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#315

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Jan 29, 2008 6:53 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, January 29, 2008, V12.5

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1/29/08 V12.5

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, January 29 -- Monday, February 4

Bordertown
Since 1993, almost 400 women have been murdered in Juarez, Mexico, a factory town that is home to people who toil away at "maquiladoras" (border factories) making cheap consumer goods for the US market. "Bordertown" tells the story of Lauren Fredricks (Jennifer Lopez), an ambitious newspaper reporter, who has been sent to Juarez by her editor (Martin Sheen) to investigate what has happened to these hundreds of women and how the local police and authorities have been covering up the brutal rapes and murders. Lauren looks up her former colleague (and lover) Alfonso Diaz (Antonio Banderas), who now runs the local paper, and they soon uncover one of the hottest stories of the year when they come across the only known survivor of one of these mysterious attacks. The victim is reluctant to speak, but Lauren convinces her to break the silence; yet the real danger is not the murder, but the larger forces who don't want the story told. Vitals: Director: Gregory Nava. Stars: Jennifer Lopez, Antonio Banderas, Martin Sheen, Maya Zapata. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 114 min., Thriller, ThinkFilm.

Comebacks, The
Comedy that spoofs the best inspirational sports movies ever made. Champ Fields is known as the unluckiest coach in the history of sports. After being forced into an early retirement, he's given one last shot at greatness. Unfortunately, Champ is hired to coach The Comebacks, a talentless, slightly deranged college football team with a laughable roster and an even worse record. Armed with questionable morals, and weak players, Champ sets out to bring this team of losers together and make the impossible happen: win a game. Vitals: Director: Tom Brady. Stars: David Koechner, Carl Weathers, Matthew Lawrence, Brooke Nevin, Jackie Long, Jesse Garcia. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 88 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $13.168 million, Fox.

Daddy Day Camp
Sequel to "Daddy Day Care." Charlie Hinton (Cuba Gooding Jr.), the owner of the successful Daddy Day Care business, and his partner Phil (Paul Rae) are presented with a dilemma when their seven-year-old sons, Ben and Max, want to spend the summer at Camp Canola -- a camp run by Charlie's boyhood rival, Lance. Rather than send Ben and Max to Lance's camp, Charlie and Phil impulsively buy the neglected, neighboring Camp Driftwood and attempt to run it themselves. The camp, however, is rundown and dilapidated, and the men discover that they've bitten off more than they can chew. After numerous disasters, Charlie reluctantly enlists the help of his military-trained father, Buck, who helps Charlie and Phil teach the kids the outdoor skills needed at camp and train for the inter-camp Olympiad against Camp Canola. Vitals: Director: Fred Savage. Stars: Cuba Gooding Jr., Paul Rae, Lochlyn Munro, Richard Gant, Brian Doyle-Murray, Tamala Jones. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 89 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $13.235 million, Sony.

Feel the Noise
After a run-in with local thugs, aspiring Harlem rapper Rob (Omarion Grandberry) flees to a place and a father (Giancarlo Esposito) he never knew, and finds his salvation in Reggaeton, a spicy blend of hip-hop, reggae and Latin beats. Puerto Rico, the spiritual home of Reggaeton, inspires Rob and his half-brother Javi (Victor Rasuk) to pursue their dream of becoming Reggaeton stars. Together with a dancer named C.C. (Zulay Henao), they learn what it means to stay true to themselves and each other, while overcoming obstacles in love, greed and pride, all culminating in an explosive performance at New York's Puerto Rican Day Parade. Vitals: Director: Alejandro Chomski. Stars: Omarion Grandberry, Giancarlo Esposito, Victor Rasuk, Zulay Henao. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Music Drama, Box office gross: $5.701 million, Sony.

Invasion, The
Third remake of the seminal 1950s cold war thriller "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," here gussied up for the 21st century. A massive explosion lights up the skies from Dallas to Washington, shattering the space shuttle Patriot into pieces that rain down across the U.S. The authorities are quick to seize control of the situation, but stories emerge about a strange substance found clinging to the wreckage -- something that withstood the extreme cold of space and searing heat of reentry to get here. And the first to come in contact with it are the first to change. DC psychiatrist Carol Bennell (Nicole Kidman) doesn't connect what happened to the shuttle with the bizarre occurrences that seem to accelerate around her: One of her patients is terrified that her husband has been replaced by a stranger; violent outbursts on the streets are quickly subdued; and a very strange substance comes home in her son Oliver's Halloween candy -- something that might, in fact, be alive. She tells her friend and fellow doctor, Ben Driscoll (Daniel Craig), that something is very wrong despite the fact that Washington does not seem concerned. The official word is that it's simply a new form of flu, but before realizing the weight of what's happening Carol lets Oliver spend the weekend with his estranged dad, a high-level official with the Center for Disease Control, who is in Washington investigating the crash and was one of the first people on the scene. As the epidemic spreads, Carol discovers that the very people in charge of inoculation against it are spreading something far worse -- a spore of unknown origin that attacks human DNA while the host sleeps, remaking it in the image of a lifeform that looks like us and talks like us, but with all human emotion drained away. Seemingly overnight, the people around her are transformed into hive-like beings with one imperative: to infect others and take control. Doing everything in her power to stay awake, Carol embarks on a desperate journey into a changed world to stay alive long enough to find her son. To hide among them, she will have to remain calm ... betray no emotion ... and, most of all, not fall asleep. Vitals: Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel. Stars: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Jackson Bond, Jeffrey Wright, Veronica Cartwright. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 99 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $15.071 million, Warner.

Rocket Science
Hal Hefner is an ordinary, shy 15 year-old boy who's struggling to make it through high school. On top of his parents' recent divorce and an obsessive-compulsive, kleptomaniac older brother, Hal has a stuttering problem. In spite of this speech impediment, the high school debate team star, Ginny Ryerson, invites Hal to join the team. Stumbling his way to the championship, Hal falls in love, gains confidence and ultimately, realizes that love and life should not be rocket science. Vitals: Director: Jeffrey Blitz. Stars: Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Vincent Piazza, Nicholas D'Agosto, Aaron Yoo. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 101 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $.712 million, HBO Video.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

Due this week is "El Cid" (1961), directed by Anthony Mann and starring Charlton Heston, Sophia Loren, Raf Vallone and Genevieve Page. The two-disc set is the first release under The Weinstein Co.'s The Miriam Collection label (named after their mother). Anthony Mann masterfully directs this classic tale of the 11th-century hero (Heston) who fought to unite Spain. Known as history's "compassionate warrior," the film follows El Cid's remarkable journey from peace-broker accused of treason to the King's fighting champion, and later from exiled hero to legendary martyr. The disc is available in a Deluxe Edition ($24.95) and a Limited Collector's Edition ($39.92). Extras include a written Introduction by Martin Scorsese; commentary by Bill Bronston (son of producer Sam Bronston) and historian-author Neal M. Rosendorf; a 1961 promotional radio interviews with Heston and Loren; an introduction interview with Heston ; "Samuel Bronston: The Epic Journey of a Dreamer"; "Behind the Camera: Anthony Mann and El Cid"; "Hollywood Conquers Spain: The Making of an Epic"; "Maestro of the Movies: Miklos Rozsa and El Cid"; "The Importance of Film Preservation and Restoration: A Conversation With Gerry Byrne"; a trailer gallery; filmographies; and still gallery. Included in the Collector's Edition only is a reproduction of the original 1961 souvenir program, a reproduction of the original 1961 El Cid comic book and six color production stills.

From TV to Video:
"Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Volume 5" is at two-disc set with all 10 episodes from the fifth season plus 4 previously unreleased episodes, $29.98 from Warner ... "Blue Murder, Set 2" (2003) is a two-disc set with four contemporary, deftly plotted British police procedurals; $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Chancer, Series 2" is a two-disc set with the last seven episodes of the 1990s British TV series starring Clive Owen as a magnetic con man; $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Cisco Kid Collection 1, 2 ,3 ,4" are four-disc sets with 20 episodes of the early TV Western series; $19.98 each from MPI Home Video ... "Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Sixth Season" is a two-disc set with 10 episodes, $39.98 from HBO Video ... "Damages: The Complete First Season" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95 from Sony ... "Jackie Gleason -- Genius at Work" is a collection of some of the Great One's funniest sketches; $19.98 from MPI Home Video ... "JAG: The Fifth Season" (1999-2000) is a seven-disc set with 25 episodes, $64.99 from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" (2007), diehard video game fans compete to break World Records on classic arcade games, from New Line ... "Lake Placid 2" (2007) stars John Schneider, Cloris Leachman and Sam McMurray in a telefilm sequel to the comedy horror film about a giant crocodile inhabiting Lake Placid, from Fox ... In "Kiss and Tell" (1996) starring Rosie Rowell, Peter Howitt and Daniel Craig, a policewoman poses as a lonely heart to entice a confession from a man the police believe murdered his wife, from BFS Entertainment ... The unruly, losing players of a pub soccer league team hire a mysterious new coach to whip them back into shape in "Studs" (2006), starring Brendan Gleeson and David Wilmot, from BFS Entertainment ... "Ricco the Mean Machine" (1973) stars Christopher Mitchum, Arthur Kennedy, Malisa Longo and Barbara Bouchet in a mob thriller about the son of a Mafia Don who returns from prison to find his family business usurped by others, from Dark Sky/MPI Home Video ... In "Tragic Ceremony" (1972), starring Camille Keaton, four hippies take refuge in an abandoned villa only to get involved in a satanic sacrifice, from Dark Sky/MPI Home Video.

On the Indie Front:
"The Nines" (2007) stars Ryan Reynolds, Hope Davis, Melissa McCarthy and Elle Fanning in three short films (directed by John August), each a thriller featuring the same actors in different - and sometimes overlapping - roles. Together, the three stories form a single narrative that explores the relationships between author and character, actor and role, creator and creation: a journey through the mind of an actor, a writer and a video game designer who arguably controls them all. From Sony ... Three days before his bar exam, a ladder-climbing law intern desperate to score points with his boss commits to driving a beat up truck cross-country carrying his boss' seductive yet untouchable niece and her out-of-control pet pig in "Moving McAllister" (2007), starring Ben Gourley, Mila Kunis, Jon Heder and Rutger Hauer, from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... "Raising Flagg" (2006) stars Alan Arkin, Lauren Holly, Glenne Headley, Barbara Dana, Austin Pendleton, Richard Kind and Matthew Arkin in a comedy centered on a handyman (Arkin) and his lifelong competition with his neighbor (Pendleton), from Cinema Libre Studio ... "King of California" (2007) stars Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood and Willis Burks II in an offbeat comedy that just doesn't live up to its premise. After spending several years in a mental institute Charlie (Michael Douglas) is sent home, reuniting with his teenage daughter Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood). Soon, however, Charlie becomes obsessed with the notion that a long-lost Spanish treasure is buried beneath their local suburban California Costco. From First Look Home Entertainment ... "Quiet City + Dance, Party USA: 2 Films by Aaron Katz " (2007) is an interesting indie release. "Quiet City" is a deceptively simple drama about a twentysomething girl (Erin Fisher) who arrives in New York to visit a friend who never shows; on an empty subway platform, she crosses paths with a kindly stranger named Charlie (Cris Lankenau), and an unlikely connection is formed over the next 24 hours through city parks, abandoned apartments, and art galleries in the heart of industrial Brooklyn. In "Dance Party, USA," apathetic teens Jessica (Anna Kavan) and Gus (Cole Pennsinger) share a fleeting moment at a Fourth of July party in Portland, but their relationship grows closer and more complex after Gus confronts her with a troubling secret. Two-disc set. (Benten Films; www.bentenfilms.com).

For the Family:
The hot release this week: "Hannah Montana: One in a Million" with four episodes from the wildly popular Disney Channel series, from Disney ... "Fast Girl" (2007) is a family film about a young woman who wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a professional race car driver, from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Twitches Too" (2007) is a Disney Channel telefilm starring Tia and Tamera Mowry as a pair of magical princesses separated at birth to protect them from a mysterious evil force, from Disney ... for the wee ones there's "Celebrating Around the World" (2007), in which Barney and friends take a super-dee-duper adventure to Brazil, Kenya, India, Japan and Ireland where they learn about different cultures, including traditional music and dance, and explore the ways people celebrate around the world; $14.98 from HIT/Fox ... and "Pingu: On Thin Ice," with eight episodes of the animated series about a charming, cheeky young penguin who connects with kids of all ages and has a knack for mischief and a flair for flippered fun; $14.98 from HIT/Fox.

Special Interest:
"Pioneers of Television" (2008) is the recent four-part PBS documentary with clips and interviews from the formative years of television, with appearances by nearly 100 stars; $24.99 from Paramount ... "Coma" (2007) is a documentary look at the mystery of traumatic brain injury; $24.98 from HBO Video ... "Kennedy: The Man, the President, the Tragedy" is a three-disc set with "Image of an Assassination: A New Look into the Zapruder Film," "The Murder of JFK: A Revisionist History" and "The Missiles of October" starring William Devane and Martin Sheen; $29.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Desert Bayou" (2007) is a feature length documentary that tells the story of 600 African-Americans who were airlifted out of New Orleans after the Katrina floods, shipped to Utah without their knowledge, subjected to identity checks and then housed at an isolated military base. Although the people flown to Utah were a small percentage of those displaced -- estimates are between 645,000 and 1 million -- their story is emblematic of some painful truths about race, religion and poverty in America; $19.95 from Cinema Libre ... "Bill Gottlieb: Riffs" (2005) is a photographic chronicle of the Golden Age of Jazz, 1938 to 1948. Bill Gottlieb's exquisitely detailed photographs captured the essence of jazz. His body of work represents the musicians who inspired him, and provides an intimate look at the musicmakers. Gottlieb's photographs have been used in countless books and articles and have graced nearly 250 record album covers; they have appeared in television documentaries and major motion pictures, and have been distributed on posters, postcards, calendars, and T-shirts. Featuring interviews with Gottlieb and other jazz authorities, this documentary explores the stories behind Bill's artful portraits. He discusses his famous photographs of jazz greats Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and many others. $19.99 from Kultur International Films ... "The Mamas & The Papas: Straight Shooter" (2008) is a definitive biography of the legendary musical group that had 10 hit singles from 1965-68. Features exclusive interviews with founding members John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty to tell the story of The Mamas and The Papas, with home movies, personal photographs, interviews, rare performances. $19.99 from SRO Entertainment ... "Teresa Mason's Steppin' Out" is a new dance instruction series from acclaimed dance instructor Teresa Mason: "Nightclub Dancing," "Ballroom Dancing" and "Latin Dancing," $19.99 each from Kultur International Films.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Weekly listings of DVD releases can now be viewed on mobile
devices at www.tagtag.com/onvideo

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Volume 5. Two-disc set with all 10 episodes from the fifth season plus 4 previously unreleased episodes, $29.98. Extras: "Aqua Teen Respond to the Critics," "I Like Your Booty But I'm Not Gay" music video, "Learn to Shred Like the Master" featurette, "Tera Patrick Eats a Hot Dog," "Granny Takes Her Top Off," "The Worst Game Ever" interactive game, "Space Ghost Coast to Coast Chambraigne" (full episode), "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters" premiere with Space Ghost, deleted scenes, favorite episode promos, "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro Am video game trailer. (Warner).

Bill Gottlieb: Riffs (2005) A photographic chronicle of the Golden Age of Jazz, 1938 to 1948. $19.99. (Kultur International Films).

Blue Murder, Set 2 (2003) Two-disc set with four contemporary, deftly plotted British police procedurals; $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Bordertown (2007) Jennifer Lopez, Antonio Banderas, Martin Sheen, Maya Zapata. An investigative reporter uncovers a string of murders of young women near American-owned factories in the bordertown of Juarez. Extras: "The Making of Bordertown," "Dual Injustice" WITNESS.org documentary short, Amnestry International Juarez film, photo gallery, information on how to get involved. (ThinkFilm).

Celebrating Around the World (2007) Barney and friends take a super-dee-duper adventure to Brazil, Kenya, India, Japan and Ireland where they learn about different cultures, including traditional music and dance, and explore the ways people celebrate around the world; $14.98. (HIT/Fox).

Chancer, Series 2. Two-disc set with the last seven episodes of the 1990s British TV series starring Clive Owen as a magnetic con man; $39.99. (Acorn media).

Charm School (Ninas Mal) (2007 -- Mexico) Martha Higareda, Maria Aura. Comedy follows a high school teen queen with a rebellious attitude who is sent off to a charm school that guarantees they can turn any young girl into a "domestic goddess." Extras: "The Making of Ninas Mal," Ximena Sarinana music video "Como Soy." (Sony).

Cisco Kid Collection 1, 2 ,3 ,4. Four-disc sets with 20 episodes of the early TV Western series; $19.98 each. (MPI Home Video).Extras:

Coma (2007) Documentary look at the mystery of traumatic brain injury; $24.98. (HBO Video).

The Comebacks (2007) David Koechner, Carl Weathers, Matthew Lawrence, Brooke Nevin, Jackie Long, Jesse Garcia. In R-rated and unrated editions. R-rated Extras: Fox Movie Channel presents "In Character With David Koechner," "Varsity Black N' Blues" behind-the-scenes featurette, three Fox Atomic viral videos. Unrated Extras: Commentary by director Tom Brady, "On The Bench" deleted scenes, seven featurettes. (Fox).

Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Sixth Season. Two-disc set with 10 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Extra footage, gag reels, more. (HBO Video).

Daddy Day Camp (2007) Cuba Gooding Jr., Paul Rae, Lochlyn Munro, Richard Gant, Brian Doyle-Murray, Tamala Jones. Extras: "How I spent my Summer: Making Daddy Day Care" featurette, "What I Learned at Camp" interactive quiz. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Damages: The Complete First Season. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95. Extras: Featurettes: "Willful Acts," "Behind-the-Scenes," "Understanding Class Action," "Trust No One"; deleted scenes and bloopers; commentaries on select episodes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Desert Bayou (2007) Feature length documentary tells the story of 600 African- Americans who were airlifted out of New Orleans after the Katrina floods, shipped to Utah without their knowledge, subjected to identity checks and then housed at an isolated military base. Although the people flown to Utah were a small percentage of those displaced -- estimates are between 645,000 and 1 million -- their story is emblematic of some painful truths about race, religion and poverty in America; $19.95. (Cinema Libre).

Drumline Special Edition (2002) Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana, Orlando Jone, GQ. Extras: Commentary by director Charles Stone III, "Half-Time Heroes" featurette, "The Real Battle of the Bands" featurette, "Anatomy of a Drumline" featurette, deleted scenes. (Fox).

El Cid (1961) Dir.: Anthony Mann; Charlton Heston , Sophia Loren, Raf Vallone, Genevieve Page. Two-disc set. First release under The Weinstein Co.'s The Miriam Collection label. Available in a Deluxe Edition ($24.95) and a Limited Collector's Edition ($39.92). Extras: Written Introduction by Martin Scorsese; commentary by Bill Bronston (son of producer Sam Bronston) and historian-author Neal M. Rosendorf; 1961 promotional radio interviews with Heston and Loren; introduction interview with Heston ; "Samuel Bronston: The Epic Journey of a Dreamer"; "Behind the Camera: Anthony Mann and El Cid"; "Hollywood Conquers Spain: The Making of an Epic"; "Maestro of the Movies: Miklos Rozsa and El Cid"; "The Importance of Film Preservation and Restoration: A Conversation With Gerry Byrne"; trailer gallery; filmographies; still gallery. Included in the Collector's Edition only is a reproduction of the original 1961 souvenir program, a reproduction of the original 1961 El Cid comic book and six color production stills. (Weinstein Co./Genius).

Fast Girl (2007) Mircea Monroe, Justin Guarini, Dwier Brown, Caroline Rhea. Family film about a young woman who wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a professionl race car driver. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Feel the Noise (2007) Omarion Grandberry, Giancarlo Esposito, Victor Rasuk, Zulay Henao. Extras: "Feel the Noise: The Making of a Musical Movement," "Reggaeton: A Hand Crafted Beat." (Sony).

Groundhog Day: 15th Anniversary Special Edition (1993) Dir.: Harold Ramis; Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray. Digitally re-mastered under the supervision of Ramis. Extras: "A Different Day: An Interview with Harold Ramis," "The Study of Groundhogs: A Real Life Look at Marmots," deleted scenes, "The Weight of Time" making-of documentary, commentary by Ramis. (Sony).

Hannah Montana: One in a Million. Four episodes from the wildly popular Disney Channel series. (Disney).

Jackie Gleason -- Genius at Work. Collection of some of the Great One's funniest sketches; $19.98. (MPI Home Video).

JAG: The Fifth Season (1999-2000) Seven-disc set with 25 episodes, $64.99. (Paramount).

Kennedy: The Man, the President, the Tragedy. Three-disc set with "Image of an Assassination: A New Look into the Zapruder Film," "The Murder of JFK: A Revisionist History" and "The Missiles of October" starring William Devane and Martin Sheen; $29.98. (MPI Home Video).

King of California (2007) Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood, Willis Burks II. After spending several years in a mental institute Charlie (Michael Douglas) is sent home, reuniting with his teenage daughter Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood). Soon, however, Charlie becomes obsessed with the notion that a long-lost Spanish treasure is buried beneath their local suburban California Costco. (First Look Home Entertainment).

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) Mark Alpiger, Billy Mitchell. Diehard video game fans compete to break World Records on classic arcade games. Extras: Commentary by director Seth Gordon, producer Ed Cunningham, asociate producers Clay Tweel and Luis Lopez; featurettes, "A Really, Really Brief History of Donkey Kong" animated short, more. (New Line).

Kiss and Tell (1996 -- TV) Rosie Rowell, Peter Howitt, Daniel Craig. A policewoman poses as a lonely heart to entice a confession from a man the police believe murdered his wife. (BFS Entertainment).

Lake Placid 2 (2007) John Schneider, Cloris Leachman, Sam McMurray. Telefilm sequel to the comedy horror film about a giant crocodile inhabiting Lake Placid. (Fox).

The Mamas & The Papas: Straight Shooter (2008) Definitive biography of the legendary musical group that had 10 hit singles from 1965-68. (SRO Entertainment).

Monty Python's Life of Brian: The Immaculate Edition (1979) Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Extras: "The Story of Brian": an all-new hour-long revelation from Monty Python; "The Readthrough" newly-discovered original illustrated 110 minute recording by the Pythons of their early screenplay in progress; four illustrated vintage theatrical radio ads featuring the voices of Mrs. Cleese, Mrs. Idle, Mrs. Gilliam and Michael Palin's dentist; deleted scenes; commentaryby Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Terry Jones; commentary by John Cleese and Michael Palin. Also available on Blu-ray disc. (Sony).

Moving McAllister (2007) Ben Gourley, Mila Kunis, Jon Heder , Rutger Hauer. Three days before his bar exam, a ladder-climbing law intern desperate to score points with his boss commits to driving a beat up truck cross-country carrying his boss' seductive yet untouchable niece and her out-of-control pet pig. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Nines (2007) Ryan Reynolds, Hope Davis, Melissa McCarthy, Elle Fanning. Three short films (directed by John August), each a thriller featuring the same actors in different - and sometimes overlapping - roles. Together, the three stories form a single narrative that explores the relationships between author and character, actor and role, creator and creation: a journey through the mind of an actor, a writer and a video game designer who arguably controls them all. Extras: Commentary by director John August and Reynolds; commentary by August, editor Douglas Crise and actress McCarthy; alternate ending; deleted scenes; "God Short Film" by August; "Summing Up the Nines" behind-the-scenes featurette; "Script to Screen" comparison; photo galleries. (Sony).

Pingu: On Thin Ice. Eight episodes of the animated series about a charming, cheeky young penguin who connects with kids of all ages and has a knack for mischief and a flair for flippered fun; $14.98. Extras: Pingu DVD-Rom game. (HIT Ent./Fox).

Pioneers of Television (2008) Four-part PBS documentary with clips and interviews from the formative years of television, with appearances by nearly 100 stars; $24.99. (Paramount).

Quiet City + Dance, Party USA: 2 Films by Aaron Katz (2007) "Quiet City" is a deceptively simple drama about a twentysomething girl (Erin Fisher) who arrives in New York to visit a friend who never shows; on an empty subway platform, she crosses paths with a kindly stranger named Charlie (Cris Lankenau), and an unlikely connection is formed over the next 24 hours through city parks, abandoned apartments, and art galleries in the heart of industrial Brooklyn. In "Dance Party, USA," apathetic teens Jessica (Anna Kavan) and Gus (Cole Pennsinger) share a fleeting moment at a Fourth of July party in Portland, but their relationship grows closer and more complex after Gus confronts her with a troubling secret. Two-disc set. (Benten Films; www.bentenfilms.com).

Raising Flagg (2006) Alan Arkin, Lauren Holly, Glenne Headley, Barbara Dana, Austin Pendleton, Richard Kind, Matthew Arkin. A comedy centered on a handyman (Arkin) and his lifelong competition with his neighbor (Pendleton.) (Cinema Libre Studio).

Ricco the Mean Machine (1973) Christopher Mitchum, Arthur Kennedy, Malisa Longo, Barbara Bouchet. Mob thriller about the son of aMafia Don who returns from prison to find his family business usurped by others. (Dark Sky/MPI Home Video).

Rocket Science (2007) Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Vincent Piazza, Nicholas D'Agosto, Aaron Yoo. Extras: "The Making of Rocket Science," "Rocket Science" music video. (HBO Video).

Studs (2006) Brendan Gleeson, David Wilmot. The unruly, losing players of a pub soccer league team hire a mysterious new coach to whip them back into shape. (BFS Entertainment).

Teresa Mason's Steppin' Out. New dance instruction series from acclaimed dance instructor Teresa Mason: "Nightclub Dancing," "Ballroom Dancing" and "Latin Dancing," $19.99 each. (Kultur International Films).

Tragic Ceremony (1972) Camille Keaton. Four hippies take refuge in n abandoned villa only to get involved in a satanic sacrifice. (Dark Sky/MPI Home Video).

Twitches Too (2007 -- TV) Disney Channel telefilm starring Tia and Tamera Mowry as a pair of magical princesses separated at birth to protect them from a mysterious evil force. Extras: Alternate ending, behind-the-scenes featurette. (Disney).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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#316

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:18 pm
Subject: OnVideo E-mail News, Tuesday, February 5, 2008, V12.6

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2/5/08 V12.6

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, February 5 -- Monday, February 11

Across the Universe
A love story set in the 1960s, against the turbulent backdrop of anti-war protests, mind exploration and rock 'n roll, Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe" moves from the dockyards of Liverpool to the creative psychedelia of Greenwich Village, from the riot-torn streets of Detroit to the killing fields of Vietnam. The star-crossed lovers, Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) along with a small group of friends and musicians are swept up in the emerging anti-war and counterculture movements, with "Dr. Robert" (Bono) and "Mr. Kite" (Eddie Izzard) as their guides. As forces beyond their control tear the young lovers apart, Jude and Lucy ultimately strive against all odds to find their own way back to each other. Also features cameos by Salma Hayek and Joe Cocker. The film is set against a backdrop of 33 Beatles' songs. Vitals: Director: Julie Taymor. Stars: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio, Eddie Izzard, Bono. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 133 min., Musical, Box office gross: $23.317 million, Sony.

Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The
Jesse James (Brad Pitt) was one of the country's first bona fide celebrities. There have been countless books written and tales told about America's most famous outlaw -- all of them colorful and fascinating, all focused on his larger-than-life public persona and daring exploits, and most of them bearing only incidental reference to the truth. To those he robbed and terrorized, and to the families of those he admittedly killed, he may have been just a criminal, but in the sensational newspaper articles and dime novels chronicling the James Gang throughout the 1870s, Jesse was the object of awe and admiration. He was a Robin Hood, they suggested, targeting railroad owners and banks that exploited poor farmers. He was a man with a tragic cause, a wronged and wounded Confederate soldier striking back against the Union that had ruined his life. Most importantly, to an increasingly buttoned-down and citified population leading ordinary lives, he was the last frontiersman -- a symbol of freedom and the American spirit, a charismatic rebel who flouted the law and lived by his own rules. Foremost among his admirers was Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), an idealistic and ambitious young man who had devoted his life to the hope of one day riding alongside his idol. He could never have imagined that history would ultimately mark him as the "the dirty little coward" who shot Jesse in the back. But who was Jesse James, really -- behind the folklore and the selling of newspapers? And who was Robert Ford, just 19 and a member of Jesse's inner circle, who was able to bring down such a formidable figure when lawmen across 10 states had tried and failed? How did they come to be friends and what happened between them in the days and hours leading up to the gunshot that would end one man's life and become the definition and sum total of another's? Based on the novel by Ron Hansen, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" attempts to delve into the private lives of America's most notorious outlaw and his unlikely assassin to offer a new perspective on a legend and address the question of what really may have transpired in the months before that infamous shooting in 1881, when Jesse was just 34 years old. Vitals: Director: Andrew Dominik. Stars: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner, Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 160 min., Western, Box office gross: $3.708 million, Warner.

Brave One, The
For Erica Bain (Jodie Foster), the streets of New York are both her home and her livelihood. She shares the sounds and the stories of her beloved city with her radio audience as the host of the show "Street Walk." At night, she goes home to the love of her life, her fiance David Kirmani (Naveen Andrews). But everything Erica knows and loves is ripped from her on one terrible night when she and David are ambushed in a random, vicious attack that leaves David dead and Erica close to it. Though Erica's broken body heals, deeper wounds remain -- the devastation of losing David and, even more overwhelming, a suffocating fear that haunts her every step. The city streets she had once loved to roam, even places that had been warm and familiar, now feel strange and threatening. When the fear finally becomes too much to bear, Erica makes a fateful decision to arm herself against it. The gun in her hand becomes a tangible way to protect herself from an intangible enemy ... or so she thinks. The first time she shoots someone, it is kill or be killed. The second time is also in self-defense ... or did she make a choice not to take herself out of harm's way? The fear that had once paralyzed her has been replaced by something else ... something that drives her to reclaim the life that was taken from her that night ... something that Erica does not even recognize in herself. Stories of an anonymous vigilante grip the city, and NYPD detective Sean Mercer (Terrence Howard) becomes increasingly determined to track down the killer. As he pieces together the clues, the evidence begins to point not to a guy with a gun ... but a woman with a grudge. Vitals: Director: Neil Jordan. Stars: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $36.566 million, Warner.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Reprising the roles they originated in "Elizabeth," Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush return for a gripping historical thriller laced with treachery and romance. Joining them is Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh, a dashing seafarer and newfound temptation for Elizabeth. "The Golden Age" finds Queen Elizabeth I (Blanchett) facing bloodlust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late-16th century Europe, Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla) -- with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada -- determined to restore England to Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Raleigh. But he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess (Abbie Cornish), to befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their growing intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham (Rush), continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home -- and her campaign to solidify absolute power. Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers an assassination plot that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may include Elizabeth's own cousin Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton), he unknowingly sets England up for destruction. Vitals: Director: Shekhar Kapur. Stars: Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 114 min., Historical Drama, Box office gross: $16.264 million, Universal.

Feast of Love
In a coffee shop in a tight-knit Oregon community, a local professor and writer, Harry Stevenson (Morgan Freeman), witnesses love and attraction as he whips up mischief among the town's residents. Among young and old, among both parents and lovers, among the sweet and the savage, among humans and even animals, Harry watches in awe as love mystifies, wounds, devastates, inspires, makes unreasonable demands and profoundly shapes the lives of everyone around him -- including himself. From the die-hard romantic coffee shop owner Bradley (Greg Kinnear) who has a serial habit of looking for love in all the wrong places, including with his current wife Kathyrn (Selma Blair); to the edgy real estate agent Diana (Radha Mitchell) who is caught up in an affair with a married man (Billy Burke) with whom she shares an ineffable connection; to the beautiful young newcomer Chloe (Alexa Davalos) who defies fate in romancing the troubled Oscar (Toby Hemingway); to Harry himself, whose adoring wife (Jane Alexander) is looking to break through his wall of grief after the wrenching loss of a loved one. All of these strands intertwine into one love story in which no one can escape being bent, befuddled, delighted and ultimately redeemed by love's inescapable spell. Vitals: Director: Robert Benton. Stars: Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, Radha Mitchell, Jane Alexander, Alexa Davalos, Toby Hemingway, Selma Blair, Stana Katic, Billy Burke, Fred Ward, Erika Marozsan. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 102 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $3.497 million, MGM.

Jane Austen Book Club, The
As five women and one enigmatic man meet to discuss the works of Jane Austen, they find their love lives playing out in a 21st century version of her novels. Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) is shocked when her husband Daniel (Jimmy Smits) leaves her after 20 plus years and three children. Jocelyn (Maria Bello), her unmarried best friend, distracts herself from her unacknowledged loneliness by breeding dogs. Prudie (Emily Blunt) is a young French teacher, in possession of a worthy husband yet distracted by persistent fantasies about sex with another man. The many-times married Bernadette (Kathy Baker) develops a yearning for one more chance at happiness. Beautiful, risk-taking Allegra (Maggie Grace), Sylvia and Daniel's lesbian daughter, has quit talking to her lover. And Grigg (Hugh Dancy), a young science fiction fan and computer whiz, seems both horribly out of place and obliviously at ease as the only man to be invited into the book circle. Vitals: Director: Robin Swicord. Stars: Kathy Baker, Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman, Maggie Grace, Hugh Dancy, Jimmy Smits. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 106 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $3.546 million, Sony.

2 Days In Paris
A Parisian getaway becomes anything but romantic for a high-strung New York couple: Marion (Julie Delpy) is a French photographer and Jack (Adam Goldberg) is an American interior designer who attempt to re-infuse their relationship with romance by taking a vacation in Europe. After a less than idyllic vacation in Italy, they stop off in Paris for two days. But in the City of Lights, Jack has to deal with a new language, a crazily unfamiliar culture, meeting Marion's sexually frank and permissive family, and a bevy of flirtatious ex-boyfriends. Jack and Marion begin to see each other in a different, less appealing light as the cultural divide between them grows. Will these two days in Paris be Jack and Marion's last days as a couple, or will they be the beginning of a new, richer life together? Vitals: Director: Julie Delpy. Stars: Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Comedy Drama, Box office gross: $4.294 million, Fox.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Winner of five 1960 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, "The Apartment" is director Billy Wilder at his scathing, satirical best in this comedic take on the wiles of the executive suite in the 50s and 60s. C.C. "Bud" Baxter (Jack Lemmon) knows the way to success in business ... it's through the door of his apartment! By providing a perfect hideaway for philandering bosses, the ambitious young employee reaps a series of undeserved promotions. But when Bud lends the key to big boss J.D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), he not only advances his career, but his own love life as well. For Sheldrake's mistress is the lovely Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), elevator girl and angel of Bud's dreams. Convinced that he is the only man for Fran, Bud must make the most important executive decision of his career: lose the girl ... or his job. MHM has released "The Apartment Collector's Edition" with commentary by film historian Bruce Block, an "Inside the Apartment" documentary and a "Tribute to Jack Lemmon" ... Sony has released "Midnight Express 30th Anniversary Edition" (1978), directed by Alan Parker, with a screenplay by Oliver Stone and starring Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Paolo Bonacelli, Paul L. Smith, Randy Quaid, Norbert Weisser, Peter Jeffrey and John Hurt. Extras include several featurette and commentary by Parker ... Don't forget "Tootsie 25th Anniversary Edition" (1982), directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray and Geena Davis; extras include "A Better Man: The Making of Tootsie" featurette and deleted scenes, from Sony ... And Universal has put together an "Imitation of Life Two Movie Special Edition," a two-disc set with the 1934 "Imitation of Life" directed by John M. Stahl and starring Claudette Colbert and the 1959 version directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner and Sandra Dee.

From TV to Video:
"Beauty and the Beast: The Third Season" (1989-90) is a three-disc set with 12 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "Dresden" (2006) is a German miniseries about a romance between a British pilot hiding in Germany and a German nurse, set against the background of the massive allied bombing of Dresden toward the end of World War II; two-disc set, $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "McLeod's Daughters: The Complete Fifth Season" is an eight-disc set with 32 episodes of the Australian series about two half-sisters separated as children and reunited when they inherit Drover's Run, a large Australian cattle ranch that had been passed down for generations; $79.98 from Koch Vision ... "Rosemary & Thyme: The Complete Collection" is a nine-disc set with 22 episodes of the British mystery series, $99.99 from Acorn Media ... "Route 66: Season One, Volume Two" (1960-61) is a four-disc set with 15 episodes, restored and digitally transferred from the original masters, $29.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection" is a seven-disc set with all 18 episodes of the series about a dysfunctional Canadian theater troupe; $59.99 from Acorn media ... "Soul Food the Series: The Third Season" (2002-03) is a five-disc set with 10 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "A Stranger's Heart" (2007) stars Samantha Mathis, June Squibb, Peter Dobson and Thomas Kopache in a telefilm about a female N.Y. writer who meets a gentle hunk of a man while both are waiting for heart transplants; miraculously, they both receive donated hearts, and the two fall in love, from Genius Products ... "Strictly Confidential" is a two-disc set with six episodes from the sexually explosive British TV murder-mystery series about a bisexual ex-police officer-turned-sex therapist; $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "Third Watch: The Complete First Season" is a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98 from Warner ... "Wire In the Blood: The Complete Fourth Season" is a four-disc set with all four episodes of the British TV series about a crime-solving psychologist; $59.98 from Koch Vision.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
A pair of slackers get in way over their heads when they try to dump the body of a dead girlfriend in the basement of a drive-in movie theater where a satanic cult performs ritual sacrifices in "Weirdsville" (2007), starring Wes Bentley, Raoul Bhaneja and Greg Bryk, from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... In "Storm Warning" (2007), a weekend boating excursion takes a bad turn when a severe storm strands a married couple on a remote island; they stumble upon what appears to be a vacant house only to learn that the sadistic inhabitants are home and have heinous plans for the unexpected houseguests, from Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... In "Croc" (2007), starring Peter Tuinstra and Michael Madsen, a large man-eating crocodile terrorizes tourists and locals in Thailand, from Genius Products ... "Showstoppers" (2008) is a story about a group of young college girls whose friendships and dreams are challenged and celebrated as they compete in the vibrant discipline that is known as "stepping", from Warner ... "Love & Basketball" (2005) stars Dennis Haysbert, Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Boris Kodjoe and Chris Warren Jr.; the two-disc set includes the CD soundtrack, from New Line ... "All In" (2006) stars Dominique Swain, Michael Madsen, Louis Gossett Jr., Colleen Porch and James Russo in a tale about six medical students with unique talents pool their resources to try to win the World Series of Poker, from MTI Home Video.

For the Family:
"The Prince and the Pauper" (2007) is a modern re-telling of the Mark Twain classic with teen throbs twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse; co-stars Kay Panabaker and Vincent Spano, from Sony ... In "Elmo's World: Opposites" (2007), preschoolers join with Sesame Street's Elmo to learn about the ins and outs of the amazing concept of "opposites"; features three episodes with Elmo and his friends -- Mr. Noodle, Super Grover and Dorothy the Goldfish; $12.93 from Seasame Workshop/Genius ... "Legion of Super Heroes V2" features four episodes of the animated super hero series, $14.97, from Warner ... In "Bob the Builder On-Site: Roads & Bridges" (2007), young viewers get an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how the impressive construction machines do their big jobs; $19.98 from HIT/Fox ... "The Ten Commandments" (2007) is a CGI-animated feature with the voices of Ben Kingsley, Christian Slater, Alfred Molina and Elliott Gould, from Genius Products ... "Madeline: Meet Me In Paris" (2008) features three animated episodes based on Ludwig Bemelmans' classic Madeline children's books; includes "Madeline at the Louvre" "Madeline at the Eiffel Tower" and "Madeline in Cannes"; $14.98 from Fox ... "The Aristocats Special Edition" is a digitally enhanced edition of the 1970 animated film with the voices of Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway, Scatman Crothers and Paul Winchell, from Disney ... "Maggie and the Ferocious Beast: Rain Showers & Spring Flowers" and "Maggie and The Ferocious Beast: Recipes For Trouble" each feature five episodes from the Noggin kids series, $14.99 each from Shout! Factory ... "The Ugly Duckling and Me: Vol. 3 Love Is in the Air" (2005) is the third volume of the animated series based on the Hans Christian Andersen character; includes three episodes; $14.98 from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Snow Buddies" (2008) stars James Belushi, Kris Kristofferson and Molly Shannon in a tale about five talking puppies who get stuck on a plane to Alaska and join in a daring dogsled race, from Disney.

Special Interest:
"Romeo & Juliet: A Monkey's Tale" (2007) is an Animal Planet feature that takes place in the mountains of Thailand, where two young monkeys from rival factions fall in love. This is the story of their lives, as the two groups of the local simian population declare war to keep them apart. It's a familiar story with a wild twist, from Animal Planet/Genius Products ... "The Best of Comedy Central Presents: Uncensored" features original stand-up specials from Lewis Black, Dane Cook, Jeff Dunham, Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, Carlos Mencia and Brian Regan, $19.99 from Paramount ... "The Jewish Americans" is a two-disc set of the recent six-hour PBS documentary that focuses on individual personalities and stories to chronicle the 350-year saga of immigrants who gradually wove themselves into the fabric of American life; $34.99 from Paramount.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Across the Universe (2007) Dir.: Julie Taymor; Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio, Eddie Izzard, Bono. Extras: Eight extended musical performances, deleted scene, commentary by director Taymor and composer Elliot Goldenthal, five featurettes: "Creating the Universe," "Stars of Tomorrow," "All About the Music," "FX on the Universe" and "Moving Across the Universe" (on the choreography, including an interview with choreographer Daniel Ezralow). Aslo available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony)

All In (2006) Dominique Swain, Michael Madsen, Louis Gossett Jr., Colleen Porch, James Russo. Six medical students with unique talents pool their resources to try to win the World Series of Poker. (MTI Home Video).

Americanizing Shelley (2005) Namrata Singh Gujral, Beau Bridges, Brad Raider. A wannabe Hollywood player sets out to Americanize an Indian girl from the Himalayas. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes. (Warner).

The Apartment Collector's Edition (1960) Dir.: Billy Wilder; Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston, Jack Kruschen. Extras: Commentary by film historian Bruce Block, "Inside the Apartment" documentary, "Tribute to Jack Lemmon." (MGM).

The Aristocats Special Edition (1970) Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway, Scatman Crothers, Paul Winchell. Digitally enhanced picture and sound. (Disney).

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner, Paul Schneider, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel. Extras: "The Assassination of Jesse James: Death of an Outlaw" featurette. Extras: Available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner)

Beauty and the Beast: The Third Season (1989-90) Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $49.99. (Paramount).

The Best of Comedy Central Presents: Uncensored. Original stand-up specials from Lewis Black, Dane Cook, Jeff Dunham, Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, Carlos Mencia and Brian Regan, $19.99. (Paramount).

Black August (2005) Gary Dourdan. Traces George Lester Jackson's spiritual journey and violent fate, from being sent up on a one-year-to-life sentence for robbing a gas station of $71, to galvanizing the Black Guerrilla Family with his incendiary book of letters, "Soledad Brother," to the fierce August day when his younger brother Jonathan shocked the world by taking a California courtroom hostage to protest Jackson's upcoming trial. (Warner).

Black Woman's Guide to Getting Married (2007) Jean-Claude La Marre. Explores the relationships between four women and the men they love. (Warner).

Blackout (2007) Jeffrey Wright, Zoe Saldana, Melvin Van Peebles, Michael B. Jordan, LaTanya Richardson, Saul Rubinek. In summer 2003, America experienced the largest blackout in its history -- widely reported as peaceful. But in Brooklyn's forgotten East Flatbush neighborhood, mayhem unfolded when the power shut down. This is the untold story of the blackout --a place where, as night fell, looters emerged, violence surfaced and residents feared for their lives. Extras: Interview with director Jerry LaMothe, behind-the-scenes featurette, meet the cast, "2003 Blackout True Stories," deleted scenes. (Paramount).

Blind Dating (2006) Chris Pine, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Anjali Jay, Jane Seymour. A blind young man (Chris Pine) -- who's good looks drive women wild -- thinks he finds love with an Indian woman (Anjali Jay), though their relationship is fraught with cultural differences. Extras: Deleted footage, bloopers, behind-the-scenes featurette, cast interviews. (Fox).

Bob the Builder On-Site: Roads & Bridges (2007) Young viewers get an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how the impressive machines do their big jobs; $19.98. (HIT/Fox).

The Brave One (2007) Dir.: Neil Jordan; Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, Naveen Andrews, Mary Steenburgen. Extras: "I Walk the City" featurette, additional scenes. Available on HD DVD and Blu-ray disc.

Croc (2007 -- TV) Peter Tuinstra, Michael Madsen. A large man-eating crocodile terrorizes tourists and locals in Thailand. (Genius Products).

Dresden (2006) German miniseries about a romance between a British pilot hiding in Germany and a German nurse, set against the background of the massive allied bombing of Dresden toward the end of World War II. Two-disc set, $29.98. (Koch Vision).

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Reign Continues: Making Elizabeth: The Golden Age," "Inside Elizabeth's World" featurette, "Commanding the Winds: Creating the Armada," "Towers, Courts and Cathedral" locations and sets featurette, commentary by director Shekhar Kapur. Also available on HD DVD. (Universal).

Elmo's World: Opposites (2007) Preschoolers join with Sesame Street's Elmo to learn about the ins and outs of the amazing concept of "opposites." Features three episodes with Elmo and his friends -- Mr. Noodle, Super Grover and Dorothy the Goldfisn; $12.93. (Seasame Workshop/Genius).

Feast of Love (2007) Dir,: Robert Benton; Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, Radha Mitchell, Jane Alexander, Alexa Davalos, Toby Hemingway, Selma Blair, Stana Katic, Billy Burke, Fred Ward, Erika MarozsanExtras: Commentary by Benton, "What Fools These Mortals Be" featurette, "A Merry Feast" featurette, "The Players" featurette, The Cary Brothers "Honestly" music video. (MGM).

Flogging Margaret (2006) Nicholas Wilder, Jeb Kreager, Brenda Logan, Sex comedy in which boy loses girl, boy meets girl, ex interferes, boy drowns his sorrows in comic books and booze until, with the help of his friends and a couple of German dominatrix, everything works out in the end. (Warner).

Great World of Sound (2007) Pat Healy, Kene Holliday. When a young man answers an ad to train as a record producer, he's excited by the prospect of signing undiscovered artists only to discover his new job isn't all it's cracked up to be and he fears that he's being scammed to become a scam artist. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Imitation of Life Two Movie Special Edition. Two-disc set with the 1934 "Imitation of Life" directed by John M. Stahl and starring Claudette Colbert and the 1959 version directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner and Sandra Dee. Extras: Commentary, "Lasting Legacy: An Imitation of Life" retrospective look at both versions. (Universal).

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) Kathy Baker, Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman, Maggie Grace, Hugh Dancy, Jimmy Smits. Extras: Cast and crew commentary, "Making of The Jane Austen Book Club," "The Life of Jane Austen" featurette, "Character Deconstruction" featurette, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The Jewish Americans (2008) Six-hour PBS documentary that focuses on individual personalities and stories to chronicle the 350-year saga of immigrants who gradually wove themselves into the fabric of American life. Extras: Deleted scenes. Two-disc set, $34.99. (Paramount).

Legion of Super Heroes V2. Four episodes of the animated super hero series, $14.97. (Warner).

Love & Basketball (2005) Dennis Haysbert, Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Boris Kodjoe, Chris Warren Jr. Two-disc set includes CD soundtrack. (New Line).

McLeod's Daughters: The Complete Fifth Season. Eight-disc set with 32 episodes of the Australian series about two half-sisters separated as children and reunited when they inherit Drover's Run, a large Australian cattle ranch that had been passed down for generations; $79.98. (Koch Vision).

Madeline: Meet Me In Paris. (2008) Three animated episodes based on Ludwig Bemelmans' classic Madeline children's books. Includes "Madeline at the Louvre" "Madeline at the Eiffel Tower," "Madeline in Cannes"; $14.98. (Fox).

Maggie and the Ferocious Beast: Rain Showers & Spring Flowers Five episodes from the Noggin kids series, $14.99. (Shout! Factory).

Maggie and The Ferocious Beast: Recipes For Trouble. Five episodes from the Noggin kids series, $14.99. (Shout! Factory).

Midnight Express 30th Anniversary Edition (1978) Dir.: Alan Parker; Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Paolo Bonacelli, Paul L. Smith, Randy Quaid, Norbert Weisser, Peter Jeffrey, John Hurt. Extras: "The Producers' Featurette," "The Production Featurette," "The Finished Film Featurette," commentary by Parker, photo gallery, original theatrical trailer, photo booklet and essay from Parker's on-set experiences. (Sony).

9 Star Hotel (2007 -- Israel) Documentary about Palestinians who work illegally as construction workers, eking out a simple and meager existence: During the day, they sneak into Israel to build luxury Israeli apartment complexes; at night, in stark contrast, they return to nearly invisible shanty communities where they retire to improvised huts and claustrophobic sleeping cubicles. $26.98. (Koch Lorber).

The Prince and the Pauper (2007) Modern re-telling of the Mark Twain classic with teen throbs twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse; co-stars Kay Panabaker and Vincent Spano. Extras: "Life on the Set With Cole, Dylan and Kay." (Sony).

Romance & Cigarettes (2007) Dir.: John Turturro; James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi, Bobby Cannavale, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro, Christopher Walken, Barbara Sukowa, Elaine Stritch, Eddie Izzard, Amy Sedaris, P.J. Brown. A down-and-dirty musical set in the world of working-class New York that tells the story of a husband's journey into infidelity and redemption when he must choose between his seductive mistress and his beleaguered wife. Extras: "Behind the Scenes of Romance & Cigarettes," deleted scenes, introduction by director John Turturro, commentary by Turturro. (Sony).

Romeo & Juliet: A Monkey's Tale (2007) Animal Planet feature. In the mountains of Thailand, two young monkeys from rival factions are falling in love. This is the story of their lives, as the two groups of the local simian population declare war to keep them apart. It's a familiar story with a wild twist. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

Rosemary & Thyme: The Complete Collection. Nine-disc set with 22 episodes of the British mystery series, $99.99. (Acorn Media).

Route 66: Season One, Volume Two (1960-61) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $29.98. Restored and digitally transferred from the original masters. (Infinity Entertainment).

Showstoppers (2008) Faune A. Chambers, Angell Conwell, Robin Wilson. Story about a group of young college girls whose friendships and dreams are challenged and celebrated as they compete in the vibrant discipline that is known as "stepping." (Warner).

Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection. Seven-disc set with all 18 episodes of the series about a dysfunctional Canadian theater troupe; $59.99. Extras: Bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, interviews, photo galleries, bonus disc with "A Look Behind the Scenes" featurette, on-set footage, more. (Acorn media).

Snow Buddies (2008) James Belushi, Kris Kristofferson, Molly Shannon. The five lovable talking pups are back in a new adventure as they get stuck on a plane to Alaska and join in a daring dogsled race. Extras: Bloopers, "Lean on Me" music video, behind-the-scenes featurette, commentary by the Buddies, visual effects featurette. (Disney).

Soul Food the Series: The Third Season (2002-03) Five-disc set with 10 episodes, $49.99. (Paramount).

Storm Warning (2007) Robert Taylor, Mathew Wilkinson, Nadia Fares. A weekend boating excursion takes a bad turn when a severe storm strands a married couple on a remote island; they stumble upon what appears to be a vacant house only to learn that the sadistic inhabitants are home and have heinous plans for the unexpected houseguests. (Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

A Stranger's Heart (2007 -- TV) Samantha Mathis, June Squibb, Peter Dobson, Thomas Kopache. A N.Y. writer meets a gentle hunk of a man while both are waiting for heart transplants; miraculously, they both get receive donated hearts, and the two fall in love. (Genius Products).

Strictly Confidential. Two-disc set with six episodes from the sexually explosive British TV murder-mystery series about a bisexual ex-police officer-turned-sex therapist; $29.98. (Koch Vision).

The Ten Commandments (2007) CGI-animated feature with the voices of Ben Kingsley, Christian Slater, Alfred Molina, Elliott Gould. Extras: "I Am Willing" music video performed by Jeremy Camp, behind-the-scenes featurette, interviews with Slater and Molina, "Ten Commandments Challenge." (Genius Products).

Third Watch: The Complete First Season. Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "The Nights of Camelot" retrospective featurette, unaired scenes, gag reel. (Warner).

Tootsie 25th Anniversary Edition (1982) Dir.: Sydney Pollack; Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, Geena Davis. Extras: "A Better Man: The Making of Tootsie," deleted scenes, original Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie screen test. (Sony).

Turok: Son of Stone (2007) Animated adventures of the comic book Stone Age warrior. Voices of Adam Beach, Robert Knepper, Cree Summer, Irene Bedar. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

2 Days In Paris (2007) Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg. Extras: Extended scenes, interview with Julie Delpy. (Fox).

The Ugly Duckling and Me: Vol. 3 Love Is in the Air (2005) Third volume of the animated series based on Hans Christian Andersen's character. Includes three episodes; $14.98. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Weirdsville (2007) Wes Bentley, Raoul Bhaneja, Greg Bryk. A pair of slackers get in way over their heads when they try to dump the body of a dead girlfriend in the basement of a drive-in movie theater where a satanic cult performs ritual sacrifices. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Whitest Kids U' Know: Season 1. Two-disc set with 10 uncensored episodes of the five-man sketch comedy troupe from New York; originally aired on FUSE; $26.95. Extras: Commentary, uncensored featurette. (Genius Products).

Wire In the Blood: The Complete Fourth Season. Four-disc set with all four episodes of the British TV series about a crime-solving psychologist; $59.98. (Koch Vision).

The Wiz 30th Anniversary Edition (1978) Dir.: Sidney Lumet; Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor. Digitally remastered. Extras: Bonus eight-track CD, "Wiz on Down the Road" vintage featurette. (Universal).

You've Got Mail Deluxe Edition (1998) Dir.: Nora Ephron; Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey, Jean Stapleton, Steve Zahn. Extras: Commentary by Ephron and producer Lauren Shuler Donner, "Delivering You've Got Mail" featurette, "You've Got Chemistry" featurette, "HBO First Look: A Convcersation With Nora Ephron." (Warner)

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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#317

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:58 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, February 12, 2008, V12.7

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, February 12 -- Monday, February 18

Becoming Jane
Imaginative tale in the spirit of Jane Austen that places young Jane herself at the center of a witty, enchanting romance not unlike those that would later captivate millions in her celebrated works of literature. The film spins the few known facts surrounding Austen's real-life flirtation with the Irish lawyer Tom Lefroy into a tale about the kind of personal passion and social complications that could have inspired Austen to become the ingenious and utterly timeless observer of human relationships and romance that she soon did. The story playfully references the characters and themes that wend their way through her six novels.The film boldly imagines what might have happened if a youthful Jane Austen fell in love. Vitals: Director: Julian Jarrold. Stars: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 120 min., Bio-Drama, Box office gross: $18.663 million, Miramax.

Gone Baby Gone
Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane ("Mystic River"), tells the story of two private investigators hunting for an abducted 4-year-old girl in the seamiest side of Boston's underworld. Vitals: Director: Ben Affleck. Stars: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Amy Ryan, Amy Madigan, John Ashton. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 114 min., Mystery Thriller, Box office gross: $19.964 million, Miramax.

In the Shadow of the Moon
Documentary vividly communicates the daring and the danger, the pride and the passion, of an extraordinary era in American history. Between 1968 and 1972, the world watched in awe each time an American spacecraft voyaged to the Moon. Only 12 American men walked upon its surface and they remain the only human beings to have stood on another world. Now for the first, and very possibly the last, time, "In the Shadow of the Moon" combines archival material from the original NASA film footage, much of it never before seen, with interviews with the surviving astronauts, including Jim Lovell (Apollo 8 and 13), Dave Scott (Apollo 9 and 15), John Young (Apollo 10 and 16), Gene Cernan (Apollo 10 and 17), Mike Collins (Apollo 11), Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11), Alan Bean (Apollo 12), Edgar Mitchell (Apollo 14), Charlie Duke (Apollo 16) and Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17). The astronauts emerge as eloquent, witty, emotional and very human. Vitals: Director: David Sington. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 110 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $1.126 million, ThinkFilm.

Martian Child
Comic drama stars John Cusack as a recently widowed science fiction writer who adopts a young boy who claims to be from Mars. But the new father ignores some sage advice about the perils of parenthood from his sister and gets more than he bargained for when a series of strange occurrences lead him to believe the child's claim may be true. Based on an award-winning short story by sci-fi luminary David Gerrold. Vitals: Director: Menno Meyjes. Stars: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, Sophie Okonedo, Joan Cusack, Oliver Platt, Bobby Coleman. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 108 min., Family, Box office gross: $7.435 million, New Line.

No Reservations
Master chef Kate Armstrong (Catherine Zeta-Jones) lives her life like she runs her kitchen at trendy Manhattan eatery 22 Bleecker -- with a no-nonsense intensity that both captivates and intimidates everyone around her. Kate's perfectionist nature is put to the test when she "inherits" her 9-year-old niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), while contending with a brash new sous-chef who joins her staff. High-spirited and freewheeling, Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart) couldn't be more different from Kate, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. As the weeks progress, Kate is not sure what steams her more -- that Nick's talent scores big points with 22 Bleecker's owner, Paula (Patricia Clarkson) and its discriminating clientele, or that his easygoing charm quickly wins over the shy Zoe, who finds it easier to open up to him than to her aunt. Rivalry becomes romance, but Kate will have to learn to express herself beyond the realm of her kitchen if she wants to connect with Zoe and find true happiness with Nick. Vitals: Director: Scott Hicks. Stars: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Bob Balaban. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 103 min., Romantic Comedy, Box office gross: $43.052 million, Warner.

We Own the Night
Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) is the popular manager of El Caribe, the legendary Russian-owned nightclub in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach. For Bobby, every night is a party as he greets friends and customers or dances with his beautiful Puerto Rican girlfriend, Amada Juarez (Eva Mendes), in a haze of cigarette smoke and disco music. But it's 1988, and New York City's drug trade is escalating. He has changed his last name and concealed his connection to a long line of prominent New York police officers. Bobby tries to keep his distance from a Russian gangster operating out of the nightclub -- a gangster also targeted by his brother, Joseph Grusinsky (Mark Wahlberg), an up-and-coming NYPD officer, and his father, Burt Grusinsky (Robert Duvall), the legendary deputy chief of police. Vitals: Director: James Gray. Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, Eva Mendes, Tony Musante. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 117 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $27.648 million, Sony.

Why Did I Get Married?
A big-screen adaptation of Tyler Perry's hit stage play, "Why Did I Get Married" is an intimate story about the difficulty of maintaining a solid love relationship in modern times by looking at four couples on vacation struggling with issues of commitment, betrayal, redemption and the road to forgiveness. When eight married college friends reunite for their annual retreat in the snowcapped mountains of Colorado, they come expecting fun and relaxation, but get a completely unexpected surprise. Career-drive Dianne (Sharon Leal) and her supportive, but fed-up husband, Terry (Tyler Perry) are joined by popular psychologist and best-selling author Patricia (Janet Jackson) and her architect husband Gavin, (Malik Yoba), who share a secret tragedy that finally comes to light, while Angela (Tasha Smith) and Marcus (Michael Jai White) argue constantly, but remain in love. Also in attendance is their good friend Sheila, (Jill Scott) a sweet woman with a distorted self-image stemming from weight issues that are exacerbated by her emotionally abusive and philandering husband, Mike (Richard T. Jones). Unlike any other year, this trip changes the dynamic of the group with two new additions: Sheila's supposed girlfriend, Trina (Denise Boutte), who is secretly sleeping with her husband; and Troy (Lamman Rucker), an ex-Wall Street stockbroker who has put his career on hold to care for an ailing father. Nothing could create more drama then placing these 19 people in a secluded cabin for a long weekend with all of the dirty laundry waiting to come out. Everybody's asking "Why Did I Get Married?" Vitals: Director: Tyler Perry. Stars: Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Malik Yoba, Richard T. Jones, Michael Jai White, Denise Boutte, Lamman Rucker. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 113 min., Comedy Drama, Box office gross: $55.184 million, Lionsgate.

------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

It's a week of collections, headed up by "Lubitsch Musicals: Eclipse Series #8," a four-disc set with "The Love Parade" (1929), "Monte Carlo" (1930), "The Smiling Lieutenant" (1931) and "One Hour With You" (1932). Not only the man who refined Hollywood comedy with such masterpieces as "Trouble in Paradise," "The Shop Around the Corner," and "To Be or Not to Be," Ernst Lubitsch also helped invent the modern movie musical. With the advent of sound and audiences clamoring for talkies, Lubitsch combined his love of European operettas and his mastery of film to produce this entirely new genre. These elegant, bawdy films, created before strict enforcement of the morality code, feature some of the greatest stars of early Hollywood (Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald, Claudette Colbert, Miriam Hopkins), as well as that elusive style of comedy that would thereafter be known as the Lubitsch touch. $59.95 from The Criterion Collection.

"The Stanley Kramer Film Collection," a five-disc set with "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Ship of Fools," "The Wild One," "The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T" and "The Member of the Wedding"; 59.95 from Sony ... "Joan Crawford Collection, Volume 2," a five-disc set with "Sadie McKee (1934), "Strange Cargo" (1941), "A Woman's Face" (1941), "Flamingo Road" (1949) and "Torch Song" (1953); $49.92 from Warner ... "The Charlie Chan Collection: Volume 4" with the first four Sidney Toler-starring Charlie Chan mysteries: "Charlie Chan In Honolulu" (1938), "Charlie Chan In Reno" (1939), "Charlie Chan at Treasure Island" (1939) and "Charlie Chan In the City of Darkness" (1939), $49.98 from Fox ... and "Academy Award Animation Collection 15 Winners -- 26 Nominees," a three-disc set with 26 Academy Award nominated cartoons and the 15 winners, restored and remastered. The winning shorts: "The Milky Way" (1940), "Yankee Doodle Mouse" (1943), "Mouse Trouble" (1944), "Quiet Please" (1945), "The Cat Concerto" (1947), "Tweetie Pie" (1947), "The Little Orphan" (1949), "For Scent-Imental Reasons" (1949), "So Much for So Little" (1949), "Two Mouseketeers" (1952), "Johann Mouse" (1953), "Speedy Gonzales" (1955), "Birds Anonymous" (1957), "Knighty-Knight Bugs" (1958) and "The Dot and The Line" (1965); $44.98 from Warner.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Blade: The Series," a four-disc set with all 13 episodes, with unrated and extended scenes, $39.98 from New Line ... "Dallas: The Complete Eighth Season," a five-disc set with 30 episodes, $39.98 from Warner ... "The Equalizer: Season One," a five-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98 from Universal ... "Family Ties: The Third Season" (1984-85), a four-disc set with 23 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "General Hospital: Night Shift Season 1," a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.99 from Disney ... "Girlfriends: The Third Season" (2002-03), a four-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Hotel Babylon: Season 1," a three-disc set with eight episodes of the BBC/AMC series, $39.98 from Warner ... "Love or Money" (2001) is a U.K. telefilm about a reality show in which a couple is selected by the audience to be married on TV; if they stay together six months, they'll win a cool million; stars Steven Duffy and Emma Cunniffe; from BFS Entertainment ... "Perfect Strangers: The Complete First & Second Seasons," a four-disc set with 28 episodes, $29.98 from Warner ... "Tell Me You Love Me: The Complete First Season" (2005). $69.98 from HBO Video.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
A big-city magazine writer comes face-to-face with the traditional Southern family he hasn't seen in more than 10 years in "Dirty Laundry" (2006), starring Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine and Jenifer Lewis, from Fox ... In "The Front Line" (2006), starring Eriq Ebouaney and James Frain, an African immigrant bank security guard turns the tables on Dublin's nastiest criminals when they force him to be the "inside man" on a bank robbery, from BFS Entertainment ... "Royal Tramp 1 & 2" (1992) is a two-disc set of the Hong Kong action-comedies starring Stephen Chow as a fast-talking conman who manages to avoid death and score hot women, all while trying to save the Ming Dynasty from falling; from Dragon Dynasty/Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... "Furnace" is a thriller about a supernatural force in a maximum security prison hell-bent on revenge, starring Michael pare, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo and Ja Rule; from Genius Products.

On the Indie Front:
The shy son (Khan Chittenden) of an aging comedienne (Brenda Blethyn) tries to find a balance between his demanding home life, his new girlfriend, and his mother's second chance at fame in "Introducing the Dwights" (2007), from Warner ... In "Blue State" (2007), fervent liberal John Logue (Breckin Meyer) suddenly finds himself with no job, no girlfriend -- and no country -- when he vows to move to Canada if John Kerry loses the 2004 election. Making good on his "campaign promise," Logue finds a traveling companion--a sexy, mysterious woman named Chloe (Anna Paquin) -- and heads north. But Chloe is not all that she seems; from MGM ... "ESL: English as a Second Language" (2005) is an interesting take on immigration as a young woman makes the treacherous journey over the border from Mexico to Los Angeles where she meets up with another woman whose parents made the same journey some 20 years before; stars Kuno Becker, Danielle Camastra, John Michael Higgins, Maria Conchita Alonso and Harold Gould; from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Dedication" is a romantic comedy that follows a misogynistic children's book author who is forced to work closely with a female illustrator instead of his long-time collaborator and only friend; stars Mandy Moore, Billy Crudup, Tom Wilkinson, Peter Bogdanovich and Dianne Wiest; from Genius Products.

For the Family:
"The Beatrix Potter Collection" is a three-disc set with nine animated adventures, $29.98 from Warner ... "Batman Double Feature" (2008) features two animated made-for-video Batman features: "Batman and Mr. Freeze: Sub Zero" and "Batman Mask of Phantasm"; $14.97 from Warner ... "Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders/Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island " is one disc with two full-length Scooby-Doo adventures, $14.97 from Warner ... "George of the Jungle: The Complete Original Series" (2005) is a two-disc set with all 17 episodes, $19.98 from Classic Media/Genius Products ... "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive Volumes 4 & 5" are the last two chapters in the "Overdrive" series, $19.99 each; from Disney.

Special Interest:
"Prehistoric Predators" is a 2007 National Geographic Channel documentary about the animal giants who ruled the world 10,000 years ago, from Warner ... "Africa Unite" (2008) is a politically driven music documentary that follows three generations of the Marley family on their historic journey to Ethiopia to take part in a 2005 concert in commemoration of Bob Marley's 60th birthday, from Palm Pictures ... "Love Is My Religion" is a full-length live concert by Reggae icon Ziggy Marley taped at Los Angeles' Avalon Theatre in December 2006, $14.97 from Tuff Gong Worldwide ... "Columbus: The Lost Voyage" (2007) is a History Channel documentary on Columbus' checkered history after the initial glory and fame from the discovery of the New World had faded; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun" (2006 -- Denmark) is a documentary about an elderly Danish eccentric and a strong-willed Russian nun who join forces to transform a run-down castle into a Russian Orthodox monastery, from Koch Lorber ... "Lost Book of Nostradamus" (2007) is a History Channel documentary on the book "Prophecy of the Roman Popes", which lay hidden for over 400 years on the shelves of the Italian National Library; the book may well contain new, cryptic predictions from the master psychic himself -- including the crisis in the Middle East and the Apocalypse; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav: Uncensored!" is a roast of Flavor Flav hosted by Katt Williams, from Paramount.

-----------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Academy Award Animation Collection 15 Winners -- 26 Nominees. Three-disc set with 26 Academy Award nominated cartoons and the 15 winners, restored and remastered. The winning shorts: "The Milky Way" (1940), "Yankee Doodle Mouse" (1943), "Mouse Trouble" (1944), "Quiet Please" (1945), "The Cat Concerto" (1947), "Tweetie Pie" (1947), "The Little Orphan" (1949), "For Scent-Imental Reasons" (1949), "So Much for So Little" (1949), "Two Mouseketeers" (1952), "Johann Mouse" (1953), "Speedy Gonzales" (1955), "Birds Anonymous" (1957), "Knighty-Knight Bugs" (1958) and "The Dot and The Line" (1965); $44.98. Extras: Commentaries, and a retrospective documentary "Drawn for Glory: Animation's Triumph at the Oscars." (Warner).

Academy Award Animation Collection 15 Winners. Single disc containing only the winning cartoon shorts, $19.98. (Warner).

Africa Unite (2008) Politically driven music documentary follows three generations of the Marley family on their historic journey to Ethiopia to take part in a 2005 concert in commemoration of Bob Marley's 60th birthday. (Palm Pictures).

Batman Double Feature (2008) Two animated made-for-video Batman features: "Batman and Mr. Freeze: Sub Zero" and "Batman Mask of Phantasm"; $14.97. (Warner).

The Beatrix Potter Collection. Three-disc set with nine animated adventures, $29.98. (Warner).

Becoming Jane (2007) Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters. (Miramax).

Blade: The Series. Four-disc set with all 13 episodes, with unrated and extended scenes, $39.98. Extras: "Turning Blade" documentary, commentaries. (New Line).

Blue State (2007) Breckin Meyer, Anna Paquin. Vowing to move to Canada if John Kerry loses the 2004 election, fervent liberal John Logue (Breckin Meyer) suddenly finds himself with no job, no girlfriend -- and no country! Making good on his "campaign promise," Logue finds a traveling companion--a sexy, mysterious woman named Chloe (Anna Paquin)--and heads north. But Chloe is not all that she seems. (MGM).

The Charlie Chan Collection: Volume 4. The first four Sidney Toler-starring Charlie Chan mysteries: "Charlie Chan In Honolulu" (1938), "Charlie Chan In Reno" (1939), "Charlie Chan at Treasure Island" (1939) and "Charlie Chan In the City of Darkness" (1939), $49.98. Extras: Commentaries, featurettes, restoration comparisons, still galleries, more. (Fox).

Columbus: The Lost Voyage (2007) History Channel documentary on Columbus' checkered history after the initial glory and fame from the discovery of the New World had faded. Humiliated, imprisoned and in abject poverty, the explorer plotted an escape from jail, and a final voyage he hoped would restore his reputation. Still obsessed with finding the Westward Passage, he soon embarked on his ill-fated journey; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav: Uncensored! (2005) Roast of Flavor Flav hosted by Katt Williams. Extras: Red carpet Interviews, back stage pass pre-show, back stage pass post-show, Flavor Flav gives a tour, Flav-cam. (Paramount).

Dallas: The Complete Eighth Season. Five-disc set with 30 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Dallas Makeover: Travilla Styl" featurette. (Warner).

Dirty Laundry (2006) Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis. A big-city magazine writer comes face-to-face with the traditional Southern family he hasn't seen in more than 10 years. (Fox).

The Equalizer: Season One. Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Commentary. (Universal).

ESL: English as a Second Language (2005) Kuno Becker, Danielle Camastra, John Michael Higgins, Maria Conchita Alonso, Treva Etienne, Efrain Figueroa, Harold Gould. Bolivar De La Cruz, with a baby on the way, has just made the treacherous journey over the border from Mexico to Los Angeles, home of the beautiful and restless Lola Sara, whose parents made the same journey some 20 years before. Now two people from very different sides of the same culture find themselves on a collision course with the events that will change their lives forever. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Family Ties: The Third Season (1984-85) Four-disc set with 23 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Front Line (2006) Eriq Ebouaney, James Frain. An African immigrant bank security guard turns the tables on Dublin's nastiest criminals when they force him to be the "inside man" on a bank robbery. Extras: Deleted scenes. (BFS Entertainment).

General Hospital: Night Shift Season 1. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.99. Extras: "On the Set at Night Shift" featurette. (Disney).

George of the Jungle: The Complete Original Series (2005) Two-disc set with all 17 episodes, $19.98. Extras: Never-before-seen pilot episodes of "George of the Jungle" and "Super Chicken." (Classic Media/Genius Products).

Girlfriends: The Third Season (2002-03) Four-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).

Gone Baby Gone (2007) Dir.: Ben Affleck; Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris. (Miramax).

Hotel Babylon: Season 1. Three-disc set with eight episodes of the BBC/AMC series, $39.98. Extras: Commentary, making-of featurette. (Warner).

In the Shadow of the Moon. (2007) Stirring documentary about the 12 American men who walked on the moon. (ThinkFilm).

Introducing the Dwights. (2007) Brenda Blethyn, Rebecca Gibney, Khan Chittenden, Richard Wilson, Russell Dykstra. The shy son (Khan Chittenden) of an aging comedienne (Brenda Blethyn) tries to find a balance between his demanding home life, his new girlfriend, and his mother's second chance at fame. (Warner).

Joan Crawford Collection, Volume 2. Five-disc set with "Sadie McKee (1934), "Strange Cargo" (1941), "A Woman's Face" (1941), "Flamingo Road" (1949) and "Torch Song" (1953); $49.92. Extras: Featurettes,radio shows, vintage short subjetcs, trailers, more. (Warner).

Lost Book of Nostradamus (2007) History Channel documentary on the book "Prophecy of the Roman Popes", which lay hidden for over 400 years on the shelves of the Italian National Library; the book may well contain new, cryptic predictions from the master psychic himself -- including the crisis in the Middle East and the Apocalypse; $24.95. Extras: Feature-length documentary "Nostradamus: 500 Years Later," deleted scenes. (A&E Home Video).

Love or Money (2001-- TV) Steven Duffy, Emma Cunniffe. U.K. telefilm about a reality show in which a couple is selected by the audience to be married on TV; if they stay together six months, they'll win a cool million. (BFS Entertainment).

Lubitsch Musicals: Eclipse Series #8Four-disc set with "The Love Parade" (1929), "Monte Carlo" (1930), "The Smiling Lieutenant" (1931) and "One Hour With You" (1932); $59.95. (The Criterion Collection).

Martian Child (2007) John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, Sophie Okonedo, Joan Cusack, Oliver Platt, Bobby Coleman. Extras: Commentary by producers Corey Sienega and David Kirschner and writers Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins; "Handle With Care: Working with The Martian Child" documentary; "The Real Martian Child" featurette; deleted scenes. (New Line).

The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun (2006 -- Denmark) Worlds collide, tempers flare and dreams come true when Mr. Vig, an elderly Danish eccentric and Sister Amvrosija, a strong-willed Russian nun, join forces to transform a run-down castle into a Russian Orthodox monastery in this internationally acclaimed documentary. (Koch Lorber).

No Reservations (2007) Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Bob Balaban. Extras: "Unwrapped": Host marc Summers visits the set; more. Available on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Perfect Strangers: The Complete First & Second Seasons. Four-disc set with 28 episodes, $29.98. (Warner).

Peter's Friends (1992) Dir.: Kenneth Branagh; Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie. (MGM)

Prehistoric Predators (2007) National Geographic Channel documentary about the animal giants who ruled the world 10,000 years ago. (Warner).

Royal Tramp 1 & 2 (1992) Two-disc set of the Hong Kong action-comedies starring Stephen Chow as a fast-talking conman who manages to avoid death and score hot women, all while trying to save the Ming Dynasty from falling. Extras: Commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan. (Dragon Dynasty/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders/Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. Two full-length Scooby-Doo adventures, $14.97. (Warner).

Some Girls (1988) Patrick Dempsey, Jennifer Connelly. (MGM).

The Stanley Kramer Film Collection. Five-disc set with "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Ship of Fools," "The Wild One," "The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T" and "The Member of the Wedding"; 59.95. (Sony).

Tell Me You Love Me: The Complete First Season. (2005) $69.98. (HBO Video).

Touch (1997) Skeet Ulrich, Bridget Fonda, Christopher Walken, Tom Arnold. (MGM).

We Own the Night (2007) Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, Eva Mendes, Tony Musante. Extras: Commentary by writer-director James Gray, "Tension: Creating We Own The Night," "Police Action: Filming Cops, Cars and Chaos," "A Moment In Crime: Creating Late 80's Brooklyn." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Why Did I Get Married? (2007) Dir.: Tyler Perry; Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Malik Yoba, Richard T. Jones, Michael Jai White. (Lionsgate).

Zapped! (1982) Scott Baio, Willie Aames. (MGM).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#318

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:48 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, February 19, 2008, V12.8

onvideoguide

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ONVIDEO E-MAIL NEWS
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2/19/08 V12.8

This is an automated mail list; please do not reply to this
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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, February 19 -- Monday, February 25

American Gangster
Armed with ruthless, streetwise tactics and a paradoxically strict sense of honor, crime boss Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) rules Harlem's chaotic drug underworld. When cop Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) sets out to bring down Lucas's multimillion-dollar empire, both men are plunged into a legendary confrontation. Nobody used to notice Lucas, the quiet driver to one of the inner city's leading black crime bosses. But when his boss suddenly dies, Frank exploits the opening in the power structure to build his own empire and create his own version of the American Dream. Through ingenuity and a strict business ethic, he comes to rule the inner-city drug trade, flooding the streets with a purer product at a better price. Lucas outplays all of the leading crime syndicates and becomes not only one of the city's mainline corrupters, but part of its circle of legit civic superstars. Roberts is an outcast cop close enough to the streets to feel a shift of control in the drug underworld. Roberts believes someone is climbing the rungs above the known Mafia families and starts to suspect that a black power player has come from nowhere to dominate the scene. Both Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that sets them apart from their own colleagues, making them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. The destinies of these two men will become intertwined as they approach a confrontation where only one of them can come out on top. Vitals: Director: Ridley Scott. Stars: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, Armand Assante, John Ortiz, John Hawkes, RZA, Lymari Nadal, Yul Vasquez, Ruby Dee, Idris Elba, Carla Gugino, Joe Morton, Common, Tip "T.I." Harris. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 158 min., Crime Drama, Box office gross: $43.565 million, Universal.

In the Valley of Elah
On his first weekend back after serving in Iraq, Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) goes missing and is reported AWOL. When Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones), a former military MP and his wife Joan (Susan Sarandon) get the phone call with the disturbing news, Hank sets out to search for their son. Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron), a police detective in the jurisdiction where Mike was last seen, reluctantly helps him in his search. As the evidence grows, her missing person's case begins to look more and more like foul play, and soon Sanders finds herself in a fight with the military brass as she and Hank struggle to keep control of the investigation. But when the truth about Mike's time in Iraq finally begins to emerge, Hank's entire world is challenged and he's forced to reevaluate long-held beliefs to solve the mystery behind his son's disappearance. Vitals: Director: Paul Haggis. Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon, James Franco, Frances Fisher, Tim McGraw, Jason Patric, Mehcad Brooks, Wes Chatham. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 129 min., Drama, Box office gross: $6.757 million, Warner.

