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5/20/08 V12.21
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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, May 20-- Monday, May 26
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
In this follow up to the boxoffice hit "National Treasure," treasure hunter Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) once again sets out on an exhilarating, action-packed global quest to unearth hidden history and treasures. When a missing page from the diary of John Wilkes Booth surfaces, Ben's great-great grandfather is suddenly implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's death. Determined to prove his ancestor's innocence, Ben follows an international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations -- but to the trail of the world's most treasured secrets. Vitals: Director: Jon Turteltaub. Stars: Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood, Helen Mirren. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 124 min., Drama, Box office gross: $218.701 million, Disney.
Strange Wilderness
Animal enthusiast Peter Gaulke (Steve Zahn) and his sidekick Fred Wolf (Allen Covert) host an ailing wildlife TV show "Strange Wilderness, which is in a steep ratings decline. Desperate to save the show, Peter hatches a scheme to find the one animal that could truly turn the show around and change the nature-show landscape forever -- Bigfoot. Vitals: Director: Fred Wolf. Stars: Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill, Ashley Scott, Peter Dante, Harry Hamlin, Robert Patrick, Joe Don Baker, Justin Long, Jeff Garlin, Ernest Borgnine. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 87 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $6.563 million, Paramount.
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NEWS
Due this week from opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum:
"Eclipse Series #9: The Delirious Fictions of William Klein" A three-disc set with Klein's explosive, challenging cinema. "Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?" (1966): After a nearly decade as Vogue's most subversive fashion photographer, William Klein made this wild, pseudo-verite peek into the world of Parisian haute couture -- and was summarily released from his contract at the magazine. "Mr. Freedom" (1969): Klein moved into more blatantly political territory with this hilarious, angry Vietnam-era spoof of American foreign policy. Mr. Freedom (John Abbey), a bellowing good ol' boy superhero, decked out in copious football padding, jets off to France to curtail a Commie invasion from Switzerland. "The Model Couple" (1977): In 1977 France, the Ministry of the Future chooses two average, white, middle-class citizens for a national experiment. They will be monitored and displayed for six months in a model apartment outfitted with state-of-the-art products and nonstop surveillance -- the template for "a new city for the new man." $44.95 from The Criterion Collection.
"Night of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary Edition" (1968), directed by George A. Romero and starring Duane Jones and Judith O'Dea. More gore with such extras as commentary by writer-director George A. Romero, producer-actor Karl Hardman, actress Marilyn Eastman and writer John A. Russo; commentary by producer Russel W. Streiner, production manager Vince Survinski, Judith O'Dea, actor Bill Hinzman, actress Kyra Schon and actor Keith Wayne; "One for the Fire: The Legacy of Night of the Living Dead": "Ben Speaks: The Last Interview With Duane Jones"; "Speak of the Dead: A Conversation With Duane Jones"; original theatrical trailer; still gallery; original script DVD-ROM. From the Weinstein Co./Genius Products.
From TV to Video:"Amongst Women" is a two-disc set of the 1998 Irish miniseries set in 1950s rural Ireland about a brutal, domineering ex-IRA soldier who tries to keep his family together after the death of his wife -- but only succeeds in pushing his daughters and sons away; $34.98 from BFS Entertainment ... "The Bill Engvall Show: The Complete First Season" is a single disc with eight episodes, $19.98 from Warner .. "Dangerous Assignment: The Complete Television Collection" (1952-53) is af four-disc set with all 39 episodes of the action-packed (and violent for its time) television series that follows the adventures of U.S. Government agent Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy, who originated the role on radio) as he traveled the globe investigating cases of espionage, sabotage and other threats to national security. As was the norm for that time, all the action was on sound stages and the villains were stereotyped, making the show a quaint return to a bygone (and less complex) era; $39.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Exes & Ohs: The Complete First Season" features all six episodes from TV's first-ever scripted dramedy about lesbians, $19.99 from Paramount ... "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C: The Fourth Season" (1967-68) is a fve-disc set with 30 episodes, $42,99 from Paramount ... "JAG: The Sixth Season" (2000-01) is a six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99 from Paramount ... "The Jeff Corwin Experience: Season Two" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95 from Animal Planet/Genius Products ... In "The New Maverick" (1978), James Garner and Jack Kelly reprise their roles as brothers Bret and Bart Maverick from the popular TV show "Maverick.," from Warner ... "Penn and Teller Bullshit: Season Five" (2007) is a two-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.99 from Paramount ... "Robot Chicken: Star Wars" (2007) is an Adult Swim "Robot Chicken" special with the voices of George Lucas, Joey Fatone, Malcolm McDowell, Breckin Meyer, Conan O'Brien, $14.97 from Warner ... "24 Season One Special Edition" is a seven-disc set with all 24 episodes, $59.98 from Fox.
