(Buena Vista, Not Rated, DVD-$69.99 SRP)

Before she was a mediocre Elektra in the Daredevil abomination…er… movie, Jennifer Garner found success in a far better project as international spy Sydney Bristow in Alias. Like a latter-day Mission Impossible, Sydney's globe-hopping adventures are filled with more intrigue, thrills, suspense, and surprises than you can shake a really big stick at. The 6-disc complete first season contains all 22 episodes in anamorphic widescreen, plus audio commentaries, deleted scenes, pilot production diary, "A Mission Around The World" featurette, "Inside Stunts" featurette, TV spots, a gag reel, Marshall Finkman's Gadget Gallery, audition tapes, Season 2 & 3 previews, and a sneak peek at the PS2 game.

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

While the first season was a show in search of an identity, the second season of the Buffyverse spin-off Angel showed signs of a program finally finding its way in the world. While early shows tended to skew towards a weird cross between Kolchak and Columbo, it was during season 2 that we finally got a sense of our characters as adventures heroes, eventually wrapping up by bringing our intrepid group to an alternate dimension – and hooking them up with the beautiful Fred. Also of note was the season-spanning return of Darla, which would bear fruit (quite literally) in the following year. The 6-disc set contains all 22 episodes in anamorphic widescreen (and why not Buffy, Joss? Yeah, yeah, yeah…), audio commentary (on the episodes "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been" by Tim Minear and "Over the Rainbow" by Fred Keller), featurettes ("Making Up the Monsters," "Inside the Agency," "Season 2 Overview," and "Stunts"), a still gallery, blueprints, scripts (for "Disharmony" and "Darla"), Season 1 DVD trailer, and cast biographies.

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

John Singleton's powerful Boyz N The Hood is the latest film to get the deluxe treatment, with a brand-new anamorphic transfer and bonus materials spanning two-discs. Those materials include an audio commentary with Singleton, "Friendly Fire: Making of an Urban Legend" documentary, deleted scenes, music videos, and theatrical trailers.

(Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP each)

After Image lost their contract to release Universal product, their DVDs of the classic John Hughes' flicks Sixteen Candles and Weird Science became scarce. Fans snapped them up – even tough the transfers were non-anamorphic and lackluster – simply because no one had any idea when Universal would get around to releasing brand-new special editions (which everybody hoped for). Well, let the rejoicing commence. Not only do we have anamorphic editions of Sixteen Candles and Weird Science, but a spiffy new edition of The Breakfast Club to boot. The real draw, however, is that Universal has managed to clear the original soundtracks for the films (featuring songs from the likes of David Bowie and Simple Minds) that have not been heard since the original theatrical runs.

(Warner Bros., $19.98 SRP each)

They may be the lesser lights of Eastwood's career, but the titles contained in the latest Clint Eastwood Collection - Where Eagles Dare , Tightrope, White Hunter, Black Heart, The Rookie, City Heat, Pink Cadillac, and Honkytonk Man – are an enjoyable enough bunch. All of the titles are newly remastered in anamorphic widescreen, so pop some popcorn, start squinting, and have yourself a mini Clint-fest.

(Warner Bros, Rated R, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

Cobb is one of those underappreciated gems. In presenting one of baseball's most caustic personalities, it almost dares the viewer to try and find a redeeming quality in one of the true legends of the sport. In fact, his only redeeming quality probably was his talent. But under the direction of Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) and played by Tommy Lee Jones, you can't take your eyes off the film. And really – isn't that all that matters? The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Shelton, a second audio commentary with Jones and co-star Robert Wuhl, additional scenes, a featurette on the real Al Stump, "On the Field with Roger Clemons" featurette, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$89.99 SRP)

What is it about CSI that's so addictive? I think we, as Americans, are perpetually thrilled by the art of the chase – even if the chase involves the clues of the dead. Keeping the ball rolling, CSI: The Complete Second Season sports all 22 episodes in anamorphic widescreen, featurettes ("Makeup, Music & Special Effects," "Shooting Locations," "The CSI Tour," "Tools of the Trade," and "The Making of a Hit"), and audio commentaries (on "Burked," "Altar Boys," and "Ellie"). I hope Season 3 doesn't come out anytime soon – I can't afford to be distracted from work for another marathon viewing session.

