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11/2/04 V8.45

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
FOR TUESDAY, November 2 -- MONDAY, November 8

ALI G INDAHOUSE
Gross-out comedy of has Ali G (Sacha Baron Cohen) unwittingly
become a pawn in a plot to bring down the British Prime Minister
(Michael Gambon) when he's convinced to run for Parliament by a
scheming politico (Charles Dance). But the plan backfires when
Ali wins the election and is embraced by the nation as the voice
of youth and "realness," making the Prime Minister and his
government more popular than ever. For fans of the outrageous
comedian only. Director: Mark Mylod. Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen,
Dan Mazer, Charles Dance. 2002, CC, MPAA rating: R, 98 min.,
Comedy, Box office gross: $ million, Universal, $22.98 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.

ANIMAL FARM
Based on the classic novel by George Orwell, "Animal Farm" tells
the story of a group of farm animals who successfully revolt
against their cruel human owner, only to be enslaved anew by the
unscrupulous pig Napoleon, whose slogan is "all animals are
equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Presented
here in its 50th Anniversary edition, "Animal Farm" combines
superb animation, brilliant Technicolor, and a host of memorable
characters to create a timeless fable. New digital restoration.
Director: John Halas, Joy Batchelor. 1954, CC, MPAA rating: NR,
72 min., Animated, Home Vision Entertainment, $19.95 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
In this boring take on Verne's classic, Passepartout (Jackie
Chan) must make it to China in order to return a valuable jade
Buddha that was stolen from his family's village. He seeks refuge
with an eccentric London inventor, Phineas Fogg (Steve Coogan),
who puts his reputation, fortune, and career on the line in a
daring bet to make it around the world in 80 days. Joining them
is Monique (Cecile De France), a young French artist who decides
that a trip around the world would provide new inspiration.
Opposing the group is Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent), who's wagered
his position as head of the Royal Academy of Science against
their journey's success. Their incredible adventure spans
colorful and exotic lands from historic London to Paris, Turkey,
India, China, across the Great Seas, to a burgeoning United
States, and more. Along the way, the group encounters an eclectic
assortment of characters including Queen Victoria (Kathy Bates),
a Scotland Yard Sergeant (John Cleese), a hot air balloon
engineer (Richard Branson), a Turkish Prince (Arnold
Schwarzenegger), an eccentric inventor (Rob Schneider), the
Wright Brothers (Owen and Luke Wilson), and many other
characters, played in cameo roles like the 1956 original, which
was also danged boring. Director: Frank Coraci. Stars: Jackie
Chan, Steve Coogan, Robert Fyfe, Jim Broadbent, Cecile De France.
2004, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 90 min., Action, Box office gross:
$22.804 million, Disney, $24.99 VHS SRP. DVD: Day & Date.

FACING WINDOWS
Giovanna, though still very young, has been married to her
devoted husband Filippo for nine years. She divides her time
between her job at the poultry factory, looking after her two
children, and baking cakes for the local cafe, bearing the weight
of responsibility on her shoulders. The strain on Giovanna is
increased when Filippo, in his kindness, brings home a refined
elderly gentleman who has lost his memory. In trying to help this
man, Giovanna reluctantly spends more and more time with him,
slowly uncovering clues to the mystery of his buried past: a
number tattooed onto his forearm, his expertise in the art of the
patisserie and the name, Simon. Increasingly irritated by her
husband's softness, her fantasies of the ideal are projected onto
the handsome mysterious neighbor whom she watches in the hope of
adding a little excitement to her life. Winner of five David di
Donatello Awards (the "Italian Oscars"), including Best Actor for
Massimo Girotti, Best Actress for Giovanna Mezzogiorno, and Best
Picture. In Italian with English subtitles. Director: Raoul Bova.
Stars: Massimo Girotti, Giovanna Mezzogiorno. 2004, CC, MPAA
rating: R, 107 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.463 million,
Columbia TriStar, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.

