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11/25/08 V12.46
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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, November 25 -- Monday, December 1
Hancock Will Smith plays Hancock, an edgy, sarcastic, hard-living - and misunderstood -- superhero who has fallen out of favor with the public. Hancock's well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but he always seems to leave jaw-dropping damage in his wake - and people are getting fed-up with him. Hancock isn't the kind of man who cares what other people think -- until the day that he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman): the sardonic superhero begins to realize that he may have a vulnerable side after all. When Hancock grudgingly agrees to an extreme makeover from the idealistic publicist, his life and reputation rise from the ashes and all seems right again -- until he meets a woman with similar powers to his and the key to his secret past. Vitals: Director: Peter Berg. Stars: Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Daeg Faerch, Lauren Hill, Darrell Foster, Valerie Azlynn, Kate Clarke, David Mattey, Lily Mariye, Shea Curry. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 92 min., Action Comedy, Box office gross: $226.357 million, Sony.
Fred Claus Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) has lived almost his entire life in his little brother's very large shadow. Fred tried, but he could never live up to the example set by the younger Nicholas (Paul Giamatti), who was just a perfect ... well ... Saint. True to form, Nicholas grew up to be the model of giving, while Fred became the polar opposite: a repo man who then steals what he repossesses. Now Fred's dirty dealings have landed him in jail. Over Mrs. Claus's objections, Nicholas agrees to bail his big brother out on one condition: that he come to the North Pole and work off his debt making toys. The trouble is that Fred isn't exactly elf material and, with Christmas fast approaching, this one bad seed could jeopardize the jolliest holiday of the year. Vitals: Director: David Dobkin. Stars: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, John Michael Higgins, Miranda Richardson, Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates.. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 116 min., Family Comedy, Box office gross: $72.000 million, Warner.
Space Chimps CGI animated comedy centers on the revolves around Ham III, the "slacker" grandson of the first chimpanzee in space, who is recruited to join two NASA chimps, the fearless Lieutenant Luna and the uptight by-the-book commander Titan, on an important mission to retrieve a wayward craft. Things get a little hairy when they find out that they were sent on a space ship with no plans to return to earth. When they crash-land on on a strange planet, Ham has to muster the courage and channel his inner chimp to get them home, while saving the peaceful inhabitants of the planet from their evil dictator. Vitals: Director: Kirk De Micco. Voices of Jeff Daniels, Stanley Tucci, Patrick Warburton, Cheryl Hines, Andy Samberg, Kristin Chenoweth. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: G, 81 min., Family, Box office gross: $28.378 million, Fox.
Meet Dave Seeking a way to save their doomed world, a crew of tiny, human-looking aliens arrives on the Earth in the perfect disguise -- a spaceship shaped like an ordinary man - named Dave. Dave and his miniature crew must make the ship look and act like an Earthlings, and Dave must learn the intricacies involved in crossing the street, greeting somebody for the first time and even participating in an American staple -- a hot dog eating contest. But when Dave falls for an Earth woman, things go haywire. Vitals: Director: Brian Robbins. Stars: Eddie Murphy, Gabrielle Union, Ed Helms, Elizabeth Banks, Judah Friedlander, Pat Kilbane. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Sci-Fi Comedy, Box office gross: $11.644 million, Fox.
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NEWS
DVD Collectibles:There's a nice medley of releases this week from the impetuous folks at The Criterion Collection: In "Bottle Rocket" (1996), Wes Anderson first illustrated his lovingly detailed, slightly surreal cinematic vision in this witty and warm portrait of three young middle-class misfits. Fresh out of a mental hospital, gentle Anthony (Luke Wilson) finds himself once again embroiled in the machinations of his best friend, elaborate schemer Dignan (Owen Wilson). With the aid of getaway driver Bob (Robert Musgrave), they develop a needlessly complex, mildly successful plan to rob a small bookstore-then go "on the lam." Also featuring Lumi Cavazos as Inez, the South American housekeeper Anthony falls in love with, and James Caan as local thief extraordinaire Mr. Henry, "Bottle Rocket" is a charming, hilarious, affectionate look at the folly of dreamers. Shot against radiant southwestern backdrops, it's the film that put Anderson and the Wilson brothers on the map. On standard DVD and Blu-ray Disc. In a new, restored high-definition digital transfer supervised and approved by director Wes Anderson and director of photography Robert Yeoman; Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on Blu-ray).
