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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, July 28 -- Monday, August 4
Fast & Furious
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reteam for the ultimate chapter of the blockbuster street racing franchise. Heading back to the streets where it all began, they rejoin Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, blasting through Los Angeles and into the Mexican desert in muscle, tuner and exotic cars.
When tragedy returns fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) to Los
Angeles, his long dormant feud with FBI agent Brian O'Conner (Walker)
threatens to reignite -- until they discover a common enemy: a heroin
drug lord moving goods through the Southland. Dom and Brian declare a
precarious truce as they try to outmaneuver their adversary and exact
revenge. From convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across
international lines, the two men push the limits of what is possible
behind the wheel as they live for speed, drive for the rush and break
all the rules.
Vitals: Director: Justin
Lin. Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Michelle
Rodriguez, John Ortiz, Laz Alonso, Sung Kang, Tego Calderon, Don Omar. 2009, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 107 min. Action, Box office gross: $154.882 million, Universal.
Dragonball Evolution: Z Edition
Adapted from the manga created by Akira Toriyama. Based on one of the most popular Japanese manga series of all time, "Dragonball: Evolution" follows a young warrior on an epic adventure to discover his destiny ... and save the world from the forces of darkness. For his 18th birthday, mild-mannered humanoid alien Goku is given a mystical Dragonball, one of only seven in existence, which combine to grant a perfect wish to whoever possesses them. But an ancient warlord named Piccolo has escaped eternal imprisonment and is on his own quest to gather the Dragonballs. Goku must enlist the help of his friends -- and the power of his evolving martial arts skills -- to defeat Piccolo before it's too late. Vitals: Director: James Wong. Stars: Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, Jamie Chung, Emmy Rossum, Eriko Tamura, Joon Park, Chow Yun-Fat, Texas Battle, Ernie Hudson. 2009, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 84 min., Fantasy Action, Box office gross: $9.313 million, Fox.
Miss March
Seeking to end their virginity, Eugene and his girlfriend Cindi plan to have sex on prom night, but Eugene falls down a flight of stairs and lands in the hospital in a coma. He wakes up four years later to discover that his once innocent high school sweetheart has become a Playboy Playmate. Together with his best friend Tucker, the hapless virgin embarks on a cross-country road trip to win back his ex by crashing a party at the legendary Playboy Mansion. Vitals: Director: Zach Cregger, Trevor Moore. Stars: Zach Cregger, Trevor Moore, Raquel Alessi, Molly Stanton, Holly Hindman, Craig Robinson, Alexis Raben, Tanjareen Martin2009, CC, MPAA rating: R, 89 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $4.542 million, Fox.
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NEWS
The Criterion Collection brings to DVD and Blu-ray this week one of the benchmarks of 1960s cinema, "Repulsion"
(1965). Director Roman Polanski followed up his international
breakthrough "Knife in the Water" with this controversial, chilling
tale of psychosis, starring Catherine Deneuve as Carole, a fragile,
frigid young beauty cracking up over the course of a terrifying
weekend. Left alone by her vacationing sister in their London flat,
Carole is haunted by specters real and imagined, and her insanity grows
to a violent pitch. Thanks to its unforgettable attention to disturbing
detail and Polanski's unparalleled adeptness at turning claustrophobic
space into an emotional minefield, "Repulsion" remains one of cinema's
most shocking psychological thrillers. In a new, restored
high-definition digital transfer with commentary by Polanski and
Deneuve; "A British Horror Film" (2003), a documentary on the making of
"Repulsion"; a 1964 television documentary filmed on the set of
"Repulsion," featuring rare footage of Polanski and Deneuve at work;
and a booklet featuring an essay by film scholar and curator Bill
Horrigan."Inglorious Bastards" (1978) is the film that inspired Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds," starring Brad Pitt, due this August. A gang of condemned criminals escape from an Allied prison convoy with a plan to blast their way to the Swiss border, only to find themselves "volunteering" for a suicide mission deep inside Nazi-occupied France. Stars Bo Svenson, Fred Williamson and Ian Bannen. Extras include "A Conversation With Quentin Tarantino & (the original's director) Enzo Castellari." From Severin Films ... "Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5
(2009) is a four-disc set with the last 10 episodes of the spectacular
science fiction series that proved that intelligent writing could
co-exist with special effects; extras include three extended episodes
of the series finale; "What the Frak is Going On With Battlestar
Galactica?" recap of "Battlestar Galactica's" first three seasons -- in
only eight minutes; "And They Have a Plan": What do they mean every
episode when the opening sequence on the Cylons states "And They Have a
Plan?"; "The Journey Ends: The Arrival" featurette; and much more. DVD:
$49.98, Blu-ray Disc: $69.98, from Universal. And then there's the
ultimate: "Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series," a 25-disc set for the completest; DVD: $279.98; Blu-ray Disc: $349.98; from Universal.Glowing Blu-ray:
Blu-ray highlight of the week is "A River Runs Through It" (1992), the beautiful and moving family drama set against a background of fly fishing and the Montana wilderness, directed by Robert Redford and starring Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn and Emily Lloyd, from Sony.
