A Pearl Harbor Nurse" featurette, theatrical teaser and trailer, "One Hour Over Tokyo" History Channel documentary, "Unsung Heroes of Pearl Harbor" History Channel Documentary, Interactive Attack Sequence with commentaries, "Deconstructing Destruction" featurette, "A Conversation On Visual Effects With Michael Bay and Eric Brevig" featurette, effects shots, Industrial Light & Magic featurette, and a historical timeline. So while it's still not a good film, this set is worth checking out for the additional materials.

(Fox, Rated PG-13, DVD-$27.98 SRP)

After an encounter with motivational guru Tony Robbins while trapped in an elevator, superficial skirt-chaser "shallow" Hal's (Jack Black) outlook is left a bit skewed. From that point on, whenever he encounters less-than-beautiful women, he sees them instead as the most drop-dead gorgeous women he's ever seen. While in this mind-altered state, he meets Rosemary (Gwyneth Paltrow) - a 300 lb woman with a sparkling personality. Hal falls madly in love, but his best friend Mauricio (Jason Alexander) is determined to snap his friend out of his delusion… But has Hal become less-shallow? I'm not a big fan of the Farrelly Brothers, but I would pleasantly surprised by how much heart this flick had – and the laughs were genuine. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Bobby and Peter Farrelly, 11 deleted scenes with optional Farrelly Brothers commentary, HBO making-of special, Comedy Central's "Reel Comedy" special, "Wall In Your Heart" Shelby Lynne video, a make-up featurette, a stunts featurette, and the film's original theatrical trailer.

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

The third season of Star Trek: The Next Generation is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of the series. Everything was firing this year – the writing, the production design, the cinematography, the actors… You name it. I won't say that every episode was a gem – far from it, but this season had its share of memorable adventures: Q losing his powers in "Deja Q", the alternate universe of "Yesterday's Enterprise", the TOS connection of "Sarek", the season-ending abduction of Picard by the Borg in "The Best Of Both Worlds Part 1", and – best of all – the introduction of Reg Barclay in "Hollow Pursuits". After the shortened second season, Season 3 consists of a full 26 episodes spanning 7 discs. Bonus features include the featurettes "Mission Overview: Year Three", "Selected Crew Analysis: Year Three", "Departmental Briefing – Year Three: Production", and "Departmental Briefing – Year Three: Memorable Missions".

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

If you only know John Milius from his work writing and directing such films as Conan the Barbarian, Red Dawn, or The Wind and the Lion, then it might seem incongruous to you that he also wrote and directed on of the most definitive films about the Southern California surfing culture ever made. When you find out that Milius grew up in that culture, then it makes perfect sense – and the film shows beautifully that kind of requisite nostalgia. What American Graffiti was to George Lucas' childhood passion, this film is to Milius'. It's also, like Graffiti, a coming-of-age tale about a group of friends facing down the encroaching responsibilities inherent in growing up and becoming men, compounded by the social turbulence of the late 60's. It also has some of the most stunning surfing footage ever shot – all presented in beautiful anamorphic widescreen. The disc also includes an audio commentary with Milius that provides a fascinating insight into the creation of an homage to childhood.

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

Before he was a cop on NYPD Blue – or a rich kid on Silver Spoons – Rick Schroeder was the seven year-old son of Jon Voight's has-been ex-boxing champion in The Champ. The only reason he returns to the ring is to provide for his son when his wealthy, estranged wife begins vying for their child's attention.  Heart aplenty, yes, but also a darn fine flick. Even better is the audio commentary with Voight and Schroeder. The anamorphic DVD also includes a behind-the-scenes featurette and theatrical trailers.