The whiplash, double-pronged "Chungking Express" (1994) is one of the defining works of nineties cinema and the film that made Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai an instant icon. Two heartsick Hong Kong cops (Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Leung), both jilted by ex-lovers, cross paths at the Midnight Express take-out restaurant stand, where the ethereal pixie waitress Faye (Faye Wong) works. Anything goes in Wong's gloriously shot and utterly unexpected charmer, which cemented the sex appeal of its gorgeous stars and forever turned canned pineapple and the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'" into tokens of romantic longing. In a new, restored high-definition digital transfer on standard DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack supervised by director Wong Kar Wai (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on Blu-ray) ... and lastly there's "The Spy Who Came in From The Cold" (1965). John Le Carre's acclaimed bestselling novel, about a Cold War spy on one final, dangerous mission, is every bit as precise and ruthless onscreen in this adaptation directed by Martin Ritt. Richard Burton delivers one of his career-defining performances as Alec Leamas, whose hesitant but deeply felt relationship with a beautiful librarian (Claire Bloom) puts what he hopes will be his last assignment, in East Germany, in jeopardy. An intelligent, hard-edged, and even tragic thriller, "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" is etched with realism and suffused with genuine political and personal anxiety. In a two-disc set with a new, restored high-definition digital transfer. As alwYS, each Criterion release is loaded with impressive extras; each set includes a booklet of essays.
At the other end of the cinematic spectrum is the "Pink Panther Ultimate Collection," an 18-disc combination of film and cartoon classics for the Pink Panther completist: "The Pink Panther Collector's Edition," "A Shot in the Dark," "Inspector Clouseau," "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," "Revenge of the Pink Panther," "Trail of the Pink Panther," "Curse of the Pink Panther," "Son of the Pink Panther," "The Pink Panther" (2006), "Pink Panther Cartoon Collection Volumes 1-9; $199.98 from MGM.
"Arctic Exposure With Nigel Marven" (2007) is a five-part Animal Planet series that explores the wildlife and surrounding area of the Canadian Arctic, $39.92 from Genius Products ... "Beverly Hills 90210: The Sixth Season" (1995-96), a seven-disc set with 32 episodes, $61.99 from Paramount ... "24: Exile" (2008), starring Kiefer Sutherland, Cherry Jones, Robert Carlyle, Gil Bellows, Tony Todd and Jon Voight, is a feature-length program that bridges the gap between Seasons 6 and 7, picking up with Jack Bauer in exile in Africa, from Fox.
Buzzin' the 'B's:
"The Line" (2007 ) is a gritty, explosive thriller from Down Under. When a member of an Asian crime syndicate is brutally murdered amidst a volatile underworld, a recently promoted detective is teamed with a rogue undercover cop to solve the crime and prevent gang warfare. Stars David Barry and Andy McPhee; from Cinevole Studio.
On the Indie Front:
"Beautiful Ohio" (2006) is a quiet family drama that
focuses on two young brothers and explores the elaborate family
dynamics during the changing social attitudes at the beginning of the
1970s. Directed by Chad Lowe and starring William Hurt, Rita Wilson,
Michelle Trachtenberg and Julianna Margulies; from Genius Products.
In "Still Life" (2008 -- China), citizens return to a flooded town to salvage what they can and say good-bye to things they lost -- both material and spiritual. An empathetic portrait of those left behind by a modernizing society and, as in director Jia Zhang-ke's earlier films, it is a unique hybrid of documentary and fiction; from New Yorker Video.
For the Family:
"The Nutty Professor" (2008) is an animated sequel that has the grandson of professor Julius Kelp -- who created a potion to transform his personality -- getting his hands on the secret elixir, unleashing his destructive alter ego; $19.97 from The Weinstein Company/Rainmaker Entertainment/Genius Products ... "Superman Doomsday" (2007) is an animated feature based on "The Death of Superman" story line that appeared in DC Comics in the 1990s. Two-disc set, $24.98 from Warner.s to Santa in the hope of making her dreams come true; $19.99 from Peace Arch Entertainment.
Special Interest:
"It's Bad For Ya, " (2008) is George Carlin's Emmy nominated 14th and final HBO special, recorded March 2008; $19.98 from MPI Home Video ... "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All" (2008) is a one-hour original musical holiday special premiering Sunday, Nov. 23 at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert is supposed to meet Elvis Costello in New York, but gets snowed in. He decides to trudge through the storm with some help from musical performers Feist, Toby Keith, Elvis Costello and others. Songs performed include "Another Christmas Song" - Stephen Colbert, "Have I Got a Present for You" -- Toby Keith, "Little Dealer Boy" -- Stephen Colbert and Willie Nelson, "Hannukah" -- Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, "Nutmeg" -- Stephen Colbert and John Legend, "Please Be Patient" -- Feist , more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Charity Feeding America. $19.99 from Paramount.
