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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, February 5 -- Monday, February 11

Across the Universe
A love story set in the 1960s, against the turbulent backdrop of anti-war protests, mind exploration and rock 'n roll, Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe" moves from the dockyards of Liverpool to the creative psychedelia of Greenwich Village, from the riot-torn streets of Detroit to the killing fields of Vietnam. The star-crossed lovers, Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) along with a small group of friends and musicians are swept up in the emerging anti-war and counterculture movements, with "Dr. Robert" (Bono) and "Mr. Kite" (Eddie Izzard) as their guides. As forces beyond their control tear the young lovers apart, Jude and Lucy ultimately strive against all odds to find their own way back to each other. Also features cameos by Salma Hayek and Joe Cocker. The film is set against a backdrop of 33 Beatles' songs. Vitals: Director: Julie Taymor. Stars: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio, Eddie Izzard, Bono. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 133 min., Musical, Box office gross: $23.317 million, Sony.

Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The
Jesse James (Brad Pitt) was one of the country's first bona fide celebrities. There have been countless books written and tales told about America's most famous outlaw -- all of them colorful and fascinating, all focused on his larger-than-life public persona and daring exploits, and most of them bearing only incidental reference to the truth. To those he robbed and terrorized, and to the families of those he admittedly killed, he may have been just a criminal, but in the sensational newspaper articles and dime novels chronicling the James Gang throughout the 1870s, Jesse was the object of awe and admiration. He was a Robin Hood, they suggested, targeting railroad owners and banks that exploited poor farmers. He was a man with a tragic cause, a wronged and wounded Confederate soldier striking back against the Union that had ruined his life. Most importantly, to an increasingly buttoned-down and citified population leading ordinary lives, he was the last frontiersman -- a symbol of freedom and the American spirit, a charismatic rebel who flouted the law and lived by his own rules. Foremost among his admirers was Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), an idealistic and ambitious young man who had devoted his life to the hope of one day riding alongside his idol. He could never have imagined that history would ultimately mark him as the "the dirty little coward" who shot Jesse in the back. But who was Jesse James, really -- behind the folklore and the selling of newspapers? And who was Robert Ford, just 19 and a member of Jesse's inner circle, who was able to bring down such a formidable figure when lawmen across 10 states had tried and failed? How did they come to be friends and what happened between them in the days and hours leading up to the gunshot that would end one man's life and become the definition and sum total of another's? Based on the novel by Ron Hansen, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" attempts to delve into the private lives of America's most notorious outlaw and his unlikely assassin to offer a new perspective on a legend and address the question of what really may have transpired in the months before that infamous shooting in 1881, when Jesse was just 34 years old. Vitals: Director: Andrew Dominik. Stars: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner, Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 160 min., Western, Box office gross: $3.708 million, Warner.

Brave One, The
For Erica Bain (Jodie Foster), the streets of New York are both her home and her livelihood. She shares the sounds and the stories of her beloved city with her radio audience as the host of the show "Street Walk." At night, she goes home to the love of her life, her fiance David Kirmani (Naveen Andrews). But everything Erica knows and loves is ripped from her on one terrible night when she and David are ambushed in a random, vicious attack that leaves David dead and Erica close to it. Though Erica's broken body heals, deeper wounds remain -- the devastation of losing David and, even more overwhelming, a suffocating fear that haunts her every step. The city streets she had once loved to roam, even places that had been warm and familiar, now feel strange and threatening. When the fear finally becomes too much to bear, Erica makes a fateful decision to arm herself against it. The gun in her hand becomes a tangible way to protect herself from an intangible enemy ... or so she thinks. The first time she shoots someone, it is kill or be killed. The second time is also in self-defense ... or did she make a choice not to take herself out of harm's way? The fear that had once paralyzed her has been replaced by something else ... something that drives her to reclaim the life that was taken from her that night ... something that Erica does not even recognize in herself. Stories of an anonymous vigilante grip the city, and NYPD detective Sean Mercer (Terrence Howard) becomes increasingly determined to track down the killer. As he pieces together the clues, the evidence begins to point not to a guy with a gun ... but a woman with a grudge. Vitals: Director: Neil Jordan. Stars: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $36.566 million, Warner.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Reprising the roles they originated in "Elizabeth," Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush return for a gripping historical thriller laced with treachery and romance. Joining them is Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh, a dashing seafarer and newfound temptation for Elizabeth. "The Golden Age" finds Queen Elizabeth I (Blanchett) facing bloodlust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late-16th century Europe, Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla) -- with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada -- determined to restore England to Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Raleigh. But he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess (Abbie Cornish), to befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their growing intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham (Rush), continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home -- and her campaign to solidify absolute power. Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers an assassination plot that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may include Elizabeth's own cousin Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton), he unknowingly sets England up for destruction. Vitals: Director: Shekhar Kapur. Stars: Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 114 min., Historical Drama, Box office gross: $16.264 million, Universal.

