Having problems with message search?
******************************
ONVIDEO E-MAIL NEWS
******************************
12/02/08 V12.47
This is an automated mail list; please do not reply to this
message. Messages should be sent to mail@...
ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, December 2 -- Monday, December 8
Wanted
Based upon Mark Millar's explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov -- creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the "Night Watch" series - "Wanted" tells the tale of one apathetic nobody's transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet has ever known. His boss chews him out hourly, his girlfriend ignores him routinely and his life plodsd on interminably. Everyone is certain this disengaged slacker will amount to nothing. Until he meets Fox (Angelina Jolie). After Gibson's estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains him to avenge the death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself. With wickedly brilliant tutors -- including the Fraternity's enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman) -- Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, he will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: that he alone controls his destiny. Vitals: Director: Timur Bekmambetov. Stars: Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 110 min., Thirller, Box office gross: $134.294 million, Universal.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
When a terrorist bomb destroys a building in Dallas, FBI Agents Fox Mulder (Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Anderson) are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy surpassing anything they've ever encountered. With the dubious assistance of a paranoid doctor (Martin Landau), Mulder and Scully risk their careers and their lives to hunt down a deadly virus which may be extraterrestrial in origin - and could destroy all life on earth. Their pursuit of truth pits them against the mysterious Syndicate, powerful men who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets safe, leading the agents from the cave in Texas, to the halls of the FBI, and finally to a secret installation in Antarctica which holds the greatest secret of all. Vitals: Director: Chris Carter. Stars: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 104 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $20.933 million, Fox.
Step Brothers
Brennan (Will Ferrell) and Dale (John C. Reilly) are two middle-aged loafers who are forced to live together when their parents get married. When the narcissistic reluctant step-siblings' immature antics over TV privileges and personal property take their toll on the marriage, the devious duo hatch an insane, elaborate scheme to reunite the couple. Vitals: Director: Adam McKay. Stars: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 98 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $100.125 million, Fox.
Longshots, The
Heartwarming story of the first and only girl quarterback in Pop Warner football history. Curtis Plummer (Ice Cube) -- a down-on-his-luck former high school football star -- turns his niece, Jasmine (Keke Palmer), into the quarterback of the local team, the Minden Browns, and gets his stride back when he becomes the team coach. With Curtis as their new leader and their pigtail-wearing star player, this team of misfits wins its way to the Pop Warner Super Bowl and the small city of Minden, Illinois, is ignited with team spirit and town pride. Vitals: Director: Fred Durst. Stars: Ice Cube, Tasha Smith, Keke Palmer, Jill Marie Jones, Earthquake. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 95 min., Family, Box office gross: $11.434 million, The Weinstein Company/Genius Products.
Chronicles of Narnia, The: Prince Caspian
Chronicles of Narnia, The: Prince Caspian The enchanted characters of C.S. Lewis's timeless fantasy come to dazzling life again in this second installment of the seven book series, in which the Pevensie siblings -- Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy -- are magically and mysteriously transported back from World War II England to Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them. One year after the incredible events of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the Kings and Queens of Narnia find themselves back in that faraway wondrous realm, only to discover that more than 1,300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz, who rules the land without mercy. Vitals: Director: Andrew Adamson. Stars: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis, Vincent Grass, Ken Stott, Pierfrancesco Favino, Sergio Castellitto, Liam Neeson, Eddie Izzard. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 144 min., Fantasy Adventure, Box office gross: $141.614 million, Disney.
Fly Me to the Moon
In this 3-D animated adventure, three young flies set off on a courageous mission to become the first insects on the moon by hitching a ride on the historic Apollo 11 space flight. Based on the actual transcripts and the original blueprints from NASA, the film's visuals and meticulous attention to detail introduce a whole new generation to the awe-inspiring achievements of the space program's most momentous mission. The year is 1969 and like everyone else in the world, Nat (Trevor Gagnon) and his pals IQ (Philip Daniel Bolden) and Scooter (David Gore) are abuzz over the upcoming launch of the first manned mission to the moon. Inspired by his Grandpa's (Christopher Lloyd) oft-told tale of hiding aboard Amelia Earhart's plane during her famed solo cross-Atlantic flight, Nat hatches a secret plan for the three young flies to stow away on the Apollo 11 rocket. Thinking the trip will be over in a matter of minutes, the fly boys-and their earthbound families-are shocked to learn they will be in space for closer to a week. When a N.A.S.A. Ground Control official catches sight of the three winged stowaways, he instructs the astronauts to store them in a test tube for later study. But after an electrical short causes the ship's engine to malfunction, the three intrepid insects manage to escape from their glass mini-brig just in time to discover the wiring problem and fix it. Vitals: Director: Ben Stassen. Voices of Trevor Gagnon, Philip Daniel Bolden, David Gore, Christopher Lloyd, Kelly Ripa, Nicollette Sheridan, Ed Begley, Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Tim Curry, Robert Patrick, Buzz Aldrin. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: G, 84 min., Family, Box office gross: $12.085 million, Summit Entertainment.