From TV to Video:
"Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead" (2009) is the latest
Doctor Who outing: When a London bus travels through a worm-hole to an
alien world, the Doctor (David Tennant) must join forces with the
extraordinary Lady Christina to help the unfortunate passengers, and
themselves, get back home; $14.98 from BBC Video/Warner ...
"Dollhouse Season One" (2009) is a three-disc set with all 12 episodes of the series; $49.98 from Fox ... "The Donna Reed Show: Season Two" (1959-60) is a four-disc set with 38 episodes; $39.95 from Virgil Films Entertainment ... "Knight Rider (2008): Season One" (2008-09) is a four-disc set with 17 episodes; $59.98 from Universal ... "The Middleman: The Complete Series "
(2008) is a four-disc set with 12 episodes; $34.99 from Shout! Factory ... Monty Python star Terry Jones presents "The Terry Jones Collection"
(2008), an award-winning documentary series featuring ancient
inventions, the surprising history of sex and love, and the hidden
histories of Egypt and Rome, in a two-disc set from Microcinema ... "Torchwood: Children of Earth" (2009) is an all-new five-part series, $29.98 from BBC Video/Warner.
Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Angel of Death" (2009) stars Zoe Bell, Lucy Lawless,
Doug Jones and Ted Raimi in the uncut feature-length movie of
Crackle.com's dark and gritty internet series about a cold-blooded
assassin, employed by a ruthless crime family, who suffers severe head
trauma on the job, begins to hallucinate, and becomes haunted by her
victims; from Sony ... In "The Fifth Commandment"
(2008), starring Rick Yune, Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine and Dania
Ramirez, an elite assassin is contracted to eliminate a gorgeous pop
star, whom his long-lost brother is assigned to protect. Refusing the
job, the assassin joins forces with his sibling to battle a ferocious
cartel that will use any means necessary to destroy them; from Sony ...
In "Streets of Blood" (2009), starring Val Kilmer,
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Sharon Stone and Michael Biehn, the
devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina sparks an investigation into
the criminal underworld in New Orleans, where crime and corruption are
about to go to all new levels of depravity; from Anchor Bay
Entertainment ... "Dragon Hunter" (2008) is a sci-fi
fantasy adventure in which two orphaned brothers leave their ravaged
village to seek the land of Ocard to train to become dragon hunters,
starring Isaac Singleton Jr., Orlando Seale, Kelly Stable, Maclain
Nelson; from Monarch Home Video ... In "Bart Got a Room"
(2008), starring William H. Macy, Cheryl Hines, Jennifer Tilly, Alia
Shawkat and Steven Kaplan, a high school student goes on a desperate
quest to find a prom date and becomes progressively more pathetic once
he learns that Bart, the school's biggest dweeb, has not only secured a
date for the prom, but has a hotel room as well; from Anchor Bay
Entertainment.
"Guns on the Clackamas" (1995) is cartoonist Bill Plympton's second live-action feature, a behind-the-scenes look at an imaginary disastrous Western. A notable documentary filmmaker is trying to make a behind-the-scenes movie about the making of the Western "Guns on the Clackamas." But everything is going wrong and when cast members start dropping like flies due to accidents on the set and some really bad catering, the filmmakers must resort to solutions that are startling and hilarious. Plympton said the idea came from the 1937 movie "Saratoga," in which star Jean Harlow died during the filming and a stand-in was used to finish: Every time Harlow was in a scene, a box or something blocked the view. Available from Plymptoons.com.
For the Family:
Just in time to help kids sharpen their brainpower for school in the fall, Scholastic Storybook Treasures presents "Chicka Chicka 123 ... And More Counting Fun"
(2009), a unique DVD exploring the magical world of numbers in a
colorful, animated and engaging production; $14.95 from Scholastic
Storybook Treasures ... 