(MGM/UA, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

It's always nice to see an actor stretch his dramatic muscles outside of the box that Hollywood has placed him or her in. Unfortunately, this is not a film like that, and I feel sorry for Bruce Willis. In this derivative war flick, Willis plays Col. McNamara – a soldier stripped of his freedom when he's thrown in a German POW camp in World War II. With the help of a young lieutenant (Colin Farrell), McNamara tries to free his men and, in the process, change the course of the war. I'll admit that the action sequences were often quite riveting, and Willis is always watchable, but the story is one that goes back to the 1940's. It's not a bad disc to pick up for a weekend's viewing, but don't expect to see anything new. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Willis, director Gregory Hoblit, and writer Billy Ray, an audio commentary with producer David Foster, deleted scenes with director's commentary, a photo gallery, and the film's theatrical trailer.

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

There are films from my childhood that I love because of the experience I had seeing them on the big screen. However, there are other films that I love because of the sheer repetition of those films on the still-nascent beast known as cable television – particularly HBO. Innerspace is one of those films. While not great cinema, it's a fun little sci-fi romp – a good guys vs. bad guys tale with a fantastical premise (Dennis Quaid is shrunk down and accidentally injected into Martin Short). I must have seen this flick two dozen times in the span of three days thanks to HBO. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration – but that's how it felt. Not only is this DVD anamorphic, but it also features a brand-new commentary track with director Joe Dante, producer Mike Finnell, co-stars Kevin McCarthy (the bad guy) and Robert Picardo (the other bad guy), and visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren.

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

I thought, in revisiting this film, that I would lose my original fondness for it – considering how much more jaded I've become as I've gotten older. I predicted a smarmy confection of cornball platitudes and tacky storytelling. Thankfully, I was wrong. Larry Gelbart's script, Carl Reiner's direction, and the actors' performances are even more fun than I remember, and who can forget God in the form of George Burns? I'm by no means a religious person, so I took great pleasure in the social satire that is layered throughout the film, as well as the rather complex discussion of faith and belief. Did I mention it's funny as well? The anamorphic DVD contains a commentary track with Gelbart, Reiner, and Teri Garr that's a real hoot… The interplay between the three is worth the price of admission alone. The disc also contains trailers for all three Oh, God! films.

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

Punchline is a film that benefits immensely from a second viewing. I remember that my first viewing of the film left me cold – I thought it was a slow, maudlin affair about comedy, ironically. Upon reexamination, though, I found it to be quite a nuanced exploration of determination in the following of a dream – a dream personified in this film by Lilah Krytsick's (Sally Field) desire to be a stand-up comedienne. She pursues her dream at a local New York comedy club, where the spotlight is often stolen by Lenny Bruce-esque comedian Steven Gold (Tom Hanks). Steven helps turn Lilah's flat performances funny, while Lilah helps Steven hold his crumbling offstage life together.

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

Although not as "laugh out loud" funny as Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson's previous outing, Rushmore, there are definitely deeper comedic veins contained within the subtle shell of this fable. Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) is the estranged patriarch of a family of geniuses – a family that's fallen apart since he separated from their mother (Anjelica Huston) after a few "dalliances". Unfortunately, their children (Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, & Ben Stiller) were all geniuses that peaked before they were teens – now each of them are mired in their own neurotic, shattered dead-end. But when Royal becomes ill, the family is forced to come together… Sort-of. Don't go expecting your standard gather-round-the-deathbed-and-relate CryFest out of this pic – it's far too smart for that. And with performances from Owen Wilson, Danny Glover, and Bill Murray as well, it's worth checking out for the acting chops alone. Best of all, seeing as how this is a two-disc Criterion release, it's jam-packed with goodies including an audio commentary with Anderson, "With the Filmmaker: Portraits by Albert Maysles" featurette with Wes Anderson, video interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of the cast, outtakes, the faux "Peter Bradley Show" featuring interviews with additional castmembers, "The Art of the Movie" gallery, theatrical trailers, and a collectible insert featuring Eric Anderson's drawings.