Lust, Caution
Based on a short story by famed Chinese writer Eileen Chang, about a group of patriotic students who plot to assassinate the intelligence chief in the Japanese-backed Chinese government just before World War II. The story begins in Shanghai, in 1942. The World War II Japanese occupation of this Chinese city continues in force. Mrs. Mak, a woman of sophistication and means, walks into a cafe, places a phone call, and then sits and waits. She remembers how her story began several years earlier, in 1938 China. She is not in fact Mrs. Mak, but shy Wong Chia Chi (Tang Wei). With WWII almost underway, Wong has been left behind by her father, who has escaped to England. As a freshman at the university, she meets fellow student Kuang Yu Min (Wang Leehom). Kuang has started a drama society to shore up patriotism. As the theater troupe's new leading lady, Wong realizes that she has found her calling, able to move and inspire audiences -- and Kuang. He convenes a core group of students to carry out a radical and ambitious plan to assassinate a top Japanese collaborator, Mr. Yee (Tony Leung). Each student has a part to play; Wong will be Mrs. Mak, who will gain Yee's trust by befriending his wife (Joan Chen) and then draw the man into an affair. Wong transforms herself utterly inside and out, and the scenario proceeds as scripted -- until an unexpectedly fatal twist spurs her to flee. Flash forward to Shanghai, 1941. With no end in sight for the occupation, Wong -- having emigrated from Hong Kong -- goes through the motions of her existence. Much to her surprise, Kuang re-enters her life. Now part of the organized resistance, he enlists her to again become Mrs. Mak in a revival of the plot to kill Yee, who as head of the collaborationist secret service has become even more a key part of the puppet government. As Wong reprises her earlier role, and is drawn ever closer to her dangerous prey, she finds her very identity being pushed to the limit. Vitals: Director: Ang Lee. Stars: Joan Chen, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tang Wei, Leehom Wang. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: NC-17, 159 min., Drama, Box office gross: $4.378 million, Universal.

Margot at the Wedding
Quirky comedy about family dynamics and the odd ways we express love for each other. Honest and often humorous look at two sisters who are each other's best friend -- which may be their biggest problem. On the eve of her estranged sister Pauline's (Jennifer Jason Leigh) wedding to an unemployed musician-artist-depressive (Jack Black), Margot (Nicole Kidman) and her son Claude show up unexpectedly at the family seaside home to rekindle the sisterly bond and offer her own brand of "support." What ensues is a nakedly honest and subversively funny look at family neuroses, secrets and inescapable bonds. Vitals: Director: Noah Baumbach. Stars: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Zane Pais, Ciar�n Hinds, Flora Cross. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 92 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.865 million, Paramount.

Michael Clayton
Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is an in-house "fixer" at one of the largest corporate law firms in New York. At the behest of the firm's co-founder Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack), Clayton, a former prosecutor from a family of cops, takes care of Kenner, Bach & Ledeen's dirtiest work. Clayton cleans up clients' messes, handling anything from hit-and-runs and damaging stories in the press to shoplifting wives and crooked politicians. Though burned out and hardly content with his job as a fixer, his divorce, a failed business venture and mounting debt have left Clayton inextricably tied to the firm. At the agrochemical company U/North, the career of in-house chief counsel Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) rests on the settlement of the suit that Kenner, Bach & Ledeen is leading to a seemingly successful conclusion. When the firm's top litigator, the brilliant Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson), has an apparent breakdown and tries to sabotage the entire case, Marty Bach sends Michael Clayton to tackle this unprecedented disaster and, in doing so, Clayton comes face to face with the reality of who he has become -- and puts his own life in danger. Vitals: Director: Tony Gilroy. Stars: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack, Pamela Gray. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 119 min., Drama, Box office gross: $38.733 million, Warner.

Redacted
Inspired by real events and the ever-emerging realities of an on-going war, "Redacted" explores the consequences of placing a group of young American soldiers into a morally ambiguous universe. Pushed to their very limits, the film portrays the tragic events surrounding a U.S. army squad that targets and persecutes an innocent Iraqi girl and her family, culminating in a brutal rape and murder. The film addresses the innocent casualties of war and reveals the general helplessness surrounding the war in Iraq. The film alternates points of view, balancing the experiences of these young men under duress and members of the media with those of the local Iraqi people, illuminating how each have been deeply affected by the current conflict and their encounters with each other. The film uses a variety of created source material -- video diaries, produced documentary, surveillance footage, online testimonials, news pieces -- to comment on the extreme disconnect between the surface of an image and the reality of ideas and the truth. Vitals: Director: Brian De Palma. Stars: Kel O'Neill, Ty Jones, Daniel Stewart Sherman, Izzy Diaz, Rob Devaney, Patrick Carroll. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Drama, Box office gross: $.065 million, Magnolia Home Entertainment.

Rendition
A multi-layered story line interweaves the tale of an Egyptian-born chemical engineer whose family emigrated to the States in the mid 1980s and who is shipped off for interrogation after he is deemed a political prisoner in our post-9/11 world; the story of a CIA analyst based in Cairo who finds his world spinning out of control after he witnesses the man's interrogation by the Egyptian secret police; and the pregnant American wife of the kidnapped man whose attempts to get the U.S. government to help her falls on deaf ears. Vitals: Director: Gavin Hood. Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep, Alan Arkin, Peter Sarsgaard, Christian Martin. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 120 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $9.283 million, New Line.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

The Criterion Collection this week will release another of Jean-Luc Godard's masterpieces, "Pierrot Le Fou" (1965), starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina, in a two-disc set with a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard. Dissatisfied in marriage and life, Ferdinand (Belmondo) takes to the road with the babysitter, his ex-lover Marianne Renoir (Karina), and leaves the bourgeoisie behind. Yet this is no normal road trip: Genius auteur Godard's 10th feature in six years, released between "Alphaville" and Masculin, feminine," is a stylish mash-up of consumerist satire, politics, and comic-book aesthetics, as well as a violent, zigzag tale of, as Godard called them, "the last romantic couple." With blissful color imagery by cinematographer Raoul Coutard and Belmondo and Karina at their most animated, "Pierrot le fou" is one of the high points of the French new wave, and one last frolic before Godard moved ever further into radical cinema. Extras include a new video interview with Karina; "Pierrot Primer," a new video program with audio commentary by filmmaker Jean-Pierre Gorin; "Godard, l'amour, la poesie," a 50-minute French documentary about Godard and his collaborative life and films with Karina; archival interview excerpts with Godard, Belmondo and Karina; plus a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Richard Brody, an review by Andrew Sarris, and an interview with Godard.

Also from Criterion this week is "Walker," a hallucinatory biopic that breaks all cinematic conventions, from British director Alex Cox ("Repo Man," "Sid & Nancy"). "Walker" tells the story of 19th-century American adventurer William Walker (Ed Harris), who abandoned a series of careers in law, politics, journalism and medicine to become a soldier of fortune, and for several years dictator of Nicaragua. Made with mad abandon and political acuity -- and the support of the Sandinista army and government during the Contra war -- the film uses this true tale as a satirical attack on American ultrapatriotism and a freewheeling condemnation of "manifest destiny." Featuring a powerful score by Joe Strummer and a performance of intense, repressed rage by Harris, Walker remains one of Cox's most daring works. Presented in a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by Cox, with loads of extras.

From TV to Video:
"Coach: The Third Season," is a three-disc set with 22 episodes, $26.98 from Universal ... "Cops: 20th Season Anniversary" (2007) is a two-disc set that celebrates 20 seasons of the reality show. The set includes the "20th Season Special," the "Pilot" episode, the "Las Vegas Heat" episode, the "Lost Episode," "Cops in the Movies and on TV: Spoofs and Tributes" featurette, more; from Fox ... "Lillie" is a classic from the golden age of the British miniseries. The 1979 PBS Masterpiece Theatre drama follows the true-life, late-19th century story of Lillie Langtry from churchman's daughter to an independent -- and infamous -- actress and woman of the world, at once smart, stunning and scandalous; $59.99 from Acorn Media ... "Walker, Texas Ranger: The Fourth Season" (1996-97) is a seven-disc set with 26 episodes, $54.99, from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
Seeking to uncover the truth behind a series of apparent suicides, a young detective investigates a mysterious man who invades his victims' dreams, convincing them to kill themselves in real life in "Nightmare Detective" (2006 -- Japan), starring Ryuhei Matsuda, Shinya Tsukamoto and Hitomi, from Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... In "Black Water" (2007), a leisurely boat tour by a group of friends down the rivers of Northern Australia turns horrific when the boat suddenly capsizes and the group is attacked by one of the most dangerous reptiles in the world: the Salt Water crocodile, from Sony ... In "Revamped" (2007), starring Jeff Rector, Christa Campbell, Martin Kove, Billy Drago, Fred Williamson and Tane McClure, a successful businessman is bitten by a beautiful vampire and is plunged into the dark world of the supernatural; he quickly realizes that being undead isn't all that it's cracked up to be and must fight for survival when a militaristic team of Vampire Hunters discover his existence; from MTI Home Video ... A mischievous high school sophomore faces a conflict of conscience vs. character when his best friend becomes linked to the death of a youth from another clique in suburban Middle America circa 1976 in "The Good Humor Man" (2005), starring Nathan Stevens, Cameron Richardson, Jorge Garcia, Kelsey Grammer and Jason Segel; from Monarch Home Video ... In "The Final Inquiry" (2006), a Roman general in 32 AD travels to Jerusalem to discredit the rumors of a resurrection and put an end to the spreading cult of Jesus; stars F. Murray Abraham, Dolph Lundgren, Max von Sydow, Daniele Liotti and Monica Cru; from Fox.

For the Family:
"The Easter Bunny Is Coming to Town" (1977) is a restored and remastered version of the stop-motion TV feature, $14.98 from Warner ... "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" is a remastered version of the 1974 classic, from Warner ... "Little Einsteins: Race for Space" is a compilation of three adventures that include a flying journey from Machu Pichu to China and a sky race featuring all the greatest flying machines in the world; $19.99 from Disney ... "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" (2002) is a three-disc set with the first 13 episodes of the revival of the animated "He-Man" saga; $26,98 from BCI Entertainment.

Special Interest:
"Gorillas on the Brink" (2007) is an Animal Planet documentary that observes firsthand the urgent crisis of endangered gorillas in Rwanda, hosted by world-renowned animal expert Jack Hanna and actress Natalie Portman; from Animal Planet/Genius Products ... "Terror's Advocate" (2007) is a documentary by director Barbet Schroeder that takes audiences down history's darkest paths in an attempt to illuminate the mystery behind the enigmatic Jacques Verges, a successful lawyer who defended unpopular figures from all political fronts, including monsters like Nazi criminal Klaus Barbie and Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy; from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... "Sputnik Revealed" is a NOVA documentary that delves into the true story behind the start of the Space Race in 1957; $24.95 from WGBH Boston Video ... "Excellent Cadavers" is a documentary that chronicles the recent history of the Mafia in Sicily and its integral relationship to postwar Italian politics; $24.95 from First Run Features ... "Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project" (2007) is a two-disc set of the HBO documentary directed by John Landis profiling the career of comedian Don Rickles; $26.99 from Salient Media ... World Wrestling Entertainment and Genius Entertainment have four wrestling titles of interest to fans: "Armageddon," a battle royale featuring RAW, SmackDown and ECW stars, $24.95; "Royal Rumble: Volume III: 1998-2002" and "Royal Rumble: Volume IV: 2003-2007," each five disc sets featuring more than 15 hours of bone crushing action, $59.95 each; and a three-disc collector's edition of "The Legacy of Stone Cold Austin," $34.95.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

American Gangster (2007) Dir.: Ridley Scott; Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, Armand Assante, John Ortiz, John Hawkes, RZA, Lymari Nadal, Yul Vasquez, Ruby Dee, Idris Elba, Carla Gugino, Joe Morton, Common, Tip "T.I." Harris. Two-disc set with unrated extended version with 18 additional minutes of footage, and the original theatrical version. Extras: Commentary with director Ridley Scott and writer Steven Zaillian, alternate ending, "Fallen Empire: Making American Gangster" featurette (includes "Tru Blu: The Real Story," "Killer Threads," "Crime War," "Rhythm of the Streets," and "Into the Arena: Ali vs. Frazier"), "Case Files" (including "Setting Up the Takedown," "Script Meeting," and "Drug Test"). A three-disc collector's addition adds "Hip Hop Infusion," music videos, "BET Special: The Making of American Gangster," "Dateline NBC: American Gangster First Look," digital copy of the unrated extended movie for PCs and a 32-page collectible book. (Universal).

Black Water (2007) Maeve Dermody, Diana Glenn, Ben Oxenbould. A leisurely boat tour by a group of friends down the rivers of Northern Australia turns horrific when the boat suddenly capsizes and the group is attacked by one of the most dangerous reptiles in the world: the Salt Water crocodile. Extras: Deleted scenes, making-of featurette, commentary by writer-directors Andrew Traucki and David Nerlich. (Sony).

Coach: The Third Season. Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $26.98. (Universal).

Cops: 20th Season Anniversary (2007) Two-disc set celebrates 20 seasons of the reality show. Includes "20th Season Special," "Pilot" episode, "Las Vegas Heat" episode, "Lost Episode," " Cops in the Movies and on TV: Spoofs and Tributes" featurette, "Fan Favorites" featurette, "First 10 Years" (10 "Cops" segments, one from each year), "Second 10 Years" (10 "Cops" segments, one from each year), "behind-the-scenes" featurette, "Cops on Cops" featurette. (Fox).

The Easter Bunny Is Coming to Town (1977) Restored and remastered stop-motion TV feature, $14.98. (Warner).

The Final Inquiry (2006) F. Murray Abraham, Dolph Lundgren, Max von Sydow, Daniele Liotti, Monica Cru. After a harrowing but victorious campaign against the barbarian hordes, Rome's greatest general Titos Valerius Tauros receives a special assignment from the emperor: travel in secret to the city of Jerusalem to investigate the recent death and possible resurrection of a crucified man. Unwilling to believe the alleged miracle, Tauros sets out to discredit the rumors and put an end to the spreading cult of Jesus. Extras: "The Making of The Final Inquiry." (Fox).

Gabriel (2007) Andy Whitfield, Samantha Noble. Typical struggle between Arc and Fallen angels for control of Purgatory and its population of re-born souls. Extras: Deleted scenes, making-of featurettes. (Sony).

The Good Humor Man (2005) Nathan Stevens, Cameron Richardson, Jorge Garcia, Kelsey Grammer, Jason Segel. A mischievous high school sophomore faces a conflict of conscience vs. character when his best friend becomes linked to the death of a youth from another clique in suburban Middle America circa 1976. (Monarch Home Video).

Gorillas on the Brink (2007) Observes firsthand the urgent crisis of endangered gorillas in Rwanda with world-renowned animal expert Jack Hanna and actress Natalie Portman. The 2007 mysterious killings of four critically endangered gorillas in the Virunga National Park sent shockwaves through the international conservationist community. Animal Planet was there to film the television special documenting gorillas from this region and their desperate struggle to survive. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

Helen Mirren at the BBC. Five-disc set with BBC performances by the award-winning actress Extras: Made-for-DVD interview, 20-page collectible booklet.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002) Three-disc set with the first 13 episodes of the revival of the animated "He-Man" saga; $26,98. (BCI Entertainment).

In the Valley of Elah (2007) Dir.: Paul Haggis; Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon, James Franco, Frances Fisher, Tim McGraw, Jason Patric, Mehcad Brooks, Wes Chatham. Extras: "In the Valley of Elah: Documentary" behind-the-scenes featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner).

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974) Remastered. Bonus episode, "It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown," "In Full Bloom: The Peanuts at Easter" documentary. (Warner).

Justice League: The New Frontier Special Edition (2007) New animated feature in single-disc ($19.98) and two-disc ($24.98) versions. Based on the graphic novel by Darwyn Cooke, tells the epic tale of the founding of the Justice League, comprised of DC Comics legends Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and The Flash. Features the voices of David Boreanaz, Brooke Shields, Lucy Lawless, Neil Patrick Harris, Miguel Ferrer, Kyra Sedgwick, Jeremy Sisto and Kyle MacLachlan. Extras: "Super Heroes United!: The Complete Justice League History" documentary, "Sneak Peak: Batman: Gotham Knight, " commentary. The special edition adds "The Legion of Doom: The Pathology of the Super Villain" documentary, "Comic Book Commentary: Homage to the New Frontier" documentary, and three bonus "Justice League" episodes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Les Miserables (1995) Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball. A performance of "Les Miserables" by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, for a 10th anniversary concert celebration. Two-disc set. Extras: "Stage by Stage: The making of Les Miserables" featuring interviews with producer Cameron Mackintosh, writer Alain Boublil, and musician Claude-Michel Schonberg; special commemorative booklet. (BBC Video/Warner).

Lillie. Classic from the golden age of the British miniseries. Follows the true-life, late-19th century story of Lillie Langtry from churchman's daughter to an independent - and infamous - actress and woman of the world, at once smart, stunning and scandalous. Debuted on PBS Masterpiece Theatre in 1979. Four-disc set with all 13 episodes, $59.99. (Acorn Media).

Lust, Caution (2007) Dir.: Ang Lee; Joan Chen, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tang Wei, Leehom Wang. Extras: "Titles of Deception, Lurid Affection" behind-the-scenes featurette. (Universal).

Margot at the Wedding (2007) Dir.: Noah Baumbach; Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Zane Pais, Ciaran Hinds, Flora Cross. Extras: A Conversation with Noah Baumbach and Jennifer Jason Leigh. (Paramount).

Michael Clayton (2007) George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack, Pamela Gray. Available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner).

Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (2007) Two-disc set of the HBO documentary directed by John Landis. Features appearances by Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Bob Newhart, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman and Robin Williams, among others, as well as rare footage of Rickles' performances and outtakes; $26.99. Extras: Extended footage and interviews. (Salient Media).

Nightmare Detective (2006 -- Japan) Ryuhei Matsuda, Shinya Tsukamoto, Hitomi. Unrated. Seeking to uncover the truth behind a series of apparent suicides, a young detective investigates a mysterious man who invades his victims' dreams, convincing them to kill themselves in real life. (Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Pierrot Le Fou (1965) Dir.: Jean-Luc Godard; Jean-Paul Belmondo, Anna Karina. Two-disc set with a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard. Extras: New video interview with Anna Karina; "Pierrot Primer," a new video program with audio commentary by filmmaker Jean-Pierre Gorin; "Godard, l'amour, la poesie," a 50-minute French documentary about Godard and his collaborative life and films with Anna Karina; archival interview excerpts with Godard, Belmondo and Karina; plus a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Richard Brody, an review by Andrew Sarris, and an interview with Godard. (The Criterion Collection).

Pinochet's Last Stand (2006) Derek Jacobi, Phyllida Law, Peter Capaldi. In 1973, General Augusto Pinochet overtook Chile in a violent military coup. During his 17-year rule, he ruthlessly repressed all opposition to his regime, leading to the deaths of 3,000 civilians and the torture of another 30,000. This biodrama tells the fascinating true story of the former dictator's surprise 1998 arrest for crimes against humanity while undergoing back surgery during a vacation in London. (HBO).

Redacted (2007) Dir.: Brian De Palma; Kel O'Neill, Ty Jones, Daniel Stewart Sherman, Izzy Diaz, Rob Devaney, Patrick Carroll. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Rendition (2007) Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep, Alan Arkin, Peter Sarsgaard, Christian Martin. Extras: Commentary by director Gavin Hood, "Intersections: The Making of Rendition," "Outlawed" featurette, deleted scenes, alternate scenes. (New Line).

Revamped (2007) Jeff Rector, Christa Campbell, Martin Kove, Billy Drago, Fred Williamson, Tane McClure. A successful businessman is bitten by a beautiful vampire and is plunged into the dark world of the supernatural; he quickly realizes that being undead isn't all that it's cracked up to be and must fight for survival when a militaristic team of Vampire Hunters discover his existence. (MTI Home Video).

Riverdance (1996) Jean Butler, Colin Dunne. Recorded live at Radio City Music Hall. Two-disc set. Extras: "Riverdance in China," a behind the scenes look at the historic performance in the Great Hall of the People in China; "Riverdance on BBC's Pebble Mill," featuring interviews and performances. (BBC Video/Warner).

Sputnik Revealed. NOVA documentary that delves into the true story behind the start of the Space Race in 1957; $24.95. (WGBH Boston Video).

Terror's Advocate (2007) Documentary. Acclaimed director Barbet Schroeder takes audiences down history's darkest paths in his attempt to illuminate the mystery behind the enigmatic Jacques Verges, a successful lawyer who defended unpopular figures from all political fronts, including monsters like Nazi criminal Klaus Barbie and Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Walker (1987) Dir.: Alex Cox; Ed Harris, Richard Masur, Rene Assa , Rene Auberjonois. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by Cox. Extras: Commentary by Cox and screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer, "Dispatches From Nicaragua," an original documentary about the filming of "Walker"; "On Moviemaking and the Revolution," an audio reminiscence by actor and writer Linda Sandoval about the shoot; rare behind-the-scenes photos; plus a booklet featuring writings by film critic Graham Fuller, Wurlitzer and Sandoval. (The Criterion Collection).

Walker, Texas Ranger: The Fourth Season (1996-97) Seven-disc set with 26 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, February 26 -- Monday, March 3

Beowulf
In a time of heroes, the mighty warrior Beowulf slays the demon Grendel and incurs the wrath of its monstrous yet seductive mother, in a conflict that transforms a king into a legend. Neil Gaiman ("MirrorMask," the graphic novel Sandman) and Roger Avary ("Pulp Fiction") adapted the legend for the screen. Lots of computer-generated effects and characters. Vitals: Director: Robert Zemeckis. Stars: Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, John Malkovich, Brendan Gleeson, Dominic Keating, Alison Lohman, Robin Wright Penn, Ray Winstone. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 113 min., Fantasy, Box office gross: $81.512 million, Company.

Darjeeling Limited, The
Three American brothers who have not spoken to each other in a year set off on a train voyage across India with a plan to find themselves and bond with each other -- to become brothers again like they used to be. Their "spiritual quest", however, veers rapidly off-course (due to events involving over-the-counter pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper spray), and they eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert with eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. At this moment, a new, unplanned journey suddenly begins. Vitals: Director: Wes Anderson. Stars: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Amara Karan, Wallace Wolodarsky, Waris Ahluwalia, Barbet Schroeder, Camilla Rutherford, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 91 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $11.175 million, Fox.

Death at a Funeral
A dignified send-off for a loved one erupts into chaos when romance, jealousy, in-laws, hallucinogens, dark secrets, life-long yearnings and a spot of bold blackmail all collide in this irreverent British comedy. On the morning of their father's funeral, the family and friends of the deceased each arrive with his or her own roiling anxieties. Son Daniel (Matthew Macfadyen) knows he will have to face his flirty, blow-hard, famous-novelist brother Robert (Rupert Graves) who's just flown in from New York, not to mention the promises of a new life he's made to his wife Jane (Keely Hawes). Meanwhile, Daniel's cousin Martha (Daisy Donovan) and her dependable new fiance Simon (Alan Tudyk) are desperate to make a good impression on Martha's uptight father -- a plan that literally goes out the window when Simon accidentally ingests a designer drug en route to the service, leaving him prone to uncontrollable bouts of delirium and nudity in front of his potential in-laws. Then comes the real shocker: a mysterious guest (Peter Dinklage) who threatens to unveil an earth-shattering family secret. As riotous mayhem and unfortunate mishaps ensue on every front, it is now up to the two brothers to hide the truth from their family and friends and figure out how to not only bury their dearly beloved, but the secret he's been keeping. Vitals: Director: Frank Oz. Stars: Matthew Macfayden, Rupert Graves, Peter Dinklage, Alan Tudyk, Daisy Donovan, Kris Marshall, Andy Nyman, Jane Asher. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 91 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $8.545 million, MGM.

Goya's Ghosts
Sweeping romantic tale told through the eyes of the celebrated Spanish painter, Francisco Goya (Stellan Skarsgard). Set against the backdrop of political turmoil at the end of the Spanish Inquisition and the start of Napoleon's invasion of Spain, the film tells the story of the famed artist and the extreme duality of his subjects. Goya was revered for his colorful depictions of the royal court and its people; while also capturing the grim brutality of war and life in 18th century Spain. When his beautiful muse (Natalie Portman) is accused of being a heretic, Goya must convince his old friend Lorenzo (Javier Bardem), a power-hungry monk and leader of the Spanish Inquisition, to spare her life. Vitals: Director: Milos Forman. Stars: Javier Bardem, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, Randy Quaid. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 113 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.000 million, Sony.

Silk
The story of a married silkworm merchant-turned-smuggler in 19th century France traveling to Japan for his town's supply of silkworms after a disease wipes out their African supply. Based on the best-selling novel by Alessandro Baricco, "Silk" is a romantic drama that spans two continents. Herve Joncour's (Michael Pitt) devotion to his beautiful bride Helene (Keira Knightley) is tested by increasingly, dangerous trade missions in search of silkworms for his towns survival. From his journeys to Japan, Herve brings great wealth for his village, but with each return to the Far East he becomes torn by the temptation of a local warlord's sensuous concubine and his love for Helene. Vitals: Director: Francois Girard. Stars: Michael Pitt, Keira Knightley, Sei Ashina, Toni Bertorelli, Kenneth Welsh, Martha Burns, Alfred Molina. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 110 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $1.107 million, New Line.

30 Days of Night
Producer Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man") brings audiences the terrifying thriller "30 Days of Night," set in the isolated town of Barrow, Alaska, in the extreme northern hemisphere, which is plunged into complete darkness annually for an entire month. When most of the inhabitants head south for the winter, a mysterious group of strangers appear: bloodthirsty vampires, ready to take advantage of the uninterrupted darkness to feed on the town's residents. As the night wears on, Barrow's Sheriff Eben (Josh Hartnett), his estranged wife Stella (Melissa George), and an ever-shrinking group of survivors must do anything they can to last until daylight. Vitals: Director: David Slade. Stars: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster, Manu Bennett. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 113 min., Horror, Box office gross: $39.568 million, Sony.

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NEWS

Coming Soon:

Universal has set a March 18 release for "Atonement," starrng Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, Vanessa Redgrave and Juno Temple. The critically acclaimed story of love, betrayal, and all its consequences is an adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling 2002 novel. Shot on location in the U.K., the film's story spans several decades, beginning in 1935 when a young girl catches her sister in a passionate embrace with a childhood friend, and her jealousy drives her to tell a lie that will irrevocably change the course of all their lives forever. From Joe Wright, the award-winning director of "Pride and Prejudice." "Atonement" nabbed a best original score Oscar on Sunday night.

DVD Collectibles:

Due this week from The Criterion Collection is Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor" (1987), starring John Lone, Joan Chen and Peter O'Toole, in a four-disc set with an all-new restored, high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro as well as an all-new restored, high-definition digital transfer of the extended television version. "The Last Emperor" won nine Academy Awards, unexpectedly sweeping every category in which it was nominated -- quite a feat for a challenging, multilayered epic directed by an Italian and starring an international cast. Yet the power and scope of the film was, and remains, undeniable -- the life of emperor Pu Yi, who took the throne at age three, in 1908, before witnessing decades of cultural and political upheaval, within and outside of the walls of the Forbidden City. Recreating Qing-dynasty China with astonishing detail and unparalleled craftsmanship by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro and production designer Ferdinando Scarfiotti, "The Last Emperor" is also an intimate character study of one man reconciling personal responsibility and political legacy. As with all Criterion releases, this one dazzles with bonus materials, including commentary by Bertolucci, a host of documentaries, interviews, and a booklet featuring essays by David Thomson and an extract from script supervisor Fabien Gerard's journals from the production.

From TV to Video:
"Color Honeymooners Collection 2" From Miami Beach, the sun and fun capitol of the world, it's "The Jackie Gleason Show!" Those are the words that announced the airing of Gleason's Saturday night show that aired from 1966-70; this DVD is a collection of color Honeymoooners segments; from MPI Home Video ... "Comanche Moon -- The Second Chapter in the Lonesome Dove Saga" (2008) stars Val Kilmer, Steve Zahn, Rachel Griffiths, Karl Urban, Linda Cardellini and Wes Studi in a prequel to the hugely popular and award-winning series; the two-disc set, extended cut is from Sony ... "Dark Shadows: The Beginning #3" features 35 episodes from the vampire soap opera (#71-105); from MPI Home Video ... "Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale" is the finale of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series, $19.97 from HBO Video ... "Family Affair Season 5" is a five-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.98 from MPI Home Video ... "The Fugitive: The First Season, Volume Two" (1963-64) is a four-disc set with the second part of the series' first season, $42.99 from Paramount ... "The Invisible Man Collection" (1958) features 26 remastered episodes of the British TV series; $39.98 from Dark Sky Films ... "Lonesome Dove: The Ultimate Collection" is a 10-disc set with all 43 episodes of "Lonesome Dove: The Series" and "Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years," $39.99 from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... "Newhart: The Complete First Season" is a three-disc set with 22 episodes, $39,98 from Fox ... "Rough Diamond" (2005) is a light-hearted British crime caper series about an aging criminal mastermind (the original title was "Diamond Geezer"); the two-disc set has four episodes, $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "State of Play" (2003) is a BBC America miniseries, set in London, in which a politician's life becomes increasingly complex as his research assistant is found dead on the London Underground and, in a seemingly unrelated incident, a teenage drug dealer is shot dead, from Warner ... "TV Guide Presents: B.L. Stryker: The Complete First Season" (1989) is a three-disc set with five episodes of the Burt Reynolds private detective series; $29.95 from Arts Alliance America.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
Due this week: "Holigans" (2004), starring Shaun Elebert. A slightly demented English gangster decides that he wants a bigger piece of the underworld pie and devises a scheme involving the takeover of a family tavern in a sleepy seaside community in Ireland. Problems occur when the rightful owners of the pub put up more of a fight than he bargained for. From Warner ... "Inside" (2006), starring Nicholas D'Agosto, and Leighton Meester. Friends Alex and Josie have a disturbing hobby -- they like to follow strangers. Intrigued by other people's lives, Alex breaks into their homes, listens to their conversations and watches their every move. But his obsession backfires when he's caught in the home of a tormented couple who become fascinated by his resemblance to their dead son, and now Alex finds himself trapped in a horrifying existence of shifting identities and realities. From Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... "Legend of the Black Scorpion" (2006 -- Hong Kong), starring Ziyi Zhang, Daniel Wu, Xun Zhou and You Ge. Set in 10th century China, scheming royals and other officials seek to conquer empires and consolidate power to form a single omnipotent dynasty. Against this backdrop enters a legendary empress with unparalleled fighting skills. The score combines Western classical with Chinese classical music. Two-disc ultimate edition. From Dragon Dynasty.

On the Indie Front:
"Pinochet's Last Stand" (2006), starring Derek Jacobi, Phyllida Law and Peter Capaldi. In 1973, General Augusto Pinochet took over Chile in a violent military coup. During his 17-year rule, he ruthlessly repressed all opposition to his regime, leading to the deaths of 3,000 civilians and the torture of another 30,000. This biodrama tells the fascinating true story of the former dictator's surprise 1998 arrest for crimes against humanity while undergoing back surgery during a vacation in London. From HBO ... "To Kill a King" (2003), starring Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, Rupert Everett and Steven Webb. The story of the relationship between General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, as they try to cope with the consequences of deposing King Charles I of England. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. From Union Station Media ... "Day Zero" (2007), starring Elijah Wood, Jon Bernthal, Chris Klein and Ginnifer Goodwin. Three best friends are drafted and given 30 days to report for duty; in that time they're forced to confront everything they believe about courage, duty, love, friendship and honor. From First Look Studios ... "Jake's Booty Call" (2008) is an animated feature version of the popular Internet game for college students. From National Lampoon and Arts Alliance America.

For the Family:
Viewers of all ages will learn about Paris' history, culture and beauty in "Travel With Kids: Paris" (2008), an innovative, engaging program that also features money-saving tips, topical pop-up facts, advice for traveling with children and fun segments filled with all things great about the City of Lights; $14.98 from PorchLight Home Entertainment ... For preschoolers there's "The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 1," a two-disc set with 19 remastered cartoons from the 1981 premiere season; $26.99 from Warner and "Caillou's Family Favorites" (2008), in which kids join animated Caillou as he explores everyday life, where ordinary daily events spark the imagination; $14.99 from Paramount ... For older kids there's "Justice League: The New Frontier Special Edition" (2007), a new animated feature in single-disc ($19.98) and two-disc ($24.98) versions. Based on the graphic novel by Darwyn Cooke, the film tells the tale of the founding of the Justice League, comprised of DC Comics legends Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and The Flash. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. From Warner.

Special Interest:
"America at War Megaset" is a 14-disc set with 35 documentaries that presents more than 200 years of combat history, from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror; $124.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Darkon" (2006) is a documentary on live-action role-playing gamers who suit up their armor in Baltimore to create a make-believe medieval world named Darkon, $26.98 from Porchlight Home Entertainment ... "A Global Warning?" (2007) is a documentary that investigates the most dramatic climatic events in Earth's past and considers the future trends that will decide the fate of our species; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "1968 With Tom Brokaw" (2007) is a feature-length, multidisciplinary documentary that examines the year that changed America. Features animated timelines and telling archival footage that illuminate the events and their influences; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Life After Tomorrow" (2005) is a highly acclaimed documentary exploring the life-changing repercussions of child performers in the long-running Broadway musical "Annie," revealing the highs and lows of their experiences as child actresses in a cultural phenomenon; $19.95 from Arts Alliance America ... "The 2008 Rose Bowl Game" (2008) features the complete ABC broadcast of the Pac-10/Big Ten match-up in which sixth-ranked USC tied a Rose Bowl record with 49 points and set the total offensive record with 633 yards in their 49-17 rout of #13 Illinois; $19.95 from ESPN/Genius Products ... "The Art & Practice of Gardening" is a two-disc set that contains 13 Home & Garden TV programs featuring every major garden style and practice from private and public gardens in England, Ireland and the United States; $24.99 from Kultur International.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

America at War Megaset. Fourteen-disc set with 35 documentaries that presents more than 200 years of combat history, from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror; $124.95. (A&E Home Video).

Beowulf Director's Cut (2007) Robert Zemeckis; Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, John Malkovich, Brendan Gleeson, Dominic Keating, Alison Lohman, Robin Wright Penn, Ray Winstone. Two-disc set. Extras: "Heroes Journey: The Making of Beowulf," "Beowulf's Beasts of Burden -- Designing the Creatures of Beowulf," "The Origins of Beowulf," "Creating the Beowulf," "The Art of Beowulf," deleted scenes. Also available on HD DVD. (Paramount).

Caillou's Family Favorites (2008) Kids join animated Caillou as he explores everyday life, where ordinary daily events spark the imagination; $14.99. Extras: Interactrive games, more. (Paramount).

Color Honeymooners Collection 2. From Miami Beach, the sun and fun capitol of the world, it's "The Jackie Gleason Show!" Aired on Saturday night from 1966-70. (MPI Home Video).

Comanche Moon -- The Second Chapter in the Lonesome Dove Saga (2008) Val Kilmer, Steve Zahn, Rachel Griffiths, Karl Urban, Linda Cardellini, Wes Studi. Prequel to the hugely popular and award-winning series. Two-disc set, extended cut. Extras: "Behind the Scenes of Comanche Moon," "Riding Into the Sunset -- Cowboy & Riding Training," "A Look at the Comanche Heritage." (Sony).

The Darjeeling Limited (2007) Director: Wes Anderson. Stars: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Amara Karan, Wallace Wolodarsky, Waris Ahluwalia, Barbet Schroeder, Camilla Rutherford, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston. Extras: Commentary, four featurettes including the "Hotel Chevalier" prequel. (Fox).

Dark Shadows: The Beginning #3. Thirty-five episodes (#71-105). (MPI Home Video).

Darkon (2006) Documentary on live-action role-playing gamers who suit up their armor in Baltimore to create a make-believe medieval world named Darkon. Extras: Director's commentary, outtakes and deleted scenes, more. (Porchlight Home Entertainment).

Day Zero (2007) Elijah Wood, Jon Bernthal, Chris Klein, and Ginnifer Goodwin. Three best friends are drafted and given 30 days to report for duty; in that time they're forced to confront everything they believe about courage, duty, love, friendship and honor. (First Look Studios).

Death at a Funeral (2007) Dir.: Frank Oz; Matthew Macfayden, Rupert Graves, Peter Dinklage, Alan Tudyk, Daisy Donovan, Kris Marshall, Andy Nyman, Jane Asher. Extras: Commentary by director Oz, commentary by writer Dean Craig and actors Alan Tudyk and Andy Nyman, gag reel. (MGM).

Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale. Finale of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series, $19.97. (HBO Video).

Family Affair Season 5. Five-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.98. (MPI Home Video).

The Fugitive: The First Season, Volume Two (1963-64) Four-disc set, $42.99. (Paramount).

A Global Warning? (2007) Documentary investigates the most dramatic climatic events in Earth's past and considers the future trends that will decide the fate of our species; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Goya's Ghosts (2007) Dir.: Milos Forman; Javier Bardem, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, Randy Quaid.Extras: making-of fetaurette. (Sony).

Holigans (2004) Shaun Elebert. A slightly demented English gangster decides that he wants a bigger piece of the underworld pie and devises a scheme involving the takeover of a family tavern in a sleepy seaside community in Ireland. Problems occur when the rightful owners of the pub put up more of a fight than he bargained for. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, photo gallery, posters. (Warner).

Inside (2006) Nicholas D'Agosto, Leighton Meester. Friends Alex and Josie have a disturbing hobby -- they like to follow strangers. Intrigued by other people's lives, Alex breaks into their homes, listens to their conversations and watches their every move. But his obsession backfires when he's caught in the home of a tormented couple who become fascinated by his resemblance to their dead son, and now Alex finds himself trapped in a horrifying existence of shifting identities and realities. Extras: Commentary. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

The Invisible Man Collection (1958) 26 remastered episodes of the British TV series; $39.98. (Dark Sky Films).

Jake's Booty Call (2008) Animated feature version of the popular Internet game for college students. From National Lampoon. (Arts Alliance America).

The Last Emperor (1987) Dir.: Bernardo Bertolucci; John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole. Four-disc set with an all-new restored, high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro as well as an all-new restored, high-definition digital transfer of the extended television version. Extras: Commentary by director Bertolucci, producer Jeremy Thomas, composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, and screenwriter Mark Peploe; "Bernardo Bertolucci," a 60-minute documentary exploring the director's creative process and the making of "The Last Emperor"; "The Italian Traveler," a documentary by Fernand Mozskowicz, exploring Bertolucci's journey from Parma to China; "The Making of The Last Emperor," a new documentary featuring Storaro, editor Gabriella Cristiana, costume designer James Acheson and art director Gianni Silvestre; "Postcards From China," video images taken by Bertolucci while on preproduction in China; "The Late Show: Face to Face," a 30-minute BBC interview with Bertolucci from 1989; new video interviews with composers David Byrne and Sakamoto; plus a booklet featuring essays by David Thomson and an extract from script supervisor Fabien Gerard's journals from the production. (The Criterion Collection).

Legend of the Black Scorpion (2006 - Hong Kong) Ziyi Zhang, Daniel Wu, Xun Zhou, You Ge. Set in 10th century China, scheming royals and other officials seek to conquer empires and consolidate power to form a single omnipotent dynasty. Against this backdrop enters a legendary empress with unparalleled fighting skills. The score combines Western classical with Chinese classical music. Two-disc ultimate edition. Extras: Commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, interview gallery, production gallery. (Dragon Dynasty).

Life After Tomorrow (2005) Highly acclaimed documentary exploring the life-changing repercussions of child performers in the long-running Broadway musical "Annie," revealing the highs and lows of their experiences as child actresses in a cultural phenomenon; $19.95. (Arts Alliance America).

Lonesome Dove: The Ultimate Collection.Ten-disc set with all 43 episodes of "Lonesome Dove: The Series" and "Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years," $39.99. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Newhart: The Complete First Season. Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $39,98. Extras: Three featurettes: "Guess Who's Coming to the (Bed and) Breakfast?" Stratford's Inn-spiration, "You Really Should Wear More Sweaters" Newhart style, "Say Goodnight Emily" getting to the heart of Newhart; TV Land Bob Newhart celebration. (Fox).

1968 With Tom Brokaw (2007) Feature-length, multidisciplinary documentary that examines the year that changed America. Animated timelines and telling archival footage illuminate the events and their influences. Major figures and minor players speak out about their personal experiences. And Brokaw himself ponders the era that shaped him as a young reporter as much as it did our nation; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Robyn Hitchcock: Sex, Food, Death ... And Insects (2007) Documentary chronicles the origins of Hitchcock's album "OleTarantula", the formation of his band Venus 3, and their U.S. tour; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Rough Diamond (2005) Light-hearted British crime caper series about an aging criminal mastermind. Original title was "Diamond Geezer." Two-disc set with four episodes, $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Silk (2007) Michael Pitt, Keira Knightley, Sei Ashina, Toni Bertorelli, Kenneth Welsh, Martha Burns, Alfred Molina. A married silkworm merchant-turned-smuggler in 19th century France travels to Japan for his town's supply of silkworms after a disease wipes out their African supply. During his stay, he becomes obsessed with the concubine of a local baron. (New Line).

Slipstream (2007) Dir.: Anthony Hopkins; Anthony Hopkins, Stella Arroyave, Michael Clarke Duncan, Fionnula Flanagan, Camryn Manheim, S. Epatha Merkerson, Christian Slater, Jeffrey Tambor, Gavin Grazer, John Turturro. Aging screenwriter Felix Bonhoeffer has lived his life in two states of existence -- the world of reality and the world inside his head. Hired to rewrite a murder mystery set in a desert diner and unaware that his brain is on the verge of implosion, Felix is politely baffled when the characters from his movie start showing up in his life and vice versa. Extras: "Fractured Narrative: The Making of Slipstream" featurette, commentary by Hopkins, deleted scenes. (Sony).

The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 1. Two-disc set with 19 remastered cartoons from the 1981 premiere season; $26.99. Extras: "The Smurfs Springtime Special," "Smurfs: The Music Video," a music video featuring the famous title soundtrack, cut to the rhythm of the best moments from the first season. (Warner).

State of Play (2003) BBC America miniseries, set in London, in which a politician's life becomes increasingly complex as his research assistant is found dead on the London Underground and, in a seemingly unrelated incident, a teenage drug dealer is shot dead. (Warner).

30 Days of Night (2007) Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster, Manu Bennett. Extras: Commentary by Josh Hartnett, Melissa George and producer Rob Tapert; eight behind-the-scenes featurettes on pre-production, casting, stunts, night shoots, "Building Barrow," "Blood, Guts and the Nasty #@$&!" more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

To Kill a King (2003) Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, Rupert Everett, Steven Webb. Story of the relationship between General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, as they try to cope with the consequences of deposing King Charles I. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Union Station Media).

Travel With Kids: Paris (2008) Viewers of all ages will learn about the city's history, culture and beauty in this innovative, engaging program which also features money-saving tips, topical pop-up facts, advice for traveling with children and fun segments filled with all things great about the City of Lights. $14.98. (PorchLight Home Entertainment).

TV Guide Presents: B.L. Stryker: The Complete First Season (1989) Three-disc set with five episodes of the Burt Reynolds private detective series; $29.95. (Arts Alliance America).

The 2008 Rose Bowl Game (2008) Features the complete ABC broadcast. In this Pac-10/Big Ten match-up, sixth-ranked USC tied a Rose Bowl record with 49 points and set the total offensive record with 633 yards in their 49-17 rout of #13 Illinois; $19.95. (ESPN/Genius Products).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Mar 4, 2008 5:44 pm
Subject: OnVideo E-mail News, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, V12.10

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, March 4 -- Monday, March 10

Awake
Clay (Hayden Christensen) suffers "Anesthetic Awareness," leaving him fully conscious during open heart surgery, but unable to alert the surgical team surrounding him. As various obstacles present themselves, his wife Sam (Jessica Alba) must make life-altering decisions while he faces a far greater pain. Vitals: Director: Joby Harold. Stars: Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, Lena Olin, Terrence Howard, Steven Hinkle, Jennifer Pedersen, Sam Robards, Poorna Jagannathan, Court Young. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 84 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $14.230 million, Weinstein Co.

Into the Wild
Freshly graduated from college with a promising future ahead, 22 year-old Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) instead walked out of his privileged life and into the wild in search of adventure. What happened to him on the way transformed this young wanderer into an enduring symbol for countless people. Was Christopher McCandless a heroic adventurer or a naive idealist, a rebellious 1990s Thoreau or another lost American son, a fearless risk-taker or a tragic figure who wrestled with the precarious balance between man and nature? Each strand of his journey is woven into Sean Penn's screen adaptation of Jon Krakauer's acclaimed bestseller, which is as much about the insatiable yearning for family, home and connection as it is the search for truth and happiness. McCandless' quest took him from the wheat fields of South Dakota to a renegade trip down the Colorado River to the non-conformists' refuge of Slab City, California, and beyond. Along the way, he encountered a series of colorful characters at the very edges of American society who shaped his understanding of life and whose lives he, in turn, changed. In the end, he tested himself by heading alone into the wilds of the great North, where everything he had seen and learned and felt came to a head in ways he never could have expected. Vitals: Director: Sean Penn. Stars: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart, Zach Galifianakis. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 148 min., Adventure Drama, Box office gross: $16.168 million, Paramount.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium 243-year-old Edward Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns the most amazing store in the world -- a tantalizing toy haven in which everything inside literally comes to life. But when the boss decides to retire, the shop throws a tantrum and all its wonders begin to cease. Now his reluctant manager (Natalie Portman), skeptical accountant (Jason Bateman) and most loyal customer (Zach Mills) must work together to save the emporium ... by finding a little magic within themselves. Vitals: Director: Zach Helm. Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: G, 94 min., Fantasy, Box office gross: $31.829, million, Fox.

Things We Lost in the Fire Story of survival, family and friendship. The powerful film follows Audrey Burke (Halle Berry) after she is left reeling by the sudden death of her husband (David Duchovny) in a random act of violence. Adrift in her grief, Audrey invites her husband's close friend Jerry (Del Toro) to move into her home, hoping he can help her and her children cope with their loss. But Jerry is facing a daily battle to stay off drugs and struggles to find his inner resilience just to save himself. Audrey and Jerry's fragile bond is tested as they discover the strength to move forward and the courage to hope. Vitals: Director: Susanne Bier. Stars: Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Alison Lohman. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 118 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.561 million, Paramount.

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NEWS

Highlight of the week is "TCM Archives: Forbidden Hollywood Volume 2,"
a three-disc set with five restored and remastered pre-code classics plus a feature-length documentary. It wasn't the "Roaring 20s" but the four years between 1929 and 1934 was the first real era of wide-open sexuality in films. Before Hollywood began enforcing a self-imposed Production Code (in response to numerous sex and crime scandals afflicting Tinseltown), many films allowed for extraordinary frankness, including nudity, adultery, premarital sex and prostitution. The five films here are representative of that time: "The Divorcee" (1930) with Norma Shearer, "A Free Soul" (1931) with Lionel Barrymore and Clark Gable, "Three on a Match" (1932) with Bette Davis, Joan Blondell and Ann Dvorak, "Female" (1933) with Ruth Chatterton as a no-nonsense CEO, and "Night Nurse" (1931) with Barbara Stanwyck. Also included in the set is the documentary "Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood"; $49.92 from Warner.

Also due this week: "The Billy Wilder Film Collection," a four-disc set with "The Apartment," "Some Like It Hot," "The Fortune Cookie" and "Kiss Me Stupid!" $39.98 from MGM ... "12 Angry Men" (1957), directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Ed Begley and Jack Klugman, with a pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes, from MGM ... A two-disc enhanced "101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition" (1961), featuring super picture and sound, $29.99 from Disney ... and "Mrs. Doubtfire Behind-the-Seams Special Edition" (1993), directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Polly Holliday, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson and Robert Prosky, with deleted and extended scenes, makeup tests, fetaurettes, more, from Fox.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Blood +: Volume One" (2008), a single-disc with the first five episodes of the Adult Swim anime series, $24.98 from Sony ... "Blood +: Part One" (2008), a six-disc set with all 25 episodes from the first half of the Adult Swim anime series (includes a T-Shirt and Manga sampler), $119.95 from Sony ... "Human Giant: The Complete First Season" is a two-disc set of the MTV sketch comedy series, $26.99 from Paramount ... "Kill Point" (2007) is a two-disc set of the Spike TV series starring John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg, from Lionsgate ... "Marking Time" (2003) is an Australian miniseries about a young man who falls in love with an Afghani refugee in a small Australian town and faces racism and fear after Sept. 11, from BFS Entertainment) ... "The Love Boat: Season One, Volume One" is a three-disc set with the first 12 episodes, $39.99 from Universal ... "Magnum P.I.: Season 8" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98 from Universal ... "The Other Boleyn Girl" (2003) stars Natascha McElhone. Jodhi May and Jared Harris in the BBC tale of sex, passion and royal intrigue about Mary Boleyn, mistress to King Henry VIII before he married her older sister, Anne, from Warner just in time for the theatrical release of "The Other Boleyn Girl" ... "Sorrell and Son" (1984) stars Miranda Richardson, Stephanie Beacham and Richard Pasco in a BBC Masterpiece Theatre miniseries faithfully adapted from Warwick Deeping's best-selling novel set in the early '20s about one man's sacrifice in order to provide his son with the gentleman's life he feels he deserves, from Koch Vision.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "Automaton Transfusion" (2006) three teens find themselves in a town overrun by zombies created by a U.S. Army experiment run amok, from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... "The Shepherd: Border Patrol" (2008) stars Jean-Claude Van Damme and Stephen Lord in a direct-to-video actioner about a rogue American Special Forces unit that schemes to smuggle $35 million worth of heroin into the United States; all that stands in its way is border patrol agent Jack Robideaux, an ex-homicide cop with a hidden agenda, from Sony ... "Experiment" (2005) is a psychological thriller about a man and woman trapped in a foreign city, both subjects of a terrifying and shocking experiment, with no escape from their nightmares, from MTI Home Video ... In "Pistol Whipped" (2008), starring Steven Seagal and Lance Henriksen, an elite ex-cop (Seagal) buries himself deeper and deeper into financial trouble with his uncontrollable gambling and drinking problems ... until a mysterious man offers to relieve him of his money troubles in exchange for the assassination of the city's most notorious gangsters, from Sony ... "Terry Pratchett's Hogfather" (2006) stars David Jason, Marc Warren, Michelle Dockery, David Warner and Joss Ackland in a live-action adaptation of one of the international best-selling "Discworld" novels by Terry Pratchett. The tale takes place in a parallel universe drifting through space perched on top of four elephants standing on the shell of a giant turtle, a universe where the Auditors want the human race destroyed, from Genius Products.

For the Family:
Lots of DVDs aimed at the little ones this week. "Pat the Bunny Playdates," based on the toddler book that has sold millions of copies since its introduction in 1940, gives children ages 6 months to 36 months video "playdates" to "touch" the world (good for housebound families only), $14.93 from Genius Products ... "My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Friendly Tails" is a triple-length adventure in which the gang hunts for pirate treasure in the Hundred Acre Wood, $19.99 from Disney ... :Bob the Builder: Building Bobland Bay" features six episodes of Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew building a new seaside development for Sunflower Valley, $14.98 from Fox/HIT Entertainment ... "Strawberry Shortcake: Big Country Fun" features Strawberry and friends at a summer dude ranch, $14.98 from Fox ... "Barney Animal ABCs" is the latest title featuring the purple dinosaur in which barney and friends match animals to letters of the alphabet; $14.98 from Fox/HIT Entertainment ... "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" (1970) is a remastered deluxe edition with three additional animated Dr. Seuss stories: Dr. Seuss' "Butter Battle Book," "Daisy-Head Mayzie" and "Horton Hathces the Egg!" $19.97 from Warner ... "Thomas & Friends: Engines and Escapades" is a new DVD featuring six episodes of the little engine and his Narrow Gauge friends, $14.98 from Fox/HIT Entertainment.little engine and his Narrow Gauge friends, $14.98 from Fox/HIT Entertainment.

For older kids there's "Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief" (2008), starring Kyla Pratt and Peter Coyote in the latest adventure in the talking animals franchise, from Fox ... "Archie's Funhouse: The Complete Series" is a three-disc set with all 16 episodes of the classic animated hit starring Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and Reggie; $29.95 from Classic Media/Genius Products ... "Flight 29 Down: Season Two" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95 from Discovery Kids/Genius Products ... "Flight 29 Down: Hotel Tango" is a four-part movie and season finale, $14.95 from Discovery Kids/Genius Products ... "Ben 10: The Complete Season 3" is a two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98 from Warner ... "The Pink Panther & Friends Classic Cartoon Collection Volume Six: The Inspector" is a single disc with 17 episodes (cartoons) from 1965-67, $14.98 from MGM.

Special Interest:
In the thought-provoking documentary "My Kid Could Paint That" (2007), director Amir-Bar-Lev tracks the overnight celebrity of little Marla Olmstead, a toddler who creates gallery-worthy paintings on the dining room table of her family home. A media sensation by the age of four, critics compared her work with Jackson Pollock's. Sales of her paintings reached $300,000. But, sadly, the bubble burst. When a 2005 profile by "60 Minutes" suggested that Marla had help making her paintings, the finger is pointed at her father, an amateur artist and night manager at Frito Lay. Almost overnight, her family is ensnared in a web of accusation and denial -- with the burden of proof placed squarely in their lap: Is Marla a child prodigy or an innocent victim of a hoax? From Sony ... Echo Bridge Home Entertainment will buff up with "World Combat League: Season One," hosted by Chuck Norris ($19.99), and "WCL: Season One: Greatest Knockouts and Knockdowns" ($9.99) ... "The UCLA Dynasty" chronicles the Bruins' incredible achievement in capturing an astounding 10 national titles during a 12-year period, from 1964-1975; just in time for March madness, $19.98 from HBO Video.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Automaton Transfusion (2006) Garrett Jones, Juliet Reeves, William Howard Bowman. Three teens find themselves in a town overrun by zombies created by a U.S. Army experiment run amok. Extras: Commentary, "Trials and Tribulations: The Making of Automaton Transfusion," deleted scenes, music videos. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Awake (2007) Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, Lena Olin, Terrence Howard, Steven Hinkle, Jennifer Pedersen, Sam Robards, Poorna Jagannathan, Court Young. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Steven C. Miller and producers William Clevinger and Mark Thalman; "Trials and Tribulations: The Making of Automaton Transfusion"; deleted scenes; "Suffer or Sacrifice" short film by Director Steven C. Miller; "Can You Hear Me Now" music video by Blinded Black; "Arsenaholic" music video by Dancefloor Tragedy. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Barney Animal ABCs. Latest title featuring the purple dinosaur in which barney and friends match animals to letters of the alphabet; $14.98. Extras: Bonus episode. (Fox/HIT Entertainment).

Ben 10: The Complete Season 3. Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98. Extras: Character gallery, promos, deleted scenes. (Warner).

The Billy Wilder Film Collection. Four-disc set with "The Apartment," "Some Like It Hot," "The Fortune Cookie" and "Kiss Me Stupid!" $39.98. (MGM).

Blood +: Volume One (2008) Single-disc with the first five episodes of the Adult Swim anime series, $24.98. (Sony).

Blood +: Part One (2008) Six-disc set with all 25 episodes from the first half of the Adult Swim anime series, $119.95. Extras: Exclusive T-Shirt and Manga sampler. (Sony).

Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief (2008) Kyla Pratt, Peter Coyote. "Animal whisperer" Maya Dolittle's dream of going to vet school is put on hold when she gets a call from the President of the United States to help with the disobedient first dog; direct-to-video sequel. Extras: "Critter Casting Sessions" featurette, "Working With Actors of a Different Breed" featurette, "Goin' Wild at Mountain View" featurette, "Learning About Endangered Animals" featurette. (Fox).

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!(1970) Remastered deluxe edition with three additional animated Dr. Seuss stories: Dr. Seuss' "Butter Battle Book," "Daisy-Head Mayzie" and "Horton Hathces the Egg!" $19.97. Extras: "Who Hears Horton Who?" feaurette. (Warner).

Experiment (2005) John Hopkins, Clive Ashborn, Georgina French. Psychological thriller about a man and woman trapped in a foreign city, both subjects of a terrifying and shocking experiment, with no escape from their nightmares. (MTI Home Video).

Flight 29 Down: Season Two. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95. (Discovery Kids/Genius Products).

Flight 29 Down: Hotel Tango. Four-part movie and season finale, $14.95. (Discovery Kids/Genius Products).

Human Giant: The Complete First Season. Two-disc set of the MTV sketch comedy series, $26.99. Extras: Commentary, deleted and extended scenes, behind the scenes clips. (Paramount).

Into the Wild(2007) Dir.: Sean Penn; Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart, Zach Galifianakis. Available as a single-disc and two-disc special edition. Special Edition Extras: "Into the Wild: The Story, The Characters" featurette, "Into the Wild: The Experience" fetaurette. Also available on HD DVD. (Paramount).

Johnson Family Dinner (2007) Lynne Conner, Toni Sterrett, Jerard Jones, Ashley Shyne. (Warner).

Kill Point (2007 -- TV) Two-disc set of the Spike TV series in which John Leguizamo as an Iraq war veteran who leads his ex-platoon on a daring bank heist faces off against Donnie Wahlberg as a no-nonsense hostage negotiator who refuses to back down when the robbery goes tragically wrong. (Lionsgate).

The Love Boat: Season One, Volume One. Three-disc set with the first 12 episodes, $39.99. (Universal).

Magnum P.I.: Season 8. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Alternate Season Seven finale. (Universal).

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007) Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills. Extras: "Strangely Weird and Weirdly Strange: The Magical World of a Wonder Emporium" featurette, "An Eccentric Boss and an Awkward Apprentice" featurette, "To Meet Eric Applebaum, Start By Saying Hi" featurette, "The Magical Toy Store" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Mrs. Doubtfire Behind-the-Seams Special Edition (1993) Dir.: Chris Columbus; Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Polly Holliday, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson, Robert Prosky. Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, alternate scenes, photo gallery, makeup tests and gallery, "From Man to Mrs.: The Evolution of Mrs. Doubtfire" featurette, "Aging Gracefully: A Look Back at Mrs. Doubtfire" featurette, "A Conversation With Legendary Animator Chuck Jones" featurette, "The Improvisation of Mrs. Doubtfire" featuring seven scenes, original 1993 featurette, "Meet Mrs. Doubtfire" Robin Williams interview. (Fox).

Marking Time (2003 -- TV) A young man falls in love with an Afghani refugee in a small Australian town and faces racism and fear after Sept. 11. Two-disc set of the Australian miniseries. (BFS Entertainment).

My Kid Could Paint That (2007) In this thought-provoking documentary, director Amir-Bar-Lev tracks the overnight celebrity of little Marla Olmstead, a toddler who creates gallery-worthy paintings on the dining room table of her family home. A media sensation by the age of four, critics compare her work with Jackson Pollock's. Sales of her paintings reach $300,000. But, sadly, the bubble bursts. When a 2005 profile by "60 Minutes" suggests that Marla had help making her paintings, the finger is pointed at her father, an amateur artist and night manager at Frito Lay. Almost overnight, her family is ensnared in a web of accusation and denial -- with the burden of proof placed squarely in their lap: Is Marla a child prodigy or an innocent victim of a hoax? Extras: Commentary, "Back to Binghamton" mini-doc with director Amir Bar-Lev that includes follow-up interviews, Sundance Q & A, deleted scenes, more; "Kimmelman on Art" a mini-doc with the New York Times art critic. (Sony).

101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition (1961) Two-disc set with enhanced picture and sound, $29.99. Extras: "Virtual Dalmatians," "101 Pop-Up Trivia Facts," Cruella De Vil music video, "Redefining the Line: The Making of 101 Dalmatians," "Cruella De Vil: Drawn to be Bad," "Sincerely Yours: Walt Disney," deleted songs, more. (Disney).

The Other Boleyn Girl (2003) Natascha McElhone. Jodhi May, Jared Harris. BBC tale of sex, passion and royal intrigue: This is the little-known story of Mary Boleyn who was mistress to King Henry VIII before he married her older sister, Anne. Inspired by Philippa Gregory's best selling novel. (Warner).

The Pink Panther & Friends Classic Cartoon Collection Volume Six: The Inspector. Single disc with 17 episodes (cartoons) from 1965 - 1967, $14.98. (MGM).

Pistol Whipped (2008) Steven Seagal, Lance Henriksen. An elite ex-cop (Seagal) buries himself deeper and deeper into financial trouble with his uncontrollable gambling and drinking problems ... until a mysterious man offers to relieve him of his money troubles in exchange for the assassination of the city's most notorious gangsters. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Sony).

The Shepherd: Border Patrol (2008) Jean-Claude Van Damme, Stephen Lord. Direct-to-video actioner. A rogue American Special Forces unit schemes to smuggle $35 million worth of heroin into the United States, and all that stands in its way is border patrol agent Jack Robideaux, an ex-homicide cop with a hidden agenda. (Sony).

Sorrell and Son (1984)Miranda Richardson, Stephanie Beacham, Richard Pasco. BBC Masterpiece Theatre minisereies about faithfully adapted from Warwick Deepings best-selling novel set in the early '20s about one man's sacrifice in order to provide his son with the gentleman's life he feels he deserves. (Koch Vision).

TCM Archives: Forbidden Hollywood Volume 2. Three-disc set with five restored and remastered pre-code classics plus a feature-length documentary: "The Divorcee" (1930)/"A Free Soul" (1931); "Three on a Match" (1932)/"Female" (1933); "Night Nurse" (1931)/ Documentary: "Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood." $49.92. (Warner).

Terry Pratchett's Hogfather (2006) David Jason, Marc Warren, Michelle Dockery, David Warner, Joss Ackland. Live-action adaptation of one of the international best-selling "Discworld" novels by Terry Pratchett that takes place in a parallel universe drifting through space perched on top of four elephants standing on the shell of a giant turtle, a universe where the Auditors want the human race destroyed. (Genius Products).

Things We Lost in the Fire (2007) Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Alison Lohman. Extras: "A Discussion About Things We Lost in the Fire," deleted scenes. Also available on HD DVD. (Paramount).

12 Angry Men (1957) Dir.: Sidney Lumet; Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Ed Begley, Jack Klugman. Extras: "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: The Making Of 12 Angry Men" featurette, "Inside the Jury Room" featurette. (MGM).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:23 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, V12.11

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, March 11 -- Monday, March 17

August Rush
The story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August Rush, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams), August (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. Vitals: Director: Kirsten Sheridan. Stars: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams, Mykelti Williamson. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 100 min., Drama, Box office gross: $30.439 million, Warner.

Bee Movie
Having just graduated from college, a bee by the name of Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) finds himself disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice -- honey. As he ventures outside of the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world and talks to a human, a New York City florist named Vanessa (Renee Zellweger). He is shocked to discover that the humans have been stealing and eating the bees' honey for centuries, and ultimately realizes that his true calling in life is to set the world right by suing the human race for stealing their precious honey. Vitals: Director: Simon J. Smith, Steve Hickner. Voices: Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Alan Arkin, Kathy Bates, Robert Duvall, Eric Idle, Larry King, William H. Macy, Tim Blake Nelson, Uma Thurman, Patrick Warburton, Oprah Winfrey, Matthew Broderick. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 90 min., Animated, Box office gross: $ 125.993 million, DreamWorks.

Dan in Real Life
The story of a successful advice columnist and single parent whose life gets complicated when he falls for a woman who turns out to is be his brother's new girlfriend. Advice columnist Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is an expert on relationships, but somehow struggles to succeed as a brother, a son and a single parent. Widowed father Burns, who is still reeling from the heartache of loss, takes refuge by trying to maintain order with his three rebellious young girls while dodging anything unexpected or outside the box. But when Dan heads to Rhode Island, his miffed daughters in tow, for the annual fall weekend thrown by the large and boisterous Burns family, everything changes. Soon after his arrival, he runs into an alluring woman named Marie (Juliette Binoche) in a bookshop. For the first time in a very, very long time, Dan experiences real, live sparks -- only to have to douse them liberally when he discovers Marie is, in fact, the brand new girlfriend his brother Mitch (Dane Cook) is about to proudly introduce to the family. As the weekend gets underway in the close quarters of a crowded house filled with quirky, prying relatives, Dan and Marie try to squelch and cover up their growing mutual attraction at every turn, leading to one comical situation after another. Yet, no matter how hard they try to do the very opposite, Dan and Marie can't help but fall in love. Now Dan is about to realize, that no matter how wise safety might seem, when it comes to real life, he's going to have to break all the rules. Vitals: Director: Peter Hedges. Stars: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Norbert Leo Butz, John Mahoney, Dianne Wiest, Alison Pill, Brittany Robertson, Marlene Lawston, Emily Blunt. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 98 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $45.903 million, Disney.

Hitman
Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) has been educated to become a professional assassin for hire, whose most powerful weapons are his nerve and a resolute pride in his work. 47 is both the last two digits of the barcode tattooed on the nape of his neck, and his only name. The hunter becomes the hunted when 47 gets caught up in a political takeover. Both Interpol and the Russian military chase the Hitman across Eastern Europe as he tries to find out who set him up and why they're trying to take him out of the game. But the greatest threat to 47's survival may be the stirrings of his conscience and the unfamiliar emotions aroused in him by a beautiful, damaged girl. Vitals: Director: Xavier Gens. Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert Knepper, Ulrich Thomsen, Michael Offei. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 93 min., Action Thriller, Box office gross: $39.381 million, Fox.

Nancy Drew
For generations of fans worldwide, the name Nancy Drew is synonymous with adventure. This young amateur detective has a mind of her own, a passion for solving mysteries and a reputation for getting into -- and out of -- some very tricky situations. Emma Roberts stars as the resourceful teen detective, who leaves her friendly hometown of River Heights for the West Coast and enrolls at Hollywood High School. There, her unique personal style immediately sets her apart from her self-absorbed, fast-living peers, especially reigning fashionistas Inga and Trish, who can't quite figure her out but know that everything about her is different -- from her super-smarts and retro manners to her perfect picnic lunches and penny loafers. Their less-than-warm reception might bother the average new girl in town, but not Nancy. She has more important things to think about -- namely, a brand new mystery. Even though she promised her worried Dad (Tate Donovan) that she'd quit the "sleuthing" business, it isn't long before Nancy gets a lead on one of the greatest unsolved cases of all time: the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of famous actress Dehlia Draycott. Vitals: Director: Andrew Fleming. Stars: Emma Roberts, Josh Flitter, Max Thieriot, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tate Donovan. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 99 min., Family Mystery, Box office gross: $25.584 million, Warner.

No Country for Old Men
Violence and mayhem erupt in the parched scrubland and panoramic skies of West Texas after Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) stumbles on a suitcase containing $2 million dollars at the site of drug deal gone bad. Fleeing with the money, he is stalked relentlessly by hired gun Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), an unstoppable sociopathic killer unafraid to leave a bloody trail in the wake of his cold-blooded search to recover the cash. As Moss scrambles to hang on to the money and his life, small-town sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) closes in on both men in a tautly plotted cat-and-mouse game. The film simultaneously strips down the American crime drama and broadens its concerns to encompass themes as ancient as the Bible and as bloodily contemporary as this morning's headlines. Second-best film of 2007 (behind "There Will Be Blood"). Vitals: Director: Joel and Ethan Coen. Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Woody Harrelson, Tess Harper, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $50.000 million, Miramax.

Sleuth
"Sleuth" was originally filmed in 1972 with Michael Caine as the young Milo Tindal and Laurence Olivier as aging novelist Andrew Wyke. When Wyke discovers that Tindal is having an affair with his wife, he invites him to his country estate where they engage in a increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse. With a completely re-imagined script by Harold Pinter, Jude Law convinced Caine to take on the role of Wyke in this version, with Law as the younger man. Vitals: Director: Kenneth Branagh. Stars: Michael Caine, Jude Law. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 86 min., Drama, Box office gross: $.338 million, Sony.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

Highlight of the week is three film noir outings from Fox: "Black Widow" (1954), starring Ginger Rogers, Van Heflin, Gene Tierney and George Raft, with commentary by film noir historian Alan K. Rode, a "Ginger Rogers at Twentieth Century Fox" featurette, a "Gene Tierney: Final Curtain for a Noir Icon" featurette, more ... "Dangerous Passage" (1953), starring Jeanne Crain and Michael Rennie, with commentary by film historian Aubrey Solomon, a "Peril at Sea: Charting a Dangerous Crossing" featurette, more ... "Daisy Kenyon" (1947), directed by Otto Preminger and starring Joan Crawford, Henry Fonda and Dana Andrews, with commentary by film noir historian Foster Hirsch, "From Journeyman to Artist: Otto Preminger at Twentieth Century Fox" featurette, "Life in the Shadows: The Making of Daisy Kenyon" featurette, more.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Day Break" (2007), a four-disc set with all 13 episodes of the ABC series about a detective (Taye Diggs) condemned to repeat the worst day of his life over and over, while trying to discover why he is being framed for a murder he knows he didn't commit, from BCI Entertainment ... "Five Days" (2007) is a five-part HBO miniseries about a mother and her children who go missing, in a two-disc set for $29.98 from HBO Video ... "Lil' Bush: Resident of the United States -- Season One" (2007), a single disc of the Comedy Central series spoofing the president, from Paramount ... "Love American Style: Season 1, Volume 2," a three-disc set, $36.99 from Paramount ... "The Mod Squad: The First Season, Volume 2," a four-disc set, $42.99 from Paramount ... "The Most Extreme: Season 1," a three-disc set with 13 episodes of the Animal Planet "most extreme" animal top 10 countdowns, $24.95 from Animal Planet/Genius Products ... "Sam & Max: Freelance Police!!!" a three-disc set with 24 episodes of the edgy and often irreverent Fox Kids animated series based on a pair of Steve Purcell's enormously popular underground comics; $34.99 from Shout! Factory ... "South Park: Imaginationland" (2007), a single disc with the director's cut of the feature-length triple episode, from Paramount ... "Tin Man" (2007), the Sci Fi Channel miniseries re-imagining of "The Wizard of Oz" starring Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming, Neal McDonough, Kathleen Robertson, Raoul Trujillo., in a two-disc set from Rhi Entertainment.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation" (2008) stars Josh Cooke, Sara Foster, Greg Pitts, Warren Christie, Danny Jacobs, Harland Williams and Emmanuelle Vaugier in a direct-to-video sequel, from Fox ... "Stompin'" (2007) stars Sinbad and Vanessa Bell Calloway in a coming-of-age story about two brothers who strugle to mend their estranged relationship as their college campus gears up for a major Stepshow competition, from Warner ... "Stargate: The Ark of Truth" (2008) stars Amanda Tapping, Beau Bridges, Michael Shanks, Ben Browder, Christopher Judge and Claudia Black in a direct-to-video feature-length film that picks up where "Stargate SG-1" left off, from MGM ... In war-torn Eastern Europe, a world-weary group of mercenaries discover a long-hidden, abandoned WWII bunker, were they encounter unspeakable monsters created decades before by Nazi experiments on soldiers in "Outpost" (2005), starring Ray Stevenson, Richard Brake and Julian Wadham, from Sony ... In "Bats: Human Harvest" (2007) a special ops detail sent to the forest of Chechnya after a mad doctor discovers he has created a horrific weapon: A flock of large carnivorous bats, with humans as test subjects in his nightmarish experiments, from Sony ... Adventuers seeking the lost set of Cecil B. DeMille's 1923 "The Ten Commandments" in the California desert uncover the spirit of a vengeful Egyptian god in "Sands of Oblivion" (2007), starring Adam Baldwin, Morena Baccarin, George Kennedy and Dan Castellaneta, from Anchor Bay ... "You Move, You Die" (2007), which stars Ketzal Sterling, Julian Harrison, Patrick Clarke, Jonathan Allen and Bruce Hopkins, is a New Zealand black comedy that unfolds in real time over 92 minutes and follows the barrage of bullets unleashed when a young man is mugged on the way to propose to his girlfriend, from MTI Home Video ... "Outlaw" (2007) stars Sean Bean, Danny Dyer, Rupert Friend, Sean Harris, Lennie James and Bob Hoskins in an actioner about a British paratrooper who returns from Iraq to find his country overrun by the lawless; he forms a modern-day outlaw posse in order to right what he sees as the wrongs of society, from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

Foreign:
Lou Ye's controversial "Summer Palace" (2006 -- China) is the story of young lovers whose relationship plays out against the movement for political reform, its violent suppression and the years of disillusionment that follow. After his film world premiered in the Cannes Film Festival's Competition, Lou Ye was banned from filmmaking for five years by Chinese authorities. Beautiful country girl Yu Hong (Hao Lei) leaves her village, family and lover to study at Peking University in the late 1980s. The country's social turmoil is witnessed through its disaffected youth, whose newfound sexuality and activism culminate in violent suppression. Spanning nearly 20 years of Chinese history, the film projects the country's struggle for definition through the eyes and heart of a young woman ill-equipped to handle it. From Palm Pictures.

For the Family:
For the wee ones this week Disney's Baby Einstein will release "Baby's First Sounds: Discoveries for Little ears," a $19.99 video that introduces babies to new sounds as well as classic nursery rhymes ... Sesame Street's "Play With Me Sesame" series debutes two hour-long interactive playdates for kids, "Lets Play Games" and "Imagine With Me," $14.93 each from Genius Products ... In "Pop Go the Wiggles" (2005) the Wiggles perform some of their favorite nursery rhymes to delight a new generation of pre-schoolers; $19.96 from Warner ... Public television's "The Zulu Patrol" science and astronomy series aimed at kids four to eight years old debuts on DVD with "The Zulu Patrol: Explore Space!" and "The Zulu Patrol: Explore Weather!" with four episodes each, $12.95 from Liberation Home Entertainment ... for older kids there's "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes -- Volume Three" with four episodes from Cartoon Network's Saturday night series, $14.98 from Fox.

Special Interest:
"Appleseed Saga: Ex Machina" (2007) is the next installment in the Appleseed franchise, produced by John Woo and directed by Shinji Aramaki; based on the manga from renowned creator Shirow Masamune. Two members of ESWAT, the elite forces serving Olympus, battle cyborg terrorism, deadly nanotech zealots, and rioting citizens from Warner ... "The Secret Things of God" (2008) is based on the book by best-selling author, psychologist and radio personality, Dr. Henry Cloud, who offers a different view of the universe by discussing biblical passages that give direction for creating a successful and fulfilling life; $26.98 from Fox ... In "Def Comedy Jam: D.L. Hughley " (2007), Russell Simmons is back for another season of the popular stand-up show with a new host, D.L. Hughley. Filmed in Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theatre, this season features a rotating line-up of fresh and familiar faces; $19.97 from HBO Video.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

And Justice for All (1979) Dir.: Norman Jewison; Al Pacino, Jack Warden, John Forsythe, Lee Strasberg, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Lahti. Extras: Interview with director Norman Jewison, interview with writer Barry Levinson, deleted scenes. (Sony).

Appleseed Saga: Ex Machina (2007) The next installment in the Appleseed franchise, produced by John Woo and directed by Shinji Aramaki. Based on the manga from renowned creator Shirow Masamune. Two members of ESWAT, the elite forces serving Olympus, battle cyborg terrorism, deadly nanotech zealots, and rioting citizens. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Warner).

August Rush (2007) Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams, Mykelti Williamson. Extras: Additional scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner).

Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation (2008) Josh Cooke, Sara Foster, Greg Pitts, Warren Christie, Danny Jacobs, Harland Williams, Emmanuelle Vaugier. Direct-to-video sequel. Extras: "The Party Never Stops -- Making Bachelor Party 2" featurette. "Analysis of a Stripper Fight" featurette, deleted scenes, gag reel/gag scenes, commentary. (Fox).

Bats Human Harvest (2007 -- TV) A special ops detail sent to the forest of Chechnya after a mad doctor discovers he has created a horrific weapon: A flock of large carnivorous bats, with humans as test subjects in his nightmarish experiments. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Sony).

Bee Movie (2007) Voices of Jerry Seinfeld, Renre Zellweger, Alan Arkin, Kathy Bates, Robert Duvall, Eric Idle, Larry King, William H. Macy, Tim Blake Nelson, Uma Thurman, Patrick Warburton, Oprah Winfrey, Matthew Broderick. Availabe on a single disc and as a special two-disc Jerry Seinfeld edition. Extras: Commentary, "The Animators' Corner," "Barry's Trivia Track," lost scenes, alternate endings, "Inside the Hive: The Cast of Bee Movie," "Bee Movie" live action trailers, "Jerry's Flight Over Cannes," "Tech of Bee Movie," "We Got the Bee" music video, Juke Box, more. (DreamWorks).

Black Widow (1954) Ginger Rogers, Van Heflin, Gene Tierney, George Raft. Extras: Commentary by film noir historian Alan K. Rode, "Ginger Rogers at Twentieth Century Fox" featurette, "Gene Tierney: Final Curtain for a Noir Icon" featurette, poster, still, and behind-the-scenes galleries, interactive pressbook. (Fox Film Noir ).

Bobby Deerfield (1977) Dir.: Sydney Pollack; Al Pacino, Marthe Keller. (Sony).

Color of the Cross 2: Resurrection (2008) Jean Claude Lamarre. Sequel that portrays the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ministry after his death. (Warner).

Dan in Real Life (2007) Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Norbert Leo Butz, John Mahoney, Dianne Wiest, Alison Pill, Brittany Robertson, Marlene Lawston, Emily Blunt. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Peter Hedges, deleted scenes, real life outtakes, "Handmade Music: Creating the Score," "Just Like Family: The Making of Dan in Real Life." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

Dangerous Passage (1953) Jeanne Crain, Michael Rennie. Extras: Commentary by film historian Aubrey Solomon, "Peril at Sea: Charting a Dangerous Crossing," poster, still, and behind-the-scenes galleries, interactive pressbook. (Fox Film Noir ).

Daisy Kenyon (1947) Dir.: Otto Preminger; Joan Crawford, Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews. Extras: Commentary by film noir historian Foster Hirsch, "From Journeyman to Artist: Otto Preminger at Twentieth Century Fox" featurette, "Life in the Shadows: The Making of Daisy Kenyon," poster, still, and behind-the-scenes galleries, interactive pressbook. (Fox Film Noir ).

Def Comedy Jam: D.L. Hughley (2007) Russell Simmons is back for another season of the popular stand-up show with a new host, D.L. Hughley. Filmed in Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theatre, this season features a rotating line-up of fresh and familiar faces; $19.97. (HBO Video).

Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes -- Volume Three. Four episodes from Cartoon Network's Saturday night series, $14.98. (Fox).

Five Days (2007) Five-part HBO miniseries. A mother vanishes into thin air. Her children, abandoned in her car, also go missing. As police search for clues over three gut-wrenching months, the husband and family learn that nobody's quite what they seem. Everyone is a suspect. In the end, five days prove critical in solving the case in this five-part, five-hour thriller. Two-disc set, $29.98. (HBO Video).

