By Allen Gardner
THE SAMURAI TRILOGY (Criterion) Director Hiroshi Inagaki’s sprawling epic filmed from 1954-56 is an early Japanese Technicolor masterpiece, rivaling the scope of filmmakers like David Lean and Luchino Visconti. Toshiro Mifune, Japan’s greatest actor, stars as real-life swordsman, artist and writer Musashi Miyamoto, following his growth from callow youth to disciplined warrior. The three films: the Oscar winning “Musashi Miyamoto,” “Duel at Ichijoji Temple,” and “Duel at Ganryu Island” are an incredible story of human growth, tender love and sublime, blood-soaked action. Not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with translator and historian William Scott Wilson; Trailers. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
THE 39 STEPS (Criterion) Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 story of spies, conspiracies and sexual tension put him on the map on both sides of the Pond. Robert Donat stars as an innocent thrust into a deadly plot alongside a cool blonde (Madeleine Carroll) to whom he’s handcuffed for most of the film. Stunning film holds up beautifully and almost feels contemporary. It’s also notable for setting the paradigm for most of Hitchcock’s works to follow. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Hitchcock scholar Marian Keane; “Hitchcock: The Early Years,” documentary from 2000; 1966 TV interview with Hitchcock; 1937 “Lux Radio Theater” broadcast, starring Ida Lupino and Robert Montgomery; Visual essay by Hitchcock scholar Leonard Leff; Audio excerpt from Francois Truffaut’s 1962 interview with Hitchcock; Production design drawings. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
ATM (IFC Films) A trio of yuppies (Alice Eve, Brian Geragthy, Josh Peck) find themselves under the thumb of a psychotic killer after a post-Xmas party ATM stop. Director David Brooks does an impressive job of using the remote, claustrophobic location to build tension and manages to keep it taut for the 90 minutes of the film’s running time. His talented young cast helps, too. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Unrated director’s cut; Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BRAKE (IFC Films) Stephen Dorff stars as a Secret Service agent who wakes up in a plastic box in the trunk of a car. With nothing at his disposal but a CB radio and a digital timer that offers a new form of torture (water, angry bees, you get the idea) injected into the box, both the agent, and the audience, must figure out why he’s been taken prisoner and how he’ll escape. Combining two of low-budget horror’s latest sub-genres (guy trapped in a tight spot and torture), “Brake” might have worked as a 30 minute short, but is painfully drawn out as a 90 minute feature. Dorff tries his best, but is at the mercy of a half-baked story with nowhere to go and a foregone conclusion of a climax. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by director Gabe Torres; Featurette; Music video; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
4:44 LAST DAY ON EARTH (IFC Films) Abel Ferrara’s meditation on how a May-September New York couple (Willem Dafoe and Shanyn Leigh) spend their last day on earth before the apocalypse arrives is, like much of the director’s best work, intense, offbeat and challenging. Conversely, like much of his worst, it’s also indulgent, unintentionally hilarious and maddeningly obtuse. There is enough good here to recommend it, particularly for fans of Ferrara’s work (which we are), not to mention that it is thankfully devoid of cute robots, explosions every five seconds and commercial tie-ins to McDonald’s. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE WHISPER IN DARKNESS (HPLHS) Impressive low budget adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s genre-bending blend of sci-fi and full-throttle horror is both a respectful nod to a master of the literary genre, and to another of cinema: James Whale, director of “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein.” Using Mythoscope, which the filmmakers claim is a blend of vintage and modern film techniques, they are able to perfectly capture the look and feel of Universal’s greatest horror pictures of the 1930s, sometimes to a fault, as there is a bit too much technique in the foreground, particularly when the story slows down. In spite of the occasional hiccup, this remains an impressive piece of work and has moments of full-throttle horror sure to please the most judicious fan of the genre. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and crew; Featurettes; Deleted and extended scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SODERBERGH/GRAY Criterion releases two films directed by Steven Soderbergh featuring the late Spalding Gray. “Gray’s Anatomy” features Gray delivering his critically-lauded 1991 monolog of the same name, in which he describes his diagnosis with, and subsequent treatment of, a rare ocular condition. Gray’s astounding wit and eloquence takes the audience on a journey about mortality, medicine and metaphysics. “And Everything is Going Fine” is Soderbergh’s 2010 documentary about Gray, that gives a touching and beautifully developed portrait of Gray, who committed suicide in 2004, composed of film clips, interviews and one-man shows. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with Soderbergh and monolog co-writer Renee Shafransky; Bonus Gray monologues; Footage from Gray’s eye surgery; Featurettes; Trailers. “Gray’s Anatomy” is widescreen, Dolby 5.1 surround. “Fine” is full screen, Dolby 1.0 mono.
