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2/10/09 V13.6
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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, February 10 -- Monday, February 16
Blindness
When a sudden plague of blindness devastates a city, a small group of the afflicted band together to triumphantly overcome the horrific conditions of their imposed quarantine. Vitals: Director: Fernando Meirelles. Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Julianne Moore, Gael Garcia Bernal, Danny Glover, Alice Braga. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 120 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $3.073 million, Miramax.
Frozen River
Story of two single mothers who team up to smuggle immigrants across the Canadian border in order to provide for their families. Life in Massena, New York, is as harsh and barren as the frigid landscape. In this bleak terrain, two hardened single mothers are trying to make a life for their children. Lila is a widowed Mohawk whose mother-in-law "stole" her newborn son a year ago. Ray is a mother of two whose gambling-addicted husband just left town with the down payment for their new trailer home. Faced with little opportunity to make ends meet, Ray and Lila embark on an illegal venture transporting immigrants into the U.S. across Mohawk territory. With the money for the down payment within Ray's grasp, the women are determined to make one last run. When circumstances spiral out of control, the two women must make life or death decisions based on their friendship and love for their children. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Vitals: Director: Courtney Hunt. Stars: Melissa Leo, Misty Upham, Charlie McDermott, Mark Boone Junior. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 97 min., Drama, Box office gross: $2.275 million, Sony.Into the Wild Green Yonder
Miracle at St. Anna
Chronicles the story of four black soldiers who are members of the U.S. Army as part of the all-black 92nd Buffalo Soldier Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy, during World War II. They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy. Vitals: Director: Spike Lee. Stars: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller, Matteo Sciabordi, Valentina Cervi, Pierfrancesco Favino, John Leguizamo, Joseph Gordon Levitt. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 160 min., Drama, Box office gross: $7.916 million, Disney.
Nights in Rodanthe
Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane), a woman with her life in chaos, retreats to the tiny coastal town of Rodanthe, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, to tend to a friend's inn for the weekend. Here she hopes to find the tranquility she so desperately needs to rethink the conflicts surrounding her -- a wayward husband who has asked to come home, and a teenaged daughter who resents her every decision. Almost as soon as Adrienne gets to Rodanthe, a major storm is forecast and Dr. Paul Flanner (Richard Gere) arrives. The only guest at the inn, Flanner is not on a weekend escape but rather is there to face his own crisis of conscience. Now, with the storm closing in, the two turn to each other for comfort and, in one magical weekend, set in motion a life-changing romance that will resonate throughout the rest of their lives. Vitals: Director: George C. Wolfe. Stars: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Scott Glenn, James Franco, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis, Mae Whitman, Pablo Schreiber. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: 90, PG-13 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $41.573 million, Warner.
Soul Men
Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac star as Louis and Floyd, estranged soul-singing legends from back in the day. Though the pair haven't spoken to each other in 20 years, they agree to do one more performance tohgether to honor their former bandleader, forcing them to reconnect on a cross-country road-trip to the Apollo Theatre. Vitals: Director: Malcom Lee. Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac, Sean Hayes, Sharon Leal, Jennifer Coolidge, Isaac Hayes, Affion Crockett, John Legend, Adam Herschman, Fatso Fasano, Jackie Long. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 98 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $11.966 million, The Weinstein Co.
W.
Whether you love him or hate him, there is no question that George W. Bush is one of the most controversial public figures in recent memory. In an unprecedented undertaking, Oliver Stone brings the life of our 43rd President to the big screen as only he can. "W." takes viewers through Bush's eventful life -- his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith, and of course the critical days leading up to Bush's decision to invade Iraq. Vitals: Director: Oliver Stone. Stars: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, James Cromwell, Ellen Burstyn, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Scott Glenn, Ioan Gruffudd, Richard Dreyfus, Jesse Bradford. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 129 min., Biodrama, Box office gross: $25.5 million, Lionsgate.
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NEWS
DVD Collectibles:
The Criterion Collection will release this week two
classic films from Luis Bunuel's Mexican period (a time when the
director left Franco's repressive Spain to make films more easily,
beginning in 1946 and lasting for roughly 20 years).
First up is "The Exterminating Angel"
(1962), in which a group of bourgeois cosmopolitans are invited to a
mansion for dinner and inexplicably find themselves unable to leave.