Gattaca: Special Edition (1997) Dir.: Andrew Niccol; Ethan Hawke , Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley, Elias Koteas. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Substance Test" outtake, original "Making-of" featurette, new "Welcome to Gattaca" featurette, new "Do Not Alter?" expose on DNA testing featurette. (Sony).

Hitman (2007) Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert Knepper, Ulrich Thomsen, Michael Offei. Available in a single-disc version and unrated two-disc special edition. Extras: Both versions include deleted scenes; the two-disc special edition adds four featurettes: "In the Crosshairs," "Digital Hits," "Instruments of Destruction" and "Settling the Score," a gag reel and a digital version of the film. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.: (Fox).

Lil' Bush: Resident of the United States -- Season One (2007) Single disc if the Comedy Central series spoofing the president. Extras: Commentay, White House tour, interviews, bonus episode. (Paramount).

Love American Style: Season 1, Volume 2. Three-disc set, $36.99. (Paramount).

The Mod Squad: The First Season, Volume 2. Four-disc set, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Most Extreme: Season 1. Three-disc set with 13 episodes of the Animal Planet "most extreme" animal top 10 countdowns, $24.95. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

Nancy Drew (2007) Emma Roberts, Josh Flitter, Max Thieriot, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tate Donovan. Extras: "Nancy Drew: Kids at Work," gag reel, mini-featurette gallery: "Cool Scenes With the Cast and Crew," music video. (Warner).

No Country for Old Men (2007) Dir.: Joel and Ethan Coen; Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Woody Harrelson, Tess Harper, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt. Extras: "Working With the Coens: Reflections of Cast and Crew," "The Making of No Country For Old Men," "Diary of a Country Sheriff." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Miramax).

Outpost (2005) Ray Stevenson, Richard Brake, Julian Wadham. In war-torn Eastern Europe, a world-weary group of mercenaries discover a long-hidden, abandoned WWII bunker, were they encounter unspeakable monsters created decades before by Nazi experiments on soldiers. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Sony).

Pop Go the Wiggles (2005) The Wiggles perform some of their favorite nursery rhymes to delight a new generation of pre-schoolers; $19.96. (Warner).

Sands of Oblivion (2007) Adam Baldwin, Morena Baccarin, George Kennedy, Dan Castellaneta. In 1923, legendary film director Cecil B. DeMille constructed a replica of ancient Egypt in the California desert for his epic movie "The Ten Commandments." After filming was completed, he ordered the entire set buried. For the last 85 years, the unanswered question remains: Why? A modern day excavation crew lead by soon-to-be divorced archaeologist couple Jesse and Alice Carter (Baldwin and Baccarin) have uncovered the secret that DeMille tried in vain to bury: the set holds the spirit of a vengeful Egyptian god, trapped in a smuggled artifact amongst the movie props. Extras: "Beyond the Dunes: Making Sands of Oblivion." (Anchor Bay).

Sleuth (2007) Dir.: Kenneth Branagh; Michael Caine, Jude Law. Extras: Commentaries by Jude Law, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh; "A Game of Cat and Mouse: Behind the Scenes of Sleuth"; "Inspector Black: Make-up Secrets Revealed." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

South Park: Imaginationland (2007) Uncensored director's cut feature. Single disc. Extras: Extended footage, storyboards, commentary. (Paramount).

Stargate: The Ark of Truth (2008) Amanda Tapping, Beau Bridges, Michael Shanks, Ben Browder, Christopher Judge, Claudia Black. Direct-to-video feature-length film picks up where "Stargate SG-1" left off. Extras: Commentary by writer-director-producer Robert C. Cooper, actor Christopher Judge and director of photography Peter Woeste; "Stargate SG-1: The Road Taken: Prelude to The Ark of Truth." (MGM).

Stompin' (2007) Sinbad, Vanessa Bell Calloway. The coming of age story about two brothers who Strugle to mend their estranged relationship as their college campus gears up for a major Stepshow competition. (Warner).

Summer Palace (2006 -- China) Xueyun Bai, Lin Cui, Long Duan, Xiadong Guo, Lei Hao, Ling Hu, Chi Le, Xianmin Zhang. Beautiful country girl Yu Hong leaves her village, family and lover to study at Peking University, where she discovers a world of sexual freedom, played out against the movement for political reform, its violent suppression and the years of disillusionment that follow. (Palm Pictures).

You Move, You Die (2007) Ketzal Sterling, Julian Harrison, Patrick Clarke, Jonathan Allen, Bruce Hopkins. Unfolding in real time over 92 minutes, this New Zealand black comedy follows the barrage of bullets unleashed when a young man is mugged on the way to propose to his girlfriend. (MTI Home Video).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:54 am
Subject: OnVideo E-mail News, Tuesday, March 18, 2008, V12.12

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, March 18 -- Monday, March 24

Atonement
From the award-winning director of "Pride and Prejudice" comes a stunning, critically acclaimed story of love, betrayal, and all its consequences. When a young girl catches her sister in a passionate embrace with a childhood friend, her jealousy drives her to tell a lie that will irrevocably change the course of all their lives forever. Adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling 2002 novel. Shot on location in the U.K., the film's story spans several decades. In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony's vivid imagination. Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley). Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings; all it will take is one spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony -- who has a crush on Robbie -- is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested -- and with Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever. Briony continues to seek forgiveness for her childhood misdeed. Through a terrible and courageous act of imagination, she finds the path to her uncertain atonement, and to an understanding of the power of enduring love. Vitals: Director: Joe Wright. Stars: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, Vanessa Redgrave, Juno Temple. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 123 min., Drama, Box office gross: $45.209 million, Universal.

Enchanted
A Disney animated fairy tale meets a modern, live-action romantic comedy in a family fantasy about the beautiful princess Giselle (Amy Adams) who is banished by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon) from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) who has come to her aid -- even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince (James Marsden) back home -- she has to wonder: can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world? Vitals: Director: Kevin Lima. Stars: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, Susan Sarandon. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 107 min., Family Fantasy, Box office gross: $122.392 million, Disney.

I Am Legend
Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable, and man-made. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague -- The Infected -- lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move... waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time. Based on the chilling novel by Richard Matheson. The two-disc special edition has an alternate ending that is at once more shocking and more satisfying than the theatrical ending. Vitals: Director: Francis Lawrence. Stars: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Willow Smith, Charlie Tahan. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 101 min., Horror, Box office gross: $77.211 million, Warner.

Love in the Time of Cholera
Based on the bestselling novel by Nobel Prize winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this is an epic love story that spans a lifetime, set against the breathtaking backdrop of South America during the turn of the century. Traces the Job-like vigil of Florentino Ariza who loses Fermina, the girl of his dreams, to a wealthier suitor and spends the next 50 years building his life and reputation so that one day he might have her. Vitals: Director: Mike Newell. Stars: Liev Schreiber, Laura Harring, Javier Bardem, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Angie Cepeda, Ana Claudia Talancon, Rubria Negrao. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 138 min., Drama, Box office gross: $4.474 million, New Line.

Southland Tales
Ensemble piece set in the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles on July 4, 2008, as it stands on the brink of social, economic and environmental disaster. Boxer Santaros (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) is an action star who's stricken with amnesia. His life intertwines with Krysta Now (Sarah Michelle Gellar), an adult film star developing her own reality television project, and Roland Taverner (Seann William Scott), an L.A. police officer who holds the key to a vast conspiracy. Directed by Richard Kelly of "Donnie Darko" fame. Vitals: Director: Richard Kelly. Stars: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Cheri Oteri, Amy Poehler, Jill Ritchie, Miranda Richardson, John Larroquette, Jon Lovitz, Will Sasso, Wood Harris, Bai Ling, Joe Campana, Wallace Shawn. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 144 min., Sci Fi Comedy Drama, Box office gross: $.267 million, Sony.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
From The Criterion Collection comes "The Ice Storm" (1997), one of the finest films of the 1990s. Suburban Connecticut, 1973. While the Watergate hearings blast from the TV, the wayward Hood and Carver families try to navigate a Thanksgiving break simmering with unspoken resentments, sexual experimentation, and cultural confusion. With crystalline clarity, characteristic subtlety, and even a dose of wicked humor, Academy Award�winning director Ang Lee adapts Rick Moody's acclaimed novel of American malaise into a trenchant, tragic portrait of lost souls. Features a tremendous cast of established actors (Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver) and up-and-coming stars (Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood, Katie Holmes). Features a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by Lee and director of photography Frederick Elmes. Extras include commentary featuring Lee and producer-screenwriter James Schamus; a new documentary featuring interviews with Allen, Kline, Ricci and Wood; a new video interview with novelist Rick Moody; deleted scenes; a new essay by film critic Bill Krohn; more.

As we edge into another season of America's national pastime, MGM has released three baseball dramas: "Bull Durham: Collector's Edition" (1988), starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Robert Wuhl, with commentary by director Ron Shelton, commentary by Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins, "The Greatest Show on Dirt" retrospective featurette, "Diamonds in the Rough" featurette on minor league baseball, "Between the Lines: The Making of Bull Durham" featurette, more ... "Eight Men Out: Collector's Edition" (1988), starring John Cusack, Clifton James, Michael Lerner, Christopher Lloyd, John Mahoney, Charlie Sheen, David Strathairn, D.B. Sweeney and Michael Rooker, with commentary by director John Sayles, a two-part retrospective featurette, "The Story Behind the Movie" featurette in-depth look at the Black Sox Scandal, "DB, the Bat & the 2005 World Series" featurette look at the 2005 White Sox World Series Championship ... "Pride of the Yankees Collector's Edition" (1942), starring Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Babe Ruth, Walter Brennan and Dan Duryea, with "The Making of Pride of the Yankees" featurette, "The Man Behind the Iron Horse" on Lou Gehrig, "What He Left Behind" featurette look at the Lou Gehrig memorabilia currently housed at the Baseball Hall of Fame, "Always" music featurette, "Lou Gehrig's Disease: The Search for a Cure" featurette, "Curt Schilling: A Legend on a Legend."

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Autopsy: Postmortem With Dr. Michael Baden" (2007), the 12th installment of the HBO Documentary Films' Autopsy series; includes some of renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden's most high-profile cases such as John F. Kennedy, OJ Simpson, Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen as well as first responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks; $19.97 from HBO Video ... "Battlestar Galactica Season Three," a six-disc set with 20 episodes, $59.98 from Universal, just in time for the start of last season of the acclaimed Sci Fi Channel series ... "Greek: Season One, Chapter One," a three-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.99 from Disney ... "Married ... With Children: The Complete Eighth Season " (1993-94), a three-disc set with 26 episodes, $39.95 from Sony ... "The Untouchables: Season Two, Volume 1," a four-disc set with 16 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "The Wild Wild West: The Fourth Season," a six-disc set with 24 episodes, $54.99 from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Revolver" (2007), directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore and Andre Benjamin is a thriller about a hotshot gambler who goes up against a crime boss and local casino owner, from Sony ... While excavating the site of a 17th century plague hospital, an archaeologist accidentally unleashes the malevolent spirit of a plague doctor responsible for a series of gruesome murders 350 years earlier in "The Sickhouse" (2007), starring Gina Philips, Andrew Knott and Jack Bailey, from New Line ... Val Kilmer, Gary Cole and Jennifer Esposito star in "Conspiracy" (2008), an actioner about a retired Special Ops U.S. Marine who must take matters into his own hands while investigating the disappearance of a friend in a violent border town, from Sony ... In "Them (Ils)" (2006 -- France/Romania), starring Olivia Bonamy and Michael Cohen, a young couple in a remote house is terrorized by some very weird people with lights, from Dark Sky Films ... "Jack Ketchum's The Lost " (2005) is a psychological thriller about the suburbs, the ennui of small town life ... and a serial killer, starring Marc Senter, Shay Astar, from Anchor Bay "13: Game of Death" (2006 -- Thailand) is a thriller about a young man who enters an underground game -- where he has to complete 13 deadly tasks -- to pay off his debts, from Weinstein Company/Genius Products ... During their final summer together before leaving their hometown for college, five boyhood friends put their friendship to the test as they try to right a heinous wrong and redeem the reputation of one of their own -- even at the cost of their individual futures in "Full Count" (2005), starring Josh Stewart, Austin Nichols, Jason Ritter, Chris Klein, Paul Wesley, Jennifer Hall, William Baldwin, Michael Beach and Michael Rooker, from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Rockaway" (2007) stars Nicholas Gonzalez, Ricardo Chavira, Mario Cimarro and Oleg Taktarov is a typical revenge thriller about a war hero who returns home and vows to take down the network of lowlifes and mobsters responsible for the murder of his family, from First Look.

On the Indie Front:
In "Alpha Male" (2005), a family falls into grief, jealousy and dysfunction when the alpha male father dies, starring Arthur Duncan, Ewan Stewart, Trudie Styler, Danny Huston and Jennifer Ehle, from ThinkFilm ... ... "Dead Cool" (2004) stars Rosanna Arquette, Joseph Ashworth, Daon Broni, Anthony Calf and James Callis in a story of a modern dysfunctional family as seen through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy, from MTI Home Video.

For the Family:
For the little ones this week Warner will release "The Pebbles and Bam-Bam Show," a two-disc set with 16 episodes of the animated "Flintstones" spin-off, $26.99, and "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo: Complete First Season," a two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98 ... Also for pre-schoolers there's "Johnny and the Sprites: Meet the Sprites," the first compilation of the Playhouse Disney musical series about a young man (John Tartaglia) who moves to the woods where he becomes friends with four wood sprites, five episodes for $19.99 from Disney ... For kids six to 11 there's the new animated series from Down Under, "FARMkids," about a group of pampered city animals who live a star-studded life in a popular petting zoo and are suddenly relocated to a rustic country dude ranch. The first two releases are "FARMkids: Chaos in the Country," with seven episodes from the first season, and "FARMkids: Hair, Wool, Feathers and Fur," with six more episodes, $14.98 each from PorchLight Home Entertainment ... "Pucca," an animated series (currently airing on Toon Disney) based on the Pucca merchandise brand and Internet short, following the adventures of Pucca, the daughter of a Chinese restaurant owner and her single-minded pursuit of her true-love, Garu, who wants to become a ninja, comes to home video for the first time with "Pucca: Kung Fu Kisses" and "Pucca: Ninjas Love Noodle," with 13 episodes each, $14.99 ... "Dennis the Menace: Trouble, Trouble Everywhere" (2007) includes seven episodes of the animated TV series, $14.98 from Fox ... A boy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of darkness in "The Seeker" (2005), starring Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, Frances Conroy, Gregory Smith and Christopher Eccleston, from Fox.

Special Interest:
"Life After People" is the 2007 History Channel documentary that asks the question: What would happen to planet Earth if the human race were to suddenly disappear forever? Would ecosystems thrive? What remnants of our industrialized world would survive? What would crumble fastest? From the ruins of ancient civilizations to present day cities devastated by natural disasters, history gives us clues to these questions and many more in the visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Steep" (2007) is a documentary that takes a breathtaking look into the dangerous and death-defying world of big mountain skiing, from Sony.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Alpha Male (2005) Arthur Duncan, Ewan Stewart, Trudie Styler, Danny Huston, Jennifer Ehle. A family falls into grief, jealousy and dysfunction when the alpha male father dies. (ThinkFilm).

Antonio Gaudi (1984) Directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara. Visual poem of a documentary on Catalan architect Antonio Gaud' and his spectacular works. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: New video interview with architect Arata Isozaki; "Gaud', Catalunya 1959," a short film by Hiroshi Teshigahara featuring footage from his first trip to Spain; "Monitor: Antonio Gaud'" (1961), a short film essay by director Ken Russell; "VITA," a short film by Teshigahara on the sculpture work of his father, Sofu Teshigahara; plus a booklet featuring a new essay by art historian Dore Ashton, and reprinted writings by Hiroshi and Sofu. (The Criterion Collection).

Atonement (2007) Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, Vanessa Redgrave, Juno Temple. Extras: Commentary by director Joe Wright, "Bringing the Past to Life: The Making of Atonement," "From Novel to Screen: Adapting a Classic," deleted scenes. (Universal).

Autopsy: Postmortem With Dr. Michael Baden(2007) Twelfth installment of the HBO Documentary Films' Autopsy series, includes some of renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden's most high-profile cases such as John F. Kennedy, OJ Simpson, Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen as well as first responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks; $19.97. (HBO Video).

Battlestar Galactica Season Three. Six-disc set with 20 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Deleted scenes, podcasts, behind-the-scenes featurettes, webisodes, video blog, more. (Universal).

BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 (2008) Hosted by comedian-actor Katt Williams; $19.99. (Paramount).

Bull Durham: Collector's Edition (1988) Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Robert Wuhl. Extras: Commentary by director Ron Shelton, commentary by Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins, "The Greatest Show on Dirt" featurette retrospective featurette, "Diamonds in the Rough" featurette on minor league baseball, "Between the Lines: The Making of Bull Durham" featurette, Kevin Costner profile. (MGM).

Conspiracy (2008) Val Kilmer, Gary Cole, Jennifer Esposito. Actioner about a retired Special Ops U.S. Marine who must take matters into his own hands while investigating the disappearance of a friend in a violent border town. (Sony).

Dead Cool (2004) Rosanna Arquette, Joseph Ashworth, Daon Broni, Anthony Calf, James Callis. Story of a modern dysfunctional family as seen through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy. (MTI Home Video).

Dennis the Menace: Trouble, Trouble Everywhere (2007) Seven episodes of the animated TV series, $14.98. (Fox).

Eight Men Out: Collector's Edition (1988) John Cusack, Clifton James, Michael Lerner, Christopher Lloyd, John Mahoney, Charlie Sheen, David Strathairn, D.B. Sweeney, Michael Rooker. Extras: Commentary by director John Sayles, two-part retrospective featurette, "The Story Behind the Movie" featurette in-depth look at the Black Sox Scandal, "DB, the Bat & the 2005 World Series" featurette look at the 2005 White Sox World Series Championship. (MGM).

Enchanted (2007) Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, Susan Sarandon. Extras: "Fantasy Comes to Life" behind-the-scenes featurette, "Pip's Predicament: A Pop-Up Adventure," deleted scenes, bloopers. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

Full Count (2005) Josh Stewart, Austin Nichols, Jason Ritter, Chris Klein, Paul Wesley, Jennifer Hall, William Baldwin, Michael Beach, Michael Rooker. During their final summer together before leaving their hometown for college, five boyhood friends put their friendship to the test as they try to right a heinous wrong and redeem the reputation of one of their own -- even at the cost of their individual futures. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Greek: Season One, Chapter One. Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentaries, initiation. (Disney).

I Am Legend (2007) Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Willow Smith, Charlie Tahan. Singe-disc and two-disc special edition (with alternate theatrical version with alternate ending). Available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner).

The Ice Storm (1997) Dir.: Ang Lee; Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Christina Ricci, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Ang Lee and director of photography Frederick Elmes. Extras: Commentary featuring Lee and producer-screenwriter James Schamus; new documentary featuring interviews with actors Joan Allen, Kevin Kline, Christina Ricci and Elijah Wood; new video interview with novelist Rick Moody; deleted scenes; footage from an event honoring Lee and Schamus at New York's Museum of the Moving Image; production designs and sketches, with commentary by the designers; plus a new essay by film critic Bill Krohn. (The Criterion Collection).

Jack Ketchum's The Lost (2005) Marc Senter, Shay Astar. Psychological thriller about the suburbs, the ennui of small town life ... and a serial killer. Extras: Commentary by novelists Jack Ketchum and Monica O'Rourke, audition footage, outtakes, storyboard sequence. (Anchor Bay).

Life After People (2007) History Channel documentary that asks the question: What would happen to planet Earth if the human race were to suddenly disappear forever? Would ecosystems thrive? What remnants of our industrialized world would survive? What would crumble fastest? From the ruins of ancient civilizations to present day cities devastated by natural disasters, history gives us clues to these questions and many more in the visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Love in the Time of Cholera (2007) Dir.: Mike Newell; Liev Schreiber, Laura Harring, Javier Bardem, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Angie Cepeda, Ana Claudia Talancon, Rubria Negrao. (New Line)

Mafioso (1962) Dir.: Alberto Lattuada; Alberto Sordi. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: A 1996 interview with director Alberto Lattuada by filmmaker Daniele Luchetti; new video interviews with the director's son, Alessandro Lattuada, and wife, actress Carla Del Poggio; Italian and U.S. theatrical trailers; stills gallery of promotional caricatures by artist Keiko Kimura; plus new essays by Phillip Lopate and Roberto Chiesi and a 1982 interview with Alberto Lattuada, translated by Michael F. Moore. (The Criterion Collection).

Married ... With Children: The Complete Eighth Season (1993-94) Three-disc set with 26 episodes, $39.95. (Sony).

The Pebbles and Bam-Bam Show. Two-disc set with 16 episodes of the animated "Flintstones" spin-off, $26.99. Extras: Four bonus episodes. (Warner).

Pride of the Yankees Collector's Edition (1942) Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Babe Ruth, Walter Brennan, Dan Duryea. Extras: "The Making of Pride of the Yankees" featurette, "The Man Behind the Iron Horse" on Lou Gehrig, "What He Left Behind" featurette look at the Lou Gehrig memorabilia currently housed at the Baseball Hall of Fame, "Always" music featurette, "Lou Gehrig's Disease: The Search for a Cure" featurette, "Curt Schilling: A Legend on a Legend." (MGM).

Pup Named Scooby-Doo: The Complete First Season. Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98. Extras: "Interactive Map of Coolsville, USA" that interactively links to behind-the-scenes featurettes, "From the Vault: Pencil Test Animatic of an Alteranate Show Open." (Warner).

Revolver (2007) Dir.: Guy Ritchie; Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, Andre Benjamin. Thriller about a hotshot gambler who goes up against a a crime boss and local casino owner.Extras: Commentary by Ritchie, "The Concept" featurette with interviews with Ritchie and editor James Herbert, "Revolver: Making the Music" featurette, "The Game: The Making of Revolver" behind-the-scenes featurette, alternate opening and ending sequences, deleted scenes, photo gallery. (Sony).

Rockaway (2007) Nicholas Gonzalez, Ricardo Chavira, Mario Cimarro, Oleg Taktarov. Typical revenge thriller about a war hero who returns home and vows to take down the network of lowlifes and mobsters responsible for the murder of his family. (First Look).

The Seeker (2005) Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, Frances Conroy, Gregory Smith, Christopher Eccleston. A boy's life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of darkness. (Fox).

The Sickhouse (2007) Gina Philips, Andrew Knott, Jack Bailey. While excavating the site of a 17th century plague hospital, an archaeologist accidentally unleashes the malevolent spirit of a plague doctor responsible for a series of gruesome murders 350 years earlier ... and he's ready to practice again. (New Line).

Southland Tales (2007) Dir.: Richard Kelly; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Cheri Oteri, Amy Poehler, Jill Ritchie, Miranda Richardson, John Larroquette, Jon Lovitz, Will Sasso, Wood Harris, Bai Ling, Joe Campana, Wallace Shawn. Extras: "USIDent TV: Surveilling the Southland" featurette, "This Is the Way the World Ends" animated short by Kelly. (Sony).

Steep (2007) Documentary is a breathtaking look into the dangerous and death-defying world of big mountain skiing reveals that the prize is not a cup, medal or title, but rather the exhilaration of experience and the adrenaline of unfathomable feats of athleticism. Available on Blu-ray Disc March 25. (Sony).

13: Game of Death (2006 -- Thailand) Krissada Terrence. Thriller about a young man who enters an underground game -- where he has to complete 13 deadly tasks -- to pay off his debts. (Weinstein Company/Genius Products).

The Untouchables: Season Two, Volume 1. Four-disc set with 16 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Wild Wild West: The Fourth Season. Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:02 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, March 25, 2008, V12.13

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES
For Tuesday, March 25 -- Monday, March 31

Kite Runner, The
Spanning several decades and set against the backdrop of first the Soviet invasion and then the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, "The Kite Runner" tells the story of Amir and Hassan, two boys who form an unlikely friendship in Kabul. But Amir's failure to defend Hassan against a brutal attack leads to crushing guilt and the boys' ultimate separation. Forced to flee Kabul ahead of Soviet troops, Amir and his father escape to the United States to pursue a new life, but years later the adult Amir is presented with an opportunity to "be good again" and come to the aid of his long lost friend's son. A life-affirming story of courage and forgiveness. Based on Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel Vitals: Director: Marc Forster. Stars: Khalid Abdalla, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub, Sayed Jafar Masihullah Gharibzada, Zekeria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 127 min., Drama, Box office gross: $14.422 million, Paramount.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Gangland DVD Killings: Warner Home Video wants to rob your wallet this week with the release of two new editions of "Bonnie and Clyde" as well as "Warner Bros. Pictures Gangsters Collection Volume 3," a six-disc set with "Picture Snatcher," "Lady Killer," "Smart Money," "Black Legion," "Mayor of Hell" and "Brother Orchid."

"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), directed by Arthur Penn and starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Evans Evans and Gene Wilder. Released after the Hollywood Production Code ended, "Bonnie and Clyde" became one of the '60s most talked about and controversial films -- combining romance and comedy with a level of graphic violence previously unseen. The finale's balletic bloodbath, highly criticized for its shocking depiction, lived on to become a much imitated filmic conceit. And while obviously living the life of outlaws on the lam, the criminal couple was still portrayed as glamorous, with shiny roadsters and vintage fashions that fueled a popular style trend. The film premiered at the Montreal Film Festival in 1967 to a wildly enthusiastic audience of industry insiders and cinephiles. Despite this initial success, the film initially was not a boxoffice blockbuster and received a mixed reception from movie reviewers. Old-guard stalwarts weren't ready to grasp the film's message, and decried the violence. At the other end of the spectrum were another group of film critics who strongly supported it, most notably The New Yorker's Pauline Kael. It was Kael who went out on a limb to champion the film as not only a masterpiece, but one which would redefine American Cinema. But with a post-release brilliant marketing campaign, spearheaded by Beatty (who also developed and produced the film), "Bonnie and Clyde" eventually went on to garner 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Director (it won two: for Estelle Parsons' supporting role and cinematographer Burnett Guffey) and proceeded to make back 20 times its estimated $2.5 million cost in its U.S. theatrical release alone. The editions offered will be a Two-Disc Special Edition and, available for a limited time, an Ultimate Collector's Edition. Both have been completely remastered from the original elements, and both boast more than two hours of bonus content, highlighted by "Revolution! The Making of Bonnie and Clyde," an all new in-depth commemorative documentary. Also included is the History Channel's "Love & Death: The Story of Bonnie and Clyde" (a look at the lives of the real Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow) as well as Warren Beatty wardrobe tests and additional scenes, both newly discovered. "The Bonnie and Clyde Ultimate Collector's Edition" also will contain collectible memorabilia, with a 36-page hardcover book of rare, behind-the-scenes photos, a 24-page reproduction of the original 1967 press book and a special mail-in poster offer.

"Warner Bros. Pictures Gangsters Collection Volume 3." Major Hollywood studios in the '30s and '40s were each known for their distinctive styles (MGM for its musicals; Universal for its horror films, etc.). Warner Bros. was best known for firmly establishing the genre of gangster films, which also contained socially conscious themes and a simple visual look (low key lighting and sparse sets). This latest group of crime genre classics, starring some of Hollywood's top tough guys -- James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart -- features six new to DVD gangster flicks, three of which make their first home video appearance: "Picture Snatcher" (1933), starring Jimmy Cagney and Ralph Bellamy; "Lady Killer" (1933), starring Jimmy Cagney and Mae Clark; "Smart Money" (1931), starring Jimmy Cagney and Edward G. Robinson; "Black Legion" (1937), starring Humphrey Bogart and Ann Sheridan; "Mayor of Hell" (1933), starring Jimmy Cagney; "Brother Orchid" (1940), starring Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart. The films have been given brand new transfers from newly restored film elements, and also include bonus features such as rarely-seen Warner Bros. shorts, vintage newsreels and classic cartoons, plus original theatrical trailers. $59.92 the set or available separately at $19.97 each.

From the erratic genius mind of David Lynch comes "Lost Highway" (1997), starring Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake, Natasha Gregson Wagner and Jack Nance in a bizarre psychological thriller: After a strange encounter at a party, a jazz saxophonist is framed for the murder of his wife and sent to prison, where he inexplicably morphs into a young mechanic and begins leading a new life, from Universal.

For Yul Brynner and sword and sandal epics lovers, MGM this week will release "Kings of the Sun " (1963), starring Brynner, George Chakiris, Shirley Anne Field and Richard Basehart; "Solomon and Sheba" (1959), directed by King Vidor and starring Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida and George Sanders; and "Taras Bulba" (1962), starring Brynner, Tony Curtis and Sam Wanamaker.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "The Catherine Tate Show: Series Two," in which the comedienne extraordinaire returns with another season of her BBC America parody show, featuring new exuberant skits, including the eccentric teenager "Lauren Cooper" and the darling, foul-mouthed grandmother "Nan Taylor"; from SRO Entertainment ... "Frisky Dingo Season 1" (2007), a single disc with all 13 episodes of the Adult Swim series, $19.97 from Warner ... "The Invisible Man: Season One," a five-disc set with 23 episodes, including the pilot episode, $59.98 from Universal ... "Midsomer Murders: Set 10" is a four-disc set with four feature-length mysteries from the hit British mystery franchise, $49.99 from Acorn Media ... "Midsomer Murders: The Early Cases Collection" is a 19-disc set with the first 18 stand-alone mysteries from the hit British mystery franchise, $159.99 from Acorn Media ... "The Mike Douglas Show: Moments and Memories" (2008) is a nostalgic look back at the legendary show, featuring interview and rare performance segments with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, Sally Field, Bob Hope, Groucho Marx, The Rolling Stones, Mother Theresa, Muhammad Ali, Alfred Hitchcock, Tiger Woods, Mel Brooks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gene Simmons of KISS and many others; $19.99 from Kultur ... "Painkiller Jane," a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.97 from Anchor Bay ... "Party of Five: Complete Third Season" is a five-disc set with 25 episodes, $39.95 from Sony ... "Sliders: The Fourth Season" is a five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98 from Universal ... "Suburban Shootout" offers eight episodes of the British suburban living satire described as "Desperate Housewives" meets "The Sopranos," which aired on the Oxygen Channel in 2006; $24.99 from Acorn Media ... "Tripping the Rift: The Movie" is a movie version of the hip animated TV series about a bunch of derelict mutant misfits who live, work and play on the starship Jupiter 42, from Anchor Bay "Wings: The Sixth Season," is a four-disc set with 26 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "Pu-239" (2006) a young man is exposed to a deadly dose of radiation while trying to avert a disaster at a nuclear power plant in Russia; instead of rewarding him for his efforts, the plants treats him as a scapegoat, offering no compensation to him or his family. Desperate to provide security for his wife and son, the man steals a small amount of Pu-239 -- weapons-grade Plutonium -- and heads to Moscow to sell it on the black market; stars Paddy Considine and Radha Mitchell; from HBO Video ... When a rich Southern girl invites her drama club to her isolated house for a "killer" weekend, nobody would have expected it to be taken so literally in "April Fool's Day" (2008), starring Taylor Cole, Scout Taylor-Compton and Josh Henderson, from Sony) ... "PTU: Police Tactical Unit " (2003), directed by Johnny To and starring Simon Yam, Lam Suet and Maggie Siu, is a Hong Kong thriller that follows a band of night patrol cops on one of their worst nights, from Dragon Dynasty/Weinstein/Genius ... Rural America becomes the bucolic setting for a mysterious terrorist plot gone awry, a romance undone by betrayal, and a government assignment that signals a dangerous conspiracy in "Sharpshooter " (2008), starring James Remar, Mario Van Peebles and Bruce Boxleitner, from Genius Products.

On the Indie Front:
Two hapless losers live in a junkyard in the meatpacking town of Butcher's Mill, Illinois, where they cook up a plan to kidnap their local U.S. Congressman (Chevy Chase) for ransom money; they think it's their ticket to a better life, but their prime score turns into a raw deal in "Bad Meat" (2003), starring Chevy Chase, Lance Barber, Billie Worley, Judah Friedlander, Ben Bailey and Frank Caeti, from Arts Alliance America ... In "Extraordinary Rendition" (2007), a man is abducted from the streets of London and transported via secret flights to an unknown country, held in solitary confinement and cut off from the outside world, interrogated and tortured. Returned without explanation to the U.K., he is left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life in a world he no longer recognizes. Stars Omar Berdouni and Andy Serkis. From BFS Entertainment ... In 19th century Australia, an exotic beauty born of an Aboriginal mother and an Afghan father falls in love with a Christian and goes up against a male-dominated society that defines self-worth by religion in "Serenades" (2001), starring Alice Haines and Aden Young, from BFS Entertainment.

Foreign:
Two East German gems arrive this week from First Run Features: "The Rabbit Is Me" (1965): A young woman, tainted after her brother's arrest for subversive political activities, has an affair with an older man -- who turns out to be the judge who put her brother in jail. Long banned for exposing the harsh realities of East German society, the film finally surfaced after reunification ... "The Second Track" (1962): From the vaults of the legendary East German DEFA Film Studios comes this rare noir classic about a train station inspector who witnesses a robbery and recognizes one of the thieves -- but hides that fact from the authorities. The thief comes after the inspector's daughter, setting in motion an explosive unearthing of dark secrets from the Nazi era. East Germany's answer to Fritz Lang, Alfred Hitchcock and Carol Reed. Each title sells for $24.95.

For the Family:
Due this week: "Arthur: Season 10," featuring 10 episodes of the Emmy Award-winning series that chronicles the adventures of the world's most famous aardvark; and "Big Brother Binky," a special episode in which Binky's family adopts a baby girl from China; both from WGBH Boston Video ... "Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors: Volume One" is a four-disc set that features Season 1 (33 episodes) of this 1980s animated series based on the popular line of Mattel toys, from Shout! Factory ... Sony has two new releases from the PBS KIDS series "It's a Big, Big World": "Be Healthy and Happy" teaches valuable lessons about how animals of all kinds take care of themselves, and "Everybody's Different" encourages exploring diversity in nature. Each volume contains five episodes and sells for $12.99.

Special Interest:
For politicos: "War Made easy" (2008) is a scathing documentary indictment of five decades of U.S. media coverage of American-led military interventions, and the pro-war spoon-feeding of the American public; the film exposes 50 years of government spin and media collusion that has dragged our country into one war after another -- from Vietnam to Iraq; narrated by actor and activist Sean Penn; $19.95 from The Disinformation Company ... "Jimmy Carter Man From Plains" (2007) is a documentary that follows the 39th President of the United States as he embarks on a media tour for his controversial best-seller, "Palestine Peace Not Apartheid"; directed by Jonathan Demme; from Sony.

For sports fans: "Daytona 500: The 50th Anniversary" (2008) is a two-disc set of the Feb. 17 50th Daytona race. Features ground-breaking "My Race" Interactive DVD format that allows fans to watch the action from six different driver perspectives and a variety of audio feeds; the second disc includes a history of Daytona; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "The Los Angeles Dodgers 1988 World Series Collector's Edition" (2008) is a seven-disc set to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Dodgers' 1988 win; $69.95 from A&E Home Video.

Also this week: "Robyn Hitchcock: Sex, Food, Death .... and Insects" (2008), a documentary on the legendary cult singer-songwriter as he prepares his "Ole Tarantula" album and goes on the road for the "Ole Tarantula" tour; $24.94 from A&E Home Video ... "The Mystery of Eva Peron" (1987 -- Spanish), a documentary on Argentina's Evita, who rose to power in that country after WWII with her husband, Juan Peron, from First Run Features ... "The Unknown Soldier" (2007) is a controversial documentary that profiles Germany's controversial Wehrmacht Exhibition that showed -- through letters, photographs and film footage -- that "ordinary" German soldiers were as complicit as Nazi leaders in the crimes against humanity during World War II, debunking the long-held belief otherwise. $24.95 from First Run Features ... "Who Is Henry Jaglom?" (1997) is a documentary about the director of such films as "Hollywood Dreams," "Festival in Cannes" and "Eating," who has alternately been hailed as a cinematic genius, a feminist voice and a true maverick and dismissed by others as a voyeuristic, egomaniacal fraud, from First Run Features ... Kultur International's critically acclaimed "Othello," starring Eamonn Walker abd Zoe Tapper, was taped live in London on May 4, 2007, at the historic Globe Theatre; the two-disc set sells for $24.99 ... From World Wrestling Entertainment comes three mat compilations: "No Way Out," a series of pay-per-view events that are the final stop on the road to Wrestlemania, here featuring the latest matches featuring Batista, Undertaker, Triple H, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, CM Punk and more; "Triple H: The King of Kings," highlighting 14 matches in the career of the 11-time World Champion; and "Royal Rumble," the 21st edition in which the superstars of raw, Smackdown and ECW compete for a shot at immortality ... "Pauly Shore's "Natural Born Komics" Sketch Comedy Movie Miami" (2008) is a Showtime follow up to "Pauly Shore Is Dead" in which Shore embarks on a slew of hidden camera pranks, parodies, man-on-the-street interviews and must-see videos, from First Look Studios.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

April Fool's Day (2008) Taylor Cole, Scout Taylor-Compton, Josh Henderson. When a rich Southern girl invites her drama club to her isolated house for a "killer" weekend, nobody would have expected it to be taken so literally: the guest list is being trimmed and suspicions turn on each other. (Sony).

Arthur: Season 10. Ten episodes of the Emmy Award-winning series that chronicles the adventures of the world's most famous aardvark. Extras: Teaching materials, activity booklet, "Arthur at the Library" interactive activity guide. (WGBH Boston Video).

Bad Meat (2003) Chevy Chase, Lance Barber, Billie Worley, Judah Friedlander, Ben Bailey, Frank Caeti. Two hapless losers live in a junkyard in the meatpacking town of Butcher's Mill, Illinois, where they cook up a plan to kidnap their local U.S. Congressman (Chevy Chase) for ransom money. They think it's their ticket to a better life, but their prime score turns into a raw deal. (Arts Alliance America).

Big Brother Binky. Special episode in which Binky's family adopts a baby girl from China. Extras: Two bonus episodes. (WGBH Boston Video).

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Dir.: Arthur Penn; Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Evans Evans, Gene Wilder. Two-disc special edition; restored and remastered. Extras: "Revolution: The making of Bonnie and Clyde," additional scenes, Warren Beatty wardrobe test, more. An Ultimate Collector's Edition also will be available with a 36-page hardcover book, rare behind-the-scenes photos, 24-page reproduction of the original 1967 pressbook, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner).

The Catherine Tate Show: Series Two. The comedienne extraordinaire returns with another season of her award-winning show parodied to the extreme, featuring new exuberant skits, including the eccentric teenager, "Lauren Cooper" and the darling, foul-mouthed grandmother, "Nan Taylor." Airs on BBC America. (SRO Entertainment).

Day Break (2007) Four-disc set with all 13 episodes of the ABC series about a detective (Taye Diggs) condemned to repeat the worst day of his life over and over, while trying to discover why he is being framed for a murder he knows he didn't commit. Extras: Commentaries by cast and crew, cast and crew interviews, photo gallery. (BCI Entertainment).

Daytona 500: The 50th Anniversary (2008) Two-disc set of the Feb. 17 50th Daytona race. Features ground-breaking "My Race" Interactive DVD format that allows fans to watch the action from six different driver perspectives and a variety of audio feeds; second disc includes a history of Daytona; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Extraordinary Rendition (2007) Omar Berdouni, Andy Serkis. A man is abducted from the streets of London and transported via secret flights to an unknown country, held in solitary confinement and cut off from the outside world, interrogation and torture. Returned without explanation to the U.K. many months later, he is left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life in a world he no longer recognizes. (BFS Entertainment)

Frisky Dingo Season 1 (2007) Single disc with all 13 episodes of the Adult Swim series, $19.97. (Warner).

The Invisible Man: Season One. Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Pilot episode. (Universal).

Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors: Volume One. Four-disc set features Season 1 (33 episodes) of this 1980s animated series based on the popular line of Mattel toys. (Shout! Factory).

Jimmy Carter Man From Plains (2007) Dir.: Jonathan Demme. Documentary follows the 39th President of the United States as he embarks on a media tour for his controversial best-seller, "Palestine Peace Not Apartheid." Extras: Commentary by director Jonathan Demme, bonus scenes, soundtrack recording sessions. (Sony).

Kings of the Sun (1963) Yul Brynner, George Chakiris, Shirley Anne Field, Richard Basehart. (MGM).

The Kite Runner (2007) Dir.: Marc Forster; Khalid Abdalla, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub, Sayed Jafar Masihullah Gharibzada, Zekeria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada. Extras: Commentary by director Marc Forster, author Khaled Hosseini and screenwriter David Benioff; "Words from The Kite Runner," "Images from The Kite Runner," Public Service Announcement with Khaled Hosseini. (Paramount).

The Los Angeles Dodgers 1988 World Series Collector's Edition (2008) Seven-disc set to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Dodgers' 1988 win; $69.95. (A&E Home Video).

Lost Highway (1997) Dir.: David Lynch; Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Jack Nance. Bizarre psychological thriller from a master of such ventures. After a bizarre encounter at a party, a jazz saxophonist is framed for the murder of his wife and sent to prison, where he inexplicably morphs into a young mechanic and begins leading a new life. (Universal).

Midsomer Murders: Set 10. Four-disc set with four feature-length mysteries from the hit British mystery franchise, $49.99. (Acorn Media).

Midsomer Murders: The Early Cases Collection. Nineteen-disc set with the first 18 stand-alone mysteries from the hit British mystery franchise, $159.99. (Acorn Media).

The Mike Douglas Show: Moments and Memories (2008) Nostalgic look back at the legendary show, features interview and rare performance segments with former guests, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, Sally Field, Bob Hope, Groucho Marx, The Rolling Stones, Mother Theresa, Muhammad Ali, Alfred Hitchcock, Tiger Woods, Mel Brooks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gene Simmons of KISS and many others; $19.99. (Kultur).

The Mystery of Eva Peron (1987 -- Spanish) Documentary on Argentina's Evita, who rose to power in that country after WWII with her husband, Juan Peron. Extras: Eva Peron photo gallery. (First Run Features).

No Way Out. The No Way Out pay-per-view events are the final stop on the road to Wrestlemania, here featuring the latest matches featuring Batista, Undertaker, Triple H, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, CM Punk and more; $24.95. (World Wrestling Entertainment).

Party of Five: Complete Third Season. Five-disc set with 25 episodes, $39.95. Extras: Minisode: "Silver Spoons -- Boys Will Be Boys," minisode: "The Facts of Life -- And Into the Frying Pan." (Sony).

Painkiller Jane. Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.97. Extras: Commentaries, featurette. (Anchor Bay).

Pauly Shore's "Natural Born Komics" Sketch Comedy Movie Miami (2008) Showtime follow up to "Pauly Shore Is Dead" has Shore embark on a slew of hidden camera pranks, parodies, man-on-the-street interviews and must see videos. Extras: Deleted scenes, bloopers, "The Diarrhea of Pauly Shore" making of the movie featurette, more. (First Look Studios).

PTU: Police Tactical Unit (2003 -- Hong Kong) Dir.: Johnny To; Simon Yam, Lam Suet, Maggie Siu. Hong Kong thriller follows a band of night patrol cops on one of their worst nights. Extras: Commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, "On the Trail of the Smoking Gun: An Exclusive Interview With Leading Man Simon Yam," "Into the Perilous Night: An Exclusive Interview With Acclaimed Director Johnny To," "Cool as a Kat: An Exclusive Interview With Leading Lady Maggie Siu. (Dragon Dynasty/Weinstein/Genius).

Pu-239 (2006) Paddy Considine, Radha Mitchell. While working at a nuclear power plant in Russia, a young man is exposed to a deadly dose of radiation while trying to aver a plant disaster; instead of rewarding him for his efforts, the plants treats him as a scapegoat, offering no compensation to him or his family. Desperate to provide security for his wife and son, the man steals a small amount of Pu-239 -- weapons-grade Plutonium -- and heads to Moscow to sell it on the black market. (HBO Video).

The Rabbit Is Me (1965 -- East Germany) A young woman, tainted after her brother's arrest for subversive political activities, has an affair with an older man - who turns out to be the judge who put her brother in jail. Long banned for exposing the harsh realities of East German society, the film finally surfaced after reunification. $24.95. (First Run Features).

Robyn Hitchcock: Sex, Food, Death .... and Insects (2008) Documentary on the legendary cult singer-songwriter as he prepares his "Ole Tarantula" album and goes on the road for the "Ole Tarantula" tour; $24.94. (A&E Home Video).

The Second Track (1962 -- East Germany) From the vaults of the legendary East German DEFA Film Studios comes this rare noir classic about a train station inspector who witnesses a robbery and recognizes one of the thieves -- but hides that fact from the authorities. The thief comes after the inspector's daughter, setting in motion an explosive unearthing of dark secrets from the Nazi era. East Germany's answer to Fritz Lang, Alfred Hitchcock and Carol Reed. $24.95. (First Run Features).

Serenades (2001) Alice Haines, Aden Young. In 19th century Australia, an exotic beauty born of an Aboriginal mother and an Afghan father falls in love with a Christian and goes up against a male-dominated society that defines self-worth by religion. (BFS Entertainment).

Sharpshooter (2008) James Remar, Mario Van Peebles, Bruce Boxleitner. Rural America becomes the bucolic setting for a mysterious terrorist plot gone awry, a romance undone by betrayal, and a government assignment that signals a dangerous conspiracy. (Genius Products).

Sliders: The Fourth Season. Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).

Solomon and Sheba (1959) Dir.: King Vidor; Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, George Sanders. (MGM).

Suburban Shootout. Eight episodes of the British suburban living satire described as "Desperate Housewives" meets "The Sopranos." Aired on the Oxygen Channel in 2006; $24.99. Extras: Commentary by cast and crew, behind-the-scenes documentary, filmographies. (Acorn Media).

Taras Bulba (1962) Tony Curtis, Yul Brynner, Sam Wanamaker. (MGM).

Them (Ils) (2006 -- France/Romania) Olivia Bonamy, Michael Cohen. A young couple in a remote house are terrorized by weird people with lights. (Dark Sky Films).

Tripping the Rift: The Movie. Movie version of the hip animated TV series about a bunch of derelict mutant misfits who live, work and play on the starship Jupiter 42. Extras: "Making-of" featurette. (Anchor Bay).

The Unknown Soldier (2007) Controverial documentary that profiles Germany's controversial Wehrmacht Exhibition that showed -- through letters, photographs and film footage -- that "ordiinary" German soldiers were as complicit as Nazi leaders in the crimes against humanity during World War II, debunking the long-held belief otherwise. $24.95. (First Run Features).

Walk the Line Extended Cut (2005) Dir.: James Mangold; Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts. Two-disc set Extras: "Johnny Cash Jukebox": Eight Walk The Line Extended Musical Sequences with New Introductions, "More Men in Black": deleted scenes, "Becoming Cash/Becoming Carter" featurette, "Sun Records & the Johnny Cash Sound" featurette, "The Cash Legacy" featurette, "Folsom: Cash & the Comeback" featurette, "Ring of Fire: The Passion of Johnny & June" featurette, "Cash and his Faith" featurette, "Celebrating the Man in Black: The Making of Walk the Line" featurette. (Fox).

War Made Easy (2008) Documentary is a scathing indictment of five decades of U.S. media coverage of American-led military interventions, and the pro-war spoon-feeding of the American public. Reaches into the Orwellian memory hole to expose 50 years of government spin and media collusion that has dragged our country into one war after another -- from Vietnam to Iraq. Narrated by actor and activist Sean Penn; $19.95. (The Disinformation Company).

Warner Bros. Pictures Gangsters Collection Volume 3. Six-disc set with "Picture Snatcher" (1933), starring Jimmy Cagney and Ralph Bellamy; "Lady Killer" (1933), starring Jimmy Cagney and Mae Clark; "Smart Money" (1931), starring Jimmy Cagney and Edward G. Robinson; "Black Legion" (1937), starring Humphrey Bogart and Ann Sheridan; "Mayor of Hell" (1933), starring Jimmy Cagney; "Brother Orchid" (1940), starring Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart. The films have been given brand new transfers from newly restored film elements, and also include bonus features such as rarely-seen Warner Bros. shorts, vintage newsreels and classic cartoons, plus original theatrical trailers. $59.92 the set or available separately at $19.97 each. (Warner).

Who Is Henry Jaglom? (1997) Documentary about the director of such films as "Hollywood Dreams," "Festival in Cannes" and "Eating," who has alternately been hailed as a cinematic genius, a feminist voice and a true maverick and dismissed by others as a voyeuristic, egomaniacal fraud. Extras: "Who Isn't Henry Jaglom? And "Henry Jaglom Looks Back at 'Who Is Henry Jaglom?'." (First Run Features).

Wings: The Sixth Season. Four-disc set with 26 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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#324

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Wed Apr 2, 2008 7:44 pm
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, April 1, 2008, V12.14

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, April 1 -- Monday, March 7

Alvin and the Chipmunks
When struggling songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) opens his home to a talented trio of chipmunks named Alvin, Simon and Theodore, they quickly become overnight music sensations. But when a greedy record producer (David Cross) tries to exploit the musical ensemble, Dave must use a little human ingenuity y -- and a lot of 'munk' mischief -- to get his furry family back before it's too late. CG/live-action hybrid film. Vitals: Director: Tim Hill. Stars: Jason Lee, Cameron Richardson. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 91 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $204.121 million, Fox.

Sweeney Todd
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd." Depp stars in the title role as a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard from again." Joining Depp is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's amorous accomplice, who creates diabolical meat pies. The cast also includes Alan Rickman, who portrays the evil Judge Turpin, who sends Sweeney to prison and Timothy Spall as the Judge's wicked associate Beadle Bamford, and Sacha Baron Cohen as a rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli. Vitals: Director: Tim Burton. Stars: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Lee, Jamie Campbell Bowen, Jayne Wisener, Laura Michelle Kelly, Ed Sanders. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 116 min., Musical Thriller, Box office gross: $52.015 million, Paramount.

------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

Coming up on the centenary of Bette Davis (April 5, 1908), Warner Home Video will release "The Bette Davis Collection Volume 3," A six-disc set with:

"In This Our Life" (1942) Dir.: John Huston; Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Walter Huston. Extras: Commentary by film historian Jeannine Basinger; "Warner Night at the Movies 1942" short subjects gallery: vintage newsreel, patriotic short "March On, America!" musical short "Spanish Fiesta"; classic cartoon "Who's Who in the Zoo."

"The Old Maid" (1939) Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins. Extras: Warner Night at the Movies 1939 short subjects gallery: Vintage newsreel, historical short "Lincoln in the White House," Howard Hill sports short "Sword Fishing"; classic cartoons "The Film Fan" and "Kristopher Kolumbus."

"All This, and Heaven Too" (1940) Bette Davis, Charles Boyer, Barbara O'Neil. Extras:Commentary by "The Women of Warner Bros." author Daniel Bubbeo; Warner Night at the Movies 1940 short subjects gallery: vintage newsreel, patriotic short "Meet the Fleet," classic cartoons "Hollywood Daffy" and "Porky's Last Stand"; audio-only bonus: radio show adaptation with the film's stars.

"The Great Lie" (1941) Mary Astor, Bette Davis, George Brent. Extras: Warner Night at the Movies 1941 Short Subjects Gallery: vintage newsreel, "Broadway Brevities" short "At the Stroke of Twelve," Sports Parade short "Kings of the Turf," Hollywood Novelty short "Polo With the Stars," classic cartoon "Porky's Pooch."

"Deception" (1946) Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains. Extras: Commentary by film historian Foster Hirsch; Warner Night at the Movies 1946 short subjects gallery: vintage newsreel, Sports Parade short "Facing Your Danger," Specials Short "Movieland Magic," classic cartoon "Mouse Menace."

"Watch on the Rhine" (1943) Paul Lukas, Bette Davis, George Colouris. Extras: Career profile "Bette Davis: A Basically Benevolent Volcano"; commentary by film historian Bernard F. Dick; Warner Night at the Movies 1943 short subjects gallery: patriotic short "March On, America!; musical short Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, classic cartoon "The Wise Quacking Duck."

Also this week Fox Lorber will release "Three films by the Taviani brothers":

"The Night of the Shooting Stars" (1982 -- Italy) Dir.: Vittorio and Paolo Taviani. Acclaimed drama about a woman who tells her child about "The Night of Shooting Stars" (when dreams come true) in 1944 when the residents of her small town defied their Nazi occupiers.

"Kaos"(1984 -- Italy) Dir.: Vittorio and Paolo Taviani. Five tales adapted from the short stories by the great Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello.

"Fiorile"(1993 -- Italy) Dir.: Vittorio and Paolo Taviani. On a long drive to visit their grandfather, two children are told the story of a family curse that has lasted 200 years. $26.98 each.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Country Matters" (2005), a four-disc set with eight episodes of the lavish British series starring Ian McKellan, Peter Firth, Joss Ackland and Pauline Collins, set in the English countryside just after WWI; $34.98 from Koch Vision ... "The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream" (2008), the second sequel to 1992's ice skating romance, starring Matt Lanter, Francia Raisa, Ben Hollingsworth, Alycia Purrott and Christy Carlson Romano, from MGM ... "Doctor Who: The Time Warrior" (2005), with digitally remastered Dr. Who classics "The Time Warrior," "Timelash" and "Planet of Evil," $24.98 from Warner ... "Gene Simmons Family Jewels: The Best of Seasons 1 & 2" Eight episodes, $12.95 from A&E Home Video ... "John From Cincinnati: The Complete First Season," a three-disc set with 10 episodes, $59.99 from HBO Video ... "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Sixth Year," a five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98 from Universal ... "Martin: The Complete Fourth Season," a four-disc set with 27 episodes, $29.98 from HBO Video ... "Murder She Wrote: The Complete Eighth Season," a five-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98 from Universal ... "That '70s Show Season Eight," a four-disc set of the last season's 22 episodes, $49.98 from Fox ... "The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder: John, Paul, Tom, Ringo," a two-disc set of Tomorrow Show interviews by Tom Snyder: John Lennon Tribute aired 12/9/80 (one day after his murder); Paul McCartney interview, original air date 12/20/79 (with Linda McCartney and other Wings members); Ringo Starr interview, original air date 11/25/81 (with additional guests actress (and Ringo's wife) Barbra Bach, Angie Dickinson. $24.99 from Shout! Factory.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "The Cook" (2008), a handful of girls stay behind at the Lambda Epsilon Zeta sorority house during a long holiday weekend for three days of partying, sex games and strangely delicious meals prepared by the weird new chef; but as the sisters begin to disappear one-by-one, the remaining coeds begin to suspect that they're scheduled to be next on the menu; from Anchor Bay ... In "Fear House" (2008), friends of a missing best-selling author discover she's living like a frightened animal in an old dilapidated house as she struggles to finish her next novel -- but when they attempt to get her out, they learn that anyone who tries to leave the house is killed by their innermost fear; from LifeSize Entertainment ... look for two sequels this week: "Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II" (1987), starring Michael Ironside, Wendy Lyon, Justin Louis and Lisa Schrage, timed to the theatrical release of the remake of "Prom Night" in early April, from MGM; and "The Return of the Swamp Thing" (1989), starring Louis Jourdan, Heather Locklear, Sarah Douglas and Dick Durock, from Warner.

On the Indie Front:
The "Music Within" (2007) , starring Ron Livingston, Melissa George and Michael Sheen, is the true story of Richard Pimentel, a man on a quest to find the "music within" after losing his hearing to a bomb blast during combat in Vietnam; from MGM ... The New York-set comedy "The Good Night" (2007) features Martin Freeman as a washed-up pop star who writes ad jingles and suffers a midlife crisis. Penelope Cruz plays the object of his romantic interests and Danny DeVito plays a dream doctor who tries to get the troubled man back on track. Also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Pegg, and Michael Gambon; from Sony.

For the Family:
"Animal Planet: Growing up Wildcats" (2005) follows newborn cubs as they find their way through the joys, adventures, discoveries and challenges of their first days with the help of some professional caregivers in four themed episodes form the Animal Planet series: "Growing Up Lion," "Growing Up Tiger," "Growing Up Cheetah" and "Growing Up Black Leopard"; $14.95 from Genius Products ... Paramount has two Chipmunk adventures this week: "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipmunk Adventure Special Edition" (1987), the Chipmunk's first full-length motion picture; and "Alvin and the Chipmunks Go to the Movies: Funny, We Shrunk the Adults" (1990), in which the Chipmunks spoof three of Hollywood's biggest comedies: "Back to Our Future," "Bigger" and "Funny, We Shrunk the Adults."

-----------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) Jason Lee, Cameron Richardson. Extras: "Chip-Chip-Hooray! Chipmunk History" featurette, "Hitting the Harmony" featurette, "Inside Look at Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipmunk Adventure Special Edition (1987) The Chipmunk's first full-length motion picture. (Paramount).

Alvin and the Chipmunks Go to the Movies: Funny, We Shrunk the Adults (1990) The Chipmunks spoof three of Hollywood's biggest comedies: "Back to Our Future," "Bigger" and "Funny, We Shrunk the Adults." (Paramount).

Animal Planet: Growing up Wildcats (2005) Newborn cubs find their way through the joys, adventures, discoveries and challenges of their first days with the help of some professional caregivers in these four themed episodes form the Animal Planet series: "Growing Up Lion," "Growing Up Tiger," "Growing Up Cheetah" and "Growing Up Black Leopard"; $14.95. (Genius Products).

The Bette Davis Collection Volume 3. Six-disc set honoring the 100th birthday of Hollywood's first lady of film with "In This Our Life," "The Old Maid," "All This, and Heaven Too," "The Great Lie," "Deception" and "Watch on the Rhine"; $59.92. (Warner).

In This Our Life (1942) Dir.: John Huston; Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Walter Huston. Extras: Commentary by film historian Jeannine Basinger; "Warner Night at the Movies 1942" short subjects gallery: vintage newsreel, patriotic short "March On, America!" musical short "Spanish Fiesta"; classic cartoon "Who's Who in the Zoo."
The Old Maid (1939) Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins. Extras: Warner Night at the Movies 1939 short subjects gallery: Vintage newsreel, historical short "Lincoln in the White House," Howard Hill sports short "Sword Fishing"; classic cartoons "The Film Fan" and "Kristopher Kolumbus."
All This, and Heaven Too (1940) Bette Davis, Charles Boyer, Barbara O'Neil. Extras:Commentary by "The Women of Warner Bros." author Daniel Bubbeo; Warner Night at the Movies 1940 short subjects gallery: vintage newsreel, patriotic short "Meet the Fleet," classic cartoons "Hollywood Daffy" and "Porky's Last Stand"; audio-only bonus: radio show adaptation with the film's stars.
The Great Lie (1941) Mary Astor, Bette Davis, George Brent. Extras: Warner Night at the Movies 1941 Short Subjects Gallery: vintage newsreel, "Broadway Brevities" short "At the Stroke of Twelve," Sports Parade short "Kings of the Turf," Hollywood Novelty short "Polo With the Stars," classic cartoon "Porky's Pooch."
Deception (1946) Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains. Extras: Commentary by film historian Foster Hirsch; Warner Night at the Movies 1946 short subjects gallery: vintage newsreel, Sports Parade short "Facing Your Danger," Specials Short "Movieland Magic," classic cartoon "Mouse Menace."
Watch on the Rhine (1943) Paul Lukas, Bette Davis, George Colouris. Extras: Career profile "Bette Davis: A Basically Benevolent Volcano"; commentary by film historian Bernard F. Dick; Warner Night at the Movies 1943 short subjects gallery: patriotic short "March On, America!; musical short Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, classic cartoon "The Wise Quacking Duck."

The Cook (2008) Mark Hengst, Makinna Ridgway, Kit Paquin. A handful of girls stay behind at the Lambda Epsilon Zeta sorority house during a long holiday weekend for three days of partying, sex games and strangely delicious meals prepared by the weird new chef; but as the sisters begin to disappear one-by-one, the remaining coeds begin to suspect that they're scheduled to be next on the menu. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Anchor Bay).

Country Matters (2005) Four-disc set with eight episodes of the lavish British series starring Ian McKellan, Peter Firth, Joss Ackland and Pauline Collins, set in the English countryside just after WWI; $34.98. (Koch Vision).

The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream (2008) Matt Lanter, Francia Raisa , Ben Hollingsworth, Alycia Purrott, Christy Carlson Romano. Second sequel to 1992's ice skating romance.Extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes. (MGM).

Doctor Who: The Time Warrior (2005) Digitally remastered Dr, Who classics "The Time Warrior," "Timelash" and "Planet of Evil," $24.98. (Warner).

Fear House (2008) Aleece Jones, Matthew Stiller, Meredith Barnett, Olivia Price. Friends of a missing best-selling author discover she is living like a frightened animal in an old dilapidated house as she struggles to finish her next novel -- but when they attempt to get her out, they learn that anyone who tries to leave the house is killed by their innermost fear. (LifeSize Entertainment).

Gene Simmons Family Jewels: The Best of Seasons 1 & 2. Eight episodes, $12.95. (A&E Home Video).

The Good Night(2007) Martin Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Cruz, Simon Pegg, Danny DeVito, Michael Gambon, Amber Sealey, Ketih Alan, Finty Williams. The New York-set comedy features Martin Freeman as a washed-up pop star who writes ad jingles and suffers a midlife crisis. Penelope Cruz plays the object of his romantic interests and Danny DeVito plays a dream doctor who tries to get the troubled man back on track. Extras: Commentary. (Sony).

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) John Cho, Kal Penn, Paula Garces, Neil Patrick Harris, Christopher Meloni, Ryan Reynolds, Fred Willard. Extreme unrated remastered special edition, released in time for the big-screen sequel. (Warner).

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987) Michael Ironside, Wendy Lyon, Justin Louis, Lisa Schrage. Timed to the theatrical release of the remake of "Prom Night" in early April. (MGM).

John From Cincinnati: The Complete First Season. Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $59.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette on Episode 6, commentary on select episodes. (HBO Video).

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Sixth Year. Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).

Martin: The Complete Fourth Season. Four-disc set with , $29.98. (HBO Video).

Murder She Wrote: The Complete Eighth Season. Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98. (Universal).

Music Within (2007) Ron Livingston, Melissa George, Michael Sheen. True story about Richard Pimentel, a man on a quest to find the "music within" after losing his hearing to a bomb blast during combat in Vietnam. Extras: Commentary by director Steven Sawalich, producer Brett Donowho and writer Kelly Kennemer; deleted scenes. (MGM).

The Return of the Swamp Thing (1989) Louis Jourdan, Heather Locklear, Sarah Douglas, Dick Durock. (Warner).

Sweeney Todd (2007) Di.: Tim Burton; Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Lee, Jamie Campbell Bowen, Jayne Wisener, Laura Michelle Kelly, Ed Sanders. Available in standard and two-disc Special Collector's editions. Extras: "Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd." Special Collector's Edition only: Sweeney Todd press conference, November 2007, "Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd," "Sweeney Todd Is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber," "Sweeney's London," "The Making of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street," "Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition" featurette, "Designs for a Demon Barber," "A Bloody Business" featurette, "Moviefone Unscripted" with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, "The Razor's Refrain," photo gallery. (Paramount).

That '70s Show Season Eight. Four-disc set of the last season's 22 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Commentary on select episodes, "That '70s Show Through The Years: A Retrospective," "A '70s Show Flashback" Tommy Chong and Josh Meyers featurettes, "That '70s Set Tour" with director David Trainer, "Season 8 in 8 Minutes" featurette. (Fox).

Three films by the Taviani brothers: $26.98 each from Fox Lorber.

The Night of the Shooting Stars (1982 -- Italy) Dir.: Vittorio and Paolo Taviani. Acclaimed drama about a woman who tells her child about "The Night of Shooting Stars" (when dreams come true) in 1944 when the residents of her small town defied their Nazi occupiers.
Kaos (1984 -- Italy) Dir.: Vittorio and Paolo Taviani. Five tales adapted from the short stories by the great Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello.
Fiorile (1993 -- Italy) Dir.: Vittorio and Paolo Taviani. On a long drive to visit their grandfather, two children are told the story of a family curse that has lasted 200 years.

The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder: John, Paul, Tom, Ringo. Two-disc set of Tomorrow Show interviews by Tom Snyder: John Lennon Tribute aired 12/9/80 (one day after his murder); Paul McCartney interview, original air date 12/20/79 (with Linda McCartney and other Wings members); Ringo Starr interview, original air date 11/25/81 (with additional guests actress (and Ringo's wife) Barbra Bach, Angie Dickinson. $24.99. (Shout! Factory).

What Love Is (2007) Cuba Gooding Jr., Anne Heche, Gina Gershon, Sean Astin, Tamala Jones, Matthew Lillard, Mars Callahan. Comedy that explores the different perspectives between men and women in relationships. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Mars Callahan and producers George Bours and John Hermansen; "Making Love: The Making of What Love Is" featurette. (Sony).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#325

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Apr 8, 2008 2:47 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, April 8, 2008, V12.15

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, April 8 -- Monday, March 14

There Will Be Blood

A sprawling epic about family, greed, corruption, and the pursuit of the American dream. Set in the booming West coast oil fields at the turn of the 20th century, "There Will Be Blood" follows the rise of rugged prospector Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) who becomes an independent oilman after hitting it rich with the strike of a lifetime. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film is inspired by Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!" Set on the incendiary frontier of California's turn-of-the-century petroleum boom, the story chronicles the life and times of Plainview, who transforms himself from a down-and-out silver miner raising a son on his own into a self-made oil tycoon. When Plainview gets a mysterious tip-off that there's a little town out West where an ocean of oil is oozing out of the ground, he heads with his son, H.W. (Dillon Freasier), to take their chances in dust-worn Little Boston, California. In this hardscrabble town, where the main excitement centers around the holy roller church of charismatic preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), Plainview and H.W. make their lucky strike. But even as the well raises all of their fortunes, nothing will remain the same as conflicts escalate and every human value -- love, hope, community, belief, ambition and even the bond between father and son -- is imperiled by corruption, deception and the flow of oil. A masterpiece for the 21st century. The oil derreck fire and its consequences alone are worth the price of admission. And, of course, the film won two Academy Awards: Daniel Day-Lewis in a mesmerizing performance, for best actor, and Robert Elswit for best cinematography. Vitals: Director: Paul Thomas Anderson. Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciaran Hinds, Kevin J. O'Connor, Dillon Freasier. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 158 min., Drama, Box office gross: $31,619 million, Paramount.

Lions for Lambs
Directed by Robert Redford, the story begins after two determined students at a West Coast University, Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena), follow the inspiration of their idealistic professor, Dr. Malley (Redford), and attempt to do something important with their lives. But when the two make the bold decision to join the battle in Afghanistan, Malley is both moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate stories on opposite sides of America. In California, an anguished Dr. Malley attempts to reach a privileged but disaffected student (Andrew Garfield) who is the very opposite of Arian and Ernest. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the charismatic Presidential hopeful, Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise), is about to give a bombshell story to a probing TV journalist (Meryl Streep) that may affect Arian and Ernest's fates. As arguments, memories and bullets fly, the three stories are woven ever more tightly together, revealing how each of these Americans has a profound impact on the world around them. Vitals: Director: Robert Redford. Stars: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Michael Pena, Derek Luke, Andrew Garfield. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 88 min., Drama, Box office gross: $14.971 million, UA/MGM.

Resurrecting the Champ
An up-and-coming sports reporter (Josh Hartnett), living in the shadow of his famous journalist father, rescues a homeless man named "Champ" (Samuel L. Jackson) from a group of thugs, only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter re-examines his own life and his relationship with his family. But is the Champ the man he says he is? Vitals: Director: Rod Lurie. Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Teri Hatcher, Alan Alda. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 111 min., Drama, Box office gross: $3.169 million, Fox.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
One of the most iconic figures in rock history, Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) had it all: the women (over 411), the friends (Elvis, The Beatles) and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle (a close and personal relationship with every pill and powder known to man). But most of all, he had the music that transformed a dimwitted country boy into the greatest American rock star who never lived. A wild and wicked send-up of every musical biopic ever made. Vitals: Director: Jake Kasdan. Stars: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Drama, Box office gross: $18.317 million, Sony.

Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, The
When a lonely young boy named Angus discovers a large, mysterious egg along the shores of Loch Ness, no one is prepared for what lies within. He soon discovers, that the strange, mischievous hatchling inside is none other than The Water Horse, the loch's most mysterious and fabled creature. But with the Water Horse growing ten times its size every day, Angus finds it increasingly difficult to keep his new friend a secret. Vitals: Director: Jay Russell. Stars: Emily Watson, Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey, Brian Cox. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 112 min., Fantasy, Box office gross: $40.057 million, Sony.

------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS

DVD Collectibles:A second studio has weighed in with a tribute to Bette Davis, honoring the 100th birthday of Hollywood's first lady of film with "The Bette Davis Collection," a six-disc set with five films from Davis' Fox years. The collection sells for $49.98; each title is available individually for $19.98.

"All About Eve" (1950) Dir.: Joseph L. Mankiewicz; Bette Davis, Ann Baxter, George Sanders, Gary Merrill, Hugh Marlowe, Celeste Holm, Thelma Ritter, Marilyn Monroe. Two-disc set. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Celeste Holm, biographer Ken Geist and Christopher Mankiewicz; commentary by author Sam Staggs; isolated track score; "Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz" featurette; "Joseph L. Mankiewicz: A Personal Journey" featurette; "The Real Eve" featurette; "The Secret of Sarah Siddons" featurette; "AMC Backstory: All About Eve" featurette; Bette Davis promotion; Ann Baxter promotion; "MovieTone News: 1951 Academy Awards Honor Best Film Achievements, 1951 Hollywood Attends Gala Premiere of 'All About Eve';" restoration comparison; theatrical trailer; theatrical pressbook gallery; advertising gallery; still gallery.

"Phone Call From a Stranger" (1952) Dir.: Jean Negulesco; Bette Davis, Gary Merrill, Michael Rennie, Keenan Wynn, Shelly Winters, Beatrice Straight. Extras: Restoration comparison, theatrical teaser. theatrical trailer, interactive pressbook gallery, poster gallery, lobby card gallery, still gallery.

"The Virgin Queen" (1955) Bette Davis, Richard Todd, Joan Collins, Herbert Marshall, Dan O'Herlihy. Extras: "Virgin Territory: The Making of the Virgin Queen" featurette, restoration comparison, theatrical trailer, TV spots, interactive pressbook gallery, poster gallery, lobby card gallery, still gallery.

"Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte"(1964) Dir.: Robert Aldrich; Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotton, Agnes Moorehead, Cecil Kellaway, Victor Buono, Mary Astor, William Campbell, Bruce Dern. Extras: "Hush . . . Hush, Sweet Joan: The Making of Charlotte" featurette, "Bruce Dern Remembers" featurette, "Wizard Work" vintage featurette narrated by Joseph Cotton, theatrical trailer, interactive pressbook gallery, poster gallery, lobby card gallery, still gallery.

"The Nanny" (1965) Bette Davis, Wendy Craig, Jill Bennett, William Dix. Extras: Interactive Pressbook Gallery, Poster Gallery, Lobby Card Gallery, Still Gallery.

Also due this week: "Classic Musicals From the Dream Factory Volume 3," a nine-disc set with "Hit the Deck" (1955), "Deep In My Heart" (1954), "Kismet" (1955), a Jane Powell two-disc set "Nancy Goes to Rio" (1950) and "Two Weeks With Love" (1950), "Broadway Melody of 1936/Broadway Melody of 1938" two-disc set, and an Eleanor Powell two-disc set "Born to Dance" (1936) and "Lady Be Good" (1941); $69.92. The three single-discs are available separately at $19.97; the three two-disc sets sell for $24.98 each; from Warner ... and a 20th anniversary edition of "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988), directed by Terry Gilliam and starring John Neville, Sarah Polley, Eric Idle, Oliver Reed, Uma Thurma and Charles McKeown. Extras include commentary by Gilliam and co-writer/actor Charles McKeown; "The Madness and Misadventures of Munchausen," an all-new three-part documentary on the making of the film; storyboard sequences; deleted scenes. The film is also available on Blu-ray Disc; from Sony.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Fortysomething," a two-disc set with six episodes of the hit British comedy starring Hugh Laurie as a middle-aged doctor confronting mid-life crises, a philandering wife and three oversexed sons who mock him; $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Hell's Kitchen Season 1," a three-disc set with 11 episodes of the cooking series in which 12 aspiring chefs endure a grueling culinary boot camp, $26.99 from Visual Entertainment Inc. ... "The Last Detective, Series 4," a two-disc set with five episodes of the British mystery series about everyman detective Dangerous Davies, $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Matlock: Season One." a seven-disc set with 25 episodes, $30.00 from Paramount ... "Perry Mason 50th Anniversary Edition," a four-disc set with 12 exceptional episodes of the classic TV series starring Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper; the fourth disc contains bonus features; $39.99 from Paramount ... "Sense and Sensibility" (2007), a two-disc set of the BBC version of the Jane Austen classic, starring David Morressey, Janet McTeer, Dominic Cooper and Dan Stevens, from Warner ... "Random Passage" (2002), a two-disc set of the award-winning Canadian miniseries about a courageous woman's journey from servitude in England to the harsh life of Outport Newfoundland in the 1800s, starring Colm Meaney and Aoife McMahon, from BFS Entertainment ... "Rock of Love -- The Complete First Season," a three-disc set with 13 episodes of the sleazy no-holds-barred competition to find a female companion for Poison's Bret Michaels, $34.97 from Anchor Bay ... "Three Sheets: Season Two," a two-disc set with 10 episodes of MOJO HD channel's top-rated cult drinking hit in which comedian Zane Lamprey spans the globe seeking out the world's best watering holes, most unique international cocktails and craziest locals, $24.98 from Infinity Entertainment.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
A young woman is held hostage and terrorized by a psychopath on the P2 parking level of her office building on Christmas eve in "P2" (2007), starring Grace Lynn Kung, Rachel Nichols, Simon Reynolds and Wes Bentley, from Summit Entertainment ... "Cruel World" (2005) stars Edward Furlong and Jamie Pressly in a horror-thriller about a jilted suitor out to get revenge after being humiliated on reality TV by the show's beautiful star, from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... In "Reservation Road" (2007), starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino and Elle Fanning, two families become intertwined -- and face revenge -- when the father from one kills the son of the other in a hit-and-run, from Universal ... When a beautiful lawyer from Chicago travels alone to Tijuana in search of her missing sister, she ends up on a mind-bending journey as she attempts to unravel the truth, in "Between" (2005), starring Poppy Montgomery, Adam Kaufman, Jose Yenque and Danny Pino, from Porchlight Home Entertainment ... A broken-down healer discovers that a wizard has broken the Code and is using his power for evil in "Magus" (2008), starring Ron Fitzgerald, Bill Steele, Lizzy Strain, Eva Derrek and Julie Strain, from MTI Home Video.

On the Indie Front:
In "Partition" (2007), amidst the chaos and bloodshed unleashed when India and Pakistan are split into separate states in 1947, Sikh and former soldier Gian risks everything to save Naseem, a young Muslim woman, from a violent mob. When they fall in love, religious zealots try to tear them apart. Stars Jimi Mistry, Kristin Kreuk, Neve Campbell, John Light and Madhur Jaffrey, from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Thank Heaven" (2001) stars Jenny McCarthy, Matt Keeslar and Kadeem Harrison in a comedy about a couple deeply in love who make each other miserable until the man finds God on the golf course, from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... In "Silver Man" (2000), a street performer fights a pathological man for his girlfriend's love, starring Eugene Levy, Joe Pantoliano and Daniel Baldwin, from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment.

Foreign:
In Spanish director Luis Mandoki's "Innocent Voices" (2004), starring Carlos Padilla, Leonor Varela and Xuna Primus, a young boy, in an effort to have a normal childhood in 1980's El Salvador, is caught up in a dramatic fight for his life as he desperately tries to avoid the war raging all around him, from Warner.

For the Family:
"Travel With Kids: New York" is the latest in the series that takes families on vacation trips to exciting locales; a resource for preparing for a family vacation by introducing children to local customs, food, and breath-taking scenery prior to departure or researching a school report. This outing explores New York City, featuring money-saving tips, topical pop-up facts, advice for traveling with children and fun segments filled with all things great about the city that never sleeps; $14.98 from Porchlight Home Entertainment ... "Meerkat Manor" is a two-disc set with all 13 episodes of the Animal Planet series that uses state-of-the-art camera technology above and below the ground to track a group of meerkats 24 hours a day; $24.95 from Genius Products ... "Ben 10: Race Against Time" (2005) is a feature-length Cartoon Network film based on the live-action series starring 10-year old Ben Tennyson and his arsenal of aliens; $14.97 from Warner.

Special Interest:
"East LA Marine: The Guy Gabaldon Story" (2006)is the untold true story of Guy Gabaldon, the Hispanic Marine who accomplished the impossible by single-handedly capturing 1,500 Japanese prisoners in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The 1960 film "Hell To Eternity" told Gabaldon's story, but he was portrayed by blue-eyed all-American Jeffrey Hunter. This documentary sets the story straight; $19.95 from Arts Alliance America ... "The 11th Hour" (2007) is the Leonardo DiCaprio produced and narrated documentary that takes a look at the state of the global environment, including visionary and practical solutions for restoring the planet's ecosystems. The environmentally friendly DVD packaging is produced with 100% certified renewable resources, and a portion of the profits will be donated to Global Green. $5.00 from Warner ... "Tilt: The Battle to Save Pinball" (2006) is a fascinating documentary about the death of pinball machines, in particular the story of the designers at Williams Electronic Games in 1998, who have to come up with something new or see the world's largest pinball manufacturer shut down forever. A two-disc set with a host of bonus features; $29.95 from C3 Images ... "Fog City Mavericks: The Filmmakers of San Francisco" (2007) is a Starz documentary that looks at the San Francisco Bay Area's unique artistic film community, featuring interviews with George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Robin Williams, Saul Zaentz, John Lasseter, Matthew Robbins, Chris Columbus, Milos Forman, Anthony Minghella, Michael Douglas, Sofia Coppola, Steve Jobs and many, many more; $19.97 Anchor Bay ... "The Private Life of a Masterpiece" (2003) is a seven-disc set of the award-winning series that reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the most famous works of art, including "The Last Supper," "David," "Whistler's Mother," more; $99.98 from BBC Video/Warner ... "Sharkwater" (2006) is a documentary that debunks the stereotype that sharks are bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters, revealing the reality that sharks -- pillars in the evolution of the seas -- are being dangerously over fished and brutally slaughtered; $19.98 from Warner ... "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry 6" (2007) is a two-disc set with six episodes of original material performed by contemporary poets and well-known music/comedy artists. Taped as always before a live audience at The Supper Club in NYC; from HBO Video.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) Dir.: Terry Gilliam; John Neville, Sarah Polley, Eric Idle, Oliver Reed, Uma Thurma, Charles McKeown. 20th anniversary edition. Extras: Commentary by director Terry Gilliam and co-writer/actor Charles McKeown; "The Madness and Misadventures of Munchausen" all-new three-part documentary on the making of the film; storyboard sequences; deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Ben 10: Race Against Time (2005) Feature-length Cartoon Network film based on the live-action series starring a 10-year old Ben Tennyson and his arsenal of aliens; $14.97. (Warner).