------------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
DVD Collectibles:Robert Wise's 1951 anti-war and pro-United Nations "The Day the Earth Stood Still" -- a plea for peace and unity in a post-war era riddled by fear and irrational anti-communism -- is the epitome of intelligent science fiction on film. From the class acting of Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal to the understated but solid special effects, "Day" is a true classic. Fox has brought out a new Special Edition of the film (just in time for the remake starring Keanu Reeves) with such goodies as commentary by Wise and Nicolas Meyer; an isolated score track; "The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin"; "The Making of The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Decoding 'Klaatu, Barada, Nikto': Science Fiction as Metaphor" featurette; "A Brief History of Flying Saucers" featurette; and more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
"White Dog" (1982), Samuel Fuller's throat-grabbing expose on American racism, was misunderstood and withheld from release when it was made in the early eighties; today, the notorious film is lauded for its daring metaphor and gripping pulp filmmaking. Kristy McNichol stars as a young actress who adopts a lost German shepard, only to discover through a series of horrifying incidents that the dog has been trained to attack black people. Paul Winfield plays the animal trainer who tries to cure him. A snarling, uncompromising vision, "White Dog" is a tragic portrait of the evil done by that most corruptible of animals: the human being. In a new, restored high-definition digital transfer of the uncut version, approved by producer Jon Davison, loaded with extras. From The Criterion Collection.
In "The Best of Dr. Katz" (2008), America's favorite animated shrink analyzes today's funniest comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Denis Leary, Sarah Silverman, Conan O'Brien, Janeane Garofalo, Ray Romano, more; $19.99 from Paramount ... "Cannon: Season One, Volume Two" (1971-72) is a four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Growing Up 5 DVD Gift Set" is a five-disc set from the Animal Planet series with five episodes: "Growing Up Arctic." "Growing Up Wildcats," "Growing Up Safari," "Growing Up Wilderness" and "Growing Up Primates"; $39.92 from Genius Products ... "Jake and the Fatman: Season One, Volume Two" (1988) is a three-disc set with 11 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Law & Order: The Sixth Year" (1995-96) is a five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98 from Universal ... "Perry Mason: Season Three, Volume 2" (1959-60) is a four-disc set with 14 episodes, $54.99 from Paramount ... "Saturday Night Live: The Complete Fourth Season" (1978-79) is a seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98 from Universal.
Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Lower Learning" (2008) stars Jason Biggs, Eva Longoria Parker and Rob Corddry in a comedy about students and teachers trying to take back their school -- where the teachers are drunk, lazy or psychotic, every child has been left behind, and the burned-out vice principal is barely holding on -- from an insanely corrupt principal. From Anchor Bay Entertainment ... "Rise of the Footsoldier" (2007) is inspired by the shocking true story of one man's rise to power as the most feared and respected criminal in England -- Carlton Leach, who became a member of a notorious gang of criminals who rampaged their way through London and Essex in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From Lionsgate ... "Wisegal" (2008) stars Alyssa Milano, Jason Gedrick and James Caan in the story of Patty Montanari, a Brooklyn widow and mother who sells contraband cigarettes to make ends meet. She soon begins a torrid love affair with Frank Russo, a captain in a crime family she's fallen in with, but eventually comes to the realization that this "Family" is ruthless, and begins to fear for her life. From Anchor Bay Entertainment.
For the Family:
Two gems from the sixties arrive this week: "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear" (1964) and "The Man Called Flintstone" (1966), both remastered and selling for $19.98, from Warner ... "Curious George: Leads the band and Other Musical Mayem" features eight episodes of the PBS Kids TV series, $16.98 from Universal.
Special Interest:
"A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Special Edition" (2001) is a cult-classic documentary that follows rabid "Star Wars" fans eagerly awaiting the release of George Lucas' first "prequel" to the original trilogy, "Episode I: The Phantom Menace." This updated version is loaded with out-of-this-world extras: from over-the-top fan conventions and nationwide premieres (where many waited in line for 40+ days), into the homes of devoted fans showing off their treasures, offering new insights into the powerful franchise that has captivated generations of moviegoers. From Cinevolve Studio.