FESTIVAL EXPRESS
Amazing rock documentary of a "train" tour through Canada by some
of the greatest musicians of all time. Set in 1970 -- and
consisting largely of footage that has never been seen since --
"Festival Express" documents an eponymous "happening." Following
on the heels of Woodstock, "Festival Express" was a multi-band,
multi-day extravaganza that captured the spirit and imagination
of a generation and a nation. What made it unique was that it was
portable; for five days, the bands and performers lived, slept,
rehearsed and did countless unmentionable things aboard a
customized train that traveled from Toronto, to Calgary, to
Winnipeg, with each stop culminating in a mega-concert. The
entire experience -- both off-stage and on -- was filmed by Peter
Biziou, with extensive footage remaining locked away until now.
That material, along with contemporary interviews with various
participants, witnesses and survivors has been assembled by
award-winning director Bob Smeaton to create a thrilling document
of something that would -- and could -- never be duplicated. The
footage is among the very first to document musicians' lives,
both on and off stage, for such an extended and continuous period
of time and offers glimpses of a lifestyle perhaps never to be
seen again. First-person interviews with a selection of the
musicians, crew and even some of the music lovers who were in
attendance provide a unique insight into what may have been the
last great rock 'n' roll ride. According to Bob Weir of the
Grateful Dead, "That train was buzzing down the rails. We
achieved lift off for sure." With performances from Jerry Garcia
and the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, The Buddy Guy
Blues Band, Delaney & Bonnie, Flying Burrito Brothers, Sha Na Na,
Ian & Sylvia, New Riders of the Purple Sage. Director: Bob
Smeaton. 2004, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Rock documentary, Box
office gross: $0.700 million, New Line. Two-disc set, DVD: Only.

HOME AT THE END OF THE WORLD, A
Bobby and Jonathan have been inseparable since they were
teenagers in suburban Ohio. Bobby has suffered many losses for
someone so young, and is starved for love and affection. Awkward
teen Jonathan has a nice family, and a particularly wonderful
mother (Sissy Spacek). The boys not only become as close as
brothers, but they also experiment sexually. The two lose touch,
but find each other again in their mid-20s in the early 1980s,
when Bobby (Colin Farrell) moves to New York and joins Jonathan
(Dallas Roberts) at the apartment he shares with Clare (Robin
Wright Penn), an aging hippie. Bobby and Clare become lovers,
however, Clare had planned to have a child with Jonathan, who is
now openly gay and who is still interested in Bobby, and to whom
Clare used to be attracted. The trio becomes its own unique
entity, questioning the traditional definitions of family and
love, and dealing with the complications of their love triangle.
Based on the novel of the same name by Michael Cunningham, who
also wrote the screenplay and who was the recipient of the
Pulitzer Prize. Director: Michael Mayer. Stars: Colin Farrell,
Dallas Roberts, Robin Wright Penn, Sissy Spacek, Matt Frewer.
2004, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Drama, Box office gross:
$0.951 million, Warner, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day &
Date.

NOVEMBER 5 (FRIDAY)

SHREK 2
After battling a fire-breathing dragon and the evil Lord Farquaad
to win the hand of Princess Fiona, Shrek now faces his greatest
challenge: the in-laws. Shrek and Princess Fiona return from
their honeymoon to an invitation to visit Fiona's parents, the
king and queen of the Kingdom of Far Far Away. With Donkey along
for the ride, the newlyweds set off. All of the citizens of Far
Far Away turn out to greet their returning Princess, and her
parents joyfully anticipate the homecoming of their daughter and
her new Prince. But no one could have prepared them for the sight
of their new son-in-law, not to mention how much their little
girl had -- well -- changed. Little did Shrek and Fiona know that
their marriage had foiled all of her father's plans for her
future -- and his own. Now the king must enlist the help of a
powerful Fairy Godmother, the handsome Prince Charming and that
famed ogre killer Puss In Boots to put right his version of
"happily ever after." No one thought DreamWorks could top the
success of "Shrek," but they sure did with this delightful and
witty sequel. Director: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury. Voices of
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio
Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders. 2004,
CC, MPAA rating: PG, 92 min., Animated, Box office gross:
$429.441 million, DreamWorks, $15.95 VHS SRP. DVD: Day & Date.

For more release info, check out our calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar.htm>


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NEWS

COMING SOON:
On December 14 Warner will release "We Don't Live Here Anymore,"
a drama about marriages gone wrong starring Mark Ruffalo, Laura
Dern, Peter Krause and Naomi Watts, on VHS rental and DVD ...
"Intimate Strangers," a delightful psychological mystery about
mistaken identity directed by Patrice Leconte and starring
Sandrine Bonnaire and Fabrice Luchini arrives December 28 from
Paramount on VHS rental and DVD ... Also on that day Universal
will release the Kirsten Dunst-Paul Bettany tennis romance
"Wimbledon" on VHS rental and DVD ... On January 11 Fox will
release revenge thriller "Paparazzi," starring Cole Hauser, Robin
Tunney, Dennis Farina, Daniel Baldwin and Tom Sizemore, on VHS
rental and DVD.