The Bette Davis Collection. Six-disc set with five films honoring the 100th birthday of Hollywood's first lady of film. $49.98 the collection; each title available individually for $19.98. (Fox).

All About Eve(1950) Dir.: Joseph L. Mankiewicz; Bette Davis, Ann Baxter, George Sanders, Gary Merrill, Hugh Marlowe, Celeste Holm, Thelma Ritter, Marilyn Monroe. Two-disc set. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Celeste Holm, biographer Ken Geist and Christopher Mankiewicz; commentary by author Sam Staggs; isolated track score; "Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz" featurette; "Joseph L. Mankiewicz: A Personal Journey" featurette; "The Real Eve" featurette; "The Secret of Sarah Siddons" featurette; "AMC Backstory: All About Eve" featurette; Bette Davis promotion; Ann Baxter promotion; "MovieTone News: 1951 Academy Awards Honor Best Film Achievements, 1951 Hollywood Attends Gala Premiere of 'All About Eve';" restoration comparison; theatrical trailer; theatrical pressbook gallery; advertising gallery; still gallery.
Phone Call From a Stranger (1952) Dir.: Jean Negulesco; Bette Davis, Gary Merrill, Michael Rennie, Keenan Wynn, Shelly Winters, Beatrice Straight. Extras: Restoration comparison, theatrical teaser. theatrical trailer, interactive pressbook gallery, poster gallery, lobby card gallery, still gallery.
The Virgin Queen (1955) Bette Davis, Richard Todd, Joan Collins, Herbert Marshall, Dan O'Herlihy. Extras: "Virgin Territory : The Making of the Virgin Queen" featurette, restoration comparison, theatrical trailer, TV spots, interactive pressbook gallery, poster gallery, lobby card gallery, still gallery.
Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte(1964) Dir.: Robert Aldrich; Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotton, Agnes Moorehead, Cecil Kellaway, Victor Buono, Mary Astor, William Campbell, Bruce Dern. Extras: "Hush . . . Hush, Sweet Joan: The Making of Charlotte" featurette, "Bruce Dern Remembers" featurette, "Wizard Work" vintage featurette narrated by Joseph Cotton, theatrical trailer, interactive pressbook gallery, poster gallery, lobby card gallery, still gallery.
The Nanny (1965) Bette Davis, Wendy Craig, Jill Bennett, William Dix. Extras: Interactive Pressbook Gallery, Poster Gallery, Lobby Card Gallery, Still Gallery.

Between (2005) Poppy Montgomery, Adam Kaufman, Jose Yenque, Danny Pino. A beautiful lawyer from Chicago travels alone to Tijuana in search of her missing sister. Unsettling encounters during her investigation lead her on a mind-bending journey as she attempts to unravel the truth. Extras: Commentary. (Porchlight Home Entertainment).

Classic Musicals From The Dream Factory Volume 3. Nine-disc set with "Hit the Deck" (1955), "Deep In My Heart" (1954), "Kismet" (1955), a Jane Powell two-disc set "Nancy Goes to Rio" (1950) and "Two Weeks With Love" (1950), "Broadway Melody of 1936/Broadway Melody of 1938" two-disc set, and an Eleanor Powell two-disc set "Born to Dance" (1936) and "Lady Be Good" (1941); $69.92. The three single-discs are available separately at $19.97; the three two-disc sets sell for $24.98 each. Extras: Vintage shorts, cartoons, radio programs, more. (Warner).

Cruel World (2005) Edward Furlong, Jamie Pressly. Horror-thriller about a jilted suitor out to get revenge after being humiliated on reality TV by the show's beautiful star. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

East LA Marine: The Guy Gabaldon Story (2006) The untold true story of Guy Gabaldon, the Hispanic Marine who accomplished the impossible by single-handedly capturing 1,500 Japanese prisoners in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The 1960 film "Hell To Eternity" told Gabaldon's story, but he was portrayed by blue-eyed Caucasian poster boy American actor Jeffrey Hunter. This documentary sets the story straight and, since Gabaldon never received the Congressional Medal of Honor, for which his commanding officer recommended him on Saipan in 1944, it urges viewers to go to getguythemedal.com to sign a petition to award Gabaldon the honor he should have received 60 years ago. $19.95. (Arts Alliance America).

The 11th Hour (2007) Leonardo DiCaprio produced and narrated documentary that takes a look at the state of the global environment, including visionary and practical solutions for restoring the planet's ecosystems; $4.99. (Warner).Extras: Action plans for rescuing the planet. (Warner).

Fog City Mavericks: The Filmmakers of San Francisco (2007) Narrated by Peter Coyote. Starz documentary pierces the foggy veil of the San Francisco Bay Area's unique artistic community, featuring clips and rare behind-the-scenes footage, commentaries and all-new, revealing interviews with George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Robin Williams, Saul Zaentz, John Lasseter, Matthew Robbins, Chris Columbus, Milos Forman, Anthony Minghella, Michael Douglas, Sofia Coppola, Steve Jobs and many, many more; $19.97. (Anchor Bay).

Fortysomething. Two-disc set with six episodes of the hit British comedy starring Hugh Laurie as a middle-aged doctor confronting mid-life crises, a philandering wife and three oversexed sons who mock him; $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Hell's Kitchen Season 1. Three-disc set with 11 episodes of the cooking series in which 12 aspiring chefs endure a grueling culinary boot camp, $26.99. Extras: Raw and uncensored footage, interview with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. (Visual Entertainment Inc.).

Innocent Voices (2004 -- Spainish) Dir.: Luis Mandoki; Carlos Padilla, Leonor Varela, Xuna Primus. A young boy, in an effort to have a normal childhood in 1980's El Salvador, is caught up in a dramatic fight for his life as he desperately tries to avoid the war which is raging all around him. (Warner).

The Last Detective, Series 4. Two-disc set with five episodes of the British mystery series about everyman detective Dangerous Davies, $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Lions for Lambs (2007) Dir.: Robert Redford; Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Michael Pena, Derek Luke, Andrew Garfield. Extras: Commentary by Redford, "The Making of Lions for Lambs," "Script to Screen" and "United Artists Legacy" featurettes. (UA/MGM).

Magus (2008) Ron Fitzgerald, Bill Steele, Lizzy Strain, Eva Derrek, Julie Strain. A broken-down healer discovers that a wizard has broken the Code and is using his power for evil. Extras: Commentary. (MTI Home Video).

Manda Bala (Send a Bullet) (2007) Award-winning documentary, an examination of corruption and class warfare in Brazil as told through the stories of a wealthy businessman, a plastic surgeon who assists kidnapping victims and a politician whose income relies on a frog farm. Extras: Commentary, additional scenes. (City Lights Home Entertainment).

Matlock: Season One. Seven-disc set with 25 episodes, $30.00. (Paramount).

Meerkat Manor. Two-disc set with all 13 episodes of the Animal Planet series that uses state-of-the-art camera technology above and below the ground to track a group of meerkats 24 hours a day; $24.95. (Genius Products).

P2 (2007) Grace Lynn Kung, Rachel Nichols, Simon Reynolds, Wes Bentley. A young woman is held hostage by a psychopath on the P2 parking level of her office building on Christmas eve. Extras: "A New Level of Fear: The Making of P2," "Designing Terror," commentary, more. (Summit Entertainment).

Partition (2007) Jimi Mistry, Kristin Kreuk, Neve Campbell, John Light, Madhur Jaffrey. In 1947, amidst the chaos and bloodshed unleashed when India and Pakistan are split into separate state, Sikh and former soldier Gian risks everything to save Naseem, a young Muslim woman, from a violent mob. When they fall in love, religious zealots try to tear them apart. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Perry Mason 50th Anniversary Edition. Four-disc set with 12 exceptional episodes of the classic TV series starring Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper; fourth disc contains bonus features; $39.99. Extras: "Perry Mason Returns" TV movie, Perry Mason talent test, "The Case of Earle Stanley Gardner" featurette, syndication promos, Charlie Rose interviews with Raymond Burr, Raymond Burr on "Person to Person" in 1958, interview with Barbara Hale, photo gallery, more. (Paramount).

The Private Life of a Masterpiece (2003) Seven-disc set of the award-winning series that reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the most famous works of art, including "The Last Supper," "David," "Whistler's Mother," more; $99.98. (BBC Video/Warner).

Random Passage (2002 -- TV) Colm Meaney, Aoife McMahon. Award-winning Canadian miniseries about a courageous woman's journey from servitude in England to the harsh life of Outport Newfoundland in the 1800s. Two-disc set. (BFS Entertainment).

Resurrecting the Champ (2007) Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Morris, Teri Hatcher, Alan Alda. Extras: Making-of featurette, cast and crew interviews. (Fox).

Reservation Road (2007) Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino, Elle Fanning. Two families become intertwined -- and face revenge -- when the father from one kills the son of the other in a hit-and-run. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Looking Back on Reservation Road." (Universal).

Rock of Love -- The Complete First Season. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $34.97. Sleazy no-holds-barred competition to find a female companion for Poison's Bret Michaels. (Anchor Bay).

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry 6 (2007) Two-disc set with six episodes of original material performed by contemporary poets and well-known music/comedy artists. Taped as always before a live audience at The Supper Club in NYC. (HBO Video).

Sense and Sensibility (2007) David Morressey, Janet McTeer, Dominic Cooper, Dan Stevens. BBC version of the Jane Austen classic. Two-disc set. Extras: Commentaries, interviews with producer Anne Pivcevic and writer Andrew Davies, photo gallery, deleted scenes. (Warner).

Sharkwater (2006) Documentary debunks the stereotype that sharks are bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters, revealing the reality that sharks -- pillars in the evolution of the seas -- are being dangerously over fished and brutally slaughtered; $19.98. (Warner).

Silver Man (2000) Eugene Levy, Joe Pantoliano, Daniel Baldwin. A street performer fights a pathological man for his girlfriend's love. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Thank Heaven (2001) Jenny McCarthy, Matt Keeslar, Kadeem Harrison. Comedy about a couple deeply in love who make each other miserable until the man finds God on the golf course. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

There Will Be Blood (2007) Dir.: Paul Thomas Anderson; Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciaran Hinds, Kevin J. O'Connor, Dillon Freasier. Available as a single disc and in a two-disc set. Extras: "The Story of Petroleum," "15" -- a slideshow of vintage photos selected by Paul Thomas Anderson and set to the musical score created by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, deleted scenes, "Dailies Gone Wild." (Paramount).

Three Sheets: Season Two.Two-disc set with 10 episodes of MOJO HD channel's top-rated cult drinking hit in which comedian Zane Lamprey spans the globe seeking out the world's best watering holes, most unique international cocktails and craziest locals, $24.98. (Infinity Entertainment).

Tilt: The Battle to Save Pinball (2006) Documentary about the death of pinball machines. The situation facing the pinball designers at Williams Electronic Games in 1998: come up with something new, or see the world's largest pinball manufacturer be shut down forever. And Williams' designers did come up with something amazing: a brand new kind of pinball machine - "Pinball 2000" - that fused video with classic pinball game play, preserving what was great about pinball, yet opening up all-new possibilities for a product thought to be on its last legs. But soon after its successful and highly-profitable launch, Williams pulled the plug, leaving behind unanswered questions and abandoning one of the world's great design organizations. Two-disc set, $29.95. Extras: Commentary, interviews, video tour of the Williams pinball factory just weeks before its closure, an audio panel discussion with Pinball 2000 team members, exclusive video footage of unreleased prototype pinball games, an extended interview with industry legend Steve Kordek -- the man who in 1948 first put the flippers at the bottom of a pinball machine, and a host of Williams marketing and promotional videos. (www.tilt-movie.com) (C3 Images).

Travel With Kids: New York. Latest in the series that takes families on vacation trips to exciting locales; a resource for preparing for a family vacation by introducing children to local customs, food, and breath-taking scenery prior to departure or researching a school report. This outing explores New York City, featuring money-saving tips, topical pop-up facts, advice for traveling with children and fun segments filled with all things great about the city that never sleeps. $14.98. (Porchlight Home Entertainment).

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer. In single-disc theatrical version and two-disc unrated version. Unrated extras: Commentary by Jake Kasdan, Judd Apatow, John C. Reilly and Lew Morton; deleted and extended scenes; Line-O-Rama song performances; "The Music of Walk Hard"; "The Real Dewey Cox"; additional full song performances; a Christmas song from Dewey Cox; Cox Sausage commercials with outtakes; song demos; "The Making of Walk Hard"; "The Last Word With John Hodgman"; "The Music of Walk Hard"; "The Real Dewey Cox"; Dewey Cox's Last Interview. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

War/Dance (2007) 2008 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature. Set in Northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of civil war, the documentary tells the story of Dominic, Rose, and Nancy, three children whose families have been torn apart, their homes destroyed, their innocence lost, and who currently reside in a displaced persons camp in Patongo. These children, who are overwhelmed by the brutal realities of their lives, attend a school where they momentarily forget their struggles as they participate in music, song and dance. When they are invited to compete in an annual National music and dance competition in their nation's capitol, their historic journey is also an opportunity to regain a part of their childhood and to taste victory for the first time in their lives. (ThinkFilm).

The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007) Emily Watson, Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey, Brian Cox. Two-disc special edition. Extras: Six featurettes: "Creating Crusoe," "Myths and Legends," "Setting the Scene," "The Characters," "The Story" and "Water Work: Creating the Water Horse"; deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Apr 15, 2008 4:36 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, V12.16

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, April 15 -- Monday, April 22

Aliens vs. Predator -- Requiem
Picking up after the events of the 2004 blockbuster "Alien vs. Predator," the Predator gives birth to a crossbreed 'PredAlien' shortly before its ship crashes into a small Colorado town. Caught in between the invasion of the Aliens and a new ruthless and methodical Predator, a group of townspeople must join forces to stop the infestation before the military obliterates the town to contain the outbreak. Vitals: Director: Colin Strause, Greg Strause. Stars: David Paetkau, John Ortiz, Johnny Lewis, Reiko Aylesworth, Sam Trammell, Shareeka Epps, Steven Pasquale. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 94 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $41.564 million, Fox.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Master filmmaker Sidney Lumet directs this absorbing suspense thriller about a family facing the worst enemy of all -- itself. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Andy, an overextended broker who lures his younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a larcenous scheme: the pair will rob a suburban mom-and-pop jewelry store that appears to be the quintessential easy target. The problem is, the store owners are Andy and Hank's actual mom and pop and, when the seemingly perfect crime goes awry, the damage lands right at their doorstep. Marisa Tomei plays Hoffman's trophy wife, who is having a clandestine affair with Hawke, and the stellar cast also includes Albert Finney as the family patriarch who pursues justice at all costs, completely unaware that the culprits he is hunting are his own sons. A classy, classic heist-gone-wrong drama in the tradition of "The Killing" and Lumet's own "The Anderson Tapes," "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" is smart enough to know that we often have the most to fear from those who are near and dear. Vitals: Director: Sidney Lumet. Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 117 min., Drama, Box office gross: $6.806 million, ThinkFilm.

Juno
Ellen Page stars as the title character, a whip-smart teen confronting an unplanned pregnancy by her classmate Bleeker (Michael Cera). With the help of her hot best friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby), Juno finds her unborn child a "perfect" set of parents: an affluent suburban couple, Mark and Vanessa (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), longing to adopt. Luckily, Juno has the total support of her parents (JK Simmons and Allison Janney) as she faces some tough decisions, flirts with adulthood and ultimately figures out where she belongs. Vitals: Director: Jason Reitman. Stars: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Allison Janney, JK Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 92 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $117.506 million, Fox.

Lars and the Real Girl
Ryan Gosling stars as Lars Lindstrom, a loveable introvert whose emotional baggage has kept him from fully embracing life. After years of solitude, Lars buys a life-size sex doll on the Internet and falls in love with her, telling people it's his girlfriend. Lars' brother and sister-in-law Karin and Gus consult the town's family physician, Dr. Dagmar Berman, who advises them to go along with it. Lars is experiencing a delusion and in order to help him through this crisis, they and the townsfolk need to get onboard. After some persuasion and appeal to their love and concern for Lars, Gus and Karin enlist their cooperation. Soon Bianca is attending church, modeling at the local dress shop, volunteering at the hospital and accompanying Lars to his first ever social events. Surprisingly to those around her, Bianca weaves her way into the hearts of everyone she meets, filling voids they didn't know they had. Vitals: Director: Craig Gillespie. Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, Patricia Clarkson, Nancy Beatty, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, Karen Robinson. 2007, CC, MPAA rating:PG-13, 106 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $5.928 million, MGM.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Director Allen Baron's New York City noir "Blast of Silence" (1961) is a sensational surprise. This low-budget, carefully crafted portrait of a hit man on assignment in Manhattan during Christmastime follows its stripped-down narrative with mechanical precision, yet also with an eye and ear for the oddball idiosyncrasies of urban living. In a new, restored digital transfer from The Criterion Collection.

From TV to Video:
"Alien Nation: Ultimate Movie Collection" is a three-disc set with all five post-series TV movies: "Alien Nation: Dark Horizon" (1994), "Alien Nation: Body and Soul" (1995), "Alien Nation: Millennium" (1996), "Alien Nation: The Enemy Within" (1996) and "Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy" (1997); $49.98 from Fox ... "The Ambassador: Series Two" (1998) is a three-disc set with seven episodes of the U.K. series about the female ambassador to Ireland who diplomatically solves problems ranging from territorial disputes and kidnapping to cults, sabotage and murder, from BFS Entertainment ... "American Dad Volume Three," a three-disc set with 18 episodes from Season Two and Three, $39.98 from Fox ... "Clive Cussler's The Sea Hunters, Set 2" includes six episodes of the underwater documentary series, including "The Search for Andrea Gail" (the boat immortalized in "The Perfect Storm"), "Catherine the Great's Treasure Ship," "The Search for the SS Alabama" (a Confederate vessel sunk during the Civil War); more. $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "College Hill: Interns" (2007), a two-disc set of the BET realty-TV show, $19.99 from Paramount ... "Melrose Place: The Fourth Season" (1995-96), a nine-disc set with 32 episodes, $61.99 from Paramount ... The 2007 U.K. version of "A Room With a View," starring Elaine Cassidy, Laurence Fox and Rafe Spall, from WGBH Boston Video ... "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila," a three-disc set with 11 uncensored episodes, $39.99 from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
Based on the popular "Dungeon Siege" video game series "In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale" (2008) follows a hardworking family man who becomes a reluctant warrior after an evil sorcerer sends an army of murderous beasts to ransack his peaceful village and capture his wife. Stars Jason Statham, Leelee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Ray Liotta, Matthew Lillard, Burt Reynolds, Will Sanderson, Ron Perlman, Claire Forlani, Brian J. White, Kristanna Loken and Gabrielle Rose, from Fox ... In the thriller "Border Lost" (2008), starring Chris Cleveland, Kelly Noonan, Emilio Roso, David Schultz and Marian Zapico, three U.S. border agents decide to take the law into their own hands, from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Inside" (2007) is an ultra-violent, horrifying French thriller about a pregnant woman terrorized by a raging psychopath, from The Weinstein Company/Genius Products ... In "Loch Ness Terror" (2007), the residents of Lake Superior are falling prey to a Loch Ness monster, from Sony ... In "Impulse" (2008), starring Angus Macfadyen and Willa Ford, a beautiful ad executive believes she has finally managed to unleash her husband's wild side in bed -- only to discover that her erotic game of role-playing leads to a dangerous game of seduction, from Sony.

On the Indie Front:
"The Pied Piper of Hutzovina" (2008) In the summer of 2004, on a car journey in Eastern Europe, Pavla Fleischer met and fell in love with Eugene Hutz, lead singer of the New York-based Gypsy Punk band Gogol Bordello; this film is her documentary that follows Eugene and Pavla on their subsequent road trip through Eugene's' home country, Ukraine; $19.95 from Arts Alliance America ... "The Final Season" (2005), starring Sean Astin, Powers Boothe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tom Arnold and Michael Angarano, follows a small-town high school team from Norway, Iowa (population 586) that lives and breathes American's favorite pastime -- baseball -- and has won 19 State Championships ... until a series of unexpected blows threaten to rob them of their 20th championship win. Based on a true story; from Fox ... A frustrated and underappreciated actor who still lives with his mother overeats to deal with his problems in "I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With" (2006), starring Jeff Garlin, Sarah Silverman, Amy Sedaris, Gina Gershon, Bonnie Hunt, Dan Castellaneta and Richard Kind, from Genius Products.

For the Family:
"Classical Baby: (I'm Grown Up Now): The Poetry Show" features the hallmark animation of HBO Family's Peabody and Emmy Award-winning "Classical Baby" franchise. This edition presents the diaper-clad "conductor" now as a young boy reading lines from timeless treasures from the world of poetry, including classics by William Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Langston Hughes; $9.97 from HBO Video ... "SpongeBob SquarePants: Pest of The West" includes seven SpongeBob episodes, $16.99 from (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Special Interest:
"A Global Warning?" is a History Channel documentary that surveys the frontline of scientific research and climatic impact to look at global warming; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "How the Earth Was Made" is a History Channel documentary that reveals the entire 4.5 billion-year journey of our planet, $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "The Canine Conspiracy/The Cat Connection" is a pair of Discovery Channel documentaries on the origin of domestic dogs and cats; $9.98 from Warner ... "Diana: Queen of Hearts" (1998) is a documentary that celebrates Princess Diana's life and legacy while avoiding scandal and gossip; $9.95 from Genius Products ... In "War/Dance" (2007), three children living in a displacement camp in northern Uganda compete in their country's national music and dance festival; the film was an Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature; from ThinkFilm.

-----------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Alien Nation: Ultimate Movie Collection. Three-disc set with all five post-series TV movies: "Alien Nation: Dark Horizon" (1994), "Alien Nation: Body and Soul" (1995), "Alien Nation: Millennium" (1996), "Alien Nation: The Enemy Within" (1996) and "Alien Nation: The Udara Legacy" (1997); $49.98. Extras: Commentaries, cast reunion, behind-the-scenes featurettes, gag reels, storyboards, more. (Fox).

Aliens vs. Predator -- Requiem (2007) David Paetkau, John Ortiz, Johnny Lewis, Reiko Aylesworth, Sam Trammell, Shareeka Epps, Steven Pasquale. In single disc rated theatrical, in single disc unrated theatrical, extreme unrated two-disc special edition, and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Single discs: Commentary by directors Colin and Greg Strause and producer John Davis, commentary by creature effects designers/creators Tom Woodruff Jr. and Alec Gillis. Extreme unrated adds 10 minutes of never-before-seen gruesome footage; five behind-the-scene featurettes: "Prepare for War: The Making of AVP-R," "Fight to the Finish: The Making of AVP-R," "AVP-R: The Nightmare Returns -- Creating the Aliens," "Crossbreed: The PredAlien" and "Building the Predator Homeworld"; still design galleries. (Fox).

The Ambassador: Series Two (1998) Three-disc set with seven episodes of the U.K. series about the female ambassador to Ireland who diplomatically solves problems ranging from territorial disputes and kidnapping to cults, sabotage and murder. Stars Pauline Collins. (BFS Entertainment).

American Dad Volume Three. Three-disc set with 18 episodes from Season Two and Three, $39.98. Extras: Unrated audio, commentary, deleted scenes. (Fox).

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) Dir.: Sidney Lumet; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei. Extras: Commentary by Lumet, Hoffman and Ethan Hawke, "Directed by Sidney Lumet: How The Devil Was Made" featurette. (ThinkFilm).

Blast of Silence (1961) Allen Baron, Molly McCarthy, Larry Tucker, Peter Clume, Danny Meehan, Lionel Stander. Allen Baron's New York City noir is a sensational surprise. This low-budget, carefully crafted portrait of a hit man on assignment in Manhattan during Christmastime follows its stripped-down narrative with mechanical precision, yet also with an eye and ear for the oddball idiosyncrasies of urban living. New, restored digital transfer. Extras: "Requiem for a Killer: The Making of Blast of Silence" (2007), rare on-set Polaroids, locations revisited in 2008, plus an essay by film critic Terrence Rafferty and a four-page graphic-novel adaptation of the film by award-winning artist Sean Phillips. (The Criterion Collection).

Border Lost (2008) Chris Cleveland, Kelly Noonan, Emilio Roso, David Schultz, Marian Zapico. Three U.S. border agents decide to take the law into their own hands. (Allumination FilmWorks).

The Canine Conspiracy/The Cat Connection. Pair of Discovery Channel documentaries on the origin of domestic dogs and cats; $9.98. (Warner).

Classical Baby: (I'm Grown Up Now): The Poetry Show. Featuring the hallmark animation of HBO Family's Peabody and Emmy Award-winning "Classical Baby" franchise, "Classical Baby: (I'm Grown Up Now): The Poetry Show" presents the diaper-clad "conductor" now as a young boy reading lines from timeless treasures from the world of poetry, including classics by William Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Langston Hughes. With an all-star cast that includes Susan Sarandon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Wright, Andy Garcia and John Lithgow; $9.97. (HBO Video).

Clive Cussler's The Sea Hunters, Set 2. Six episodes of the underwater documentary series, including "The Search for Andrea Gail" (the boat immortalized in "The Perfect Storm"), "Catherine the Great's Treasure Ship," "The Search for the SS Alabama" (a Confederate vessel sunk during the Civil War); more. $39.99. Extras: Extra footage for each episode. (Acorn Media).

College Hill: Interns (2007) Two-disc set of the BET realty-TV show, $19.99. Extras: Cast audition reel, reject reel. (Paramount).

Diana: Queen of Hearts (1998 -- TV) Documentary celebrates Princess Diana's life and legacy, avoiding scandal and gossip; $9.95. (Genius Products).

The Final Season (2005) Sean Astin, Powers Boothe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tom Arnold, Michael Angarano. Follows a small-town high school team from Norway, Iowa (population 586) that lives and breathes American's favorite pastime - baseball - and has won 19 State Championships ... but the small town heroes are dealt a series of unexpected blows that threaten to rob them of their 20th championship win. Based on a true story. Extras: Commentary by director David Mickey Evans, Sean Astin, executive producer Carl Borack and producer Michael Wasserman; commentary by producer Tony Wilson and real life coaches Kent Stock and Jim Van Scoyoc; "The Making of The Final Season" featurette; "The Real Season: The Spirit of Norway" featurette. (Fox).

A Global Warning? History Channel documentary surveys the frontline of scientific research and climatic impact to look at global warming; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

How the Earth Was Made. History Channel documentary reveals the entire 4.5 billion-year journey of our planet, $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With (2006) Jeff Garlin, Sarah Silverman, Amy Sedaris, Gina Gershon, Bonnie Hunt, Dan Castellaneta, Richard Kind. A frustrated and underappreciated actor who still lives with his mother overeats to deal with his problems. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Jeff Garlin, deleted scenes. (Genius Products).

Impulse (2008) Angus Macfadyen, Willa Ford. A beautiful ad executive believes she has finally managed to unleash her husband's wild side in bed -- only to discover that her erotic game of role-playing leads to a dangerous game of seduction. (Sony).

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2008) Jason Statham, Leelee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Ray Liotta, Matthew Lillard, Burt Reynolds, Will Sanderson, Ron Perlman, Claire Forlani, Brian J. White, Kristanna Loken, Gabrielle Rose. Based on the popular "Dungeon Siege" video game series, the story follows a hardworking family man who becomes a reluctant warrior after an evil sorcerer sends an army of murderous beasts to ransack his peaceful village and capture his wife. Extras: Deleted/extended scenes, behind-the-scenes featurette. (Fox).

Inside (2007 -- France) Beatrice Dalle, Alysson Paradis, Nathalie Roussel, Francois-Regis Marchasson. Ultra-violent, horrifying thriller about a pregnant woman, still grieving over her recently deceased husband and alone on the eve of her delivery, who is terrorized by a raging psychopath determined to retrieve the baby from her womb by any means necessary. (The Weinstein Company/Genius Products).

Juno (2007) Director: Jason Reitman; Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Allison Janney, JK Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner. Extras: Commentary by Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody, deleted scenes, gag reels, four featurettes: "Way Beyond 'Our' Maturity Level: Juno -- Leah - Bleeker," "Diablo Cody Is Totally Boss," "Jason Reitman for Shizz," "Honest to Blog! Creating Juno," cast and crew jam, screen tests. (Fox).

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, Patricia Clarkson, Nancy Beatty, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, Karen Robinson. Extras: "Just Like All the Other Actors" and "The Real Story of Lars and the Real Girl" featurettes, deleted scene. (MGM).

Loch Ness Terror (2007) Brian Krause. Somehow the residents of Lake Superior are falling prey to the Loch Ness monster. Extras: "The Making of Loch Ness Terror" featurette. (Sony).

Mannequin/Mannequin 2: On the Move. Double bill with "Mannequin" (1987) starring Andrew McCarthy, Kim Cattrall, Estelle Gett, James Spader and "Mannequin 2" (1991) starring Kristy Swanson and William Ragsdale. (MGM).

Melrose Place: The Fourth Season (1995-96)) Nine-disc set with 32 episodes, $61.99. (Paramount).

A Passage to India (1984) Dir.: David Lean; Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, Peggy Ashcroft, James Fox, Alec Guinness. Two-disc collector's edition. Extras: Commentary by producer Richard Goodwin, "E.M. Forster: A Profile of an Author" featurette, "An Epic Takes Shape" featurette, "An Indian Affair" production featurette, "Only Connect: A Vision of India" post-production featurette, "Casting a Classic" featurette, "David Lean: Shooting with the Master," "Reflections of David Lean" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The Pied Piper of Hutzovina (2008) In the summer of 2004, on a car journey in Eastern Europe, Pavla Fleischer met and fell in love with Eugene Hutz, lead singer of the New York-based Gypsy Punk band Gogol Bordello. Captivated by his energy and his musical verve, and desperate to get to know him better, she decided to make a film about him. The Pied Piper of Hutzovina follows Eugene and Pavla on their subsequent road trip through Eugene's' home country, Ukraine. The film is the story of two people traveling together on two very different courses. Her aim is to rediscover a forgotten romance; his is to rediscover his roots. She hopes to find love on the road; he hopes to find musical inspiration from the gypsy culture he is determined to preserve. $19.95. (Arts Alliance America).

A Room With a View (2007 -- U.K. TV) Elaine Cassidy, Laurence Fox, Rafe Spall. (WGBH Boston Video).

A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila. Three-disc set with 11 uncensored episodes, $39.99. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Paramount).

SpongeBob SquarePants: Pest of The West. Seven SpongeBob episodes, $16.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

War/Dance(2007) Three children living in a displacement camp in northern Uganda compete in their country's national music and dance festival. Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature. (ThinkFilm).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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#327

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:32 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, April 22, 2008, V12.17

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, April 22 -- Monday, April 29

Charlie Wilson's War
"Charlie Wilson's War" is the true story of how a playboy congressman, a renegade CIA agent and a beautiful Houston socialite joined forces to lead the largest and most successful covert operation in history. Their efforts contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, with consequences that reverberate throughout the world today. Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) was a bachelor congressman from Texas who had a habit of showing up in hot tubs with strippers and cocaine. His "Good Time Charlie" exterior, however, masked an extraordinary mind, a deep sense of patriotism and a passion for the underdog, and in the early 1980s the underdog was Afghanistan -- which had just been brutally invaded by the Soviet Union. Charlie's longtime friend and patron and sometime lover was Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), one of the wealthiest women in Texas and a virulent anti-communist. Believing the American response to the Russian invasion was anemic at best, she prods Charlie into doing more for the Mujahideen (Afghan freedom fighters). Charlie's partner in this uphill endeavor is CIA Agent Gust Avrakotos (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), a blue-collar operative in a company of Ivy League blue bloods. Together, the three of them travel the world to form unlikely alliances among the Pakistanis, Israelis, Egyptians, arms dealers, lawmakers and a belly dancer. Their success was remarkable. Funding for covert operations against the Soviets went from $5 million to $1 billion annually. The Red Army retreated out of Afghanistan. When asked how a group of peasants was able to deliver such a decisive blow to the army of a superpower, Pakistani President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq responded simply, "Charlie did it." Vitals: Director: Mike Nichols. Stars: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Om Puri, Jud Tylor, Nazanin Boniadi. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 97 min., Drama, Box office gross: $66.636 million, Universal.

Cloverfield
Five young New Yorkers throw their friend a going-away party the night that a monster the size of a skyscraper descends upon the city. Told from the point of view of their video camera, the film is a document of their attempt to survive the most surreal, horrifying event of their lives. Vitals: Director: Matt Reeves. Stars: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, JessicaLucas, T. J. Miller. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 84 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $79.589 million, Paramount.

One Missed Call
It happens to one. Then another. And another. College students discover eerie voicemail messages on their cell phones. Each call comes from the near future. Each call has the chilling voice of the student during his or her last moments alive. And each call comes true. Does the viral spree of calls have a single source? Is there something that links the victims? Psych student Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) and detective Jack Andrews (Ed Burns) scramble for answers. And they're working fast. Because Beth just discovered an ominous message. Based on the hit Japanese thriller "Chakushin ari." Vitals: Director: Eric Valette. Stars: Ed Burns, Shannyn Sossamon, Ana Claudia Talancon, Ray Wise, Azura Skye, Johnny Lewis, Jason Beghe, Margaret Cho. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 87 min., Horror Thriller, Box office gross: $26.713 million, Warner.

Orphanage, The
"The Orphanage" centers on a young woman, Laura (Belen Rueda), who purchases her beloved childhood orphanage with dreams of restoring and reopening the long abandoned facility as a place for disabled children. Once there, Laura discovers that the new environment awakens her son's imagination, but the ongoing fantasy games he plays with an invisible friend quickly turn into something more disturbing. Upon seeing her family increasingly threatened by the strange occurrences in the house, Laura looks to a group of parapsychologists for help in unraveling the mystery that has taken over the place. In Spanish with English subtitles. Vitals: Director: Juan Antonio Bayona. Stars: Belen Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Geraldine Chaplin, Montserrat Carulla, Mabel Rivera, Andres Gertrudix, Roger Princep. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Horror Thriller, Box office gross: $6.981 million, New Line.

Savages, The
Nominated for two Academy Awards including best actress for Laura Linney and best original screenplay for writer-director Tamara Jenkins, "The Savages" centers on two siblings who are reluctantly forced to look back at their difficult family history. Having wriggled their way beneath their father's domineering thumb, they are firmly cocooned in their own complicated lives -- Wendy (Linney) a struggling playwright; Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) a neurotic college professor. When their father (Philip Bosco) begins to be consumed by dementia, they are forced to live together under one roof for the first time since childhood. Faced with complete upheaval and battling over how to handle their father's final days, they are confronted with what adulthood, family and most surprisingly, each other are really about. Vitals: Director: Tamara Jenkins. Stars: Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco, Peter Friedman, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Cara Seymour. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 113 min., Comedy Drama, Box office gross: $5.272 million, Fox.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
"Death of a Cyclist" (1955 -- Spain) is a tale of guilt, infidelity, and blackmail revolving around a wealthy married couple who hit a cyclist and run. The film was notorious for revealing the wide gap between the rich and the poor in Spain and for surveying the corrupt ethics of a society seduced by decadence. In a new, restored high-definition digital transfer from The Criterion Collection ... Also from Criterion comes "Silent Ozu: Three Family Comedies (Eclipse Series #10)," a no-frills box set of three comedies by the great director Yasujiro Ozu: "Tokyo Chorus" (1931), "I Was Born But . . ." (1932) and "Passing Fancy" (1933); $44.95 ... and for Shirley Temple fans there's "The Shirley Temple Collection Volume 6," a three-disc set with "Young People" (1940), "Stowaway" (1936) and the John Ford classic "Wee Willie Winkie" (1937), co-starring Victor McLaglen (in black-and-white and colorized versions); $29.98 the set or $14.98 each, from Fox.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "The Best of Backyard Habitat, Volume 1," a collection of 12 episodes of the do-it-yourself backyard makeover series, $14.95 from Genius Products ... "Casanova's Love Letters" (2005) stars Patrick Bergin, Tom Frederic, David Acton and Sophie Lovell Anderson in the docudrama miniseries that follows the exploits of the "World's Greatest Lover," in a three-disc set from BFS Entertainment ... "Friday Night Lights: The Second Season" (2007-08) is a four-disc set with 15 episodes, $29.98 from Universal ... "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Season 1" features 10 episodes of the Adult Swim series, from Warner.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Last Request" (2006) is a comedy about a dying man's last request is for his sons to continue the family name. When his brother dies trying, Jeff leaves the seminary and encounters crazy women and oddball characters in an effort to honor his dad's request; stars T.R. Knight, Danny Aiello, Mario Cantone, Frank Vincent, Sabrina Lloyd, Joe Piscopo, Vincent Pastore, Tony Lo Bianco, Barbara Feldon, Mary Birdsong, Gilbert Gottfried; from MTI Home Video ... "Black House" (2007 -- South Korea) is a gory horror thriller about an insurance claims agent who faces off with a client whom he suspects of committing murders with the intention of collecting insurance premiums ... but he digs a bit too deep for his own good, from Genius Products .. In "Flashpoint" (2007 -- Hong Kong) , a police detective (Donnie Yen ) battles three brothers of a powerful Vietnamese gang; a two-disc ultimate edition from Dragon Dynasty/Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... In "Sick Nurses" (2007 -- Thailand) a group of sexy nurses who harvest organs are haunted by the vengeful spirit of one of their dead patients; from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

For the Family:
"Call of the Wild" (2000) is an Animal Planet live-action adventure based on Jack London's novel, $14.98 from Allumination FilmWorks ... In the feature "Gumby the Movie" (1995), based on the 1950s "claymation" cartoon series, the crazy Blockheads threaten to ruin Gumby's benefit concert for farmers by replacing the band with clones; from Classic Media ... In "Mist: The Tale of a Sheepdog Puppy" (2006), a sheepdog pup tries to impress her boss with her skills while coping with gruff and grumpy rams; $14.98 from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Oban Star-Racers Volume One: The Alwas Cycle" (2006) is a two-disc set with all 13 Uncut Episodes of the 2-D and 3-D animated futuristic sci fi series, $19.99 from Shout! Factory.

Special Interest:
"We Are the Music!" (1964 -- Cuba) is a documentary on the genesis of the music from the Buena Vista Social Club, $29.95 from First Run Features ... "Wetlands Preserved: The Story of an Activist Rock Club" (2008) is a documentary that tracks the history of the first-ever activist nightclub, set up in the 1990s in an ex-Chinese restaurant in New York City. Features interviews and concert footage with Dave Matthews, Warren Haynes (of the Allman Brothers Band), Bob Weir, Phish, Blues Traveler, more. $24.95 from First Run Features.

-----------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

The Best of Backyard Habitat, Volume 1, Collection of 12 episodes of the do-it-yourself backyard makeover series, $14.95. (Genius Products).

Black House (2007 - South Korea) Gory horror thriller about an insurance claims agent who faces off with a client whom he suspects of committing murders with the intention of collecting insurance premiums ... but he digs a bit too deep for his own good. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Truth About Psychopaths" making-of featurette, "The Secrets of the Black House" production design featurette. (Genius Products).

Call of the Wild (2000) Animal Planet live-action adventure based on Jack London's novel, $14.98. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Casanova's Love Letters (2005 -- TV) Patrick Bergin, Tom Frederic, David Acton, Sophie Lovell Anderson. Docudrama miniseries follows the exploits of the "World's Greatest Lover." Three-disc set. Extras: "Casanova's Last Stand" drama with Armand Assante. (BFS Entertainment).

Charlie Wilson's War (2008) Dir.: Mike Nichols; Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Om Puri, Jud Tylor, Nazanin Boniadi. Extras: "The Making of Charlie Wilson's War," "Who Is Charlie Wilson?" (Universal).

Cloverfield (2008) Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, JessicaLucas, T. J. Miller. Extras: Commentary by director Matt Reeves, "The Making of Cloverfield," "I Saw It! It's Alive, It's Huge" featurette, visual effects featurettes, "Clover Fun," deleted scenes, two alternate endings. (Paramount).

Dam Street (2005 -- China) Xingrao Huang. A 16-year-old girl is ostracized from her small community when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock and is forced to work as a singer in a song and dance troupe. (First Run Features).

A Date With Judy (1948) Wallace Beery, Jane Powell, Elizabeth Taylor, Carmen Miranda, Robert Stack. (Warner).

Death of a Cyclist (1955 -- Spain) Lucia Bose, Alberto Closas, Otello Toso, Carlos Casaravilla, Bruna Corra. Tale of guilt, infidelity, and blackmail after a wealthy married couple hit a cyclist and run; reveals the wide gap between the rich and the poor in Spain, and surveys the corrupt ethics of a society seduced by decadence. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: "Calle Bardem" (2005), a documentary on the revolutionary life and career of director Juan Antonio Bardem, plus a booklet featuring an essay by scholar Marsha Kinder and a 1955 essay by Bardem on Spanish cinema. (The Criterion Collection).

Flashpoint (2007 - Hong Kong) A police detective (Donnie Yen ) battles three brothers of a powerful Vietnamese gang. Two-disc ultimate edition. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, behind-the-scenes gallery, interview with Donnie Yen, more. (Dragon Dynasty/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Friday Night Lights: The Second Season (2007-08) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $29.98. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentaries, cast and crew interview. (Universal).

Gumby the Movie (1995) In this feature effort based on the 1950s "claymation" cartoon series, the crazy Blockheads threaten to ruin Gumby's benefit concert for farmers by replacing the band with clones. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Classic Media).

Hannah Takes the Stairs (2007) Greta Gerwig, Mark Duplass, Kent Osborne, Andrew Bujalski. Hannah is a recent college graduate interning at a Chicago production company where she is crushing on two writers at work, Matt and Paul, who share an office and keep her entertained. Will a relationship with one of them disrupt the delicate balance of their friendship? Part of the "MumbleCore" film movement characterized by ultra-low budget production (often employing digital video cameras), focus on personal relationships between twentysomethings, improvised scripts, and non-professional actors. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Behind the Scenes of Hannah Takes the Stairs," the short film "Thanks for the Add! A Short Film by John Swanberg" with Greta Gerwig and Kent Osborne, commentary by writer-director Joe Swanberg and lead actors/co-writers Greta Gerwig and Kent Osbornem, five SXSW Film Festival video production diary spots. (Genius Products).

Last Request (2006) T.R. Knight, Danny Aiello, Mario Cantone, Frank Vincent, Sabrina Lloyd, Joe Piscopo, Vincent Pastore, Tony Lo Bianco, Barbara Feldon, Mary Birdsong, Gilbert Gottfried. Pop's last request is for his sons to continue the family name. When his brother dies trying, Jeff leaves the seminary and encounters crazy women and oddball characters in an effort to honor his dad's request. (MTI Home Video).

Merrill's Marauders (1962) Dir.: Samuel Fuller; Jeff Chandler, Ty Hardin, Peter Brown, Andrew Duggan, Will Hutchins, Claude Akins. (Warner).

Mist: The Tale of a Sheepdog Puppy (2006 -- TV) A sheepdog pup tries to impress her boss with her skills while coping with gruff and grumpy rams; $14.98. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Oban Star-Racers Volume One: The Alwas Cycle (2006) Two-disc set with all 13 Uncut Episodes of the 2-D and 3-D animated futuristic sci fi series, $19.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, interview with creator Savin Yeatman-Eiffel, star-racer profiles, rare, original concept art. (Shout! Factory).

One Missed Call (2008) Ed Burns, Shannyn Sossamon, Ana Claudia Talancon, Ray Wise, Azura Skye, Johnny Lewis, Jason Beghe, Margaret Cho. Also available on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

The Orphanage (2007 -- Spain) Belen Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Geraldine Chaplin, Montserrat Carulla, Mabel Rivera, Andres Gertrudix, Roger Princep. Extras: "When Laura Grew Up: Constructing The Orphanage" featurette, "Horror in the Unknown: Make-Up" featurette, "Rehearsal Studio" with director and cast, still gallery. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Line).

Romulus, My Father (2007) Eric Bana, Franka Potente, Kodi Smit-McPhee. Story of Romulus, a young Slavian immigrant, his beautiful wife Christina, and their struggle in the face of great adversity to bring up their son, Raimond, in the Australian outback ... a story of impossible love that ultimately celebrates the unbreakable bond between father and son. Based on the acclaimed memoir by Australian philosopher Raimond Gaita. Extras: Making-of featurette, deleted scenes, storyboards. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Savages (2007) Dir.: Tamara Jenkins; Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco, Peter Friedman, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Cara Seymour. Extras: "About the Savage" featurette, director's snapshots, "The Sun City West Rhythm Tappers" extended scene, "Two of a Kind " extended scene. (Fox).

Sick Nurses (2007 -- Thailand) A group of sexy nurses who harvest organs are haunted by the vengeful spirit of one of their dead patients. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Shirley Temple Collection Volume 6. Three-disc set with "Young People" (1940), "Stowaway" (1936) and the John Ford classic "Wee Willie Winkie" (1937), co-starring Victor McLaglen (in black-and-white and colorized versions); $29.98 the set or $14.98 each. (Fox).

Silent Ozu: Three Family Comedies (Eclipse Series #10). No-frills box set of three comedies by the great director Yasujiro Ozu: "Tokyo Chorus" (1931), "I Was Born But . . ." (1932) and "Passing Fancy" (1933); $44.95. (The Criterion Collection).

Thieves and Liars (2006 -- Spanish) Steven Bauer, Isidro Bobadilla, Elpidia Carrillo. Three different families are affected by the giant underground illegal economy that emerged and continues to grow since Puerto Rico became the main port of entry for cocaine into the U. S. East Coast. (Warner).

Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Season 1. Ten episodes of the Adult Swim series. Extras: "How'd Dey Do Dat??" "Lost Gems and Deleted Scenes," "AwesomCon," "Oops and Ding Dongs," "Promos," "GREAT! (But Not Great Enough): Extended Scenes and Missing Moments." (Warner).

We Are the Music! (1964 -- Cuba) A documentary on the genesis of the music from the Buena Vista Social Club, $29.95. (First Run Features).

Wetlands Preserved: The Story of an Activist Rock Club (2008) Documentary tracks the history of the first-ever activist nightclub, set up in the 1990s in an ex-Chinese restaurant in New York City. Features interviews and concert footage with Dave Matthews, Warren Haynes (of the Allman Brothers Band), Bob Weir, Phish, Blues Traveler, more. $24.95. Extras: Outtakes, concert footage, photo gallery, more. (First Run Features).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#328

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:28 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, April 29, 2008, V12.18

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4/29/08 V12.18

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, April 29 -- Monday, May 5

Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The
The story of Elle France editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, in 1995 at the age of 43, suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire body, except his left eye. Using that eye to blink out his memoir, Bauby eloquently described the aspects of his interior world, from the psychological torment of being trapped inside his body to his imagined stories from lands he'd only visited in his mind. While the physical challenges of Bauby's fate left him with little hope for the future, he began to discover how his life's passions, his rich memories and his newfound imagination could help him achieve a life without boundaries. Vitals: Director: Julian Schnabel. Stars: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josee Croze. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 112 min., Drama, Box office gross: $5.875 million, Miramax.

Golden Compass, The
The first movie based on the bestselling Philip Pullman novels. The "His Dark Materials" trilogy is comprised of "The Golden Compass," "The Subtle Knife" and "The Amber Spyglass" and revolves around a young girl who travels to the far north to save her best friend. Along the way she encounters shape-shifting creatures, witches and a variety of otherworldly characters in parallel universes. Vitals: Director: Chris Weitz. Stars: Nicole Kidman, Eva Green, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 113 min., Fantasy, Box office gross: $67.513 million, New Line.

27 Dresses
Jane (Katherine Heigl) is an idealistic, romantic and completely selfless woman ... a perennial bridal attendant whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane's boss -- with whom she is secretly in love -- Jane begins to reexamine her "always-a-bridesmaid..." lifestyle. Jane has always been good at taking care of others, but not so much in looking after herself. Her entire life has been about making people happy -- and she has a closet full of 27 bridesmaid dresses to prove it. One memorable evening, Jane manages to shuttle between wedding receptions in Manhattan and Brooklyn, a feat witnessed by Kevin (James Marsden), a newspaper reporter who realizes that a story about this wedding junkie is his ticket off the newspaper's bridal beat. Jane finds Kevin's cynicism counter to everything she holds dear -- namely weddings -- and the two lock horns. Guess what happens. Vitals: Director: Anne Fletcher. Stars: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Ed Burns, Melora Hardin, Judy Greer. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 111 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $74.466 million, Fox.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

Three children's classics from Janus Films make their debut this week, headed up by Albert Lamorisse's "The Red Balloon" (1956 -- France), a deceptively simple, nearly wordless tale, in which a young boy discovers a stray balloon that seems to have a mind of its own on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable, yet the world's harsh realities finally interfere. With its glorious palette and allegorical purity, the Academy Award-winning film has enchanted movie lovers, young and old, for generations. Newly restored and available for the first time on DVD, $14.95. Lamorisse's "White Mane" (1953 -- France), long unavailable in the U.S., is an extraordinarily shot wonder about the strong friendship between a boy and a horse in the south of France as the two go looking for the freedom that the world of men won't allow them; $14.95. "Paddle to the Sea" (1966) is based on Holling C. Holling's beloved Caldecott-awarded children's book. William Mason's stunning short film follows the adventures of a tiny, wood-carved canoe as it forges its own path from Lake Superior through the Great Lakes and down to the Atlantic Ocean; $14.95.

Director Anthony Mann's varied career encompassed Westerns, musicals, actioners, war films, melodramas, and toward the end of his career, costume dramas "El Cid" and "The Fall of the Roman Empire." Following upon their restoration of "El Cid," the Weinstein Co. is giving the special Miriam Collection treatment to 1964's "Roman Empire," which starred Alec Guinness, Sophia Loren, Omar Sharif, Stephen Boyd, James Mason and Christopher Plummer, by releasing it in a three-disc Limited Collector's Edition ($39.92) and a two disc Deluxe Edition ($24.95). Extras include a reproduction of the original souvenir program (Collector's Edition Only); six color production stills (Collector's Edition Only); commentary by the producer's son Bill Bronston and film expert Mel Martin; and several featurettes: "Rome in Madrid," "Fall of the 'Real' Roman Empire," "Making of Fall of the Roman Empire," "Hollywood vs. History," "Dimitri Tiomkin: Scoring the Roman Empire" and much, much more ... Embark on thrilling adventures to South America and Mexico with Goofy, Donald Duck and Walt Disney in "The Classic Caballeros Collection," a two short feature set with "Saludos Amigos" (1942) and "Three Caballeros" (1944); $19.99; from Disney.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Volume 3" (1993-95), a 10-disc set; $117.99 from Paramount ... "Ain't Misbehavin'" (1997), a two-disc set of the three-part U.K. miniseries wartime comedy about two very different musicians and their misadventures with gangsters, from BFS Entertainment ... "Bernard and Doris" (2008), directed by Bob Balaban and starring Susan Sarandon and Ralph Fiennes, is an HBO telefilm Inspired by the true story of tobacco billionairess Doris Duke and her devoted Irish butler Bernard Lafferty ... "Beverly Hills 90212: The Fourth Season" is an eight-disc set with 31 episodes, $61.99 from Paramount ... "The Big Gay Sketch Show: The Complete Unrated Second Season" is a two-disc set with eight episodes of the LOGO series, $26.99 from Paramount ... "Cheers -- The Complete Ninth Season" is a five-disc set with 25 episodes, $39.98 from Paramount ... "Dark Shadows: The Beginning #4" features Episodes 106-143, which originally aired November 21, 1966-January 11, 1967, from MPI Home Video ... "Disraeli" (1978) stars Ian McShane as Benjamin Disraeli in this BBC biodrama about one of the most colorful and flamboyant political figures of the 19th century, in a two-disc set, $29.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Intelligence, Season One" is a four-disc set with 14 episodes of the Canadian crime drama series that tackles organized crime and the cops who keep tabs on it, $59.99 from Acorn Media ... "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is -- The Complete Second Season" contains 10 episodes of the reality show, $19.99 from BET/Paramount ... "Night of the Fox" (1990), starring David Birney, Michael York, Deborah Raffin and George Peppard, is a two-disc set of the miniseries based on the World War II-set novel by best-selling author Jack Higgins, $29.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Paranormal State: The Complete Season One" is a three-disc set with 17 episodes, $34.95 from A&E Home Video ... "See No Evil: The Story of the Moors Murders" (2006) is a telefilm based on the chilling true story of child killers Ian Brady (Sean Harris) and Myra Hindley (Maxine Peak), from MPI Home Video ... In "A Touch of Frost Season 13: Endangered Species" (2006), award winning actor David Jason is back as maverick detective Jack Frost in this brand new adventure; $24.98 from MPI Home Video ... "The Waltons: The Complete Seventh Season" is a five-disc set with 23 episodes, $39.98 from Warner.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Diamond Dogs" (2007) stars Dolph Lundgren in an action-adventure about a band of modern-day fortune seekers bent on unearthing a priceless Buddhist artifact, from Sony ... In "Hero Wanted" (2008), starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ray Liotta, a small town trash collector stages a robbery in order to impress a girl by being the hero, until his "perfect" plan takes an awful turn, from Sony ... "The Weekend" (2007) is a teen comedy about the comings and goings at a weekend high school party, from Warner ... "Studio" (2005) is an urban crime thriller about three FBI agents who are sent to Los Angeles to investigate the murder of a Hip-Hop star, from Warner ... In "How She Move" (2008), a high school student is forced to leave her private school to return to her old, crime-filled neighborhood where she re-kindles an unlikely passion for the competitive world of step dancing; stars Tre Armstrong, Rutina Wesley, Raya Green and Keyshia Cole, from Paramount ... "Prism" (2007) is a supernatural thriller about a psychologist who takes on the challenge of helping a young autistic boy after he witnesses the brutal murder of his parents, from Monarch Homes Video.

On the Indie Front:
"Back in Business" (2007) is a light-hearted comedy about a group of con-men who try to pull the wool over the British government with a space exploration buggy that might solve the planet's energy problems, from BFS Entertainment ... In "Middletown" (2006), a priest returns to his home town and ends up battling against his brother for the heart of the locals, who are involved in all manner of sin, also from BFS Entertainment.

For the Family:
In "Moondance Alexander" (2007), a young girl who doesn't quite fit in with the rest of her classmates finds a runaway Pinto pony that will alter her life and those closest to her; stars Kay Panabaker, Don Johnson and Lori Loughlin, from Fox ... "Treasure Island Kids 2: The Monster of Treasure Island" (2004) is an Australian kids adventure that pits the girls against the boys at a summer camp until a giant sea monster threatens them all; sequel to "Treasure Island Kids: The Pirates of Treasure Island"; from PorchLight Home Entertainment ... "Sabrina: The Teenage Witch: The Complete Animated Series" (1971) is a three-disc set with all 31 episodes, $29.95 from Classic Media/Genius Products ... Trevor Romain is an international children's advocate and entertainer who promotes developmental wellness, advising kids and parents on social and emotional fitness, dealing with things like homework, cliques, bullies, divorce, grief, fear, nutrition and exercise; many of the topics are covered in his series of humorous, animated DVDs. "Trevor Romain: If You Don't Take Care of Your Body, Where Else Are You Going to Live?" (2008), is a 30-day fitness challenge to encourage physical fitness and healthy eating. $14.98 from Porchlight Home Entertainment.

Special Interest:
"A Generation Apart" (2005) is a powerful and emotional first-person documentary by filmmaker Jack Fisher, whose parents survived the Nazi death camps. Fisher explores the effects the Holocaust had on his family, as well as the families of neighbors and friends from New York to Israel to Australia. Released in time for the May 2 National Holocaust Remebrance Day. $19.95 from City Lights Home Entertainment ... "The True Story of Charlie Wilson" (2007) is the real story made popular by the Tom Hanks film (which was released last week); $19.95 from A&E Home Video ... "The British Empire in Color" (2002) is a major three-part series that examines the history and experience of the British Empire, $24.99 from Acorn Media ... "Nanking" (2007), an Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature, tells the story of the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China in the early days of World War II and focuses on the efforts of a small group of unarmed Westerners who established a Safety Zone where over 200,000 Chinese found refuge, from ThinkFilm ... "Mahatma Gandhi: The Life and Times of a Modern Legend" is a documentary about the man whose belief in civil disobedience and passive resistance served as an inspiration for future struggles in the cause of civil rights and freedom, from Kultur International Films ... "Celebration of Gospel: Spirit in Song" is an evening of joyful music by gospel and R&B artists including Kirk Franklin, Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Pastor Shirley Caesar and more, $19.99 from BET/Paramount ... "Che Guevara: Hasta La Victoria Siempre" (2005) is a documentary that chronicles revolutionary Che Guevara's remarkable story, $19.99 from Kultur International Films ... "Great Writers: William Faulkner" is a documentary that examines the social and political events that influenced one of the greatest American novelists of all time, $19.99 from Kultur International Films ... "James Joyce: So This Is Dyoublong?" is an informative and entertaining documentary that takes an in-depth look into the life and works of the renowned Irish writer, $19.99 from Kultur International Films ... "Twist of Fate: The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story" is a two-disc set that profiles the brothers and their emergence as a dominant tag team in the world of professional wrestling, $29.95 from WWE/Genius Entertainment.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Volume 3 (1993-95) Ten-disc set, Extras: Companion historical documentaries for each episode; 10th disc features interactive timeline, historical lecture: "New Gods for Old," "Hunting for Treasure" interactive game; $117.99. (Paramount).

Ain't Misbehavin' (1997) Two-disc set of the three-part U.K. miniseries wartime comedy about two very different musicians and their misadventures with gangsters. (BFS Entertainment).

Back in Business (2007) Martin Kemp, Chris Barrie, Dennis Waterman, Brian Blessed, Stefan Booth, Joanna Taylor. Light-hearted comedy about a group of con-men who try to pull the wool over the British government with a space exploration buggy that might solve the planet's energy problems. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette. (BFS Entertainment).

Bernard and Doris (2008) Dir.: Bob Balaban; Susan Sarandon, Ralph Fiennes. HBO telefilm Inspired by the true story of tobacco billionairess Doris Duke and her devoted Irish butler Bernard Lafferty, fresh out of rehab and without a penny to his name until she hires him.

Beverly Hills 90212: The Fourth Season. Eight-disc set with 31 episodes, $61.99. Extras: Six featurettes: "Beverly Hills Momos," "The Loves of Season 4," "A Look Back With Charles Rosin," "90210 Gender Benders (Bad Apples & Get the Girl)," "7 Minutes in Heaven" and "Everything You Need to Know About Beverly Hills Season Four." (Paramount).

The Big Gay Sketch Show: The Complete Unrated Second Season. Two-disc set with eight episodes of the LOGO series, $26.99. Extras: Bonus sketches, cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes sizzle reels. (Paramount).

The British Empire in Color (2002) Major three-part series that examines the history and experience of the British Empire, $24.99. Extras: "Making-of" documentary. (Acorn Media).

Celebration of Gospel: Spirit in Song. An evening of joyful music by gospel and R&B artists including Kirk Franklin, Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Pastor Shirley Caesar and more; $19.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette. (BET/Paramount)

Che Guevara: Hasta La Victoria Siempre (2005) Documentary chronicles revolutionary Che Guevara's remarkable story, taking viewers through Che's voyage as he travels through Latin America and struggles to help the masses overcome oppression. The documentary continues with his historical journey to Cuba -- where he became one of Fidel Castro's leading commanders -- to revolutions in the Congo and his execution in Bolivia. Features archival film footage, rare photos and informed commentary, providing a revealing portrait of the man and the myth. $19.99. (Kultur International Films).

Cheers -- The Complete Ninth Season. Five-disc set with 25 episodes, $39.98. (Paramount).

The Classic Caballeros Collection. Embark on thrilling adventures to South America and Mexico with Goofy, Donald Duck and Walt Disney himself as they experience all the music, beauty and excitement Latin America has to offer in this two short feature set with "Saludos Amigos" (1942) and "Three Caballeros" (1944); $19.99. Extras: "South of the Border With Disney" featurette, Walt Disney interview, Donald Duck cartoon shorts "Don Donald" and "Contrary Condor." (Disney).

Dark Shadows: The Beginning #4. Episodes 106-143, which originally aired November 21, 1966-January 11, 1967. (MPI Home Video).

Diamond Dogs (2007) Dolph Lundgren. Action-adventure about a band of modern-day fortune seekers bent on unearthing a priceless Buddhist artifact. Extras: Making-of featurettes, digital copy of the film. (Sony).

Disraeli (1978) Ian McShane stars as Benjamin Disraeli in this BBC biodrama about one of the most colorful and flamboyant political figures of the 19th century. Two-disc set, $29.95. (A&E Home Video).

Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The (2007) Dir.: Julian Schnabel; Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josee Croze. Extras: Commentary by Schnabel, "Submeged: A Look Inside The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," "A Cinematic Vision" featurette, Charlie Rose interview with Julian Schnabel. (Miramax).

The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) Dir.: Anthony Mann; Alec Guinness, Sophia Loren, Omar Sharif, Stephen Boyd, James Mason, Christopher Plummer. Available as a three-disc Limited Collector's Edition ($39.92) and a two disc Deluxe Edition ($24.95). Extras: Reproduction of original souvenir program (Collector's Edition Only); six color production stills (Collector's Edition Only); commentary by the producer's son Bill Bronston and film expert Mel Martin; "Rome in Madrid" featurette; "Fall of the 'Real' Roman Empire" featurette; "Making of Fall of the Roman Empire" featurette; "Hollywood vs. History" featurette; "Dimitri Tiomkin: Scoring the Roman Empire" featurette; Encyclopedia Britannica on The Roman Empire: 5 featurettes (Collector's Edition Only); original theatrical trailer. (The Miriam Collection/Weinstein Co./Genius).

First Knight Special Edition (1995) Dir.: Jerry Zucker; Sean Connery, Richard Gere, Julia Ormond, Ben Cross. Extras: Commentary with director Jerry Zucker and producer Hunt Lowry, Arthurian Legend commentary, "The Quest for Camelot" making-of featurette, "In Shining Armor" knights-in-training featurette, "The Creation of a Kingdom" production design featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

A Generation Apart (2005) Powerful and emotional first-person documentary by filmmaker Jack Fisher, whose parents survived the Nazi death camps. Fisher explores the effects the Holocaust had on his family, as well as the families of neighbors and friends from New York to Israel to Australia. Released in time for the May 2 National Holocaust Remebrance Day. $19.95. (City Lights Home Entertainment).

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985) Sarah Jessica Parker, Lee Montgomery, Helen Hunt, Ed Lauter, Jonathan Silverman, Shannen Doherty. Repackaged edition of the film to take advantage of the May theatrical release of "Sex and the City." (Anchor Bay).

The Golden Compass (2007) In single-disc and Platinum Series two-disc editions. Platinum extras: Commentary by writer-director Chris Weitz, 11 making-of featurettes, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Line).

Great Writers: William Faulkner. Documentary examines the social and political events that influenced one of the greatest American novelists of all time. $19.99. (Kultur International Films).

Hero Wanted (2008) Cuba Gooding Jr., Ray Liotta. A small town trash collector (Gooding) stages a robbery in order to impress a girl by being the hero, until the perfect plan takes an awful turn. Extras: Commentary by Cuba Gooding Jr. and the filmmakers, deleted scenes. (Sony)

How She Move (2008) Tre Armstrong, Rutina Wesley, Raya Green, Keyshia Cole. Following her sister's death from drug addiction, a high school student is forced to leave her private school to return to her old, crime-filled neighborhood where she re-kindles an unlikely passion for the competitive world of step dancing. Extras: "The Characters of How She Move," "How She Move: From Rehearsal to Film," "How She Move: Telling Her Story." (Paramount).

Intelligence, Season One. Four-disc set with 14 episodes of the Canadian crime drama series that tackles organized crime and the cops who keep tabs on it, $59.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes clips, filmographies, more. (Acorn Media).

James Joyce: So This Is Dyoublong? Informative and entertaining documentary that takes an in-depth look into the life and works of the renowned Irish writer. $19.99. (Kultur International Films).

Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is -- The Complete Second Season. Ten episodes of the reality show about the recording artist, $19.99. Extras: Interview with Cole's mother, featurette on Cole's "Glam Squad," deleted scenes. (BET/Paramount).

Mahatma Gandhi: The Life and Times of a Modern Legend. Documentary about the man whose belief in civil disobedience and passive resistance served as an inspiration for future struggles in the cause of civil rights and freedom. (Kultur International).

Middletown (2006) Matthew Macfadyen, Daniel Mays. A priest returns to his home town and ends up battling against his brother for the heart of the locals, who are involved in all manner of sin. (BFS Entertainment).

Moondance Alexander (2007) Kay Panabaker, Don Johnson, Lori Loughlin. A young girl who doesn't quite fit in with the rest of her classmates finds a runaway Pinto pony that will alter her life and those closest to her. Extras: Behind the scenes featurette. (Fox).

Nanking (2007) Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature. Powerful reminder of the heartbreaking toll that war takes on the innocent, and a testament to the courage and conviction of a few individuals determined to act in the face of evil. The film tells the story of the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China in the early days of World War II and focuses on the efforts of a small group of unarmed Westerners who established a Safety Zone where over 200,000 Chinese found refuge. (ThinkFilm).

Night of the Fox (1990) David Birney, Michael York, Deborah Raffin, George Peppard. When Colonel Hugh Kelso, a U.S. officer with special knowledge of the impending D-Day invasion, washes ashore on enemy territory, the outcome of World War II hangs in the balance. Miniseries based on the World War II novel by best-selling author Jack Higgins. Two-disc set, $29.95. (A&E Home Video).

Paddle to the Sea (1966) Based on Holling C. Holling's beloved Caldecott-awarded children's book, William Mason's stunning film follows the adventures of a tiny, wood-carved canoe as it forges its own path from Lake Superior through the Great Lakes and down to the Atlantic Ocean; $14.95. (Janus Films).

Paranormal State: The Complete Season One. Three-disc set with 17 episodes, $34.95. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes. (A&E Home Video).

Prism (2007) Karen Garcia, Cage Martin, Morton Cross, Mason Freeley. Supernatural thriller about a psychologist who takes on the challenge of helping a young autistic boy after he witnesses the brutal murder of his parents. (Monarch Homes Video).

The Red Balloon (1956 -- France) Pascal Lamorisse. Newly restored and available for the first time on DVD, Albert Lamorisse's exquisite film remains one of the most beloved children's films of all time; $14.95. (Janus Films).

Sabrina: The Teenage Witch: The Complete Animated Series (1971) Three-disc set with all 31 episodes, $29.95. (Classic Media/Genius Products).

See No Evil: The Story of the Moors Murders (2006 -- TV) Based on the true story of one of the most shocking crimes of the 20th century, this is the chilling story of child killers Ian Brady (Sean Harris) and Myra Hindley (Maxine Peak) and how they were finally brought to justice and convicted of the torture and killing of five youngsters. (MPI Home Video).

Studio (2005) Urban crime thriller about three FBI agents who are sent to Los Angeles to investigate the murder of Hip-Hop star Elliott Jones. Sequel to "Hip-Hop Task Force." (Warner).

A Touch of Frost Season 13: Endangered Species (2006 -- TV) Award winning actor David Jason is back as maverick detective Jack Frost in this brand new story. Frost is called to investigate when a couple return from holiday to find the body of a complete stranger in their bed. He also becomes involved in a murder inquiry and uncovers a crime ring involved in the importing of endangered species and illegal animal goods. $24.98. (MPI Home Video).

Treasure Island Kids 2: The Monster of Treasure Island (2004) Michael Hurst, Barry Duffield, Beth Allen. Australian kids adventure pits the girls against the boys at a summer camp until a giant sea monster threatens the future of the camp and puts all their lives in danger. Sequel to "Treasure Island Kids: The Pirates of Treasure Island." (PorchLight Home Entertainment).

Trevor Romain: If You Don't Take Care of Your Body, Where Else Are You Going to Live? (2008) Trevor Romain is an international children's advocate and entertainer who promotes developmental wellness. He advises kids and parents on social and emotional fitness, dealing with things like homework, cliques, bullies, divorce, grief, fear, nutrition and exercise; many of the topics are covered in his series of humorous, animated DVDs. This outing is a 30-day fitness challenge to encourage physical fitness and healthy eating. $14.98. (Porchlight Home Entertainment).

The True Story of Charlie Wilson (2007) At a time when Congress was denying even modest amounts of money to President Ronald Regan, no one could have suspected that when playboy Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson, aggressive, outcast CIA agent Gust Avrakatos and Houston socialite Joanne Herring joined forces, they'd have the ability to mastermind a $300 million covert arming of the Afghan Mujahideen in what became the largest and most successful campaign in CIA history. The real story made popular by the Tom Hanks film; $19.95. (A&E Home Video).

27 Dresses (2008) Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Ed Burns, Melora Hardin, Judy Greer. Extras: Four featurettes: "The Wedding Party," "You�ll Never Wear It Again," "Jane�s World" and "The Running of the Brides"; deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

The Waltons: The Complete Seventh Season. Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $39.98. (Warner).

The Weekend (2007) Kristian Kordula, Beau Allulli, Erin Cunningham, Emily Hartford. Teen comedy about the comings and goings at a weekend high school party. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes. (Warner).

White Mane (1953 -- France) Alain Emery. Long unavailable in the U.S., this extraordinarily shot wonder from Albert Lamorisse, the director of "The Red Balloon," is the tale of a strong friendship between a boy and a horse as the two go looking for the freedom that the world of men won't allow them; $14.95. (Janus Films).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, V12.19

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, May 6 -- Monday, May 12

First Sunday
Durell (Ice Cube) and LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan) are best friends and bumbling petty criminals. When told they have one week to pay a $17,000 debt or Durell will lose his son, they come up with a desperate scheme to rob their neighborhood church. Instead, they end up spending the night in the presence of the Lord and are forced to deal with much more than they bargained for. Vitals: Director: David E. Talbert. Stars: Ice Cube, Katt Williams, Tracy Morgan, Loretta Devine, Michael Beach, Keith David, Regina Hall, Malinda Williams, Clifton Powell, Nick Turturro, Chi McBride. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 98 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $37.931 million, Sony.

I'm Not There

Unconventional portrait of the greatest singer-songwriter of the 20th century. Exploring the multidimensional nature and shifting personae of Bob Dylan -- from the public to the private to the fantastical - Todd Haynes' ("Far From heaven," "Velvet Goldmine") "I'm Not There" weaves together a daring and complex narrative of an ever-elusive American icon, dramatizing the complexities of this gifted artist's protean existence and work while giving imaginative shape to the various aspects of both his life and work. The film features an all-star cast with six actors each portraying a different aspect of Dylan, including Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Richard Gere, the late Heath Ledger as well as Ben Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin. " I'm Not There" skillfully combines a biographical tale with ponderous metaphors and legendary myths. Presenting a versatile and creative use of Dylan's music, only Franklin performs his song with his own voice; the rest of the soundtrack mixes original Dylan recordings with existing covers, including new versions by a variety of musicians including Ritchie Havens, Iggy Pop, John Doe and Sonic Youth, among others. This is the first biographical feature project to secure the approval of the music legend. Vitals: Director: Todd Haynes. Stars: Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Ben Whishaw, Marcus Carl Franklin, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 135 min., BioDrama, Box office gross: $4.001 million, The Weinstein Co.

Over Her Dead Body
Devastated when his fiancee Kate (Eva Longoria Parker) is killed on their wedding day, Henry (Paul Rudd) reluctantly agrees to consult a psychic named Ashley (Lake Bell) at the urging of his sister Chloe (Lindsay Sloane). Despite his skepticism over her psychic abilities, Henry finds himself falling hard for Ashley, and vice versa. But there is a big snag. Ashley is being haunted by Kate's ghost, who considers it her heavenly duty to break up Henry and Ashley's fledgling romance, if it is the last thing she does on this earthly plane. Vitals: Director:. Stars: Eva Longoria Parker, Paul Rudd, Lake Bell, Jason Biggs, Lindsay Sloane. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 95 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $7.563 million, New Line.

P.S. I Love You
An adaptation of the best-selling Cecelia Ahern novel about a grieving young widow who discovers her late husband has left her a list of tasks revealed in 10 monthly messages that are intended to ease her out of grief and transition her to a new life. Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) is beautiful, smart, and married to the love of her life-a passionate, funny and impetuous Irishman named Gerry (Gerard Butler). So when Gerry's life is taken by an illness, it takes the life out of Holly. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. Nobody knows Holly better than Gerry. So it's a good thing he planned ahead. Before he died, Gerry wrote Holly a series of letters that will guide her, not only through her grief but in rediscovering herself. The first message arrives on Holly's 30th birthday in the form of a cake and, to her utter shock, a tape recording from Gerry, who proceeds to order her to get out and "celebrate herself." In the weeks and months that follow, more letters from Gerry are delivered in surprising ways, each sending her on a new adventure and each signing off in the same way: P.S. I Love You. Holly's mother (Kathy Bates) and best friends, Sharon (Gina Gershon) and Denise (Lisa Kudrow), begin to worry that Gerry's letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but, in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future. With Gerry's words as her guide, Holly embarks on a touching, exciting and often hilarious journey of rediscovery. Vitals: Director: Richard LaGravenese. Stars: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, James Marsters, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, Kathy Bates, Harry Connick Jr., Dean Winters. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 126 min., Romantic Drama, Box office gross: $53.535 million, Company.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

"Hiya, Kids!! A '50s Saturday Morning." is a four-disc set with the best kids' TV programs from the infancy of the genre, with 21 episodes culled from some of America's iconic television classics, including "Kukla, Fran and Ollie," "Howdy Doody," "Lassie," "Annie Oakley," "Flash Gordon," "Time for Beany," "The Paul Winchell Show," "The Roy Rogers Show," "Captain Z-RO," "The Rootie Kazootie Club," "Winky Dink and You," "Super Circus," "Andy's Gang," "The Cisco Kid," "Sky King," "The Magic Clown," Kids and Company," "Juvenile Jury," "The Pinky Lee Show" and "Sheena, Queen of the Jungle." Each DVD in the set is designed like a Saturday morning programming block from the era, with shows for the very young first on the menu. As the older siblings "wake up," the programs become more and more "sophisticated; $34.99 from Shout! Factory ... "The 2007 Academy Award Nominated Short Films" (2008) highlights the short works honored at the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony as well as the nominees. Includes Oscar winners "Mozart Des Pickpockets" (live-action) and "Peter & the Wolf" (animated) as well as Live Action Short Film nominees "At Night," "Il Supplente ( The Substitute)," "Tanghi Argentini" and "The Tonto Woman"; and Animated Short Film nominees "Madame Tutli-Putli" and "Meme Les Pigeons Vont Au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go Heaven)." From Magnolia Home Entertainment.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Bewitched: The Complete Sixth Season," a four-disc set with 30 episodes, $39.95 from Sony ... "The 4400: The Final Season," a four-disc set with 13 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Square Pegs: The Complete Series," a three-disc set with 19 episodes of the 1982 series that starred Sarah Jessica Parker, Jamie Gertz, Amy Linker, Tracy Nelson, from Sony.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
Highlight of the week is "Teeth!" (2007), a fascinating black comedy/horror tale about an innocent teenager who discovers quite by accident that she's developed choppers in the most unexpected place; stars Jess Weixler and John Hensley, from Weinstein Co./Genius products ... "Moola" (2007) stars William Mapother, Daniel Baldwin, Efren Ramirez, Charlotte Ross, Curtis Armstrong and Annabelle Gurwitch in a comedy about two best friends/business partners whose business and marriages are on the rocks -- until a huge deal unexpectedly materializes and promises to change their lives forever, from Allumination FilmWorks ... "Azumi 2" (2008) stars Aya Ueto, Shun Oguri and Chiaki Kuriyama in a sequel to the popular Japanese actioner featuring a female samurai assassin who tries to prevent a civil war in feudal Japan, from Urban Vision Entertainment ... In "Senior Skip Day" (2008), high school seniors plan the party of the year with gorgeous models, stripteases, a gigantic gravity bong, a funeral and some crepes; stars Larry Miller, Gary Lundy, Tara Reid, Lea Thompson, Norm MacDonald and Clint Howard, from First Look Studios ... In "Grizzly Rage" (2007),a group of high school grads accidentally hit a bear cub with their car and must fend off a massive mother grizzly hell-bent on revenge, from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

On the Indie Front:
"Delirious" (2007), directed by Tom DiCillo and starring Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Gina Gershon and Alison Lohman, is an offbeat drama about a homeless youth, a pop music siren and a member of the paparazzi, from Genius Products ... "I Really Hate My Job" (2007), starring Neve Campbell and Shirley Henderson, focuses on one steamy night in the lives of five feisty women stuck in a second-rate London restaurant: three waitresses, one cook and a dishwasher who see themselves as an artist, an actor, a lover, an author and a revolutionary, from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... "Steel City" (2006), starring John Heard, Thomas Guiry, America Ferrera, Clayne Crawford and Laurie Metcalf, is the emotional story of two working-class brothers who must cope with their recently incarcerated father, from Peace Arch Home Entertainment ... "Tre" is a steamy outing that explores marriage, love, work and family by following the amorous adventures of two couples thrown together by fate, from Cinema Libre Studio ... "Neo Ned" (2005), starring Jeremy Renner, Gabrielle Union, Cary Elwes, Eddie Kay Thomas, Sally Kirkland and Ethan Suplee, is a unique take on the concept of race, love and fate as a young misguided racist (Jeremy Renner) meets and then falls in love with a young black woman (Gabrielle Union) while both are in a mental institution, from Code Black Entertainment ... "Military Intelligence and You" (2008) stars Patrick Muldoon, Elizabeth Bennett and John Rixey Moore in a spoof of a "long-lost" World War II training film, from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... "Love's Unfolding Dream" (2007) is the latest addition to the "Love Comes Softly" franchise, about a woman who struggles to choose between her career aspirations as a doctor and her feelings for a New York lawyer who wants a traditional wife, starring Erin Cottrell, Scout Taylor Compton and Drew Simpson, from Fox Faith.