"Super Why! Jack and the Beanstalk & Other Fairytale Adventures"
(2008) includes four episodes of the PBS KIDS superhero series that
helps children ages 3-6 learn to read through interactive storybook
adventures. Explores classic fairytales "Jack and the Beanstalk,"
"Princess and the Pea," "The Three Little Pigs" and "Little Red Riding
Hood" with a modern twist; $14.99 from PBS KIDS/Paramount ... "Robby the Blue Koala Rides the Discovery Express"
(2008) is an animated adventure for ages 2 to 5 in which Robby the blue
koala guides kids on a train ride of discovery to Shapetown,
Colorville, and the Animal City, along the way learning about colors,
shapes, animal sounds, body parts, healthy eating, exercise, counting
to 10, saying please, and opposites; available for $12.99 from Gift of Happiness.com.
... "The Spectacular Spider-Man: The Complete First Season"
(2008) is a two-disc set with 13 episodes; $28.96 from Sony ... "Green Lantern: First Flight"
(2008) features the voices of Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, Tricia
Helfer and Michael Madsen in an animated feature of the DC Comics hero;
from Warner.
All things British: "Touch of Frost: Season 14" (2009) is a two-disc set with three episodes of British television's Detective Inspector William "Jack" Frost, a moody, rule-breaking "street copper": "Mind Games," "Dead End" and "In the Public Interest"; $34.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Armchair Thriller, Set 1" features four multi-episode psychological thrillers from the classic 1980s suspense series with top-notch British actors including Ian McKellen, John Shrapnel and James Bolam; $59.99 from Acorn Media ... "Doc Martin, Series 2" (2006) is a three-disc set with nine episodes of the British series about a hotshot London surgeon who develops a crippling fear of blood and is forced to give up surgery and relocate to the sleepy, picturesque seaside village of his youth; $49.99 from Acorn Media ... "Agatha Christie: Poirot & Marple" is a 17-disc set with 21 spine-tingling murder mysteries, $134.95 from A&E Home Entertainment ... "Life on Mars, Series 1" is the award-winning, original U.K. police drama with a twist: Hot on a killer's trail in modern-day Manchester, police detective Sam Tyler gets struck by a passing car and wakes up in 1973. Is he mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever the answers, he still has crimes to solve, albeit with low-tech, highly aggressive 1970s methods. He finds himself working on a homicide squad where hard drinking replaces hard thinking; forensics takes weeks to analyze; and his boss, DCI Gene Hunt has no qualms about roughing up suspects -- or Sam himself. The original U.K. series aired on BBC One for two series (2006-2007); ABC remade it for the 2008-2009 season starring Jason O'Mara and Harvey Keitel; four-disc set with eight episodes, $59.99 from Acorn Media.
Laugh tracks: "Jim Breuer: Let's Clear The Air" (2009) is a Comedy Central stand up concert with Breuer; from Paramount ... In the four-disc set "Comic Legends" (2008) five American comedy giants are seen in their prime as well as in their formative years: "Dick Van Dyke: In Rare Form," "Phyllis Diller: Not Just a Pretty Face," "Tim Conway: Timeless Comedy" and "Redd Foxx & Groucho Marx"; $19.98 from MPI Home Video ... From 2004-2008, cartoonist Bill Plympton had an unparalleled string of hit films. Featured in "Bill Plympton's Dog Days" are the best of this golden age, including the celebrated dog trilogy ("Guard Dog", "Guide Dog" and "Hot Dog") and a number of rare and seldom seen films, such as "The Fan and the Flower," "Shuteye Hotel," "Santa, The Fascist Years" and a controversial experimental film "Spiral." $24.95 from Plymptoons.com.
On the fringe: Is it possible that
intelligent life forms visited Earth thousands of years ago, bringing
with them technology that drastically affected the course of history
and man's own development? 
The top-rated History Channel special "Ancient Aliens"
(2009) explores evidence of super-human influences on ancient man and
embarks on a round-the-world search for answers; $19.95 from A&E
Home Entertainment ... Aleister Crowley, self proclaimed "The Great
Beast" and known by the press as "The Wickedest Man in the World" was
perhaps the most controversial and notorious individual in British
history -- if not the entire 20th century. "In Search of the Great Beast 666"
(2009) dramatically documents the chilling life, impulses and journey
of Crowley (1875-1947), unearthing the barely believable and shocking
facts surrounding this infamous occultist, spy, poet, dark magician,
hedonist, writer and accomplished mountaineer; $19.95 from The
Disinformation Company.