DVD COLLECTIBLES:
Warner Home Video will release this week the second installment
in its "The Looney Toons Golden Collection." The four-disc Volume
2 set includes more than 60 digitally re-mastered and uncut
animated shorts; each disc in the collection features 15 animated
classics and is dedicated to a different Looney Tunes star and
their celebrated pals. Disc 1: Bugs Bunny Masterpieces; Disc 2:
Road Runner and Friends; Disc 3: Tweety & Sylvester and Friends;
Disc 4: All Stars: On Stage & Screen: Assortment of popular
cartoon favorites such as Back Alley Uproar, Book Revue, Corny
Concerto and many others. $64.92. A less elaborate affair is The
Looney Tunes Spotlight Collection Volume 2, a two-disc set with
30 remastered and restored cartoons culled from the Golden
Collection Volume 2, $26.99 ... The "Ultimate Party Collection:
Dazed and Confused Flashback Edition/Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Special Edition" is a cool double-disc set ($27.98), from
Universal, which includes "Fast Times at Ridgemont High Special
Edition" (1982), directed by Amy Heckerling and starring Sean
Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Forest
Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, Nicolas Cage, Anthony Edwards, Ray
Walston, Brian Backer and Robert Romanus; and "Dazed and Confused
Flashback Edition" (1993), directed by Richard Linklater and
starring Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla
Jovovich, Cole Hauser, Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson
and Adam Goldberg. Both films are loaded with extras ... At last:
1954's animated "Animal Farm" will be released in a restored
version by Home Vision Entertainment. A must buy. (See above).

FROM TV TO VIDEO:
Due this week: "Comfort and Joy," a 2003 Lifetime Original Movie
with Nancy McKeon and Steven Eckholdt, from Warner ... "The
Simple Life 2: Road Trip," with 10 episodes from the second
season, from Fox ... "Star Trek: The Complete Second Season DVD
Set," an eight-disc set with 29 episodes packed in a cool plastic
pod, priced around $100, from Paramount ... "Three's Company
Season Three," a four-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98, from
Anchor Bay ... "The West Wing: The Complete Third Season," a
four-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98, from Warner.

BUZZIN THE 'B's:
"Fate" is a psychological thriller about a pair of city
detectives on the hunt for serial killer who's using his victims
as puppets in a psychotic story he is trying to sell. Will the
cops unravel the plot and apprehend the killer before he finishes
the last act. Stars Michael Pare, Philip Michael Thomas and Lee
Majors. On VHS rental and DVD from MTI Home Video.

FOR THE KIDS:
"SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge for Hire" is the latest SpongeBob
compilation, featuring five animated episodes on $9.95 VHS and
eight episodes on $16.99 DVD, from Paramount ... New to DVD this
week is the animated "Babes in Toyland" (1997), featuring the
voices of Christopher Plummer, Jim Belushi, Lacey Chabert and
Charles Nelson Reilly, $14.95 from MGM ... For kids ages 2--8 the
canine rock band RAGGS Kids Club Band spend the holidays in
Telluride, Colorado for a rock 'n' roll Christmas in the live-
action "RAGGS Kids Club Band Holiday Jam, Rockin' the Rockies,"
on $9.95 VHS and $12.95 DVD, from RAGGS Llc. (www.raggs.com).

SPECIAL INTEREST:
Columbia TriStar has two Cirque Du Soleil offerings this week:
"Cirque Du Soleil: Fire Within," a three-disc set with 13-
episodes from the behind-the-scenes TV program, $39.95; and
"Cirque Du Soleil: La Nouba," a two-disc set of a live
performance filmed at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando,
$28.96 ... Eagle Rock Entertainment has three DVDs for car buffs
this week: "America's Favorite Cars: Fabulous Fords of the 50s,"
an in-depth look at the history of Ford's automobile development
until the end of the 1950s; "America's Favorite Cars: The
Complete Mustang," with vintage commercials, rare footage and a
showcase of beautifully restored classics; and "America's
Favorite Cars: The Complete Corvette"; $6.97 each.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Weekly listings of DVD releases can now be viewed on mobile
devices at www.tagtag.com/onvideo