Made just one year after his international sensation "Viridiana," this
is a furthering of Bunuel's wicked takedown of the rituals and
dependencies of the frivolous upper classes, full of eerie and
hilarious absurdity. The film stars Silvia Pinal and Claudio Brook, and
features a new, restored high-definition digital transfer in a double
disc set with such goodies as "The Last Script: Remembering Luis
Bunuel," a 2008 documentary featuring Jean-Claude Carriere and Jean
Luis Bunuel; interviews with filmmaker Arturo Ripstein and actress
Silvia Pinal; and a booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar
Marsha Kinder and a reprinted interview with Bunuel.
"Simon of the Desert" (1965) is Bunuel's wicked and wild take on the life of devoted ascetic Saint Simeon Stylites, who waited atop a pillar surrounded by a barren landscape for six years, six months, and six days, in order to prove his devotion to God. Yet the devil, in the figure of the beautiful Silvia Pinal, huddles below, trying to tempt him down. A skeptic's vision of human conviction, Bunuel's short and sweet satire is one of the master filmmaker's most renowned works of surrealism. In a new, restored high-definition digital transfer.
"Dennis Potter: 3 to Remember" is a three-disc set with three feature-length drams by Dennis Potter, considered one of the most important and influential creative figures in the history of British television:"Cream In My Coffee" (1980), which tells the story of an elderly couple who return to the hotel where they began their affair in the early '30s; "Blade on the Feather" (1980) stars Donald Pleasance as a reclusive, elderly author whose quiet life with his wife and daughter is turned upside down when a young man (Tom Conti) proclaiming to be a long-time admirer shows up for a visit; In "Rain on the Roof" (1980), a bored and sexually frustrated housewife begins reading lessons with an illiterate, mentally challenged older boy who's trying to come to terms with the death of his father. $39.98 from Koch Vision.
The TV drama "What Makes Sammy Run?" (1959), based on the best-selling 1941 novel by author and screenwriter Budd Schulberg, caused a sensation when the "NBC Sunday Showcase" production originally aired in two parts in 1959. Audiences were enthralled with the character Sammy Glick (Tony award-winning Broadway actor Larry Blyden), who decides to climb the ladder of success by any means necessary. In Sammy's world, "convictions are for sale" and through backstabbing and double-crossing, Sammy fights to become the industry's top screenwriter in this rags to riches story of a hustler navigating the "dog eat dog" world of 1930's Hollywood. $24.98 from Koch Vision.
The "Clint Eastwood: American Icon Collection"
is a three-disc set with four Eastwood-starring films: "Play Misty for
Me" (1971), in which Eastwood stars as a radio disc jockey who becomes
the victim of psychotic obsession when he tries to end a torrid affair
with a fan (Jessica Walter)(this was also Eastwood's directorial debut;
"The Eiger Sanction" (1975), about a professional assassin who is
forced out of retirement in order to avenge a friend's murder in the
Swiss Alps (also directed by Eastwood); "Coogan's Bluff" (1968), about
a straightforward Arizona lawman whose unorthodox methods of capturing
an escaped murderer anger a tough NYC police lieutenant; and "The
Beguiled" (1971), a psychological thriller of love, betrayal and hidden
passions about a wounded soldier who finds shelter in an all-girls
academy during the Civil War; all for the nifty low price of $19.98;
from Universal.
Glowing Blu-ray:
Warner Home Video will release on March 17 "Quo Vadis," one of the most
lavish films ever to be released. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy and based on
the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Henry Siekiewicz, "Quo Vadis" was
filmed on location in Rome and starred Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo
Genn and Peter Ustinov, who was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden
Globe for his definitive performance as the Roman Emperor Nero.
Elizabeth Taylor, originally cast in a larger role but then replaced,
made an uncredited cameo appearance as a slave, as did the relatively
unknown Sophia Loren, who was appearing in her first American film.
$28.99 ... On April 21, Fox will release the "X-Men Trilogy Blu-ray
Collection" in a six-disc set loaded with extras, $79.99.