Buzzin' the 'B's:
While training his young female replacement, a hyper-vigilant employee of the Dept. of Public Safety trails a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender in "The Flock" (2007), starring Richard Gere, Claire Danes, KaDee Strickland, Russell Sams and Avril Lavigne, from the Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... In "Killing Zelda Sparks" (2007), starring Colm Feore, Vincent Kartheiser, Sarah Carter and Geoffrey Arend, two old high school buddies decide to pull a vicious prank on meddling Zelda Sparks when she comes home to the small town of New Essex, but are appalled to learn that the prank may have taken a deadly turn, from Warner... After being betrayed by a close friend, a rising gangster finds himself in a deadly fight to stay alive in "A Dirty Carnival" (2006),a blood-drenched, martial-arts packed crime thriller from South Korea, from Genius Products ... "Lost Colony" (2007) is a thriller based on one of the most shocking unsolved mysteries in American history: In 1587, over 100 men and women set sail to establish the first English colony in the new Americas. They landed on Roanoke Island off the coast of Virginia, built a settlement, planted crops, began their new lives in a new world, and then, one day, they disappeared ... without a trace; from Allumination FilmWorks.
On the Indie Front:
From producer Morgan Spurlock comes "What Would Jesus Buy?" (2007), a documentary that explores the depths of American consumerism during Christmas, as well as throughout the entire year. Join Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt. In environmentally friendly packaging that uses materials such as recycled paper and fiberboard; from Arts Alliance America.
Foreign:
"Vanaja" (2006 -- India) explores the chasm that divides classes in Southern India as a young girl struggles to come of age. Vanaja, a poor fisherman's 14-year-old daughter, goes to work in the house of the local Landlady in hope of learning the Kuchipudi dance, but matters turn ugly when the Landlady's son returns, pitching her into a battle of caste, class, animus and rape; from Emerging Pictures.
For the Family:
I"Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Hour: Volume One" is a two-disc set with seven episodes, $26.99 from Warner ... "The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season" is a four-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99 from Disney ... "Oban Star-Racers 2: The Oban Cycle" is a two-disc set with all 13 Uncut Episodes of the 2-D and 3-D animated futuristic sci fi series, $19.99 from Shout! Factory.
Special Interest:
"Ape Genius: What Separates Apes from Humans" is a NOVA documentary that explores the secret mental lives of apes and the crucial gap between ape intellects and our own; $19.95 from WGBH Boston Video ... "The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth" is a History Channel documentary that looks at the 12 suspense-fueled days in April 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shocked America by eluding more than 10,000 Federal troops in one of the greatest manhunts in U.S. history; $19.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Healing Cancer: From the Inside Out" (2008) takes a look at the cancer industry with a critical eye to its failure to do what it claims to do -- find a cure, $19.95 from Cinema Libre Studio Earth Now ... Four interesting releases from First Run Features arrive this week: "The Reich Underground" (2004 -- Germany), about the long forgotten, sprawling underground labyrinths built by the Nazis to house armament factories are reopened for the first time in decades by a team of experts; "Beyond Hatred" (2007 -- France), a deeply moving, award-winning documentary in which a French family reflects on the vicious murder of their 29-year-old gay son by neofascist skinheads; "Meeting Resistance" (2007), an eye-opening film that raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle against coalition forces; and "Our House" (2002), a groundbreaking documentary that explores what it's like to grow up with gay or lesbian parents; $24.95 each.