Crooks: "The Mafia" (2009) is a four-disc set of the History Channel series that takes a comprehensive, cold-blooded look at organized crime in the 20th century, from prohibition to WWII and the Cold War, to JFK's presidency and John Gotti; $34.95 from A&E Home Entertainment ... "Ripped Off: Madoff and the Scamming of America" (2009) is a History Channel documentary that looks at the monetary chaos brought about by Bernie Madoff, a popular and trusted investor from middle-class Queens, New York -- and alleged Ponzi schemer -- and his $65 billion scam, from its humble beginnings to its stunning downfall; $19.95 from A&E Home Entertainment.
Misc: "Liberace: Greatest Songs" (2009) is a two-disc set of performances from the 1950s "The Liberace Show"; $24.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Star-ving: The Complete First Season" (2009) is the Raunchy online "reality" series from Crackle.com that stars Corin Nemec and David Faustino in an ANTI-"Entourage" outing; $19.94 from Sony.
First Look at Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland":
We got an advance copy of the teaser trailer for Tim Burton's "Alice in
Wonderland," a visonary voyage into Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures
in Wonderland" (1865) and "Through the Looking-Glass" (1871), starring
Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover, Matt
Lucas, Marton Csokas, Tim Pigott-Smith, Lindsay Duncan, Geraldine
James, Leo Bill, Jemma Powell, Mairi Ella Challen and Mia Wasikowska as
Alice. Due March 5, 2010, in digital 3-D, from Walt Disney. See it here.
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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:
Agatha Christie: Poirot & Marple. Seventeen-disc set with 21 spine-tingling murder mysteries, $134.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).
Ancient Aliens (2009) Is it possible that intelligent life forms visited Earth thousands of years ago, bringing with them technology that drastically affected the course of history and man's own development? This top-rated History Channel special explores evidence of super-human influences on ancient man and embarks on a round-the-world search for answers. $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).
Angel of Death (2009) Zoe Bell, Lucy Lawless, Doug Jones, Ted Raimi. Uncut feature-length movie of Crackle.com's dark and gritty internet series about a cold-blooded assassin, employed by a ruthless crime family, who suffers severe head trauma on the job, begins to hallucinate, and becomes haunted by her victims. She's driven to seek revenge on those who originally ordered the hits -- her mob employers. The film makes its broadcast debut on Spike TV July 25. Extras: Commentary by creator Ed Brubaker and star Zoe Bell, making-of featurette, "Casting an Angel: Zoe Bell as Eve," "Writing, Ed Brubaker Style," "Behind the Stunts," Zoe Bell's screen test, "Eve's Tips for Killing." (Sony).
Armchair Thriller, Set 1 . Classic 1980s suspense series with top-notch British actors including Ian McKellen, John Shrapnel and James Bolam. Featuring sophisticated suspense, strong writing, and dramatic cliffhangers, these four multi-episode psychological thrillers are cult classics. Four-disc set, $59.99. (Acorn Media).
Bart Got a Room (2008) William H. Macy, Cheryl Hines, Jennifer Tilly, Alia Shawkat, Steven Kaplan. A high school student goes on a desperate quest to find a prom date and becomes progressively more pathetic once he learns that Bart, the school's biggest dweeb, has not only secured a date for the prom, but has a hotel room as well. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5 (2009) Four-disc set with the last 10 episodes, Extras: Three extended episodes of the series finale; "Evolution Of A Cue": Composer Bear McCreary goes step-by-step through his process of creating the music of "Battlestar Galactica"; "What the Frak is Going On With Battlestar Galactica?" recap of "Battlestar Galactica's" first three thrilling seasons -- in only eight minutes; "And They Have a Plan": What do they mean every episode when the opening sequence on the Cylons states "And They Have a Plan?"; "The Journey Ends: The Arrival" featurette; "A Look Back" six-part retrospective with filmmakers, cast and crew; commentaries by Ronald D. Moore, David Eick, And Edward James Olmos; Ronald d. Moore's podcast commentaries; David Eick's video blogs; deleted scenes. DVD: $49.98, Blu-ray Disc: $69.98. (Universal).
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series. Twenty-five disc set for the completist. DVD: $279.98; Blu-ray Disc: $349.98. (Universal).