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

Every year, there seems to be a foreign language film that takes the nation by storm, becoming the instant go-to whenever someone says they saw that "new foreign flick". Last year, that movie was Amélie – a charming French film about a painfully shy Parisian waitress who makes a drastic discovery about her life which leads to an even more drastic change in her outlook. Transformed, her new mission in life becomes helping people to find the happiness in their lives.. the crux of the story coming from whether she has the courage to do the same with her own life. As I said, it's quite an engaging film… And if you check it out, it fulfills your foreign language requirement for the year. You know you can't beat that. The 2-disc anamorphic DVD set contains "The Look Of Amélie" featurette, "Fantasies of Audrey Tautou" featurette, a Q&A with director Jean-Pierre Jounet, a Q&A with the director and cast, audition tapes, storyboard comparison, a chat with the director, "Home Movies" featurette about the making of the film, English and French TV spots, the U.S. and French trailers, a scrapbook, the original Parisian French language track, and cast & crew filmographies.

(Paramount, Rated PG-13, DVD-$24.99 SRP)

You know, in retrospect, this really isn't a very good movie. Made during the height of mid-80's paranoia about the encroaching worldwide buyout of everything by the Japanese, it cast Michael Keaton as the workaday savior of the small town of Hadleyville – a town with a closed auto plant, scores of jobless workers, and a plan to try and woo the Japanese Assan motors to come to the rescue. Assan Motors buys the plant, installs Keaton's character as an executive, and then runs smack-dab into a culture clash as they find that American workers are a bit more… individualistic… than their Japanese counterparts. Director Ron Howard instills the film with his prototypical genial warmth – and there are flashes of goodness throughout – but overall it's as ham-fisted as Howard's other films. Still, I have a special place in my heart for this flick due mostly to the sheer number of times I saw it while growing up, thanks to HBO. The anamorphic DVD contains no special features.

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

When his son is refused heart transplant surgery by his insurance company, a father (Denzel Washington) takes matters into his own hands by literally holding the hospital hostage until they give into his one demand – to save his son. Unfortunately, the situation spirals out of control, even as he becomes a cult figure for the disaffected – polarizing the issue even as the clock ticks on his son's life. Surrounded by police, decisions must be made – and they're not always the right ones. I have to admit, as someone without health insurance, this film struck quote a chord with me, even if it overly-simplifies the issue… But that's what Hollywood is for. This is a great film that benefits immensely from Denzel's presence. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary (with director Nick Cassavetes, screenwriter James Kearns, producer Mark Burg, and director of photography Rogier Stoffers), "Fighting For Care" documentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted/alternate scenes with optional director's commentary, the original press kit, and the film's trailer.

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

If you're a fan of The Kids In The Hall, then you'll probably enjoy this flick. Admittedly, it's a little more surreal and dark than their TV material, but it's still funny. More of a satire piece than anything else, the story revolves around a scientist's discovery of a cure for depression – unfortunately, he works for a major conglomerate, and his untested discovery is soon being sold far and wide. And then the side affects become apparent. I really dig this flick – but like I said, it can be a bit of an acquired taste. The anamorphic DVD contains no special features whatsoever.

(Criterion, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

Slowly but surely, Criterion is releasing all of Akira Kurosawa's classic films – all with the same concentration on excellent sound and video presentation that we've come to expect. So pull out your checklist and strike off Red Beard, which focuses on the lessons of tolerance, compassion, and humanity taught to a brash young doctor by his dignified clinic director, played here by Toshiro Mifune (in his last role for Kurosawa). Kurosawa's rendering of 19^th century Japan is breathtaking, and benefits greatly from this restored anamorphic print. The DVD contains an audio commentary with Kurosawa film scholar Stephen Prince, notes by Japanese-film historian Donald Richie, and the film's theatrical trailer.