Feast of Love
In a coffee shop in a tight-knit Oregon community, a local professor and writer, Harry Stevenson (Morgan Freeman), witnesses love and attraction as he whips up mischief among the town's residents. Among young and old, among both parents and lovers, among the sweet and the savage, among humans and even animals, Harry watches in awe as love mystifies, wounds, devastates, inspires, makes unreasonable demands and profoundly shapes the lives of everyone around him -- including himself. From the die-hard romantic coffee shop owner Bradley (Greg Kinnear) who has a serial habit of looking for love in all the wrong places, including with his current wife Kathyrn (Selma Blair); to the edgy real estate agent Diana (Radha Mitchell) who is caught up in an affair with a married man (Billy Burke) with whom she shares an ineffable connection; to the beautiful young newcomer Chloe (Alexa Davalos) who defies fate in romancing the troubled Oscar (Toby Hemingway); to Harry himself, whose adoring wife (Jane Alexander) is looking to break through his wall of grief after the wrenching loss of a loved one. All of these strands intertwine into one love story in which no one can escape being bent, befuddled, delighted and ultimately redeemed by love's inescapable spell. Vitals: Director: Robert Benton. Stars: Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, Radha Mitchell, Jane Alexander, Alexa Davalos, Toby Hemingway, Selma Blair, Stana Katic, Billy Burke, Fred Ward, Erika Marozsan. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 102 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $3.497 million, MGM.

Jane Austen Book Club, The
As five women and one enigmatic man meet to discuss the works of Jane Austen, they find their love lives playing out in a 21st century version of her novels. Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) is shocked when her husband Daniel (Jimmy Smits) leaves her after 20 plus years and three children. Jocelyn (Maria Bello), her unmarried best friend, distracts herself from her unacknowledged loneliness by breeding dogs. Prudie (Emily Blunt) is a young French teacher, in possession of a worthy husband yet distracted by persistent fantasies about sex with another man. The many-times married Bernadette (Kathy Baker) develops a yearning for one more chance at happiness. Beautiful, risk-taking Allegra (Maggie Grace), Sylvia and Daniel's lesbian daughter, has quit talking to her lover. And Grigg (Hugh Dancy), a young science fiction fan and computer whiz, seems both horribly out of place and obliviously at ease as the only man to be invited into the book circle. Vitals: Director: Robin Swicord. Stars: Kathy Baker, Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman, Maggie Grace, Hugh Dancy, Jimmy Smits. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 106 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $3.546 million, Sony.

2 Days In Paris
A Parisian getaway becomes anything but romantic for a high-strung New York couple: Marion (Julie Delpy) is a French photographer and Jack (Adam Goldberg) is an American interior designer who attempt to re-infuse their relationship with romance by taking a vacation in Europe. After a less than idyllic vacation in Italy, they stop off in Paris for two days. But in the City of Lights, Jack has to deal with a new language, a crazily unfamiliar culture, meeting Marion's sexually frank and permissive family, and a bevy of flirtatious ex-boyfriends. Jack and Marion begin to see each other in a different, less appealing light as the cultural divide between them grows. Will these two days in Paris be Jack and Marion's last days as a couple, or will they be the beginning of a new, richer life together? Vitals: Director: Julie Delpy. Stars: Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Comedy Drama, Box office gross: $4.294 million, Fox.