-----------------------------------------------------------
THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:
Cannon: Season One, Volume Two (1971-72) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
Casablanca Ultimate Collector's Edition (1942)
Dir.: Michael Curtiz; stars Humphrey Bogart as the inimitable Rick
Blaine, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt,
Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Dooley Wilson. Available as a two-disc
Blu-ray set or a three-disc DVD set. Housed in a giftbox with a laser
cut O-sleeve, 48-page photobook, 10 one-sheet reproduction cards,
archival correspondence, exclusive passport holder and luggage tag. Extras:
Commentaries by Roger Ebert and historian Rudy Behlmer, introduction by
Lauren Bacall, additional scenes and outtakes, "Bacall on Boagrt" and
"You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca" featurettes,
production research gallery, "Carrotblanca" cartoon, premiere episode
from the 1955 TV series, scoring session outtakes, bonus disc with
"Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul Documentary. (Warner).
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis, Vincent Grass, Ken Stott, Pierfrancesco Favino, Sergio Castellitto, Liam Neeson, Eddie Izzard. Extras: Commentaries. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney)
Curious George: Leads the band and Other Musical Mayhem. Eight episodes of the PBS Kids TV series, $16.98. Extras: Games, activities. (Universal).
The Day the Earth Stood Still Special Edition (1951) Dir.: Robert Wise; Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe , Sam Jaffe, Billy Gray. Extras: Commentary by Robert Wise and Nicolas Meyer; commentary by film and music historians John Morgan, Steven Smith, William Stromberg and Nick Redman; isolated score track; "The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin"; "The Day The Earth Stood Still Main Title Live Performance" by Peter Pringle; "The Making of The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Decoding 'Klaatu, Barada, Nikto': Science Fiction as Metaphor" featurette; "A Brief History of Flying Saucers" featurette; "The Astounding Harry Bates" featurette; "Edmund North: The Man Who Made the Earth Stand Still" featurette; "Race To Oblivion," a documentary short written and produced by Edmund North; "Farewell to the Master": A reading by Jamieson K. Price of the original Harry Bates short story; interactive pressbook; Fox Movietone news from 1951; advertising gallery; behind-the scenes gallery; portrait gallery; production gallery; spaceship construction blueprints; shooting script. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Fly Me to the Moon (2008) Voices of Trevor Gagnon, Philip Daniel Bolden, David Gore, Christopher Lloyd, Kelly Ripa, Nicollette Sheridan, Ed Begley, Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Tim Curry, Robert Patrick, Buzz Aldrin. (Summit Entertainment).
A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Special Edition (2001) Hilarious cult-classic documentary follows rabid "Star Wars" fans eagerly awaiting the release of George Lucas' first "prequel" to the original trilogy, "Episode I: The Phantom Menace." This updated version is loaded with out-of-this-world extras: from over-the-top fan conventions and nationwide premieres (where many waited in line for 40+ days), into the homes of devoted fans showing off their treasures, offering new insights into the powerful franchise that has captivated generations upon generations of moviegoers. (Cinevolve Studio).
Growing Up 5 DVD Gift Set. Five-disc set from the Animal Planet series with five episodes: "Growing Up Arctic." "Growing Up Wildcats," "Growing Up Safari," "Growing Up Wilderness" and "Growing Up Primates"; $39.92. (Genius Products).
Hey There, It's Yogi Bear (1964) Voices of Daws Butler, Don Messick. New to DVD animated feature; remastered; $19.98. (Warner).
Jake and the Fatman: Season One, Volume Two
(1988) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
Law & Order: The Sixth Year (1995-96) Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).
The Longshots (2008) Ice Cube, Tasha Smith, Keke Palmer, Jill Marie Jones, Earthquake. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Making the Longshots," "A Conversation With Director Fred Durst," "A Conversation With Ice Cube," "Jasmine Plummer: The Real Longshot." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Weinstein Company/Genius Products).
Lower Learning (2008) Jason Biggs, Eva Longoria Parker, Rob Corddry. At Geraldine Ferraro Elementary, the teachers are drunk, lazy or psychotic, every child has been left behind, and the burned-out vice principal is barely holding on. When sexy district inspector Rebecca Seabrook (Eva Longoria Parker) arrives to shut down the school, they hatch a plan to take back the classrooms from an insanely corrupt principal. Extras: "The ABC's of Lower Learning" behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
The Man Called Flintstone (1966) Voices of Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Py, Gerry Johnson. New to DVD animated feature; remastered; $19.98. (Warner).