From TV to Video:
"D.E.A.: Detroit" (2008) is a two-disc set of Season One with six episodes, $26.99 from Paramount ... "Faerie Tale Theatre: Tales From the Brothers Grimm" and "Faerie Tale Theatre: Funny Tales"
feature episodes from the acclaimed series "Shelley Duvall's Faerie
Tale Theatre"; the former includes updated versions of the best-loved
Grimm stories "Hansel & Gretel," "Little Red Riding Hood,"
"Rapunzel" and "Rumplestiltskin," while the second release features
four funny tales, "The Frog Prince," "Pinocchio," "The Princess Who
Never Laughed" and "The Three Little Pigs"; $14.98 each from Koch
Vision ... "Friday the 13th The Series: Season Two" (1988-89) is a six-disc set with 26 episodes, $54.99 from Paramount ... "Kennedy: The Complete Series"
(1983) is a two-disc set of the miniseries chronicling the presidency
of John F. Kennedy; starring Martin Sheen (as Kennedy), John Shea, E.G.
Marshall, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Vincent Gardenia, Blair Brown; $19.98
from MPI Home Video ... In "Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie"
(1993) Lucie Arnaz hosts an emotional and honest glimpse at the
extraordinary lives of her world-famous parents, highlighted by
never-before-seen color family movies along with insightful interviews
from family members, business associates and celebrity friends such as
Bob Hope; $19.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Melrose Place: The Fifth Season, Volume One" (1996-97) is a four-disc set with 19 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Route 66: Producer's Picks" is a two-disc set with 11 episodes, $19.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Simon & Simon: Season Two" (1982-83) is a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.99 from Shout! Factory ... "Tales From the Darkside: The First Season" (1983-85) is a three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Wild at Heart, Series 1"
(2008 is a heartwarming British series that combines the family drama
of "The Brady Bunch" with the pastoral appeal of "All Creatures Great
and Small" in a fascinating African bush setting; from Acorn Media.
Buzzin' the 'B's:
In the cult release "My Name Is Bruce"
(2007), B-movie legend Bruce Campbell is mistaken for his character Ash
from the "Evil Dead" trilogy and forced to fight a real monster in a
small town in Oregon. 
Directed by and starring Bruce Campbell; co-stars Grace Thorsen, Taylor
Sharpe, Ted Raimi, Ben L. McCain and Ellen Sandweiss; from Image
Entertainment ... In the direct-to-DVD "Against the Dark" (2009)
Steven Seagal plays the leader of a special ops squad of ex-military
vigilantes who goes after flesh-eating vampires in a post apocalyptic
world; also stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Tanoai Reed and Keith
David; from Sony ... "Imprint" (2007) is a thriller
about a Native American attorney who returns to her reservation and
begins to hear ghostly voices and sees strange visions that cause her
to re-examine beliefs she thought she left behind; from MTI Home Video
... In "Way of War" (2008), starring Cuba Gooding
Jr., J.K. Simmons and John Terry, a paramilitary operative on a mission
to kill a terrorist in the Middle East stumbles upon a government
conspiracy and goes on the run to expose the villains; from First Look
Studios ... "Chocolate" is a 2008 Thailand action
import about an autistic woman with powerful martial art skills who
looks to settle her ailing mother's debts by seeking out the ruthless
gangs that owe her family money; from Magnolia Home Entertainment ...
In "The Lodger" (2009), starring Alfred Molina, Hope
Davis, Simon Baker, Shane West, Donal Logue, Philip Baker Hall, Rachael
Leigh Cook and Rebecca Pidgeon, a seasoned detective is on the trail of
a ruthless killer intent on slaughtering prostitutes along West
Hollywood's Sunset Strip: the murderer's grisly methods are identical
to that of London's infamous 19th century psychopath Jack the Ripper;
from Sony.
Foreign:
French auteur Eric Rohmer has, for over five decades, built an
influential career on stylizing modern romance into classical love
stories. It's fitting then, that for what may well be the 88 year-old
Academy Award-nominated director's last film, "The Romance of Astrea and Celadon"
(2008), he chose as his muse, "L'Astree", the 17th century pastoral
fantasy by Honore d'Urfe about a lovelorn shepherd in 5th-century Gaul.
In an enchanted, mythical forest, the shepherdess Astrea and shepherd
Celadon, two star-crossed lovers, are kept apart by their feuding
families in this idealized, fairy-tale-styled romance, filled with
chivalrous notions of love and devotion. After Astrea believes she
witnessed Celadon flirting with another at a medieval fete, she
regretfully sends him away and asks that he never appear before her
again. Surrounded by rivals, nymphs and druids, the two must overcome
jealousy, temptations and other-worldly obstacles to keep their once
pure and chaste love alive. From Koch Lorber.