MIRROR MIRROR (20th Century Fox) Reboot of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” is a feast for the eyes, thanks to director Tarsem Singh’s opulent visual sense, but a bit of a mess everywhere else. Lily Collins (daughter of Phil Collins) stars as a gamine Snow White, with Armie Hammer supplying a virile Prince Charming and Julia Roberts a delightfully vicious evil queen, and it’s the latter whose scenes work best. The primary issue is that the script can’t decide if it’s a heartwarming family film, a sharp-tongued satire or a goofy slapstick comedy, with the final result feeling like half a dozen genres thrown into a blender with no final mix resulting. Kids are sure to enjoy the shenanigans aspects, but others might not be so forgiving. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BEST LAID PLANS (Well Go USA) A working class bloke (Stephen Graham) in gritty Nottingham is forced to persuade his slow-witted, but brutishly strong, best friend (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) to engage in a series of no-holds-barred underground cage fights. Loose update of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” is mostly successful, thanks to David Blair’s sure-handed direction and the chemistry between the two leads. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
A BAG OF HAMMERS (MPI) Two slackers (Jason Ritter and Jake Sandvig) eke out a living running a scam valet parking business and through rent from a dilapidated building they own. When a single mom (Carrie Preston) and her 12 year-old (Chandler Canterbury) move in, the boys find their paternal mettle tested as the boy takes them under his wing as his mom is noticeably absent from his life. Echoes of Nick Hornby’s “About a Boy” (and its film adaptation) abound in this redundancy, which is saved from the ash heap by fine performances from its leads, and solid support from Rebecca Hall. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE HIDDEN BLADE (Palisades Tartan) Epic, rip-snortin’ samurai adventure was a huge hit in its native Japan, racking up 12 Japanese Academy Award nominations. After a political coup fails, a loyal samurai is ordered to prove his innocence by finding and killing a former comrade. Employing the aid of their former master, who entrusts him with the secret of the hidden blade, the samurai must now decide between duty and honor. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CASA DE MI PADRE (Lionsgate) Will Ferrell stars in this Spanish-language comedy/adventure that is surprisingly heavy on bloody violence. Ferrell plays a simple Mexican who runs his father’s ranch. When the spread is threatened by a dangerous drug cartel, Ferrell must defend it with his life. A few laughs are scattered throughout, but this time Ferrell and his collaborators play it mostly straight, with middling results. Some solid action scenes, lots of shoot-outs and geysers of blood almost worthy of Sam Peckinpah make this a real oddity, even for Ferrell. Fans will undoubtedly find it more baffling than funny. Bonuses: Commentary by Ferrell, director Matt Piedmont, writer/producer Andrew Steele; Interview with Pedro Armendariz, Jr.; Deleted scenes; Featurette; Music video; Commercials. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
TWINS OF EVIL (Synapse Films) Dug from the vaults of England’s venerable Hammer Studios, this 1971 offering stars twins Mary and Madeleine Collinson (Playboy centerfolds, both) as twin orphans sent to live with their stern, puritanical uncle (Peter Cushing), who leads a witch-hunting “brotherhood” in 18th century Europe. What none of them know is the village count (Damien Thomas) is a Satanist, who transforms himself into a vampire, with his fangs set on the beautiful twins, both of whom long to break from their uncle’s strict grasp. Gleefully full of spurting blood, lots of nudity and sex and some excellent photography and production design, this is one of Hammer’s better entries during their later years, with fine support from Kathleen Byron, David Warbeck, Dennis Price and Katya Wyeth. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary and featurettes; Photo gallery; Deleted scene; Isolated music and effects track; Trailer; TV spots. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0 mono.