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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
 Winner of five 1960 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, "The Apartment" is director Billy Wilder at his scathing, satirical best in this comedic take on the wiles of the executive suite in the 50s and 60s. C.C. "Bud" Baxter (Jack Lemmon) knows the way to success in business ... it's through the door of his apartment! By providing a perfect hideaway for philandering bosses, the ambitious young employee reaps a series of undeserved promotions. But when Bud lends the key to big boss J.D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), he not only advances his career, but his own love life as well. For Sheldrake's mistress is the lovely Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), elevator girl and angel of Bud's dreams. Convinced that he is the only man for Fran, Bud must make the most important executive decision of his career: lose the girl ... or his job. MHM has released "The Apartment Collector's Edition" with commentary by film historian Bruce Block, an "Inside the Apartment" documentary and a "Tribute to Jack Lemmon" ... Sony has released "Midnight Express 30th Anniversary Edition" (1978), directed by Alan Parker, with a screenplay by Oliver Stone and starring Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Paolo Bonacelli, Paul L. Smith, Randy Quaid, Norbert Weisser, Peter Jeffrey and John Hurt. Extras include several featurette and commentary by Parker ... Don't forget "Tootsie 25th Anniversary Edition" (1982), directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray and Geena Davis; extras include "A Better Man: The Making of Tootsie" featurette and deleted scenes, from Sony ... And Universal has put together an "Imitation of Life Two Movie Special Edition," a two-disc set with the 1934 "Imitation of Life" directed by John M. Stahl and starring Claudette Colbert and the 1959 version directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner and Sandra Dee.

From TV to Video:
"Beauty and the Beast: The Third Season" (1989-90) is a three-disc set with 12 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "Dresden" (2006) is a German miniseries about a romance between a British pilot hiding in Germany and a German nurse, set against the background of the massive allied bombing of Dresden toward the end of World War II; two-disc set, $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "McLeod's Daughters: The Complete Fifth Season" is an eight-disc set with 32 episodes of the Australian series about two half-sisters separated as children and reunited when they inherit Drover's Run, a large Australian cattle ranch that had been passed down for generations; $79.98 from Koch Vision ... "Rosemary & Thyme: The Complete Collection" is a nine-disc set with 22 episodes of the British mystery series, $99.99 from Acorn Media ... "Route 66: Season One, Volume Two" (1960-61) is a four-disc set with 15 episodes, restored and digitally transferred from the original masters, $29.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection" is a seven-disc set with all 18 episodes of the series about a dysfunctional Canadian theater troupe; $59.99 from Acorn media ... "Soul Food the Series: The Third Season" (2002-03) is a five-disc set with 10 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "A Stranger's Heart" (2007) stars Samantha Mathis, June Squibb, Peter Dobson and Thomas Kopache in a telefilm about a female N.Y. writer who meets a gentle hunk of a man while both are waiting for heart transplants; miraculously, they both receive donated hearts, and the two fall in love, from Genius Products ... "Strictly Confidential" is a two-disc set with six episodes from the sexually explosive British TV murder-mystery series about a bisexual ex-police officer-turned-sex therapist; $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "Third Watch: The Complete First Season" is a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98 from Warner ... "Wire In the Blood: The Complete Fourth Season" is a four-disc set with all four episodes of the British TV series about a crime-solving psychologist; $59.98 from Koch Vision.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
A pair of slackers get in way over their heads when they try to dump the body of a dead girlfriend in the basement of a drive-in movie theater where a satanic cult performs ritual sacrifices in "Weirdsville" (2007), starring Wes Bentley, Raoul Bhaneja and Greg Bryk, from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... In "Storm Warning" (2007), a weekend boating excursion takes a bad turn when a severe storm strands a married couple on a remote island; they stumble upon what appears to be a vacant house only to learn that the sadistic inhabitants are home and have heinous plans for the unexpected houseguests, from Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... In "Croc" (2007), starring Peter Tuinstra and Michael Madsen, a large man-eating crocodile terrorizes tourists and locals in Thailand, from Genius Products ... "Showstoppers" (2008) is a story about a group of young college girls whose friendships and dreams are challenged and celebrated as they compete in the vibrant discipline that is known as "stepping", from Warner ... "Love & Basketball" (2005) stars Dennis Haysbert, Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Boris Kodjoe and Chris Warren Jr.; the two-disc set includes the CD soundtrack, from New Line ... "All In" (2006) stars Dominique Swain, Michael Madsen, Louis Gossett Jr., Colleen Porch and James Russo in a tale about six medical students with unique talents pool their resources to try to win the World Series of Poker, from MTI Home Video.