For the Family:
"Madeline: Next Stop America" (2005) includes three animated adventures of Ludwig Bemelmans' little French girl: "Madeline in Hollywood," "Madeline in New York" and "Madeline and the Wild West," $14.98 from Fox ... "Barney: Hi! I'm Riff!" is the latest "Barney" to hit video: Barney's new friend Riff is the first new dino to join "Barney & Friends" in 13 years, $14.98 from Fox.

Special Interest:
In "The Passion of Greg the Bunny: The Best of the Film Parodies Volume 2," Greg the Bunny and his (tor)mentor, Warren "The Ape" Demontague, are back as they parody some favorite films: "Wacky Wednesday," "Blue Velveteen" and "Plush: Behind The Seems," $19.99 from Shout! Factory ... "David Beckham: Life of an Icon" (2008) is an unauthorized, uncompromised look at the soccer legend, including the scuffles, scandals and scurrilous headlines, $19.97 from Liberation Entertainment/Anchor Bay ... "The Business of Being Born" (2008) is a documentary on home birthing inspired by producer Ricki Lake and director Abby Epstein's unique child birth stories, from New Line ... "African American Lives 2" is a sequel to the popular PBS series, here exploring the family histories of Chris Rock, Morgan Freeman, Maya Angelou, Tina Turner, Tom Joyner, others, $24.99 from Paramount ... "Red Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Boston Red Sox History" is a documentary that covers the greatest moments in the 107-year history of the Boston franchise, $19.99 from Shout! Factory.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Ace of Hearts (2008) Dean Cain, Anne Marie DeLuise, Britt McKillip. Officer Dan Harding (Dean Cain) and his trusty canine partner, Ace, are the best duo on the police force. But unfortunately, all of that hard police work leaves little time for Dan's family, including his 13-year-old daughter Julia (Britt McKillip). When Ace is accused of mauling a suspect, it's Julia who sets out to prove Ace's innocence. (Fox).

African American Lives 2. Sequel to the popular PBS series explores the family histories of Chris Rock, Morgan Freeman, Maya Angelou, Tina Turner, Tom Joyner, others; $24.99. (Paramount).

Azumi 2 (2008) Aya Ueto, Shun Oguri, Chiaki Kuriyama. Sequel to the popular Japanese actioner featuring a female samurai assassin who tries to prevent a civil war in feudal Japan. Extras: "Through the Eyes of Azumi" featurette, image gallery. (Urban Vision Entertainment).

Barney: Hi! I'm Riff! Latest "Barney" to hit video: Barney's new friend Riff is the first new dino to join "Barney & Friends" in 13 years: He's a six-year-old Hadrosaur and a one-of-a-kind kid; $14.98. (Fox).

Bewitched: The Complete Sixth Season. Four-disc set with 30 episodes, $39.95. (Sony).

The Bridges of Madison County Deluxe Edition (1995) Dir.: Clint Eastwood; Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley, Victor Slezak, Jim Haynie. Extras: New documentary: "An Old-Fashioned Love Story: The Making of the bridges of Madison County," Doe Eyes music video. (Warner).

The Business of Being Born (2008) Documentary on home birthing inspired by producer Ricki Lake and director Abby Epstein's unique child birth stories. Interlaces surprising scientific and historical statistics with personal home birth stories. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, follow-up interviews. (New Line).

Dan Paris (2006 -- French) Heart-felt family drama about a young man, depressed from his recent break-up with his girlfriend, who returns home to Paris and moves back in with his divorced father and amorous younger brother. Romain Duris, Louis Garrel Guy Marchand, Marie-France Pisier, Alice Butaud. (Genius Products).

David Beckham: Life of an Icon (2008) Unauthorized, uncompromised look at the soccer legend, including the scuffles, scandals and scurrilous headlines; $19.97. (Liberation Entertainment/Anchor Bay).

Delirious (2007) Dir.: Tom DiCillo; Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Gina Gershon, Alison Lohman. An offbeat drama focused on a homeless youth, a pop music siren and a member of the paparazzi. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, music video, podcasts, commentary by DiCillo. (Genius Products).

First Sunday (2008) Ice Cube, Katt Williams, Tracy Morgan, Loretta Devine, Michael Beach, Keith David, Regina Hall, Malinda Williams, Clifton Powell, Nick Turturro, Chi McBride. Extras: Commentary by writer-director David E. Talbert, deleted Scenes, gag Reel, Outtakes, Talbert's Camera Wrap Speech, "Hood Robbin' With the First Sunday Cast & Crew" featurette, "The Almighty Version Fact Track." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The 4400: The Final Season. Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $42.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, blooper reels, commentaries, director's cut of the finale, featurettes. (Paramount).

Grizzly Rage (2007 -- TV) Tyler Hoechlin, Graham Kosakoski, Brody Harms. A group of high school grads accidentally hit a bear cub with their car and must fend off a massive mother grizzly hell-bent on revenge. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Hiya, Kids!! A '50s Saturday Morning. Four-disc set with the best kids' TV programs from the infancy of the genre: 21 episodes culled from some of America's iconic television classics, including "Kukla, Fran and Ollie," "Howdy Doody," "Lassie," "Annie Oakley," "Flash Gordon," "Time for Beany," "The Paul Winchell Show," "The Roy Rogers Show," "Captain Z-RO," "The Rootie Kazootie Club," "Winky Dink and You," "Super Circus," "Andy's Gang," "The Cisco Kid," "Sky King," "The Magic Clown," Kids and Company," "Juvenile Jury," "The Pinky Lee Show" and "Sheena, Queen of the Jungle." Each DVD is designed like a Saturday morning programming block from the era, with shows for the very young first on the menu. As the older siblings "wake up," the programs become more and more "sophisticated. $34.99 (Shout! Factory).

I Really Hate My Job (2007) Neve Campbell, Shirley Henderson. One steamy night in the lives of five feisty women stuck in a second-rate London restaurant: three waitresses, one cook and a dishwasher who see themselves as an artist, an actor, a lover, an author and a revolutionary. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

I'm Not There (2007) Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Ben Whishaw, Marcus Carl Franklin, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood. Two-disc set. Extras: Commentary by Todd Haynes, nine deleted scenes, premiere featurette, "Making of I'm Not There," "Subterranean Homesick Blues" music video, Ben Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin audition tapes, gag reel, conversation with Todd Haynes, "Making of the Soundtrack" featurette, Dylan filmography, Dylan discography, New York Times article on the film written by Robert Sullivan, on screen lyric stream. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Love's Unfolding Dream (2007 -- TV) Erin Cottrell, Scout Taylor Compton, Drew Simpson. A woman struggles to choose between her career aspirations as a doctor and her feelings for a New York lawyer who wants a traditional wife. Part of the "Love Comes Softly" franchise. (Fox Faith).

Macon County Line (2005) Max Baer Jr. (Warner).

Madeline: Next Stop America (2005) Three animated adventures of Ludwig Bemelmans' little French girl: "Madeline in Hollywood," "Madeline in New York" and "Madeline and the Wild West"; $14.98. (Fox).

Military Intelligence and You (2008) Patrick Muldoon, Elizabeth Bennett, John Rixey Moore. Spoof of a "long-lost" World War II training film. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Moola (2007) William Mapother, Daniel Baldwin, Efren Ramirez, Charlotte Ross, Curtis Armstrong, Annabelle Gurwitch. Sometimes, "manure happens," and unfortunately for best friends and business partners Steve and Harry are in it up to their eyeballs. With their chemical light-stick business and their marriages both on the rocks, their American Dream is about to go Chapter 11 -- until a huge deal unexpectedly materializes and promises to change their lives forever. Extras: Commentary by director Don Most, "The Making of Moola" documentary. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Neo Ned (2005) Jeremy Renner, Gabrielle Union, Cary Elwes, Eddie Kay Thomas, Sally Kirkland, Ethan Suplee. Unique take on the concept of race, love and fate about a young misguided racist (Jeremy Renner) who meets and then falls in love with a young black woman (Gabrielle Union) while both are in a mental institution. (Code Black Entertainment).

Over Her Dead Body (2008) Eva Longoria Parker, Paul Rudd, Lake Bell, Jason Biggs. A woman accidentally killed on her wedding day comes back to haunt her fiance through a psychic he falls for. (New Line).

The Passion of Greg the Bunny: The Best of the Film Parodies Volume 2. Greg the Bunny and his (tor)mentor, Warren "The Ape" Demontague, are back as they parody some of our favorite films: "Wacky Wednesday," "Blue Velveteen" and "Plush: Behind The Seems" ; $19.99. Extras: "Fur on the Asphalt" -- The Greg the Bunny Reunion Special featuring Sarah Silverman, Seth Green, Adam Goldberg, Jon Favreau and more; deleted scenes and outtakes; GTB Music Video: "Plush"; interviews; never-before-seen clips from Greg the Bunny's early days on public access TV; Greg the Bunny Webisodes; commentary by series creators; gag reel; behind-the-scenes photo gallery. (Shout! Factory).

P.S. I Love You (2007) Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, James Marsters, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, Kathy Bates, Harry Connick Jr., Dean Winters. Extras: Conversation with book author Cecelia Ahern, additional scenes, James Blunt music video, "The Name of the Game Is Snaps." Also available on Blu-ray Disc.

Saawariya (2007 -- India) Ranbir Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor. Based on Dostoevsky's short story "White Nights." This Bollywood love story centers on two lonely souls awaiting true love: a free-spirited artist, idealistic young man and a somber, shy and enigmatic girl who meet in a quaint, picturesque town. Extras: Making-of featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Senior Skip Day (2008) Larry Miller, Gary Lundy, Tara Reid, Lea Thompson, Norm MacDonald, Clint Howard. High school seniors plan the party of the year with gorgeous models, stripteases, a gigantic gravity bong, a funeral and some crepes. (First Look Studios).

Square Pegs: The Complete Series. Three-disc set with 19 episodes of the 1982 series that starred Sarah Jessica Parker, Jamie Gertz, Amy Linker, Tracy Nelson. Extras: Featurettes: "Weemawee Yearbook Memories": Interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker, Jamie Gertz, Tracy Nelson and Claudette Wells, John Femia, Steven Peterman, Amy Linker, Merritt Butrick, and Anne Beatts. (Sony).

Steel City (2006) John Heard, Thomas Guiry, America Ferrera, Clayne Crawford, Laurie Metcalf, Raymond J. Barry. Emotional story of two working-class brothers who must cope with their recently incarcerated father. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, photo gallery, more. (Peace Arch Home Entertainment).

Teeth! (2007) Jess Weixler, John Hensley. Fascinating black comedy/horror tale about an innocent teenager, Dawn, who discovers quite by accident that she's developed choppers in the most unexpected place. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary by writer-director Mitchell Lichtenstein, "Behind-the-Scenes of Teeth!" outtakes. (Weinstein Co./Genius products).

Tre (2006) Daniel Cariaga, Alix Koromzay, Kimberly-Rose Wolter, Erik McDowell. Steamy outing that explores marriage, love, work and family in an era when bonds of love and friendship are weighed against sexual temptation and deceit. Follows the amorous adventures of two couples thrown together by fate. Extras: Behind-the-scenes documentary, deleted scenes, director and cast commentary. (Cinema Libre Studio).

Twister (1996) Dir.: Jan de Bont; Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, Jami Gertz, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Digitally remastered. Extras: "Storm Chasers: The Formation of Twister featurette gallery, History Channel documentary "Nature Tech: Tornadoes," "Anatomy of a Twister," HBO First Look: "The Making of Twister," commentary, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. (Warner).

The 2007 Academy Award Nominated Short Films (2008) Highlights the short works honored at the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony as well as the nominees. Includes Oscar winners "Mozart Des Pickpockets" (live-action) and "Peter & the Wolf" (animated) as well as Live Action Short Film nominees "At Night," "Il Supplente ( The Substitute)," "Tanghi Argentini" and "The Tonto Woman"; and Animated Short Film nominees "Madame Tutli-Putli" and "Meme Les Pigeons Vont Au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go Heaven)." (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue May 13, 2008 3:31 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, May 13, 2008, V12.20

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, May 13 -- Monday, May 19

Great Debaters, The
Professor Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), a controversial figure who challenged the social mores of the time, used unconventional and ferocious teaching methods to shape a debate team at Wiley College, a small African American university in Texas during the 1930s. Fighting against all odds and paving their way to success, the team reaches a pivotal moment when they are faced with one of their greatest challenges yet ... going up against Harvard University's critically acclaimed national championship debate team. Vitals: Director: Denzel Washington. Stars: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Jumee Smollett, Nate Parker. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 124 min., Bio-Drama, Box office gross: $30.219 million, Weinstein Company.

Mad Money
Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) is shocked to learn that she is on the verge of losing her home and comfortable upper middle class lifestyle when her husband Don (Ted Danson) is downsized from his job. Armed only with a decades old English degree and years as a dedicated mother and corporate wife, Bridget is forced into the unfamiliar labor market with no job skills. Finally, she accepts the only position she can find -- janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank. The one-time suburban mom soon discovers she has more in common with her new co-workers than she thought. Bridget forges an unexpected bond with Nina (Queen Latifah), a hard-working single mom with two kids to raise, and Jackie (Katie Holmes), an exuberant free spirit with nothing to lose. Caught up in a system that underestimates their talents and keeps their dreams just out of reach, Bridget, Nina and Jackie set out to even the score. After a lifetime of playing by the rules, the three devise a plan to smuggle soon-to-be destroyed currency out of the supposedly airtight Reserve. As the unlikely crime syndicate amasses piles of cash, it looks like they have pulled off the perfect crime -- until a minor misstep alerts the authorities. With more money than they know what to do with, the women are pushed to the limits of their ingenuity to stay one step ahead of the law. Vitals: Director: Callie Khouri. Stars: Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Ted Danson, Roger Cross, Adam Rothenberg, Finesse Mitchell. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 103 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $20.536 million, Anchor Bay.

Untraceable
Secret service cyber criminal division agent Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) gets caught in a very personal and deadly cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer who knows that people (being what they are -- both curious and drawn to the dark side of things) will log onto an "untraceable" Web site where he conducts violent and painful murders live on the net. The more people log on, the quicker and more violently the victim dies. It's up to March and her team - who in the past have not met a criminal they couldn't catch - to track down what turns out to be an untraceable murderer. Vitals: Director: Gregory Hoblit. Stars: Diane Lane, Colin Hanks, Erin Carufel, Billy Burke, Joseph Cross, Mary Beth Hurt. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $28.687 million, Sony.

Youth Without Youth
A film about growing young. Lightning strikes a professor (Tim Roth) so close to death that he ages backwards, from 70 to 40 in a week, attracting the interest of the world - and the Nazi - in the dark days prior to World War II. On the run with a new love for life - but with no hope of knowing his phenomenal fate - he's pursued through far-flung locations including Romania, Switzerland, Malta and India. The screenplay was adapted from a novella by legendary Romanian author Mircea Eliade. This is director Francis Ford Coppola's first film in a decade. Vitals: Director: Francis Ford Coppola. Stars: Tim Roth, Matt Damon, Alexandra Maria Lara, Bruno Ganz, Andre Hennicke. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 124 min., Fantasy Drama, Box office gross: $.239 million, Sony.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
This is the week for our favorite men, from Frank Sinatra to Indiana Jones to John McClane to John Wayne and Jean Luc-Godard. It's also a big week for fans of Frank Sinatra, with a profundity of releases -- including DVDs and CD compilations -- to honor the 10th anniversary of the singer-actor's death on May 14, 1998.

Warner Home Video will commemorate "The Chairman of the Board" by releasing a total of 22 of his films in five new collections, with 11 titles brand new to DVD. Capitol/EMI will celebrate Ol' Blue Eyes' musical contributions to many of Hollywood's most memorable films with the release of "Sinatra at the Movies," a new 20-track CD; Rhino Entertainment will release "Nothing but the Best," a single-disc collection from Sinatra's Reprise Years that features 22 classic cuts remixed and remastered from the original master tapes, plus a previously unreleased recording of "Body and Soul" featuring a new arrangement. Turner Classic Movies will run a month-long television film festival of Sinatra films. And the United States Postal Service will release a 42-cent Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp. The initiative is the first from the newly established Frank Sinatra Enterprises. For more on Sinatra, check out Sinatra.com.

The DVDs, all from Warner: "Frank Sinatra Collection: The Early Years" Five-disc set with "Double Dynamite," "It Happened in Brooklyn," "Step Lively," "Higher and Higher" and "The Kissing Bandit." $39.92 the collection; $12.97 individual titles.

"Frank Sinatra Collection: The Golden Years" Five-disc set with "None but the Brave," "The Man With the Golden Arm," "Some Came Running," "The Tender Trap" and "Marriage on the Rocks." $39.92 the collection; $12.97 individual titles. "Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly Collection" Three-disc set with Strong>"Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "On the Town" and "Anchors Aweigh." $24.98 the collection; $12.97 individual titles. "Frank Sinatra Collection: The Rat Pack Ultimate Collector's Edition" Four-disc set with "Ocean's Eleven," "4 For Texas," Strong>"Robin and the 7 Hoods" and "Sergeant's 3"; $59.92 for the collection; $12.97 individual titles (except &"Sergeant's 3," which is only available as part of the collection). (Warner). "Sinatra" (1992) a two-disc set of the CBS-TV mini-series starring Philip Casnoff , Olympia Dukakis, Joe Santos, Gina Gershon, Nina Siemaszko, Marcia Gay Harden, Bob Gunton and David Raynr. $19.98.

More heroes: Leading up to the May 22 release of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," Paramount will re-release the previous Indy adventures, all loaded with extras: "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Special Edition," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Special Edition" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Special Edition." ... "Die Hard Ultimate Collection" arrives today in an eight-disc set with all four two-disc Die Hard special editions featuring Bruce Willis as the inimitable John McClane: "Die Hard," "Die Hard 2: Die Harder," "Die Hard With a Vengeance" and "Live Free or Die Hard," from Fox.

Fox celebrates the Wild West with its "Fox Western Classic Collection," a three-disc set with "Garden of Evil" (1954), with Gary Cooper, Richard Widmark, Cameron Mitchell and Susan Hayward; "Rawhide" (1951) with Tyrone Power, Susan Hayward, Edgar Buchanan, Hugh Marlowe and Dean Jagger; and "The Gunfighter" (1950) starring Gregory Peck; $25.98 ... Also from Fox comes a Fox Grandeur Special Edition 70mm widescreen restoration of Raoul Walsh's classic "The Big Trail " (1930), starring John Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, El Brendel, Tully Marshall. The two-disc set includes a standard full screen version as well as a host of bonus features.

French heroes: Koch Lorber Films releases two by Jean-Luc Godard: "La Chinoise" (1968), starring Anne Wiazemsky, Jean-Pierre Leaud, Juliet Berto and Michel Semeniako, restored and re-mastered; and "Le Gai Savoir (The Joy of Knowledge)" (1968), starring Juliet Berto and Jean-Pierre Leaud ... The Criterion Collection will release two films by Louis Malle: "The Fire Within" (1963) starring Maurice Ronet and Jeanne Moreau in a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, and "The Lovers" (1958), starring Jeanne Moreau, Jean-Marc Bory, Alain Cuny and Jose Luis de Villalonga, in a new, restored high-definition digital transfer of the complete, uncensored version.

"Saturday Night Live: The Complete Third Season" offers more of Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, Steve Martin, Al Franken and others, in a seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98, from Universal ... "All You Need Is Love" is a five-disc set with all 17 episodes of Tony Palmer's "Story of Popular Music," a critically acclaimed TV series, originally broadcast worldwide between 1976-80, encompassing ragtime, blues, jazz, vaudeville, the musical, folk, swing, country and western, rock n' roll and beyond. Included are interviews with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stephen Sondheim, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Mike Oldfield, The Beach Boys, Tina Turner, Sam Phillips, Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Richard Rodgersm Roy Rogers, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Phil Spector, Bill Monroe, Bill Graham, Bill Wyman, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton and many, many more. $99.95 from MVD Visual.

From TV to Video:
"The Adams Chronicles" (1976) is a four-disc set with all 13 episodes of the miniseries that traces 150 years of history through the eyes of John Adams and his heirs, $59.99 from Acorn Media ... "American Idol: Season 6 Finale Performance Show -- The Top 2" is a two-disc set of the May 22, 2007 showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis; $19.99 from Koch Vision ... "The Chase" is a two-disc set with eight episodes from the first season of the top-rated British series centered around the goings-on inside a struggling Yorkshire veterinary hospital, $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "DNA" is a two-disc set with five episodes of the British forensics series starring Tom Conti, $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Drawn Together: Season Three -- Uncensored!" is a two-disc set with all 14 episodes from the third and final season, $26.99 from Paramount ... "The Magnificent Seven Complete Series Giftset" is a five-disc set with 17 episodes from the series' two seasons, plus four never-aired episodes, $49.98 from MGM ... "Mission Impossible: The Fourth TV Season" (1969-70) is a seven-disc set with 26 episodes, $54.99 from Paramount ... "The Rat Patrol Complete Series Giftset" is a seven-disc set with all 58 episodes, $49.98 from MGM ... "Stargate Infinity: The Complete Series" is a four-disc set with all 26 animated episodes, $34.99 from Shout! Factory ... "Twelfth Night" (1969) stars Tommy Steele, Ralph Richardson, Alec Guinness and Joan Plowright in this "ITV Saturday Night Theatre" version of the Bard's confection, $24.98 from Koch Vision ... "Two and a Half Men: The Complete Third Season" is a four-disc set with 22 episodes, $44.98 from Warner.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
During a heist in Russia, a professional thief (Stephen Dorff) finds himself dealing with twin serial killers, insane hostages, double-crossing psycho Russian hardmen and the real possibility of a horrible death in "Botched" (2007), starring Alan Smyth and Stephen Dorff, from Warner ... In "Cover" (2008), starring Vivica A. Fox, Aunjanue Ellis, Razaaq Adoti, Paula Jay Parker, Louis Gossett Jr., Leon, Patti LaBelle and Mya, a passionate murder leaves a devoted wife and mother as the primary suspect, from Fox ... Forced into hiding after their kidnapping plan goes awry, two rival siblings find themselves fighting for their sanity while they hole up in a secluded country cottage and come face-to-face with their psychotic axe-wielding neighbor -- a demented farmer with a dark, nasty secret, in "The Cottage" (2008) starring Andy Serkis, Jennifer Ellison and Reece Shearsmith, from Sony ... In "Graduation" (2006), starring Shannon Lucio, Riley Smith, Chris Marquette, Chris Lowell, Adam Arkin and Aimee Garcia, four high school friends -- just short of graduation -- plan a bank robbery to help one of their friends in need of financial assistance, from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... In "Blind Eye" (2006), starring Nick Mancuso, Levi Oliver and Roddy Piper, an ex-cop is called by his estranged wife to help find their missing daughter, only to discover that there's more to the disappearance than his "friends" are letting on, from MTI Home Video ... "The Shadow Riders" (1982) stars Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, Ben Johnson, Geoffrey Lewis and Katharine Ross in a CBS Western telefilm based on the best-selling novel by Louis L'Amour, from Sony ... "Aces N' Eights" (2008) is a Westerner about ranchers who refuse to sell to the railroad, starring Ernest Borgnine, Casper Van Dien, Deirdre Quinn and Bruce Boxleitner, from Genius Products ... An undercover FBI agent who agrees to infiltrate the ruthless underground world of "choppers" is quickly thrown into a world of fast cars and high stakes in "Crash and Burn: Unrated" (2008), starring Erik Palladino and Michael Madsen, from Genius Products ... In "Bet Your Life" (2004), starring Sean Carrigan, Corinne Van Ryck de Groot and Billy Zane, a gambling addict bets his life against a sadistic millionaire's money, from Warner.

On the Indie Front:
"Bon Cop, Bad Cop" (2006) stars Colm Feore and Patrick Huard in a comedy thriller about an unlikely pair of cops -- one from Montreal who only speaks French and one from Toronto who only speaks English -- who team up to investigate a serial murderer who drapes a dead body over the border sign dividing Ontario and Quebec, from BFS Entertainment ... In "Numb" (2007), starring Matthew Perry, Kevin Pollak and Mary Steenburgen, a chronically depressed screenwriter desperately tries to cure his condition when he meets the girl of his dreams, from Image Entertainment ... When the life of a mega film star (Randy Travis) is destroyed right before the most important day of his life, his faith is put to the ultimate test in "The Wager" (2007), starring Randy Travis, Nancy Stafford, Jude Ciccolella and Candace Cameron Bure, from Genius Products ... Set in Georgia, "Crystal River" (2008) is a romantic drama about a married woman who, grieving her inability to have children, finds comfort and healing in her friendship with another man, starring Emily Carpenter and Sean Patrick Flannery, from Lifesize Entertainment ... "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" (2008) stars Deborah Cox, Golden Brooks and Hill Harper in an adaptation of the gospel stage play about the roles of black women in the 21st century, from Fox.

For the Family:
In "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" Elmo and Telly Monster invite pint-sized paleontologists in-training to use their imaginations to learn more about the Earth's ancient inhabitants; $14.93 from Genius Products ... "Garfield and Friends: A Cat and His Hero" is a single-disc with15 episodes of the "Garfield & Friends" series, picked by creator Jim Davis, $14.98 from Fox ... "The Care Bears: Ups & Downs" features two episodes from the CBS Saturday morning cartoons, $14.98 from Fox ... "The Care Bears: Share N' Summertime" includes four episodes from the CBS Saturday morning cartoons, $14.98 from Fox ... "Summertime Fun!" is a collection of five Summertime-themed episodes from "Barney," "Bob the Builder," "Thomas & Friends," "Angelina Ballerina" and "Fireman Sam," $14.98 from HIT Entertainment/Fox ... In "Bob the Builder: The Three Musketruck" Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew welcome friends Meg MacDonald, a Scottish dairy farmer, her assistant Piper and their dairy truck Dodger to Sunflower Valley in five new adventures for preschoolers, $14.98 from HIT/Fox ... "Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers -- The Collection: Volume 1" is a re-mastered four-disc set with the animated series' first 32 episodes (available for the first time ever in their proper chronological order), $39.98 from Koch Vision.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Aces N' Eights (2008 -- TV) Westerner about ranchers who refuse to sell to the railroad. Ernest Borgnine, Casper Van Dien, Deirdre Quinn, Bruce Boxleitner. (Genius Products).

The Adams Chronicles (1976) Four-disc set with all 13 episodes of the miniseries that traces 150 years of history through the eyes of John Adams and his heirs. Featured 1,100 actors and 250 studio and location sets, and won four Emmys and a Peabody. $59.99.Extras: Twelve-page program guide. (Acorn Media).

Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers -- The Collection: Volume 1. Re-Mastered four-disc set with the animated series' first 32 episodes (available for the first time ever in their proper chronological order), $39.98. Extras: Never-before-seen pilot/demo reel, interview with series creator Robert Mandell, commentary with Robert Mandell (and special guests), original music tracks, new "No Guts, No Glory" music video, slideshow of the vintage talking storybook "Tortuna the Outlaw Planet," 32-page collectible booklet featuring character profiles and illustrations. (Koch Vision).

All You Need Is Love. Five-disc set with all 17 episodes of Tony Palmer's "Story of Popular Music." In the mid-1970s, at the suggestion of John Lennon, celebrated journalist and film director Palmer decided to document "The Story of Popular Music' and set about interviewing and filming all the major players in the industry. This critically acclaimed TV series, originally broadcast worldwide between 1976-80, is featured here in its entirety, encompassing ragtime, blues, jazz, vaudeville, the musical, folk, swing, country and western, rock n' roll and beyond. Included are interviews with Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stephen Sondheim, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Mike Oldfield, The Beach Boys, Tina Turner, Sam Phillips, Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Richard Rodgersm Roy Rogers, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Phil Spector, Nill Monroe, Bill Graham, Bill Wyman, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton and many, many more. $99.95 (MVD Visual).

American Idol: Season 6 Finale Performance Show -- The Top 2. Two-disc set of the May 22, 2007 showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis; $19.99. Extras: Two featurettes, an American Idol audition guide, bloopers. (Koch Vision).

Bet Your Life (2004) Sean Carrigan, Corinne Van Ryck de Groot, Billy Zane. A gambling addict bets his life against a sadistic millionaire's money. (Warner).

The Big Trail: Fox Grandeur Special Edition (1930) Dir.: Raoul Walsh; John Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, El Brendel, Tully Marshall. Two-disc set, with original 70mm widescreen version along with standard full screen version. Extras: Commentary by film historian/author Richard Schickel on the 70mm widescreen presentation, "The Creation of John Wayne," "Raoul Walsh: A Man in His Time," "The Big Vision: The Grandeur Process," "The Making of The Big Trail," publicity gallery, original posters gallery, pressbook gallery. (Fox).

Blind Eye (2006) Nick Mancuso, Levi Oliver, Roddy Piper. An ex-cop is called by his estranged wife to help find their missing daughter, only to discover that there's more to the disappearance than his "friends" are letting on. (MTI Home Video).

Bob the Builder: The Three Musketruck. Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew welcome friends Meg MacDonald, a Scottish dairy farmer, her assistant Piper and their dairy truck Dodger to Sunflower Valley in five new adventures for preschoolers, $14.98. Extras: "Meet New Members of the Can-Do Crew." (HIT/Fox).

Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006) Colm Feore, Patrick Huard. Comedy thriller about an unlikely pair of cops - one from Montreal who only speaks French and one from Toronto who only speaks English - who team up to investigate a serial murderer who drapes a dead body over the border sign dividing Ontario and Quebec. (BFS Entertainment).

Botched (2007) Alan Smyth, Stephen Dorff. During a heist in Russia, a professional thief (Stephen Dorff) finds himself dealing with twin serial killers, insane hostages, double-crossing psycho Russian hardmen and the real possibility of a horrible death. (Warner).

The Care Bears: Ups & Downs. Two episodes from the CBS Saturday morning cartoons, $14.98. Extras: "Surprise Party for Surprise Bear!" interactive game. (Fox).

The Care Bears: Share N' Summertime. Four episodes from the CBS Saturday morning cartoons, $14.98. (Fox).

The Chase. Two-disc set with eight episodes from the first season of the top-rated British series centered around the goings-on inside a struggling Yorkshire veterinary hospital, $29.98. (Koch Vision).

The Cottage (2008) Andy Serkis, Jennifer Ellison, Reece Shearsmith. Forced into hiding after their kidnapping plan goes awry, two rival siblings, David (Andy Serkis) and Peter (Reece Shearsmith) find themselves fighting for their sanity while they hole up in a secluded country cottage and come face-to-face with their psychotic axe-wielding neighbor -- a demented farmer with a dark, nasty secret. Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, digital copy of the film. (Sony).

Cover (2008) Vivica A. Fox, Aunjanue Ellis, Razaaq Adoti, Paula Jay Parker, Louis Gossett Jr., Leon, Patti LaBelle, Mya. A passionate murder leaves a devoted wife and mother as the primary suspect. (Fox).

Crash and Burn: Unrated (2008 -- TV) Erik Palladino, Michael Madsen. An undercover FBI agent who agrees to infiltrate the ruthless underground world of "choppers" is quickly thrown into a world of fast cars and high stakes. (Genius Products).

Crystal River (2008) Emily Carpenter, Sean Patrick Flannery. Set in Georgia, this romantic drama is the story of a married woman who, grieving her inability to have children, finds comfort and healing in her friendship with another man. (Lifesize Entertainment).

DNA. Two-disc set with five episodes of the British forensics series starring Tom Conti, $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Die Hard Ultimate Collection. Eight-disc set with all four two-disc special editions featuring Bruce Willis as the inimitable John McClane: "Die Hard," "Die Hard 2: Die Harder," "Die Hard With A Vengeance" and "Live Free or Die Hard." (Fox).

Drawn Together: Season Three -- Uncensored! Two-disc set with all 14 episodes from the third and final season, $26.99. Extras: Commentary, karaoke sing along. (Paramount).

The Fire Within (1963) Dir.: Louis Malle; Maurice Ronet, Jeanne Moreau. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Archival interviews with director Louis Malle and actor Maurice Ronet; "Malle's Fire Within," a new video program featuring interviews with actor Alexandra Stewart and filmmakers Philippe Collin and Volker Schlondorff; "Jusqu'au 23 Juillet," a 2005 documentary short about Pierre Drieu la Rochelle's novel "Le feu follet" and dadaist writer Jacques Rigaut (the inspiration for the main character), featuring actor Mathieu Amalric, writer Didier Daeninckx, and Cannes festival curator Pierre-Henri Deleau; booklet featuring new essays by critic Michel Ciment and historian Peter Cowie. (The Criterion Collection).

Fox Western Classic Collection. Three-disc set with "Garden of Evil," "Rawhide" and "The Gunfighter," $25.98.

Garden of Evil (1954) Dir.: Henry Hathaway; Gary Cooper, Richard Widmark, Cameron Mitchell, Susan Hayward. Extras: Commentary by Nick Redman, Steven Smith, John Morgan and William Stromberg; "Travels of a Gunslinger: The Making of Garden Of Evil," "Henry Hathaway: When The Going Gets Tough ...," restoration comparisons.
Rawhide (1951) Dir.: Henry Hathaway; Tyrone Power, Susan Hayward, Edgar Buchanan, Hugh Marlowe, Dean Jagger. Extras: "Susan Hayward: Hollywood's Straight Shooter," "Shot It in Lone Pine!" restoration comparisons, still gallery.
The Gunfighter (1950) Dir.: henry King; Gregory Peck, Helen Westcott, Millard Mitchell.

Frank Sinatra 10th Anniversary Promotion: Frank Sinatra is widely held to be the greatest singer in American pop history and one of the most successful entertainers of the last century. Beginning May 13, Warner Home Video will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of "The Chairman of the Board" by releasing a total of 22 of his films in five new collections, with 11 titles brand new to DVD. Reprise Records, Turner Classic Movies, MGM Home Entertainment and the United States Postal Service are also joining Warner Home Video for what will be an unprecedented month-long tribute to the man who left an everlasting impact on popular culture. Also available beginning May 13 will be an all-new CD collection; a television film festival and other specials and a commemorative postage stamp. The initiative is the first from the newly established Frank Sinatra Enterprises.

Frank Sinatra Collection: The Rat Pack Ultimate Collector's Edition Four-disc set commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of "The Chairman of the Board" on May 14, 1998. $59.92 for the collection; $12.97 individual titles (except "Sergeant's 3," which is only available as part of the collection). (Warner).

Ocean's Eleven(1960) Dir.: Lewis Milestone; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie Dickinson, Richard Conte, Cesar Romero, Patrice Wymore, Joey Bishop, Akim Tamiroff, Henry Silva, Ilka Chase, Buddy Lester. Extras: Commentary by Frank Sinatra Jr. and Angie Dickinson, interactive "Las Vegas Then and Now" map and casino vignettes, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson excerpt featuring guest host Frank Sinatra and guest Angie Dickinson, cast/filmmaker profiles.
4 For Texas (1963) Dir.: Robert Aldrich; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Anita Ekberg, Ursula Andress, Charles Bronson, Victor Buono. Extras: Vintage making-of featurette, cast/filmmaker profiles.
Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964) Dir.: Gordon Douglas; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Peter Falk, Barbara Rush, Victor Buono. Extras: Commentary by Frank Sinatra Jr., vintage featurette "What They Did to Robin Hood," cast/filmmaker profiles.
Sergeant's 3(1962) Dir.: John Sturges; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. , Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, Henry Silva, Ruta Lee, Buddy Lester. Extras: Commentary by Frank Sinatra Jr.

Frank Sinatra Collection: The Golden Years Five-disc set commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of "The Chairman of the Board" on May 14, 1998. $39.92 the collection; $12.97 individual titles. (Warner).

None but the Brave (1965) Dir.: Frank Sinatra; Frank Sinatra, Clint Walker, Tommy Sands, Brad Dexter.
The Man With the Golden Arm (1955) Dir.: Otto Preminger; Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold Stang, Darren McGavin. Extras: New Featurette: "Shoot Up/Shoot Out: The Story Behind The Man With the Golden Arm."
Some Came Running (1958) Dir.: Vincente Minnelli; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine, Martha Hyer, Arthur Kennedy. Extras: New Featurette: "The Story of Some Came Running" 'making-of' retrospective.
The Tender Trap (1955) Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, David Wayne, Celeste Holm, Lola Albright, Carolyn Jones. Extras: New Featurette: "Frank's Way," soundtrack remastered in 5.1 audio.
Marriage on the Rocks (1965) Frank Sinatra, Deborah Kerr, Dean Martin, Cesar Romero.

Frank Sinatra Collection: The Early YearsFive-disc set commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of "The Chairman of the Board" on May 14, 1998. $39.92 the collection; $12.97 individual titles. (Warner).

Double Dynamite (1951) Jane Russell, Groucho Marx, Frank Sinatra.
It Happened in Brooklyn (1947) Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, Peter Lawford, Jimmy Durante, Gloria Grahame.
Step Lively (1944 ) Frank Sinatra, George Murphy, Adolphe Menjou, Gloria DeHaven, Walter Slezak.
Higher and Higher (1943) Michele Morgan, Jack Haley, Frank Sinatra.
The Kissing Bandit (1948) Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, J. Carrol Naish.

Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly CollectionThree-disc set commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of "The Chairman of the Board" on May 14, 1998. $24.98 the collection; $12.97 individual titles. (Warner).

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949) Dir.: Busby Berkeley; Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, Betty Garrett, Edward Arnold. Extras: Deleted musical numbers Baby Doll and Boys and Girls Like You and Me, notes on Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly.
On the Town (1949) Dir.: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly; Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Jules Munshin, Vera-Ellen.
Anchors Aweigh (1945) Dir.: George Sidney; Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly, Jose Iturbi, Dean Stockwell.

Sinatra(1992) Two-disc set of the Emmy-winning CBS-TV mini-series about Sinatra's remarkable life, with over two-dozen Sinatra standards. Stars Philip Casnoff, Olympia Dukakis, Joe Santos, Gina Gershon, Nina Siemaszko, Marcia Gay Harden, Bob Gunton, David Raynr. $19.98. (Warner).

Garfield and Friends: A Cat and His Hero. Single-disc with15 episodes of "Garfield & Friends" series picked by creator Jim Davis, $14.98. (Fox).

A Good Man Is Hard to Find (2008) Deborah Cox, Golden Brooks, Hill Harper. Adaptation of the gospel stage play about the roles of black women in the 21st century. (Fox).

Graduation (2006) Shannon Lucio, Riley Smith, Chris Marquette, Chris Lowell, Adam Arkin, Aimee Garcia. Four high school friends -- just short of graduation -- plan a bank robbery to help one of their friends in need of financial assistance. Extras: Commentary, alternate opening, deleted scenes, blooper reel, storyboards. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Great Debaters (2007) Dir.: Denzel Washington; Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Jumee Smollett, Nate Parker. Availabe as a single disc and in a two-disc special edition. Extras: Commentary by actor-director Denzel Washington (both versions), deleted scenes (both versions), documentary with original debaters, "Music of The Great Debaters," "Original Score With James Newton Howard," "Making of The Great Debaters," Wardrobe of The Great Debaters," "A Visit to Wiley College," "Poetry of Melvin Tolson (still gallery). (Weinstein Company/Genius Products).

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Special Edition (1981) Dir.: Steven Spielberg; Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, Alfred Molina. Timed for the release of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Extras: Raiders of the Lost Ark: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas"; "Indiana Jones: An Appreciation" by the cast and crew of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"; "The Melting Face" recreation of the amazing physical effect of the villain's melting face in "Raiders"; "Storyboard Sequence -- The Well of Souls"; Galleries: llustrations & props, production photographs & portraits, effects/ILM, marketing; "Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures" Game demo and trailer. (Paramount).

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Special Edition (1984) Dir.: Steven Spielberg; Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri. Timed for the release of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Extras: "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas"; "Creepy Crawlies"; "Locations" featurette, "Storyboard Sequence -- The Mine Cart Chase" Galleries: llustrations & props, production photographs & portraits, effects/ILM, marketing; "Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures" Game demo and trailer. (Paramount).

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Special Edition (1989) Dir.: Steven Spielberg; Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix.Timed for the release of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Extras: "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas"; "The Women: The American Film Institute Tribute" with the three Indiana Jones women (Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and Alison Doody); "Friends and Enemies" discussion with Spielberg, Lucas and Indiana Jones writers; "Storyboard Sequence -- The Opening Sequence"; Galleries: llustrations & props, production photographs & portraits, effects/ILM, marketing; "Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures" Game demo and trailer. (Paramount).

La Chinoise (1968) Dir.: Jean-Luc Godard; Anne Wiazemsky, Jean-Pierre Leaud, Juliet Berto, Michel Semeniako. Restored and re-mastered. Extras: Never-before-released vintage footage such as a Godard editing table interview, Venice Film Festival press conference coverage, interview with Anne Wiazemsky, introduction by Colin McCabe (author of "Godard: A Portrait of the Artist at Seventy") and the original trailer. (Koch Lorber Films).

Le Gai Savoir (The Joy of Knowledge) (1968) Dir.: Jean-Luc Godard; Juliet Berto, Jean-Pierre Leaud. (Koch Lorber Films).

Little Devil (2007 - U.K. TV) Alex Caan, Robson Green, Maggie O'Neill, Maimie McCoy. When a 10-year-rold boy's good deeds can't keep his mother and father from planning a divorce, he decides that being bad is better. (BFS Entertainment).

The Lovers (1958) Dir.: Louis Malle; Jeanne Moreau, Jean-Marc Bory, Alain Cuny, Jose Luis de Villalonga. New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the complete, uncensored version. Extras: Selection of archival interviews with Louis Malle, actors Jeanne Moreau and Jose Luis de Villalonga, and writer Louise de Vilmorin; gallery of promotional material from the U.S. theatrical release; new essay by film historian Ginette Vincendeau. (The Criterion Collection).

Mad Money (2008) Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Ted Danson, Roger Cross, Adam Rothenberg, Finesse Mitchell. Extras: Commentary by director Callie Khouri, �Makin' Money: Behind the Scenes of Mad Money.� (Anchor Bay).

The Magnificent Seven Complete Series Giftset. Five-disc set with 17 episodes from the series' two seasons, plus four never-aired episodes, $49.98. (MGM).

Marvel Heroes Collection. Boxed set with "X-Men," "X2: X-Men United Special Edition," "X-Men 3: The Last Stand," "Fantastic Four," "Fantastic Four 2," "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes Volume 1," "Elektra" and "Daredevil"; $69.98. Extras: Marvel exclusive flipbook and CD ROM comic "The Origin of the Silver Surfer." (Fox).

Mission Impossible: The Fourth TV Season (1969-70) Seven-disc set with 26 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).
Nora's Hair Salon 2 (2008) Stacey Dash, Tatyana Ali, Bobby Brown, MekhiPhifer. Sequel, with more adventures in the neighborhood hair salon. (Fox).

Numb (2007) Matthew Perry, Kevin Pollak, Mary Steenburgen. A chronically depressed screenwriter desperately tries to cure his condition when he meets the girl of his dreams. (Image Entertainment).

A Raisin in the Sun (2005) Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, Sanaa Lathan, John Stamos. Telefilm adaptation of the Tony-award winning 2004 Broadway revival; premiered on ABC February 25, 2008. Extras: Commentary by director Kenny Leon, "Dreams Worth While: The Journey of A Raisin in the Sun" featurette. (Sony).

The Rat Patrol Complete Series Giftset. Seven-disc set with all 58 episodes, $49.98. (MGM).

Saturday Night Live: The Complete Third Season. More of Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, Steve Martin, Al Franken and others. Seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98. Extras: "Things We Did Last Summer" featurette, wardrobe test with John Belushi and Howard Shore. (Universal).

Sesame Street: Dinosaurs. Elmo and Telly Monster invite pint-sized paleontologists in-training to use their imaginations to learn more about the Earth's ancient inhabitants; $14.93. (Genius Products).

The Shadow Riders (1982) Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, Ben Johnson, Geoffrey Lewis, Katharine Ross. CBS Western telefilm based on the best-selling novel by Louis L'Amour. At the close of the Civil War, two brothers, who battled on opposing sides, return home to discover that their family has been kidnapped by rebel guerrillas who refuse to accept the defeat of the Confederacy; the brothers set out to rescue the women, who are in danger of being sold as slaves to a Mexican brothel. (Sony).

Stargate Infinity: The Complete Series. Four-disc set with all 26 animated episodes, $34.99. Extras: Animated Stargate effects test, never-before-seen animated character walking models, original concept art. (Shout! Factory).

Summertime Fun! Collection of five Summertime-themed episodes from "Barney," "Bob the Builder," "Thomas & Friends," "Angelina Ballerina" and "Fireman Sam," $14.98. HIT Entertainment/Fox).

They Filmed the War in Color: Victory In Europe (2000 -- France) French director Rene-Jean Bouyer painstakingly researched and collected rare color footage from World War II and compiled it into a remarkable full-color documentary. These color fragments stolen from the 1940s finally deliver an opportunity to see war and peace just as millions of citizens, civilians and combatants had lived it: in color. "Victory In Europe" spans the peaceful times before German occupation to the harrowing events of the war and finally to joyful liberation. Features extraordinary first-person archival footage that captures military maneuvers, daily life, GI's and citizens celebrating their victory, Ernest Hemingway and Clark Gable visiting Normandy, the discovery of bodies at the Dachau Concentration Camp and many other shocking images; $19.98. (Koch Vision).

They Filmed the War in Color Set (2000 -- France) Includes "Victory in Europe" and "The Pacific War." The second film (not released separately) documents U.S. military action in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, an event that fully thrust the United States full force into World War II and turned it into a truly global conflict. American Marines and many of the great filmmakers of the day captured color footage of the events as they unfolded -- the Coral Sea in flames; Guadalcanal littered in corpses; rarely seen images of the deportation of U.S.; $34.98. (Koch Vision).

Twelfth Night (1969) Tommy Steele, Ralph Richardson, Alec Guinness and Joan Plowright star in this "ITV Saturday Night Theatre" version of the Bard's confection, $24.98. (Koch Vision).

Two and a Half Men: The Complete Third Season. Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $44.98. Extras: Two featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reel. (Warner).

Untraceable (2008) Diane Lane, Colin Hanks, Erin Carufel, Billy Burke, Joseph Cross, Mary Beth Hurt. Extras: Commentary, four featurettes, Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The Wager (2007) Randy Travis, Nancy Stafford, Jude Ciccolella, Candace Cameron Bure. When the life of a mega film star (Randy Travis) is destroyed right before the most important day of his life, his faith is put to the ultimate test. (Genius Products).

Youth Without Youth (2007) Dir.: Francis Ford Coppola; Tim Roth, Matt Damon, Alexandra Maria Lara, Bruno Ganz, Andre Hennicke. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, May 20-- Monday, May 26

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
In this follow up to the boxoffice hit "National Treasure," treasure hunter Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) once again sets out on an exhilarating, action-packed global quest to unearth hidden history and treasures. When a missing page from the diary of John Wilkes Booth surfaces, Ben's great-great grandfather is suddenly implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's death. Determined to prove his ancestor's innocence, Ben follows an international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations -- but to the trail of the world's most treasured secrets. Vitals: Director: Jon Turteltaub. Stars: Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood, Helen Mirren. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 124 min., Drama, Box office gross: $218.701 million, Disney.

Strange Wilderness
Animal enthusiast Peter Gaulke (Steve Zahn) and his sidekick Fred Wolf (Allen Covert) host an ailing wildlife TV show "Strange Wilderness, which is in a steep ratings decline. Desperate to save the show, Peter hatches a scheme to find the one animal that could truly turn the show around and change the nature-show landscape forever -- Bigfoot. Vitals: Director: Fred Wolf. Stars: Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill, Ashley Scott, Peter Dante, Harry Hamlin, Robert Patrick, Joe Don Baker, Justin Long, Jeff Garlin, Ernest Borgnine. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 87 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $6.563 million, Paramount.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Due this week from opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum:
"Eclipse Series #9: The Delirious Fictions of William Klein" A three-disc set with Klein's explosive, challenging cinema. "Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?" (1966): After a nearly decade as Vogue's most subversive fashion photographer, William Klein made this wild, pseudo-verite peek into the world of Parisian haute couture -- and was summarily released from his contract at the magazine. "Mr. Freedom" (1969): Klein moved into more blatantly political territory with this hilarious, angry Vietnam-era spoof of American foreign policy. Mr. Freedom (John Abbey), a bellowing good ol' boy superhero, decked out in copious football padding, jets off to France to curtail a Commie invasion from Switzerland. "The Model Couple" (1977): In 1977 France, the Ministry of the Future chooses two average, white, middle-class citizens for a national experiment. They will be monitored and displayed for six months in a model apartment outfitted with state-of-the-art products and nonstop surveillance -- the template for "a new city for the new man." $44.95 from The Criterion Collection.

"Night of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary Edition" (1968), directed by George A. Romero and starring Duane Jones and Judith O'Dea. More gore with such extras as commentary by writer-director George A. Romero, producer-actor Karl Hardman, actress Marilyn Eastman and writer John A. Russo; commentary by producer Russel W. Streiner, production manager Vince Survinski, Judith O'Dea, actor Bill Hinzman, actress Kyra Schon and actor Keith Wayne; "One for the Fire: The Legacy of Night of the Living Dead": "Ben Speaks: The Last Interview With Duane Jones"; "Speak of the Dead: A Conversation With Duane Jones"; original theatrical trailer; still gallery; original script DVD-ROM. From the Weinstein Co./Genius Products.

From TV to Video:
"Amongst Women" is a two-disc set of the 1998 Irish miniseries set in 1950s rural Ireland about a brutal, domineering ex-IRA soldier who tries to keep his family together after the death of his wife -- but only succeeds in pushing his daughters and sons away; $34.98 from BFS Entertainment ... "The Bill Engvall Show: The Complete First Season" is a single disc with eight episodes, $19.98 from Warner .. "Dangerous Assignment: The Complete Television Collection" (1952-53) is af four-disc set with all 39 episodes of the action-packed (and violent for its time) television series that follows the adventures of U.S. Government agent Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy, who originated the role on radio) as he traveled the globe investigating cases of espionage, sabotage and other threats to national security. As was the norm for that time, all the action was on sound stages and the villains were stereotyped, making the show a quaint return to a bygone (and less complex) era; $39.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Exes & Ohs: The Complete First Season" features all six episodes from TV's first-ever scripted dramedy about lesbians, $19.99 from Paramount ... "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C: The Fourth Season" (1967-68) is a fve-disc set with 30 episodes, $42,99 from Paramount ... "JAG: The Sixth Season" (2000-01) is a six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99 from Paramount ... "The Jeff Corwin Experience: Season Two" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95 from Animal Planet/Genius Products ... In "The New Maverick" (1978), James Garner and Jack Kelly reprise their roles as brothers Bret and Bart Maverick from the popular TV show "Maverick.," from Warner ... "Penn and Teller Bullshit: Season Five" (2007) is a two-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.99 from Paramount ... "Robot Chicken: Star Wars" (2007) is an Adult Swim "Robot Chicken" special with the voices of George Lucas, Joey Fatone, Malcolm McDowell, Breckin Meyer, Conan O'Brien, $14.97 from Warner ... "24 Season One Special Edition" is a seven-disc set with all 24 episodes, $59.98 from Fox.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
While training his young female replacement, a hyper-vigilant employee of the Dept. of Public Safety trails a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender in "The Flock" (2007), starring Richard Gere, Claire Danes, KaDee Strickland, Russell Sams and Avril Lavigne, from the Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... In "Killing Zelda Sparks" (2007), starring Colm Feore, Vincent Kartheiser, Sarah Carter and Geoffrey Arend, two old high school buddies decide to pull a vicious prank on meddling Zelda Sparks when she comes home to the small town of New Essex, but are appalled to learn that the prank may have taken a deadly turn, from Warner... After being betrayed by a close friend, a rising gangster finds himself in a deadly fight to stay alive in "A Dirty Carnival" (2006),a blood-drenched, martial-arts packed crime thriller from South Korea, from Genius Products ... "Lost Colony" (2007) is a thriller based on one of the most shocking unsolved mysteries in American history: In 1587, over 100 men and women set sail to establish the first English colony in the new Americas. They landed on Roanoke Island off the coast of Virginia, built a settlement, planted crops, began their new lives in a new world, and then, one day, they disappeared ... without a trace; from Allumination FilmWorks.

On the Indie Front:
From producer Morgan Spurlock comes "What Would Jesus Buy?" (2007), a documentary that explores the depths of American consumerism during Christmas, as well as throughout the entire year. Join Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt. In environmentally friendly packaging that uses materials such as recycled paper and fiberboard; from Arts Alliance America.

Foreign:
"Vanaja" (2006 -- India) explores the chasm that divides classes in Southern India as a young girl struggles to come of age. Vanaja, a poor fisherman's 14-year-old daughter, goes to work in the house of the local Landlady in hope of learning the Kuchipudi dance, but matters turn ugly when the Landlady's son returns, pitching her into a battle of caste, class, animus and rape; from Emerging Pictures.

For the Family:
I"Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Hour: Volume One" is a two-disc set with seven episodes, $26.99 from Warner ... "The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season" is a four-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99 from Disney ... "Oban Star-Racers 2: The Oban Cycle" is a two-disc set with all 13 Uncut Episodes of the 2-D and 3-D animated futuristic sci fi series, $19.99 from Shout! Factory.

Special Interest:
"Ape Genius: What Separates Apes from Humans" is a NOVA documentary that explores the secret mental lives of apes and the crucial gap between ape intellects and our own; $19.95 from WGBH Boston Video ... "The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth" is a History Channel documentary that looks at the 12 suspense-fueled days in April 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shocked America by eluding more than 10,000 Federal troops in one of the greatest manhunts in U.S. history; $19.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Healing Cancer: From the Inside Out" (2008) takes a look at the cancer industry with a critical eye to its failure to do what it claims to do -- find a cure, $19.95 from Cinema Libre Studio Earth Now ... Four interesting releases from First Run Features arrive this week: "The Reich Underground" (2004 -- Germany), about the long forgotten, sprawling underground labyrinths built by the Nazis to house armament factories are reopened for the first time in decades by a team of experts; "Beyond Hatred" (2007 -- France), a deeply moving, award-winning documentary in which a French family reflects on the vicious murder of their 29-year-old gay son by neofascist skinheads; "Meeting Resistance" (2007), an eye-opening film that raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle against coalition forces; and "Our House" (2002), a groundbreaking documentary that explores what it's like to grow up with gay or lesbian parents; $24.95 each.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Amongst Women. Two-disc set of the 1998 Irish miniseries set in 1950s rural Ireland about a brutal, domineering ex-IRA soldier who tries to keep his family together after the death of his wife -- but only succeeds in pushing his daughters and sons away; $34.98. (BFS Entertainment).

Ape Genius: What Separates Apes from Humans. NOVA documentary explores the secret mental lives of apes and the crucial gap between ape intellects and our own; $19.95. (WGBH Boston Video).

Beyond Hatred (2007 -- France) In this deeply moving, award-winning documentary, a French family reflects on the vicious murder of their 29-year-old gay son by neofascist skinheads and courageously tries to move beyond feelings of hatred and revenge; $24.95. (First Run Features).

The Bill Engvall Show: The Complete First Season. Single disc with eight episodes, $19.98. Extras: "Ask Bill" digital shorts, interviews, behind-the-scenes extras. (Warner).

Company (2008) Winner of the 2007 Tony Award. An era-defining classic is stunningly reinvented in this powerful Broadway production. Set in modern upper-crust Manhattan, "Company" is a funny, sophisticated exploration of love and commitment as seen through the eyes of a charming perpetual bachelor questioning his single state and his enthusiastically married, slightly envious friends. With a wise and witty Stephen Sondheim score. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

Dangerous Assignment: The Complete Television Collection (1952-53) Four-disc set with all 39 episodes of the action-packed television series, $39.98. Follows the adventures of U.S. Government agent Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy, who originated the role on radio) as he traveled the globe investigating cases of espionage, sabotage and other threats to national security. The dashing international operative had two prime directives: Get in and out of danger! (Infinity Entertainment).

Diary of the Dead (2008) Dir.: George A. Romero; Joshua Close, Scott Wentworth, Michelle Morgan, Joe Dinicol. While shooting their own low-budget horror movie, a group of young film students run into real-life zombies, ravenously walking corpses attacking and killing the living. Presented in a first-person style that heightens the reality of each encounter, the entire film is seen through footage from the students' camcorders, cell phones, security cameras and news footage. Extras: Commentary by writer-director George Romero, director of photography Adam Swica, editor Michael Doherty; featurettes: "Character Confessionals," "The First Week," "The Roots," "Familiar Voices," "For the Record: The Making of Diary of the Dead"; Myspace Short Film Contest winners. (Dimension Extreme/Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

A Dirty Carnival (2006) In-seong Jo. After being betrayed by a close friend, a rising gangster finds himself in a deadly fight to stay alive in this blood-drenched, martial-arts packed crime thriller from South Korea. (Genius Products).

Eclipse Series #9: The Delirious Fictions of William Klein. Three-disc set with Klein's explosive, challenging cinema. "Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?" (1966): After a nearly decade as Vogue's most subversive fashion photographer, William Klein made this wild, pseudo-verite peek into the world of Parisian haute couture -- and was summarily released from his contract at the magazine. "Mr. Freedom" (1969): Klein moved into more blatantly political territory with this hilarious, angry Vietnam-era spoof of American foreign policy. Mr. Freedom (John Abbey), a bellowing good ol' boy superhero, decked out in copious football padding, jets off to France to curtail a Commie invasion from Switzerland. "The Model Couple" (1977): In 1977 France, the Ministry of the Future chooses two average, white, middle-class citizens for a national experiment. They will be monitored and displayed for six months in a model apartment outfitted with state-of-the-art products and nonstop surveillance -- the template for "a new city for the new man." $44.95. (The Criterion Collection).

Exes & Ohs: The Complete First Season. All six episodes from TV's first-ever scripted dramedy about lesbians, $19.99. Extras: Cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, "extrasodes," more. (Paramount).

The Flock (2007) Richard Gere, Claire Danes, KaDee Strickland, Russell Sams, Avril Lavigne. While training his young female replacement, a hyper-vigilant employee of the Dept. of Public Safety trails a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C: The Fourth Season (1967-68) Five-disc set with 30 episodes, $42,99. (Paramount).

Healing Cancer: From the Inside Out (2008) Mike Anderson, author of the book "The Rave Diet & Lifestyle," takes a look at the cancer industry with a critical eye to its failure to do what it claims to do -- find a cure. Instead, Anderson maintains that the multi-billion dollar "business of cancer" has dismissed any and all alternative treatments that will risk the financial abundance this disease has produced. $19.95. (Cinema Libre Studio Earth Now).

The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth. History Channel documentary that looks at the 12 suspense-fueled days in April 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shocked America by eluding more than 10,000 Federal troops in one of the greatest manhunts in U.S. history; $19.95. (A&E Home Video).

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969) Suzanne Pleshette, Ian McShane, Mildred Natwick, Murray Hamilton, Sandy Baron, Michael Constantine, Norman Fell, Peggy Cass, Marty Ingels. (MGM).

JAG: The Sixth Season (2000-01) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99. (Paramount).

The Jeff Corwin Experience: Season Two. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

Killing Zelda Sparks (2007) Colm Feore, Vincent Kartheiser, Sarah Carter, Geoffrey Arend. Two old high school buddies decide to pull a vicious prank on meddling Zelda Sparks when she comes home to the small town of New Essex, but are appalled to learn that the prank may have taken a deadly turn.

Lost Colony (2007 -- TV) Adrian Paul, Frida Show, Rhett Giles, Alex McArthur. Thriller based on one of the most shocking unsolved mysteries in American history: In 1587, over 100 brave men and women set sail from Great Britain to establish the first English colony in the new Americas. They landed on Roanoke Island off the coast of Virginia. They built a settlement, planted crops, and began their new lives in a new world. And then, one day, they disappeared ... without a trace. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Maggie Smith at the BBC. Three-disc set with four productions starring Maggie Smith: "The Merchant of Venice" (1972), "The Millionairess" (1972), "A Bed Among the Lentils" (1988) and "Suddenly Last Summer" (1993). Extras: Two interviews from early in Smith's career. (BBC Video/Warner).

Meeting Resistance (2007) This daring, eye-opening film raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle against coalition forces; $29.95. (First Run features).

The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season. Four-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. Extras: "A Company of Players" puppeteers behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Muppets on Puppets" documentary, "A Frog Is Born." (Disney).

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (2007) Dir.: Jon Turteltaub; Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood, Helen Mirren. Availabe as a single-disc edition and a two-disc Gold Collector's edition. Extras: Commentary by director Jon Turteltaub, deleted scenes, "The Treasure Reel" of outtakes and bloopers, "Secrets of a Sequel" featurette, "The Book of Secrets on Location," "Inside the Library of Congress," "Knights of the Golden Circle," more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

The New Maverick (1978 -- TV) James Garner and Jack Kelly reprise their roles as brothers Bret and Bart Maverick from the popular TV show "Maverick." The two old West sharpers are joined by their British cousin Beau's college-dropout son, Ben (Charles Frank). (Warner).

Night of the Living Dead 40th Anniversary Edition (1968) Dir.: George A. Romero; Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea. Extras: Commentary by writer-director George A. Romero, producer-actor Karl Hardman, actress Marilyn Eastman and writer John A. Russo; commentary by producer Russel W. Streiner, production manager Vince Survinski, Judith O'Dea, actor Bill Hinzman, actress Kyra Schon and actor Keith Wayne; "One for the Fire: The Legacy of Night of the Living Dead": "Ben Speaks: The Last Interview With Duane Jones"; "Speak of the Dead: A Conversation With Duane Jones"; original theatrical trailer; still gallery; original script DVD-ROM. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968) Dir,: William Friedkin; Jason Robards, Britt Ekland, Forrest Tucker, Joseph Wiseman, Denholm Elliott, Elliott Gould. (MGM).

Oban Star-Racers 2: The Oban Cycle. Two-disc set with all 13 Uncut Episodes of the 2-D and 3-D animated futuristic sci fi series, $19.99. (Shout! Factory).

Our House (2002) A groundbreaking documentary that explores what it's like to grow up with gay or lesbian parents. Traveling around the country, director Meema Spadola profiles the children of five diverse gay and lesbian families; $24.95. (First Run Features).

Penn and Teller Bullshit: Season Five (2007) Two-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.99. (Paramount).

The Reich Underground (2004 -- Germany) Long forgotten after the victorious American Army sealed them off from intruders, the sprawling underground labyrinths built by the Nazis to house armament factories are reopened for the first time in decades by a team of experts; $24.95. (First Run Features).

Richie Rich/Scooby-Doo Hour: Volume One. Two-disc set with seven episodes, $26.99. Extras: "The Story of Richie Rich" featurette. (Warner).

Robot Chicken: Star Wars (2007 -- TV) Adult Swim "Robot Chicken" special with voices of George Lucas, Joey Fatone, Malcolm McDowell, Breckin Meyer, Conan O'Brien. $14.97. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, photo gallery, more. (Warner).

Strange Wilderness (2008) Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill, Ashley Scott, Peter Dante, Harry Hamlin, Robert Patrick, Joe Don Baker, Justin Long, Jeff Garlin, Ernest Borgnine. Extras: "Cooker's Song" performed by Superbad's Jonah Hill, in-depth look at the turkey sequence, "Reel Comedy: Strange Wilderness" behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, more. (Paramount).

Tom Selleck Western Collection.Three-disc set with three Tom Selleck outings: "Crossfire Trail," "Last Stand at Saber River" and "Monte Walsh," $17.99. (Warner).

24 Season One Special Edition. Seven-disc set with all 24 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Season One introduction by Kiefer Sutherland, new documentary "The Genesis of 24," five extended episodes, 25 extended and deleted scenes, alternate season finale ending, commentary on the series premiere episode by director Stephen Hopkins and director of photography Peter Levy, commentary on the series finale episode by director Stephen Hopkins and actress Leslie Hope, "The Rookie" online short films, alternate season finale ending. (Fox).

Vanaja (2006 -- India) Mamatha Bhukya , Urmila Dammannagari. Explores the chasm that divides classes in Southern India as a young girl struggles to come of age. Vanaja, a poor fisherman's 14-year-old daughter, goes to work in the house of the local Landlady in hope of learning the Kuchipudi dance, but matters turn ugly when the Landlady's son returns, pitching her into a battle of caste, class, animus and rape. Extras: Introductory featurette by director Rajnesh Domalpalli and actress Mamatha Bhukya, featurette of unabridged dances from the film, four shorts by director Domalpalli. (Emerging Pictures).

What Did You Do In The War, Daddy? (1966) Dir.: Blake Edwards; James Coburn, Dick Shawn, Sergio Fantoni, Giovanna Ralli, Aldo Ray, Harry Morgan, Carroll O'Connor. (MGM).

What Would Jesus Buy? (2007) From producer Morgan Spurlock, this documentary explores the depths of American consumerism during Christmas, as well as throughout the entire year. Join Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt. In environmentally friendly packaging that uses materials such as recycled paper and fiberboard. (Arts Alliance America).

ZakLand: The Shiny Surprise (2005) Live action/animated world filled with music and fun featuring Zak Morgan and his friends Marty the Bullfrog, Uncle Hank andthe Can-Can Twins. In this feature for kids 3 to 8, everyone works together to help save the day after Hank's little brother Irwin eats King Shiny's special birthday surprise.; $14.98. (Porchlight Entertainment).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue May 27, 2008 8:01 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, May 27, 2008, V12.22

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, May 27-- Monday, June 2

Rambo
He's back. Twenty years after the last film in the series, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) has retreated to northern Thailand, where he's running a longboat on the Salween River. On the nearby Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border, the world's longest-running civil war, the Burmese-Karen conflict, rages into its 60th year. But Rambo, who lives a solitary, simple life in the mountains and jungles fishing and catching poisonous snakes to sell, has long given up fighting, even as medics, mercenaries, rebels and peace workers pass by on their way to the war-torn region. That all changes when a group of human rights missionaries search out the "American river guide" John Rambo. When Sarah (Julie Benz) and Michael Bennett (Paul Schulze) approach him, they explain that since last year's trek to the refugee camps, the Burmese military has laid

landmines along the road, making it too dangerous for overland travel. They ask Rambo to guide them up the Salween and drop them off, so they can deliver medical supplies and food to the Karen tribe. After initially refusing to cross into Burma, Rambo takes them, dropping off Sarah, Michael and the aid workers. Two weeks later, pastor Arthur Marsh (Ken Howard) finds Rambo and tells him the aid workers haven't returned. He's mortgaged his home and raised money from his congregation to hire mercenaries to get the missionaries, who are being held captive by the Burmese army. Although the United States military trained him to be a lethal super soldier in Vietnam, decades later Rambo's reluctance for violence and conflict are palpable, his scars faded, yet visible. However, the lone warrior knows what he must do. Vitals: Director: Sylvester Stallone. Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Paul Schulze, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish, Rey Gallegos, Tim Kang, Jake LaBotz, Maung Maung Khin, Ken Howard. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 91 min., Action, Box office gross: $42.724 million, Lionsgate.

Grace Is Gone
John Cusack gives a powerful and poignant performance as Stanley, an ordinary man struggling to comprehend his wife's sudden death in the Iraq war. Choosing not to confront her death, he takes his two girls on a spontaneous road trip, buying him much needed time as he soul searches for a way to tell them the tragic news he knows will change their lives forever. Vitals: Director: James C. Strouse. Stars: John Cusack, Shelan O'Keefe, Gracie Bednarczyk. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 85 min., Drama, Weinstein Co.

Cassandra's Dream
Terry (Colin Farrell) is a chronic gambler in debt over his head; his brother Ian (Ewan McGregor) is a young man in love with a beautiful actress he has recently met (Hayley Atwell). When their Uncle Howard (Tom Wilkinson) arrives in London under mysterious circumstances, the brothers' lives gradually become entangled in sinister situations with intense and unfortunate results. Vitals: Director: Woody Allen. Stars: Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell, Tom Wilkinson, Hayley Atwell, Sally Hawkins. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 109 min., Crime Thriller, Box office gross: $.971 million, The Weinstein Co.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Due this week, from the sublime to the absurd: "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940), co-directed by Michael Powell and Ludwig Berger and starring Conrad Veidt, Sabu, John Justin, June Duprez and Rex Ingram, in a restored digital transfer loaded with extras, from The Criterion Collection ... "The Dario Argento Box Set," a five-disc set with "Tenebre," "Phenomena," "Trauma," "The Card Player" and "Do You Like Hitchcock?" remastered from original vault elements and presented uncut and uncensored; $19.97 from Anchor Bay ... "The Three Stooges Collection Volume Two: 1937-1939," a two-disc set with 24 digitally remastered shorts, chronologically organized by the original release dates; $24.96 from Sony.

From TV to Video:
"Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Everything," a nine-disc set with the complete series, plus four hours of extras, housed in a silver-quilted photo journal, $129.98 from BBC Video/Warner ... "The Color Honeymooners Collection #3," a three-disc set with 12 episodes of the Jackie Gleason show that aired from Miami Beach in 1966-70, $39.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Cory in the House: Newt and Improved Edition," four episodes, from Disney ... "Cranford" (2005), the PBS Masterpiece Theatre series adapted from Mary Gaskell's classic novels of small town gossip, secrets and romance, starring Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, from BBC Video/Warner ... "The Grand: Complete Collection," a five-disc set with all 18 episodes of the British series that takes place at an opulent hotel in Manchester, England during the Roaring '20s; $59.99 from Acorn Media ... "Gunsmoke: The Second Season, Volume Two" (1957), a three-disc set with 19 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Holocaust," a three-disc set of the 1978 miniseries starring Joseph Bottoms, Tovah Feldshuh, Rosemary Harris, Ian Holm, Michael Moriarty, Meryl Streep, David Warner, James Woods and Fritz Weaver; $29.99 from Paramount ... "The Invaders: The First Season," a five-disc set with 17 episodes of the classic alien invader series starring Roy Thinnes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Lipstick Jungle: Season One," a two-disc set with seven episodes, $29.98 from Universal ... "Rawhide: Season Three, Volume One" (1960-61), a four-disc set with 15 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Time for Murder," a two-disc set of the classic mid-1980s series featuring tales of mystery and suspense by six of Britain's finest writers, $39.99 from Acorn Media.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
Due this week: Two Dragon Dynasty Hong Kong releases from The Weinstein Company and Genius Products: "Come Drink With Me" (1966), in which a female agent, Golden Swallow, infiltrates an evil gang of bandits with the help of kung fu master Drunken Cat in order to rescue her brother, starring Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Wah and Jackie Chan; and "Heroes of the East" (1979), about a Chinese kung fu master who mistakenly insults the family of his new Japanese bride and must go to extremes to salvage his honor, starring Gordon Liu ... "The Take" (2007), starring John Leguizamo, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Perez, Bobby Cannavale and Roger Guenveur Smith in a thriller about an armored car driver struggling to make ends meet for his wife and two kids in East L.A.'s Boyle Heights neighborhood whose life is thrown into chaos after he miraculously survives a hijacking and becomes obsessed with tracking down his attackers, from Sony ... "Cleaner" (2007), about an ex-cop who makes his living decontaminating and cleaning up crime scenes, directed by Renny Harlin and starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, Eva Mendes, Luis Guzman and Robert Forster, from Sony ... "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (2008) stars Dougray Scott, Krista Bridges and Tom Skerritt in an updated remake of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic in which Jekyll is transformed into Hyde by toxic chemicals, from Genius Entertainment ... In "Valentina's Tango" (2007) a beautiful tango dancer slowly slips into insanity while her loved ones do everything in their power to salvage the damaged woman's mental health as they too become caught up by the madness that consumes her, from MTI Home Video ... Eight rebellious young adults are sent to do community service at Grizzly Park where they're hunted by an escaped serial killer as well as by the animals of the forest in "Grizzly Park" (2008), starring Glenn Morshower, Randy Wayne, Zulay Henao, Emily Foxler and Brody the Bear, from Allumination FilmWorks.

On the Indie Front:
Set in Washington, D.C., Paul Schrader's 2007 chamber drama of sorts "The Walker" (2007) follows Carter Page (Woody Harrelson), a popular socialite who serves as confidant, companion and card player to the wives of the most powerful men in America. When his dearest friend (Kristin Scott Thomas ) finds herself on the brink of scandal, he covers for her, only to find himself the chief suspect in a criminal investigation -- and ostracized by the ladies' club. Wonderful performance by Harrelson and the ladies -- including Lauren Bacall, Mary Beth Hurt and Lily Tomlin -- but the film gets bogged down by a weak script. From ThinkFilm.

For the Family:
For the wee one's this week there's "Diary of a Spider ... And More Cute Critter Stories," Scholastic's latest volume of animated adaptations of award-winning children's books. The title story, from the best-selling picture book by Doreen Cronin, is a sequel to "Diary of a Worm", but this time, the spider is the star. Includes four more critter stories: "Roberto the Insect Architect," "Norman the Doorman," "The Mysterious Tadpole" and "The Story of the Dancing Frog." $14.95 from Scholastic Storybook Treasures ... "ZakLand: The Shiny Surprise" (2005) is a live-action/animated world filled with music and fun featuring Zak Morgan and his friends Marty the Bullfrog, Uncle Hank and the Can-Can Twins, for kids 3 to 8, $14.98 from Porchlight Entertainment ... for older kids there's "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Volume Two," a three-disc set with episodes 14-26 from the popular 2002 revival, $26.98 from BCI Entertainment.

Special Interest:
"Darfur Now" (2007) is a startling documentary that examines the atrocities committed in war-ravaged Darfur, as six individuals traverse the globe with actor Don Cheadle in order to make a difference and lobby for support for this critical cause. Enclosed in environmentally friendly DVD packaging. $4.99 from Warner ... "The Four-Winged Dinosaur: Mircoraptors and the Bird Origin Debate" is a NOVA documentary that investigates fossils of bizarre feathered dinosaurs, which have rekindled a fierce, decades-long debate over the origin of bird flight; $19.95 WGBH Boston Video ... "Full Throttle Adrenaline: Volumes 1 & 2" takes a turbo-charged spin with NASCAR's greatest drivers as they offer insight into the skills and focus needed to stay off the wall and in the victory lane; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... From Arnold Palmer's opening tee shot to Trevor Immelman's final putt, "Highlights of the 2008 Masters Tournament" is the official DVD of the Masters, with footage not seen on TV, $14.95 from Monarch Home Video ... World Wrestling Entertainment superstars face the fallout from Wrestlemania 24 in "Backlash," a series of bouts featuring WWE staples John Cena, Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Kane, CM Punk, and others, $24.95 from Genius Entertainment.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Everything. Nine-disc set with the complete series, plus four hours of extras, housed in a silver-quilted photo journal, $129.98. (BBC Video/Warner).

Cassandra's Dream (2007) Dir.: Woody Allen; Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell, Tom Wilkinson, Hayley Atwell, Sally Hawkins. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Cleaner (2007) Dir.: Renny Harlin; Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, Eva Mendes, Luis Guzman, Keke Palmer, Robert Forster. Tom Carver (Samuel L. Jackson) is an ex-cop who now makes his living decontaminating and cleaning up crime scenes. But when he's called in to sterilize a wealthy suburban residence after a brutal shooting, Carver is shocked to learn he may have unknowingly erased crucial evidence, entangling himself in a dirty criminal cover up. Extras: Commentary by director Renny Harlin, deleted scenes, bonus digital copy of the film. (Sony).

The Color Honeymooners Collection #3. Three-disc set with 12 episodes of the Jackie Gleason show that aired from Miami Beach in 1966-70, $39.98. (MPI Home Video).

Come Drink With Me (1966 -- Hong Kong) Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Wah, Jackie Chan. A female agent, Golden Swallow, infiltrates an evil gang of bandits with the help of kung fu master Drunken Cat in order to rescue her brother, the son of the Governor. Extras: Commentary by actress Cheng Pei-pei and Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, "The King and I": Acclaimed director Tsui Hark remembers King Hu, "Come Speak With Me" interview with Cheng Pei-Pei, "A Classic Remembered: A Retrospective With Hong Kong Cinema Expert Bey Logan," "The Drunken Master" interview with actor Yueh Wah. (Dragon Dynasty, Weinstein Company, Genius Products).

Cory in the House: Newt and Improved Edition. Four episodes. Extras: "Breakin' Down Cory in the House" behind-the-scenes featurette, music video. (Disney).

Cranford (2005) Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins. PBS Masterpiece Theatre series adapted from Mary Gaskells classic novels of small town gossip, secrets and romance. (BBC Video/Warner).

Darfur Now (2007) Inspiring documentary follows six people (with actor Don Cheadle) who are striving to end the suffering in Sudan's war-ravaged Darfur. Enclosed in environmentally friendly DVD packaging. $4.99. (Warner).

The Dario Argento Box Set. Five-disc set with "Tenebre," "Phenomena," "Trauma," "The Card Player" and "Do You Like Hitchcock?" remastered from original vault elements and presented uncut and uncensored; $19.97. (Anchor Bay).

Diary of a Spider ... And More Cute Critter Stories (2005) Scholastic's latest volume of animated adaptations of award-winning children's books. The title story, from the best-selling picture book by Doreen Cronin, is a sequel to "Diary of a Worm", but this time, the spider is the star. Includes four more critter stories: "Roberto the Insect Architect," "Norman the Doorman," "The Mysterious Tadpole" and "The Story of the Dancing Frog." $14.95. Extras: Read-Along option. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (2008 - TV) Dougray Scott, Krista Bridges, Tom Skerritt. Updated remake of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic has Jekyll transformed into Hyde by toxic chemicals. (Genius Products).

The Four-Winged Dinosaur: Mircoraptors and the Bird Origin Debate. NOVA documentary investigates fossils of bizarre feathered dinosaurs, which has rekindled a fierce, decades-long debate over the origin of bird flight; $19.95. (WGBH Boston Video).

Full Throttle Adrenaline: Volumes 1 & 2. A turbo-charged spin with NASCAR's greatest drivers as they offer first-hand what it's like to go face-to-face with the bump-and-run boys, what the G-force pressures of racing feels like, and the skills and focus needed to stay off the wall and in the victory lane. Includes interviews with Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Bobbi Labonte, Mark Martin, Casey Mears and Michael Waltrip. $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

Grace Is Gone (2007) John Cusack, Shelan O'Keefe, Gracie Bednarczyk. Extras: "A Conversation On Grace Is Gone" with director James Strouse and Cusack; "Inspiration of Grace Is Gone" the real story; profile of TAPS, the organization that provides support for people whot have lost loved ones to war. (Weinstein Co./Genius products).

The Grand: Complete Collection. Five-disc set with all 18 episdoes of the British series that takes place at an opulent hotel in Manchester, England during the Roaring '20s; $59.99. (Acorn media).

Grizzly Park (2008) Glenn Morshower, Randy Wayne, Zulay Henao, Emily Foxler, Brody the Bear. Eight rebellious young adults are sent to do community service at Grizzly Park where they're hunted by an escaped serial killer as well as by the animals of the forest. (Allumination FilmWorks).