For the Family:
"VeggieTales: Abe and the Amazing Promise" (2009) is a
veggie-spun Bible classic that tells the story of Abraham and Sarah and
their wait for a promised child; $14.99 from Big Idea Inc. ... "Viva Pinata: The Pinatas Must Be Crazy and Other Stories"
(2008) includes five episodes of the TV series that follows the daily
trials and tribulations of the inhabitants of an uncharted island, all
of whom are living pinata animals; $14.99 from Shout! Factory ... "HIT Favorites: Here Comes Spring"
(2009) is a collection of six spring-themed episodes from HIT preschool
series: "Barney," "Bob the Builder," "Thomas & Friends," "Fireman
Sam," "Kipper" and "Fifi"; $14.98 from Lionsgate ... "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Mystery of the Easter Chipmunk" (2008) features five episodes of the animated series;$16.99 from Paramount ... "Thomas & Friends: Railway Friends"
(2009) is a compilation of six new adventures with Thomas and his
engine friends on the Island of Sodor, enhanced with CGI animation;
$14.98 from HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate ... "Curious George: Monkey Collection Volume 1" (2008) is a four-disc set with 32 episodes, packed in a carrying case; $39.98 from Universal ... "Curious George: Robot Monkey and More Great Gadgets"
(2008) includes eight episodes from the PBS Kids TV series, $16.98 from Universal ... "Phineas and Ferb: The Daze of Summer" (2008) includes five episodes from The Disney Channel series; $19.99 from Disney ... "Shaun the Sheep: Back in the Ba-a-ath"
(2009) is a single-disc with eight episodes featuring Shaun the Sheep
and his barnyard friends; created by Aardman Animations of "Wallace
& Gromit" fame; $14.98. from Lionsgate ... For older kids there's "Wizards of Waverly Place: Supernaturally Stylin'"
(2008), in which Wizards-in-training Alex Russo and her brothers try to
make their mark in the fashion industry in the latest installment from
The Disney Channel series; 19.99 from Disney ... "Life With Derek: Let the Games Begin"
features four fan-favorite episodes from the Disney series that is a
modern-day twist on the Brady Bunch; $14.98 from Koch Vision.
Special Interest:
"Joni Mitchell's the Fiddle and the Drum"
(2009) blends Joni Mitchell's music and art with Alberta (Canada)
Ballet Artistic Director JeaGrand-Maitre's choreography; the resulting
collaboration yields a ballet exploring the human spirit's potential to
create and destroy, its ability to love and hate, its capacity for war
and peace: a re-imagining of career-spanning songs that explores
Mitchell's life-long concerns about environmental neglect and the
warring nature of mankind; $19.98 from Koch Vision ... "The Ride of Their Lives"
(2008) is a documentary about the men and women who made NASCAR,
following the evolution of racers from moonshiners in the 1950s to the
media darlings of the 21st century; $24.99 from Paramount ... 
"60 Minutes Presents Obama: All Access -- Barack Obama's Road to the White House"
(2009) reveals the personal and the public sides of President Obama in
this documentary that relives memorable moments from CBS News coverage
of Obama's rise to power. Includes never-before-seen material from
exclusive "60 Minutes" interviews. Hosted by CBS News correspondent
Steve Kroft, who has followed Obama's road to the White House since
early 2007. $19.99 form Paramount ... "Rona Barrett's Hollywood: Nothing But the Truth"
is a single disc that contains 10 star interviews culled from her
personal archives of Rona Barrett, arguably the first TV gossip
columnist, beginning in 1966 on Los Angeles' KABC-TV: Cher, Priscilla
Presley, Raquel Welch, Robin Williams, John Travolta, John Wayne, Donna
Summer, Burt Reynolds, Richard Dreyfuss and Carol Burnett; $19.98 from
Infinity Entertainment.
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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Mystery of the Easter Chipmunk (2008) Five episodes of the animated series, $16.99. (Paramount).
Blindness (2008) Mark Ruffalo, Julianne Moore, Gael Garcia Bernal, Danny Glover, Alice Braga. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Miramax).
Chocolate (2008 -- Thailand) JeeJa Yanin, Ammara Siripong, Hiroshi Abe, Pongpat Wachirabunjong. An autistic woman with powerful martial art skills looks to settle her ailing mother's debts by seeking out the ruthless gangs that owe her family money. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
Clint Eastwood: American Icon Collection. Three-disc set with "Play Misty for Me," "The Eiger Sanction," "Coogan's Bluff" and "The Beguiled," $19.98. Extras: <"Play It Again .... A Look Back at Play Misty for Me," "The Beguilded, Misty, Don, and Clint," "Clint Eastwood on DVD," photo montage, more. (Universal).