FOOTNOTE (Sony) A father and son, both Talmudic scholars, find themselves rivals in both their careers and their views of the field of study they’ve chosen, particularly as the son seem to be outshining his very traditional dad. When the father wins Israel’s most prestigious award for scholarship, the tables are turned and the son must decide whether to honor his father’s overdue recognition or to further his own career. Gentle comedy of generation rifts with a decidedly acid underbelly, deservedly nominated for Best Foreign Film of 2011. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE HUNTER (Magnolia) Willem Dafoe plays a mercenary hired by a pharmaceutical company to travel Down Under to seek out and kill a rare, previously thought to be extinct, Tasmanian Tiger. The suits want the creature’s biotoxin for some reason and Dafoe arrives in country posing as a scientist who wants only to view the rare cat for research purposes. Setting up camp at a remote farmhouse occupied by a fractured family (Frances O’Connor, Morgana Davies, Finn Woodlock) with a missing father, the merc quickly finds his mettle tested as his attachment to them grows and his search for the cat wanes. Intriguing premise, beautifully shot, is all over the place: a family drama, a mystery, a character study and a man vs. nature adventure. When Dafoe finally tracks the elusive cat in the wilderness, the film cooks, but by then it’s too late. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Commentary by cast and crew; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
GOD BLESS AMERICA (Magnet) Writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait brings this single-minded exercise in bad taste to life. Frank (Joel Murray, brother of Bill) has hit bottom and feels there’s no one that deserves the blame for the sorry state of his life more than America itself. When Frank decides to go on a killing spree with pubescent Roxy (Tara Lynne Barr), who shares his sense of outrage and ennui, the two target the country’s most annoying, undeserving celebrities. Blackest of satires has some terrific and inspired moments, but loses steam with another thirty minutes to go and doesn’t know when to quit. Goldthwait should be applauded for his fearless approach, however, in this era of super-safe and disposable movies. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Outtakes, deleted/extended scenes; Interviews with cast and crew; Commentary by cast and crew; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
EXTRATERRESTRIAL (Focus/Universal) After a night of debauchery, Julio (Julian Villigran) wakes up in the bed of a beautiful woman (Michelle Jenner) named Julia. After each decides they like the other a lot, they realize that a giant spaceship is hovering over their city outside and an alien invasion is impending. Director/writer Nacho Vigalondo, who scored a few years back with “Timecrimes,” delivers a sort of comic version of Abel Ferrara’s “4:44” (reviewed earlier in this column), most of which works quite well, thanks to a clever script and the skill of the two leads. Bonuses: Featurette; Short films from Vigalondo; Poster gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
PROFANE (MVD) A young Muslim, female sex worker (Manal Kara) who has just relocated to Chicago from Jordan finds herself in the midst of a spiritual crisis in the midst of performing her duties as a dominatrix. Iraqi-American filmmaker Usama Alshaibi has created a unique arthouse film that, while certainly sexually-explicit, is in no way exploitative or the least bit titillating. Almost impossible to describe aside from the preceding sentences, but a film that deserves to be seen by discriminating, progressive adults. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
JESUS HENRY CHRIST (eOne) A precocious ten year-old (Jason Spevack) who was the product of a sperm donor, decides to track down his biological father by following a series of Post-It notes, much to the consternation of his uptight single mother (Toni Collette). Deliberately quirky and almost cartoonish in its execution, director David Lee seems to be going for a “Little Miss Sunshine” vibe, but is only partially successful in creating film that gels, but does so somewhat thanks to an impeccable cast, which also features Michael Sheen. Far from perfect, but worth a look. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
WINDOWS (MGM/Fox) Mousy divorcee (Talia Shire) is attacked at knifepoint in her apartment one night, but soon learns that the assailant was put up to it by someone else. Elizabeth Ashley co-stars in this notorious turkey that marked the first (and only) directing turn of legendary cameraman Gordon Willis (who shot “The Godfather” films, among others) in which the villain is revealed so early in the film, we’re practically rooting for her to kill the person that we’re supposed to care about! Long unavailable on home video, and for good reason. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE OUTSIDE MAN (MGM/Fox) A French hitman (Jean Louis Trintignant) arrives in the States to rub out a rival mobster only to find that his employer has been wacked himself, with Trintignant the chief suspect. Tough guy Roy Scheider is in hot pursuit of him, as well, with only hot mammas like Ann-Margaret and Angie Dickinson to turn to for help. A genuine oddity of the early ‘70s, with French helmer Jacques Deray taking the reins ably, although at times his ESL status shows. Overall it’s great fun and uses gritty early ‘70s L.A. locations to their fullest. A side note: this is the unrated, European version that was slapped with an X-rating in ’72 due to frontal nudity, in spite of the fact that it’s listed as “PG” on the back cover. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THIN ICE (20th Century Fox) A smarmy insurance agent (Greg Kinnear) looking for a way out of frigid Wisconsin is blackmailed by an unstable locksmith in the theft of a rare violin that belongs to a retired farmer (Alan Arkin). Supposedly a dark comedy, but instead a lifeless let-down from writer/director Jill Sprecher, whose previous films (“Clockwatchers,” “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing”) were both breaths of fresh air on the indie film scene. This dull film about dull people never gains momentum. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Theatrical and director’s cut; Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DOWN BY LAW (Criterion) Jim Jarmusch’s landmark indie feature from 1986 put him and his unique quirkiness on the cinematic map. A disparate trio of men (John Lurie, Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni) find themselves locked up in a rural Louisiana jail together and soon find themselves embarking on one of the cinema’s unique literal and metaphorical journeys. Gorgeously shot in black & white by the great Robby Muller. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with Jarmusch and Muller; Archival footage from 1986 Cannes Film Festival; Featurettes; Outtakes; Music video; Photo gallery; Trailer; Isolated music track; French audio track. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
TWO BY WHIT STILLMAN Criterion releases indie darling Whit Stillman’s first two features. METROPOLITAN, from 1990, follows a young misfit’s misadventures while he tries to futilely fit into New York high society. A sort of post-modern “Great Gatsby,” with a most awkward version of Nick Carraway at its center. The film’s primary flaw is that there is no character with the charisma of a Gatsby to keep it afloat. While Stillman’s Oscar-nominated screenplay crackles with some true bon mots, he’s cast his film with one of the dullest group of actors ever exposed to celluloid, not to mention the characters’ excessive whining about their privileged lives, while prescient in terms of exposing the nineties’ pseudo-socialist mentality, grows tiresome. A mixed bag, but certainly worth watching for its good points. THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO is Stillman at his finest (so far). Released in 1998 and set in Manhattan’s high society party set in the early 1980s, follows two aimless college graduates (Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny) whose only joy comes at night when they dance the night away at a Studio 54-type nightclub. Stillman wisely takes a tough, unsentimental look at the era and the people who made it up, and also learned from earlier mistakes by populating this film with fine actors across the board. A terrific piece work. Both are available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses for both: Commentary by Stillman, cast and crew members; Deleted scenes and outtakes; Featurettes; Photo gallery; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono and 5.1 surround on “Disco.”
BLU BAYOU
EVITA: 15th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Hollywood Pictures/Disney) Andrew Lloyd Weber’s landmark musical about Argentina’s legendary first lady of the 1950s, Eva Peron (Madonna), with a fantasy figure of Che Guevara (Antonio Banderas) acting as a Greek chorus. Director Alan Parker brings the proceedings to the screen with panache, with a stellar supporting cast (Jonathan Pryce, Jimmy Nail, and many more) offering fine dramatic and vocal turns. One fatal flaw nearly sinks the entire show: Madonna, who is indisputably one of the finest singers of her generation, but doesn’t have the acting chops to fill the uber-demanding titular role. Worth seeing, but the mind reels at the thought about what a classic this could have been if someone like Meryl Streep (or Patti LuPone, who originated the role on Broadway) had played the lead. Bonuses: Documentary on film’s production; Music video; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
SISTER ACT/SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT (Touchstone) Whoopi Goldberg mined box office gold with this duo of films, playing a tart-tongued lounge singer who, on the run from the mob, must hide out in a convent, where she quickly turns the sisters’ tone-deaf choir into a crew of vocal heavyweights. The sequel, while not in the league of the first film, is still an enjoyable romp, with Whoopi taking her talents spreading the gift of music to an inner city school. Bonuses: Featurette; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
RANSOM: 15th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Touchstone) Mel Gibson and Renee Russo star as a wealthy airline executive and his wife whose son (Brawley Nolte, son of Nick Nolte) is kidnapped by a sleazy band of desperate characters (Lili Taylor and crooked cop Gary Sinise among them). Delroy Lindo is the FBI agent who tries to hold things together in director Ron Howard and writer Richard Price’s tough, mean, very intelligent thriller. Only the climax feels slightly, well, anti-climactic. Overall, the film ranks amongst all the players’ finest hours. Bonuses: Extended and deleted scenes; Featurettes; Commentary by Howard; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
COCKTAIL (Touchstone) Tom Cruise stars as a blue collar bartender from Long Island who is taken under the wing of Big Apple mix master Bryan Brown and given tutelage in all things ‘80s (namely girls, money and more money). Director Roger Donaldson’s 1988 film was one of that summer’s biggest hits, in spite of being excoriated by every critic from Paris, France to Paris, Kentucky. That said, it remains one of this writer’s great guilty pleasures, with the lovely Elisabeth Shue at the peak of her appeal playing Cruise’s blue-blooded love interest. Trust us and take a look. It’s aged well! Widescreen. DTS 5.1 surround.