Many people deride the output of the Disney company of the 70's, often branding it as lackluster and unmemorable. Well, I beg to differ. Some of my favorite Disney flicks originate from this period – such as Pete's Dragon and Bedknobs and Broomsticks – including a trio of movies hitting DVD as special editions… the Tim Conway/Don Knotts farce The Apple Dumpling Gang, and the adventures of a pair of psychic children in Escape to Witch Mountain and Return from Witch Mountain (Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$24.99 SRP each). All three are remastered in anamorphic widescreen and sport a bevy of bonus features. The Apple Dumpling Gang features an audio commentary (with Knotts, Conway, Susan Clark, and Brad Savage), "Two Gun Goofy" cartoon, "A Look Back With The Gang" retrospective featurette, "Conversations with Tim Conway" featurette, "Lost Treasures: The Disney Backlot" featurette, "Disney's Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy Heroes" featurette, advertising materials, bios, stills, and the 1975 Disney Studio Album. Escape to Witch Mountain features an audio commentary (with stars Ike Eisenmann & Kim Richards, and director John Hough), "Pluto's Dream House" cartoon, "Making the Escape" featurette, "Conversations with John Hough" featurette, "Disney Effects – Something Special" featurette, "Disney Sci-Fi" featurette, and the 1975 Disney Studio Album. Finally, Return from Witch Mountain features an audio commentary (with Eisenmann, Richards, and Hough), "The Eyes Have It" cartoon, "Making the Return Trip" featurette, "Lost Treasure: Christopher Lee, The Lost Interview" featurette, "Disney Kids with Powers" featurette, "The Gang's Back in Town" featurette, the 1978 Disney Studio Album, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP each)

Never in my life did I ever envision that a company would actually grace the public with a batch of DVD's branded as the "Don Knotts Comedy Classics" collection – but that is exactly what has happened. Like a more genial Jim Carrey, Knotts turned out a slew of memorable comedies in the 60's – some are certifiable classics, and some are merely oddball experiments that need to be seen to be believed. In the former category, there's The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut, and The Shakiest Gun in the West . In the latter, we've got How to Frame a Figg and The Love God?. Either way, check out the lot of them and make your own decisions about one of the true comic geniuses of the 20^th century.

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

Every once in awhile, Hollywood takes off its creative blinders and decides to make a film that isn't a cliché-ridden derivation. Identity was one of those rare beasts. Think of this film as Clue meets Hitchcock, as 10 strangers with secrets to hide are inexplicably brought together on a dark and stormy night in a roadside motel. Then they start to die, and the questions becomes – what is the secret that brought them together and, if they're lucky, will save the few who remain? Chilling and stylish, I only wish more films like it would come down the pike. The anamorphic DVD contains an alternate ending, an audio commentary with director James Mangold, deleted scenes with optional director's commentary, storyboard comparisons, the Starz making-of special, and the theatrical trailer.

(Walt Disney, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP)

In the ages of Buffy and Alias, it was inevitable that kids would eventually get a truly heroic animated superheroine – and her name is Kim Possible, secret agent extraordinaire. With her sidekick Ron Stoppable and pet naked mole rat Rufus, Kim takes on the villainous Dr. Drakken and DNAmy. I love it when cartoons remember to be fun and well-written. The anamorphic (!) DVD contains a never-before-seen episode, a game, and a music video.

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

While The Twilight Zone often mired itself in preachy platitudes and morose morals, The Outer Limits was often an inspired spin on the kind of material found in the best pulp novels of yesteryear (credit writers like Harlan Ellison for that). Stories like "Demon with a Glass Hand," "I Robot," and "Wolf 359" are iconic science fiction stories pulled off with a visual panache often lacking in the TV medium (or even the film medium, for that matter). The show also featured actors like Leonard Nimoy, Steven Culp, James Doohan, William Shatner, Adam West, Eddie Albert, and Robert Duvall – all of them before stardom entered the picture. The complete second season has hit your local DVD emporium - the first season has been in stores for quite awhile - and I suggest you get them both.