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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:
Ape Genius: What Separates Apes from Humans. NOVA documentary explores the secret mental lives of apes and the crucial gap between ape intellects and our own; $19.95. (WGBH Boston Video).
Beyond Hatred (2007 -- France) In this deeply moving, award-winning documentary, a French family reflects on the vicious murder of their 29-year-old gay son by neofascist skinheads and courageously tries to move beyond feelings of hatred and revenge; $24.95. (First Run Features).
The Bill Engvall Show: The Complete First Season. Single disc with eight episodes, $19.98. Extras: "Ask Bill" digital shorts, interviews, behind-the-scenes extras. (Warner).
Company (2008) Winner of the 2007 Tony Award. An era-defining classic is stunningly reinvented in this powerful Broadway production. Set in modern upper-crust Manhattan, "Company" is a funny, sophisticated exploration of love and commitment as seen through the eyes of a charming perpetual bachelor questioning his single state and his enthusiastically married, slightly envious friends. With a wise and witty Stephen Sondheim score. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Dangerous Assignment: The Complete Television Collection (1952-53) Four-disc set with all 39 episodes of the action-packed television series, $39.98. Follows the adventures of U.S. Government agent Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy, who originated the role on radio) as he traveled the globe investigating cases of espionage, sabotage and other threats to national security. The dashing international operative had two prime directives: Get in and out of danger! (Infinity Entertainment).
Diary of the Dead (2008) Dir.: George A. Romero; Joshua Close, Scott Wentworth, Michelle Morgan, Joe Dinicol. While shooting their own low-budget horror movie, a group of young film students run into real-life zombies, ravenously walking corpses attacking and killing the living. Presented in a first-person style that heightens the reality of each encounter, the entire film is seen through footage from the students' camcorders, cell phones, security cameras and news footage. Extras: Commentary by writer-director George Romero, director of photography Adam Swica, editor Michael Doherty; featurettes: "Character Confessionals," "The First Week," "The Roots," "Familiar Voices," "For the Record: The Making of Diary of the Dead"; Myspace Short Film Contest winners. (Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).
A Dirty Carnival (2006) In-seong Jo. After being betrayed by a close friend, a rising gangster finds himself in a deadly fight to stay alive in this blood-drenched, martial-arts packed crime thriller from South Korea. (Genius Products).
Eclipse Series #9: The Delirious Fictions of William Klein. Three-disc set with Klein's explosive, challenging cinema. "Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?" (1966): After a nearly decade as Vogue's most subversive fashion photographer, William Klein made this wild, pseudo-verite peek into the world of Parisian haute couture -- and was summarily released from his contract at the magazine. "Mr. Freedom" (1969): Klein moved into more blatantly political territory with this hilarious, angry Vietnam-era spoof of American foreign policy. Mr. Freedom (John Abbey), a bellowing good ol' boy superhero, decked out in copious football padding, jets off to France to curtail a Commie invasion from Switzerland. "The Model Couple" (1977): In 1977 France, the Ministry of the Future chooses two average, white, middle-class citizens for a national experiment. They will be monitored and displayed for six months in a model apartment outfitted with state-of-the-art products and nonstop surveillance -- the template for "a new city for the new man." $44.95. (The Criterion Collection).
Exes & Ohs: The Complete First Season. All six episodes from TV's first-ever scripted dramedy about lesbians, $19.99. Extras: Cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, "extrasodes," more. (Paramount).