THE COLOR OF MONEY: 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Touchstone) Martin Scorsese helmed this (sort of) sequel to Robert Rossen’s 1961 classic “The Hustler,” with Paul Newman reprising his role as pool shark “Fast” Eddie Felson. “Money” finds Eddie a much mellower version of his former self, seeing a simultaneous chance at redemption and a comeback by taking a talented, but callow, newcomer (Tom Cruise) under his wing, with the kid’s wary girlfriend (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) in tow. 2/3 of a brilliant movie that sadly comes apart in the final act. Still, a terrific piece of work from a combination of talent that is nearly unprecedented. The criminally-underused Helen Shaver really shines as Eddie’s love interest. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
NEWSIES: 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Disney) Offbeat musical from 1992 loosely based on an actual newsboy strike that took place in New York City in 1899. Christian Bale stars as the group’s leader, who leads the strike and quickly learns that the world isn’t always fair, particularly to those smaller creatures who are often bitten by it. Robert Duvall, Ann-Margaret and Bill Pullman co-star, with choreographer Kenny Ortega delivering some of his most impressive work in the film’s memorable musical numbers. Bonuses: Commentary by filmmakers; Featurettes; Storyboards; Sing-along feature. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!
A&E; leads the charge with IRT DEADLIEST ROADS SEASON TWO: THE ANDES, following Lisa, Hugh and Rick as they attempt to navigate the toughest, most treacherous roads in South America. STORAGE WARS: VOLUME THREE rejoins auctioneers Dan and Laura Dotson and the loyal bidders that frequent their storage unit sales. Sixteen episodes on two discs. GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS: SEASON 6, VOLUME 2—THE WEDDING, follows legendary KISS frontman Simmons and his longtime partner, former Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed, as their impending nuptials consume their entire family with more drama than a dozen daytime soaps could provide. Eight episodes, including the two-hour wedding episodes. PAWN STARS: VOLUME FOUR One of History Channel’s top rated shows, this volume contains sixteen fan-favorite episodes on two discs, featuring more adventures from Harrison’s Gold and Silver Pawn Shop on the outskirts of Vegas. See the gang haggle over a suit once owned by Col. Sanders, a dragstrip racer and an Abe Lincoln campaign ribbon. All shows offer bonus footage and are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.