For the Family:
"The Prince and the Pauper" (2007) is a modern re-telling of the Mark Twain classic with teen throbs twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse; co-stars Kay Panabaker and Vincent Spano, from Sony ... In "Elmo's World: Opposites" (2007), preschoolers join with Sesame Street's Elmo to learn about the ins and outs of the amazing concept of "opposites"; features three episodes with Elmo and his friends -- Mr. Noodle, Super Grover and Dorothy the Goldfish; $12.93 from Seasame Workshop/Genius ... "Legion of Super Heroes V2" features four episodes of the animated super hero series, $14.97, from Warner ... In "Bob the Builder On-Site: Roads & Bridges" (2007), young viewers get an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how the impressive construction machines do their big jobs; $19.98 from HIT/Fox ... "The Ten Commandments" (2007) is a CGI-animated feature with the voices of Ben Kingsley, Christian Slater, Alfred Molina and Elliott Gould, from Genius Products ... "Madeline: Meet Me In Paris" (2008) features three animated episodes based on Ludwig Bemelmans' classic Madeline children's books; includes "Madeline at the Louvre" "Madeline at the Eiffel Tower" and "Madeline in Cannes"; $14.98 from Fox ... "The Aristocats Special Edition" is a digitally enhanced edition of the 1970 animated film with the voices of Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway, Scatman Crothers and Paul Winchell, from Disney ... "Maggie and the Ferocious Beast: Rain Showers & Spring Flowers" and "Maggie and The Ferocious Beast: Recipes For Trouble" each feature five episodes from the Noggin kids series, $14.99 each from Shout! Factory ... "The Ugly Duckling and Me: Vol. 3 Love Is in the Air" (2005) is the third volume of the animated series based on the Hans Christian Andersen character; includes three episodes; $14.98 from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Snow Buddies" (2008) stars James Belushi, Kris Kristofferson and Molly Shannon in a tale about five talking puppies who get stuck on a plane to Alaska and join in a daring dogsled race, from Disney.

Special Interest:
"Romeo & Juliet: A Monkey's Tale" (2007) is an Animal Planet feature that takes place in the mountains of Thailand, where two young monkeys from rival factions fall in love. This is the story of their lives, as the two groups of the local simian population declare war to keep them apart. It's a familiar story with a wild twist, from Animal Planet/Genius Products ... "The Best of Comedy Central Presents: Uncensored" features original stand-up specials from Lewis Black, Dane Cook, Jeff Dunham, Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, Carlos Mencia and Brian Regan, $19.99 from Paramount ... "The Jewish Americans" is a two-disc set of the recent six-hour PBS documentary that focuses on individual personalities and stories to chronicle the 350-year saga of immigrants who gradually wove themselves into the fabric of American life; $34.99 from Paramount.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Across the Universe (2007) Dir.: Julie Taymor; Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio, Eddie Izzard, Bono. Extras: Eight extended musical performances, deleted scene, commentary by director Taymor and composer Elliot Goldenthal, five featurettes: "Creating the Universe," "Stars of Tomorrow," "All About the Music," "FX on the Universe" and "Moving Across the Universe" (on the choreography, including an interview with choreographer Daniel Ezralow). Aslo available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony)

All In (2006) Dominique Swain, Michael Madsen, Louis Gossett Jr., Colleen Porch, James Russo. Six medical students with unique talents pool their resources to try to win the World Series of Poker. (MTI Home Video).

Americanizing Shelley (2005) Namrata Singh Gujral, Beau Bridges, Brad Raider. A wannabe Hollywood player sets out to Americanize an Indian girl from the Himalayas. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes. (Warner).

The Apartment Collector's Edition (1960) Dir.: Billy Wilder; Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston, Jack Kruschen. Extras: Commentary by film historian Bruce Block, "Inside the Apartment" documentary, "Tribute to Jack Lemmon." (MGM).