** Ali G Indahouse (2002) Sacha Baron Cohen, Dan Mazor, Charles
Dance, Michael Gambon, Kellie Bright, Martin Freeman. Extras: "Me
Video Diary" in which Ali G takes viewers on a tour of the set;
"Talkin' Da Talk Wiv Ali G" guide to Ali G-speak; "Scenes No In
It, Init?" (deleted scenes); more. (Universal).
** America's Favorite Cars: Fabulous Fords of the 50s. In-depth
look at the history of Ford's automobile development until the
end of the 1950s. Uses graphics, restored classic cars, vintage
commercials, photographs and music montages; $6.97. (Eagle Rock
Entertainment).
** America's Favorite Cars: The Complete Mustang. Profile of the
ponycar. Features vintage commercials, rare footage and a
showcase of beautifully restored classics; $6.97. (Eagle Rock
Entertainment).
** America's Favorite Cars: The Complete Corvette. History of the
American sports car; $6.97. (Eagle Rock Entertainment).
** Animal Farm (1954) Dir.: John Halas, Joy Batchelor. Animated
political satire Extras: Scenes as told through original
storyboards; commentary by film historian Brian Sibley; "Down on
Animal Farm," a 30-minute BBC produced making-of featurette
presented by Tony Robinson; liner notes by author and art
historian Karl Cohen ("Forbidden Animation: Censored Cartoons and
Blacklisted Animators in America"). (Home Vision Entertainment).
** Around the World in 80 Days (2004) Dir.: Frank Coraci; Jackie
Chan, Steve Coogan, Robert Fyfe, Jim Broadbent, Cecile De France.
(Disney).
** Babes in Toyland (1997) Animated with voices of Christopher
Plummer, Jim Belushi, Lacey Chabert and Charles Nelson Reilly.
(MGM).
** California Split (1974) Dir.: Robert Altman; Elliot Gould,
George Segal. Extras: Commentary by Altman, Gould, Segal, and
screenwriter Joseph Walsh. (Columbia TriStar).
** Cirque Du Soleil: Fire Within. Three-disc set with 13-episodes
from the behind-the-scenes TV program, $39.95. (Columbia
TriStar).
** Cirque Du Soleil: La Nouba. Two-disc set of a live performance
filmed at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, $28.96.
(Columbia TriStar).
** Comfort and Joy (2003) Nancy McKeon, Steven Eckholdt. Lifetime
Original Movie. (Warner).
** Dazed and Confused Flashback Edition (1993) Dir.: Richard
Linklater; Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla
Jovovich, Cole Hauser, Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson,
Adam Goldberg. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Blunt Truth: An
Institutional Film" that looks at the dangers of drugs, two
vintage PSAs: "Venereal Disease/VD Is for Everybody" and "Crying
Indian." (Universal).
** Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love
the Bomb Special Edition (1964) Dir.: Stanley Kubrick; Peter
Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Reissued with documentaries, interviews, unreleased footage,
more. (Columbia TriStar).
** Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993) Dir.: Gus Van Sant; Uma
Thurman, John Hurt, Lorraine Braccco, Keanu Reeves, Crispin
Glover, Angie Dickinson, Sean Young, Heather Graham. (New Line).
** Facing Windows (2004 -- Italy) Massimo Girotti, Giovanna
Mezzogiorno. (Columbia TriStar).
** Fast Times at Ridgemont High Special Edition (1982) Dir.: Amy
Heckerling; Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold,
Phoebe Cates, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, Nicolas Cage, Anthony
Edwards, Ray Walston, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus. Extras:
Commentary by Heckerling and screenwriter Cameron Crowe,
"Reliving our Fast Times at Ridgemont High" featurette, music
highlights. (Universal).
** Festival Express (2004) Two-disc set. Documentary on a five-
day Canadian tour by train in 1970 by the Grateful Dead, Janis
Joplin, the Band, Buddy Guy, and others. Two-disc set, in DTS and
Dolby. Extras: Fifty minutes of additional performances, 25
minutes of additional interviews, "The Making of the Festival
Express Film" featurette. (New Line).
** The Grissom Gang (1971) Dir.: Robert Aldrich; Kim Darby, Scott
Wilson, Tony Musante, Robert Lansing. (MGM).
** The High Commissioner (Nobody Runs Forever) (1968) Rod Taylor,
Christopher Plummer. (MGM).
** A Home at the End of the World (2004) Colin Farrell, Dallas
Roberts, Robin Wright Penn, Sissy Spacek, Matt Frewer. Extras:
"The Journey Home" making-of documentary. (Warner).
** Ike & Tina Turner -- Live in '71. Live performances. (Eagle
Rock Entertainment).
** Last Rites (1988) Tom Berenger, Daphne Zuniga. (MGM).