20th Century Fox releases LOUIE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, starring comedian Louis C.K. as a facsimile of himself: a single dad whose struggles are matched by his signature observational humor and caustic wit. 13 episodes. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Louis; Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
WILFRED: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON stars Elijah Wood as a failed lawyer whose only real connection is with his sexy neighbor’s pet dog, whom he sees as a beer-guzzling, foul-mouthed Aussie wearing a dog suit. Offbeat and irreverent doesn’t begin to describe this unique, dark take on friendship and the American dream gone awry. 2 disc set. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE GLADES: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON offers the continuing adventures of Detective Jim Longworth (Matt Passmore), a Chicago cop relocated to South Florida. Interesting blend of procedural drama and character study, with Passmore ably carrying the proceedings. 4-disc set. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Gag reel; Commentary track on “Moonlighting” episode. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
Warner Bros. releases THE BIG BANG THEORY: THE COMPLETE FIRST & SECOND SEASONS, following brilliant, but socially inept physicists Leonard and Sheldon (Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki) as they stumble their way through one awkward social situation after the other. Created by the venerable Chuck Lorre, of “Two and a Half Men” fame, and featuring his signature blend of subtle and raunchy humor, ably carried out by all the players. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Both sets feature: Gag reels; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
eOne releases SANCTUARY: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON, a unique blend of procedural and sci-fi, offering a disparate group of forensic scientists, led by Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping) and featuring the real Bigfoot (Christopher Heyerdahl) that tracks down, studies and protects the monstrous creatures that secretly live amongst us. 4-disc set. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary on select episodes; Bloopers/outtakes; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE INBETWEENERS: THE COMPLETE SERIES is a cringe-inducing look at the humiliations of teenage life following the exploits of four friends as they navigate the minefield of high school. Absolutely hilarious, completely offensive and very true to life. Bonuses: Commentary by cast and writers; Featurettes; Outtakes and deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DOCUMENTARY DAYS
FIGHTVILLE (MPI) Fascinating doc that could be a companion piece to the landmark “Pumping Iron,” which follows mixed martial arts fighters, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier, “Crazy” Tim Credeur, Gil “The Thrill” Guillory and Albert Stainback, both from Lafayette, Louisiana, as they train and fight to compete on a national level. Directors Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker have created a suspenseful, real-life drama that is full of heart, pathos and an authentic look at the contemporary price of the American dream. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted/extended scenes; Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and PCM 2.0 lossless stereo.
JOHN LEE HOOKER, COOK WITH THE HOOK: LIVE IN 1974 (MVD) Terrific record of July 6, 1974 concert held in Massachusetts called “Down in the Dumps,” where Hooker’s amazing set was the highlight of the show. During the 45 minutes the legendary Delta bluesman holds the stage, he sings hits such as “Sweet Sweet Thing,” “Boogie,” “It Serves You Right to Suffer,” and “Whiskey & Women.” For fans of Hooker and Delta blues, this one is not to be missed. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
SPOKANARCHY (Carnage & Rouge) Fascinating look at the early ‘80s punk scene in and around Spokane, Washington, focusing on some of the musicians and bands that broke out of its small town confines into the big time, and quite a few who were equally talented that, for whatever reason, didn’t get the same breaks. Filled with dozens of interviews and loads of archival footage that’s sure to please punk fans old and new. Bonuses: Trailer; Outtakes; Featurettes; Short films. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
PATRIOCRACY (Cinema Libre) Non-partisan look at the dysfunction of the political system based in Washington D.C. and how it has trickled down into the rest of the country. Interviews with disparate pundits and journalists, including Alan Simpson, Bob Schieffer, Eleanor Clift, Pat Buchanan, Mark Warner and Kent Conrad highlight the film’s very perceptive and sobering points, driving them home with authority. Bonuses: Extended interviews; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
PTOWN DIARIES (Cinema Libre) The history of tiny Provincetown, Mass. and its evolution from the landing spot of the Pilgrims to its growth into one of the country’s first artistic colonies, home to literary masters such as Eugene O’Neil and Tennessee Williams, to today’s Carnival Week. Narrated by Alan Cumming, the film also features interviews with Norman Mailer and Michael Cunningham, as well as numerous other colorful personalities who have helped shape the town over the years. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
MARY PICKFORD: MUSE OF THE MOVIES (Cinema Libre) Director Michael Eliopoulos’ multi-award winning look at the life and times of the woman who was, arguably, America’s first real movie star and parallels the birth of the cinema itself. From her days as the darling of silent cinema, to being one half of Hollywood’s most legendary couple of the Golden Age with husband Douglas Fairbanks, to being a groundbreaking businesswoman as one of the principal founders of United Artists, Pickford’s legacy continues to this day. Narrated by Michael York and loaded with classic, rare and never-seen film clips, as well as interviews with historians and archival chats with Pickford’s colleagues and the woman herself. Bonuses: Featurettes; Audio interview; Cast bios; Photo gallery. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
PBS leads the pack again this month with a host of documentary programming arriving on DVD. HUNTING THE ELEMENTS is a “Nova” program which examines nature’s building blocks. David Pogue, host of “Making Stuff,” takes the viewer on a journey of discovery in what makes nature and all its creations tick. THE WHITE LIONS is an episode of “Nature,” examining two rare white lion cubs in South Africa’s Kruger Park and their journey to adulthood. Beautifully shot, featuring some of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable creatures. JOHNNY CARSON: KING OF LATE NIGHT takes an in-depth look at the man who helped redefine late night television in the U.S. during his thirty-year reign as host of NBC’s venerable “The Tonight Show.” Featuring interviews with friends and colleagues such as David Letterman, Jay Leno, Steve Martin, Bob Newhart, Dick Cavett, Mel Brooks, Arsenio Hall and many more. Narrated by Kevin Spacey. Bonuses: Interview outtakes; Featurette. All of the above are also available on Blu-ray disc and are Dolby 5.1 surround.