(Fox, Rated PG-13, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

You gotta love those perennial cable flicks. You know – the kind that bore themselves into your consciousness through repeated channel-surfing viewings, to the point where a relatively mediocre film attains that most cherished of titles… cult classic. PCU is one of those. Its story was done 10 times better in Animal House, but we still love Jeremy Piven's winning college slacker, David Spade's uptight pain-in-the-ass wannabe, and Jon Favreau's pre-weight loss brain dead frat boy. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Hart Bochner, an audio commentary with Piven, the original EPK featurette, Mudhoney's "Pump It Up" music video, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Lion's Gate, Not Rated, DVD-$49.99 SRP)

Is it sad that I watched every single one of the 5 discs containing the complete first and second seasons of Saved by the Bell? Please, don't answer that. I could attempt to defend myself by saying that SBTB was like Saturday morning crack for developing minds… pap-laden platitudes for a TV junkie youth culture. Or I could say that I thought Tiffani-Amber Thiessen was hot, and leave it at that. I'm going with the latter.

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP)

Just in time for Halloween enjoyment, we get a Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror collection. This single disc release features 4 of the annual Halloween shows (V, VI, VII, and XII), which include "The Shinning," "Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace," "Time and Punishment," and my favorite Treehouse outing – the 3D "Homer ³".

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

While the Star Treks and Babylon 5s of the world get all the attention, Stargate SG-1 has plugged along, quietly putting out the kind of solid storytelling that the producers of Enterprise wish they could achieve. The longer this series goes on, the more it establishes its independent identity from the feature film that preceded it (a film I love, by the way). I regret that the show is currently in its final season, as I will sorely miss it. That loss is mediated somewhat by the steady release of the first six seasons on DVD, Season 4 of which has just hit shelves. The 5 disc box set contains audio commentaries on all episodes, featurettes, and the first part of a 3-part documentary on the history of the show.

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

The 1953 version of Titanic will always remain the definitive representation of the horrible loss of that epic liner. Sure, the special effects amount to a beautifully shot (yet painfully obvious) miniature. And it's in black & white. But it also sticks to the facts more than James Cameron's dog & pony melodrama. The classic version of Titanic has been given Fox's spiffy Studio Classics treatment, equating to restored picture and sound, and extras including an audio commentary with film critic Richard Shickel, a second audio commentary (with stars Robert Wagner, Audrey Dalton, and cinematographer Michael Lonza), the "Beyond Titanic" documentary, an audio essay by Titanic historian Silvia Stoddard, and a still gallery.

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$69.98 SRP)

If you're anything like me (and I'm sorry if you are), last year's DVD release of the complete first season of Fox's 24 on DVD spoiled you. Personally, after being able to watch the full 24-episode arc of this innovative series in (practically) one sitting, I couldn't bear the thought of watching the likewise serialized second season on regular TV, waiting week after week for the next installment. It's taken awhile, but it was worth the restraint just to be able to do another marathon sitting to take in the Complete Second Season on DVD. The adventures of CIA operative Jack Bauer remain as thrilling as his first day… er, season… and the stakes are even increased. The seven disc set contains the original extended version of the season premiere, audio commentary on select episodes, deleted scenes, and much more.

(MGM/UA, Rated PG-13, DVD-$26.98 SRP)

You know, I take a certain perverse pleasure in seeing comic book movies that fall on their ass. Quite possibly it's because I like to see filmmakers who have no respect for the source material punished at the box office. Case in point – Bulletproof Monk. Chow Yun-Fat stars as a mysterious monk whose responsibility – for over 60 years – is to protect an ancient scroll that is the key to limitless power. Things come to a head when a young punk (Seann William Scott, if you can believe it) saves him from capture, and he decides the he's found a successor. Bland and boring despite a lot of visual fluff and droning fight sequences, this Monk is riddled with holes. The anamorphic DVD contains audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and a photo gallery.