Curious George: Monkey Collection Volume 1 (2008) Four-disc set with 32 episodes, packed in a carrying case; $39.98. (Universal).
Curious George: Robot Monkey and More Great Gadgets (2008) Eight episodes from the PBS Kids TV series, $16.98. (Universal).
Daniel's Daughter (2008 -- TV) Laura Leighton, Sebastian Spence, Brandon Firla, Martin Doyle. A successful New York magazine editor puts her impending marriage and job on hold to return to her Massachusetts home to tend to her father's funeral, where she must confront the town and past she left behind. (Genius Entertainment).
D.E.A.: Detroit (2008) Two-disc set, $26.99. (Paramount).
December Bride (1991) Donal McCann, Saskia Reeves, Ciaran Hinds. At the beginning of the 20th century a young servant provokes an independent Irish farm community by her relationship with two brothers. (BFS Entertainment).
Dennis Potter: 3 to Remember. Three-disc
set with three feature-length drams by Dennis Potter, considered one of
the most important and influential creative figures in the history of
British television. Often powerful and controversial, his
groundbreaking works continue to enthrall audiences worldwide. Here are
three exquisite but rarely-seen teleplays shot on location and
specifically produced for London Weekend Television. "Cream In My
Coffee" (1980), which tells the story of an elderly couple who return
to the hotel where they began their affair in the early '30s. "Blade on
the Feather" (1980) stars Donald Pleasance as a reclusive, elderly
author living a quiet life with his wife and daughter. The household is
soon turned upside down when a young man (Tom Conti) proclaiming to be
a long-time admirer shows up for a visit. Neither the author nor the
admirer, are really who they say they are, and a covert world of
British espionage and ulterior motives is revealed. In "Rain on the
Roof" (1980), a bored and sexually frustrated housewife begins reading
lessons with an illiterate, mentally challenged older boy who's trying
to come to terms with the death of his father. $39.98. (Koch Vision).
The Exterminating Angel (1962) Dir.: Luis Bunuel; Silvia Pinal, Claudio Brook. Double-disc set with a new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras:"The Last Script: Remembering Luis Bunuel," a 2008 documentary featuring Jean-Claude Carriere and Jean Luis Bunuel; interviews with filmmaker Arturo Ripstein and actress Silvia Pinal; booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar Marsha Kinder and a reprinted interview with Bunuel (The Criterion Collection).
Faerie Tale Theatre: Tales From the Brothers Grimm. Updated versions of the best-loved Grimm stories "Hansel & Gretel," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Rapunzel" and "Rumplestiltskin," from the acclaimed series "Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre"; $14.98. (Koch Vision).
Faerie Tale Theatre: Funny Tales. Four funny tales, "The Frog Prince," "Pinocchio," "The Princess Who Never Laughed" and "The Three Little Pigs," from the acclaimed series "Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre"; $14.98. (Koch Vision).
Foot Fist Way(2008) Danny R. McBride, Ben Best, Mary Jane Bostic. Comedy about an inept karate instructor who struggles with marital troubles and an unhealthy obsession with fellow karate enthusiast Chuck "The Truck" Williams. Extras: Commentary by director Jody Hill, actor Danny McBride and production designer Randy Gambill; behind-the-scenes featurette; bloopers; additional scenes; alternate ending: Fred murders Suzie. (Paramount).
Friday the 13th The Series: Season Two (1988-89) Six-disc set with 26 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).
Frozen River (2008) Melissa Leo, Misty Upham, Charlie McDermott, Mark Boone Junior. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Courtney Hunt and producer Heather Rae. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).
Gospel Hill (2008) Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Julia Stiles, Adam Baldwin, Giancarlo Esposito. Set in the tightly knit but impoverished neighborhood of Gospel Hill, where the residents are making preparations to honor the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the civil rights activist Paul Malcolm, a case that had never been resolved. The town struggles with the realization that the issues of the past blend seamlessly with those of the present and the knowledge that the fight for equality didn't die decades ago -- it's in every breath the town takes. (Fox).
HIT Favorites: Here Comes Spring (2009) Collection of six spring-themed episodes from HIT preschool series: "Barney," "Bob the Builder," "Thomas & Friends," "Fireman Sam," "Kipper" and "Fifi," $14.98. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).