Gunsmoke: The Second Season, Volume Two (1957) Three-disc set with 19 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Volume Two. Three-disc set with episodes 14-26 from the popular 2002 revival, $26.98. Extras: The original "Morals" segment for each episode; commentary on three episodes with director Gary Hartle, story editor Dean Sefan and writer Steve Melching, moderated by Ian Richter; "He-Man Villains" sketch gallery; "He-Man Villains" still gallery; background gallery; complete animatics of four episodes; scripts; eight-page booklet; two "Masters of the Universe" collectible art cards. (BCI Entertainment).

Heroes of the East (1979 -- Hong Long) Gordon Liu, When a Chinese kung fu master mistakenly insults the family of his new Japanese bride, he finds himself in a precarious situation to salvage his honor. To prove his loyalty and to regain the family's trust, he agrees to a series of duels with seven Japanese ninjas. Extras: Commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, "Spotlight on a Legend: A Tribute to Celebrated Martial Arts Icon Lau Kar-Lueng," "Hero of Shaolin" interview with Gordon Liu, "Shaolin vs. Ninja: An Exploration of the Legendary Martial Arts Weapons Forms of China and Japan." (Dragon Dynasty, Weinstein Company, Genius Products).

Highlights of the 2008 Masters Tournament (2008) From Arnold Palmer's opening tee shot to Trevor Immelman's final putt, this is the official DVD of the Masters, with footage not seen on TV; $14.95. (Monarch Home Video).Extras:

Holocaust. Three-disc set of the 1978 miniseries starrin Joseph Bottoms, Tovah Feldshuh, Rosemary Harris, Ian Holm, Michael Moriarty, Meryl Streep, David Warner, james Woods, Fritz Weaver; $29.99. (Paramount).

If Love Hadn't Left Me Lonely (Lexie) (2004) Ice-T, Cindy Herron, Glenn Plummer, Richard Brooks, Gary Busey. A former music producer turned stockbroker tries to make his musical comeback with a beautiful singer-dancer from a nightclub. The pair fall in love despite the treachery of the players and gangsters that surround the music business. (Warner).

The Invaders: The First Season. Five-disc set with 17 episodes of the classic alien invader series starring Roy Thinnes, $39.99. Extras: New episodic intro with Roy Thinnes on every episode, interview with Thinnes, commentary by series creator Larry Cohen. (Paramount).

Jackass Presents: Mat Hoffman's Tribute to Evel Knievel. Working in conjunction with BMX legend Mat Hoffman, Johnny Knoxville hosts a super stunt spectacular in homage to the late, great Evel Knievel as some of the biggest names in extreme sports step up and risk life and limb in the spirit of the world-famous daredevil. Extras: "Thoughts on Evel Knievel," behind-the-scenes featurette, "Travis Pastrana Pit Session," "Knoxville's Hospital Visit," "Tattoo Montage," "Mat Hoffman's Career Retrospective," photo gallery, music videos, more. (Paramount).

The Lather Effect (2006) Connie Britton, Tate Donovan, Ione Skye, Eric Stoltz. When Valinda (Connie Britton) decides to reunite her high school friends from the '80s for a wild party, she suddenly realizes you truly can't go home again: It's a reunion fueled by the best music of the decade (hits by Billy Idol, Ramones, Simply Red, A-Ha, Night Ranger, Elvis Costello, and many more) that soon has emotions and arguments running wild. The group of now older, if not wiser, new wavers fondly reminisce about the glory days and come to grips with the fact that the best of times might be behind them. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Sarah Kelly, editor Darren Ayres and associate producer-actor Eric Stoltz; "The Making of The Lather Effect"; "The Cameron Effect"; "The Importance of Being an Ernest PA." (Anchor Bay).

Lipstick Jungle: Season One. Two-disc set with seven episodes, $29.98. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Universal).

Love My Way: Series One. Three-disc set with 10 episodes of the Australian family relationship series, $39.98. (BFS Entertainment).

Minutemen (2008) Jason Dolley, Luke Benward, Nicholas Braun, Chelsea Staub. Disney Channel comedy about three high school seniors who discover a way to go back in time to rectify their mistakes. Extras: Extended ending, behind-the-scenes featurette, Corbin Bleu music video. (Disney).

Modern Marvels: Engineering Disasters. Five-disc set with 40 of the greatest man-made disasters in history; $39.95. (A&E Home Video).

Monsterquest: The Complete Season One. Four-disc set with 13 episodes of the History Channel series that entertains, informs and hopefully uncovers the truth behind legendary monsters. $39.95. (A&E Home Video).

Most High (2004) Marty Sader, Laura Keys. Drama explores the horrors of meth addiction. (MPI Home Video).

Muhammad: The Last Prophet (2002) Animated story of Islam and its Prophet. (MPI Home Video).

A Panda Is Born/Baby Panda's First Year. Animal Planet double feature, $14.95. (Genius Products).

Rambo (2009) Dir.: Sylvester Stallone; Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Paul Schulze, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish, Rey Gallegos, Tim Kang, Jake LaBotz, Maung Maung Khin, Ken Howard. In single-disc and two-disc special edition with extras. Extras: Commentary by Stallone, six featurettes, digital copy of the feature. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).

Rawhide: Season Three, Volume One (1960-61) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

Shelter (2007) Trevor Wright, Brad Rowe, Tina Holmes. Gay surfing melodrama about an art student who gives up his dreams when he has to work at a diner to support his family, along the way falling for his best friend's older brother. First project to be produced under here! Networks' Independent Film Initiative.Extras: Photo gallery, music video, production commentary. (Genius Products).

Suspension (2008) Scott Cordes, Annie Tedesco, Caroline Vinciguerra, Dan Nichols, David Fritts. A man loses his family in an automobile accident but gains the power to stop time and prevent accidents from befalling others. (Warner).

The Take (2007) John Leguizamo, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Perez, Bobby Cannavale, Roger Guenveur Smith. Felix De La Pena is an armored car driver struggling to make ends meet for his wife and two kids in East L.A.'s Boyle Heights neighborhood. But their lives are thrown into chaos after Felix miraculously survives a violent on-the-job hijacking and becomes obsessed with tracking down his attackers before they frame him for the crimes they committed.(Sony). Extras: Commentary by director Brad Furman and cinematographer Lukas Ettlin, behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes.

The Thief of Bagdad (1940) Co-directed by Michael Powell and Ludwig Berger; Conrad Veidt, Sabu, John Justin, June Duprez, Rex Ingram. Restored digital transfer. Extras: Two audio commentaries: one featuring renowned directors Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, and one with film and music historian Bruce Eder; new interviews with special-effects experts Ray Harryhausen, Dennis Muren, and Craig Barron about the technical achievements of "The Thief of Bagdad"; "The Lion Has Wings" (1940), Alexander Korda's propaganda film for the English war effort, made during "The Thief of Bagdad's" production hiatus; excerpts from co-director Michael Powell's audio dictations for his autobiography; selections of music by composer Miklos Rozsa not used in the final film; stills gallery featuring rare Dufaycolor images of the film's production; booklet featuring new essays by critics Andrew Moor and Ian Christie. (The Criterion Collection).

The Three Stooges Collection Volume Two: 1937-1939. Two-disc set with 24 digitally remastered shorts, chronologically organized by the original release dates; $24.96. (Sony).

Typhoon (2005 - South Korea) Dong-Kun Jang, David McInnis. A ruthless, modern-day pirate seeks revenge for a history of murder on his family and steals a ship carrying enough nuclear waste to destroy millions. (Genius Products).

Valentina's Tango (2007) Guillermina Quiriga, Jordi Caballero. A beautiful tango dancer slowly slips into insanity while her loved ones do everything in their power to salvage the damaged woman's mental health as they too become caught up by the madness that consumes her. (MTI Home Video).

Visions of Hell: The Films of Jim Vanbebber. Four-disc collection of brutal and infamous films: "The Manson Family," "Deadbeat at dawn," "My Sweet Satan," "Roadkill: The Last Days of John Martin," "Doper," "Kata" and "Into the Black"; $39.98. Extras: Commentary, more. (MPI Home Video).

The Walker (2007) Dir.: Paul Schrader; Woody Harrelson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lauren Bacall, Ned Beatty, Moritz Bleibtreu, Mary Beth Hurt, Lily Tomlin, Willem Dafoe. Set in Washington, D.C., Paul Schrader's chamber drama of sorts follows Carter Page (Woody Harrelson), a popular socialite who serves as confidant, companion and card player to the wives of the most powerful men in America. When his dearest friend finds herself on the brink of scandal, he covers for her, only to find himself the chief suspect in a criminal investigation -- and ostracized by the ladies' club. Extras: "The Making of The Walker." (ThinkFilm).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Jun 3, 2008 5:02 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, June 3, 2008, V12.23

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, June 3-- Monday, June 9

Control
Centers on Ian Curtis, the enigmatic lead singer of the influential British band Joy Division. Curtis had aspirations beyond the trappings of small town life in 1970's England. Wanting to emulate his musical heroes,

such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop, he joined a band, and his musical ambition began to thrive. Soon though, the everyday fears and emotions that fueled his music slowly began to eat away at him. Inspired by the energy of the Sex Pistols and other punk bands, Joy Division infiltrated the music scene with a distinct sound of their own. But the strain of being a rock star and of a young marriage and fatherhood began to eat away at him, manifesting itself in his health. With epilepsy adding to his guilt and depression, desperation took hold and, on the night before embarking on an American tour, at the age of 23, Curtis committed suicide. The surviving members regrouped as New Order, and went on to achieve commercial and critical success. Vitals: Director: Anton Corbijn. Stars: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Alexandra Maria Lara, Joe Anderson, James Anthony Pearson, Harry Treadaway, Craig Parkinson, Toby Kebbell. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., BioDrama, Box office gross: $.871 million, Weinstein Co./Genius Products.

Eye, The
Horror thriller about a cornea transplant recipient who sees disturbing images in the mirror that send her on a quest to find out what happened to the eye's previous owner. The original was made in Hong Kong by Thai directing brothers Danny and Oxide Pang. Sydney Wells (Jessica Alba) is an accomplished, independent, Los Angeles-based concert violinist. Blind since a childhood tragedy, she undergoes a double corneal transplant, a surgery she has waited her whole life to have, and her sight is restored. After the surgery, neural ophthalmologist Dr. Paul Faulkner (Alessandro Nivola) helps Sydney with the difficult adjustment, and with the support of her older sister Helen (Parker Posey), Sydney learns to see again. But Sydney's happiness is short-lived as unexplainable shadowy and frightening images start to haunt her. Are they a passing aftermath of her surgery, Sydney's mind adjusting to sight, a product of her imagination, or something horrifyingly real? As Sydney's family and friends begin to doubt her sanity, Sydney is soon convinced that her anonymous eye donor has somehow opened the door to a terrifying world only she can now see. Vitals: Director: David Moreau, Xavier Palud. Stars: Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey, Francois Chau, Tamlyn Tomita. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 97 min., Horror Thriller, Box office gross: $31.397 million, Lionsgate.

Semi-Pro
Will Ferrell-driven comedy set in 1976 against the backdrop of the maverick American Basketball Association -- a fast-paced, wild and crazy basketball league that rivaled the NBA and made a name for itself with innovations like the three-point shot and slam dunk contest. Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, a one-hit wonder who used the profits from the success of his chart-topping song "Love Me Sexy" to achieve his dream of owning a basketball team. But Moon's franchise, the Flint Michigan Tropics, is the worst team in the league and in danger of folding when the ABA announces its plans to merge with the NBA. If they want to survive, Jackie and the Tropics must now do the seemingly impossible -- win. Vitals: Director: Kent Alterman. Stars: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin, Will Arnett, Jay Phillips, Josh Braaten, Rob Corddry, DeRay Davis, Maura Tierney, Jackie Earle Haley. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $32.279 million, New Line.

Meet the Spartans
Spoof follows the journey of Leonidas, the King of Sparta. When his kingdom is challenged by the powerful Xerxes, Leonidas must recruit some of his strongest soldiers; which unfortunately leaves him with 13 (not 300) of the not-so-finest. Armed with nothing but leather underwear and a flowing red cape, Leonidas leads his ragtag army to defend their homeland, delivering send-ups of such motion pictures as "Ghost Rider," "Transformers," "Spider-Man 3" and "Casino Royale," as well as leaving no stone unturned by tackling such pop culture television staples as "American Idol," "Dancing With the Stars," "Ugly Betty" and "Deal or No Deal." Vitals: Director: Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer. Stars: Diedrich Bader, Kevin Sorbo, Method Man, Ken Davitian, Jim Piddock, Sean Maguire, Greg Ellis, Crista Flanagan, Nicole Parker, Emily Wilson. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 84 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $38.077 million, Fox.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:

Due this week as part of Warner Bros.' 85th anniversary celebration is the "Dirty Harry Special Edition" and the "Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector's Edition." The two-disc set of "Dirty Harry" (1971), directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, John Mitchum, Reni Santoni, John Vernon, Andrew Robinson and Josef Sommer, features such extras as commentary by film historian Richard Schickel; a new featurette "The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry," an examination of the influence and legacy of Dirty Harry; a "Dirty Harry: The Original" featurette; "Dirty Harry's Way" promotional short on the movie; an interview gallery; more. The Ultimate set contains all five "Dirty Harry" films, new commentaries and featurettes, a 40-page hard cover "Dirty Harry" retrospective book, a replica Harry Callahan wallet with Inspector's badge and ID card, a "Scorpio: Portrait of a Killer" poster, six "Dirty Harry" cards, production letters, more. Both sets are also available on Blu-ray Disc.

Lionsgate has just launched its Meridian Collection, a compilation of acclaimed, groundbreaking and influential films from around the world, all digitally remastered. The first two releases: "Diva" (1981), director Jean-Jacques Beineix's stylish French thriller about a young Parisian mail courier, content with his bohemian lifestyle, his circle of friends and listening to opera, who makes an illegal tape of an American diva and gets involved with criminals and crooked cops when the tape is confused with one implicating a police chief with the mob; and "The Red Violin" (1998), starring Samuel L. Jackson, Carlo Cecchi, Irene Grazioli, Jean-Luc Bideau, Greta Scacchi, Jason Flemyng, Colm Feore and Don McKellar, in a multifaceted tale in which an appraiser traces the vast, storied history of a priceless violin across numerous countries and generations.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "American Gangster: The Complete Second Season," a two-disc set of the documentary BET series that looks at some of the 20th century's most notorious African-American crime figures, $36.99 from Paramount ... "The Andromeda Strain," a two-disc set of the recent A&E miniseries starring Benjamin Bratt, $29.98 from Universal ... "Doctor Who: Beneath the Surface," a four-disc set featuring "Doctor Who and the Silurians" (seven episodes), "The Sea Devils" (six episodes) and "Warriors of the Deep" (four episodes); $59.98 from Warner ... "Flavor of Love: Season 3," a four-disc set with all five uncensored episodes, $34.97 from Anchor Bay ... "Get Smart: The Complete Series" in which Don Adams and Barbara Feldon reprise their roles as Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 in the short-lived 1995 update of the classic "Get Smart," on a single-disc with all seven episodes, $19.95 from Sony ... "I Love New York: Season 2," a three-disc set with 11 episodes of the sleazy realty series, $34.97 from Anchor Bay ... "The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Third Season," a five-disc set with 23 episodes, $39.98. from Universal ... "Mannix: The First Season"(1967), a six-disc set with 24 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Fourth Season," a four-disc set with 18 episodes, $39.98 from Universal ... "Rescue Me: The Complete Fourth Season," a four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95 from Sony.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "Mama's Boy" (2007), starring Jeff Daniels, Anna Faris, Jon Heder, Diane Keaton, Chris Kerner, Rue McClanahan and Dorian Missick, a 29-year-old slacker who lives with his mom realizes his sweet set-up is threatened when she hears wedding bells with her self-help guru beau, from Warner ... "Flawless" (2008) stars Demi Moore and Michael Caine in a crime-drama set in 1960s London, where a soon-to-retire janitor (Caine) convinces a glass-ceiling constrained American executive (Moore) to help him steal a handful of diamonds from their employer, the London Diamond Corporation, who he feels has done them wrong, from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... A deranged group of strangers -- including a transsexual prostitute, a runaway virgin, a gorgeous gun-wielding ex-con and a porn king -- cross paths at a bachelor party in "American Crude" (2007), starring Rob Schneider, Ron Livingston, Jennifer Esposito, Michael Clarke Duncan and John C. McGinley, from Sony ... "Boarding Gate" (2008) is the new film from acclaimed and adventurous French filmmaker Olivier Assayas. In the erotic noir-thriller, Asia Argento plays sexy ex-prostitute Sandra who is forced to leave London after a steamy S&M encounter with a debt ridden ex-financial big gun (Michael Madsen) ends in violence. Fleeing to Hong Kong in search of a fresh start, she becomes involved with an attractive young couple, Lester (Carl Ng) and Sue (Kelly Lin), who promise to help her obtain papers and money. But it turns out that Lester is actually a hit man hired to kill the financial big gun; from Magnolia Home Entertainment ... When whiskey-soaked ex-lawmen Preston Biggs (Kevin Sorbo) is hired to escort a group of women suffering from "prairie fever" back to civilization, he's met by a murderous gang intent on stopping their passage in "Prairie Fever" (2008), co-starring Lance Henrickson, Jamie Ann Allman and Dominque Swain, from Genius Entertainment ... "Remember the Daze" (2005) is a coming-of-age tale that revolves around the chaos of the celebration of the last day of school in a small town, starring Leighton Meester, Amber Heard, Alexa Vega, Melonie Diaz and Lyndsy Fonseca, from First Look Studios.

Special Interest:
For baseball fans this week there's two nifty releases from A&E Home Video: "Boston Red Sox: Essential Games of Fenway Collector's Edition," a six-game, six-disc collection commemorating Boston's Fenway Park, spanning five decades of promise, heartache and jubilation etched in Red Sox history; and "New York Mets: Essential Games of Shea Stadium," a six-disc set with six complete, unedited games that best define the history of the New York Mets and showcase the splendor of Shea Stadium (2008 will commemorate the last year that Shea Stadium will see action on its field); $59.95 each ... In a comedy vein there's "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show" (2008), a documentary that follows Vaughn and four stand-up comedians as they travel the country -- subtitled "30 days and 30 nights - Hollywood to the Heartland," from New Line; and "The Onion Movie" (2008), based on the wildly popular satirical newspaper, offering uncensored, uninhibited, unrated news and views from around the world, from Fox ... Finally, there's "The Animation Show: Volume 3" (2007), 16 short films compiled by Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt highlighting the best work from The Animation Show's 2007 theatrical program; with an introduction by Beavis and Butt-head; $19.99 from Paramount.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

American Crude (2007) Rob Schneider, Ron Livingston, Jennifer Esposito, Michael Clarke Duncan, John C. McGinley. A deranged group of strangers -- including a transsexual prostitute, a runaway virgin, a gorgeous gun-wielding ex-con and a porn king - cross paths at a bachelor party. (Sony).

American Gangster: The Complete Second Season. Two-disc set of the documentary BET series that looks at some of the 20th century's most notorious African-American crime figures, $36.99. (Paramount).

The Andromeda Strain. Two-disc set of the A&E miniseries starring Benjamin Bratt, $29.98. Extras: Commentary, "Terra Incognita: Making the Andromeda Strain," visual effects breakdowns, photo and design gallery. (Universal).

The Animation Show: Volume 3 (2007) Sixteen short films compiled by Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt of the best work from The Animation Show's 2007 theatircal program; with an introduction by Beavis and Butt-head; $19.99 (Paramount).

Boarding Gate (2008) Dir.: Olivier Assayas; Asia Argento, Michael Madsen, Kelly Lin, Carl Loong Ng. The new film from acclaimed and adventurous French filmmaker Olivier Assayas is an erotic noir-thriller. Asia Argento plays sexy ex-prostitute Sandra, who is forced to flee London after a steamy S&M encounter with a debt ridden ex-financial big gun (Michael Madsen) ends in violence. Fleeing to Hong Kong in search of a fresh start, she becomes involved with an attractive young couple, Lester (Carl Ng) and Sue (Kelly Lin), who promise to help her obtain papers and money. But it turns out that Lester is actually a hit man hired to kill the financial big gun. Extras: "Boarding Gate: In Touch With Asia Argento" and "Interviews With Asia Argento." (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Boston Red Sox: Essential Games of Fenway Collector's Edition. Six-game, six-disc collection commemorating Boston's Fenway Park, spanning five decades of promise, heart-ache and jubilation etched in Red Sox history; $59.95. (A&E Home Video).

City Slickers Collector's Edition (1991) Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby, Jack Palance. Extras: Commentary by director Ron Underwood and Billy Crystal and Daniel Stern; "Back in the Saddle: City Slickers Revisited" featurette, "Bringing in the Script: Writing City Slickers" featurette, "A Star Is Born: An Ode to Norman" featurette, "The Real City Slickers" featurette, deleted scenes. (MGM).

Control (2007) Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Alexandra Maria Lara, Joe Anderson, James Anthony Pearson, Harry Treadaway, Craig Parkinson, Toby Kebbell. Extras: Commentary by director Anton Corbijn, "The Making of Control," "Out of Control: A Conversation With Anton Corbijn," extended live concert performances, "Transmission" and "Atmosphere" Joy Division music videos, "Shadowplay" music video by The Killers, still gallery. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Dirty Harry Special Edition (1971) Dir.: Don Siegel; Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, John Mitchum, Reni Santoni, John Vernon, Andrew Robinson, Josef Sommer. Two-disc set. Extras: Commentary by film historian Richard Schickel; new featurette "The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry," an examination of the influence and legacy of Dirty Harry; featurette "Dirty Harry: The Original"; featurette: Dirty Harry's Way" promotional short on the movie; interview gallery; 1993 TV special "Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso"; trailer gallery. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector's Edition. All five "Dirty Harry" films, new commentaries and featurettes, 40-page hard cover "Dirty Harry" retrospective book, replica Harry Callahan wallet with Inspector's badge and ID card, "Scorpio: Portrait of a Killer" poster, six "Dirty Harry" cards, production letters, more. $74.92 DVD, $129.95 Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Diva (1981) Frederic Andrei, Richard Bohringer, Thuy An Luu, Jacques Fabbri. Stylish French thriller. A young Parisian mail courier is content with his bohemian lifestyle, his circle of friends and listening to opera, particularly one exceptional American diva who refuses to be recorded. So enamored is he with her that he makes an illegal tape of her at a concert. But when the tape is confused with one implicating a police chief with the mob, he must use all his ingenuity to survive mob killers and the police. First of two release from Lionsgate's new Meridian Collection, a compilation of acclaimed, groundbreaking and influential films from around the world; digitally remastered. Extras: Commentary by director Jean-Jacques Beineix, cast and crew interviews. (Lionsgate).

Doctor Who: Beneath the Surface. Four-disc set features "Doctor Who and the Silurians" (seven episodes), "The Sea Devils" (six episodes) and "Warriors of the Deep" (four episodes); $59.98. (Warner).

The Eye (2008) Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey, Francois Chau, Tamlyn Tomita. Available in single-disc and two-disc special edition with extras. Extras: Four featurettes, deleted scenes, digital computer copy. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).

Flawless (2008) Demi Moore, Michael Caine. A crime/drama set in 1960s London, where a soon-to-retire janitor (Michael Caine) convinces a glass-ceiling constrained American executive (Demi Moore) to help him steal a handful of diamonds from their employer, the London Diamond Corporation, who he feels has done them wrong. Extras: "Exploring the Facets: A Behind the Scenes Look." (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Flavor of Love: Season 3. Four-disc set with all five uncensored episodes, $34.97. Extras: Casting special, "Flav's Filosophies," "Girls Gone Flav: Ultimate Moments," "Dirty Laundry," "Flav and Thing 2's Date," "The Dead Bring Bad Luck." (Anchor Bay).

Get Smart: The Complete Series. Don Adams and Barbara Feldon reprise their roles as Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 in the short-lived 1995 update of the classic "Get Smart," now with the addition of Andy Dick and Elaine Hendrix. Single-disc with all seven episodes, $19.95. (Sony).

I Love New York: Season 2. Three-disc set with 11 episodes of the sleazy realty series, $34.97. (Anchor Bay).

The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Third Season. Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Remembering The Incredible Hulk: An American Classic" featurette. (Universal).

The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Fourth Season. Four-disc set with 18 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Commentary on two-part season premiere "Prometheus", "Creating an Iconic Character: The Hulk" featurette, "Inside an Episode: Prometheus" photo gallery. (Universal).

Mama's Boy (2007) Jeff Daniels, Anna Faris, Jon Heder, Diane Keaton, Chris Kerner, Rue McClanahan, Dorian Missick. A 29-year-old slacker who lives with his mom realizes his sweet set-up is threatened when she hears wedding bells with her self-help guru beau. Extras: Commentary by director Tim Hamilton, additional scenes. (Warner).

Mannix: The First Season (1967) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $49.99. Extras:Interview with Mike Connors and Joseph Campanella, "Mannix" TV Land promo and CBS sales presentation with audio introductions from Mike Connors. (Paramount).

Meet the Spartans (2008) Diedrich Bader, Kevin Sorbo, Method Man, Ken Davitian, Jim Piddock, Sean Maguire, Greg Ellis, Crista Flanagan, Nicole Parker, Emily Wilson. In rated and unrated versions. Extras: Unrated "Pit of Death" edition: Commentary by the cast and crew, "Know Your Spartans" pop culture set-top trivia game, gag reel, "Meet the Spartans: The Music" featurette, "Prepare for Thrusting" featurette, "Tour the Set With Ike Barinholtz." (Fox).

New York Mets: Essential Games of Shea Stadium. Six-disc set with six complete, unedited games that best define the history of the New York Mets and showcase the splendor of Shea Stadium (2008 will commemorate the last year that Shea Stadium will see action on its field); $59.95. (A&E Home Video).

The Onion Movie (2008) "The Onion" invades DVD. Based on the wildly popular satirical newspaper, "The Onion Movie" offers uncensored, uninhibited, unrated news and views from around the world. From the sharp minds of Robert Siegel and Todd Hanson, long-time editors and writers for "The Onion" newspaper and website, the movie presents a hard look at world events, cultural fads and curious human behavior, reporting on topics that most news programs wouldn't dare touch. Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes. (Fox).

Prairie Fever (2008) Kevin Sorbo, Lance Henrickson, Jamie Ann Allman, Dominque Swain. Western. When whiskey-soaked ex-lawmen Preston Biggs (Kevin Sorbo) is hired to escort a group of women suffering from "prairie fever" back to civilization, he's met by a murderous gang intent on stopping their passage. (Genius Entertainment).

The Red Violin (1998) Samuel L. Jackson, Carlo Cecchi, Irene Grazioli, Jean-Luc Bideau, Greta Scacchi, Jason Flemyng, Colm Feore, Don McKellar. An appraiser traces the vast, storied history of a priceless violin across numerous countries and generations. First of two release from Lionsgate's new Meridian Collection, a compilation of acclaimed, groundbreaking and influential films from around the world; digitally remastered. Extras: Commentary, two featurettes, musical feature with composer John Corigliano, documentary on violins and violin auctions. (Lionsgate).

Remember the Daze (2005) Leighton Meester, Amber Heard, Alexa Vega, Melonie Diaz, Lyndsy Fonseca. Coming-of-age tale that revolves around the chaos of the celebration of the last day of school in a small town. (First Look Studios).

Rescue Me: The Complete Fourth Season. Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95. Extras: Featurettes: "Walking Through Fire: The Stories of Rescue Me Season 4," "Real Stories From America's Bravest," "Welcome to the Set," "This Is Not a Drill: Breaking Down Episode 407," "Captains," "Tools of the Trade," "Burning Embers: Gavin's Girls"; deleted scenes; blooper reel. (Sony).

Semi-Pro (2008) Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin, Will Arnett, Jay Phillips, Josh Braaten, Rob Corddry, DeRay Davis, Maura Tierney, Jackie Earle Haley. In single-disc and two-disc "Let's Get Sweaty" editions. "Let's Get Sweaty" extras: "Love Me Sexy: The Story Behind the One-Hit Wonder" featuette, "Recreating the American Basketball Association (ABA)" featurette, "Four Days in Flint" featurette, behind-the-scenes footage, music video, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Line).

Time for Murder. Two-disc set of the classic mid-1980s series featuring tales of mystery and suspense by six of Britain's finest writers, $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show (2008) Vince Vaughn and four stand-up comedians travel the country -- subtitled "30 days and 30 nights - Hollywood to the Heartland" -- in this documentary. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Tour" featurette, making-of featurette, more. (New Line).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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#334

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:20 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, June 10, 2008, V12.24

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, June 10-- Monday, June 16

Jumper
Hopin' sci fi story about a young man with the uncanny ability to transport himself anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. David Rice (Hayden Christensen) has grown up with a mysterious power of which many have dreamed. He is completely and utterly mobile, able to zap through wormholes in the space-time fabric to any city, any building, any place at all that his mind desires. In the blink of an eye, he can "jump" from one side of the earth to the other and back again -- he can tour 20 different sunsets in one night, he can have breakfast on the Egyptian Sphinx, spend the day surfing in Australia, then pop over to Paris for dinner and enjoy dessert in Japan. He can pass through walls and locked bank safes and enter the most forbidden chambers. So far, he has used his powers to run away from his past, to take advantage of unlimited wealth, to remain fiercely independent. He's never known limits or boundaries or consequences. But when David discovers another young man like himself, a fiery, globetrotting rebel named Griffin (Jamie Bell), the truth of his existence begins to dawn. He is not just a lone freak of nature, but part of a long line of genetic anomalies known as Jumpers, none of whom are safe. Now, David has been identified by the secret organization sworn to kill all Jumpers. And he is about to be relentlessly pursued in a chase that will literally bound around the planet -- as he becomes a key player in an unseen battle that has been raging, invisible to most of humanity, through the ages. Vitals: Director: Doug Liman. Stars: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, Max Thieriot, Shawn Roberts, AnnaSophia Robb. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 88 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $77.553 million, Fox.

Bucket List, The
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do before they "kick the bucket" and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest. Each adventure adds another check to their list, all done with insight and humor. Vitals: Director: Rob Reiner. Stars: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Rob Morrow. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 97 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $90.914 million, Warner.

Other Boleyn Girl, The
A sensual tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in 16th century English history. The two beautiful sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). While both women eventually share the king's bed, only one will ascend to the throne for a brief and turbulent reign that ends tragically with a swing of the executioner's sword. Vitals: Director: Justin Chadwick. Stars: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance, David Morrissey. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 115 min., Drama, Box office gross: $26.604 million, Sony.

4 Months 3 Weeks and 2 Days
An extremely intense and terrifying journey into the seedy underworld of black market abortions, set in 1987 Communist Romania. Two college roommates have 24 hours to make the ultimate choice as they finalize arrangements to meet a doctor for an illegal abortion. What follows is their harrowing descent into a world in where danger, darkness and tragedy lurk around every corner. In Romanian with English subtitles. Vitals: Director: Cristian Mungiu. Stars: Anamaria Marinca, Laura Vasiliu, Vlad Ivanov, Alexandru Potocean. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 113 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.172 million, IFC.

Funny Games
Michael Haneke remakes his own 1997 German horror-thriller about two psychopaths who kidnap a mother, father and son in their vacation cabin and make them play sadistic games. Vitals: Director: Michael Haneke. Stars: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet, Devon Gearhart. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $1.290 million, Warner.

------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Due this week: "Icons of Adventure," a two-disc set with four classic action-adventure films from the legendary Hammer Studios: "The Stranglers of Bombay" (1960) and three films featuring legendary horror icon Christopher Lee, "The Devil-Ship Pirates" (1964), "The Terror of the Tongs" (1961) and "The Pirates of Blood River" (1962). Extras include commentary on each film, the 1935 short subject "Hot Paprika," the 1936 color cartoon "The Merry Mutineers" and the first chapter of the action-packed serial "The Great Adventures of Captain Kidd"; from Sony.

From TV to Video:
"American Gangster: The Complete Second Season," a three-disc set with 10 episodes, $36.99 from Paramount ... "Army Wives: The Complete First Season," a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.99 from Disney ... "The Boondocks: The Complete Second Season -- Uncut and Uncensored," a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95 from Sony ... "City of Vice" (2008), a two-disc set of the British true crime series that pits magistrate Henry Fielding (Ian McDiarmid) and his brother John (Iain Glen) against the teeming criminal underworld of 18th century London; $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "Da Vinci's Inquest, Season 3," a four-disc set with 13 episodes of the Canadian series following the crusading and charismatic coroner of the city of Vancouver; $59.99 from Acorn Media ... "The Dukes of Hazzard: TV Double Feature," a two-disc set with "Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!" and "Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood," $24.98 from Warner ... "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes -- The Complete First Season" is a four-disc set with 26 episodes, $39.98 from Fox ... "The Fugitive: Season Two, Volume One" (1964), a four-disc set with 15 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Hawaii Five-O: Season Four" (1971-72), a six-disc set with 24 epiodes, $54.99 from Paramount ... "Home Improvement: The Complete Eighth Season," a three-disc set with 27 episodes, from Disney ... "Intervention Season One: Then and Now," featuring four episodes from A&E's unscripted series about interventions, with "Where Are They Now?" follow-ups, $29.95 from A&E Home Video ... "John Adams" (2008), a three-disc set of the seven-part miniseries that aired on HBO this March, starring Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Stephen Dillane, Tom Wilkinson and David Morse; from HBO Video ... "The Odd Couple: The Fourth Season" (1973-74),a four-disc set with 22 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "7th heaven: The Sixth Season" (2001-02), a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "Soap: The Complete Series," a 12-disc set with 90 episodes, $59.95 from Sony ... "What's Happening!!: The Complete Series," a nine-disc set with 65 episodes, $59.95 from Sony.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Otis" (2008) stars Daniel Stern, Illeana Douglas, Kevin Pollack, Jere Burns, Tarah Paige, Lawrence Hilton-Jacob, Jamie McBride, K.T. Thangavelu, Gary Kraus and Angelo Custino in a black comedy that chronicles an all-American family's collision with the dark world of a serial killer, vigilantism and revenge. Scored throughout with classic rock tunes from Blue Oyster Cult, Talking Heads, B-52's, Quiet Riot, Flock of Seaguls, Devo, Paul Revere and the Raiders and The Shocking Blue. The fourth feature under Warners' "Raw Feed" production banner for edgy horror, sci fi and psychological thrillers ... When a young guy is publicly humiliated on national television by popular talk show host "Dr. Dwayne," he falls into a serious funk until his friends force him to join them on a cross-country road trip in a home-made wiener-mobile to smack down the Dr. in "Wieners" (2008), starring Kenan Thompson, Zachary Levi, Fran Kranz and Darrell Hammond, from Sony ... A young man finds that his family inheritance has been bequeathed to a secret society, a treacherous blood covenant that guards a vast fortune and a dark prophecy in "The List" (2007), starring Malcolm McDowell, Chuck Carrington, Hilarie Burton and Will Patton, from Fox ... In "The Planet" (2006), a group of mercenaries are forced to evacuate their dying spacecraft and find themselves stranded on a desolate, barren world, where they begin to fall prey to a malevolent force -- a force that turns the souls of their fallen comrades against them, from MTI Home Video ... "Finish Line: Unrated" (2008)is a telefilm about an ambitious man with race car dreams who's drawn into the shady underworld of illegal arms trading, starring Scott Baio, Samuel Page, Taylor Cole and Dan Lauria, from Genius Products ... "Shark Swarm" (2008) stars Daryl Hannah, Armand Assante, John Schneider, Heather McComb and F. Murray Abraham in a telefilm about 40 mutant sharks attacking the people of Full Moon Bay, from Genius Products ... Three cops team up to bring down a criminal gang in the Hong Kong actioner "Invisible Target" (2008), starring Jacky Wu Jing, Shawn Yue, Nicholas Tse, Jaycee Chan, Andy On and Lin Feng-Jiao, from the Dragon Dynasty label of The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... "Razor Eaters" (2003) is a revenge flick following a week-long anarchistic rampage of violence, death, and destruction by a group called the Razor Eater who take suburbia prisoner, gaining a cult following by taping their attacks on all who deserve punishment: corrupt politicians, arrogant sports stars, filthy drug dealers and more; from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment.

On the Indie Front:
Set in the world of professional poker, "The Grand" (2007), starring Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Dennis Farina, Cheryl Hines, Richard Kind, Chris Parnell, Jason Alexander, Ray Romano, Michael McKean, Shannon Elizabeth, Hank Azaria, Werner Herzog and Gabe Kaplan, follows a group of players as they struggle to get to the final table at the Grand Championship of Poker held at The Rabbit's Foot Casino; from Anchor Bay.

Special Interest:
"King" (2008) is a feature-length History Channel special with Tom Brokaw that chronicles the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, featuring interviews with King's son, Bill Clinton, Harry Belafonte, Forest Whitaker, others; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... "The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment" (2008) is a three-disc set packed with hours of The Rock's greatest matches, $34.95 from World Wrestling Entertainment/Genius Products ... "When the Moors Ruled in Europe" is a fascinating two-part documentary covering the 700-year history of Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula, $24.99 from Acorn Media.

-----------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

American Gangster: The Complete Second Season.Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $36.99. (Paramount).

Army Wives: The Complete First Season. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Unaired story line, deleted scenes, outtakes, cast interviews, more. (Disney).

The Boondocks: The Complete Second Season -- Uncut and Uncensored. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95. Extras: Two bonus episodes, four featurettes, commentaries. (Sony).

The Bucket List (2008) Dir.: Rob Reiner; Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Rob Morrow. Extras: "Writing a Bucket List" featurette, John Mayer music video. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

City of Vice (2008) Two-disc set of the British true crime series that pits magistrate Henry Fielding (Ian McDiarmid) and his brother John (Iain Glen) against the teeming criminal underworld of 18th century London. The five-part series follows the duo's attempts to create a modern police force to rid the city of prostitutes, violent gangs, and bands of thieves. $29.98. (Koch Vision).

Comedy Central's Home Grown: Uncensored. Single disc featuring a collection of episodes and clips from a cornucopia of Comedy Central shows including: "Chappelle's Show," "Crank Yankers," "Drawn Together," "Lewis Black's Root of All Evil," "RENO 911!" "The Sarah Silverman Program," "Strangers with Candy," "Comedy Central's TV Funhouse" and "Viva Variety." It also includes acquired, alternative, programming such as "Spider on Drugs," "The Animation Show," and "The Joy of Painting With Bob Ross." (Paramount).

Da Vinci's Inquest, Season 3. Four-disc set with 13 episodes of the Canadian series following the crusading and charismatic coroner of the city of Vancouver, $59.99. (Acorn Media).

The Dukes of Hazzard: TV Double Feature. Two-disc set with "Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!" and "Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood," s$24.98. (Warner).

Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes -- The Complete First Season. Four-disc set with 26 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Commentary, nine never-before-seen in the U.S. episodes, "From Origin to Animation" featurette, "Rise of the Rogues" featurette, "Traveling to New Dimensions" featurette, "The Art of Fantastic Four" still galleries. (Fox).

Finish Line: Unrated (2008) Scott Baio, Samuel Page, Taylor Cole, Dan Lauria. Telefilm about an ambitious man with race car dreams who's drawn into the shady underworld of illegal arms trading. (Genius Products).

4 Months 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2008 -- Romania) Anamaria Marinca, Laura Vasiliu, Vlad Ivanov, Alexandru Potocean. (IFC/Genius Products).

The Fugitive: Season Two, Volume One (1964) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

Funny Games (2008) Dir.: Michael Haneke; Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet, Devon Gearhart. (Warner).

The Grand (2007) Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Dennis Farina, Cheryl Hines, Richard Kind, Chris Parnell, Jason Alexander and Ray Romano, Michael McKean, Shannon Elizabeth, Hank Azaria, Werner Herzog, Gabe Kaplan. Set in the world of professional poker, this comedy follows a group of players as they struggle to get to the final table at the Grand Championship of Poker held at The Rabbit's Foot Casino. Extras: Commentary by director-writer Zak Penn, writer Matt Bierman and actor Michael Karnow; alternate endings; deleted scenes; select scene commentary by Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines, Ray Romano and Zak Penn; "Wild Cards: Player Profiles" featurette. (Anchor Bay).

Hawaii Five-O: Season Four (1971-72) Six-disc set with 24 epiodes, $54.99. (Paramount). Extras:

Home Improvement: The Complete Eighth Season. Three-disc set with 27 episodes, $23.99. Extras: "Tim Allen's User's Guide to Home Improvement," blooper reel. (Disney).

Icons of Adventure. Two-disc set with four classic action-adventure films from the legendary Hammer Studios: "The Stranglers of Bombay" (1960) and three films featuring legendary horror icon Christopher Lee, "The Devil-Ship Pirates" (1964), "The Terror of the Tongs" (1961) and "The Pirates of Blood River" (1962). Extras: Commentary on each film, 1935 short subject "Hot Paprika," the 1936 color cartoon "The Merry Mutineers" and the first chapter of the action-packed serial "The Great Adventures of Captain Kidd." (Sony).

Intervention Season One: Then and Now. Four episodes from A&E's unscripted series about interventions, with "Where Are They Now?" follow-ups, $29.95. (A&E Home Video).

Invisible Target (2007 -- Hong Kong) Jacky Wu Jing, Shawn Yue, Nicholas Tse), Jaycee Chan, Andy On, Lin Feng-Jiao. Three cops team up to bring down a criminal gang. Extras: Commentary, interviews, featurettes. (Dragon Dynasty/The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

John Adams (2008) Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Stephen Dillane, Tom Wilkinson, David Morse. Three-disc set of the seven-part miniseries that aired on HBO this march. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by American historian and "master of the art of narrative history," David McCullough. $59.99. Extras: "David McCullough: Painting with Words" documentary, "Making of John Adams" behind-the-scenes featurette, "Facts Are Stubborn Things" on-screen historical guide presented as a pop-up feature available throughout each of the seven episodes. (HBO Video).

Jumper (2008) Dir.: Doug Liman; Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, Max Thieriot, Shawn Roberts, AnnaSophia Robb. Available as a single disc and a two-disc special edition. Single-disc extras: Commentary by director Doug Liman, writer-producer Simon Kinberg and producer Lucas Foster; "Jumping From Novel to Film: The Past, Present & Future of Jumper" featurette; "Making an Actor Jump" featurette; "Previz: Future Concepts." Speciasl edition extras: All of the above plus "Doug Liman's Jumper: Uncensored" featurette, "Jumping Around the World" featurette, "Jumpstart: David's Story" animated graphic novel, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

King (2008) History special with Tom Brokaw is a feature-length chronicle of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, featuring interviews with King's son, Bill Clinton, Harry Belafonte, Bono, Forest Whitaker, others. $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

The List (2007) Malcolm McDowell, Chuck Carrington, Hilarie Burton, Will Patton. A young man finds that his family inheritance has been bequeathed to a secret society, a treacherous blood covenant that guards a vast fortune and a dark prophecy. Extras: Commentary by writer-director-producer Gary Wheeler and actress Hilarie Burton, "The Power of Prayer featurette," deleted scenes. (Fox).

Making of (2007 -- Tunisa) Lotfi Abdelli, Afef Ben Mahmoud, Fatima Ben Saidane. A Tunisian breakdancer falls in with fundamentalists with designs to turn the young man into a suicide bomber. (Koch Lorber Films).

The Odd Couple: The Fourth Season (1973-74) Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance, David Morrissey. Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, "To Be a Lady" featurette on the life of a lady and court etiquette in the 16th Century England, "Translating History to the Screen" featurette, "Members of the Court Biographies," camera tests. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Otis (2008) Daniel Stern, Illeana Douglas, Kevin Pollack, Jere Burns, Tarah Paige, Lawrence Hilton-Jacob, Jamie McBride, K.T. Thangavelu, Gary Kraus, Angelo Custino. Black comedy chronicles an all-American family's collision with the dark world of a serial killer, vigilantism and revenge. Scored throughout with classic rock tunes from Blue Oyster Cult, Talking Heads, B-52's, Quiet Riot, Flock of Seaguls, Devo, Paul Revere and the Raiders and The Shocking Blue. The fourth feature under Warners' "Raw Feed" production banner for edgy horror, sci fi and psychological thrillers. Extras: Commentary by director Tony Krantz and writer Erik Jendresen, "The Twisted World of Otis" featurette, "Suite 16" home movie of Otis' fantasies made by Otis himself, alternate ending which gives a starkly different tone and finality to the film. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Out of the Blue (2006) Matthew Sutherland, Karl urban, Lois Lawn, Simon Ferry. Based on the Aramoana (New Zealand) Massacre that occurred in November 1990. Resident David Gray, an unemployed gun collector, went on a rampage in which 13 people were shot dead, before Gray himself was shot by police. Extras: Commentary by director Robert Sarkies and Bill O'Brien, author of "Aramoana: Twenty Two Hours of Terror"; three featurettes: "The Making of Out of the Blue," "Out of the Blue: The Tragedy" and "Honoring Aramoana"; photo gallery; actors' auditions & recollections. (Genius Products).

The Planet (2006) Mike Mitchell, Patrick Wight, Scott Ironside, Shawn Paul Hastings. A group of mercenaries are forced to evacuate their dying spacecraft and find themselves stranded on a desolate, barren world, where they begin to fall prey to a malevolent force -- a force that turns the souls of their fallen comrades against them. (MTI Home Video).

Razor Eaters (2003) Paul Moder, Richard Cawthorne, Teague Rook. In a week-long anarchistic rampage of violence, death, and destruction, the Razor Eaters take suburbia prisoner, gaining a cult following by taping their attacks on all who deserve punishment: corrupt politicians, arrogant sports stars, filthy drug dealers and more. Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, a video diary, music video "Razor Blade" by Murderdrive, "Look FX" behind-the-scenes look at pyrotechnics and ballistics techniques. (Echo Bridge Entertainment).

The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment (2008) Three-disc set packed with hours of The Rock's greatest matches. Extras: Humorous interviews and vignettes, $34.95. (World Wrestling Entertainment/Genius Products).

7th heaven: The Sixth Season (2001-02) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.99. (Paramount).

Shark Swarm (2008) Daryl Hannah, Armand Assante, John Schneider, Heather McComb, F. Murray Abraham. Telefilm about 40 mutant sharks attacking the people of Full Moon Bay. (Genius Products).

Sidekick (2005) David Ingram, Perry Mucci, Mackenzie Lush, Daniel Baldwin. A mild-mannered computer nerd discovers that a co-worker has telekinetic powers and decides to train him to be a superhero so he can be his faithful sidekick. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes, interviews. (Warner).

Soap: The Complete Series. Twelve-disc set with 90 episodes, $59.95. (Sony).

Sommer '04 (2006 -- Germany) Peter Davor, Martina Gedeck, Lucas Kotaranin, Svea Lohde. A sensuous teenage girl upsets the existence of a middle-class perfect family on a summer vacation. (Koch Lorber Films).

What's Happening!!: The Complete Series. Nine-disc set with 65 episodes, $59.95. (Sony).

When the Moors Ruled in Europe. Fascinating two-part documentary covering the 700-year history of Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula, $24.99. (Acorn Media).

Wieners (2008) Kenan Thompson, Zachary Levi, Fran Kranz, Darrell Hammond. When a young guy is publicly humiliated on national television by popular talk show host "Dr. Dwayne," he falls into a serious funk until his friends force him to join them on a cross-country road trip in a home-made wiener-mobile to smack down the Dr. (Sony).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#335

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:28 pm
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, June 17, 2008. V12.25

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6/17/08 V12.25

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, June 17-- Monday, June 23

Be Kind Rewind
A man whose brain becomes magnetized unintentionally destroys every tape in his friend's video store, which is on the verge of going out of business. I In order to keep the store's one loyal customer, an elderly lady with a tenuous grasp on reality, the pair re-create a long line of films including "The Lion King," "Rush Hour," "Ghostbusters," "When We Were Kings," "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Robocop," putting themselves and their townspeople into it. Vitals: Director: Michel Gondry. Stars: Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow, Melonie Diaz, Arjay Smith, Paul Dinello, Marcus Carl Franklin, P.J. Byrne, Chandler Parker. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13,101 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $11.208 million, Warner.

Fool's Gold
Action comedy reteams Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson ("How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days") as married treasure hunters whose eight-year search for booty leaves them broke and out of gas. Ben "Finn" Finnegan (McConaughey) is a good-natured, surf bum-turned-treasure hunter who is obsessed with finding the legendary 18th century Queen's Dowry -- 40 chests of exotic treasure that was lost at sea in 1715. In his quest, Finn has sunk everything he has, including his marriage to Tess Finnegan (Hudson) and his more-rusty-than-trusty salvage boat, "Booty Calls." Just as Tess has begun to rebuild her life, working aboard a mega-yacht owned by billionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland), Finn discovers a vital clue to the treasure's whereabouts. Certain that his luck will change with the newfound information, Finn maneuvers himself aboard Nigel's yacht and, using his good-natured charm, convinces the tycoon and his Blackberry-wielding, celebutante daughter, Gemma (Alexis Dziena), to join him in the pursuit of the Spanish treasure. Against Tess' better judgment, the search rekindles her love ... of discovery. But they are not the only ones after the treasure. Finn's mentor-turned-nemesis Moe Fitch (Ray Winstone) has also set out to claim the prize. Vitals: Director: Andy Tennant. Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremner, Alexis Dziena, Kevin Hart, Ray Winstone. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 112 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $67.073 million, Warner.

Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna)
In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario (Kate del Castillo) works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for her nine year-old Carlitos (Adrian Alonso) back in Mexico. When the unexpected death of his grandmother leaves young Carlitos alone, he takes his fate into his own hands and heads north across the border to find his mother. Along the way, he meets a middle-aged migrant worker, Enrique (Eugenio Derbez), who becomes his reluctant protector. The unlikely pair embark upon an unforgettable journey to Los Angeles facing seemingly insurmountable odds. However, throughout their desperate attempt to reunite, mother and son never lose hope that they will one day be together again. Director Patricia Riggen's film is not only a heartwarming family story; she also offers subtle commentary on the much-debated issue of illegal immigration. Vitals: Director: Patricia Riggen. Stars: Adrian Alonso, Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Jesse Garcia, Carmen Salinas, America Ferrara. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 106 min., Drama, Box office gross: $12.102 million, Fox.

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
Martin Lawrence is talk-show sensation RJ Stevens, who left behind his modest Southern upbringing and family name to transform into a self-help guru dispensing his "Team of Me" philosophy to millions of adoring fans. With a reality-TV-star fiancee and money to burn, there's no piece of the Hollywood dream RJ hasn't achieved. After his parents request that he come home for their 50th wedding anniversary, the TV host packs up his 10-year-old son and diva bride-to-be and heads back to Georgia. It's a chance to prove to his family that he's no longer the awkward kid they relentlessly picked on. At least, that's the plan. But when his crazy, lovable family calls him on his big-city attitude and challenges him at every turn, RJ is forced to take a hard look at the man he's become. He may be a superstar in L.A., but he's just one of the guys in Dry Springs Vitals: Director: Malcolm D. Lee. Stars: Martin Lawrence, Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant, Louis C.K., Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parke, Cedric the Entertainer, James Earl Jones. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 114 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $42.168 million, Universal.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Due this week from the folks at The Criterion Collection is French director Claude Sautet's 1960 noir thriller"Classe Tous Risques" starring Lino Ventura and Jean-Paul Belmondo, with music by Georges Delerue; in a new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Though sentenced to death in absentia in France, former gangland chief Abel Davos (Lino Ventura) sneaks back to Paris with his children after hiding out in Milan for nearly a decade. Accompanied by appointed guardian Eric Stark (Jean-Paul Belmondo, in his first release after "Breathless") and beset by backstabbing former friends, Abel begins a journey through the postwar Parisian underworld that's both throat grabbing and soul searching. A character study of a career criminal at the end of his rope, this rugged noir is a thrilling highlight of sixties French cinema. The copious extras include a documentary on the director, archival interview footage featuring actor Lino Ventura discussing his career, original French and U.S. release trailers, new essays by director Bertrand Tavernier and critic N. T. Binh, a reprinted interview with Sautet, and a tribute by Jean-Pierre Melville.

For lighter fare there's Fox's "Carmen Miranda Collection," a five-disc set with five films starring the "Brazilian Bombshell"; $49.98 or $14.98 each: "The Gang's All Here," "Doll Face," "Greenwich Village," "If I'm Lucky" and "Something For the Boys" ... "Popeye the Sailor 1938-1940 Volume Two" is a two-disc set with 31 remastered, uncut "Popeye" shorts, $34.98 from Warner.

From TV to Video:
Due this week: "Blood +: Volume Two," five episodes of the Adult Swim animated series, $24.96 from Sony ... "Burn Notice: Season One," a four-disc set with 11 episodes, released just in time for the start of Season Two, $69.98 from Fox ..."Californication," a two-disc set with 12 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Dynasty: Season Three, Volume One," a three-disc set, $36.99 from Paramount ... "ER: The Complete Ninth Season," a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98 from Warner ... "Jericho: The Second Season," a two-disc set with the final seven episodes, $29.99 from Paramount ... "The Real McCoys: Complete Season 3," a five-disc set with 39 episodes, $39.98 from Infinity Entertainment Group ... "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: The Fourth Season," a three-disc set with 22 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Chaos Theory" (2008), starring Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Stuart Townsend, is the story of Frank Allen (Ryan Reynolds), celebrated author of the bestseller "The Five Minute Efficiency Trainer," who has perfected the art of living via a foolproof system of timetables and index cards. Frank's wife finds his obsession charming in small doses, but as a steady diet, frustrating and, one morning, she attempts to loosen his scheduling stranglehold by adding 10 minutes to his day, inadvertently unleashing a series of mishaps that turn his meticulously ordered life upside down; from Warner ... "The Sitter (aka While the Children Sleep)" (2007) stars Gail O'Grady, William R. Moses and Mariana Klaveno in a thriller about the perfect live-in nanny who begins to arouse suspicion among friends and neighbors when, one by one, they start dying; from Genius Products ... A young federal agent is assigned to a new case: spy on his mother and her new lover, both suspects in an art theft ring, in "My Mom's New Boyfriend" (2008), starring Antonio Banderas, Meg Ryan, Colin Hanks and Selma Blair, from Sony ... Director Alison Eastwood's harrowing "Rails & Ties" (2005), starring Kevin Bacon and Marcia Gay Harden, begins on a beautiful stretch of California coastline, where a suicidal mother parks her car on a railroad crossing and awaits the arrival of a speeding train, the sleek and unstoppable Coastal Starlight; the film explores two families in physical, emotional and psychological collision -- of the victim's relatives and of the train engineer who couldn't possibly have stopped in time; from Warner ... Abruptly ejected from her ritzy lifestyle by her billionaire father, a spoiled heiress resorts to desperate measures to survive: she joins with her loser boyfriend to embark on a modern-day Bonnie & Clyde heist, only to botch the robbery attempt, in "Cut Off" (2005), starring Amanda Brooks, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Malcolm McDowell, Faye Dunaway and Anne Archer, from Union Station Media/Anchor Bay Entertainment ... "Quarter Life Crisis" (2006), stars Russell Peters, Maulik Pancholy and Lisa Ray in a romantic comedy that follows a group of twentysomethings as they take on the New York singles scene, from Echo Bridge Entertainment ... "Just Add Water" (2007), starring Dylan Walsh, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, Danny DeVito, Tracy Middendorf and Anika Noni Rose, is an offbeat comedy about a mild-mannered parking-lot attendant and his motley crew of friends who beat the odds, taking back control of their dead-end desert town from local thugs, from Sony ... "It's a Boy Girl Thing" (2006), starring Samaire Armstrong, Kevin Zegers, Sherry Miller, Sharon Osbourne and Maury Chaykin, is a romantic comedy about two high school enemies -- a boy and a girl -- who switch bodies so that she's on the football team and he's wearing mini skirts and make-up, from Anchor Bay ... "The Restless" (2006 -- South Korea) is an Asian fantasy actioner about good vs. evil in a medieval world were dead souls rest before being reincarnated. from Genius Products.

For the Family:
Due this week: "The Jungle Book 2: Special Edition" (2003), with the voices of John Goodman, Haley Joel Osment, John Rhys-Davies and Phil Collins; $29.99 from Disney ... "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody: Lip Synchin' in the Rain" features four episodes from the Disney Channel show; $19.99 from Disney ... "Transformers Animated: Transform & Roll Out" is a Cartoon Network adventure, $16.99 from Paramount ... "The Sword in the Stone: 45th Anniversary Edition" (1963) fetaures the voices of Norman Alden and Sebastian Cabot; $29.99 from Disney ... "Inspector Gadget: Big Little Problems" features two episodes from the popular 1980s animated television series: "Gadget In Minimadness" and "The Incredible Shrinking Gadget"; $14.98 from Fox.

Special Interest:
"Joy Division" is a retrospective documentary on the influential 1970s English rock band directed by music video veteran Grant Gee that chronicles the band's progression as well as social and external conditions that influenced them; the feature blends archival footage with interviews with band member interviews; from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... Animal Planet/Genius Products has two "wild" releases this week: "Meerkat Manor: Season Three," a two-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95; and "Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins" (2008), a feature-length sequel to the "Meerkat Manor" series, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, $19.97.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Be Kind Rewind (2008) Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow, Melonie Diaz, Arjay Smith, Paul Dinello, Marcus Carl Franklin, P.J. Byrne, Chandler Parker. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.(Warner).

Blood +: Volume Two. Five episodes of the Adult Swim animated series, $24.96. (Sony).

Burn Notice: Season One. Four-disc set with 11 episodes, $69.98. Extras: Commentary, gag reels, audition footage, characters montage, "Girls Gone Burn Notice" montage, action scenes montage. (Fox).

Californication. Two-disc set with 12 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

Carmen Miranda Collection. Five-disc set with five films starring the "Brazilian Bombshell"; $49.98 or $14.98 each. (Fox).

The Gang's All Here (1943) Dir.: Busby Berkeley; Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda, Benny Goodman. Fully remastered. Extras: Commentary by film professor Drew Casper, "Busby Berkeley: A Journey With a Star" featurette, deleted scene: The $64 Question, "Alice Faye's Last Film: We Are Still Here!" the Phil Harris - Alice Faye original radio broadcasts: "A Movie For Alice" (November 11, 1946) and "Phil Harris - Movie Star" (April 24, 1949), original theatrical trailer, photo galleries.
Doll Face (1947) Vivian Blaine, Dennis O'Keefe, Perry Como, Carmen Miranda. Extras: Isolated score track, deleted scene, original theatrical trailer, photo galleries.
Greenwich Village (1944) Carmen Miranda, Don Ameche, William Bendix, Vivian Blaine. Extras: Photo Galleries including advertising collateral, behind-the-scenes, portraits, more
If I'm Lucky (1946) Vivian Blaine, Perry Como, Harry James, Carmen Miranda, Phil Silvers, Edgar Buchanan. Extras: Isolated score track, xcerpts from "Singing With the Stars" featuring Carmen Miranda, original theatrical trailer, photo galleries including advertising collateral, behind-the-scenes, portraits, more.
Something For the Boys (1944) Carmen Miranda, Michael O'Shea, Vivian Blaine, Phil Silvers, Perry Como. Extras: "Carmen Miranda: That Girl From Rio" documentary, photo galleries.

Chaos Theory (2008) Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Stuart Townsend. Frank Allen (Ryan Reynolds), celebrated author of the bestseller "The Five Minute Efficiency Trainer" has perfected the art of living via a foolproof system of timetables and index cards. In fact, his daily "to do" lists are legendary. A man known for playing it safe, Frank doesn't believe in spontaneity. Frank's wife, Susan (Emily Mortimer), and seven-year-old daughter, Jesse (Matreya Fedor), find his obsession charming in small doses, but as a steady diet, frustrating. One morning, Susan attempts to loosen her husband's scheduling stranglehold by adding 10 minutes to his day. But, by setting the clock backward instead of forward, she inadvertently unleashes a series of mishaps that turn his meticulously ordered life upside down. Extras: Additional scenes. (Warner).

Classe Tous Risques (1960 -- French) Dir.: Claude Sautet; Lino Ventura, Jean-Paul Belmondo. Music by Georges Delerue. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Excerpts from "Claude Sautet ou La magie invisible," a documentary on the director by writers N.T. Binh and Dominique Rabourdin; archival interview footage featuring actor Lino Ventura discussing his career; original French and U.S. release trailers; new essays by director Bertrand Tavernier and critic N. T. Binh, a reprinted interview with Sautet, and a tribute by Jean-Pierre Melville. (The Criterion Collection).

Cut Off (2005) Amanda Brooks, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Malcolm McDowell, Faye Dunaway, Anne Archer. Abruptly ejected from her ritzy lifestyle by her billionaire father, a spoiled heiress resorts to desperate measures to survive: she joins with her loser boyfriend to embark on a modern-day Bonnie & Clyde heist, only to botch the robbery attempt. (Union Station Media/Anchor Bay Entertainment).

Dynasty: Season Three, Volume One. Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $36.99. (Paramount).

ER: The Complete Ninth Season. Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Gag reel, deleted scene. (Warner).

Fool's Gold (2008) Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremner, Alexis Dziena, Kevin Hart, Ray Winstone. Extras: Featurette, gag reel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Inspector Gadget: Big Little Problems. Two episodes from the popular 1980s animated television series: "Gadget In Minimadness" and "The Incredible Shrinking Gadget,"$14.98. (Fox).

It's a Boy Girl Thing (2006) Samaire Armstrong, Kevin Zegers, Sherry Miller, Sharon Osbourne, Maury Chaykin. Romantic comedy about two high school enemies -- a boy and a girl -- who switch bodies so that she's on the football team and he's wearing mini skirts and make-up. Extras: "Are You More Boy or Girl? Quiz," "A History of the Aztec Statue" featurette, behind-the scenes featurette, interviews. (Anchor Bay).

Jericho: The Second Season. Two-disc set with the final seven episodes, $29.99. Extras: Series finale with alternative ending, deleted scenes, audio commentaries, two exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes: "Nut Job" and "Rebuilding Jericho." (Paramount).

Joy Division (2008) Retrospective documentary on the influential 1970s English rock band directed by music video veteran Grant Gee. Chronicles the band's progression as well as social and external conditions that influenced them. Blends archival footage with interviews with band member interviews. Extras: "Transmission" music video, deleted/extended interviews. (Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

The Jungle Book 2: Special Edition (2003) Voices of John Goodman, Haley Joel Osment, John Rhys-Davies, Phil Collins. $29.99. Extras: New adventure game, deleted scenes, music videos, behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Disney).

Just Add Water (2007) Dylan Walsh, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, Danny DeVito, Tracy Middendorf, Anika Noni Rose. Offbeat comedy about a mild-mannered parking-lot attendant and his motley crew of friends who beat the odds, taking back control of their dead-end desert town from local thugs. (Sony).

Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins (2008) Feature-length sequel to the "Meerkat Manor" series, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, $19.97. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

Meerkat Manor: Season Three. Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95. (Animal Planet/Genius Products).

My Mom's New Boyfriend (2008) Antonio Banderas, Meg Ryan, Colin Hanks, Selma Blair. A young federal agent is assigned to a new case: spy on his mother and her new lover, both suspects in an art theft ring.Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Third Degree: The Making of My Mom's New Boyfriend" featurette. (Sony).

Popeye the Sailor 1938-1940 Volume Two. Two-disc set with 31 remastered, uncut "Popeye" shorts, $34.98. Extras: Commentaries, "Popeye Popumentaries" featurettes, "Out of the Inkwell: The Fleischer Story" documentary, vintage audio recordings, more. (Warner).

Popeye & Friends, Volume 1. Eight cartoons, $14.97. (Warner).

Quarter Life Crisis (2006) Russell Peters, Maulik Pancholy, Lisa Ray. Romantic comedy follows a group of twentysomethings as they take on the New York singles scene. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Rails & Ties (2005) Dir.: Alison Eastwood; Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden. On a beautiful stretch of California coastline, a suicidal mother parks her car on a railroad crossing and awaits the arrival of a speeding train, the sleek and unstoppable Coastal Starlight. Thus begins the story of two families in physical, emotional and psychological collision -- of the victim's relatives and of the train engineer who couldn't possibly have stopped in time. (Warner).

The Real McCoys: Complete Season 3. Five-disc set with 39 episodes, $39.98. (Infinity Entertainment Group).

The Restless (2006 -- South Korea) Jun-ho Heo, Woo-sung Jung. Asian fantasy actioner about good vs. evil in a medieval world were dead souls rest before being reincarnated. (Genius Products).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: The Fourth Season. Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Sitter (aka While the Children Sleep) (2007 -- TV) Gail O'Grady, William R. Moses, Mariana Klaveno. A prosperous couple's search for the perfect live-in nanny ends when they hire sweet Abby Reed. But no sooner does she arrive than she begins to arouse suspicion among friends and neighbors who, one by one, start dying. (Genius Products).

So I Married an Axe Murderer Special Edition (1993) Mike Myers, Nancy Travis, Anthony LaPaglia, Amanda Plummer, Brenda Fricker. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody: Lip Synchin' in the Rain. Four episodes from the Disney Channel show, $19.99. Extras: Backstage featurette, gag reel. (Disney).

The Sword in the Stone: 45th Anniversary Edition (1963) Voices of Norman Alden, Sebastian Cabot. $29.99. (Disney).

Transformers Animated: Transform & Roll Out (2008) Cartoon Network adventure, $16.99. (Paramount).

Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna) (2008) Adrian Alonso, Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Jesse Garcia, Carmen Salinas, America Ferrara. Extras: "The Murals of "Under the Same Moon" featurette, "The Making of La Misma Luna." (Fox).

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008) Martin Lawrence, Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant, Louis C.K., Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parke, Cedric the Entertainer, James Earl Jones. Extras: Commentary by director Malcolm D. Lee; outtakes and deleted/extended scenes, including an alternate opening; "Bringing the Family Together" featurette; "On Location -- Getting Down and Dirty"; "Going Home -- Real Stories of the Cast"; Joe "We're Family" music video. (Universal).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:59 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, June 24, 2008, V12.26

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, June 24-- Monday, June 30

Charlie Bartlett
Anton Yelchin stars as Charlie Bartlett, who has been kicked out of every private school he ever attended. And now that he's moved on to public school, he's simply getting pummeled. But when Charlie discovers that the kids who surround him -- the outcast and the popular alike -- are secretly in desperate need, his entrepreneurial spirit takes over. Hanging up his shingle in the boys' restroom, Charlie becomes an underground, not to mention under-aged, shrink who listens to the private confessions of his schoolmates, and makes the imprudent decision to hand out the pills he's proffered from his own psychiatric sessions. Meanwhile, at home, Charlie keeps charming his way out of an inevitable confrontation with his adoring but utterly overwhelmed mother Marilyn (Hope Davis.) Then, Bartlett makes his big mistake: falling in love with the beautiful and bold daughter (Kat Dennings) of the school's increasingly disenchanted principal (Robert Downey, Jr.), who is hot on Bartlett's trail. Vitals: Director: Jon Poll. Stars: Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis, Tyler Hilton, Jake Epstein, Lauren Collins, Dylan Taylor, Mark Rendall, Kat Dennings, Derek McGrath. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 97 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $3.898 million, MGM.

Definitely, Maybe
Ryan Reynolds stars as Will Hayes, a 30-something Manhattan dad in the midst of a divorce when his 10-year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), starts to question him about his life before marriage. Maya wants to know absolutely everything about how her parents met and fell in love. Will's story begins in 1992, as a young, starry-eyed aspiring politician who moves to New York from Wisconsin in order to work on the presidential campaign. For Maya, Will relives his past as an idealistic young man learning the ins and outs of big city politics, and recounts the history of his romantic relationships with three very different women. Will hopelessly attempts a gentler version of his story for his daughter and changes the names so Maya has to guess who is the woman her father finally married. Is her mother Will's college sweetheart, the dependable girl next door Emily (Elizabeth Banks)? Is she his longtime best friend and confidante, the apolitical April (Isla Fisher)? Or is she the free-spirited but ambitious journalist Summer (Rachel Weisz)? Vitals: Director: Adam Brooks. Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Derek Luke, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 112 min., Comedys, Box office gross: $31.973 million, Universal.

In Bruges
Bruges, the most well-preserved medieval city in the whole of Belgium, is a welcoming destination for travelers from all over the world. But for hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), it could be their final destination; a difficult job has resulted in the pair being ordered right before Christmas by their London boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) to go and cool their heels in the storybook Flemish city for a couple of weeks. Very much out of place amidst the gothic architecture, canals, and cobbled streets, the two hit men fill their days living the lives of tourists. Ray, still haunted by the bloodshed in London, hates the place, while Ken, even as he keeps a fatherly eye on Ray's often profanely funny exploits, finds his mind and soul being expanded by the beauty and serenity of the city. But the longer they stay waiting for Harry's call, the more surreal their experience becomes, as they find themselves in weird encounters with locals, tourists, violent medieval art, a dwarf American actor (Jordan Prentice) shooting a European art film, Dutch prostitutes, and a potential romance for Ray in the form of Chloe (Clemence Poesy), who may have some dark secrets of her own. And when the call from Harry does finally come, Ken and Ray's vacation becomes a life-and-death struggle of darkly comic proportions and surprisingly emotional consequences. Vitals: Director: Martin McDonagh. Stars: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Clemence Posey, Ralph Fiennes. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 107 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $7.598 million, Universal

Persepolis
Critically acclaimed, Academy Award nominated animated feature film based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. The poignant story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is through the eyes of precocious and outspoken 9-year-old Marjane that we see a people's hopes dashed as fundamentalists take power -- forcing the veil on women and imprisoning thousands. Clever and fearless, she outsmarts the "social guardians" and discovers punk, ABBA and Iron Maiden. Yet when her uncle is senselessly executed and as bombs fall around Tehran in the Iran/Iraq war, the daily fear that permeates life in Iran is palpable. As she gets older, Marjane's boldness causes her parents to worry about her continued safety. And so, at age 14, they make the difficult decision to send her to school in Austria. Vulnerable and alone in a strange land, she endures the typical ordeals of a teenager. In addition, Marjane has to combat being equated with the religious fundamentalism and extremism she fled her country to escape. Over time, she gains acceptance, and even experiences love, but after high school she finds herself alone and horribly homesick. Though it means putting on a veil and living in a tyrannical society, Marjane decides to return to Iran to be close to her family. After a difficult period of adjustment, she enters art school and marries, all the while continuing to speak out against the hypocrisy she witnesses. At age 24, she realizes that while she is deeply Iranian, she cannot live in Iran. She then makes the heartbreaking decision to leave her homeland for France, optimistic about her future, shaped indelibly by her past. In French and Persian. Vitals: Director: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi. Stars: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Simon Abkarian, Gabrielle Lopes. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 95 min., Drama, Box office gross: $4.423 million, Sony.

Spiderwick Chronicles, The
When the three Grace children -- troubled Jared; his bookish twin, Simon; and their sister, Mallory, a fencing jock -- move to the ancient Spiderwick mansion, they are at first none-too-enchanted by the rundown Victorian ... until they discover a Brownie, an enchanted creature, living in the walls. They soon find a book - "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You" -- that will open their eyes to the invisible, odd, and sometimes dangerous world of dragons and boggarts, phookas and fairies, sprites and goblins that is all around them. When they cross paths with Mulgarath, an ogre, they realize quickly that he will stop at nothing to get his hands on the "Field Guide." Based on the bestselling series of books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. Vitals: Director: Mark Waters. Stars: Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn, Seth Rogen, Martin Short. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 101 min., Fantasy, Box office gross: $44.076 million, Paramount.

10,000 B.C.
Prehistoric odyssey into a mythical age of prophesies and gods, when spirits ruled the land and mighty mammoths shook the earth. In a remote mountain tribe, the young hunter D'Leh (Steven Strait) has found his heart's passion -- the beautiful Evolet (Camilla Belle). But when a band of mysterious warlords raid his village and kidnap Evolet, D'Leh leads a small group of hunters to pursue the warlords to the end of the world to save her. As they venture into unknown lands for the first time, the group discovers there are civilizations beyond their own and that mankind's reach is far greater than they ever knew. At each encounter the group is joined by other tribes who have been attacked by the slave raiders, turning D'Leh's once-small band into an army. Vitals: Director: Roland Emmerich. Stars: Steven Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis, Omar Sharif, Reece Ritchie, Suri van Sornsen. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 109 min., Action Adventure, Box office gross: $89.349 million, Warner.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Director Anthony Mann's varied career encompassed musical dramas ("The Glenn Miller Story"), actioners ("Strategic Air Command"), war films ("Men in War"), melodramas ("God's Little Acre"), costume dramas ("El Cid") and Westerns. His best Westerns always pitted man against nature, man against other men, and man against himself; his "Winchester '73" (1950) is definitely a classic of the genre. Shortly after that film, he made "The Furies" (1950), starring Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Huston, Judith Anderson, Wendell Corey and Gilbert Roland. Stanwyck and Huston are at their fierce finest in this crackling Western melodrama. In 1870s New Mexico Territory, megalomaniacal widowed ranch-owner T. C. Jeffords (Huston, in his final role) butts heads with his daughter, Vance (Stanwyck), a firebrand with serious daddy issues, over her dowry, choice of marriage, and, finally, ownership of the land itself. Both sophisticated in its view of frontier settlement and ablaze with searing domestic drama, "The Furies" is a hidden treasure of American filmmaking, boasting Oscar-nominated cinematography and vivid supporting turns from Judith Anderson, Wendell Corey, and Gilbert Roland. The folks at The Criterion Collection have brought the film to DVD in a new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras include commentary featuring film historian Jim Kitses; a rare, 1931 on-camera interview with Walter Huston, made for the movie theater series "Intimate Interviews"; a new video interview with Nina Mann, daughter of director Mann; a stills gallery of rare behind-the-scenes photos; a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Robin Wood, a 1957 Cahiers du cinema interview with Mann, and a new printing of Niven Busch's original novel.

From TV to Video:
Due this week:: "The Big Easy: The Complete First Season," a four-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Early Edition: The First Season," a six-disc set with 23 episodes, $46.99 from Paramount ... "Futurama: The Beast With a Billion Backs" (2008) a feature with the latest extraterrestrial exploits of Bender, Fry, Leela and crew, in which they encounter a repulsive, planet-sized creature with billions of probing tentacles ... and soon find themselves involved in a disturbing -- yet sensuous -- interplanetary love story; $29.98 from Fox ... "My Boys: The Complete First Season," a three-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98 from Sony ... "The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Set 3," a three-disc set with five episodes of mysteries based on the fiction of best-selling crime-writer Ruth Rendell, $49.99. from Acorn Media ... "The Vice: Season Two," a three-disc set with eight episodes of the hard-hitting British TV series set in the vice unit of London's Metropolitan Police; aired on BBC America, $49.98 from MPI Home Video.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
The lives and friendships of three best friends are tried and tested as they take a cross-country road trip in "Bonneville" (2008), starring Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Joan Allen, Tom Skerritt and Christine Baranski. After losing her husband, a widow persuades two friends to tag along as she sets off to California in a vintage '66 Bonneville convertible to deliver her late-husband's ashes to her resentful stepdaughter; from Fox ... A tattooist unwittingly unleashes a deadly spirit through an ancient Samoan tattoo tool that marks him for death in "The Tattooist" (2007), starring Jason Behr, Mia Blake and David Fane; from Sony ... "The Hammer" (2008) stars Adam Carolla in a comedy about a middle-aged boxing instructor and carpenter who loses his job and gets another chance at his dream -- he's invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic Boxing team; from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... "Telling Lies" (2006) is a psychological thriller about a seemingly innocent co-ed under suspicion for murder who tries to convince the authorities and her father that she's not guilty, starring Melanie Brown, Jason Flemyng and Kelly Stables; from Echo Bridge Entertainment ... Upon returning home as a hero from the Iraq War, Special Forces Agent Matt Taylor is thrown into another battle in his once quiet hometown where, as in Iraq, you don't know who are friends and who are enemies, in "Dark Heart" (2006), starring Greg Joelson, Darcy Halsey, Brian Howe, William Dennis Hurley and Huntley Ritter; from MTI Home Video ... In "The Wig" (2005 -- South Korea), a wig given to a cancer patient who lost her hair during chemotherapy turns out to harbor evil spirits; from Genius Products ... A young couple's weekend getaway at a secluded mountain ranch becomes an unfathomable nightmare when they discover the truth about the caretaker in "The Lodge" (2008), starring Elizabeth Kell, Mandi Kreisher, Kevin McClatchy and Owen Szabo; from Monarch Home Video ... In "Simon: King of the Witches" (1971), a professional warlock summons evil forces to thwart his enemies; from Dark Sky Films/MPI Home Video.

On the Indie Front:
"Finishing the Game" (2007)stars James Franco, Dustin Nguyen, Roger Fan, Sung Kang and McCaleb Burnett in a mockumentary-style comedy that looks askew at fame, fortune and Hollywood. The unexpected death of Bruce Lee came at the zenith of his popularity. Having already shot scenes for his upcoming movie "Game of Death," studio heads decided to complete the film by launching a search for his replacement, attracting hopefuls from around the world. This film re-imagines that audition process and pokes fun at Hollywood, martial arts and Asian stereotypes in the process; from Genius Products ... "Wide Sargasso Sea" (2006) is a new U.K. production of Jean Rhys' novel, dubbed a prequel to "Jane Eyre," which imagines how Mr. Rochester met and married his first wife and how she wound up as the madwoman in the attic; stars Rafe Spall and Rebecca Hall; $24.99 from Acorn Media.

Foreign:
"The Free Will" (2006 -- Germany) is a disturbing drama about a convicted sexual predator who has just been released from psychiatric detention. His fear of women stirs a profound, unfulfilled longing within him, making his reintegration into society an unbearable ordeal. Can hope exist in his budding relationship with Nettie, herself a victim of abuse, as they embark on a journey to the limits of free will? Silver Bear Winner at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival; from Benten Films: www.bentenfilms.com ... Two classics from the legendary DEFA Collection of films made during the years when East Germany was under Communist control arrive this week from First Run Features: "Solo Sunny" (1979),r about an aspiring singer who falls in love, breaks hearts, has her own broken, gets kicked out of her band and then hits the East Berlin underground scene; a mesmerizing look at the yearnings of East Germany's youth; and "Berlin-Schonhauser Corner" (1957), a teen cult film about disaffected, rebellious teenagers who meet daily on a street in East Berlin to dance to rock 'n' roll, swap Western goods and escape the control of their parents and the State; $24.95 each.