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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:
Beautiful Ohio (2006) Dir.: Chad Lowe; William Hurt, Rita Wilson, Michelle Trachtenberg, Julianna Margulies. Quiet family drama focuses on two young brothers and explores the elaborate family dynamics during the changing social attitudes at the beginning of the 1970s. (Genius Products).
Beverly Hills 90210: The Sixth Season (1995-96) Seven-disc set with 32 episodes, $61.99. (Paramount).
Bottle Rocket (1996) Dir.: Wes Anderson; Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Ned Dowd, Shea Fowler, Haley Miller, Robert Musgrave, Andrew Wilson, Brian Tenenbaum, Jenni Tooley, Temple Nash, Dipak Pallana, Darryl Cox, Stephen Dignan, Lumi Cavazos, Julie Mayfield. New, restored high-definition digital transfer supervised and approved by director Wes Anderson and director of photography Robert Yeoman; Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on Blu-ray). Extras: Commentary by director/co-writer Anderson and co-writer/star Owen Wilson; "The Making of Bottle Rocket" original documentary by filmmaker Barry Braverman featuring Anderson, James L. Brooks, James Caan, Temple Nash Jr., Kumar Pallana, Polly Platt, Mark Mothersbaugh, Robert Musgrave, Richard Sakai, David and Sandy Wasco, Andrew and Luke and Owen Wilson, and Robert Yeoman; the original 13-minute black-and-white "Bottle Rocket" short film from 1992; deleted scenes; anamorphic screen test, storyboards, location photos, and behind-the-scenes photographs by Laura Wilson; "Murita Cycles," a 1978 short film by Braverman; "The Shafrazi Lectures, No. 1: Bottle Rocket"; booklet featuring an essay by executive producer James L. Brooks, an appreciation by Martin Scorsese, and original artwork by Ian Dingman. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Chungking Express (1994) Dir.: Wong Kar Wai; Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Brigitte Lin. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack supervised by director Wong Kar Wai (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on Blu-ray). Extras: Commentary by noted Asian cinema critic Tony Rayns, booklet featuring a new essay by critic Amy Taubin and excerpts from a 1996 Sight and Sound interview with Wong by Rayns, more. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All (2008) One-hour original musical holiday special premiering Sunday, Nov. 23 at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert is supposed to meet Elvis Costello in New York, but gets snowed in. He decides to trudge through the storm with some help from musical performers Feist, Toby Keith, Elvis Costello and others. Songs performed include "Another Christmas Song" - Stephen Colbert, "Have I Got a Present for You" -- Toby Keith, "Little Dealer Boy" -- Stephen Colbert and Willie Nelson, "Hannukah" -- Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, "Nutmeg" -- Stephen Colbert and John Legend, "Please Be Patient" -- Feist , more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Charity Feeding America. $19.99. (Paramount).
Fred Claus (2007) Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, John Michael Higgins, Miranda Richardson, Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates. Extras: Commentary, additional scenes, more. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Hancock (2008) Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Daeg Faerch, Lauren Hill, Darrell Foster, Valerie Azlynn, Kate Clarke, David Mattey, Lily Mariye, Shea Curry. Available in single-disc theatrical, single-disc unrated, and two-disc Special Edition DVD (with theatrical and unrated versions) editions and in a two-disc Blu-ray Disc edition (with theatrical and unrated versions). Theatrical and unrated single-disc extras: Five featurettes: "Superhumans: The Making of Hancock," "Seeing the Future," "Building a Better Hero," "Bumps and Bruises" and "Mere Mortals: Behind the Scenes With Dirty Pete"; Special Edition extras: Added featurettes "Home Life" and "Suiting Up," as well as a digital copy of the film. (Sony).
It's Bad For Ya (2008) George Carlin's Emmy nominated 14th and final HBO special, recorded March 2008; $19.98. Extras: "Too Hip For the Room" featurette. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (MPI Home Video).
The Line (2007 ) David Barry, Andy McPhee. Gritty, explosive thriller from Down Under. When a member of an Asian crime syndicate is brutally murdered amidst a volatile underworld, a recently promoted detective is teamed with a rogue undercover cop to solve the crime and prevent gang warfare. (Cinevole Studio).