Imprint (2007) Tonantzin Carmelo, Michael Spears. Thriller about a Native American attorney who returns to her reservation and begins to hear ghostly voices and sees strange visions that cause her to re-examine beliefs she thought she left behind. (MTI Home Video).
Iowa (2005) Matt Farnsworth, Diane Foster, Mickey Jones, Muse Watson, Rosanna Arquette. Tale of love and addiction set against the (real-life) Midwestern crystal meth epidemic: Following the suspicious death of his father, Esper and his love Donna have been made recent beneficiaries to a large sum of insurance money. Hoping to escape their small town existence, they plunge into the dangerous world of crystal meth production and soon become addicts themselves. Now on the run from a dirty parole office in cahoots with a gold-digging mother, Esper finally snaps out of his drug-crazed delusion and decides he's not going down without a fight. (Koch Vision).
Joni Mitchell's the Fiddle and the Drum (2009) Blends Joni Mitchell's music and art with Alberta (Canada) Ballet Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maitre's choreography. Their resulting collaboration yields a ballet exploring the human spirit's potential to create and destroy, its ability to love and hate, its capacity for war and peace: a re-imagining of career-spanning songs that explores Mitchell's life-long concerns about environmental neglect and the warring nature of mankind. The soundtrack includes re-mastered versions of 10 songs from Mitchell's extraordinary catalog. Recorded in High Definition for Bravo! Television in Canada. Extras: Interviews, isolated version of Mitchell's own video installation from the production. $19.98. (Koch Vision).
Kennedy: The Complete Series (1983) Two-disc set of the miniseries chronicling the presidency of John F. Kennedy; starring Martin Sheen (as Kennedy), John Shea, E.G. Marshall, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Vincent Gardenia, Blair Brown; $19.98. (MPI Home Video).
Life With Derek: Let the Games Begin. Four fan-favorite episodes from the Disney series that is a modern-day twist on the Brady Bunch; for kids ages 6-14; $14.98. (Koch Vision).
The Lodger (2009) Alfred
Molina, Hope Davis, Simon Baker, Shane West, Donal Logue, Philip Baker
Hall, Rachael Leigh Cook, Rebecca Pidgeon. A seasoned detective is on
the trail of a ruthless killer intent on slaughtering prostitutes along
West Hollywood's Sunset Strip: the murderer's grisly methods are
identical to that of London's infamous 19th century psychopath Jack the
Ripper. Extras: Deleted and alternate scenes, "Beyond the Shadows: Behind the Scenes of The Lodger." (Sony).
Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie (1993 -- TV) Lucie Arnaz hosts this emotional and honest glimpse at the extraordinary lives of her world-famous parents, highlighted by never-before-seen color family movies along with insightful interviews from family members, business associates and celebrity friends such as Bob Hope; $19.98. (MPI Home Video).
Melrose Place: The Fifth Season, Volume One (1996-97) Four-disc set with 19 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).
Miracle at St. Anna (2008) Dir.: Spike Lee; Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller, Matteo Sciabordi, Valentina Cervi, Pierfrancesco Favino, John Leguizamo, Joseph Gordon Levitt. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
My Name Is Bruce (2007) Dir.: Bruce Campbell; Bruce Campbell, Grace Thorsen, Taylor Sharpe, Ted Raimi, Ben L. McCain, Ellen Sandweiss. B-movie legend Bruce Campbell is mistaken for his character Ash from the "Evil Dead" trilogy and forced to fight a real monster in a small town in Oregon. Extras: "Heart of Dorkness: The Making of My Name Is Bruce," "Hard Truth News From Hollywood: The Real Bruce Campbell," commentary by Campbell and producer Mike Richardson, more. (Image Entertainment).
Nights in Rodanthe (2008) Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Scott Glenn, James Franco, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis, Mae Whitman, Pablo Schreiber. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Obscene (2008) Biography of one of the greatest American publishers of the 20th century and one of the most influential cultural figures of his time, - Barney Rosset. Rosset was the publisher of the influential Grove Press (1951) and Evergreen Review and embarked on a tumultuous career of publishing and political engagement that continues to inspire today's defenders of free expression. Not only was he the first American publisher of acclaimed authors Samuel Beckett, Kenzaburo Oe, Tom Stoppard, Che Guevara, and Malcolm X, but he also battled the government in the highest courts to overrule the obscenity ban on groundbreaking works of fiction such as "Lady Chatterley's Lover," "Tropic of Cancer" and "Naked Lunch." $29.95. (Moved from janaury 27). (Arts Alliance America).