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

Though it came and went at the box office, there's a lot to be said for Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. George Clooney makes his directorial debut in this adaptation of the "real life" story of Gong Show producer – and supposed CIA Assassin – Chuck Barris, and the end result is a satisfyingly fun flick that's on part Quixote and a whole lot of Munchausen. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Clooney and cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel, deleted scenes with optional commentary, six behind-the-scenes featurettes, screen tests, Gong Show acts, a documentary on the real life Barris, and a still gallery.

(Paramount, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

The Core is an apocalyptic thriller that lacks any of the cheesy fun of Armageddon, the righteous zeal of Deep Impact, or even the over-the-top pretension of Dante's Peak . No, what you get is a middling tale of a team of podiatrists… er, scientists… to journey beneath the Earth's surface in hopes of restarting the Earth's core by means of a nuclear detonation… or something. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Jon Amiel, a making-of documentary, visual effects deconstructions, and 10 deleted/extended scenes with optional director's commentary.

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

If you're not a fan of Eddie Izzard's stand-up comedy, shame on you. You're missing out on one of the most unique comedians to come down the pike in a good long while. If you'd like a perfect indoctrination point, pick up a copy of Eddie Izzard: Circle. Running almost 2 hours, it's Izzard at his most ingratiatingly odd. The DVD contains the full Circle performance, as well as Izzard's French concert Dress to Circle - done entirely in that language. Both programs contain a full audio commentary from the man himself (which is a fascinating look at the process), and the disc also sports a brief documentary on the tour.

(Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP)

DVD has made me a profoundly impatient person. The wait for my favorite film or TV program to make it into my hands has become an almost interminable nightmare, as I count the days and months until, oh, let's say Family Guy: Volume 2 is finally within my clutch. The release of Volume 1 a few months back seemed almost a tease (which is sad when one remembers that it contained the complete first and second season of the show). Still, to me, it's been a long wait for the remainder of the series to arrive (how sad is that?). As I mentioned, with the release of Volume 2, the complete Family Guy is now available – and unlike the bare-bones Region 2 editions, this 3-disc set contains audio commentaries on 6 episodes (even though, as with the first set, commentaries were recorded for every episode - what's up with that, Fox?), deleted scene animatics, and two brand-new featurettes.

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

Neil Gaiman is a talented bloke. Besides being an excellent storyteller, he also has the uncanny ability to be behind more failed film adaptations than just about any other modern writer. Maybe that's why I was shocked to see Neverwhere get off the ground, even if it was a story written directly for the screen. Granted, it's a TV miniseries - but that's still a huge accomplishment for Gaiman. Neverwhere tells the tale of Richard Mayhew, and everyman who attempts to help a wounded girl he passes on the sidewalk. Waking up the next morning, he finds that the life he knew has been erased, and he's forced to live in the mysterious world that exists beneath the streets of London. The 2-disc DVD set features audio commentaries from Gaiman, an original BBC interview with Gaiman, and a photo gallery.

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

Each time a new special edition of a classic Disney film hits DVD shelves, I can't help but remember a time when the Mouse House was one of the biggest opponents of the DVD format, dumping out subpar, bare-bones quickies of their back catalog. Thankfully those days are long passed, a point reinforced by the new Sleeping Beauty 2-disc edition. The picture and sound are nearly flawless (very similar to the revelation I experienced when viewing the Snow White DVD for the first time), and the film is presented in its original Cinemascope. Bonus materials include making-of documentaries, a music video, the Academy Award-winning "Grand Canyon" short, story reels, and more. Huzzah!