** The Looney Toons Golden Collection Volume 2. Four-disc set
with over 60 digitally re-mastered and uncut animated shorts ,
$64.92. Each disc in the collection features 15 animated classics
and is dedicated to a different Looney Tunes star and their
celebrated pals. Disc 1: Bugs Bunny Masterpieces; Disc 2: Road
Runner and Friends; Disc 3: Tweety & Sylvester and Friends; Disc
4: All Stars: On Stage & Screen: Assortment of popular cartoon
favorites such as Back Alley Uproar, Book Revue, Corny Concerto
and many others. Extras: Commentaries, behind-the-scenes
featurettes, 1985 documentary "Bugs Bunny's All Star 50th
Anniversary" (Part 1 and 2), 1962 pilot "The Adventures of The
Road Runner," 2004 short "Daffy Duck for President," 1949 short
"So Much for Little," 1952 short "Orange Blossoms for Violet,"
music only tracks. (Warner).
** The Looney Tunes Spotlight Collection Volume 2. Two-disc set
with 30 remastered and restored cartoons culled from the Golden
Collection Volume 2, $26.99. (Warner).
** The More the Merrier (1943) Dir.: George Stevens; Jean Arthur,
Charles Coburn, Joel McCrea. (Columbia TriStar).
** Mulholland Falls (1996) Nick Nolte, Melanie Griffith, Jennifer
Connelly, Treat Williams, Andrew McCarthy, Michael Madsen, John
Malkovich, Chris Penn, Chazz Palminteri. (MGM).
** Philadelphia Anniversary Edition (1993) Dir.: Jonathan Demme;
Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen.
Two-disc set. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, documentaries,
more. (Columbia TriStar).
** Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 3-Disc
Gift Set (2003) Dir.: Gore Verbinski; Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush,
Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce. Re-issue of the
Special Edition two-disc set with a new, third "Lost Disc" of
extras; $29.99. Extras: The Lost Disc features: "Becoming Captain
Jack" with Johnny Depp, "Becoming Barbossa" with Geoffrey Rush,
"Thar She Blows" with the film's ship Interceptor, "The Monkey's
Name is Jack" with the primate pirate, "Pirates Around the World"
with dubbings from around the world, "Spirit of the Ride"
reflections on the Disney theme park ride that inspired the
movie, "Sneak Attack Animatic" and more "Fly on the Set"
featurettes. (Buena Vista).
** Proof (1991) Russell Crowe, Hugo Weaving. Extras: Commentaries
by Weaving and writer-director Jocelyn Moorhouse, slideshow photo
gallery, DTS 5.1 surround. (New Line).
** Rainbow Brite & the Star Stealer: The Movie (1985) Animated.
(Warner).
** The Rapture (1991) Mimi Rogers, David Duchovny, Patrick
Bauchau. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Michael Tolkin,
Rogers Duchovny, and Bauchau; DTS 5.1 surround. (New Line).
** The Simple Life 2: Road Trip. Ten episodes from the second
season. Extras: Lost episode from Season One, outtakes, deleted
scenes. (Fox).
** The Simpsons Christmas 2. Animated. Four Simpsons Christmas
episodes on one disc. (Fox).
** SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge for Hire. Eight animated
episodes. (Paramount).
** Star Trek: The Complete Second Season DVD Set. Eight-disc set
with 29 episodes packed in a cool plastic pod, priced around
$100. Extras: Five featurettes: "The Birth of a Timeless Legacy,"
"Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner," "To Boldly Go ...,"
"Reflections on Spock," "Sci-Fi Visionaries"; original preview
trailers, photo log. (Paramount).
** Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) Clifton Webb, Dorothy
McGuire, Louis Jordan, Jean Peters, Rossano Brazzi. Extras:
Commentary by film historian Jeanine Basinger, MovieTone News
footage, restoration comparison. (Fox Studio Classics).
** Three's Company Season Three. Four-disc set with 22 episodes,
$39.98. Extras: Commentary on "The Bake-Off" episode; never-
before-seen second pilot shot prior to Suzanne Somers joining the
cast; interviews with stars Richard Kline, Don Knotts and
director Dave Powers; bloopers; "Remembering John Ritter"
featurette; "Best of Jack, Janet, Chrissy and the Ropers --
Season Three." (Anchor Bay).
** Toto 25th Anniversary: Live in Amsterdam Special Edition.
Recorded February 2003. (Eagle Rock Entertainment).
** Ultimate Party Collection: Dazed and Confused Flashback
Edition/Fast Times at Ridgemont High Special Edition $27.98
(Universal).
** The West Wing: The Complete Third Season. Four-disc set with
22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Commentary on three episodes by
Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, Allison Janney and others; deleted
scenes; documentary with interviews with former presidents Gerald
Ford, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and members of their staffs; "A
Property Master's Story" featurette. (Warner).
** Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice? (1969) Geraldine Page, Ruth
Gordon. (MGM).