The Aristocats Special Edition (1970) Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway, Scatman Crothers, Paul Winchell. Digitally enhanced picture and sound. (Disney).

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner, Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel. Extras: "The Assassination of Jesse James: Death of an Outlaw" featurette. Extras: Available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner)

Beauty and the Beast: The Third Season (1989-90) Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $49.99. (Paramount).

The Best of Comedy Central Presents: Uncensored. Original stand-up specials from Lewis Black, Dane Cook, Jeff Dunham, Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, Carlos Mencia and Brian Regan, $19.99. (Paramount).

Black August (2005) Gary Dourdan. Traces George Lester Jackson's spiritual journey and violent fate, from being sent up on a one-year-to-life sentence for robbing a gas station of $71, to galvanizing the Black Guerrilla Family with his incendiary book of letters, "Soledad Brother," to the fierce August day when his younger brother Jonathan shocked the world by taking a California courtroom hostage to protest Jackson's upcoming trial. (Warner).

Black Woman's Guide to Getting Married (2007) Jean-Claude La Marre. Explores the relationships between four women and the men they love. (Warner).

Blackout (2007) Jeffrey Wright, Zoe Saldana, Melvin Van Peebles, Michael B. Jordan, LaTanya Richardson, Saul Rubinek. In summer 2003, America experienced the largest blackout in its history -- widely reported as peaceful. But in Brooklyn's forgotten East Flatbush neighborhood, mayhem unfolded when the power shut down. This is the untold story of the blackout --a place where, as night fell, looters emerged, violence surfaced and residents feared for their lives. Extras: Interview with director Jerry LaMothe, behind-the-scenes featurette, meet the cast, "2003 Blackout True Stories," deleted scenes. (Paramount).

Blind Dating (2006) Chris Pine, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Anjali Jay, Jane Seymour. A blind young man (Chris Pine) -- who's good looks drive women wild -- thinks he finds love with an Indian woman (Anjali Jay), though their relationship is fraught with cultural differences. Extras: Deleted footage, bloopers, behind-the-scenes featurette, cast interviews. (Fox).

Bob the Builder On-Site: Roads & Bridges (2007) Young viewers get an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how the impressive machines do their big jobs; $19.98. (HIT/Fox).

The Brave One (2007) Dir.: Neil Jordan; Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen. Extras: "I Walk the City" featurette, additional scenes. Available on HD DVD and Blu-ray disc.

Croc (2007 -- TV) Peter Tuinstra, Michael Madsen. A large man-eating crocodile terrorizes tourists and locals in Thailand. (Genius Products).

Dresden (2006) German miniseries about a romance between a British pilot hiding in Germany and a German nurse, set against the background of the massive allied bombing of Dresden toward the end of World War II. Two-disc set, $29.98. (Koch Vision).

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Reign Continues: Making Elizabeth: The Golden Age," "Inside Elizabeth's World" featurette, "Commanding the Winds: Creating the Armada," "Towers, Courts and Cathedral" locations and sets featurette, commentary by director Shekhar Kapur. Also available on HD DVD. (Universal).

Elmo's World: Opposites (2007) Preschoolers join with Sesame Street's Elmo to learn about the ins and outs of the amazing concept of "opposites." Features three episodes with Elmo and his friends -- Mr. Noodle, Super Grover and Dorothy the Goldfisn; $12.93. (Seasame Workshop/Genius).

Feast of Love (2007) Dir,: Robert Benton; Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, Radha Mitchell, Jane Alexander, Alexa Davalos, Toby Hemingway, Selma Blair, Stana Katic, Billy Burke, Fred Ward, Erika MarozsanExtras: Commentary by Benton, "What Fools These Mortals Be" featurette, "A Merry Feast" featurette, "The Players" featurette, The Cary Brothers "Honestly" music video. (MGM).

Flogging Margaret (2006) Nicholas Wilder, Jeb Kreager, Brenda Logan, Sex comedy in which boy loses girl, boy meets girl, ex interferes, boy drowns his sorrows in comic books and booze until, with the help of his friends and a couple of German dominatrix, everything works out in the end. (Warner).