MAMMA MIA! (2008) Soundtrack CD/DVD from the smash film that has become the highest grossing international musical film of all time. All the ABBA songs sung by the all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skasgard, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper. The DVD provides a behind-the-scenes look at the recording sessions in London with the cast, as well as commentary by ABBA's musical masterminds Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Includes a photo booklet and bonus music video. $24.98. (Decca).
Meet Dave (2008) Eddie Murphy, Gabrielle Union, Ed Helms, Elizabeth Banks, Judah Friedlander, Pat Kilbane. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. DVD extras: Gag reel, crew confessions. Blu-ray extras: Crew profiles, alternate ending, "The Making of Meet Dave," "Fox Movie Channel Presents ... Life After Film School With Director Brian Robbins," "Fox Movie Channel Presents ... Making a Scene," "Fox Movie Channel Presents ... World Premiere," deleted scenes. (Fox).Misty (1961) David Ladd, Arthur O'Connell, Pam Smith, Anne Seymour. (Koch Vision).
The Nutty Professor (2008) Animated sequel has the grandson of professor Julius Kelp, who created a potion to transform his personality, getting his hands on the secret elixir, unleashing his destructive alter ego. Features the voices of Jerry Lewis And Drake Bell; $19.97. (The Weinstein Company/Rainmaker Entertainment/Genius Products).
Pink Panther Ultimate Collection. An 18-disc combination of film and cartoon classics: "The Pink Panther Collector's Edition," "A Shot in the Dark," "Inspector Clouseau," "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," "Revenge of the Pink Panther," "Trail of the Pink Panther," "Curse of the Pink Panther," "Son of the Pink Panther," "The Pink Panther" (2006), "Pink Panther Cartoon Collection Volumes 1-9; $199.98. (MGM).
The Ron Howard Spotlight Collection. Four-disc set with "Backdraft," "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind" and "Cinderella man"; $39.98. Extras: Commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, more. (Universal).
Sounder (1972) Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield, Kevin Hooks. (Koch Vision).
Still Life (2008 -- China) Shen Hong, Sanming Han. Citizens return to a flooded town to salvage what they can and say good-bye to things they lost - both material and spiritual. An empathetic portrait of those left behind by a modernizing society and, as in director Jia Zhang-ke's earlier films, it is a unique hybrid of documentary and fiction. Extras: Interview with Jia Zhang-ke, Jia Zhang-ke's 68-minute feature "Dong." (New Yorker Video).
Space Chimps (2008) Voices of Jeff Daniels, Stanley Tucci, Patrick Warburton, Cheryl Hines, Andy Samberg, Kristin Chenoweth. Extras: "Fox Movie Channel Presents Casting Session" featurette, still gallery. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
The Spy Who Came in From The Cold (1965) Dir.: Martin Ritt; Richard Burton, Claire Bloom, Oskar Werne, Sam Wanamaker. Two-disc set with new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: New interviews with author John Le Carre and cinematographer Oswald Morris; "The Secret Center: John Le Carre" (2000), a BBC documentary on the author's extraordinary life and work; "Acting in the '60s: Richard Burton," a 1967 interview with the BBC's Kenneth Tynan examining the actor's performances and accomplishments; gallery of set designs; booklet featuring a new essay by critic Michael Sragow and a reprinted interview with Ritt; more. (The Criterion Collection).
Superman Doomsday (2007) Animated feature based on "The Death of Superman" story line that appeared in DC Comics in the 1990s. Two-disc set. $24.98. Extras: "When Heroes Die: The Making of Superman Doomsday," commentary, "The Clash of the Juggernauts," four bonus episodes of "Superman the Animated Series," "Requiem and Rebirth: Superman Lives!" behind-the-voices featurette, "Justice League New Frontier" featurette. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
24: Redemption (2008) Kiefer Sutherland, Cherry Jones, Robert Carlyle, Gil Bellows, Tony Todd, Jon Voight. Feature-length program bridges the gap between Seasons 6 and 7, picks up with Jack Bauer in exile in Africa. Extras: Extended Edition "Creator's Cut" with more than 10 minutes of extra footage (not shown in the television broadcast version), behind-the-scenes making-of documentary, "Children of War" featurette, cast and crew commentary, "24 Season 6 in Four Minutes" featurette, Season 7 sneak peek: first 16 minutes of the premiere episode. (Fox).
For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>
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