Other titles in the PBS canon this month include: THE REAL CSI, a “Frontline” episode that examines how forensic crime scene evidence is used in court to both prosecute and exonerate potential crime suspects. CAMEL: INSIDE NATURE’S GIANTS examines the wild’s largest animal to explore their anatomy, reveal their intricate inner workings and uncover their evolutionary secrets. Finally, MONEY, POWER AND WALL STREET is a two-disc, four part examination of the financial meltdown that caved in the global economy in 2008, taking a hard look at key decisions, missed opportunities and the unprecedented moves by the government and banking leaders that have affected the fortunes of millions of people. All of the preceding are widescreen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.
FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS
HOME ON THE RANGE (Disney) Rootin’ tootin’ animated fun has a colorful corral of critters fighting to save their dairy farm home from a greedy outlaw. Eye-popping color and images, clever writing and a terrific score by Alan Menken make this a Disney classic for the ages. Terrific voice work from Rosanne Barr, Steve Buscemi, Judy Dench, Randy Quaid, Dennis Weaver, and many more. Available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Bonus short; Deleted scenes; Music video; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
TREASURE PLANET (Disney) Animated version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” with the setting relocated to outer space is great fun, featuring lively characters, beautiful imagery and a classic story about a young man who journeys to new frontiers aboard a flying ship. Clever script is sure to please kids and parents alike. Voice work from a stellar cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Patrick McGoohan, Roscoe Lee Browne, Laurie Metcalf, Martin Short, Emma Thompson, and more. Blu-ray/DVD combo pack bonuses include: Visual commentary by producers and directors; Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
POWER RANGERS SAMURAI, VOL. 1 & 2 (Lionsgate) New animated adventures of the venerable Power Rangers offer four episodes each. In volume one, the team does battle with the evil Master Xandred in his battle for world domination. Volume two has the gang taking on new Nighlok in all-new tales. Bonuses: Bloopers; Featurettes; Character and weapons galleries. Full screen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
Paramount/Nickelodeon release two new titles: DORA’S RESCUE IN MERMAID KINGDOM features Dora the Explorer in an undersea adventure where she must get past an octopus’ garden, rescue Benny from Coconut Island and help her new mermaid friend Maribel back to her cove. ICARLY: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON is a two-disc set which features episodes of Freddie and Sam officially as a couple as well as a 2-part episode where the crew gets a visit from a VIP. Bonuses: Bonus episodes of “How to Rock.” Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
ELMO’S MAGIC NUMBERS (Warner Bros.) Math-oriented Elmo episodes has the ruby-colored Muppet showing amazing tricks involving addition and subtraction. Two complete “Sesame Street” episodes aimed at pre-school aged kids. Bonuses: Bonus episode; Bonus animation; Downloadable activity book; Tips for parents. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
MCKENNA SHOOTS FOR THE STARS (Universal) American Girl adventure about a determined young gymnast who struggles to make the regional team, only to fall behind in school. After an injury sidelines her dreams temporarily, McKenna is determined to make her scholastic and athletic dreams come true. Co-starring Nia Vardalos, Ian Ziering and Cathy Rigby. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.