The Flock (2007) Richard Gere, Claire Danes, KaDee Strickland, Russell Sams, Avril Lavigne. While training his young female replacement, a hyper-vigilant employee of the Dept. of Public Safety trails a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).
Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C: The Fourth Season (1967-68) Five-disc set with 30 episodes, $42,99. (Paramount).
Healing Cancer: From the Inside Out (2008) Mike Anderson, author of the book "The Rave Diet & Lifestyle," takes a look at the cancer industry with a critical eye to its failure to do what it claims to do -- find a cure. Instead, Anderson maintains that the multi-billion dollar "business of cancer" has dismissed any and all alternative treatments that will risk the financial abundance this disease has produced. $19.95. (Cinema Libre Studio Earth Now).
The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth. History Channel documentary that looks at the 12 suspense-fueled days in April 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shocked America by eluding more than 10,000 Federal troops in one of the greatest manhunts in U.S. history; $19.95. (A&E Home Video).
If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969) Suzanne Pleshette, Ian McShane, Mildred Natwick, Murray Hamilton, Sandy Baron, Michael Constantine, Norman Fell, Peggy Cass, Marty Ingels. (MGM).
JAG: The Sixth Season (2000-01) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99. (Paramount).
The Jeff Corwin Experience: Season Two. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).
Killing Zelda Sparks (2007) Colm Feore, Vincent Kartheiser, Sarah Carter, Geoffrey Arend. Two old high school buddies decide to pull a vicious prank on meddling Zelda Sparks when she comes home to the small town of New Essex, but are appalled to learn that the prank may have taken a deadly turn.
Lost Colony (2007 -- TV) Adrian Paul, Frida Show, Rhett Giles, Alex McArthur. Thriller based on one of the most shocking unsolved mysteries in American history: In 1587, over 100 brave men and women set sail from Great Britain to establish the first English colony in the new Americas. They landed on Roanoke Island off the coast of Virginia. They built a settlement, planted crops, and began their new lives in a new world. And then, one day, they disappeared ... without a trace. (Allumination FilmWorks).
Maggie Smith at the BBC. Three-disc set with four productions starring Maggie Smith: "The Merchant of Venice" (1972), "The Millionairess" (1972), "A Bed Among the Lentils" (1988) and "Suddenly Last Summer" (1993). Extras: Two interviews from early in Smith's career. (BBC Video/Warner).
Meeting Resistance (2007) This daring, eye-opening film raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle against coalition forces; $29.95. (First Run features).
The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season. Four-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. Extras: "A Company of Players" puppeteers behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Muppets on Puppets" documentary, "A Frog Is Born." (Disney).
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (2007) Dir.: Jon Turteltaub; Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood, Helen Mirren. Availabe as a single-disc edition and a two-disc Gold Collector's edition. Extras: Commentary by director Jon Turteltaub, deleted scenes, "The Treasure Reel" of outtakes and bloopers, "Secrets of a Sequel" featurette, "The Book of Secrets on Location," "Inside the Library of Congress," "Knights of the Golden Circle," more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
The New Maverick (1978 -- TV) James Garner and Jack Kelly reprise their roles as brothers Bret and Bart Maverick from the popular TV show "Maverick." The two old West sharpers are joined by their British cousin Beau's college-dropout son, Ben (Charles Frank). (Warner).
Night of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary Edition (1968) Dir.: George A. Romero; Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea. Extras: Commentary by writer-director George A. Romero, producer-actor Karl Hardman, actress Marilyn Eastman and writer John A. Russo; commentary by producer Russel W. Streiner, production manager Vince Survinski, Judith O'Dea, actor Bill Hinzman, actress Kyra Schon and actor Keith Wayne; "One for the Fire: The Legacy of Night of the Living Dead": "Ben Speaks: The Last Interview With Duane Jones"; "Speak of the Dead: A Conversation With Duane Jones"; original theatrical trailer; still gallery; original script DVD-ROM. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).