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

Taking place years after his original exploits, Robin Hood (Sean Connery) returns with Little John from the Crusades, where they fought alongside Richard the Lionhearted (Richard Harris). However, when Richard is accidentally killed, the mad King John assumes command – forcing Robin to regroup his Sherwood Forest band in an effort to take down the dictator. Unfortunately, matters are complicated when John sends the Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw) to eliminate the clergy from the countryside, leading to Robin's rescue of his old flame, Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn), who has become a nun. With a cast like this, a fun flick is virtually guaranteed –and it delivers. The anamorphic DVD contains the film's original theatrical trailer.

(New Line, Rated R, DVD-$24.98 SRP)

When you consider it's a film from Todd Solondz, the director of Happiness, it's not really a surprise that Storytelling is a thought-provoking examination of the darkly comic minefield that is high school and college. As we follow a cast of young hopefuls desperately trying to navigate their lives, we become privy to some rather universal stumbling blocks – all in a film that splits itself into "fiction" and "nonfiction" subsections that are dictated by the often skewed perceptions of the characters themselves. It may sound a bit heady, but if you've ever written anything, then this is a film you should check out. The anamorphic DVD contains both the Unrated and R-Rated versions of the film as well as the film's original theatrical trailer.

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

I was never really a fan of Top Secret! like I was of the other Zucker/Abrahams films, such as Airplane and The Naked Gun series. For those unfamiliar, it's basically a send-up of Elvis movies and those classic wartime spy flicks of the 1940's – all contained within a slapstick shell full of visual gags, puns, and winking performances. The real joy for me in this DVD, then, is the audio commentary, featuring directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, & Jerry Zucker, Producers Jon Davison & Hunt Lowry, and moderated by Fred Rubin. It's actually funnier than the film. The anamorphic DVD also inclused four alternate scenes and the film's original theatrical trailer.

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

I was never really a fan of Top Secret! like I was of the other Zucker/Abrahams films, such as Airplane and The Naked Gun series. For those unfamiliar, it's basically a send-up of Elvis movies and those classic wartime spy flicks of the 1940's – all contained within a slapstick shell full of visual gags, puns, and winking performances. The real joy for me in this DVD, then, is the audio commentary, featuring directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, & Jerry Zucker, Producers Jon Davison & Hunt Lowry, and moderated by Fred Rubin. It's actually funnier than the film. The anamorphic DVD also inclused four alternate scenes and the film's original theatrical trailer.

(Anchor Bay, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP)

Although the premise is fun enough on its own – Baron Von Frankenstein selects his nerdy nephew Felix to be his successor, mortifying the world's major monsters who conspire to discover the Baron's ultimate secret during a madcap party – the real joy of this piece is that it's done in the classic "Animagic" style of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Year Without a Santa Claus, and other Rankin-Bass specials of our collective youth. The writing is snappy, the voice talent (including Boris Karloff) is top-notch, and the songs are fun – what more can you ask for? And considering this film dates back to 1967, the transfer is quite nice. The DVD also contains a poster and still gallery, the theatrical trailer, a monster-size booklet packed with information, and a production art gallery. 

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

Growing up, one of my favorite shows to watch was M*A*S*H. It may seem an odd show for a kid to enjoy, but I dug it nonetheless. Like any show, it had its phases. For me, its 11 year run is split into two – Funny and Serious. The first five years of the show are humorous with a dramatic undercurrent, while years six through eleven are dramatic with a humorous undercurrent. Personally, the first five years are my favorite – which just so happen to be the years that the show was still being guided by legendary comedy writer Larry Gelbart. Onscreen, the clear delineation of when the show went "serious" is when Frank Burns left and B.J. grew the mustache. Mustache = Unfunny. Simple as that. This has all been a long way of saying how much I enjoy the recent release of M*A*S*H Season Two  on DVD. Full of classic episodes (and the ability to turn off the laugh track), it's great way to experience a wonderful show… back when it was funny.