Ode to Billy Joe (1976) Dir.: Max Baer Jr.; Robby Benson, Glynnis O'Connor. Extras: Vintage featurette. (Warner).
Phineas and Ferb: The Daze of Summer (2008) Five episodes from The Disney Channel series, $19.99. (Disney).
Relative Strangers (1999) Brenda Fricker, Robin Laing. British miniseries about a recently widowed wife and mother who discovers that her late husband had another wife -- and child. (BFS Entertainment).
The Ride of Their Lives (2008) Documentary about the men and women who made NASCAR, following the evolution of racers from moonshiners in the 1950s to the media darlings of the 21st century; $24.99. (Paramount).
The Romance of Astrea and Celadon (2008
-- French) Stephanie Crayencour, Andy Gillet. Feted French auteur Eric
Rohmer has, for over five decades, built an influential career on
stylizing modern romance into classical love stories. It's fitting
then, that for what may well be the 88 year-old Academy Award-nominated
director's last film, he chose as his muse, "L'Astree", the 17th
century pastoral fantasy by Honore d'Urfe about a lovelorn shepherd in
5th-century Gaul. In an enchanted, mythical forest, the shepherdess
Astrea and shepherd Celadon, two star-crossed lovers, are kept apart by
their feuding families in this idealized, fairy-tale-styled romance,
filled with chivalrous notions of love and devotion. After Astrea
believes she witnessed Celadon flirting with another at a medieval
fete, she regretfully sends him away and asks that he never appear
before her again. Surrounded by rivals, nymphs and druids, the two must
overcome jealousy, temptations and other-worldly obstacles to keep
their once pure and chaste love alive. (Koch Lorber).
Rona Barrett's Hollywood: Nothing But the Truth. Rona Barrett is arguably the first TV gossip columnist, beginning in 1966 on Los Angeles' KABC-TV. This single disc contains 10 star interviews culled from her personal archives: Cher, Priscilla Presley, Raquel Welch, Robin Williams, John Travolta, John Wayne, Donna Summer, Burt Reynolds, Richard Dreyfuss and Carol Burnett; $19.98. $1 from each DVD will be donated to the Rona Barrett Foundation for the Elderly Poor. (Infinity Entertainment).
Route 66: Producer's Picks. Two-disc set with 11 episodes, $19.98. (Infinity Entertainment).
Sam Elliott Western Collection. Three-disc set with "The Desperate Trail," "Rough Riders" and "You Know My Name," $19.97. (Warner).
Shaun the Sheep: Back in the Ba-a-ath (2009) Eight episodes featuring Shaun the Sheep and his barnyard friends; created by Aardman Animations of "Wallace & Gromit" fame; $14.98. Extras: "Sing-along With Shaun." (Lionsgate).
She Stoops to Conquer (2008) Tim Bell, Simon Butteriss, Judi Daykin, Mark Dexter. Oliver Goldsmith's funniest and most famous play finds new life in this scrupulously faithful film adaptation, filmed entirely at a 17th-century English manor house.Two-disc set with five episodes, $39.99. (Acorn Media).
Simon & Simon: Season Two (1982-83) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.99. (Shout! Factory).
Simon of the Desert (1965) Dir.: Luis Bunuel; Silvia Pinal, Claudio Brook. new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: "A Mexican Bunuel" (1995), a 50-minute documentary by Emilio Maille; interview with actress Silvia Pinal; booklet featuring a new essay by critic Michael Wood and a reprinted interview with Bunuel. (The Criterion Collection).
60 Minutes Presents Obama: All Access -- Barack Obama's Road to the White House (2009) Beginning before he became a presidential candidate, "60 Minutes" was tracking the rise of Barack Obama. The personal and the public sides of the president come to life here in this documentary that relives memorable moments from CBS News coverage of this extraordinary political figure ... electrifying scenes already seen around the world, and quiet moments seen only on "60 Minutes." Includes never-before-seen material from exclusive "60 Minutes" interviews. Hosted by CBS News correspondent Steve Kroft, who has followed Mr. Obama's road to the White House since early 2007. $19.99. (Paramount).
The Skulls Trilogy. Two-disc set with "The Skulls," "The Skulls II" and "The Skulls III," $19.98. (Universal).