Great World of Sound (2007) Pat Healy, Kene Holliday. When a young man answers an ad to train as a record producer, he's excited by the prospect of signing undiscovered artists only to discover his new job isn't all it's cracked up to be and he fears that he's being scammed to become a scam artist. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Imitation of Life Two Movie Special Edition. Two-disc set with the 1934 "Imitation of Life" directed by John M. Stahl and starring Claudette Colbert and the 1959 version directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner and Sandra Dee. Extras: Commentary, "Lasting Legacy: An Imitation of Life" retrospective look at both versions. (Universal).

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) Kathy Baker, Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman, Maggie Grace, Hugh Dancy, Jimmy Smits. Extras: Cast and crew commentary, "Making of The Jane Austen Book Club," "The Life of Jane Austen" featurette, "Character Deconstruction" featurette, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The Jewish Americans (2008) Six-hour PBS documentary that focuses on individual personalities and stories to chronicle the 350-year saga of immigrants who gradually wove themselves into the fabric of American life. Extras: Deleted scenes. Two-disc set, $34.99. (Paramount).

Legion of Super Heroes V2. Four episodes of the animated super hero series, $14.97. (Warner).

Love & Basketball (2005) Dennis Haysbert, Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Boris Kodjoe, Chris Warren Jr. Two-disc set includes CD soundtrack. (New Line).

McLeod's Daughters: The Complete Fifth Season. Eight-disc set with 32 episodes of the Australian series about two half-sisters separated as children and reunited when they inherit Drover's Run, a large Australian cattle ranch that had been passed down for generations; $79.98. (Koch Vision).

Madeline: Meet Me In Paris. (2008) Three animated episodes based on Ludwig Bemelmans' classic Madeline children's books. Includes "Madeline at the Louvre" "Madeline at the Eiffel Tower," "Madeline in Cannes"; $14.98. (Fox).

Maggie and the Ferocious Beast: Rain Showers & Spring Flowers Five episodes from the Noggin kids series, $14.99. (Shout! Factory).

Maggie and The Ferocious Beast: Recipes For Trouble. Five episodes from the Noggin kids series, $14.99. (Shout! Factory).

Midnight Express 30th Anniversary Edition (1978) Dir.: Alan Parker; Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Paolo Bonacelli, Paul L. Smith, Randy Quaid, Norbert Weisser, Peter Jeffrey, John Hurt. Extras: "The Producers' Featurette," "The Production Featurette," "The Finished Film Featurette," commentary by Parker, photo gallery, original theatrical trailer, photo booklet and essay from Parker's on-set experiences. (Sony).

9 Star Hotel (2007 -- Israel) Documentary about Palestinians who work illegally as construction workers, eking out a simple and meager existence: During the day, they sneak into Israel to build luxury Israeli apartment complexes; at night, in stark contrast, they return to nearly invisible shanty communities where they retire to improvised huts and claustrophobic sleeping cubicles. $26.98. (Koch Lorber).

The Prince and the Pauper (2007) Modern re-telling of the Mark Twain classic with teen throbs twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse; co-stars Kay Panabaker and Vincent Spano. Extras: "Life on the Set With Cole, Dylan and Kay." (Sony).

Romance & Cigarettes (2007) Dir.: John Turturro; James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi, Bobby Cannavale, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro, Christopher Walken, Barbara Sukowa, Elaine Stritch, Eddie Izzard, Amy Sedaris, P.J. Brown. A down-and-dirty musical set in the world of working-class New York that tells the story of a husband's journey into infidelity and redemption when he must choose between his seductive mistress and his beleaguered wife. Extras: "Behind the Scenes of Romance & Cigarettes," deleted scenes, introduction by director John Turturro, commentary by Turturro. (Sony).

Romeo & Juliet: A Monkey's Tale (2007) Animal Planet feature. In the mountains of Thailand, two young monkeys from rival factions are falling in love. This is the story of their lives, as the two groups of the local simian population declare war to keep them apart. It's a familiar story with a wild twist. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

Rosemary & Thyme: The Complete Collection. Nine-disc set with 22 episodes of the British mystery series, $99.99. (Acorn Media).