November 5 (Friday)

** Shrek 2 (2004) Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie
Andrews, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Jennifer
Saunders; $19.95. Extras "Far, Far Away Idol": The lovely ogress
Princess Fiona hosts this section which takes viewers to the all-
new animated spoof "Far, Far Away Idol," created by the Shrek 2
filmmakers and animators, and features a talent competition with
singing performances by favorite Shrek characters. This
interactive segment enables viewers to cast their vote for the
next "Far, Far Away Idol," giving each presentation of the
program a fresh new twist every time they choose a different
character. Staying true to the "spoof" nature of the Shrek
franchise, this all-new animated piece is a parody of one of
today's most popular shows and features Shrek characters battling
it out in a singers' showdown. With a judging panel that includes
Shrek, Fiona and everyone's favorite sharp-tongued critic Simon
Cowell, each performance is met with some con-structive, some de-
structive, but always hilarious quips! This send-up picks up
where the movie left off and gives the home viewing audience even
more of the movie they love. "Far, Far Away Idol Printables":
While watching the "Far, Far Away Idol," challenge, viewers can
print up their own score cards, posters, signed glossy photos of
the contestants, and a press guide that provides each competing
character's biography and details about the song they perform.
"Cast Your Vote": After viewers have selected their favorite
"Far, Far Away Idol" in their own home, they are offered the
chance to have their voice heard around the world by a link to a
DreamWorks website to cast a vote to determine the ultimate
winner in the send-up. Other extras: "Technical Goofs": A look at
technical mishaps that occurred during the production of "Shrek
2"; two filmmakers' commentaries; "Meet Puss in Boots":
Introduction to the story and the new breakout character Puss in
Boots, featuring never-before-seen footage of Antonio Banderas;
"Meet the Cast of Shrek 2"; "The Tech of Shrek 2" behind-the-
scenes featurette; "The Music of Shrek 2"; cast and filmmaker
bios; production notes; "New From DreamWorks Animation," a sneak
peek at the studio's upcoming animated film "Madagascar"; "DWK:
This Way to Play" with the Gingerbread Man taking little viewers
to a section filled with fun music, games and creative
activities, favorite scenes, and set top games; DVD-ROM
activities. (DreamWorks).
** Shrek: The Story So Far Four-disc set gift set, under $40.
"Shrek," with extras; "Shrek 3-D," in both 3-D animation and a 2-
D version on the same disc, includes four pair of 3-D glasses;
"Shrek 2," with all its extras; "Shrek Bonus Disc": Exclusive to
the gift, with "Puss in Boots Music Video," "Learn How to Burp
with Shrek and Fiona" featurette, "Making of Far, Far Away Idol"
featurette; "Shrek 2 Around the World" featurette, and "Learn to
Draw Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots." (DreamWorks).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>


------------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S VHS SELL-THROUGH RELEASES:

** Ali G Indahouse (2002) Sacha Baron Cohen, Dan Mazor, Charles
Dance, Michael Gambon, Kellie Bright, Martin Freeman (Universal):
$22.98
** Animal Farm (1954) Animated political satire (Home Vision
Entertainment): $19.95
** Around the World in 80 Days (2004) Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan,
Robert Fyfe, Jim Broadbent, Cecile De France (Disney): $24.99
** SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge for Hire (2004) Five episodes
(Paramount): $9.95

November 5 (Friday)

** Shrek 2 (2004) Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie
Andrews, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Jennifer
Saunders (DreamWorks): $15.95

For more sell-through info, check out our Sell-Through/Repriced
pages at <http://www.onvideo.org/reprice.htm>


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Copyright 2004 CyberPod. All rights reserved.
ISSN 1094-3676

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