Perry Mason: Season Three, Volume 2 (1959-60) Four-disc set with 14 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).
Rise of the Footsoldier (2007) Ricci Harnett, Terry Stone, Craig Fairbrass. Inspired by the shocking true story of one man's rise to power as the most feared and respected criminal in England. In a place where violence is business and crime a way of life, Carlton Leach was a legend. Everyone knew him, everyone feared him. A street thug, Leach quickly rose to become a member of a notorious gang of criminals who rampaged their way through London and Essex in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Extras:"The Making of Rise of the Footsoldier," interviews with the cast and crew, deleted and extended scenes. (Lionsgate).
Saturday Night Live: The Complete Fourth Season (1978-79) Seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98. Extras: Cast interviews. (Universal).
Step Brothers (2008) Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott.. Available in single-disc DVD unrated and two-disc DVD and Blu-ray unrated versions. Single-disc extras: Theatrical and extended film versions, extended and alternate scenes, "Line-o-rama," gag reel, "Boats 'N Hoes" music video, "The Making of Step Brothers," commentary by Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Adam McKay, special guest NBA star Baron Davis. Two-disc extras: Adds a digital copy of the film, more extended and alternate scenes, deleted scenes, job interviews, therapy sessions, "Dale vs. Brennan -- Sibling Rivalry," "The Music of Step Brothers," more. (Fox).
Wanted (2008) Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc Special Edition, and Blu-ray. Extras: Extended scenes; six featurettes: "Cast and Characters," "Stunts on the L Train," "Special Effects: The Art of the Impossible," "Groundbreaking Visual Effects From Imagination to Execution," "The Origins of Wanted: Bringing the Graphic Novel to Life" and "Through the Eyes of Visionary Director Timur Bekmambetov"; "Wanted" motion comics; "The Making of Wanted: The Game"; "The Little Things" music video mash-up. (Universal).
Where the #$&% is Santa? (2008) Latest outing by Jackass producer Bam Margera. (Warner).
Wisegal (2008 -- TV) Alyssa Milano, Jason Gedrick, James Caan. The story of Patty Montanari, a Brooklyn widow and mother who sells contraband cigarettes to make ends meet. She soon begins a torrid love affair with Frank Russo, a captain in a crime family she's fallen in with, but eventually comes to the realization that this "Family" is ruthless, and begins to fear for her life. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008) Dir.: Chris Carter; David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet. Theatrical Version and Unrated Extended Cut available in a single-disc DVD, a three-disc Ultimate X-Phile Edition DVD with Digital Copy, and a Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Single DVD: Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz; "Body Parts: Special Make-up Effects" featurette; "Chris Carter: Statements on Green Production" featurette; deleted scenes; gag reel; music slideshow: "Dying 2 Live" by Xzibit; still galleries. Extras: Ultimate X-Phile Edition: Adds three-part "Trust No One: Can The X-Files Remain A Secret? feature-length documentary. Extras: Blu-ray adds: "The X-Files Dossier: Agent Dakota Whitney Files" allowing users to create their own Special Agent avatar profile to browse through five "X-Files" case files on clairvoyance; BonusView mode; "The X-Files Complete Interactive Timeline" featuring over 80 video clip segments from "The X-Files" archives; Picture-in-picture commentary with Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz; In-Movie Features via BD remote direct access; "Behind the Camera"; storyboards and concept art; isolated score track. (Fox).
White Dog (1982) Dir.: Samuel Fuller; Paul Winfield, Kristy McNichol. New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the uncut version, approved by producer Jon Davison. Extras: New video interviews with producer Davison, co-writer Curtis Hanson, and Sam Fuller's widow, Christa Lang-Fuller; interview with dog trainer Karl Lewis-Miller; rare photos from the film's production; booklet featuring new essays by critics J. Hoberman and Armond White, plus a rare 1982 interview in which Fuller interviews the canine star of the film. (The Criterion Collection).
For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 CyberPod. All rights reserved.
ISSN 1094-3676
An archive of past issues of the OnVideo E-Mail News can be found
at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onvideoguide
Messages and missives: mail@...
Thanks to the Woo family of Culver City, Calif. and Leslie
Rigoulot for helping support this issue of the news.
Subscriptions to OnVideo E-Mail News are
free for the asking by sending an e-mail request to
onvideoguide-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
No subject or body text is required.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you can
un-subscribe by sending an e-mail message to
onvideoguide-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
No subject or body text is required.
And don't forget to bookmark our major OnVideo Web site located
at http://www.onvideo.org
Offline 
Send Email