(Columbia/Tristar, Rated PG-13, DVD-$27.94 SRP)

Ah hell, I love a popcorn flick. It's almost like a dietary requirement for anyone who's forced to watch cinema day in and day out. Anger Management certainly fits within the popcorn category. After their artsy turns in Punch Drunk Love and About Schmidt, Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson team up for a comedy that succeeds more than it fails (which is quite an accomplishment nowadays). Sandler stars as Dave Buznik, a repressed designer of cat clothes who's ordered to undergo anger management after an unfortunate incident on a plane. He's placed under the care of Dr. Buddy Rydell (Nicholson), who decides that a more hands-on approach is in order, so he moves in with Dave – and the friction builds. Popcorn? Yes. Worth seeing? You betcha. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Sandler and director Pete Segal, a behind-the-scenes featurette, "My Buddy, Jack" featurette, deleted scenes, gag reel, and trailers.

(Hen's Tooth, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

I have been waiting – literally – years… YEARS!… for Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas to hit DVD. Coupled with A Charlie Brown Christmas and Garfield's trip home with Jon for the holidays, this was the stuff of Yuletide joy. Then it disappeared from the air and I grew up, but I still harbored fond memories of singing camels, talking dinosaurs, and a dingy bell. And now, just in time for the holidays, it's on DVD in a special edition which also contains Vinton's Halloween and Easter specials. Even better, Claymation Christmas has an audio commentary with Vinton himself. Now, if only I could get a DVD of A Wish for Wings that Work, I'd be the happiest boy in the whole wide world.

(Lion's Gate, Rated R, DVD-$26.99 SRP)

You know, when you're a grifter, it can prove to be quite a problem if you choose your marks poorly. Jake Vig (Edward Burns) finds that out when he goes after The King (Dustin Hoffman). Faced with a swift death, he instead opts to attempt a near impossible heist with the aide of a lovely con artist (Rachel Weisz) and a ragtag group of pros. Pretty smart and surprisingly entertaining, it's worth a spin. The anamorphic DVD contains audio commentaries with the cast and crew, Sundance Channel's Anatomy of a Scene, deleted scenes, and music videos.

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

There's nothing I dislike more than pre-packaged, lip-synced musical performances. Give me a gritty, down-and-dirty live performance – even if it's riddled with flubs – and I can't help but love its energy. That's why I sat enraptured by the first release of the BBC's legendary live music show, The Old Grey Whistle Test. Packed with intimate performances from John Lennon, REM, Elton John, U2, The Wailers, Randy Newman, and many more, all I could do was crank the volume up to 11. Get this disc. Get it now. And hope that another is quickly on its way. The DVD also contains additional interviews from the show (the one with Lennon is wonderful) and an audio commentary with the show's producer.

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

I know some people don't like Regarding Henry. I know people think it too maudlin, or too cute, or too unbelievable with Harrison Ford in the lead as lawyer Henry Turner, who must start his life over from scratch after an encounter with a thief leaves his mind a blank slate. But you know what? I don't care. Every time I run across this flick on cable, I can't help but finish it out – and I have no clue why. I can guarantee you this, however – now that it's on DVD, I'll still watch it even when I come across it on TV.

(New Line, Rated R, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

After sitting on the shelf for years, squirreled away in the New Line version of the warehouse from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Mr. Show movie Run Ronnie Run is finally getting a release – direct to DVD. Yes, it's a bit uneven, and not up to the incredibly high standards set by Mr. Show – but it's an enjoyable enough movie that relies almost entirely on the goodwill I have for the actors and writers. The movie is basically a big screen expansion of the original Ronnie Dobbs reality show skit from Mr. Show, which found unrepentant redneck Dobbs and his penchant for getting arrested become the focus of a British producer (Bob Odenkirk) who elevates Dobbs to stardom. The anamorphic DVD contains deleted scenes, the "Three Times One Minus One" music video, trailers, and lots of hidden Easter eggs.