For the Family:
"The Mouse and the Motorcycle" (2008): Beverly Cleary's award-winning tale of Ralph S. Mouse and his adventures with a toy motorcycle gets the acclaimed Scholastic animated treatment; also includes an adaptation of Munro Leaf's "Wee Gillis"; $14.95 from Scholastic Storybook Treasures ... In "Elmo's World: Summer Vacation" (2008), Elmo takes toddlers to the beach to lean about sunblock, sand and cameras; three episodes, $12.93 from Sesame Workshop/Genius Products ... The Lampies" are the beings who reside in lamp posts the world over and prevent the world from going dark; their arch enemies are the evil Roons, who want to turn everything dark; the animated characters come to life in two new DVDs: "The Lampies: Dustywuppy" ($14.98) and "The Lampies: Bikey" ($9.98) from PorchLight Entertainment.

Special Interest:
"Journey to 10,000 B.C." (2008) is a History Channel documentary using computer animation to explore the world where giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats roamed; timed for the DVD release of the theatrical "10,000 B.C."; $19.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Birth of a Civilization" is a National Geographic Channel epic account of the first 8,000 years of our civilization, from humankind's emergence on the planet through the continued quest to dominate the world; $19.98 from Warner ... "Homemade Hillbilly Jam" (2007) is an enjoyable documentary that captures the rich and wonderful sounds of Ozark "hillbilly" music by following three families of modern-day hillbillies back to the roots of their music-making heritage, $24.95 from First Run Features ... "Where Is Jimmy Hoffa?" is a documentary that explores the life and disappearance of the Teamsters Union's Hoffa; $14.98 from MPI Home Video ... "Don't Call Me Bugsy" is a documentary about the gangster who founded Las Vegas; $14.98 from MPI Home Video.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Before the Rain (1994 -- Macedonian) Dir.: Milcho Manchevski; Katrin Cartlidge, Gregoire Colin, Rade Serbedzija. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Milcho Manchevski. Extras: Commentary featuring Manchevski and film scholar Annette Insdorf; new video interview with actor Rade Serbedzija, Manchevski's award-winning music video for Arrested Development's "Tennessee," stills galleries of Manchevski's photographs and on-set shots, new essay by film scholar Ian Christie, more. (The Criterion Collection).

The Big Easy: The Complete First Season. Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98. (MPI Home Video).

Birth of a Civilization. National Geographic Channel epic account of the first 8,000 years of our civilization, from humankind's emergence on the planet through the continued quest to dominate the world; $19.98. (Warner).

Bonneville (2008) Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Joan Allen, Tom Skerritt, Christine Baranski. The lives and friendships of three best friends are tried and tested as they take a cross-country road trip. After losing her husband, a widow persuades two friends to tag along as she sets off to California in a vintage '66 Bonneville convertible to deliver her late-husband's ashes to her resentful stepdaughter. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, alternate and deleted scenes, gag reels. (Fox).

Charlie Bartlett (2007) Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis, Tyler Hilton, Jake Epstein, Lauren Collins, Dylan Taylor, Mark Rendall, Kat Dennings, Derek McGrath. Extras: Commentary by director Jon Poll and writer Gustin Nash; commentary by Poll and editor Alan Baumgarten; commentary by Poll, actors Anton Yelchin and Kat Dennings; "Restroom Confessionals," Spiral Beach "Voodoo" music video; deleted scenes; featurettes. (MGM/Fox).

Dark Heart (2006) Greg Joelson, Darcy Halsey, Brian Howe, William Dennis Hurley, Huntley Ritter. Upon returning home as a hero from the Iraq War, Special Forces Agent Matt Taylor is thrown into another battle in his once quiet hometown where, as in Iraq, you don't know who are friends and who are enemies. (MTI Home Video).

Definitely, Maybe (2008) Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Derek Luke, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz. Extras: Commentary by director Adam Brooks and Ryan Reynolds, deleted scenes, "Creating a Romance" featurette, "The Changing Times of Defintely, Maybe" featurette. (Universal).

Don't Call Me Bugsy. Documentary about the gangster who founded Las Vegas; $14.98. (MPI Home Video).

Early Edition: The First Season. Six-disc set with 23 episodes, $46.99. (Paramount).

Elmo's World: Summer Vacation (2008) Elmo takes toddlers to the beach to lean about sunblock, sand and cameras. Three episodes, $12.93. (Sesame Workshop/Genius Products).

Finishing the Game (2007) James Franco, Dustin Nguyen, Roger Fan, Sung Kang, McCaleb Burnett. Mockumentary-style comedy. The unexpected death of Bruce Lee came at the zenith of his popularity. Having already shot scenes for his upcoming movie "Game of Death," studio heads decided to complete the film by launching a search for his replacement, attracting hopefuls from around the world. This film re-imagines that audition process and pokes fun at Hollywood, martial arts and Asian stereotypes in the process. Extras: Commentary by co-writer/director Justin Lin, co-writer Josh Diamond and composer Brian Tyler; "On Set Mayhem" featurette; deleted scenes; "Satisfaction" music video by Far*East Movement. (Genius Products).

The Free Will (2006 -- Germany) Jurgen Vogel, Sabine Timoteo. Disturbing drama about a convicted sexual predator who has just been released from psychiatric detention. His fear of women stirs a profound, unfulfilled longing within him, making his reintegration into society an unbearable ordeal. Can hope exist in his budding relationship with Nettie, herself a victim of abuse, as they embark on a journey to the limits of free will? Silver Bear Winner at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival. Extras: Commentary with director Matthias Glasner and co-writer-star Jurgen Vogel (English subtitled), all new critical essay by "Time Out New York" film critic David Fear. (Benten Films: www.bentenfilms.com).

The Furies (1950) Dir.: Anthony Mann; Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Huston, Judith Anderson, Wendell Corey, Gilbert Roland. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Commentary featuring film historian Jim Kitses; rare, 1931 on-camera interview with Walter Huston, made for the movie theater series "Intimate Interviews"; new video interview with Nina Mann, daughter of director Anthony Mann; stills gallery of rare behind-the-scenes photos; booklet featuring a new essay by critic Robin Wood, a 1957 Cahiers du cinema interview with Mann, and a new printing of Niven Busch's original novel. (The Criterion Collection).

Futurama: The Beast With a Billion Backs (2008) In their latest extraterrestrial exploits, Bender, Fry, Leela and crew encounter a repulsive, planet-sized creature with billions of probing tentacles ... and soon find themselves involved in a disturbing -- yet sensuous -- interplanetary love story; $29.98. Extras: Commentary, featurettes, animatics, deleted scenes, more. (Fox).

The Hammer (2008) Adam Carolla. Comedy about a middle-aged boxing instructor and carpenter who loses his job and gets another chance at his dream -- he's invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic Boxing team. Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, commentaries, conversation with Carolla. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Homemade Hillbilly Jam (2007) Enjoyable documentary captures the rich and wonderful sounds of Ozark "hillbilly" music by following three families of modern-day hillbillies back to the roots of their music-making heritage, $24.95. (First Run Features).

In Bruges (2008) Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Clemence Posey, Ralph Fiennes. Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, "When in Bruges" behind-the-scenes featurette, "Strange Bruges" featurette, "A Boat Trip Around Bruges," "F*cking Br*ges" featurette. (Universal).

Journey to 10,000 B.C. (2008) History Channel documentary using computer animation to explore the world where giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats roamed;timed for the DVD release of "10,000 B.C."; $19.95. (A&E Home Video).

The Lodge (2008) Elizabeth Kell, Mandi Kreisher, Kevin McClatchy, Owen Szabo. A young couple's weekend getaway at a secluded mountain ranch becomes an unfathomable nightmare when they discover the truth about the caretaker. (Monarch Home Video).

The Mouse and the Motorcycle (2008) Beverly Cleary's award-winning tale of Ralph S. Mouse and his adventures with a toy motorcycle gets the acclaimed Scholastic animated treatment; also includes an adaptation of Munro Leaf's "Wee Gillis"; $14.95. Extras: Read-along function. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).

My Boys: The Complete First Season. Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Life in the Press Box" behind-the-scenes featurette, "PJ's Rules for Sports and Dating" featurette, "No Crying in Baseball" outtakes and bloopers, "Favorites in Sports" montage of sports from the show featurette, sports quiz with cast and crew, "Riding the Pine" deleted scenes, minisodes. (Sony).

Persepolis (2008 -- French) Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Simon Abkarian, Gabrielle Lopes. Extras: English Language version of the film featuring the voices of Chiara Mastroianni, Sean Penn, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands and Iggy Pop; "The Hidden Side of Persepolis" making of the French version featurette; "Behind the Scenes of Persepolis" recording the English version featurette; commentary by directors Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud and actress Chiara Mastoianni on select scenes; animated scene comparisons; 2007 Festival des Cannes press conference Q&A with cast and crew. (Sony).

The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Set 3. Three-disc set with five episodes of mysteries based on the fiction of best-selling crime-writer Ruth Rendell, $49.99. (Acorn Media).

Simon: King of the Witches (1971) A professional warlock summons evil forces to thwart his enemies. (Dark Sky Films/MPI Home Video).

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn, Seth Rogen, Martin Short. Available in a single-disc and two-disc special edition (with extras). Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Magic of Spiderwick" featurette, "Spiderwick: It's All True" featurette, deleted scenes, peek inside "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide." Also available on Blu-ray Disc.(Paramount).

The Tattooist (2007) Jason Behr, Mia Blake, David Fane. A tattooist unwittingly unleashes a deadly spirit through an ancient Samoan tattoo tool that marks him for death. Extras: Commentary by director Peter Burger and Jason Behr, deleted scenes, featurettes: "The Tattooist: Behind the Scenes," "Behind the Tattoo Designs," "The Colors of The Tattooist," "Real Life Samoan Tattoo," "Becoming a Chief," digital copy of the film. (Sony).

Telling Lies (2006) Melanie Brown, Jason Flemyng, Kelly Stables. Psychological thriller about a seemingly innocent co-ed under suspicion for murder who tries to convince the authorities and her father that she's not guilty. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

10,000 BC (2008) Dir.: Roland Emmerich; Steven Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis, Omar Sharif, Reece Ritchie, Suri van Sornsen. Extras: Alternate ending, additional scenes. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

The Vice: Season Two. Three-disc set with eight episodes of the hard-hitting British TV series set in the vice unit of London's Metropolitan Police; aired on BBC America, $49.98. (MPI Home Video).

Where Is Jimmy Hoffa? Documentary explores the life and disappearance of Teamsters Union's Hoffa; $14.98. (MPI Home Video).

Wide Sargasso Sea (2006) New U.K. production of Jean Rhys' novel, dubbed a prequel to "Jane Eyre," which imagines how Mr. Rochester met and married his first wife and how she wound up as the madwoman in the attic. Stars Rafe Spall and Rebecca Hall. $24.99. (Acorn Media).

The Wig (2005 -- South Korea) Min-seo Chae. A wig given to a cancer patient who lost her hair during chemotherapy turns out to harbor evil spirits. (Genius Products).

Xanadu - Magical Music Edition (1980) Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly. Remastered with 5.1 soundtrack. Extras: Photo gallery, bonus music CD with the complete soundtrack. (Universal).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Jul 1, 2008 6:07 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, July 1, 2008, V12.27

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, July 1-- Monday, July 7

City of Men
In the Oscar-nominated "City of Men," producer Fernando Meirelles ("The Constant Gardner") returns to the Brazilian favelas of his Academy Award-nominated film, "City of God." Growing up in a culture dictated by violence and run by street gangs, teenagers Acerola (Douglas Silva) and Laranjinha (Darlan Cunha) have become close as brothers. With their 18th birthdays fast approaching, Laranjinha sets out to find the father he never met, while Acerola struggles to raise his own young son. But when they suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of a gang war, the lifelong friends are forced to confront a shocking secret from their shared past. In Portuguese with English subtitles. Vitals: Director: Paulo Morelli. Stars: Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha, Rodrigo dos Santos. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 110 min., Drama, Box office gross: $.317 million, Miramax.

Drillbit Taylor
Three kids are "pumped" to attend their first day at high school ... until they meet up with a school bully who comes off like a little Hannibal Lecter. Before they become completely engulfed in in the bully's reign of terror, they seek out some protection by placing an ad in Soldier of Fortune magazine. Their best response -- and the cheapest -- comes from Drillbit Taylor (Owen Wilson), a down-on-his luck soldier of fortune who lives a homeless -- he likes to say "home-free" -- existence on the beach. Really dumb comedy, especially for the talented Wilson. Vitals: Director: Steven Brill. Stars: Owen Wilson, Leslie Mann, David Dorfman, Danny McBride, Josh Peck. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 109 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $32.853 million, Paramount.

Meet the Browns
Brenda (Angela Bassett ), a single mother living in inner city Chicago, has been struggling for years to make ends meet and keep her three kids off the street. But when she's laid off with no warning, she starts losing hope for the first time -- until a letter arrives announcing the death of a father she's never met. Desperate for any kind of help, Brenda takes her family to Georgia for the funeral. But nothing could have prepared her for the Browns, her father's fun-loving, crass Southern clan. In a small-town world full of long afternoons and country fairs, Brenda struggles to get to know the family she never knew existed ... and finds a brand new romance. Vitals: Director: Tyler Perry. Stars: Tyler Perry, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Lance Gross, Chloe Bailey, Mariana Talbert, Angela Bassett, Rick Fox, Sofia Vergara, Irma P. Hall. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 100 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $41.939 million, Lionsgate.

My Blueberry Nights
After a rough romantic break-up, a young woman sets out on a journey across America, leaving behind her life in search of something to mend her broken heart. Waitressing her way through the country, she befriends a troubled cop and his estranged wife and a down-on-her-luck gambler with a score to settle. Through these chance encounters, she witnesses the true depths of loneliness and emptiness, and begins to understand that her own journey is part of a deeper exploration of herself. The celebrated Wong Kar Wai's first English-language picture embraces his signature elegance and originality; here he combines his trademarked dreamy romantic themes with mythical American locations (the atmospheric diners of Route 66). Vitals: Director: Stars: Norah Jones, Jude Law, David Strathairn, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 95 min., Drama, Box office gross: $.766 million, The Weinstein Co./Genius Products.

Vantage Point
During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer, the shattering final truth is revealed. Vitals: Director: Pete Travis. Stars: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $72.266 million, Sony.

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NEWS

Godfather Goes Blu:
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced a September 23 release for "The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration," a meticulous restoration of "The Godfather" and "The Godfather: Part II" by Paramount Pictures and Francis Ford Coppola. Both films have been fully restored and will arrive on DVD and Blu-ray, along with a newly remastered version of "The Godfather: Part III." All three films will be available individually ($19.99 each) or in a five-DVD collection ($72.99) or four-disc Blu-ray collection ($119.99); each set is loaded with a host of all-new special features.

"The Godfather" and "The Godfather: Part II" underwent extensive frame-by-frame examination and restoration using state-of-the-art digital technology in this historic preservation effort, which required more than a year to complete. Robert A. Harris of the Film Preserve supervised the restoration under the direction of Coppola and cinematographer Gordon Willis. Harris' restoration credits include "Lawrence of Arabia," "Spartacus," "Vertigo" and "Rear Window," among others.

New special features -- created by Kim Aubry, founder of Zoetrope Aubry Productions -- explore the complexities of the restoration process and provides new insights and perspectives about how the film almost didn't come to pass as we know it. "The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't" relates the unlikely events, intrigue, allegiances and luck that put together the unknown director with the "unwanted" cast and contains interviews with most of the living players and many of the films' admirers. Other featurettes include "... When the Shooting Stopped" and "Godfather World," which take a look at "The Godfather's" influence on popular culture today. Each film includes a commentary by Coppola. See September's DVD release schedule for disc contents

DVD Collectibles:
"Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters" (1985) is Paul Schrader's visually stunning, structurally audacious collage-like portrait of acclaimed Japanese author and playwright Yuko Mishima (played by Ken Ogata). The film investigates the inner turmoil and contradictions of a man who attempted an impossible harmony between self, art, and society. Taking place on Mishima's last day, when he famously committed public seppuku (ritual suicide), the film is punctuated by extended flashbacks to the writer's life as well as gloriously stylized evocations of his fictional works. With its rich cinematography by John Bailey, exquisite sets and costumes by Eiko Ishioka, and unforgettable, highly influential score by Philip Glass, "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters" is a sincere tribute to its subject and a bold, investigative work of art in its own right. In an exquisite two-disc set loaded with extras from The Criterion Collection.

"Aria" (1987) is an anthology of 10 short films directed by 10 acclaimed directors; each piece is a visual riff on a musical aria. The directors: Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, Bill Bryden, Jean-Luc Godard, Derek Jarman, Franc Roddam, Nicolas Roeg, Ken Russell, Charles Sturridge, Julien Temple. The stars: Bridget Fonda, Theresa Russell, Tilda Swinton, Elizabeth Hurley, John Hurt, Buck Henry, Beverly D'Angelo, more. The vignettes: ranging from the pretentious to the sublime. From Warner Home Video.

"Heathers" gets the special treatment from Anchor Bay for a 20th High School Reunion Edition. The 1989 film, starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk and Kim Walker, is a classic and subversive teen high school satire. The two-disc set features a newly remastered version of the film as well as a "Return to Westerburg High" documentary that revisits the high school where "Heathers" was filmed, with new interviews with director Michael Lehmann, writer Daniel Waters, and producer Denise Di Novi; a "Swatch Dogs and Diet Coke Heads" featurette; more.

From TV to Video:
"Anglo-Saxon Attitudes" (1992) is a two-disc set with three episodes of the U.K. miniseries that skewers British social and academic hypocrisy, $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "The Closer: Season Three" is a four-disc set with 14 episodes, $39.98 from Warner ... "Rebus, Set 3" is a four-disc set with four mysteries centering on maverick detective John Rebus, from Ian Rankin's best-selling detective novels, $49.99 from Acorn Media ... "The Streets of San Francisco: The Second Season, Volume One" (1973) is a three-disc set with 11 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "30 days: Season Two" is a two-disc set with six episodes, $29.95 from Arts Alliance America ... "'Til Death Do Us Part" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes of the TV series that lets director John Waters run amok with a campy marriage of madcap melodrama and macabre humor; $29.98 from BCI ... "Walker Texas Ranger: The Fifth Season" (1997-98) is a seven-disc set with 25 episodes, $54.99 from Paramount.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control" (2008), starring Masi Oka, Jayma Mays and Nate Torrence, Maxwell Smart's techie friends from the hit big-screen adaptation of the TV series run amok; the direct-to-video feature is also available on Blu-ray Disc; from Warner ... "Shotgun Stories" (2007) follows a blood feud between two sets of half brothers in the cotton fields and back roads of Arkansas; stars Michael Shannon, Douglas Ligon, Barlow Jacobs, Natalie Canerday, Glenda Pannell and Lynnsee Provence; from Liberation/Genius Products.

On the Indie Front:
In the wacky "Sex and Death 101" (2008), Simon Baker stars as a successful executive whose life is turned upside down by an e-mail that includes the names of everyone he's had sex with and ever will have sex with; Winona Ryder stars as "Death Nell," a mysterious femme fatale who becomes an urban folk hero when she targets men guilty of sex crimes against women. Also stars Patton Oswalt, Mindy Cohn, Leslie Bibb, Julie Bowen, Sophie Monk, Dash Mihok and Neil Flynn; from Anchor Bay.

Special Interest:
Every year since 1969, music lovers have flocked to the opulent Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, for an international festival of chamber music. Filmed live at the 2007 festival, "The 2007 Newport Music Festival Connoisseur's Collection" includes the Newport debut of 20-year-old American pianist Adam Golka, music by Chopin, Lizst, and Mozart, and an all-Schumann program; approximately 15 hours on 10 DVDs, $124.99 from Acorn Media ... "The Royal Diaries" (2000) features three documentaries that view the world through the eyes of three very different teenage princesses: "Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C.," "Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466" and "Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544"; based on the Scholastic book series; $14.95 from Genius Products ... In "Dogtown: Second Chance," National Geographic teams up with the top-notch veterinarians and trainers at Best Friend's Sanctuary to learn what it takes to rehabilitate abandoned, abused and problem pets and find them loving homes; $19.98 from Warner ... "Stonehenge Decoded" is a National Geographic special that transports viewers back in time to decipher the most enduring archaeological mystery of all time -- who built Stonehenge and why; $19.98 from Warner ... "Wild China" (2005) is a BBC documentary on the most populous country in the world, just in time for the Beijing Summer Olympics; $29.98 from Warner ... "Yankee Stadium: Baseball's Cathedral" (2005) is an MLB official DVD documentary commemorating the most storied ballpark in America; $26.99 from Shout! Factory.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Anglo-Saxon Attitudes (1992) Two-disc set with three episodes of the U.K. miniseries. A biting satire based on Angus Wilson's acclaimed novel skewers British social and academic hypocrisy to the very core. Richard Johnson stars as Gerald Middleton, a distinguished, retired historian coming to terms with his life's folly. As a student, Middleton witnessed the unearthing of the Melpham idol, a pagan fertility figure that electrified modern medieval scholarship by turning up in the grave of a 7th-century bishop. He also began an affair with Dollie (Tara Fitzgerald) -- the fiancee of his best friend, the man who had privately confessed to planting the idol as a hoax. Those events sowed the seeds of tragedy that haunt the middle-aged Middleton as he wrestles with his monstrously overbearing wife and their three emotionally dysfunctional children. To gain peace, he determines to discover the truth about the mysterious idol and his own life's folly. $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Aria (1987) Ten short films directed by 10 acclaimed directors; each piece is a visual riff on a musical aria. Directors: Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, Bill Bryden, Jean-Luc Godard, Derek Jarman, Franc Roddam, Nicolas Roeg, Ken Russell, Charles Sturridge, Julien Temple. Stars: Bridget Fonda, Theresa Russell, Tilda Swinton, Elizabeth Hurley, John Hurt, Buck Henry, Beverly D'Angelo, more. Extras: Photo gallery of 200 on-set shots. (Warner).

City of Men (2008 -- Brazil) Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha, Rodrigo dos Santos. Extras: "City of Men: Unveiling the Reality" featurette. (Miramax)

The Closer: Season Three. Four-disc set with 14 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "The Art of Interrogation" featurette, gag reel, unaired scenes. (Warner).

Dogtown: Second Chance. National Geographic teams up with the top-notch veterinarians and trainers at Best Friend's Sanctuary to learn what it takes to rehabilitate abandoned, abused and problem pets and find them loving homes; $19.98. (Warner).

Drillbit Taylor (2008) Owen Wilson, Leslie Mann, David Dorfman, Danny McBride, Josh Peck. Available in an Extended Survival Edition DVD, theatrical version DVD, and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentey, deleted and extended scenes, Line-O-Rama, gag reel Extended Survival Edition adds five featurettes and additional footage. (Paramount).

Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control (2008) Masi Oka, Jayma Mays, Nate Torrence. Maxwell Smart's techie friends have their own comedy adventure in this direct-to-video feature timed to exploit the big-screen adaptation of "Get Smart." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Heathers 20th High School Reunion Edition (1989) Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker. Two-disc set. Newly remastered. Extras: "Return To Westerburg High" documentary that revisits the high school where "Heathers" was filmed, includes new interviews with director Michael Lehmann, writer Daniel Waters, and producer Denise Di Novi; commentary by Lehmann, Waters and Di Novi; "Swatch Dogs and Diet Coke Heads" featurette; original ending screenplay excerpt (DVD-ROM). (Anchor Bay).

Heaven (1987) Dir.: Diane Keaton. Created and directed by the multi-talented Diane Keaton, "Heaven" takes a wonderfully lighthearted look at the Great Beyond. (Warner).

Meet the Browns (2008) Dir.: Tyler Perry; Tyler Perry, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Lance Gross, Chloe Bailey, Mariana Talbert, Angela Bassett, Rick Fox, Sofia Vergara, Irma P. Hall. Available as a single-disc with the feature only, a two-disc standard DVD set and a two-disc Blu-ray set, both with extras. Extras: Commentary by Tyler Perry, six featurettes, digital copy. (Lionsgate).

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) Dir.: Paul Schrader; Ken Ogata, Masayuki Shionoya. Music by Philip Glass. New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the director's cut, supervised and approved by director Paul Schrader and cinematographer John Bailey in a two-disc set. Extras: Optional English and Japanese voice-over narrations, the former by Roy Scheider, the latter by Ken Ogata; new audio commentary featuring Schrader and producer Alan Poul; "The Strange Case of Yukio Mishima," a 55-minute BBC documentary about the author; new interviews with Donald Richie and John Nathan, collaborators and friends of Yukio Mishima; new interviews with Bailey, producers Tom Luddy and Mata Yamamoto, composer Philip Glass, and production designer Eiko Ishioka; new audio interview with co-screenwriter Chieko Schrader; video interview excerpt featuring Mishima talking about writing; booklet featuring a new essay by critic Kevin Jackson and a piece on the film's censorship in Japan. (The Criterion Collection).

My Blueberry Nights (2005) Dir.: Wong Kar Wail; Norah Jones, Jude Law, David Strathairn, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman. Extras: Deleted scenes, Q&A with director Wong Kar Wai, "The Making of My Blueberry Nights," stills gallery. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Patriotism (1966) Written and directed by Yukio Mishima. New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the Japanese and English versions of the short film, with optional Japanese or English intertitles. Extras: A 45-minute audio recording of Yukio Mishima speaking to the Foreign Correspondents' Association of Japan; a 45-minute making-of documentary, featuring crew from the film's production; interview excerpts featuring Mishima discussing war and death; new essay by renowned critic and historian Tony Rayns, Mishima's original novella, and Mishima's extensive notes on the film's production. (The Criterion Collection).

Rebus, Set 3. Four-disc set with four mysteries centering on maverick detective John Rebus, from Ian Rankin's best-selling detective novels. Haunted by his own failings and the human tragedies he faces every day, Detective Inspector Rebus pursues truth beneath the leaden skies of modern-day Edinburgh, $49.99. (Acorn Media).

The Royal Diaries (2000 -- TV) Three documentaries that view the world through the eyes of three very different teenage princesses: "Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C.," "Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466" and "Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544"; based on the Scholastic book series; $14.95. (Genius Products).

Sex and Death 101 (2008) Simon Baker, Winona Ryder, Patton Oswalt, Mindy Cohn, Leslie Bibb, Julie Bowen, Sophie Monk, Dash Mihok, Neil Flynn. Simon Baker stars as a successful executive whose life is turned upside down by an e-mail that includes the names of everyone he's had sex with and ever will have sex with; Winona Ryder stars as "Death Nell," a mysterious femme fatale who becomes an urban folk hero when she targets men guilty of sex crimes against women. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Daniel Waters, behind-the-scenes featurette "101 Perversions." (Anchor Bay).

Shotgun Stories (2007) Michael Shannon, Douglas Ligon, Barlow Jacobs, Natalie Canerday, Glenda Pannell, Lynnsee Provence. Follows a blood feud between two sets of half brothers in the cotton fields and back roads of Arkansas. (Liberation/Genius Products).

Stonehenge Decoded. National Geographic special transports viewers back in time to decipher the most enduring archaeological mystery of all time -- who built Stonehenge and why. Through a collaboration of groundbreaking new discoveries, recreations and engineering-inspired CGI, Stonehenge comes alive again in ways never before possible, precisely as it stood the day after it was completed. Narrated by Donald Sutherland; $19.98. (Warner).

The Streets of San Francisco: The Second Season, Volume One (1973) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

30 days: Season Two. Two-disc set with six episodes, $29.95. Extras: Commentary. (Arts Alliance America).

'Til Death Do Us Part. Three-disc set with 13 episodes of the TV series that let director John Waters run amok with a campy marriage of madcap melodrama and macabre humor. Waters is the host of this wickedly amusing anthology series about what happens after the honeymoon. Known to the viewer simply as "The Groom Reaper," Waters leads us through slyly sinful stories of vindictive and vicious husbands and wives with each cautionary tale ending in one spouse pushing up the daisies -- always to the delight of our naughty narrator. $29.98. Extras: Bonus footage. (BCI).

The 2007 Newport Music Festival Connoisseur's Collection. Every year since 1969, music lovers have flocked to the opulent Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, for an international festival of chamber music. Filmed live at the 2007 festival, this special collection of concerts and highlights includes the Newport debut of 20-year-old American pianist Adam Golka, music by Chopin, Lizst, and Mozart, and an all-Schumann program. Approximately 15 hours on 10 DVDs, $124.99. Extras: Bonus performances and commentary clips featuring festival director Dr. mark P. Malkovich. (Acorn Media).

Vantage Point (2008) Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt. Available in single-disc, two-disc and Blu-ray Disc editions. Two-disc set extras: Commentary by director Pete Travis, bonus digital copy of the film, deleted scene, "An Inside Perspective" interviews with cast and crew, "Plotting an Assassination" Interview with first-time screenwriter Barry Levy. (Sony).

Walker Texas Ranger: The Fifth Season (1997-98) Seven-disc set with 25 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).

Wild China (2005) BBC documentary, just in time for the Beijing Summer Olympics. Two-disc set; $29.98. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Yankee Stadium: Baseball's Cathedral (2005) MLB official DVD documentary commemorating the most storied ballpark in America. Attending a Yankees game in the Bronx has been called a spiritual experience. Fans and ballplayers have congregated in Yankee Stadium for more than 80 years to witness history -- they cheer their hearts out, realize their dreams and heal their souls in the ultimate baseball cathedral. Since Opening Day in 1923, Yankee Stadium has gracefully grown through the years in stature as part of the American cultural fabric. Narrated by Chazz Palminteri. $26.99. Extras: Exclusive Yankee Stadium commemorative ticket with coin, Lou Gehrig speech, Mickey Mantle's 1964 World Series Game 3 walk-off home run, Chris Chambliss' 1976 ALCS Game 5 walk-off HR, Yankees return after Thurman Munson's funeral, George Brett and the Pine Tar Game, highlights from Jim Abbott's no hitter, Don Mattingly's HR in 1995 ALDS Game 2, highlights from 1999 World Series Game 4, Derek Jeter's 2001 ALDS dive, Hideki Matsui's First Major League grand slam, Aaron Boone's 2003 ALCS Game 7 HR, tour of Yankee Stadium from "Cathedrals of the Game" (Shout! Factory).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
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Date: Tue Jul 8, 2008 7:33 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, July 8, 2008, V12.28

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, July 8-- Monday, July 14

Ruins, The
When a group of tight-knit college friends visit the site of an undisturbed Mayan ruin, they stumble into an ancient trap where an unspoken evil -- sentient, carnivorous vines -- is waiting to drag its victims into an endless nightmare. As fear and paranoia eat away at their sanity, their only chance at escape is to commit the unthinkable. Vitals: Director: Carter Smith. Stars: Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramseyk, Joe Anderson. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Horror, Box office gross: $17.156 million, Paramount.

Stop-Loss
Decorated Iraq war hero Sgt. Brandon King makes a celebrated return to his small Texas hometown following his tour of duty. Brandon tries to resume the life he left behind with the help and support of his family and his best friend, Steve Shriver, who served with him in Iraq. Alongside their war-time buddies, Brandon and Steve try to make peace with civilian life. Then, against Brandon's will, the Army orders him back to duty in Iraq. This upends Brandon's entire world. The conflict into which he is thrown tests everything he believes in: the bond of family, the loyalty of friendship, the limits of love, and the value of honor. Vitals: Director: Kimberly Peirce. Stars: Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Abbie Cornish, Ciaran Hinds. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Drama, Box office gross: $10.864 million, Paramount.

Superhero Movie
Spoof of superhero movies. After being bitten by agenetically altered dragonfly, high school loser Rick Riker develops superhuman abilities like incredible strength and armored skin. Rick decides to use his new powers for good and becomes a costumed crime fighter known as "The Dragonfly." However, standing in the way of his destiny is the villainous Lou Landers. After an experiment gone wrong, Lou develops the power to steal a person's life force and in a dastardly quest for immortality becomes the supervillain "The Hourglass." With unimaginable strength, unbelievable speed and deeply uncomfortable tights, will the Dragonfly be able to stop the sands of The Hourglass and save the world? Vitals: Director: Craig Mazin. Stars: Drake Bell, Sara Paxton, Christopher McDonald, Leslie Nielsen, Kevin Hart, Marion Ross, Ryan Hansen, Jeffrey Tambor, Brent Spiner, Keith Davaid, Simon Rex, Craig Bierko, Tracy Morgan, Ragina Hall, Pam Anderson. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 82 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $25.777 million, The Weinstein Co./Genius Products.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
With three big-screen sequels-of-sorts coming out in the next few weeks (featuring Batman, the Mummy and the X-Files), Hollywood is mining catalog gold with extravagant DVD and Blu-ray Disc reissues. "Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set" (2005) is available in three configurations: a Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set Blu-ray Disc"Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set" standard DVD two-disc set in a gift box with a Batman-branded 128 MB flash drive with 18 images from the upcoming "The Dark Knight" (which opens July 18), five collectible Batman postcards, more; from Warner ... "The X-Files Revelations" (2005) is a two-disc set with eight critical episodes hand-picked by series creator Chris Carter just in time for the series' second trip to the big screen on July 25. These eight essential episodes -- "Pilot," "Beyond the Sea," "The Host," "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose," "Memento Mori," "The Post-Modern Prometheus," "Bad Blood" and "Milagro" -- span seasons 1-6 and cover a variety of paranormal and unexplained cases centering on alien abductions, psychic phenomenon and life forms not quite human that set the stage for the eagerly anticipated sequel; from Fox ... "The Mummy: Deluxe Edition" (1999). "The Mummy Returns: Deluxe Edition" (2001), and the original "The Mummy" (1932), directed by Karl Freund and starring Boris Karloff and Zita Johann, all digitally restored in two-disc sets (with the two modern "Mummys" also on Blu-ray Disc), just in time for the August 1 theatrical release of "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," starring Jet Li and Brendan Fraser; from Universal.

"The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet: Best of Ricky & Dave" is a four-disc set with 24 episodes, culled from the show's 14-year run, that focus on the trials and triumphs of the Nelson sons as they grow from boys to men. Includes such extras as early radio show episodes, a "Ricky Sings" featurette, an "Ozzie & Harriet Trivia Game," 12 music performances by Ricky; $34.99 from Shout! Factory.

"Mon oncle Antoine" (1971) is director Claude Jutra's evocative portrait of a boy's coming of age in wintry 1940s rural Quebec. Delicate, naturalistic, and tinged with a striking mix of nostalgia and menace, "Mon oncle Antoine" follows the everyday lives of both young Benoit, as he first encounters the twin terrors of sex and death, and his fellow villagers, living under the thumb of the local asbestos-mine owner. Set during one ominous Christmas, "Mon oncle Antoine" is a holiday film unlike any other, and an authentically detailed illustration of childhood's twilight. In a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director of photography Michel Brault, in a two-disc loaded with extras, from The Criterion Collection.

From TV to Video:
Construction workers break ground on what is said to be Indian holy ground, unleashing an evil spirit known as the Bone Eater in "Bone Eater" (2007), starring Bruce Boxleitner, William Katt, Walter Koenig, Veronica Hamel and Gil Gerard, from Lionsgate ... "Cannon: Season One, Volume One" is a four-disc set with 12 episodes, including the two-part pilot; $39.99 from Paramount ... "Fastlane: The Complete Series" is a six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98 from Warner ... "I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Fifth Season," a four-disc set with 26 episodes, $39.95 from Sony ... "Jake and the Fatman: Season One, Volume One," a three-disc set with 11 episodes, $40.99 from Paramount ... ">Monk: Season Six," a four-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.98 from Universal ... "Psych: The Complete Second Season, a four-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.98 from Universal "Soul Food -- The Series: The Final Season," a four-disc set with 14 episodes, $49.99 from Paramount ... "Stargate: Atlantis Season Four," a five-disc set with 20 episodes, $49.98 from MGM ... "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (2008) stars Rick Schroder, Victoria Pratt, Peter Fonda, Steven Grayhm and Mike Dopud in a telefilm adaptation of Jules Verne's novel; release to DVD timed for the July 11 theatrical release of "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D"; from Genius Entertainment.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
The lives of a nightclub owner, a crime boss, a stripper, a bartender, two hitmen, a prostitute and a psychic take a turn for the worse when they are trapped in an escaped mental patient's sinister path of madness and destruction in "Toxic" (2008), starring Susan Ward, Corey Large, Master P, Dominique Swain, Danny Trejo, Tom Sizemore, Bai Ling, Costas Mandylor, Lochlyn Munro and Steven Bauer, from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... "Jekyll" (2007) is a modern take on Robert Louis Stevenson's horror thriller: While researching a cure for cancer, Dr. Henry Jekyll creates a computer-generated alter-ego, Mr. Hyde, a creature of animal appetites and uncontrollable impulses who goes on a killing spree; stars Matt Keeslar, Jonathan Silverman, Desmond Askew and Alanna Ubach; from Warner ... A professional beach volleyball player must deal with a psychotic stalker in "Impact Point (aka Breaking Point)" (2008), starring Brian Austin Green, Melissa Keller, Kayla Ewell and Linden Ashby, from Sony ... "December Ends" (2006) is a drama that tracks three teenagers as their lives perilously intertwine in the high-stakes world of drug dealing; stars Josh Janowicz, Alex Thayer and Justin Matthews; from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... In "Death on Demand" (2008), a wealthy college student arranges a Webcast from a haunted house -- where an ice climber and adventurer murdered his family and hanged himself. Guess what happens; stars Josh Janowicz, Alex Thayer and Justin Matthews; from MTI Home Video ... "Sleepwalking" (2008) stars Charlize Theron, Dennis Hopper, Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb and Woody Harrelson in a drama about a disillusioned single mother prone to bad men and reckless behavior who abandons her 12-year-old daughter with her brother; the two travel to the family farm where they must face dark secrets; from Anchor Bay.

On the Indie Front:
The denizens of a bohemian cereal restaurant in New Orleans fight a capitalist who rips off their idea and opens a competing venture in "Flakes" (2007), starring Zooey Deschanel, Aaron Stanford, Izabella Miko and Christopher Lloyd., from Genius Products ... "The Tracey Fragments" (2007) stars Ellen Page as a feisty, independent teenager who uses fantasy to help her deal with a secret crush, loneliness and frustration ... until her 7-year-old brother wanders away while under her care and she's propelled on a late-night journey through the reality of the city to find him; from Image Entertainment ... "Chop Shop" (2007) is a heartbreaking drama that reveals the underbelly of life in New York's Iron Triangle: Set in the sprawling junkyards on the outskirts of Queens, 12-year-old street orphan Alejandro struggles to make a better life for himself and his older sister by working in one of the hundreds of auto-body repair shops; from Koch Lorber.

For the Family:
"Batman: Gotham Knight" (2005) is the third DC Universe animated original PG-13 movie, timed for release with the much anticipated theatrical release of "The Dark Knight." The DVD Weaves six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to the Dark Knight, from Warner ... "The Batman: The Complete Fifth Season" is a two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98 from Warner ... "Shaggy and Scooby-Doo Get a Clue Volume 2" packages four episodes of the CW Kids series, $14.97 from Warner ... "Teen Titans: The Complete Fifth Season" is a two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98 from Warner.

Special Interest:
Music, Music, Music:

"Punk's Not Dead" is a 2007 documentary that takes an era-by-era journey to put punk rock's non-conformist reputation under the knife. Officially sanctioned by the bands in the film who donated personal photos, fliers and home videos, "Punk's Not Dead" follows the evolution of punk music from its anarchic roots, to its use as a corporate marketing tool and acceptance into popular culture, to its reinvention in today's underground scene. Features such bands as The Adicts, Bad Religion, Black Flag, The Damned, The God Awfuls, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Minor Threat, NOFX, The Offspring, Pennywise, The Ramones, Rancid, Social Distortion, Stiff Little Fingers, The Subhumans, Sum 41, UK Subs, The Used, and many, many more; $16.95 from MVD ... "Sheryl Crow: Live" (2008) is a live concert originally broadcast over two nights on PBS' Soundstage seres; features 17 songs recorded in High Definition and 5.1 Surround; $19.99 from Koch Vision ... "Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music" (1993) is an intimate and detailed portrait of this unique musical innovator; features performances by Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt, Emmylou Harris, Paul McCartney, the Osborne Brothers, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, John Hartford and a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Grass Boys reunion featuring Del McCoury, Chubby Wise and Bill Keith; $19.95 from MVD.

Also due this week: "Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection" (2008), a comprehensive career retrospective of the 16-time World Wrestling World Champion, highlighting all the rivalries, Flair's final match at WrestleMania XXIV, more; in a three-disc set for $34.95 from World Wrestling Entertainment/Genius Products

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet: Best of Ricky & Dave. Four-disc set with 24 episodes, culled from the show's 14-year run, that focus on the trials and triumphs of the Nelson sons as they grow from boys to men. Extras: Early radio show episodes, "Ricky Sings" featurette, "Ozzie & Harriet Trivia Game," 12 music performances by Ricky ("Fools Rush In," "Hello Mary Lou," "Young Emotions," That's All," "Stood Up," "Just Because," "Waiting In School," "I am Confessin," "Boppin' the Blues," "Fire Breathing Dragon," "Right by My Side," and "You'll Never Know What You're Missing"). Endorsed and produced in tandem with the Nelson Family. $34.99. (Shout! Factory).

The Batman: The Complete Fifth Season. Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98. Extras: "Joining Forces: The Batman's Legendary Team-Ups" featurettes, "The Batman: Justice League Profiles." (Warner).

Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set (2005) Dir.: Christopher Nolan; Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe, Morgan Freeman, Mark Boone, Jr., Gus Lewis, Linus Roache, Rade Serbedzija. Available in three configurations: The Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set Blu-ray Disc is a single Blu-ray Disc packed in a motion art lenticular box with "The Dark Knight" prologue (the first six minutes of the film); a 32-page booklet including an all-new DC Comic comic book adaptation of "The Dark Knight" prologue, photos, script pages and story boards; five "Batman Begins" collectible postcards. A single-disc Blu-ray edition (without all the goodies) is also available. The standard DVD of the Batman Begins Limited Edition Gift Set is a two-disc set in a gift box with a Batman-branded 128 MB flash drive with 18 images from the upcoming "The Dark Knight," five collectible Batman postcards, more. (Warner).

Batman: Gotham Knight (2005) Third DC Universe animated original PG-13 movie, timed for release with the much anticipated theatrical release of "The Dark Knight." Weaves six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to the Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries: Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka, with stories written by several of the most talented writers of film, comic books, and animation, including Josh Olson, David S. Goyer, Alan Burnett, Jordan Goldberg, Greg Rucka, Brian Azzarello. Available on single-disc, two-disc and Blu-ray Disc editions. Extras: "A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City" documentary covering Gotham City's most nefarious, "Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman" DC Universe animated original movie, commentary. Two-disc and Blu-ray editions add "Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman, "Batman: The Animated Series" bonus episodes. (Warner).

Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music (1993) Intimate and detailed portrait of this unique musical innovator. Features performances by Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt, Emmylou Harris, Paul McCartney, the Osborne Brothers, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, John Hartford and a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Grass Boys reunion featuring Del McCoury, Chubby Wise and Bill Keith. The documentary features archival footage and rare 1990s performances from Monroe's final years including many of the greatest songs from his six decades of recording, such as "Uncle Pen" and "Muleskinner Blues." features performances by Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt, Emmylou Harris, Paul McCartney, the Osborne Brothers, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, John Hartford and a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Grass Boys reunion featuring Del McCoury, Chubby Wise and Bill Keith. The film features archival footage and rare 1990s performances from Monroe's final years, including many of the greatest songs from his six decades of recording, such as "Uncle Pen" and "Muleskinner Blues." $19.95. (MVD).

Bone Eater (2007 -- TV) Bruce Boxleitner, William Katt, Walter Koenig, Veronica Hamel, Gil Gerard. Construction workers break ground on what is said to be Indian holy ground, unleashing an evil spirit known as the Bone Eater. (Lionsgate).

Cannon: Season One, Volume One. Four-disc set with 12 episodes, including the two-part pilot; $39.99. (Paramount).

Chop Shop (2007) Alejandro Polanco, Isamar Gonzales, Ahmad Razvi. Director Ramin Bahrani ("Man Push Cart") dazzles audieces with another heartbreaking drama that reveals the underbelly of life in New York's Iron Triangle. Set in the sprawling junkyards on the outskirts of Queens, 12-year-old street orphan Alejandro struggles to make a better life for himself and his older sister by working in one of the hundreds of auto-body repair shops. (Koch Lorber).

Death on Demand (2008) Jerry Broome, Krista Grotte. A wealthy college student arranges a Webcast from a haunted house -- where an ice climber and adventurer murdered his family and hanged himself. Guess what happens. (MTI Home Video).

December Ends (2006) Josh Janowicz, Alex Thayer, Justin Matthews. Drama tracks three teenagers as their lives perilously intertwine in the high-stakes world of drug dealing. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Don Camillo/The Return of Don Camillo (1953/1956 -- Italy) Fernandel. Classic '50s film adaptations of Giovanni Guareschi's popular comic novel, "The Little World of Don Camillo," about a rivalry between a communist mayor and a village priest that turns into a battle of class and ideology among the villagers in a small town in Italy. (Koch Lorber).

Fastlane: The Complete Series. Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "Fastlane: Road Kill" unaired and extended Scenes from the original pilot, "Hot Stuff: Inside the Candy Store -- Evolution of a Series," " Stunning Rides: Muscle Machines and Kit Cars," "Smoking Stars: The Cast," "Sizzling Action: Stunts and Chases," "Fastlane: Junk Yard": outtakes and bloopers. (Warner).

Flakes (2007) Zooey Deschanel, Aaron Stanford, Izabella Miko, Christopher Lloyd. Comedy about the denizens of a bohemian cereal restaurant in New Orleans who fight a capitalist who rips off their idea and opens a competing venture. (Genius Products).

I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Fifth Season. Four-disc set with 26 episodes, $39.95. (Sony).

Impact Point (aka Breaking Point) (2008) Brian Austin Green, Melissa Keller, Kayla Ewell, Linden Ashby. A professional beach volleyball player must deal with a psychotic stalker. Extras: "Serve It Up: Training for Impact Point" featurette, digital copy of the film. (Sony).

Jake and the Fatman: Season One, Volume One. Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $40.99. (Paramount).

Jekyll (2007) Matt Keeslar, Jonathan Silverman, Desmond Askew, Alanna Ubach. Modern take on Robert Louis Stevenson's horror thriller. While researching a cure for cancer, Dr. Henry Jekyll creates a computer-generated alter-ego, Mr. Hyde, a creature of animal appetites and uncontrollable impulses who goes on a killing spree (Warner).

Jet Li's Fearless: Director's Cut (2006) Dir.: Ronny Yu; Jet Li. Three versions of the film: original theatrical, unrated and unrated director's cut. Released in time for the theatrical "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," starring Li and Brendan Fraser. Extras: Deleted scenes, "A Fearless Journey" featurette. (Universal).

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) Rick Schroder, Victoria Pratt, Peter Fonda, Steven Grayhm, Mike Dopud. Telefilm adaptation of Jules Verne's novel; release to DVD timed for the July 11 theatrical release of "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D." (Genius Entertainment).

Mon oncle Antoine (1971) Dir.: Claude Jutra; Jacques Gagnon, Lyne Champagne, Jean Duceppe. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director of photography Michel Brault. Two-disc set.Extras: "On-Screen: Mon oncle Antoine," a 2007 documentary tracing the making and history of the film; "Claude Jutra, an Unfinished Story," a 2002 documentary that attempts to unravel "the Jutra mystery," featuring interviews with Brault, Bernardo Bertolucci, actors Genevieve Bujold and Saul Rubinek. and actor-director Paule Baillargeon; "A Chairy Tale," a 1957 experimental short co-directed by Jutra and Norman McLaren; theatrical trailer; plus a new essay by film scholar Andre Loiselle. (The Criterion Collection).

Monk: Season Six. Four-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.98. Extras:Cast and crew commentaries. (Universal).

The Mummy - Special Edition (1932) Dir.: Karl Freund; Boris Karloff, Zita Johann. Digitally remastered as part of the Universal Legacy Series. Extras: "Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed," commentary by film historian Paul M. Jenson, posters and stills, trailer gallery (for all five original Mummy films), "He Who Made the Monsters: The Life and Art of (make-up artist) Jack Pierce, "Unraveling the Legacy of the Mummy," "Universal Horror" documentary narrated by Kenneth Branagh. (Universal).

The Mummy: Deluxe Edition (1999) Dir.: Stephen Sommers; Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, Kevin J. O'Conner. Digitally restored two-disc set released in time for the theatrical "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," starring Jet Li and Brendan Fraser. Extras: Commentaries, "An Army to Rule the World" special effects featurette, deleted scenes, "Building a Better Mummy" featurette, "Unraveling the Legacy of the Mummy" featurette, storyboard-to-final-film comparison, visual and special effects formation. Available on Blu-ray Disc July 22. (Universal).

The Mummy Returns: Deluxe Edition (2001) Dir.: Stephen Sommers; Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Digitally restored two-disc set released in time for the theatrical "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," starring Jet Li and Brendan Fraser. Extras: Commentaries, "An Army to Rule the World Part 2" special effects featurette, location spotlight, "Building a Better Mummy" featurette, "Unraveling the Legacy of the Mummy" featurette, storyboard-to-final-film comparison, visual and special effects formation, conversation with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Available on Blu-ray Disc July 22. (Universal).

Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection (2008) Three-disc set comprehensive career retrospective of the 16-time World Wrestling World Champion. Highlights all the historic rivalries, Flair's final match at WrestleMania XXIV, more. $34.95. (World Wrestling Entertainment/Genius Products).

The Pledge (2008 -- TV) Luke Perry, C. Thomas Howell, Lisa Brenner. After the murder of his wife and son by an escaped criminal, a sheriff sets out to capture him, only to find he's been hired by a greedy land baron seeking to take land from a widow and her son. (Genius Products).

Psych: The Complete Second Season. Four-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentaries, gag reels, four featurettes. (Universal).

Punk's Not Dead (2007) Documentary that takes an era-by-era journey that puts punk rock's non-conformist reputation under the knife. Officially sanctioned by the bands in the film who donated personal photos, fliers and home videos, "Punk's Not Dead" follows the evolution of punk music from its anarchic roots, to its use as a corporate marketing tool and acceptance into popular culture, to its reinvention in today's underground scene. Features such bands as The Adicts, Bad Religion, Black Flag, The Damned, The God Awfuls, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Minor Threat, NOFX, The Offspring, Pennywise, The Ramones, Rancid, Social Distortion, Stiff Little Fingers, The Subhumans, Sum 41, UK Subs, The Used, and many, many more; $16.95. Extras: Artist Interviews, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, never-before-seen footage. (MVD). Ruins, The (2008) Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramseyk, Joe Anderson. Extras: Alternate ending, commentary by director Carter Smith and editor Jeff Betancourt, "The Making of The Ruins" featurette, "Creeping Death" featurette, "Building The Ruins" set and location featurette, deleted scenes. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).

Sheryl Crow: Live (2008) Live concert originally broadcast over two nights on PBS' Soundstage seres; 17 songs recorded in High Definition and 5.1 Surround; $19.99. (Koch Vision).

Sleepwalking (2008) Charlize Theron, Dennis Hopper, Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb, Woody Harrelson. A disillusioned single mother prone to bad men and reckless behavior abandons her 12-year-old daughter with her brother; the two travel to the family farm where they must face dark secrets. Extras: "A Mother's Pain, a Family's Shame: The Making of Sleepwalking" behind-the-scenes featurette. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

Soul Food - The Series: The Final Season. Four-disc set with 14 episodes, $49.99. (Paramount).

Stargate: Atlantis Season Four. Five-disc set with 20 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Cast and crew commentaries, deleted scenes, photo galleries, the first "Atlantis" blooper reel, featurettes, more. (MGM).

Stop-Loss (2008) Dir.: Kimberly Peirce; Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Abbie Cornish, Ciaran Hinds. Extras: Commentary by director Kimberly Peirce and co-writer Mark Richard, "The Making of Stop-Loss," "A Day in Boot Camp," deleted scenes. (Paramount).

Superhero Movie (2008) Drake Bell, Sara Paxton, Christopher McDonald, Leslie Nielsen, Kevin Hart, Marion Ross, Ryan Hansen, Jeffrey Tambor, Brent Spiner, Keith Davaid, Simon Rex, Craig Bierko, Tracy Morgan, Ragina Hall, Pam Anderson. Available in theatrical and extended versions. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, alternate ending, "Meet the Cast" featurette, "The Art of Spoofing" featurette. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Teen Titans: The Complete Fifth Season. Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98. (Warner).

Toxic (2008) Susan Ward, Corey Large, Master P, Dominique Swain, Danny Trejo, Tom Sizemore, Bai Ling, Costas Mandylor, Lochlyn Munro, Steven Bauer. The lives of a nightclub owner, a crime boss, a stripper, a bartender, two hitmen, a prostitute and a psychic take a turn for the worse when they are trapped in an escaped mental patient's sinister path of madness and destruction. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

The Tracey Fragments (2007) Ellen Page. A feisty, independent teenager uses fantasy to help her deal with a secret crush, loneliness and frustration ... until her 7-year-old brother wanders away while under her care and she's propelled on a late-night journey through the reality of the city to find him. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Image Entertainment).

The X-Files Revelations (2005) Two-disc set with eight critical episodes hand-picked by series creator Chris Carter just in time for the series' second trip to the big screen on July 25. These eight essential episodes -- "Pilot," "Beyond the Sea," "The Host," "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose," "Memento Mori," "The Post-Modern Prometheus," "Bad Blood" and "Milagro" -- span seasons 1-6 and cover a variety of paranormal and unexplained cases centering on alien abductions, psychic phenomenon and life forms not quite human that set the stage for the eagerly anticipated sequel. Extras: Special on-camera introductions by Carter and producer Frank Spotnitz, revealing why each episode was chosen and how they relate to the new feature film; February 2008 WonderCon panel session with Carter and Spotnitz, as well as series stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, making their first fan convention appearance together in several years and taking questions from rabid "X-Philes" in an interview spanning over 38 minutes. (Fox).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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#339

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:23 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, July 15, 2008, V12.29

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, July 15 -- Monday, July 21

Bank Job, The
Inspired by the infamous 1971 robbery that took place at the Lloyds Bank in Marylebone London -- a robbery that was never solved. A car dealer with a dodgy past and new family, Terry (Jason Statham) has always avoided major-league scams. But when Martine (Saffron Burrows), a beautiful model from his old neighborhood, offers him a lead on a foolproof bank hit on London's Baker Street, Terry recognizes the opportunity of a lifetime. Martine targets a roomful of safe deposit boxes worth millions in cash and jewelry. But Terry and his crew don't realize the boxes also contain a treasure trove of dirty secrets -- secrets that will thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit scandal that spans London's criminal underworld, the highest echelons of the British government, and the Royal Family itself ... the true story of a heist gone wrong ... in all the right ways. Vitals: Director: Roger Donaldson. Stars: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Stephen Campbell Moore, Daniel Mays, James Faulkner, Alki David, Michael Jibson, Richard Lintern, Don Gallagher, David Suchet. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 110 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $29.863 million, Lionsgate.

College Road Trip
A college-bound girl (Raven-Symone) is eagerly looking forward to her first big step towards independence when she plans a "girls only" road trip to check out prospective universities. But when her overbearing police chief father (Martin Lawrence) insists on escorting her instead, she soon finds her dream trip has turned into a hilarious nightmare adventure full of comical misfortune and turmoil. Vitals: Director: Roger Kumble. Stars: Martin Lawrence, Raven-Symone, Will Sasso, Arnetia Walker, Donny Osmond. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: G, 83 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $43,572 million, Disney.

Penelope
A modern day romantic tale about a young woman, cursed with "the face of a pig," who must find true love to break the spell. Vitals: Director: Mark Palansky. Stars: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 104 min., Romance, Box office gross: $10.001 million, Summit Entertainment.

Shutter
A picture-perfect honeymoon develops into a snapshot of terror. New York newlyweds Ben (Joshua Jackson) and Jane (Rachael Taylor) arrive in Japan for Ben's latest photography assignment and as a honeymoon trip. But after a tragic accident, they discover disturbing, ghostly reflections of a young woman in their own photos. This inexplicable "spirit image" may be connected to Ben's past, but she's determined to provide the couple with a horrifying future of relentless vengeance from which there is no escape. Vitals: Director: Masayuki Ochiai. Stars: Joshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, Megumi Okina. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 86 min., Horror Thriller, Box office gross: $25.752 million, Company.

Step Up 2 the Streets
Sequel to the 2006 film "Step Up" about a privileged ballet dancer attending Baltimore's ultra-elite Maryland School of the Arts. Vitals: Director: Jon Chu. Stars: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura, Adam G. Sevani, Telisha Shaw. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 97 min., Musical Romance, Box office gross: $58.006 million, Disney.

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NEWS

Just Announced:
On September 16 Warner Home Video will release boxoffice disappointment "Speed Racer," based on the classic 1960s series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida that later was retooled for North American audiences. The film, dircted by the Wachowski brothers and starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon and Matthew Fox, will be released on standard DVD and in a three-disc Blu-ray Disc set that includes a full-disc DVD game "Speed Racer Crucible Challenge" and a bonus digital copy disc. Also on that day Sony will release the comedy "Made of Honor," starring Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan. And, on September 23, Fox will release the slight thriller "Deception," starring Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor, Michelle Wiliams, Maggie Q and Natasha Henstridge.

DVD Collectibles:
The Criterion Collection will release this week Jacques Tati's 1971 "Trafic," the director-actor's followup to his successfull "Mr. Hulot's Holiday," "My Uncle" and "Play Time." In "Trafic," the bumbling Monsieur Hulot (Tati), outfitted as always with tan raincoat, beaten brown hat, and umbrella, takes to Paris's highways and byways. For this, his final outing, Hulot is employed as an auto company's director of design, and accompanies his new vehicle (a camper tricked out in all sorts of absurd gadgetry) to an auto show in Amsterdam. Naturally, the road is paved with modern-age mishaps. This late-career delight is a masterful demonstration of the comic genius's expert timing and sidesplitting visual gags, and a bemused last look at technology run amok. New, restored high-definition digital transfer in a two-disc set. Extras include "In the Footsteps of Monsieur Hulot" (1969), a two-hour documentary tracing the evolution of Jacques Tati's beloved alter ego; an interview from 1971 with the cast of "Trafic," from the French television program "Le journal de cinema"; "The Comedy of Jacques Tati," a 1973 episode from the French television program "Morceaux de bravoure"; and a new essay by film critic Jonathan Romney.

From TV to Video:
"Beau Brummell: This Charming Man" (2006), stars James Purefoy in a BBC telefilm about the dandy of Regency England, from Acorn Media ... "Best of Manswers: Season One's Top 25 manswers" is a top 25 list from the decidedly sexist TV show, $16.99 from Paramount ... "Dallas: The Complete Ninth Season" is a four-disc set with 31 episodes, $39.98 from Warner ... "Eureka: Season Two" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98 from Universal ... "Evening Shade: Season One" is a five-disc set with 24 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Reno 911! The Complete Fifth Season Uncensored" is a three-disc set with 14 episodes, $39.98 from Paramount ... "Robbie Coltrane: Incredible Britain" (2007) features three episodes of the British series in which Robbie Coltrane travels the scenic back roads from London to Glasgow in a vintage Jaguar convertible; $29.99 from Acorn Media ... "Saving Grace: Season One" is a four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98 from Fox ... "Swamp Thing: The Series: Vol. 2" is a four-disc set with the first 25 episodes of Season 3; $39.99 from Shout! Factory.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
A group of beautiful coeds discover that their dorm was once a mental hospital where unspeakable experiments were performed by a deranged physician trying to "cure" troubled teens ... and the mad doctor's ghost is back to continue his torturous work in "Asylum" (2007), starring Sarah Roemer, Travis Van Winkle, Jake Muxworthy, Cody Kasch and Carolina Garcia; from MGM ... "Insanitarium" (2008) stars Jesse Metcalfe, Kiele Sanchez, Kevin Sussman, Olivia Munn and Peter Stormare in a thriller about a mental hospital that uses patients as test subjects, turning them into bloodthirsty, flesh-eating psychopaths; from Sony ... An ex-FBI negotiator uses all his skills to save a Los Angeles-bound jumbo jet from the terrorists who have placed a bomb on board in "Final Approach" (2007), starring Dean Cain, Anthony Michael Hall, Ernie Hudson, Sunny Mabrey, Lea Thompson, William Forsythe and Tracey Gold, from Genius Products ... In the Asian extreme "Voice" (2005 -- South Korea), a high school student is able to hear the voice of her deceased friend, from Genius Products ... In "Guardians" (2006), starring Tara Ketterer and Ben Budd, a small town is invaded by hideous creatures summoned into our dimension by occultists and the Guardians are the only ones capable of battling the monsters and saving the Earth; from Warner ... As an extravagant party unfolds on the top floor of an abandoned towering skyscraper, five guests receive a mysterious text message inviting them to join an exclusive VIP party being held on the 27th floor, where they find themselves trapped in a sadistic killer's deadly game, in "Steel Trap" (2007), starring Georgia Mackenzie, Mark Wilson, Pascal Langdale and Julia Ballard; from Dimension Extreme/The Weinstein Company/Genius Products.

Foreign:
Due this week: "The Year My Parents Went on Vacation" (2007 -- Brazil), starring Paulo Autran, Caio Blat, Simone Spoladore, Michel Joelsas, Germano Haiut, Daniela Piepszyk and Liliana Castro. Set in the turbulent year of 1970, this poignant and humorous coming of age story thrusts 12-year-old Mauro (Michel Joelsas) into a maelstrom of political and personal upheaval. When his left-wing militant parents are forced to go underground, Mauro is left in the care of his Jewish grandfather's neighbor in Sao Paulo. Suddenly finding himself an exile in his own country, he is forced to create an ersatz family from the religiously diverse and colorful population of his new neighborhood. Mauro befriends tomboyish, street smart Hanna (Daniela Piepszyk) and develops a crush on Irene (Liliana Castro,) a pretty waitress in a local bar where everyone, including Mauro, an ardent soccer fan, gathers to watch iconic star Pele in the 1970 World Cup. From City Lights Home Video.

For the Family:
In "Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman" (2008) Nickelodeon's favorite female pre-teen sleuth is back on the case to retrieve a missing priceless crystal jewel whose loss threatens the 150th anniversary of Serenity Falls; from Sony ... Join Huckleberry Larry and Tomato Sawyer for a wild ride down the Mighty Mississippi where they discover an important lesson in helping others inspired by the Bible: "Sometimes not helping someone can be just as bad as actually hurting them," in "VeggieTales: Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's Big River Rescue," $14.99 from Big Idea.

Special Interest:
"America's Test Kitchen, Season 8" is a four-disc set with 26 episodes of the public television show, hosted by Chris Kimball, whose culinary team brings viewers the best recipes using techniques and ingredients that have been perfected in the test kitchen to ensure perfect results for great home cooking. In addition, the collection includes honest tastings of supermarket ingredients, detailed ratings of indispensable kitchen equipment and tools, and helpful kitchen science tips; $39.95 from WGBH Boston Video.

-----------------------------------------------------------

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

America's Test Kitchen, Season 8. Four-disc set with 26 episodes of the public television show, hosted by Chris Kimball, whose culinary team brings viewers the best recipes using techniques and ingredients that have been perfected in the test kitchen to ensure perfect results for great home cooking. In addition, the collection includes honest tastings of supermarket ingredients, detailed ratings of indispensable kitchen equipment and tools, and helpful kitchen science tips. $39.95. (WGBH Boston Video).

Asylum (2007) Sarah Roemer, Travis Van Winkle, Jake Muxworthy, Cody Kasch, Carolina Garcia. A group of beautiful coeds discover that their dorm was once a mental hospital where unspeakable experiments were performed by a deranged physician trying to "cure" troubled teens ... and the mad doctor's ghost is back to continue his torturous work. (MGM).

The Bank Job (2008) Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Stephen Campbell Moore, Daniel Mays, James Faulkner, Alki David, Michael Jibson, Richard Lintern, Don Gallagher, David Suchet, Available as a single-disc with the feature only, a two-disc standard DVD set and a two-disc Blu-ray set. (Lionsgate).

Beau Brummell: This Charming Man (2006) James Purefoy. BBC telefilm about the dandy of Regency England. (Acorn Media).

Best of Manswers: Season One's Top 25 manswers. Top 25 list from the decidedly sexist TV show, $16.99. (Paramount).

College Road Trip (2008) Martin Lawrence, Raven-Symone, Will Sasso, Arnetia Walker, Donny Osmond. Extras: Commentary by director Roger Kumble and Raven-Symone, commentary by writers Emi Mochizuki and Carrie Evans, gag reel, alternate opening and endings, deleted scenes, video diary, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

Dallas: The Complete Ninth Season. Four-disc set with 31 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Seasons of Change" in-depth look at the most famous dream sequence of all time: the entire ninth season. (Warner).

Eureka: Season Two. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Happenings Around Town: The Second Season" featurette, "Inside the Writer's Room" featurette, Sci-Fi.com Webcasts, Eureka PSAs, gag reel. (Universal).

Evening Shade: Season One. Five-disc set with 24 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

Final Approach (2007 -- TV) Dean Cain, Anthony Michael Hall, Ernie Hudson, Sunny Mabrey, Lea Thompson, William Forsythe, Tracey Gold. An ex-FBI negotiator uses all his skills to save a Los Angeles-bound jumbo jet from the terrorists who have placed a bomb on board. (Genius Products).

Guardians (2006) Tara Ketterer, Ben Budd. A small town is invaded by hideous creatures summoned into our dimension by occultists; the Guardians are the only ones capable of battling the monsters and saving the Earth. (Warner).

Insanitarium (2008) Jesse Metcalfe, Kiele Sanchez, Kevin Sussman, Olivia Munn, Peter Stormare. Thriller about a mental hospital that uses patients as test subjects, turning them into bloodthirsty, flesh-eating psychopaths. Extras: Making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, storyboard gallery, digital copy of the film. (Sony).

Penelope (2008) Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant. (Summit Entertainment).

Reno 911! The Complete Fifth Season Uncensored. Three-disc set with 14 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Cop Psychology: Inside the Minds of Reno's Deputies," extended scenes, cast commentary. (Paramount).

Robbie Coltrane: Incredible Britain (2007) Three episodes of the British series in which Robbie Coltrane travels the scenic back roads from London to Glasgow in a vintage Jaguar convertible; $29.99. (Acorn Media).

Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman (2008 -- TV) Aria Wallace, Demetrius Joyette. Nickelodeon's favorite female pre-teen sleuth is back on the case to retrieve a missing priceless crystal jewel whose loss threatens the 150th anniversary of Serenity Falls. Extras: Two featurettes: "Creating the Secret of the Shaman" and "On the Set With Aria Wallace," two music videos, blooper reel, two Easter eggs. (Sony).

Saving Grace: Season One. Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98. Extras: "Saving Grace" Overview," "Saving Grace Season One Rapid Recap," five behind-the-scenes featurettes, "Saving Grace" music video by Everlast. (Fox).

Shutter (2007) Joshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, Megumi Okina. In rated, unrated and Blu-ray Disc editions. Extras: "A Ghost in the Lens" and "A History of Spirit Photography" featurettes. Unrated disc adds commentary by production executive Alex Sundell, screenwriter Luke Dawson and actress Rachael Taylor; "A Cultural Divide" featurette; "The Director: Masayuki Ochiai" featurette; "A Conversation With Luke Dawson"; "Create Your Own Phantom Photo" featurette; "The Hunt for the Haunt: Tools and Tips for Ghost Hunting" featurette; deleted scenes; alternate ending: "Mental Hospital." (Fox).

Steel Trap (2007) Georgia Mackenzie, Mark Wilson, Pascal Langdale, Julia Ballard. As an extravagant party unfolds on the top floor of an abandoned towering skyscraper, five guests receive a mysterious text message inviting them to join an exclusive VIP party being held on the 27th floor. Once there, the adventurous partygoers find themselves trapped in a sadistic killer's deadly game ... and they must follow the clues to get out alive. Extras: Commentary by director Luis Camara, "The Making of Steel Trap," deleted scenes, still gallery. (Dimension Extreme/The Weinstein Company/Genius Products).

Step Up 2 the Streets (2008) Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura, Adam G. Sevani, Telisha Shaw. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Thru Fresh Eyes" behind-the-scenes featurette, "Outlaws of Hip Hop" featurette, deleted scenes, bloopers, five music videos. (Disney).

Swamp Thing: The Series: Vol. 2. Four-disc set with the first 25 episodes of Season 3; $39.99. (Shout! Factory).

Trafic (1971) Dir.: Jacques Tati; Jacques Tati. New, restored high-definition digital transfer in a two-disc set. Extras: "In the Footsteps of Monsieur Hulot" (1969), a two-hour documentary tracing the evolution of Jacques Tati's beloved alter ego; interview from 1971 with the cast of "Trafic," from the French television program "Le journal de cinema"; "The Comedy of Jacques Tati," a 1973 episode from the French television program "Morceaux de bravoure"; new essay by film critic Jonathan Romney. (The Criterion Collection).

VeggieTales: Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's Big River Rescue. Join Huckleberry Larry and Tomato Sawyer for a wild ride down the Mighty Mississippi where they discover an important lesson in helping others inspired by the Bible: "Sometimes not helping someone can be just as bad as actually hurting them"; $14.99. (Big Idea).

Voice (2005 -- South Korea) Ji-hye Seo, Ye-ryeon Cha. A high school student is able to hear the voice of her deceased friend. (Genius Products).

The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (2007 -- Brazil) Paulo Autran, Caio Blat, Simone Spoladore, Michel Joelsas, Germano Haiut, Daniela Piepszyk, Liliana Castro. Set in the turbulent year of 1970, this poignant and humorous coming of age story thrusts 12-year-old Mauro (Michel Joelsas) into a maelstrom of political and personal upheaval. When his left-wing militant parents are forced to go underground, Mauro is left in the care of his Jewish grandfather's neighbor in Sao Paulo. Suddenly finding himself an exile in his own country, he is forced to create an ersatz family from the religiously diverse and colorful population of his new neighborhood. Mauro befriends tomboyish, street smart Hanna (Daniela Piepszyk) and develops a crush on Irene (Liliana Castro,) a pretty waitress in a local bar where everyone, including Mauro, an ardent soccer fan, gathers to watch iconic star Pele in the 1970 World Cup. Extras: Director and producer commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, outtakes, stills. (City Lights Home Video).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#340

From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:55 pm
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, July 22, 2008, V12.30

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, July 22 -- Monday, July 28

21
Based on Ben Mezrich's best-selling nonfiction book "Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions," about a group of young M.I.T. students who become experts in the art of card counting and go to Vegas to make a killing. Vitals: Director: Robert Luketic. Stars: Kevin Spacey, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Bosworth, Liza Lapira, Josh Gad, Jim Sturgess, Masi Oka, Sam Golzari 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 123 min., Drama, Box office gross: $80.434 million, Sony.

------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
The Criterion Collection releases another fine pair of classic films this week: Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low" (1963) and Carl Theodor Dreyer's "Vampyr" (1932).

Toshiro Mifune is unforgettable as Kingo Gondo, a wealthy industrialist whose family becomes the target of a cold-blooded kidnapper in Kurosawa's highly influential domestic drama and police procedural "High and Low." Adapting Ed McBain's detective novel "King's Ransom," Kurosawa moves effortlessly from compelling race-against-time thriller to exacting social commentary, creating a diabolical treatise on class and Japanese society. Two-disc set with a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, with newly restored original four-track surround sound. Extras include a new audio commentary by Akira Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince; a 37-minute documentary on the making of "High and Low," created as part of the Toho Masterworks series "Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create"; a rare archival interview with Toshiro Mifune; a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien and a reprinted essay by Japanese film scholar Donald Richie.; more.

With "Vampyr," Danish filmmaker Dreyer's brilliance at achieving mesmerizing atmosphere and austere, profoundly unsettling imagery (as in "The Passion of Joan of Arc" and "Day of Wrath") was for once applied to the horror genre. Yet the result -- concerning an occult student assailed by various supernatural haunts and local evildoers at an inn outside Paris -- is nearly unclassifiable, a host of stunning camera and editing tricks and densely layered sounds creating a mood of dreamlike terror. With its roiling fogs, ominous scythes, and foreboding echoes, "Vampyr" is one of cinema's great nightmares. Two-disc set with a new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras include an optional all-new English-text version of the film; commentary featuring film scholar Tony Rayns; "Carl Th. Dreyer" (1966), a documentary by Jorgen Roos chronicling Dreyer's career; a visual essay by scholar Casper Tybjerg on Dreyer's influences in creating "Vampyr"; a book featuring Dreyer and Christen Jul's original screenplay and Sheridan Le Fanu's 1871 story "Carmilla," a source for the film; mpre.

Jazz at Warner: Warner home video will release four jazz-themed films to DVD this week: "Bird" (1988), directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker, Samuel E. Wright and Keith David, in a two-disc special edition with a six-track CD of the soundtrack with special master recordings from legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker; "Blues in the Night" (1941), directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Priscilla Lane, Betty Field, Richard Whorf, Lloyd Nolan and Jack Carson; "Pete Kelly's Blues" (1955), directed by Jack Webb and starring Jack Webb, Janet Leigh, Edmond O'Brien, Peggy Lee, Andy Devine, Lee Marvin, Ella Fitzgerald and Martin Milner; and "'Round Midnight" (1986), directed by Bertrand Tavernier; Dexter Gordon, Francois Cluzet, Gabrielle Haker, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, Lonette McKee, Christine Pascal, Herbie Hancock and Bobby Hutcherson.

From TV to Video:
"Comedy Central's TV Funhouse" is a two-disc set featuring all eight uncensored episodes of the outrageous "broken kid's show for adults," featuring a stable of puppet and live animals (the Anipals), $28.49 from Paramount ... "LA Ink: Season One, Volume 1," a three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95 from Genius Products ... "Las Vegas: Season Five," a four-disc set with 17 episodes, $59.98 from Universal ... "Spaced: The Complete Series," a three-disc set of the British series about two twentysomething slackers; from the makers of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz," $49.98 from Warner.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
In "Picture This" (2008), "High School Musical" star Ashley Tisdale stars as an unpopular high school senior who lands a date to the biggest party of the year with the school's hottest guy but there's one major problem: she's grounded; from MGM ... "Brutal Massacre: A Comedy" (2007) is a mockumentary about the horror film shoot from Hell, a hilarious look into the chaotic world of low budget independent filmmaking as a once-successful horror film director tries to make his comeback vehicle; stars David Naughton, Brian O'Halloran, Gerry Bednob and Gunnar Hansen; from Anchor Bay ... "The Last Winter" (2007) blends real-life environmental concerns over global warming with a supernatural story line. In the Arctic region of Northern Alaska, an oil company's advanced team struggles to establish a drilling base that will forever alter the pristine land. After one team member is found naked and dead in the snow, an environmentalist suspects sour gases may have accidentally been released in the area, provoking hallucinations, disorientation and insanity in the group ... instead, an unknown fear lurks in the snow. Stars Ron Perlman, James LeGros, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford and Kevin Corrigan; from Genius Products ... "Maneater Series Collection: Volume 1" is a box set with three titles in the popular "Maneater" TV movie series: "Maneater" (2007), starring Gary Busey; "BloodMonkey" (2007), starring F. Murray Abraham; and "In the Spider's Web" (2007) starring Lance Henrikson; $26.95 from Genius Products ... "The Boston Strangler" (2008), starring David Faustino and Andrew Divoff, is a retelling of the story of serial killer Albert De Salvo, aka The Boston Strangler; from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products.

On the Indie Front:
An American with an uncanny ability to speak Japanese and his roommate, a Japanese American who aspires to be a sumo wrestler but finds his weight and blood pressure are thwarting his dreams, struggle to find their place in a world where cultural identity is seldom what it seems in "Big Dreams Little Tokyo" (2006), starring Dave Boyle and Jayson Watabe; from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... It's 2009, Jeb Bush is the president, and the country has lost its social services, social graces, public parks, and common sense. Philip Baker Hall plays a widower who, having outlived his family and friends, now finds himself without a home. But he does have a duck, and together they travel the city in search of water and meaning in the desert that is L.A. That's the story of "Duck" (2007), starring Philip Baker Hall, Bill Brotchtrup, Noel Gugliemi, Bill Cobbs and French Stewart; from Westlake Entertainment.

For the Family:
There's two kids films this week from First Run Features: "Abel's Island" (1988), based on the award-winning classic from William Steig (author of "Shrek"); animated by award-winning producer-director Michael Sporn. It's the delightful story of Abel, an elegant and romantic mouse who gets swept away in a flood and stranded for more than a year on a desert island before his resourcefulness enables him to escape and return to his wife; features the voice of Tim Curry. Also includes the tale "The Story of the Dancing Frog," narrated by Amanda Plummer. "The Marzipan Pig" (1990) is based on the award-winning book by Russell Hoban; animated by award-winning producer-director Michael Sporn. A marzipan pig falls behind the sofa and is lost; in his loneliness, the pig's feelings of love reach out, in a strange chain of events, to an owl, a mouse, and a hibiscus flower. Narrated by Tim Curry. Also features "Jazztime Talk," narrated by Ruby Dee. $14.95 each ... Kids TV series this week: "The Batman: The Complete Fifth Season," a two-disc set with the final 13 episodes, $19.98 from Warner ... "Teen Titans: The Complete Fifth Season," a two-disc set with the final 13 episodes, $19.98 from Warner ... "Transformers Cybertron: The Ultimate Collection" (2005), a seven-disc set with 52 episodes of the Cartoon Network series, $61.99 from Paramount ... Lastly, there's a new edition of Sesame Street adventures: "Sesame Street: Count on Sports" (2008), in which the Sesame Street characters team with sports stars for math lessons for toddlers, $14.93 from Sesame Workshop/Genius Products.

Special Interest:
More jazz: "Clint Eastwood Presents Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends" is a 2007 documentary -- directed by Bruce Ricker -- on the extraordinary career of one of music's greats: Tony Bennett. Bennett is considered to be one of the greatest living singers in American popular music, and this film reflects all that he has accomplished while living against the background of a changing America. The 90-minute film weaves archival footage with contemporary clips of Bennett performing live throughout his career including him singing his famous hits "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "For Once in My Life". Peppered throughout the film are interviews with celebrities reminiscing about their favorite moments with the legendary singer. The two-disc set sells for $24.98, from Warner ... "Black Coffee" is a three-disc set of the documentary that explores the dark side of dark roast, light roast and everything in between, examining the impact of the coffee bean on social, economic and sexual mores and the exploitation of third-world countries for the commercialization of the beverage; $29.98 from BFS Entertainment ... "Earth: The Biography" (2008) is a BBC/National Geographic Channel documentary that is a comprehensive history of the living planet, from Warner ... "Gulf Stream and the Next Ice Age" is a 2005 documentary on how the disruption of ocean currents could lead to a new ice age in Europe; $22.98 from BFS Entertainment ... "NFL: In Just One Play" showcases many of the most exciting National Football League players in the game today; $19.98 from Warner ... "Celine" is an unauthorized bio of the top-selling female vocalist, $19.95 from Monarch Home Video.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Abel's Island (1988) Based on the award-winning classic from William Steig (author of "Shrek"); animated by award-winning producer-director Michael Sporn. Delightful story of Abel, an elegant and romantic mouse who gets swept away in a flood and stranded for more than a year on a desert island before his resourcefulness enables him to escape and return to his wife; features the voice of Tim Curry. Also includes the tale "The Story of the Dancing Frog," narrated by Amanda Plummer. $14.95. (First Run Features).