Bill Plympton's Dog Days. From 2004-2008, cartoonist Bill Plympton had an unparalleled string of hit films. Featured here are the best of this golden age, including the celebrated dog trilogy ("Guard Dog", "Guide Dog" and "Hot Dog") and a number of rare and seldom seen films, such as "The Fan and the Flower," "Shuteye Hotel," "Santa, The Fascist Years" and a controversial experimental film "Spiral." $24.95 from Plymptoons.com.
Chicka Chicka 123 ... And More Counting Fun (2009) Just in time to help kids sharpen their brainpower for school, Scholastic Storybook Treasures presents this unique DVD exploring the magical world of numbers in a colorful, animated and engaging production. The lead story, "Chicka Chicka 123," has been adapted from Bill Martin Jr.'s award-winning and best-selling book. When 101 numbers race each other up the apple tree, bad bumblebees come buzzing. Which number will save the day? The DVD also features three other stories celebrating the fun of numbers: "Emily's First 100 Days of School," "How Much is a Million?" and "If You Made a Million." $14.95. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).
Comic Legends (2008) Five American comedy giants are seen in their prime as well as in their formative years in this four-disc set: "Dick Van Dyke: In Rare Form," "Phyllis Diller: Not Just a Pretty Face," "Tim Conway: Timeless Comedy" and "Redd Foxx & Groucho Marx," $19.98. (MPI Home Video).
Doc Martin, Series 2 (2006) Three-disc set with nine episodes of the British series about a hotshot London surgeon who develops a crippling fear of blood and is forced to give up surgery and relocate to the sleepy, picturesque seaside village of his youth; $49.99. (Acorn Media).
Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (2009) When a London bus travels through a worm-hole to an alien world, the Doctor (David Tennant) must join forces with the extraordinary Lady Christina to help the unfortunate passengers, and themselves, get back home. But the mysterious planet holds terrifying secrets. $14.98. Extras: "Dr. Who Confidential." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (BBC Video/Warner).
Dollhouse Season One (2009) Three-disc set with all 12 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Never-before-seen standalone episode "Epitaph One," the original unaired pilot "Echo," deleted scenes, seven making-of featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
The Donna Reed Show: Season Two (1959-60) Four-disc set with 38 episodes, $39.95. (Virgil Films Entertainment).
Dragonball Evolution Z Edition (2009) Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, Jamie Chung, Emmy Rossum, Eriko Tamura, Joon Park, Chow Yun-Fat, Texas Battle, Ernie Hudson Extras: Digital copy, eight deleted scenes, featurettes, gag reels, scavenger hunt game, music video, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Dragon Hunter (2008) Isaac Singleton Jr., Orlando Seale, Kelly Stable, Maclain Nelson. Sci-fi fantasy adventure in which two orphaned brothers leave their ravaged village to seek the land of Ocard to train to become dragon hunters. (Monarch Home Video).
Green Lantern: First Flight (2008) Voices of Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, Tricia Helfer, Michael Madsen. Animated feature of the DC Comics hero. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc special edition, and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Bonus features, digital copy. (Warner)
Fast & Furious (2009)
Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, John
Ortiz, Laz Alonso, Sung Kang, Tego Calderon, Don Omar. Available as a two-disc Blu-ray set, a two-disc Special Edition DVD, a single-disc DVD and as a download-to-own. Extras: DVD: Filmmaker commentary, gag reel and outtakes. Extras: Special Edition:
"Los Bandoleros" original short film that provides character backstory;
"Under the Hood: Muscle Cars" featurette looks at some of the muscle
cars in the film including the return of Vin Diesel's iconic Charger;
"Under the Hood: Imports"; "Getting the Gang Back Together" featurette;
"Driving School With Vin Diesel"; "Shooting the Big Rig Heist"; "Races
and Chases"; "High Octane Action: The Stunts"; "South of the Border:
Filming in Mexico"; trailers from all four "Fast and Furious" films;
"Blanco" music video by Pitbull featuring Pharrell; gag reel and
outtakes; filmmaker commentary; digital copy. Extras: Blu-ray:
All of the above plus: "U-Control" feature that lets viewers access
bonus materials without leaving the movie; "Take Control": Paul Walker
and Justin Lin take control of the viewing experience in this unique
feature, offering a personal visual commentary by engaging with select
scenes of the film to reveal details of the filmmaking process;
"Virtual Car Garage and Tech Specs" allows viewers to view specs on a
particular car, go to the garage where they can browse the vehicles up
close, and even build their own custom-made car to share with the
BD-Live community; BD-LIVE interactive features including "Fast &
Furious Video Mash-Up," "My Scenes Sharing," "My Chat" and "My Fast
& Furious" Commentary. (Universal).