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

Bringing the idea of soap operas and their serialized nature to TV is nothing new. Putting a comic spin on the genre, however, was unique – and as funny as it was groundbreaking. The show that did it was titled, appropriately enough, Soap. It revolved around the intertwined stories of two sisters – Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond) and Mary Campbell – and their vastly different families. Jessica's family is well-off, Mary's is blue collar. From there, things get crazy – in a good way. Jessica's husband Chester is cheating on her with his secretary, while Jessica is cheating with her tennis instructor who also is sleeping with Jessica's daughter. Said tennis instructor is also the long-lost son of Mary's second husband, Burt (Richard Mulligan), who murdered Mary's first-husband (a gangster) when he tried to extort money out of Burt's construction business. Mary has two sons – one a mobster who is tasked with killing Burt is he wants to get out of the mob, and Jodie (Billy Crystal), TV's first open homosexual, who wants to get a sex change. And that's not the half of it. Also featured is Robert Guillame as the Tate's butler, Benson – a character which would spin off after the second season into his own long-running show. Soap: The Complete First Season contains 25 episodes across 3 discs, including the first-ever season-ending cliffhanger in TV history.

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

Mason Dixon's epic battle against produce most vicious has finally received the deluxe DVD treatment it so rightly deserves with the release of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Special Collector's Edition. Completely remastered and looking better than it should, it also boasts a bevy of bonus features, including an audio commentary (with writer/director John DeBello, writer/co-star Steve Peace, and "creator" Costa Dillon), deleted scenes, featurettes, short films, radio spots, the original theatrical trailer, and (believe it or not) a few surprises.

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

Having not read the book, I was caught a bit off guard by how intense a borderline prison drama Holes is. Sure, its story of a group of kids who toil away at the "work" Camp Green Lake, where the wardens (Jon Voight & Sigourney Weaver) force their charges to dig a hole a day in the middle of nowhere. They're searching for something, but no one knows exactly what. The mystery is irresistible to recent newcomer Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf), an unlucky kid suffering under a longstanding family curse. Banding together, the kids work to solve the mystery, one which stretches back over 100 years. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with the cast, a second commentary with director Andrew Davis and author/screenwriter Louis Sachar, six deleted scenes, a gag reel, "On the Set with Louis Sachar" featurette, "The Making of Holes" featurette, and a music video.

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

Whoever decided to cast Steve Martin as a slick revival preacher in Leap of Faith should be given a medal. As the Reverend Jonas Nightengale, Martin is at his sleazy best – entrancing his audiences with the kind of spiritual flim flam that borders on a Vegas showcase. Balancing Martin's bombastic performance is a beautiful dose of humanity, brought to a head when Jonas' tour bus breaks down in a small Kansas town whose skeptical sheriff (Liam Neeson) wants nothing to do with the Reverend's brand of belief.

(Warner Bros, Rated PG-13, DVD-$27.95 SRP)

It's a long wait between Christopher Guest projects, and thanks to the poor booking of my local Carmike Cinemas, I never got to see A Mighty Wind during its theatrical run. After viewing it on DVD, I wish I has had the chance to take it all in on the big screen, with theater sound, because the film easily surpasses the previous Guest outings as my favorite – second only to This is Spinal Tap. Chronicling the fictional reunion concert of a 60's folk musicians in tribute to their recently deceased manager. Many have not performed since their 60's heyday, and in the case of the Sonny & Cher-esque folk darlings Mitch and Mickey, they haven't performed since their bitter separation years earlier. Balancing comedy, genuine drama, and stunning original music. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with Guest and Eugene Levy, additional scenes, the "Live TV Broadcast" of the concert in its entirety, "vintage" TV performances of the bands, band biographies, and the original theatrical trailer.

(Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$79.99 SRP)

While watching the complete 10-part run of Shogun with remastered visuals and 5.1 surround, I am reminded why I so desperately love the DVD format. Originally aired in 1980, it featured Richard Chamberlain as English navigator John Blackthorne, who bears witness to a deadly struggle for power after he's stranded in feudal Japan. Toshiro Mifune' Toranaga is the cause of the struggle – a powerful warlord who seeks to become Japan's supreme military dictator, the Shogun. Epic and beautifully shot, this is truly the best way to revisit this television classic. The 5-disc DVD set contains making-of featurettes, historical featurettes, and an audio commentary with director Jerry London on select scenes.