The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968) Dir,: William Friedkin; Jason Robards, Britt Ekland, Forrest Tucker, Joseph Wiseman, Denholm Elliott, Elliott Gould. (MGM).
Oban Star-Racers 2: The Oban Cycle. Two-disc set with all 13 Uncut Episodes of the 2-D and 3-D animated futuristic sci fi series, $19.99. (Shout! Factory).
Our House (2002) A groundbreaking documentary that explores what it's like to grow up with gay or lesbian parents. Traveling around the country, director Meema Spadola profiles the children of five diverse gay and lesbian families; $24.95. (First Run Features).
Penn and Teller Bullshit: Season Five (2007) Two-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.99. (Paramount).
The Reich Underground (2004 -- Germany) Long forgotten after the victorious American Army sealed them off from intruders, the sprawling underground labyrinths built by the Nazis to house armament factories are reopened for the first time in decades by a team of experts; $24.95. (First Run Features).
Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Hour: Volume One. Two-disc set with seven episodes, $26.99. Extras: "The Story of Richie Rich" featurette. (Warner).
Robot Chicken: Star Wars (2007 -- TV) Adult Swim "Robot Chicken" special with voices of George Lucas, Joey Fatone, Malcolm McDowell, Breckin Meyer, Conan O'Brien. $14.97. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, photo gallery, more. (Warner).
Strange Wilderness (2008) Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill, Ashley Scott, Peter Dante, Harry Hamlin, Robert Patrick, Joe Don Baker, Justin Long, Jeff Garlin, Ernest Borgnine. Extras: "Cooker's Song" performed by Superbad's Jonah Hill, in-depth look at the turkey sequence, "Reel Comedy: Strange Wilderness" behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, more. (Paramount).
Tom Selleck Western Collection.Three-disc set with three Tom Selleck outings: "Crossfire Trail," "Last Stand at Saber River" and "Monte Walsh," $17.99. (Warner).
24 Season One Special Edition. Seven-disc set with all 24 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Season One introduction by Kiefer Sutherland, new documentary "The Genesis of 24," five extended episodes, 25 extended and deleted scenes, alternate season finale ending, commentary on the series premiere episode by director Stephen Hopkins and director of photography Peter Levy, commentary on the series finale episode by director Stephen Hopkins and actress Leslie Hope, "The Rookie" online short films, alternate season finale ending. (Fox).
Vanaja (2006 -- India) Mamatha Bhukya , Urmila Dammannagari. Explores the chasm that divides classes in Southern India as a young girl struggles to come of age. Vanaja, a poor fisherman's 14-year-old daughter, goes to work in the house of the local Landlady in hope of learning the Kuchipudi dance, but matters turn ugly when the Landlady's son returns, pitching her into a battle of caste, class, animus and rape. Extras: Introductory featurette by director Rajnesh Domalpalli and actress Mamatha Bhukya, featurette of unabridged dances from the film, four shorts by director Domalpalli. (Emerging Pictures).
What Did You Do In The War, Daddy? (1966) Dir.: Blake Edwards; James Coburn, Dick Shawn, Sergio Fantoni, Giovanna Ralli, Aldo Ray, Harry Morgan, Carroll O'Connor. (MGM).
What Would Jesus Buy? (2007) From producer Morgan Spurlock, this documentary explores the depths of American consumerism during Christmas, as well as throughout the entire year. Join Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt. In environmentally friendly packaging that uses materials such as recycled paper and fiberboard. (Arts Alliance America).
ZakLand: The Shiny Surprise (2005) Live action/animated world filled with music and fun featuring Zak Morgan and his friends Marty the Bullfrog, Uncle Hank andthe Can-Can Twins. In this feature for kids 3 to 8, everyone works together to help save the day after Hank's little brother Irwin eats King Shiny's special birthday surprise.; $14.98. (Porchlight Entertainment).
For more
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