The Fifth Commandment (2008) Rick Yune, Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine, Dania Ramirez. An elite assassin is contracted to eliminate a gorgeous pop star, whom his long-lost brother is assigned to protect. Refusing the job, the assassin joins forces with his sibling to battle a ferocious cartel that will use any means necessary to destroy them. Extras: "Creating The Fifth Commandment" featurette, "The Stunts of The Fifth Commandment" featurette. (Sony).
Guns on the Clackamas (1995) Cartoonist Bill Plympton's second live-action feature, a behind-the-scenes look at an imaginary disastrous Western. A notable documentary filmmaker is trying to make a behind-the-scenes movie about the making of the Western "Guns on the Clackamas." But everything is going wrong and when cast members start dropping like flies due to accidents on the set and some really bad catering, the filmmakers must resort to solutions that are startling and hilarious. Plympton said the idea came from the 1937 movie "Saratoga," in which star Jean Harlow died during the filming and a stand-in was used to finish: Every time Harlow was in a scene, a box or something blocked the view. Available from Plymptoons.com.
In Search of the Great Beast 666 (2009) Aleister Crowley, self proclaimed "The Great Beast" and known by the press as "The Wickedest Man in the World" was perhaps the most controversial and notorious individual in British history -- if not the entire 20th century. This film dramatically documents the chilling life, impulses and journey of Crowley (1875-1947), a man who was voted in a BBC poll to be one of the most influential Britons of all time. This documentary unearths the barely believable and shocking facts surrounding this infamous occultist, spy, poet, dark magician, hedonist, writer and accomplished mountaineer. Under various guises and camouflaged by pseudonyms, Crowley travelled the world in his quest for supreme knowledge and ultimate power through the occult. He reveled in what some describe as acts of sexual decadence yet recognized by others as extreme depravity. And his influence on modern culture is evident yet his reputation remains shrouded in a veil of infamy. Was he related to U.S. President George Bush? And how was he connected to Scientology, Jack the Ripper, Winston Churchill, Hitler and Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond)? $19.95 (The Disinformation Company). Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
Inglorious Bastards (1978) The original film that inspired Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds," starring Brad Pitt, due this August. Bo Svenson, Fred Williamson, Ian Bannen. A gang of condemned criminals escape from an Allied prison convoy with a plan to blast their way to the Swiss border, only to find themselves 'volunteering' for a suicide mission deep inside Nazi-occupied France. Extras: "A Conversation With Quentin Tarantino & (the original's director) Enzo Castellari." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, with such extras as "Inglorious Reunion At The New Beverly," "Enzo's 70th Birthday Party in L.A.," making-of documentary "Train Kept A-Rollin," commentary, more. (Severin Films).
Jim Breuer: Let's Clear The Air (2009) Comedy Central stand up concert with Jim Breuer. Breuer joined NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in 1995; since then he went on to star in several movies, toured the country with his "Heavy Metal Man" and "Family Man" comedy tours, and hosts a daily radio show. Extras: "Photo Shoot" and "Fireside Chat With Dad." (Paramount).
Knight Rider (2008): Season One (2008-09) Four-disc set with 17 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "The Icon Reborn," "K.I.T.T. -- From 2000 to 3000," "Knight Rider -- Legacy," commentary by executive producer David Bartis and stars Justin Bruening and Deanna Russo. (Universal).
Liberace: Greatest Songs (2009) Two-disc set of performances from the 1950s "The Liberace Show," $24.98. (MPI Home Video).
Life on Mars, Series 1. Award-winning, original U.K. police drama with a twist. Hot on a killer's trail in modern-day Manchester, police detective Sam Tyler gets struck by a passing car and wakes up in 1973. Is he mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever the answers, he still has crimes to solve, albeit with low-tech, highly aggressive 1970s methods. He finds himself working on a homicide squad where hard drinking replaces hard thinking; forensics takes weeks to analyze; and his boss, DCI Gene Hunt has no qualms about roughing up suspects -- or Sam himself. The original U.K. series aired on BBC One for two series (2006-2007); ABC remade it for the 2008-2009 season starring Jason O'Mara and Harvey Keitel. Extras: Commentaries; "Take a Look at the Lawman," an hour-long documentary with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage; interview clip with director Bharat Nalluri; "The Music of Life on Mars" featurette; "Get Sykes" featurette with the series' production designer Brian Sykes; outtakes reel. Four-disc set with eight episodes, $59.99. (Acorn Media).