(Shout!, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP)

As a tremendous Marx Brothers fan – and an even bigger Groucho aficionado – I couldn't wait to take in the 18 remastered episodes of his classic quiz show contained within the 3-disc You Bet Your Life: The Lost Episodes. Taken from the archival 35mm negatives, most of these episodes haven't been seen since they aired over 50 years ago. You Bet Your Life as quiz show was really just a façade – in truth, it was the perfect vehicle for Groucho's lightening-fast wit. The shows are pure comic gold, and you owe it to yourself to pick up this piece of comedy history. As if the episodes themselves weren't enough, there are also bonus features galore – including gag reels, rare recordings, and Groucho's original audition.

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

After a multi-year layoff, Jennifer Saunders decreed that there would be a brand new Absolutely Fabulous special – pleasantly shocking fans who thought the show was over and done with. Featuring Patsy and Edina's return trip to New York in order to locate Eddy's long-lost son Serge (well, actually, he's been dodging mom all this time). Thankfully, everyone is right back in the groove, which makes me hope a new series might be in the offing. This special – plus the two-part The Last Shout (the events of which take place before the fourth series) – are both on Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Special, which also includes 15 minutes of bloopers and outtakes. If you're still jonesing for some Saunders humor, pick up the latest French & Saunders compilations – The Ingenue Years and Living In a Material World . Skewing everything from Braveheart to Merchant Ivory, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are one of the preeminent comedy teams in modern comedy – who, sadly, work far too infrequently nowadays. Still, one of their most recent specials was a brilliant parody of the Lord of the Rings films, which is contained on the Material World disc.

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

You know, over the years, I've had many issues with Warner Bros. They can't seem to get their superhero franchises in gear, for one thing. But in one area they've consistently (except for a few deviations) been top-notch – DVD. As one of the early-adopters of the format, Warners was quick to establish its dedication to the fledgling format, playing a large part in its success. Not content to rest on those laurels, they continue to raise the bar on what enthusiasts can expect from the format. Their latest home run? The 2-disc special editions of Errol Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood, Bogey's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and Yankee Doodle Dandy. The sound and picture restoration is gorgeous, but that's not what gave me such a kick – that honor goes to the Leonard Maltin-hosted "Warner Night at the Movies", which gives viewers a recreated viewing experience from the era, with a trailer, newsreel, musical short, and a cartoon (classic Looney Tunes, including the restored Robin Hood Daffy). What more can you ask for? Kudos to Warners, and here's hoping for more…

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

So you want a feel-good flick that won't rot your teeth and make you nauseous, eh? Well, shocking as it may seem, that film is the Brit import Bend It Like Beckham – about a tradition-oppressed young girl who decides to buck her family's wishes and pursue her dream of playing football (soccer to us Yanks). The film skims the edges of cliché but rarely falls into the trap (which often derails far too many flicks like this), and the two leads – Parminder Nagra and Kiera Knightley – are nicely engaging. The anamorphic DVD contains an audio commentary with director Gurinder Chadha and the co-writer, 10 deleted/extended scenes, "Who Wants to Cook Aloo Gobi" featurette, a recipe gallery, international trailers, and a music promo spot.

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

While we await Bill Condon's take on Stephen Vincent Benet's classic short story, Criterion has a released a beautiful stopgap in William Dieterle's 1941 adaptation of The Devil & Daniel Webster. The story in a nutshell: a down-on-his-luck farmer strikes a deal with the Devil, exchanging his soul for seven years of good luck. When the farmer realizes the error of his choice, he enlists the aid of the only person capable of saving him – famed orator and politician Daniel Webster. Wry, gripping, and memorable to those who saw the Simpsons parody of the material when Homer sold his soul for a donut. The DVD contains an audio commentary with Bruce Eder and Bernard Hermann biographer Steven C. Smith, a reading of the original story by Alec Baldwin, a comparison of the film to an earlier preview version, Columbia Workshop radio dramatizations, an interactive essay presentation of Bernard Herrmann's score, and a gallery of stills and promotional materials.