Soul Men (2008)Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac, Sean Hayes, Sharon Leal, Jennifer Coolidge, Isaac Hayes, Affion Crockett, John Legend, Adam Herschman, Fatso Fasano, Jackie Long Extras: Commentary by director Malcolm Lee, "The Soul Men: Bernie Mac & Samuel L. Jackson," "The Cast Of Soul Men," "Director: Malcolm Lee," "A Tribute to Bernie Mac," "A Tribute to Isaac Hayes," "Boogie Ain't Nothin': Behind-the-Scenes," "Bernie Mac at the Apollo" Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).
Street Fighter -- Extreme Edition (1994) Jean-Claude Van Damme, Raul Julia. Extras: "The Making of Street Fighter," outtakes, deleted scenes, storyboard sequences, archives, commentary, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
Tales From the Darkside: The First Season (1983-85) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. This 30-minute horror/fantasy anthology series followed in the vein of "The Twilight Zone," presenting each week a standalone story of horror fantasy, and/or science fiction. Clive Barker. Many episodes also featured veteran actors of the 40's and 50's that saw very little work in their later years. (Paramount).
Thomas & Friends: Railway Friends (2009) Six new adventures with Thomas and his engine friends on the Island of Sodor, enhanced with CGI animation; $14.98. Extras: "Laying Down the Track" puzzler, "Name That Train" game, bonus episode. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).
Treasure Blind (2008) Brian Shoop, Daniel Brookshire. Veteran cabbie Cliff Edwards (Shoop) has nothing in his life except hunting for a legendary stash of Civil War gold. But when Henry (Brookshire), the blind grandson he never knew he had, is dropped on his doorstep, Cliff's life drastically changes. Story about the power of faith and family. Extras: Making-of featurettes, deleted scenes. (Cloud Ten Pictures/Koch Entertainment).
VeggieTales: Abe and the Amazing Promise (2009) Veggie-spun Bible classic that tells the story of Abraham and Sarah and their wait for a promised child. Bob the Tomato tries to bring the Bible story to life, but when spitting camels and a film crew of zany French peas get involved, everyone's patience is tested. $14.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, game, sing-along, trivia. (Big Idea Inc.).
Viva Pinata: The Pinatas Must Be Crazy and Other Stories (2008) Five episodes of the TV series that follows the daily trials and tribulations of the inhabitants of an uncharted island, all of whom are living pinata animals. $14.99. (Shout! Factory).
W. (2008) Dir.: Oliver Stone; Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, James Cromwell, Ellen Burstyn, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Scott Glenn, Ioan Gruffudd, Richard Dreyfus, Jesse Bradford. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).
Way of War (2008) Cuba Gooding Jr., J.K. Simmons, John Terry. A paramilitary operative on a mission to kill a terrorist in the Middle East stumbles upon a government conspiracy and goes on the run to expose the villains. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (First Look Studios).
What Makes Sammy Run? (1959) Based on the best-selling 1941 novel by author and screenwriter Budd Schulberg, "What Makes Sammy Run" caused a sensation when the "NBC Sunday Showcase" production originally aired in two parts in 1959. Audiences were enthralled with the character Sammy Glick (Tony award-winning Broadway actor Larry Blyden), a Jewish boy born in the ghetto of New York's Lower East Side who decides to climb the ladder of success by any means necessary. In Sammy's world, "convictions are for sale" and through backstabbing and double-crossing, Sammy fights to become the industry's top screenwriter in this rags to riches story of a hustler navigating the "dog eat dog" world of 1930's Hollywood. Also stars John Forsythe, Norman Fell, Dina Merril, Barbara Rush. Released as part of The Archive of American Television Presents line, a product of the newly formed collaboration between KOCH Vision and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. $24.98. Extras: Commentary by Dina Merrill and Barbara Rush, as well as a bonus interview with Budd Schulberg. (Koch Vision).
Wild at Heart, Series 1 (2008) Heartwarming British series combines the family drama of "The Brady Bunch" with the pastoral appeal of "All Creatures Great and Small" in a fascinating African bush setting. Two-disc set with six episodes, $39.99. (Acorn Media).
Wizards of Waverly Place: Supernaturally Stylin' (2008) Wizards-in-training Alex Russo and her brothers try to make their mark in the fashion industry in the next installment from The Disney Channel series;19.99. (Disney).
For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>
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