The Mafia (2009) Four-disc set of the History Channel series that takes a cold-blooded look at organized crime in the 20th century, from prohibition to WWII and the Cold War, to JFK's presidency and John Gotti. $34.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).
The Middleman: The Complete Series (2008) Four-disc set with 12 episodes, $34.99. Extras: Commentaries by the cast and crew, alternate scenes, Web featurettes, gag reel, audition footage, The complete "The Palindrome Reversal Palindrome" table read, gallery of photography by Ralph King, more. (Shout! Factory).
Miss March (2009) Zach Cregger, Trevor Moore, Raquel Alessi, Molly Stanton, Holly Hindman, Craig Robinson, Alexis Raben, Tanjareen Martin. Theatrical and unrated version of the film. Extras: Viral videos, auditions, "Down & Dirty" music featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Repulsion (1965) Dir.: Roman Polanski; Catherine Deneuve. Roman Polanski followed up his international breakthrough "Knife in the Water" with this controversial, chilling tale of psychosis, starring Catherine Deneuve as Carole, a fragile, frigid young beauty cracking up over the course of a terrifying weekend. Left alone by her vacationing sister in their London flat, Carole is haunted by specters real and imagined, and her insanity grows to a violent pitch. Thanks to its unforgettable attention to disturbing detail and Polanski's unparalleled adeptness at turning claustrophobic space into an emotional minefield, "Repulsion" remains one of cinema's most shocking psychological thrillers. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Commentary by Polanski and Deneuve; "A British Horror Film" (2003), a documentary on the making of "Repulsion," featuring interviews with Polanski, producer Gene Gutowski, and cinematographer Gil Taylor; a 1964 television documentary filmed on the set of "Repulsion," featuring rare footage of Polanski and Deneuve at work; booklet featuring an essay by film scholar and curator Bill Horrigan. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Ripped Off: Madoff and the Scamming of America (2009) History Channel documentary looks at the monetary chaos brought about by Bernie Madoff, a popular and trusted investor from middle-class Queens, New York -- and alleged Ponzi schemer -- and his $65 billion scam, from its humble beginnings to its stunning downfall; $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).
Robby the Blue Koala Rides the Discovery Express (2008) Animated adventure for ages 2 to 5. Robby the blue koala guides kids on a train ride of discovery to Shapetown, Colorville, and the Animal City, along the way learning about colors, shapes, animal sounds, body parts, healthy eating, exercise, counting to 10, saying please, and opposites. Available for $12.99 from Gift of Happiness.com.
The Spectacular Spider-Man: The Complete First Season (2008) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $28.96. Extras: Two behind-the-scenes featurette. (Sony).
Star-ving: The Complete First Season (2009) Raunchy online "reality" series from Crackle.com stars Corin Nemec and David Faustino in an ANTI-"Entourage" outing, $19.94. Released July 23. (Sony).
Streets of Blood (2009) Val Kilmer, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Sharon Stone, Michael Biehn. The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina sparks an investigation into the criminal underworld in New Orleans, where crime and corruption are about to go to all new levels of depravity. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
Super Why! Jack and the Beanstalk & Other Fairytale Adventures (2008) Four episodes of the PBS KIDS superhero series that helps children ages 3-6 learn to read through interactive storybook adventures. Explores classic fairytales "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Princess and the Pea," "The Three Little Pigs" and "Little Red Riding Hood" with a modern twist. $14.99. Extras: Interactive games, music videos, printable activities and coloring pages, resources for parents. (PBS KIDS/Paramount).
The Terry Jones Collection (2008) Monty Python star Terry Jones presents this award-winning documentary series, featuring ancient inventions, the surprising history of sex and love and the hidden histories of Egypt and Rome. Two-disc set. (Microcinema).
Torchwood: Children of Earth (2009) All-new five-part series, $29.98. (BBC Video/Warner).
Touch of Frost: Season 14 (2009) Two-disc set with three episodes of British television's Detective Inspector William "Jack" Frost, a moody, rule-breaking "street copper": "Mind Games," "Dead End" and "In the Public Interest"; $34.98. (MPI Home Video).
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