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

Wait long enough, and all your favorite films will eventually be released as special editions – even if they are already on DVD. It's a nice theory, and certainly one I hope is true (where's my anamorphic 1941, Universal??), and another bit of proof that it just may be is the re-release of the Coen Brothers Fargo. This time around, we get a brand-new making-of documentary, a Charlie Rose interview with the brothers and Frances McDormand, an audio commentary with cinematographer Roger Deakins, galleries, and a trivia track. I'm happy.

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

How do you possibly follow up the cult BBC classic The Young Ones? Well, if you're co-creators Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson, you take on the personas of Richie Richard and Eddie Hitler – two annoying loners who want nothing more than love, money, and friendship… and fail at every single one. Magnificently anarchic, the complete Bottom has found its way to DVD, with bonus features including outtakes, bloopers, and three early comedy appearances.

(Pioneer, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP)

The Kids Are Alright is a brilliant document of a brilliant band, capturing the early years, rise to stardom, and dissolution of The Who. Contained within the film are stunning performances remastered and remixed – enough to blow me away – plus rare footage and interviews. The 2-disc Special Edition contains new interviews with Roger Daltry and director Jeff Stein, an audio commentary, never-before-released footage, multiple angles, an isolated John Entwhistle audio track, a featurette on the restoration, games, a slide show, and much more.

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP)

A&E continues their (incredibly) longstanding tradition of churning out fine adaptations of classic literature with their production of Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge. In a fit of drunken desperation, Michael Henchard – an itinerant farmhand – sells his wife and young daughter to a sailor. Years later, after he's pulled his life together and become quite respectable, his choice comes back to haunt him as his wife and daughter reenter the picture, leading to a reunion that threatens the futures of all involved.

(A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

If you're anything like me, you've been suffering from Bean withdrawal for a few years now… Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean, that is. Well, buck up – it's not exactly the return anyone was expecting, but the animated adventures of Mr. Bean are actually quite funny. They take a little getting used to, granted (and I miss Atkinson's live action ballet), but there are plenty of laughs to be had in this two-disc set, which contains 9 episodes featuring 2 tales each, plus a 20 minute making-of special.

 (Miramax, Not Rated, DVD-$29.99 SRP)

Yeah, the second season of The Osbournes isn't as strong as the first, but that owes more to our familiarity with the situation (the bloom of newness has faded). Having said that, I still enjoyed my weekly visit with the clan, all of which are collected on this 2-disc set. Bonus features include the ability to "uncensor" the episodes, audio commentaries (with Sharon, Kelly, and towards the end – surprisingly – both missing daughter Aimee and Ozzy himself) and a half-hour of bonus footage. Rock on.

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

Al Pacino's performance as Cuban drug lord Tony Montana in Scarface cemented two things – Pacino as an over-the-top ham and the line "Say hello to my little friend." As Brian DePalma flicks go, it's even more bloody and violent than most, and Montana is a completely unredeemable character. Still, there's an undeniable charm that has made the film a modern classic, celebrated in a brand new 2-disc special edition. Bonus features include 4 newly-created documentaries, deleted scenes, and a montage of the hilarious alterations made for the various TV versions over the years.

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

Although it got off to a rocky start, the live-action version of Ben Edlund's bombastic superhero parody The Tick ultimately matured – by its third episode - into a wry, subtle, smartly-written genre deflator. By episode nine, Fox had cancelled it. Typical. Patrick Warburton was perfectly cast as our titular hero, and the supporting cast – sidekick Arthur, the Latin lothario Bat Manuel, and the neurotic and beautiful Captain Liberty – were spot-on. Thankfully, the complete run has been collected within the two-disc The Tick: The Entire Series!, presented in anamorphic widescreen and sporting audio commentaries on three episodes from Edlund and commentary from producer/director Barry Sonnenfeld on the pilot. Spoon!

(History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$79.95 SRP)

Re-watching Victory at Sea on DVD, I can easily see how it earned its reputation as one of the most influential documentaries in television history. Originally produced in 1952, you see in it the roots of every historical chronicle that has ever appeared on A&E or The History Channel. The combat footage that takes the viewer on a first-person tour of all the major naval battles of World War II is simply stunning. Each episode is framed by Peter Graves, who places the events within its context on the larger world stage.