Route 66: Season One, Volume Two (1960-61) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $29.98. Restored and digitally transferred from the original masters. (Infinity Entertainment).

Showstoppers (2008) Faune A. Chambers, Angell Conwell, Robin Wilson. Story about a group of young college girls whose friendships and dreams are challenged and celebrated as they compete in the vibrant discipline that is known as "stepping." (Warner).

Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection. Seven-disc set with all 18 episodes of the series about a dysfunctional Canadian theater troupe; $59.99. Extras: Bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, interviews, photo galleries, bonus disc with "A Look Behind the Scenes" featurette, on-set footage, more. (Acorn media).

Snow Buddies (2008) James Belushi, Kris Kristofferson, Molly Shannon. The five lovable talking pups are back in a new adventure as they get stuck on a plane to Alaska and join in a daring dogsled race. Extras: Bloopers, "Lean on Me" music video, behind-the-scenes featurette, commentary by the Buddies, visual effects featurette. (Disney).

Soul Food the Series: The Third Season (2002-03) Five-disc set with 10 episodes, $49.99. (Paramount).

Storm Warning (2007) Robert Taylor, Mathew Wilkinson, Nadia Fares. A weekend boating excursion takes a bad turn when a severe storm strands a married couple on a remote island; they stumble upon what appears to be a vacant house only to learn that the sadistic inhabitants are home and have heinous plans for the unexpected houseguests. (Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

A Stranger's Heart (2007 -- TV) Samantha Mathis, June Squibb, Peter Dobson, Thomas Kopache. A N.Y. writer meets a gentle hunk of a man while both are waiting for heart transplants; miraculously, they both get receive donated hearts, and the two fall in love. (Genius Products).

Strictly Confidential. Two-disc set with six episodes from the sexually explosive British TV murder-mystery series about a bisexual ex-police officer-turned-sex therapist; $29.98. (Koch Vision).

The Ten Commandments (2007) CGI-animated feature with the voices of Ben Kingsley, Christian Slater, Alfred Molina, Elliott Gould. Extras: "I Am Willing" music video performed by Jeremy Camp, behind-the-scenes featurette, interviews with Slater and Molina, "Ten Commandments Challenge." (Genius Products).

Third Watch: The Complete First Season. Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "The Nights of Camelot" retrospective featurette, unaired scenes, gag reel. (Warner).

Tootsie 25th Anniversary Edition (1982) Dir.: Sydney Pollack; Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, Geena Davis. Extras: "A Better Man: The Making of Tootsie," deleted scenes, original Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie screen test. (Sony).

Turok: Son of Stone (2007) Animated adventures of the comic book Stone Age warrior. Voices of Adam Beach, Robert Knepper, Cree Summer, Irene Bedar. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

2 Days In Paris (2007) Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg. Extras: Extended scenes, interview with Julie Delpy. (Fox).

The Ugly Duckling and Me: Vol. 3 Love Is in the Air (2005) Third volume of the animated series based on Hans Christian Andersen's character. Includes three episodes; $14.98. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Weirdsville (2007) Wes Bentley, Raoul Bhaneja, Greg Bryk. A pair of slackers get in way over their heads when they try to dump the body of a dead girlfriend in the basement of a drive-in movie theater where a satanic cult performs ritual sacrifices. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Whitest Kids U' Know: Season 1. Two-disc set with 10 uncensored episodes of the five-man sketch comedy troupe from New York; originally aired on FUSE; $26.95. Extras: Commentary, uncensored featurette. (Genius Products).

Wire In the Blood: The Complete Fourth Season. Four-disc set with all four episodes of the British TV series about a crime-solving psychologist; $59.98. (Koch Vision).

The Wiz 30th Anniversary Edition (1978) Dir.: Sidney Lumet; Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor. Digitally remastered. Extras: Bonus eight-track CD, "Wiz on Down the Road" vintage featurette. (Universal).

You've Got Mail Deluxe Edition (1998) Dir.: Nora Ephron; Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey, Jean Stapleton, Steve Zahn. Extras: Commentary by Ephron and producer Lauren Shuler Donner, "Delivering You've Got Mail" featurette, "You've Got Chemistry" featurette, "HBO First Look: A Convcersation With Nora Ephron." (Warner)

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

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