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

As an animation fan, I'm really digging Plymptoons – a collection of the works of animator Bill Plympton. Even if the name doesn't ring a bell, his rather oddball, award-winning work – often featuring a sketchy style and human bodies morphing and distending – should jog your memory. His work has appeared in numerous commercials and MTV bumpers, as well as on the short-lived Julie Brown sketch comedy show The Edge (that reference was specifically for all of you TV geeks). This DVD features 20 of his animated shorts, early footage of (and by) Plympton, audio commentary with Plympton, a special introduction (with Plympton and Troma Studios' own Lloyd Kaufman), the comics that inspired the films, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and two other exclusive Bill Plympton featurettes. Animation buffs, get out your wallets.

(Warner Bros, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

There haven't been a lot of Schwarzenegger flicks that I've liked in… oh… the past decade. It seems like the fire went out not long after T2 (Last Action Hero or Jingle All the Way, anyone?). So it was with some trepidation that I approached Collateral Damage, starring Arnold as a Los Angeles fireman bent on avenging the deaths of his wife and child, whose lives were claimed by a terrorist blast orchestrated by a man known as El Lobo. He tracks El Lobo from L.A. to Columbia to Washington, D.C. in a flick that also happens to be Schwarzenegger's tightest action exercise in the aforementioned decade. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Andrew Davis, two documentaries, additional scenes, and the film's trailer.

(Universal, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

Boy, is this a hackneyed affair. Ostensibly about a recent widower (Kevin Costner) getting messages through near-death patients from his dead wife, it's a thriller that never really takes off. The performances are amiable enough, but the languid, almost banal script really does it all in. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Tom Shadyac, deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, a featurette with author Betty Eadie on her near-death experience, and the film's theatrical trailer.

(History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP)

If you've seen The History Channel's production Founding Fathers – an engaging warts-and-all look at the men who shaped our country – then you know the kind of quality to expect from this production. Founding Brothers, based on Joseph Ellis' Pulitzer Prize-winning book, examines six moments when the friction and debates amongst Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Adams, Hamilton, and Burr led to such momentous decisions as the location of our nation's capital and the country's financial future. Even more surprising, lesser-known moments are examined - such as Franklin's call for an end to slavery. This is a set that history buffs will enjoy and school kids should watch.

(Docurama, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

If you didn't catch one of this documentary's numerous presentations on HBO, the nutshell synopsis is that it tracks artist Spencer Tunick's five month quest to photograph nudes, in public settings, in every state. What results is a unique exploration of art, public morays, the logistical difficulties, and the unique personal perspectives of the participants who choose to pose au natural for art. The DVD contains Tunick's photographs and bio, a filmmaker bio, and an additional short film.

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

You know… There are bad movies, and then there are just sad movies. Bad movies can be fun – the joy arising from the sheer incompetence onscreen. Sad movies, on the other hand, evoke nothing more than pity and contempt towards the filmmakers who stole 90 minutes of your life. Resident Evil is a sad movie. Not since the big screen adaptation of Super Mario Brothers have I been more disappointed in a video game-to-film flick. Do yourself a favor and just go stick your head in a vise for an hour-and-a-half. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Paul Anderson and castmembers, 5 making-of mini-featurettes, a music video, and trailers.

(A&E, Not rated, DVD-$79.95 SRP)

This marks the first live action series from supermarionation god Gerry Anderson (predating Space: 1999). In 1980 (yes… 1980), Earth is under attack from aliens whose intentions are unclear, but their actions are abundantly clear – they're abducting humans and harvesting their organs. Fortunately for the human race, the secret organization S.H.A.D.O is leading the charge against the hostile aliens. Led by Commander Ed Straker, S.H.A.D.O is recruiting top agents from every nation and –operating from the depths of the ocean, as well as a secret moon base – they seek to stop the alien invasion. Although a bit idiosyncratic, it's still a fun series to discover. The 4 disc box-set contains an audio commentary with Anderson on the premiere episode, alternate video outtakes, a photo gallery, and an Anderson bio/filmography.