Big Dreams Little Tokyo (2006) Dave Boyle, Jayson Watabe. An American with an uncanny ability to speak Japanese and his roommate, a Japanese American who aspires to be a sumo wrestler but finds his weight and blood pressure are thwarting his dreams, struggle to find their place in a world where cultural identity is seldom what it seems. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Bird (1988) Dir.: Clint Eastwood; Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker, Samuel E. Wright, Keith David. Two-disc special edition with a six-track CD of the soundtrack with special master recordings from legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker. (Warner).

Black Coffee.Three-disc set of the documentary that explores the dark side of dark roast, light roast and everything in between, examining the impact of the bean on social, economic and sexual mores and the exploitation of third-world countries for the commercialization of the beverage; $29.98. (BFS Entertainment).

Blues in the Night (1941) Dir.: Anatole Litvak; Priscilla Lane, Betty Field, Richard Whorf, Lloyd Nolan, Jack Carson. (Warner).

The Boston Strangler (2008) David Faustino, Andrew Divoff. Retelling of the story of serial killer Albert De Salvo, aka The Boston Strangler. Extras: Commentary. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007) David Naughton, Brian O'Halloran, Gerry Bednob, Gunnar Hansen, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly, Ken Foree, Vincent Butta. Mockumentary about the horror film shoot from Hell, a hilarious look into the chaotic world of low budget independent filmmaking as a once-successful horror film director tries to make his comeback vehicle. Extras: "Behind-the-scenes of Brutal Massacre" featurette, deleted and extended scenes. (Anchor Bay).

Celine. Unauthorized bio of the top-selling female vocalist, $19.95. (Monarch Home Video).

Clint Eastwood Presents Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends (2005) Clint Eastwood presents a documentary on the extraordinary career of one of music's greats: Tony Bennett. Bennett is considered to be one of the greatest living singers in American popular music, and this film reflects all that he has accomplished while living against the background of a changing America. The 90-minute film weaves archival footage with contemporary clips of Bennett performing live throughout his career including him singing his famous hits "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "For Once in My Life". Peppered throughout the film are interviews with celebrities reminiscing about their favorite moments with the legendary singer. Two-disc set, $24.98. (Warner).

Comedy Central's TV Funhouse. Two-disc set featuring all eight uncensored episodes of the outrageous "broken kid's show for adults," featuring a stable of puppet and live animals (the Anipals), $28.49. Each week human host Doug tries to present a themed show for children but is deserted by the foul-mouthed Anipals, who get involved in wild adventures. Extras: Commentary by the creators, appearances by Triumph the Insult Comic Dog on Comedy Central, dirty outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, commentary by the Anipals. (Warner).

Duck (2007) Philip Baker Hall, Bill Brotchtrup, Noel Gugliemi, Bill Cobbs, French Stewart. It's 2009, Jeb Bush is the president, and the country has lost its social services, social graces, public parks, and common sense. Philip Baker Hall plays a widower who, having outlived his family and friends, now finds himself without a home. But he does have a duck, and together they travel the city in search of water and meaning in the desert that is L.A. Extras: Commentary by director Nic Bettauer and actor Philip Baker Hall, interviews, cast bios, photo gallery. (Westlake Entertainment).

Earth: The Biography (2008) BBC/National Geographic Channel documentary that is a comprehensive history of the living planet. Airs July 13-15. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Gulf Stream and the Next Ice Age (2005) Documentary on how the disruption of ocean currents could lead to a new ice age in Europe; $22.98. (BFS Entertainment).

High and Low (1963) Dir.: Akira Kurosawa; Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Takashi Shimura. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, with newly restored original four-track surround sound. Two-disc set. Extras: New audio commentary by Akira Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince; 37-minute documentary on the making of "High and Low," created as part of the Toho Masterworks series "Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create"; rare archival interview with Toshiro Mifune; new video interview with actor Tsutomu Yamazaki, who plays the kidnapper; theatrical trailers from Japan and the U.S.; plus a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien and a reprinted essay by Japanese film scholar Donald Richie. (The Criterion Collection).

LA Ink: Season One, Volume 1. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.95. (Genius Products).

Las Vegas: Season Five. Four-disc set with 17 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Gag reel, VFX featurette, "Hot Stuff" featurette, Webcasts. (Universal).

The Last Winter (2007) Ron Perlman, James LeGros, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, Kevin Corrigan. Blends real-life environmental concerns over global warming with a supernatural story line. In the Arctic region of Northern Alaska, an oil company's advanced team struggles to establish a drilling base that will forever alter the pristine land. After one team member is found naked and dead in the snow, an environmentalist suspects sour gases may have accidentally been released in the area, provoking hallucinations, disorientation and insanity in the group ... instead, an unknown fear lurks in the snow. Extras: Commentary by director Larry Fessenden, "Making of The Last Winter" featurette. (Genius Products).

Maneater Series Collection: Volume 1. Box set with three titles in the popular "Maneater" TV movie series: "Maneater" (2007), starring Gary Busey; "BloodMonkey" (2007), starring F. Murray Abraham; and "In the Spider's Web" (2007) starring Lance Henrikson; $26.95. (Genius Products).

The Marzipan Pig (1990) Based on the award-winning book by Russell Hoban; animated by award-winning producer-director Michael Sporn. A marzipan pig falls behind the sofa and is lost; in his loneliness, the pig's feelings of love reach out, in a strange chain of events, to an owl, a mouse, and a hibiscus flower. Narrated by Tim Curry. Also features "Jazztime Talk," narrated by Ruby Dee. $14.95. (First Run Features).

NFL: In Just One Play (2008) Warner Home Video and the National Football League team up to showcase many of the most exciting players in the game today, $19.98. (Warner).

Pete Kelly's Blues (1955) Dir.: Jack Webb; Jack Webb, Janet Leigh, Edmond O'Brien, Peggy Lee, Andy Devine, Lee Marvin, Ella Fitzgerald, Martin Milner. (Warner).

Picture This (2008) Ashley Tisdale, Kevin Pollak, Robbie Amell, Justin Bradley. "High School Musical" star Ashley Tisdale stars as an unpopular high school senior who lands a date to the biggest party of the year with the school's hottest guy but there's one major problem: she's grounded. Extras: "Making of Picture This" featurette, "Cell Phone Confessions" featurette, scene selected cell phone "Text" commentary, "Picture This" trivia quiz. (MGM).

'Round Midnight (1986) Dir.: Bertrand Tavernier; Dexter Gordon, Francois Cluzet, Gabrielle Haker, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, Lonette McKee, Christine Pascal, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson. (Warner).

Sesame Street: Count on Sports (2008) The Sesame Street characters team with sports stars for math lessons for toddlers, $14.93. (Sesame Workshop/Genius Products).

Spaced: The Complete Series. Three-disc set of the British series about two twentysomething slackers; from the makers of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz," $49.98. Extras: Outtakes, trailers, commentary, cast and crew biographies, deleted scenes, raw footage, exclusive featurette, more. (Warner).

Teen Titans: The Complete Fifth Season. Two-disc set with the final 13 episodes, $19.98. (Warner).

Transformers Cybertron: The Ultimate Collection (2005) Seven-disc set with 52 episodes of the Cartoon Network series, $61.99. (Paramount).

21 (2008) Kevin Spacey, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Bosworth, Liza Lapira, Josh Gad, Jim Sturgess, Masi Oka, Sam Golzari. Extras: Commentary, making-of documentary, a featurette on blackjack and card counting. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Vampyr (1932) Dir.: Carl Theodor Dreyer; Julian West, Maurice Schutz, Rena Mandel, Sybille Schmitz. New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the 1998 film restoration by Martin Koerber and the Cineteca di Bologna. Two-disc set. Extras: Optional all-new English-text version of the film; commentary featuring film scholar Tony Rayns; "Carl Th. Dreyer" (1966), a documentary by Jorgen Roos chronicling Dreyer's career; visual essay by scholar Casper Tybjerg on Dreyer's influences in creating "Vampyr"; 1958 radio broadcast of Dreyer reading an essay about filmmaking; plus a booklet featuring new essays by Mark Le Fanu and Kim Newman, Martin Koerber on the restoration, and an archival interview with producer and star Nicolas de Gunzburg, as well as a book featuring Dreyer and Christen Jul's original screenplay and Sheridan Le Fanu 1871 story "Carmilla," a source for the film. (The Criterion Collection).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:14 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, July 29, 2008, V12.31

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, July 29 -- Monday, August 4

Band's Visit, The
A small Egyptian Police band arrives in Israel to play to play at the opening of an Arab Cultural Center. Dressed in full regalia and observing all military police protocol, the band arrives at the airport with no one there to greet them. Stranded and unable able to contact their Israeli hosts or the Egyptian consulate for help, they ask for directions, but because of the language barrier, the Orchestra is sent to the outskirts of a small forgotten Israeli town in the desert. Stranded, the group spends the night with a group of Israeli townspeople. As the night progresses, cultural divides dissolve and the band makes its own impact on the town and the town on them. When the band leaves in the morning for their intended destination, it's clear that their unplanned detour was worth the trip. Winner of more than 35 international film awards. Vitals: Director: Eran Kolirin. Stars: Ronit Elkabetz, Sasson Gabai, Uri Gavriel, Imad Jabarin, Ahuva Keren, Rubi Moskovitz, Khalifa Natour, Hilla Sarjon, Eyad Sheety. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 87min., Drama, Box office gross: $2.918 million, Sony.

Doomsday
A lethal virus spreads throughout a major country and kills hundreds of thousands. To contain the newly identified Reaper, the authorities brutally quarantine the country as it succumbs to fear and chaos. The literal walling-off works for three decades -- until Reaper violently resurfaces in a major city. An elite group of specialists, including Eden Sinclair (Rhona Mitra), is urgently dispatched into the still-quarantined country to retrieve a cure by any means necessary. Shut off from the rest of the world, the unit must battle through a landscape that has become a waking nightmare. Vitals: Director: Neil Marshall. Stars: Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Alexander Siddig, Adrian Lester, Sean Pertwee, Darren Morfitt, Emma Cleasby, Chris Robson, MyAnna Buring, Nora-Jane Noone, Leslie Simpson, Craig Conway, Malcolm McDowell. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 105 min., Sci Fi Horror, Box office gross: $11.050 million, Universal.

Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo
Return of the slacker anti-heroes, Harold and Kumar, two stoners who can't seem to get a break. Their last adventure found them traveling across country to find a White Castle hamburger in order to satisfy a weed-induced case of "the munchies." This time, the boys get themselves in trouble trying to sneak a bong onboard a flight to Amsterdam. Now, being suspected of terrorism, they are forced to run from the law and try to find a way to prove their innocence. What follows is an irreverent journey of deep thoughts, deeper inhaling and a wild trip around the world. Vitals: Director: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg. Stars: John Cho, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry, Roger Bart, Neil Patrick Harris. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $34.098 million, New Line.

Never Back Down
Actioner set against the world of Mixed Martial Arts. A tough kid who leads with his fists, and, often, with his heart, Jake Tyler is the new kid in town with a troubled past. Jake was a star athlete on the football team at home, but in his new city he is an outsider with a reputation for being a quick-tempered brawler. Making an attempt to fit in, at the invitation of a flirtatious classmate Jake goes to a party where he is unwittingly pulled into a fight with a bully. While he is defeated and humiliated in the fight, a classmate introduces him to Jean Roqua, a mentor for kids in Mixed Martial Arts. Roqua takes Jake under his wing, teaching the boy that MMA is not street fighting, but rather an art form one masters. Now it's up to Jake to find the patience, discipline, willingness and reason within him to succeed. For Jake, there is much more at stake than mere victory. His decision will not just settle a score; it will define who he is. Vitals: Director: Jeff Wadlow. Stars: Djimon Hounsou, Sean Faris, Cam Gigandet, Amber Heard, Evan Peters, Wyatt Smith. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 110 min., Drama, Box office gross: $24.848 million, Summit Entertainment.

Shine a Light
Martin Scorsese's acclaimed look at The Rolling Stones. The Stones have been performing together for more than 40 years and have earned the title of "greatest rock band in the world" through talent, charisma and sheer staying power. Scorsese, one of the most respected directors in American cinema, pays tribute to the extraordinary phenomenon with this up-close-and-personal feature film that will enthrall rock-and-roll fans from every generation with its raw energy and startling immediacy. Features archival interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts, as well as electrifying guest performances by Christina Aguilera, Jack White and Buddy Guy. Vitals: Director:. Stars:. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 122 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $5.117million, Paramount.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
From MPI Home Video comes "Classic British Thrillers," an anthology of three quirky British films from the 1930s and 1940s. The British Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 was passed to give motion pictures made in the U.K. an edge over Hollywood imports. These films, called "quota quickies," provided on-the-job training for some of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of British Cinema. This single disc includes three fine pieces of vintage British cinema: "The Phantom Light," a creepy "quickie" directed by Michael Powel; "Red Ensign," an expose of corruption and sabotage in the British shipping industry, directed by Powel; and "The Upturned Glass," a revenge thriller starring James Mason as a surgeon turned sleuth. An offbeat gem ... Also due this week is the "Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection," a five-disc set with 10 films starring the heartthrob from the 30s and 40s: "Cafe Metropole," "Day-Time Wife," "Girl's Dormitory," "I'll Never Forget You," "Johnny Apollo," "Love Is News," "Luck of the Irish," "Second Honeymoon," "That Wonderful Urge" and "This Above All"; $49.98 from Fox.

From TV to Video:
"Baldwin Hills: The Complete First Season," a two-disc set with 10 episodes, $26.99, from BET/Paramount) ... "Beverly Hills 90210: Season Five" (1994-95) is an eight-disc set with 32 episodes, $61.99 from Paramount ... "Birds of Prey: The Complete Series" is a four-disc set with 13 episodes about three female crimefighters in New Gotham City, $39.98 from Warner ... "Bobby G: Adventure Capitalist, Season 1" is MOJO HD's reality series about fearless entrepreneur Bobby "Bobby G" Genovese, $19.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Dark Shadows: The Beginning #5" includes Episodes 144-178 that originally aired from January 12, 1967 to March 1, 1967, from MPI Home Video ... "Girlfriends: The Fourth Season" (2003-04) is a three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "The Hills: The Complete Third Season" is a four-disc set with 28 episodes, $39.99 from Paramount ... "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Seventh Year" is a five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98 from Universal ... "Parking Wars: The Best of Season One" gives you the best from the A&E series about the ticket-givers of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, $12.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Robin Hood: Season Two" (2006 -- U.K. TV) is a five-disc set with 13 episodes of the BBC America series, $99.98 from Warner ... "Robin of Sherwood: The Complete Collection" (1984-86) is a 10 volume set with all 26 episodes of the British series that is a definitive retelling -- with gritty period realism -- of the Robin Hood legend; $99.99 from Acorn Media ... "Two Fat Ladies" (1997) is a four-disc set with all 24 episodes of the most popular cooking show in BBC history that was also a Food Network hit in the U.S.: Two oversized women jump aboard a classic motorcycle and sidecar and travel all over Britain, preparing meals for nuns, cricketers, diplomats, lumberjacks and an odd assortment of others; $59.99 from Acorn Media (You can find more on this release at Glenn Abel's wonderful DVD site, DVD Spin Doctor) ... "Witchblade" is a seven-disc set with 24 episodes, $69.98 from Warner ... "A Woman of Independent Means" (1995) is a two-disc set of the miniseries starring Sally Field, $29.95 from A&E Home Video.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Stargate: Continuum" (2008) is the second direct-to-video (DVD and Blu-ray) "Stargate SG-1" feature; from MGM ... "Masters of Horror Season Two Box Set" includes all 13 episodes of the second season of the blood-chilling Showtime anthology series, housed in a specially designed, limited edition "skull" package; $86.97 from Anchor Bay ... "Adventures of Johnny Tao" (2007) is a family-friendly action adventure about a young man whose prize possession, his father's guitar, is made of half of an ancient spear; the other half holds a curse and an evil spirit that unleashes an army of kung-fu, sugar-craving warriors that only Johnny and a beautiful Chinese warrior can stop. Stars Matthew Twining, Matt Mullins, Chris Yen, Kelly Perine, Lindsay Parker, Marianne Muellerleile, Michael Gregory, James Hong, Jason London; from MTI Home Video ... "WarGames: The Dead Code" (2008) stars Matt Lanter and Colm Feore in a sequel to the 1983 smash: A computer hacker who engages a super-computer named Ripley in an online terrorist-attack simulation game that is designed specifically to profile potential threats to the United States comes to the attention of Homeland Security, which becomes convinced that he's a potential threat; from MGM ... After two martial arts students and best friends are expelled from the legendary temple of Shaolin, they meet again as mortal enemies on the battlefield -- one a power-hungry general, the other a freedom-fighting rebel in "Tai Chi Master" (1993 -- Hong Kong), directed by Yuen Woo-Ping and starring Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Chin Siu Ho, Fennie Yuen, Yuen Cheung Yan and Lau Shun; in a two-disc set from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products/Dragon Dynasty ... "Inglorious Bastards" (1978) stars Fred Williamson, Bo Svenson, Ian Bannen, Massimo Vanni in director Enzo G. Castellari's EuroCult war movie about a gang of condemned criminals who 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. To be remade by Quentin Tarantino for The Weinstein Co. Available from Severin Films ... In "Puzzle" (2006 -- South Korea) , five ruthless criminals are recruited by an unknown boss to pull off a daring bank robbery. But when the team leader is found dead, each member suspects the other of betrayal; from Genius Products.

On the Indie Front:
Stranded and broke in India after the financing flops on her low-budget film, feisty B-list actress Marigold Lexton lands a role in a musical, where she has a whirlwind romance with the production's choreographer in the musical comedy "Marigold" (2007), starring Ali Larter and Salman Khan; from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... "Special Needs" (2006) is a mockumentary about a flamboyant TV producer and his bully sidekicks who want to produce a reality TV show featuring physically and mentally disabled contestants; from Troma ... "The Audience Strikes Back" (2008) is a Star Wars fan mockumentary in which a group of moviegoers who have just attended the Seattle premiere of "The Revenge of the Sith" participate in a taped discussion about the film; what starts out as a friendly conversation about the iconic movies quickly veers off into uncharted territory as the fans take up the war in Iraq, gay marriage, Christian fundamentalism, abortion, the Rapture, the environment and more; $28.95 from Indie-Pictures.

For the Family:
"Tiny Toon Adventures: Season 1, Volume 1," a four-disc set with 35 episodes from the animated programs first season, $44.98 from Warner ... "The Wiggles: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" (2008) is the latest outing from the pre-schoolers ' favorite band offers 20 new songs to get the little ones up and moving, from Warner ... "Alice Upside Down" (2007) stars Alyson Stoner, Luke Perry, Lucas Grabeel and Penny Marshall in a tween film based on the popular best-selling Alice McKinley books by Newbery medalist Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, about 11-year-old Alice McKinley, who has moved to a new town with her widowed dad and teenage brother, leaving her the only girl in an all male household; from Anchor Bay ... "64 Zoo Lane" is a feature-length animation about the adventures of a little girl who lives next door to a zoo and who, every night, slides down the neck of Georgina the giraffe to listen to one of the animal's stories; $14.98 from PorchLight Entertainment ... "Phineas and Ferb: The Fast and the Phineas" includes a two-part adventure featuring the characters from the Disney Channel animated series, $19.99 from Disney ... "Wizards of Waverly Place: Wizard School" contains four episodes of the Disney Channel series, $19.99 from Disney ... "Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 3 Volume 4" features six episodes of the Nick animated series, $16.99 from Paramount.

Special Interest:
"The Cool School" (2008) is a documentary that features the evolving art movement in Los Angeles during the 50's and 60's, focusing on the seminal Ferus Art Gallery, which groomed the L.A. art scene from a loose band of beatniks into a coterie of competitive and brilliant artists, featuring such artists as Ed Kienholz, Ed Ruscha, Craig Kauffman, Wallace Berman, Ed Moses, Andy Warhol and Robert Irwin; $29.95 from Arts Alliance America/Arthouse Films ... "A History of Britain: The Complete Collection" is a five-disc set of the BBC series, $39.95 from A&E Home Video ... "The Strauss Family" (1972) is a two-disc set of the eight-part British miniseries about the first family of 19th century music, starring Derek Jacobi and Jane Seymour, with glorious renditions of the Strauss' works by the London Symphony Orchestra; $29.95 from A&E Home Video ... "Love Story" (2005) is a feature-length documentary about the legendary Los Angeles band Love, and their singer, Arthur Lee; from Start Productions.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Adventures of Johnny Tao (2007) Matthew Twining, Matt Mullins, Chris Yen, Kelly Perine, Lindsay Parker, Marianne Muellerleile, Michael Gregory, James Hong, Jason London. Family-friendly action adventure about a young man whose prize possession, his father's guitar, is made of half of an ancient spear; the other half holds a curse and an evil spirit that unleashes an army of kung-fu, sugar-craving warriors that only Johnny and a beautiful Chinese warrior can stop. Extras: Commentary, "An Adventure in the Making: The Making of Adventures of Johnny Tao," deleted scenes, music video. (MTI Home Video).

Alice Upside Down (2007) Alyson Stoner, Luke Perry, Lucas Grabeel, Penny Marshall. Tween film based on the popular best-selling Alice McKinley books by Newbery medalist Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, "Alice Upside Down" tells the story of 11-year-old Alice McKinley, who has moved to a new town with her widowed dad Ben and teenage brother Lester, leaving her the only girl in an all male household. Alice imagines herself cool, confident and popular, but in reality her life is full of anxiety, awkward moments and overwhelming challenges. Extras: Interviews, featurette. (Anchor Bay).

The Audience Strikes Back (2008) Andy McCone, Brittany Quist, Carol De Salles, Dan Heinrich, Danielle Reierson, Gorneth D'Oyley, In Patrick Beacham's indie Star Wars fan mockumentary, an interviewer approaches eight fans who have just attended the Seattle premiere of "The Revenge of the Sith." He asks, "What did you think of the movie," and invites them to Seattle's Pravda Studios to participate in a taped discussion about the film. It quickly becomes apparent that Star Wars is merely one piece of a much larger puzzle. As the filmmakers learn, Star Wars is just the beginning of what these people want to talk about when. But as we also learn, Star Wars remains the common thread that binds them together, weaving in and out of every aspect of their lives, every emotion they experience, and their every topic of conversation. What starts out as a friendly conversation about the iconic movies quickly veers off into uncharted territory as they take up the war in Iraq, gay marriage, Christian fundamentalism, abortion, the Rapture, the environment and practically every other topic you've always been told never to talk about in polite company. $28.95 with a CD containing Jose J. Herring's score along with two brand new singles inspired by the film written by Herring, the martini lounge upbeat "Barista Girl" and "If Jesus." (Indie-Pictures).

Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 3 Volume 4. Six episodes of the Nick animated series, $16.99. Extras: Avatar comic book, commentary by creators, cast and crew. (Paramount).

Baldwin Hills: The Complete First Season. Two-disc set with 10 episodes, $26.99. Extras: Cast auditions, cast interviews, three featurettes: "Ashley's Home Tour," "Hanging With Sal," "The Creators." (BET/Paramount).

The Band's Visit (2008 -- Israel) Ronit Elkabetz, Sasson Gabai, Uri Gavriel, Imad Jabarin, Ahuva Keren, Rubi Moskovitz, Khalifa Natour, Hilla Sarjon, Eyad Sheety. Extras: Commentary by director Eran Kolirin, making-of featurette. (Sony).

Beverly Hills 90210: Season Five (1994-95) Eight-disc set with 32 episodes, $61.99. (Paramount).

Birds of Prey: The Complete Series. Four-disc set with 13 episodes about three female crimefighters in New Gotham City, $39.98. (Warner).

Bobby G: Adventure Capitalist, Season 1. MOJO HD's reality series about fearless entrepreneur Bobby "Bobby G" Genovese, $19.98. (Infinity Entertainment).

Classic British Thrillers. The British Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 was passed to give motion pictures made in the U.K. an edge over Hollywood imports. These films, called "quota quickies," provided on-the-job training for some of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of British Cinema. This single disc includes three fine pieces of vintage British cinema: "The Phantom Light," a creepy "quickie" directed by Michael Powel; "Red Ensign," an expose of corruption and sabotage in the British shipping industry, directed by Powel; and "The Upturned Glass," a revenge thriller starring James Mason as a surgeon turned sleuth. $24.98. (MPI Home Video).

Cocaine Cowboys 2: Hustlin' With the Godmother (2008) Documentary takes a raw look at the woman credited with fueling the Miami drug war in the early 1980s: Griselda Blanco was allegedly responsible for hundreds of murders and the trafficking of more than 300 tons of cocaine; $26.98. Extras: Making-of featurette, commentary by director Billy Corben and co-producer David Cypkin, behind-the-scenes photo gallery, art gallery, deleted scenes. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Cool School (2008) Documentary that features the evolving art movement in Los Angeles during the 50's and 60's. Focuses on the seminal Ferus Art Gallery, which groomed the L.A. art scene from a loose band of beatniks into a coterie of competitive and brilliant artists. The Ferus also served as a launching point for New York imports and was the first gallery where pop icon Andy Warhol hosted his first Soup Can show. Artists featured in the documentary include Ed Kienholz, Ed Ruscha, Craig Kauffman, Wallace Berman, Ed Moses, Andy Warhol and Robert Irwin. Narrated by Jeff Bridges; $29.95. (Arts Alliance America/Arthouse Films).

Dark City Director's Cut (1998) Dir.: Alex Proyas; Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland. The critically-acclaimed triumph from visionary director Alex Proyas is back with this new directors cut featuring enhanced picture and sound, never-before-seen footage and three commentary tracks that take you deeper than ever before into the world of one of sci-fi's most exciting and revered tales. When John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) wakes with no memory at the scene of a grisly murder he soon finds himself hunted by the police, a woman claiming to be his wife and a mysterious group of pale men who seem to control everything and everyone in the city. Bonus features. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Line).

Dark Shadows: The Beginning #5. Episodes 144-178 that originally aired from January 12, 1967 to March 1, 1967; $59.98. (MPI Home Video).

The Deal (2007) Dir.: Stephen Frears; Michael Sheen, David Morrissey. HBO docudrama depicts the friendship and rivalry between British politicians Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Extras: Conversation with Stephen Frears, commentary by writer Peter Morgan, biographies of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. (Miriam Collection/The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Doomsday (2008) Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Alexander Siddig, Adrian Lester, Sean Pertwee, Darren Morfitt, Emma Cleasby, Chris Robson, MyAnna Buring, Nora-Jane Noone, Leslie Simpson, Craig Conway, Malcolm McDowell. Available in rated and unrated DVD and unrated Blu-ray Disc editions. Extras: "Anatomy of Catastrophe: Civilization on the Brink" featurette, "The Visual Effects of Doomsday," commentary (unrated only). (Universal).

Freakazoid: Season One. Two-disc set with 14 episodes, $26.99. Extras: "The Original Freak" featurette, commentaries. (Warner).

Girlfriends: The Fourth Season (2003-04) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).

Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo (2008) John Cho, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry, Roger Bart, Neil Patrick Harris. Single disc with rated and unrated features; two-disc set with rated and unrated feature plus extras. Extras: Commentary, "The World of Harold and Kumar" featurette, additional scenes, interactive function that uses new and alternate scenes to change the course of the film's action. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Line).

The Hills: The Complete Third Season. Four-disc set with 28 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, interviews, commentary, "Virtual Hills," more. (Paramount).

A History of Britain: The Complete Collection. Five-disc set of the BBC series, $39.95. (A&E Home Video).

Inglorious Bastards (1978) Fred Williamson, Bo Svenson, Ian Bannen, Massimo Vanni. Director Enzo G. Castellari's EuroCult war movie about a gang of condemned criminals who 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. To be remade by Quentin Tarantino for The Weinstein Co. Available as a single disc and three-disc set, with extras. Three-disc set extras: "Quentin Tarantino and Enzo Castellari In Conversation" featurette; "Train Kept-A-Rollin'" documentary with Castellari, Williamson, Svenson, Vanni, special effects artist Gino de Rossi, producer Roberto Sbarigia, screenwriter Laura Toscano and Filippo De Masi; "Back to the War Zone" locations featurette; commentary by Castellari; bonus soundtrack CD containing the previously unreleased "Inglorious Bastards" scores. (Severin Films).

Joe Louis: America's Hero ... Betrayed (2005) In-depth HBO Sports documentary on the boxing legend, $19.98. (HBO Video).

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Seventh Year. Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).

The Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008) Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Autumn Reeser, Tad Hilgenbrink. Direct-to-DVD sequel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Love Story (2005) Feature-length documentary about the legendary Los Angeles band Love, and their singer, Arthur Lee. Features the last-ever interviews with band leader Lee, plus interviews with all the surviving original band members and music execs. Also includes rare band footage. (Start Productions).

Marigold (2007) Ali Larter, Salman Khan. Stranded and broke in India after the financing flops on her low-budget film, feisty B-list actress Marigold Lexton lands a role in a musical, where she has a whirlwind romance with the production's choreographer. Musical comedy. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Masters of Horror Season Two Box Set. All 13 episodes of the second season of the blood-chilling Showtime anthology series, housed in a specially designed, limited edition "skull" package. $86.97. Extras: Commentaries from the filmmakers, behind-the-scenes featurettes, still and storyboard galleries, trailers, screenplays (DVD-ROM), more. (Anchor Bay).

Never Back Down (2008) Djimon Hounsou, Sean Faris, Cam Gigandet, Amber Heard, Evan Peters, Wyatt Smith. Available as a single disc DVD, two-disc DVD special edition and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes, director and cast commentary. Special edition adds extended version of the film, "Blow by Blow: Breaking Down the Fights With the Director and MMA Fight Experts," "Mixing It Up: Bringing MMA to the Big Screen," training webisodes. Available as a single disc DVD, two-disc DVD special edition and Blu-ray Disc. (Summit Entertainment).

Outfoxed: Fox Attacks! Special Collector's Edition (2004) Robert Greenwald's "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism" returns in this updated version. Extras: All 16 of Greenwald's viral "Fox Attacks!" shorts.

Parking Wars: The Best of Season One. The best from the A&E series about the ticket-givers of the Philadelphia Parking Authority; $12.95. (A&E Home Video).

Phineas and Ferb: The Fast and the Phineas. Includes a two-part adventure featuring the characters from the Disney Channel animated series, $19.99. Extras: "Phineas and Ferb's Homemade Tree Shade Arcade" set-top games, original series pitch by creator Dan Povenmire. (Disney).

Puzzle (2006 -- South Korea) Seok-cheon Hong, Jin-mo Joo. Five ruthless criminals are recruited by an unknown boss to pull off a daring bank robbery. But when the team leader is found dead, each member suspects the other of betrayal. (Genius Products).

Robin Hood: Season Two (2006 -- U.K. TV) Five-disc set with 13 episodes of the BBC America series, $99.98. (Warner).

Robin of Sherwood: The Complete Collection (1984-86) Ten volume set with all 26 episodes of the British series that is a definitive retelling -- with gritty period realism -- of the Robin Hood legend; $99.99. Extras: Two bonus discs with four documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, more. (Acorn Media).

Shine a Light (2008) Dir.: Martin Scorsese; documentary about The Rolling Stones. Extras: Four bonus Rolling Stones performances not seen in theaters, featurette with a behind-the-scenes look at The Stones rehearsing on stage at New York's Beacon Theater, candid moments with the band and celebrity guests, archival footage not included in the feature film. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).

64 Zoo Lane. Feature-length animation about the adventures of a little girl who lives next door to a zoo and who, every night, slides down the neck of Georgina the giraffe to listen to one of the animal's stories. The series currently airs on Nickelodeon Jr.'s Noggin network for preschoolers. $14.98. (PorchLight Entertainment)

Special Needs (2006) Mockumentary about a flamboyant TV producer and his bully sidekicks who want to produce a reality TV show featuring physically and mentally disabled contestants. (Troma).

Stargate: Continuum (2008) Second direct-to-video (DVD and Blu-ray) "Stargate SG-1" feature. Extras: Commentary by executive producer/writer Brad Wright and director Martin Wood, "The Making of Stargate: Continuum" featurette, "Stargate Goes to the Arctic" featurette, "The Layman's Guide to Time Travel" featurette. (MGM).

The Strauss Family (1972) Two-disc set of the eight-part British miniseries about the first family of 19th century music, starring Derek Jacobi and Jane Seymour, with glorious renditions of the Strauss' works by the London Symphony Orchestra; $29.95. (A&E Home Video).

Surfwise (2008) The tumultuous story of 85-year old surfer, health advocate and sex guru Dr. Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz - who gave up his practice in the 1960s to follow the waves. With his wife Juliette he went on to raise nine children, all who were home-schooled and raised in a small camper on the beach, where they had to adhere to a strict healthy lifestylerevolving around physical fitness and surfing. Extras: "Doc on Health," "A Walk on Water: Surfer's Healing," outtakes, commentary by director Doug Pray. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Tai Chi Master (1993 -- Hong Kong) Dir.: Yuen Woo-Ping; Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Chin Siu Ho, Fennie Yuen, Yuen Cheung Yan, Lau Shun. After two martial arts students and best friends are expelled from the legendary temple of Shaolin, they meet again as mortal enemies on the battlefield -- one a power-hungry general, the other a freedom-fighting rebel. Extras: Commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, "Nemesis" exclusive interview with star Chin Siu-ho," "The Birthplace of Tai-Chi" on location in Chen Village," "The Man, The Myth" celebrity tribute to martial arts superstar Jet Li, "Anatomy of a Classic" with celebrated film critic Elvis Mitchell, "The Master" retrospective of the career of action-legend Jet Li. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products/Dragon Dynasty).

Tiny Toon Adventures: Season 1, Volume 1. Four-disc set with 35 episodes from the animated programs first season, $44.98. Extras: "From Wacky Tunes to Tiny Toons: A Looney Evolution" featurette. (Warner).

Two Fat Ladies (1997) Four-disc set with all 24 episodes of the most popular cooking show in BBC history that was also a Food Network hit in the U.S. Two oversized women jump aboard a classic motorcycle and sidecar and travel all over Britain, preparing meals for nuns, cricketers, diplomats, lumberjacks and an odd assortment of others; $59.99. (Acorn Media).

Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection. Five-disc set with "Cafe Metropole," "Day-Time Wife," "Girl's Dormitory," "I'll Never Forget You," "Johnny Apollo," "Love Is News," "Luck of the Irish," "Second Honeymoon," "That Wonderful Urge" and "This Above All"; $49.98. (Fox).

Cafe Metropole (1937) Tyrone Power, Adolphe Menjou, Loretta Young. Extras: Deleted scenes, advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes stills gallery, production gallery.
Day-Time Wife (1939) Tyrone Power, Wendy Barrie, Linda Darnell, Warren William. Extras: "My Dad, Tyrone Powers" featurette, behind-the-scenes stills gallery, production gallery.
Girl's Dormitory (1936) Tyrone Power, Simone Simon. Extras: "Tyrone Power, Prince of Fox" featurette, advertising gallery, production gallery.
I'll Never Forget You (AKA The House in the Square) (1951) Tyrone Power, Beatrice Campbell. Extras: Advertising gallery, lobby cards gallery, "See England With Ann Blyth" gallery, production gallery.
Johnny Apollo (1940) Tyrone Power, Lloyd Nolan, Dorothy Lamour. Extras: Advertising gallery.
Love Is News (1937) Tyrone Power, Loretta Young. Extras: "Ty and Loretta: Sweethearts of the Silver Screen" featurette, advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery, production gallery.
Luck of the Irish (1948) Tyrone Power, Cecil Kellaway, Anne Baxter, Lee J. Cobb, Jayne Meadows. Extras: Two viewing versions: green tinted and black and white, "Jayne Meadows Remembers" featurette, advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery, production gallery.
Second Honeymoon (1937) Tyrone Power, Loretta Young, Lyle Talbot. Extras: Still gallery.
That Wonderful Urge (1948) Tyrone Power, Gene Tierney. Extras: Advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery, production gallery.
This Above All (1942) Tyrone Power, Joan Fontaine. Extras: Advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery, production gallery.

WarGames: 25th Anniversary Edition (1983) Dir.: John Badham; Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Ally Sheedy, Barry Corbin. Extras: Commentary by director John Badham and writers Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes; "Loading WarGames" documentary; "Attack of the Hackers" featurette; "Inside NORAD: Cold War Fortress" featurette; "Tic Tac Toe: A True Story" featurette; menu-driven interactive superpower weapons briefing gallery. (MGM).

WarGames: The Dead Code (2008) Matt Lanter, Colm Feore. Sequel to the 1983 smash. The government is keeping a watchful eye on Will Farmer, a computer hacker who engages a super-computer named Ripley in an online terrorist-attack simulation game that is designed specifically to profile potential threats to the United States. When Homeland Security becomes convinced that Farmer is a potential threat, he must do all in his power to clear his name and end the game. Extras: Commentary by director Stuart Gillard and actor Matt Lanter, "The Making of Wargames: The Dead Code" featurette, photo gallery. (MGM).

The Wiggles: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2008) Latest outing from the pre-schoolers ' favorite band offers 20 new songs to get the little ones up and moving. Features special guest Leo Sayers. (Warner).

Witchblade. Seven-disc set with 24 episodes, $69.98. Extras: Featurettes, casting sessions, more. (Warner).

Wizards of Waverly Place: Wizard School. Four episodes of the Disney Channel series, $19.99. Extras: "Work It Like A Wizard!" cast-led tour of Los Angeles. (Disney).

A Woman of Independent Means (1995) Two-disc set of the miniseries starring Sally Field, $29.95. (A&E Home Video).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Aug 5, 2008 6:31 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, August 5, 2008, V12.32

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, August 5 -- Monday, August 11

Counterfeiters, The
The true story of Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics), a swindler who made a name for himself as Berlin's "King of the Counterfeiters." However, his life of women and easy money is cut short when he's arrested and placed in a Nazi concentration camp. With the German army on the verge of bankruptcy, Sorowitsch makes a sobering deal with his captors: in exchange for a comfortable bed, good food and fair treatment, Sorowitsch, along with the other hand-picked specialists, must counterfeit bank notes to fund the Nazi war effort. If he does as they say, he lives another day. If he rebels, he faces the same fate as the rest of the camp's prisoners. But if he lives, will he be able to live with himself? Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film. In German with English subtitles. Vitals: Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky. Stars: Karl Markovics, August Diehl, Devid Striesow, Martin Brambach, August Zirner. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 98 min., Drama, Box office gross: $5.303 million, Sony.

Nim's island
Nim Rusoe (Abigail Breslin) lives on a deserted island with her scientist father Jack (Gerard Butler) and her best friends: Selkie, a sea lion; Fred, a bearded dragon lizard and Galileo, a plucky pelican. But when Jack goes missing at sea and the island is "invaded," Nim reaches out via e-mail to the adventurous author of her favorite books (Jodie Foster), and together, each discovers what it takes to truly become the hero of your own life story. Vitals: Director: Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett. Stars: Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 95 min., Family Adventure, Box office gross: $45.256 million, Fox.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
"Joy House" is a claustrophobic 1964 outing by the great French director Rene Clement, starring his favorite leading man, Alain Delon, and a pair of sultry American temptresses, Jane Fonda and Lola Albright. A notorious playboy and con man (Delon) has an affair with the wife of a mobster and quickly finds himself a marked man. While on the lam, he meets a beautiful American widower and philanthropist (Albright) who hires him as a live-in chauffeur. With this new job, he figures he's found the perfect refuge, but, unfortunately, there's much more to the posh villa than he initially suspects. While his new employer makes blatant advances, and her curvaceous niece (Fonda) also attempts to seduce him, the small-time criminal discovers he's traded one deadly mistake for another. Digitally remastered from Koch Lorber Films.

Time for More Sex:

Warner Home Video/New Line has just announced a September 23 release date for "Sex and the City: The Movie," the $150 million big-screen adaptation of the long-running HBO series. Sarah Jessica Parker returns as Carrie Bradshaw, the style-maven journalist whose romantic exploits - and stories about sex, love and the fashion-obsessed -- were the key focus of the show. Also reprising their roles are Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, with Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler and Jason Lewis returning as the women's love interests. The film will be released in three configurations: a theatrical DVD, a two-disc Special Edition DVD with an extended version of the film and extras, and a Blu-ray Disc edition with the extended version of the film and extras. (Originally posted August 3)

From TV to Video:
"BEN 10 Season Four" is a two-disc set with 12 episodes, $19.98 from Warner ... "Family Ties: The Fourth Season" (1985-86) is a four-disc set with 24 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "The Five Doctors: 25th Anniversary Edition" is a two-disc set of Dr. Who classics; includes both the 1983 and 1995 versions of "The Five Doctors" as well as "The Black Orchid" and "The Time Meddler"; $34.98 from Warner ... "Foyle's War, Set 6" includes three new feature-length episodes of the British series that combines mystery and real history, set during World War II; aired on "PBS Mystery!"; $49.99 from Acorn Media ... "Get Smart: Season 1" is a four-disc set with 30 episodes, $24.98 from HBO Home Video ... "Life in Cold Blood" is a two-disc set with episodes of the Animal Planet show about the warm-hearted world of cold-blooded animals; narrated by Richard Attenborough; $34.98 from BBC/Warner ... "Lonesome Dove Collector's Edition" is a remastered edition of the 1989 Western starring Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Angelica Huston, Diane Lane, Chris Cooper, Danny Glover, Frederic Forrest, D.B. Sweeney, Rick Schroder, Steve Buscemi and Robert Urich, in a two-disc set loaded with extras (and also available on Blu-ray Disc), $19.95 from Genius Products ... "Route 66: Complete First Season Television Series" is an eight-disc set with 30 episodes, $49.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "Sensitive Skin: Complete First and Second Seasons" is a two-disc set with 12 episodes of the British dark comedy series about aging and marriage, starring Joanna Lumley, Denis Lawson and Anthony Stewart Head; $29.98 from Warner ... "Star Trek: The Original Series: Season Two" is an eight-disc set with 26 episodes, remastered from the original camera negative, presented in pristine condition with new state-of-the-art digital visual effects and a new 5.1 soundtrack, $99.99 from Paramount ... "Terminal City" is a three-disc set with all 10 episodes of the Sundance Channel series about a 43-year-old mother of three who's diagnosed with breast cancer and recruited to host a reality hospital show; the groundbreaking drama looks at the modern family through twin lenses of cancer and reality television; $36.98 from Koch Vision.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers " (1988) is a cult classic about a private detective tracking down a runaway who crosses paths with a sect of Egyptian chainsaw-worshipping prostitutes, starring Gunnar Hansen, Linnea Quigley, Jay Richardson and Dawn Wildsmith, from Infinity Entertainment ... When a mass of flesh-eating, super-intelligent army ants -- 200 million strong -- make their way through the jungles of Brazil devouring every living thing in their path, a scientist and an entomologist are called in to stave off the deadly attack -- and save the world in "The Hive" (2007), starring Kal Weber, Tom Wopat and Elizabeth Healey, from Genius Products ... Three twentysomething high school buddies return to their hometown following the untimely death of their friend Bender and relive some of their crazy high school antics, unexpectedly forcing them to confront some important issues about growing up in "Wasted" (2005), starring Eddie Kaye Thomas, Kip Pardue and Josh Cooke, from The Weinstein Company and Genius Products ... "Starship Troopers 3: Marauder" (2008) stars Casper Van Dien and Jolene Blalock in a direct-to-video sequel that reprises humanity's fight against the bugs; available on Blu-ray Disc and in a DVD and Blu-ray Disc set of all three films; from Sony.

On the Indie Front:
"The Killing of John Lennon" (2008)is a fine film that delves into the murder of the iconic rock star and Beatle. Mark David Chapman, a 25 year old security guard in Hawaii, bought a plane ticket to New York with the intention of killing The Beatles' John Lennon. Camping outside Lennon's apartment in New York waiting for an autograph, Chapman's childlike obsession descends into madness and murder. Writer-director Andrew Piddington explores Chapman's obsession with Lennon, basing his script on Chapman's own words from interviews and court transcripts. Retracing the events leading up to the shooting in December 1980, the film was shot in a quasi-documentary style at the actual locations where the events took place, including the sidewalk outside the Dakota. From Genius Products.

Foreign:
Set in a small Italian town in the 60's and 70's, "My Brother Is an Only Child" (2008 -- Italy) tells the story of two brothers who want to change the world -- but in completely different ways. The elder, Manrico (Riccardo Scarmaccio,) is a handsome, charismatic firebrand who becomes the prime mover in the local Communist party. Accio (Elio Germano,) the younger, more rebellious brother, finds his own contrarian voice by joining the reactionary Fascists. What starts as a typical tale of sibling rivalry becomes the story of the polarizing and paralyzing politics of those turbulent times, and the rift between the brothers is further intensified when Accio realizes that he loves his brother's girlfriend, Francesca who, like everyone else, is blind to Manrico's increasingly dangerous ideas. From ThinkFilm/Image Entertainment.

For the Family:
"Garfield's Fun Fest" (2008) is a new Garfield feature-length movie; $19.98 from Fox ... "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Volume Three" is a three-disc set with 13 episodes of the final battle of good vs. evil in the 2002 revival of the classic '80s cartoon series; $26.98. from BCI Entertainment.

Special Interest:
"Salvador Dali -- The Dali Dimension: Decoding the Mind of a Genius" is an award-winning film that delves into the psyche of the most important Surrealist artist who ever lived, Salvador Dali. Through a series of rare film clips and interviews with the artist, "Dali Dimension" explores the many inspirations that resulted in Dali's unforgettable masterpieces; $24.95 from MVD Visual ... "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song" (2007) is a documentary that chronicles folk singer Pete Seeger and his impact on music and social activism that is still being felt today. Includes interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Peter, Paul & Mary and the inconvenient artist himself, Seeger, along with never-before-seen archival footage and Seeger's personal home movies; $24.95 from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products/Miriam Collection ... More music: "I Got The Feelin': James Brown in the '60s," a three-disc set with director's cut of "The Night James Brown Saved Boston" and the full-length concert performances "James Brown Live at The Boston Garden From April 1968" and "Man to Man -- James Brown Live at The Apollo Theater 1968"; from Shout! Factory ... "REO Speedwagon: Live From the Heartland" and "Heart: Live" are the two lastest PBS Soundstage performance releases from Koch Vision ... On the comedy front there's "Dana Carvey: Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies," a 60-minute HBO stand-up special, $19.97 from HBO Video and "Citizen Jimmy" (2008), a one-hour comedy special by stand-up Jimmy Dore, featuring his topical takes on all the ills of the country, from George W. Bush's well-hidden genius, to health care, gas prices, Dick Cheney, and Christian Preachers who rail against gay marriage before getting caught in an Airport restroom, from Image Entertainment ... "Clash of the Cavemen" is a History Channel documentary that reconstructs prehistoric life circa 25,000 B.C.; $24.95 from A&E Home Video ... and, lastly, to prepare you for the Presidential campaign A&E Home Video has released "Biography: Barack Obama" and "Biography: John McCain," $12.95 each.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

BEN 10 Season Four. Two-disc set with 12 episodes, $19.98.Extras: Deleted scenes. (Warner).

Biography: Barack Obama (2008) $12.95. (A&E Home Video).

Biography: John McCain (2008) $12.95. (A&E Home Video).

Citizen Jimmy (2008) One-hour comedy special by stand-up Jimmy Dore, featuring his topical takes on all the ills of the country, from George W. Bush's well-hidden genius, to health care, gas prices, Dick Cheney, and Christian Preachers who rail against gay marriage before getting caught in an Airport restroom. (Image).

Clash of the Cavemen. History Channel documentary that reconstructs prehistoric life circa 25,000 B.C.; $24.95. (A&E Home Video).

The Counterfeiters (2008 -- German) Karl Markovics, August Diehl, Devid Striesow, Martin Brambach, August Zirner. On DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentary with director Stefan Ruzowitzky, "Making of The Counterfeiters" featurette, Adolf Burger's Artifacts" featurette, Q & A with Ruzowitzky, interviews with Ruzowitzky, interview with real-life counterfeiter and Holocaust survivor Adolf Burger, interview with actor Karl Markovics, deleted scenes, rehearsal footage. (Sony).

Dana Carvey: Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies. Sixty-minute HBO stand-up special, $19.97. (HBO Video).

The Executioner's Song: Director's Cut (1982 -- TV) Tommy Lee Jones, Christine Lahti, Rosanna Arquette, Eli Wallach. (Paramount).

Family Ties: The Fourth Season (1985-86) Four-disc set with 24 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Five Doctors: 25th Anniversary Edition. Two-disc set of Dr. Who classics. includes both the 1983 and 1995 versions of "The Five Doctors" as well as "The Black Orchid" and "The Time Meddler." $34.98. (Warner).

Foyle's War, Set 6. Three new feature-length episodes of the British series that combines mystery and real history, set during World War II; aired on "PBS Mystery!"; $49.99 (Complete U.K. broadcast edition). Extras: Making-of documentary, cast member reflections, filmographies, more. (Acorn Media).

Garfield's Fun Fest (2008) New Garfield feature-length movie; $19.98. Extras: Exclusive comic booklet by Garfield creator Jim Davis. (Fox).

Get Smart: Season 1. Four-disc set with 30 episodes, $24.98. (HBO Home Video).

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Volume Three. Three-disc set with 13 episodes of the final battle of good vs. evil in the 2002 revival of the classic '80s cartoon series; $26.98. Extras: The original "Morals" segment for episodes 27 through 39, never-before-seen Episode 40, five commentaries, extended video commentary, interviews with toy line designers and marketers from Mattel and The Four Horsemen, three image galleries (character profiles, backgrounds, and unseen production sketches), complete animatics of three episodes, two "Masters of the Universe" collectible art cards. (BCI Entertainment).

The Hive (2007) Kal Weber, Tom Wopat, Elizabeth Healey. When a mass of flesh-eating, super-intelligent army ants -- 200 million strong -- make their way through the jungles of Brazil devouring every living thing in their path, a scientist and an entomologist are called in to stave off the deadly attack -- and save the world. Ninth installment in the Sci Fi Channel "Maneater" series. (Genius Products).

Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers Special 20th Anniversary Edition (1988) Gunnar Hansen, Linnea Quigley, Jay Richardson, Dawn Wildsmith. Cult classic about a private detective tracking down a runaway Samantha who crosses paths with a sect of Egyptian chainsaw-worshipping prostitutes. (Infinity Entertainment).

Hotel Babylon: Season 2. Three-disc set, $39.98. (Warner).

I Got The Feelin': James Brown in the '60s. Three-disc set with director's cut of "The Night James Brown Saved Boston" and the full-length concert performances "James Brown Live at The Boston Garden From April 1968" and "Man to Man -- James Brown Live at The Apollo Theater 1968." Extras: James Brown's legendary performance of "Out of Sight" from The T.A.M.I. Show, interviews with James Brown's band members, friends and colleagues, additional audio from the radio simulcast of his 1968 Boston Garden Live performanc, rare performance footage culled from the archives, deluxe booklet. (Shout! Factory).

Joy House (1964 -- French) Dir.: Rene Clement; Jane Fonda, Alain Delon, Lola Albright. Digitally remastered. A notorious playboy and con man (Delon) has an affair with the wife of a mobster and quickly finds himself a marked man. While on the lam, he meets a beautiful American widower and philanthropist who hires him as a live-in chauffeur. With this new job, he figures he's found the perfect refuge, but, unfortunately, there's much more to the posh villa than he initially suspects. While his new employer makes blatant advances, and her curvaceous niece (Fonda) also attempts to seduce him, the small-time criminal discovers he's traded one deadly mistake for another. (Koch Lorber Films).

The Killing of John Lennon (2008) Jonas Ball. Mark David Chapman, a 25 year old security guard in Hawaii, bought a plane ticket to New York with the intention of killing The Beatles' John Lennon. Camping outside Lennon's apartment in New York waiting for an autograph, Chapman's childlike obsession descends into madness and murder. Writer-director Andrew Piddington explores Chapman's obsession with Lennon, basing his script on Chapman's own words from interviews and court transcripts. Retracing the events leading up to the shooting in December 1980, the film was shot in a quasi-documentary style at the actual locations where the events took place, including the sidewalk outside the Dakota. (Genius Products).

Lonesome Dove Collector's Edition (1989) Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Angelica Huston, Diane Lane, Chris Cooper, Danny Glover, Frederic Forrest, D.B. Sweeney, Rick Schroder, Steve Buscemi, Robert Urich. Two-disc set, $19.95. Remastered. Extras: "The Making of an Epic" documentary; "Lonesome Dove" montage; new interview with Emmy Award-winning Director Simon Wincer; original interviews from the set with stars Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, and author Larry McMurtry; original call sheets, casting notes, and concept drawings; a postcard of the original TV poster; hand-written letter by Wincer. The "Lonesome Dove Limited Edition Gift Set' includes the Collector's Edition's two discs in a collectible wooden box along with a branded flask, deck of playing cards, more; $39.99. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Genius Products).

Morella's Blood Vision. The Ghost Hostess with the Mostess Morella unravels three horror tales: "Zombies," "The Blood Seekers" and "Blood Stalkers." (Infinity Entertainment).

My Brother Is an Only Child (2008 -- Italy) Elio Germano, Riccardo Scamarcio, Angela Finocchiaro, Luca Zingaretti, Diane Fleri, Anna Bonaiuto, Massimo Popolizio. Set in a small Italian town in the 60's and 70's, the film tells the story of two brothers who want to change the world -- but in completely different ways. The elder, Manrico (Riccardo Scarmaccio,) is a handsome, charismatic firebrand who becomes the prime mover in the local Communist party. Accio (Elio Germano,) the younger, more rebellious brother, finds his own contrarian voice by joining the reactionary Fascists. What starts as a typical tale of sibling rivalry becomes the story of the polarizing and paralyzing politics of those turbulent times, and the rift between the brothers is further intensified when Accio realizes that he loves his brother's girlfriend, Francesca who, like everyone else, is blind to Manrico's increasingly dangerous ideas. (ThinkFilm/Image Entertainment).

Nim's Island (2008) Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler. Extras: Nim's Friends" featurette, "Abigail's Journey" featurette, "Working on Water" featurette, deleted scenes, commentary by Foster and Breslin, commentary by directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song (2007) Documentary chronicles folk singer Pete Seeger's impact on music and social activism that is still being felt today. Includes interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Peter, Paul & Mary and the inconvenient artist himself, Seeger, along with never-before-seen archival footage and Seeger's personal home movies. A patriot, gentleman and an American original, Seeger was the architect of the folk revival, writing some of its best known songs including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "If I Had a Hammer." Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the U.S. government, Seeger was picketed, protested, blacklisted and banned in spite of his enormous popularity; $24.95. Extras: Extended interviews, Seeger family films. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products/Miriam Collection).

Route 66: Complete First Season Television Series. Eight-disc set with 30 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Original TV commercials, filmographies of the stars and special guests, classic Corvette photo gallery and specs. (Infinity Entertainment).

Salvador Dali -- The Dali Dimension: Decoding the Mind of a Genius. Award-winning film delves into the psyche of the most important Surrealist artist who ever lived, Salvador Dali. Through a series of rare film clips and interviews with the artist, "Dali Dimension" explores the many inspirations that resulted in Dali's unforgettable masterpieces. $24.95. (MVD Visual).

Sensitive Skin: Complete First and Second Seasons. Two-disc set with 12 episodes of the British dark comedy series about aging and marriage, starring Joanna Lumley, Denis Lawson, Anthony Stewart Head; $29.98. (Warner).

Star Trek: The Original Series: Season Two. Eight-disc set with 26 episodes, $99.99. Remastered from the original camera negative, presented in pristine condition with new state-of-the-art digital visual effects and a new 5.1 soundtrack. Extras: Preview trailers for each episode; "Billy Blackburn's Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories"; featurettes: ""To Boldly Go Season Two," "Designing the Final Frontier," "Writer's Notebook: D.C. Fontana," "Star Trek's Favorite Moments," "The Trouble With Tribbles preview trailer," "More Tribbles, More Troubles," "Trials and Tribble-ations," "Trials and Tribble-ations: Uniting Two Legends," "Trials and Tribble-ations: An Historic Endeavor," "Life Beyond Trek: Leonard Nimoy," "Kirk, Spock & Bones: Star Trek's Great Trio," "Star Trek's Divine Diva: Nichelle Nichols." (Paramount).

Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (2008) Casper Van Dien, Jolene Blalock. Direct-to-video sequel reprises humanity's fight against the bugs. Available on Blu-ray Disc and in a DVD and Blu-ray Disc set of all three films. Extras: "Evolution: The Bugs of Starship Troopers 3: Marauder" featurette; "Enlist: Marauder's Mobile Infantry" featurette; commentary by writer-director Ed Neumeier, producer David Lancaster, and visual effects supervisor Robert Skotak; commentary by writer-director Ed Neumeier and actors Casper Van Dien and Jolene Blalock; extended version of the music video "It's a Good Day to Die"; digital copy of the film. (Sony).

Terminal City. Three-disc set with all 10 episodes of the Sundance Channel series about a 43-year-old mother of three who's diagnosed with breast cancer and recruited to host a reality hospital show; the groundbreaking drama looks at the modern family through twin lenses of cancer and reality television; $36.08. (Koch Vision).

Wasted (2005) Eddie Kaye Thomas, Kip Pardue, Josh Cooke. Three twenty-something high school buddies return to their hometown following the untimely death of their friend Bender. As a tribute to their fallen comrade, the threesome attempt to relive some of their crazy high school antics, unexpectedly forcing them to confront some important issues about growing up. Extras: Commentary by director/co-writer Matt Oates, co-writer Jeremiah Lowder and actor Josh Cooke; deleted scenes, still gallery. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Weinstein Company/Genius Products).

Wire in the Blood: Prayer of the Bone. Feature-length mystery from the popular BBC frnachise series; $24.98. (Koch Vision).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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Date: Tue Aug 12, 2008 4:25 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, August 12, 2008, V12.33

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, August 12 -- Monday, August 18

Prom Night
A remake of the 1980 horror film that starred Jamie Lee Curtis as one of a group of teen girls stalked by a masked killer. Here Brittany Snow takes over the role as Donna, whose senior prom is supposed to be the best night of her life, one of magic, beauty, and love. But then the night turns from magic to murder at the hands of a sadistic, obsessed killer who wants the kids to pay for an indiscretion in their past. Vitals: Director: J.S. Cardone. Stars: Brittany Snow, Dana Davis, Jessica Troup, Scott Porter, Collins Pennie, Kelly Blatz, Idris Elba, Jonathan Schaech, Jessalyn Gilsig, Kellan Lutz, Craig Susser. 2007, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 88 min., Horror, Box office gross: $43.819 million, Sony.

Smart People
Professor Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) might be imperiously brilliant, monumentally self-possessed and an intellectual giant -- but when it comes to solving the conundrums of love and family, he's as downright flummoxed as the next guy. His teenaged daughter (Ellen Page) is an acid-tongued overachiever who follows all too closely in dad's misery-loving footsteps, and his adopted, preposterously ne'er-do-well brother (Thomas Haden Church) has perfected the art of freeloading. A widower who can't seem to find passion in anything anymore, not even the Victorian Literature in which he's an expert, it seems Lawrence is sleepwalking through a very stunted middle age. When his brother shows up unexpectedly for an extended stay at just about the same time as he accidentally encounters his former student Janet (Sarah Jessica Parker), the circumstances cause him to stir from his deep, deep freeze, with often comical, sometimes heartbreaking, consequences for himself and everyone around him. Vitals: Director: Noam Murro. Stars: Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church, Ellen Page, Ashton Holmes, Christine Lahti. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: R, 95 min., Comedy-Drama, Box office gross: $9.496 million, Miramax.

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NEWS

DVD Collectibles:
Two quirky releases hit the stores this week. First off is "Brand Upon the Brain!" (2006), a film that takes place in the weird and wonderful super-cinematic world of Canadian cult filmmaker Guy Maddin, where personal memory collides with movie lore for a radical sensory overload. This eerie excursion into the gothic recesses of Maddin's mad, imaginary childhood is a silent, black-and-white comic science-fiction nightmare set in a lighthouse on grim Notch Island, where fictional protagonist Guy Maddin was raised by an ironfisted, puritanical mother. Originally mounted as a theatrical event (accompanied by live orchestra, foley artists, and assorted narrators), the film is an irreverent, delirious trip into the mind of one of current cinema's true eccentrics. Stars Gretchen Krich, Sullivan Brown, Maya Lawson, Katherine E. Scharhon, Todd Moore. Loaded with extras from The Criterion Collection.

Also from Criterion comes "Eclipse Series 11: Larisa Shepitko", a bare-bones two-box set devoted to the work of Soviet filmmaker Larisa Shepitko. The career of Shepitko, an icon of sixties and seventies Soviet cinema, was tragically cut short when she was killed in a car crash at age 39, just as she was emerging on the international scene. This set includes: "Wings" (1966), her first feature after graduating from the State Institute for Cinematography, about a once heroic female Russian bomber pilot now living a quiet, disappointingly ordinary life as a school principal; and "The Ascent," (1977) her emotionally overwhelming final film that won the Golden Bear at the 1977 Berlin Film Festival. Set during the darkest days of World War II, the film follows the path of two peasant soldiers, cut off from their troops, who trudge through the snowy backwoods of Belarus evading the Nazis and seeking refuge from villagers. A true artist, who had deftly used the Soviet film industry to make statements both personal and universal, Shepitko remains one of the greatest unsung filmmakers of all time. $29.95.

From TV to Video:
"Blue Murder, Set 3" is a two-disc set with three BBC gritty police procedurals featuring single-mom Detective Chief Inspector Janine Lewis, $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Caroline in the City: The First Season" (1995-96) is a three-disc set with 24 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "Dave's World: The First Season" (1993-94) is a three-disc set with 23 episodes, $42.99 from Paramount ... "The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game" is a two-disc set with all six episodes from the inaugural season of the PBS Mystery! series about a steeplechase rider who suffers a career-ending injury and returns to the track as a private investigator; based on the fiction of champion-jockey-turned writer Dick Francis; $39.99 from Acorn Media ... "Hustle: Complete Seasons 1-4" is an eight-disc set, $99.98 from BBC/Warner ... "The Love Boat: Season One, Volume Two" (1978) is a four-disc set, $39.99 from Paramount ... "P.D. James: The Essential Collection" is a 15-disc set featuring all nine PBS Mystery productions featuring James' indefatigable Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh; $149.98. from Koch Vision ... In "P.D. James: Devices and Desires," the latest PBS Mystery adventure, Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh tracks down a serial killer; $29.98 from Koch Vision ... "Prison Break: Season Three" is a four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98 from Fox ... "Wall Street Warriors: Season 2" is a two-disc set with 10 episodes of MOJO HD's reality series about Wall Street, $24.98 from Infinity Entertainment ... "The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season" is a four-disc set with all 10 episodes from the final season, $59.99 from HBO Video ... "Wire in the Blood: Prayer of he Bone" is the sixth season premiere of the critically acclaimed British crime series, $19.98. from Koch Vision.

Buzzin' the 'B's:
"The Killing Gene (aka Waz)" (2007) stars Stellan Skarsgard, Melissa George, Selma Blair and Ashley Walters in a sadistic tale that follows two detectives as they investigate a string of double murder crime scenes left with the mathematical equation "w delta z" carved into each victim's body. As the detectives begin to unearth the meaning of the equation, they realize that each victim is being offered a gruesome choice -- kill their loved one or be killed themselves; from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... The love of a happily married couple is tested in an unimaginable way when the wife dies and returns to haunt the body of their daughter in "The Secret" (2007), starring David Duchovny, Lili Taylor and Olivia Thirlby, from Image Entertainment ... In "The Art of War II: Betrayal" (2008), agent Neil Shaw (Wesley Snipes) is called out of retirement and finds himself in the midst of a plot to assassinate several leading Senators - and then discovers that he's been set up as bait, from Sony ... A family man convicted of killing a burglar must cope with life in the violent penal system in "Felon" (2008), starring Val Kilmer, Stephen Dorff, Harold Perrineau, Sam Shepard and Anne Archer, from Sony ... "CJ7" (2008), directed by and starring Stephen Chow, is a family comedy about a poor Chinese laborer who learns important lessons after his son gets a strange new toy from the junkyard: A mysterious orb that is really a bizarre "pet" with extraordinary powers, from Sony ... "Watching the Detectives" (2007) stars Lucy Liu and Cillian Murphy in a comedy about a film noir buff whose life is turned on end by a femme fatale with a big adventure in mind, from Peace Arch Entertainment/Genius Products ... When a geeky, overweight rushee is found dead in the hottest sorority house on campus, three popular sorority sisters become suspects in "Legacy" (2008), starring Haylie Duff, Madeline Zima, Brett Claywell, Margo Harshman, Jane Sibbett, Kate Albrecht and Tom Green, from The Weinstein Co./Genius Products ... "The American Mall" (2008) is an MTV musical romantic comedy set in a mall and focused on the relationship between two young musicians who fall for each other and their respective personal and professional struggles, starring Nina Dobrev, Rob Mayes, Autumn Reese, Yassmin Alers and Al Sapienza, from Paramount ... In the South Korean Asian extreme thriller "Wide Awake" (2007), a young boy is improperly anesthetized during heart surgery and feels the entire procedure; from the scalpel slicing through his chest to the saw cutting through his rib cage, he remains completely aware and unable to cry for mercy. Decades later when a series of killings occur, a doctor and his wife wonder if their stalker is that same young boy, now grown up and hell-bent on revenge; from Genius Products ... In "Juncture" (2007), starring Kristine Blacport, Jeff Nicholson and John Hutton, a young woman with a brain tumor and only three months to live becomes a vigilante to hunt down the criminal miscreants who have slipped through the cracks in the criminal justice system; from MTI Home Video ... "Outside Sales" (2006) is a comedy about a depressed salesman coping with a cheating wife, his sadistic boss and the beautiful sales rep hired to replace him, starring Tricia O'Kelley, Lucas Fleischer, Danny Strong and Christopher John Fields, from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment.

For the Family:
"Eon Kid: Season One, Volume One" (2005) features five episodes of the Kids WB! series, $16.98 from Anchor Bay ... "Tom and Jerry Tales Volume 5" is an anthology of 12 cartoons from the Kids' WB series, $14.97 from Warner ... "Superheroes: The Filmation Adventures" is a two-disc set with 18 classic cartoon shorts, $24.98 from Warner ... "The Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship" (2008) is a compilation of sharing, caring and growing up lessons with the animated bears based on the best-selling children's book series; six episodes, $12.99 from Sony ... "Adventures From the Book of Virtues" consists of three DVDs of animated stories from the PBS kids animated series based on William J. Bennett's "The Book of Virtues": "Adventures in Faith," "Adventures in Honesty" and "Adventures in Courage"; $12.98 each or available in a box set for $29.98, from PorchLight Home Entertainment ... In "Play With Me Sesame: Furry, Fun and Healthy Too" Grover, Frazzle Monster and Bert engage in interactive fun while teaching healthy habits such as exercise, good oral hygiene, healthy eating and getting plenty of rest, $14.93 from Genius Products ... "Strawberry Shortcake: Rockaberry Roll" is a new Strawberry Shortcake animated adventure in which Strawberry and her pals form their own band, Strawberry Jam, and enter the Strawberryland Talent Show, $14.98 from Fox ... "Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live" (2008) features songs and stories for kids by the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter; includes "Mom and the Radio," "Mrs. Ammons and the Boys' Room," "You're in Trouble," "The Ballad of Dirty Joe," more; $14.99 from Round River Records.

Special Interest:
"Aftermath: Population Zero" (2008) is a National Geographic look at what the Earth would be like if humans vanished from existence, $19.98 from Warner ... "Raw Spice: The Unofficial Story of the Making of the Spice Girls" (2005) is a documentary that charts the formation of the Spice Girls in 1994, highlighted with never-before-seen footage of the girls candidly discussing their ambitions and fears, as well as their trademark outrageous behavior and some titanic blowouts; $19.98 from Shout! Factory ... "Soundstage: Heart -- Live" is a PBS Soundstage concert recorded in 2005, in high-def video and 5.1 Surround Sound; $19.98 from Koch Vision ... "Soundstage: Reo Speedwagon -- Live: Up Close and Musical" is a 16-song set from the July 3 PBS Soundstage concert, recorded in high-def video and 5.1 Surround Sound; $19.98 from Koch Vision ... "Special Forces Volume 1" contains the war documentaries "The British SAS: Attack in the Desert" and "The Green Berets: Vietnam -- The Battle of Lang Ve"; $6.99 from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... "Special Forces Volume 2" contains the war documentaries "The Royal Dutch Marines: Terror Strikes Twice" and "Germany's GSG-9: Jihad in the Fatherland"; $6.99 from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment ... "Flying in the Secret Sky" (2008) chronicles the U.S. civilian pilots who volunteered to fly much-needed aircraft to Great Britain at the beginning of World War II, a time when the U.S. was neutral; these "cowboys of the air" are the forgotten heroes of WWII, men who embodied the improvisational spirit that was key to the Allied victory; from WGBH Boston Video.

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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Adventures From the Book of Virtues Three DVDs of animated stories from the PBS kids animated series based on William J. Bennett's "The Book of Virtues": "Adventures in Faith," "Adventures in Honesty" and "Adventures in Courage"; $12.98 each or available in a box set for $29.98. (PorchLight Home Entertainment).

Aftermath: Population Zero (2008) National Geographic look at what Earth would be like if humans vanished from existence, $19.98. (Warner).

The American Mall(2008) Nina Dobrev, Rob Mayes, Autumn Reese, Yassmin Alers, Al Sapienza. MTV musical romantic comedy set in a mall and focused on the relationship between two young musicians who fall for each other and their respective personal and professional struggles. Extras: Extended edition, cast commentary, director commentary, deleted scenes, extended performances, music videos, learn to dance with Bonnie, "Eraser Moments." (Paramount).

The Art of War II: Betrayal (2008) Wesley Snipes. Agent Neil Shaw (Snipes) is called out of retirement and finds himself in the midst of a plot to assassinate several leading Senators -- especially when he discovers that he's been set up as bait. Extras: Alternate fight scenes, digital copy. (Sony).

The Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship (2008) Sharing, caring and growing up lessons with the animated bears based on the best-selling children's book series; six episodes, $12.99. (Sony).

Blue Murder, Set 3 Two-disc set with three BBC gritty police procedurals featuring single-mom Detective Chief Inspector Janine Lewis, $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Brand Upon the Brain! (2006) Gretchen Krich, Sullivan Brown, Maya Lawson, Katherine E. Scharhon, Todd Moore. In the weird and wonderful super-cinematic world of Canadian cult filmmaker Guy Maddin, personal memory collides with movie lore for a radical sensory overload. This eerie excursion into the gothic recesses of Maddin's mad, imaginary childhood is a silent, black-and-white comic science-fiction nightmare set in a lighthouse on grim Notch Island, where fictional protagonist Guy Maddin was raised by an ironfisted, puritanical mother. Originally mounted as a theatrical event (accompanied by live orchestra, foley artists, and assorted narrators), the film is an irreverent, delirious trip into the mind of one of current cinema's true eccentrics. Extras: Optional narration tracks by Isabella Rossellini, Laurie Anderson, John Ashbery, Crispin Glover, Guy Maddin, Louis Negrin, and Eli Wallach; "The Making of Brand upon the Brain!; two new short films directed by Maddin: "It's My Mother's Birthday Today" and "Footsteps"; deleted scene, new essay by film critic Dennis Lim. (The Criterion Collection).

Caroline in the City: The First Season (1995-96) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

CJ7(2008) Directed by and starring Stephen Chow. Family comedy about a poor Chinese laborer who learns important lessons after his son gets a strange new toy from the junkyard: a mysterious orb that is really a bizarre "pet" with extraordinary powers. Extras: "The Story of CJ7, " "Anatomy of a Scene," "How to Bully a Bully," "Make Your Own Giant Lollipop" how-to on making your very own lollipop prop, "The Making of CJ7" international television special, CJ7 Mission Control Game, CJ7 character profiles, cast and crew commentary. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Dave's World: The First Season (1993-94) Three-disc set with 23 episodes, $42.99. (Paramount).

The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game Two-disc set with all six episodes from the inaugural season of the PBS Mystery! series about a steeplechase rider who suffers a career-ending injury and returns to the track as a private investigator; based on the fiction of champion-jockey-turned writer Dick Francis; $39.99. (Acorn Media).

Eclipse Series 11: Larisa Shepitko The career of Larisa Shepitko, an icon of sixties and seventies Soviet cinema, was tragically cut short when she was killed in a car crash at age 39, just as she was emerging on the international scene. This two-disc set includes: "Wings" (1966), her first feature after graduating from the State Institute for Cinematography, about a once heroic female Russian bomber pilot now living in quiet, disappointingly ordinary life as a school principal; and "The Ascent," (1977) her emotionally overwhelming final film that won the Golden Bear at the 1977 Berlin Film Festival. Set during the darkest days of World War II, the film follows the path of two peasant soldiers, cut off from their troop, who trudge through the snowy backwoods of Belarus evading the Nazis and seeking refuge from villagers. (The Criterion Collection).

Eon Kid: Season One, Volume One (2005) Five episodes of the Kids WB! series, $16.98. Extras: Photo gallery, extended trailer, downloadable mini poster. (Anchor Bay).

Felon(2008) Val Kilmer, Stephen Dorff, Harold Perrineau, Sam Shepard, Anne Archer. A family man convicted of killing a burglar must cope with life afterward in the violent penal system. Extras: "The Shark Tank: An Inside Look at Felon" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Flying in the Secret Sky (2008) In 1940, Nazi air strikes had Britain on her knees. The RAF was desperate for planes and their supply of U.S. aircraft, sent on ship convoys, had been sunk in the icy Atlantic by German U-boats. In response, a remarkable decision was made -- to fly the planes across the ocean. Because of U.S. neutrality, a message went out through the "aviation grapevine" only -- that a secret operation in Montreal needed experienced civilian pilots ... to pilot the planes to Great Britain. These "cowboys of the air" are the forgotten heroes of WWII, men who embodied the improvisational spirit that was key to the Allied victory. (WGBH Boston Video).

The Game: Life After the Math (2008) Documentary of the West Coast rap artist. (Warner).

Hustle: Complete Seasons 1-4 Eight-disc set, $99.98. (BBC/Warner).

Juncture(2007) Kristine Blacport, Jeff Nicholson, John Hutton. A young woman with a brain tumor and only three months to live becomes a vigilante to hunt down the criminal miscreants who have slipped through the cracks in the criminal justice system. Extras: Commentary by director James Seale, behind-the-scenes featurette. (MTI Home Video).

The Killing Gene (aka Waz) (2007) Stellan Skarsgard, Melissa George, Selma Blair, Ashley Walters. Sadistic tale follows two detectives as they investigate a string of double murder crime scenes left with the mathematical equation "w delta z" carved into each victim's body. As the detectives begin to unearth the meaning of the equation, they realize that each victim is being offered a gruesome choice -- kill their loved one or be killed themselves. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Making of The Killing Gene," torture featurette. "The Killing Gene" in-depth chat with the director, producer and screenwriter. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

Legacy(2008) Haylie Duff, Madeline Zima, Brett Claywell, Margo Harshman, Jane Sibbett, Kate Albrecht, Tom Green. When a geeky, overweight rushee is found dead in the hottest sorority house on campus, three popular sorority sisters become suspects. When their sexy antics fail to impress the police, the girls must pull out every trick in the book to protect their sisterhood. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).

The Legend of the Shadowless Sword (2005 -- South Korean) Seo-jin Lee, So-yi Yoon. Beautiful and deadly warrior sets out to find an exiled prince to restore him to his throne. (New Line).

The Love Boat: Season One, Volume Two (1978) Four-disc set, $39.99. (Paramount).

Muhammad Ali: Made In Miami PBS documentary examines the champion's years in the Magic city as some of his most formative; the crucial time of transformation that rendered the talented Cassius Clay into the larger-than-life legendary Ali; $19.99. (PBS Home Video/Paramount).

The Orange Thief(2007) Andrea Calabrese, Salvo Dazzo. Living on the outer boundaries of society, an eponymous orange thief and some other country-wise ruffians steal fruit for sustenance, sale, and the sheer excitement of courting danger. After the thief ends up in a Sicilian jail, his life takes an unexpected turn when his bunkmate promises him a deal. (Warner).

Outside Sales(2006) Tricia O'Kelley, Lucas Fleischer, Danny Strong, Christopher John Fields. Comedy about a depressed salesman coping with a cheating wife, his sadistic boss and the beautiful sales rep hired to replace him. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

P.D. James: The Essential CollectionFifteen-disc set featuring all nine PBS Mystery productions featuring James' indefatigable Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh; $149.98. (Koch Vision). Extras:

P.D. James: Devices and Desires Latest PBS Mystery adventure has Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh tracking down a serial killer; $29.98. (Koch Vision).

Play With Me Sesame: Furry, Fun and Healthy Too Grover, Frazzle Monster and Bert engage in interactive fun while teaching healthy habits such as exercise, good oral hygiene, healthy eating and getting plenty of rest; $14.93. (Genius Products).

Prison Break: Season Three Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98. Available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Orientation" and "Breakout Episode" featurettes, directors' takes, behind-the-scenes with the cast. (Fox).

Raw Spice: The Unofficial Story of the Making of the Spice Girls(2005) Documentary charting the formation of the Spice Girls in 1994, highlighted with never-before-seen footage of the girls candidly discussing their ambitions and fears, as well as their trademark outrageous behavior and some titanic blowouts; $19.98. (Shout! Factory).

The Secret(2007) David Duchovny, Lili Taylor, Olivia Thirlby. The love of a happily married couple is tested in an unimaginable way when the wife dies and returns to haunt the body of their daughter. (Image Entertainment).

Smart People (2008) Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church, Ellen Page, Ashton Holmes, Christine Lahti. Extras: Interviews, outtakes, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Miramax).

Soundstage: Heart -- Live PBS Soundstage concert recorded in 2005, in high-def video and 5.1 Surround sound; $19.98. Extras: Interviews. (Koch Vision).

Soundstage: Reo Speedwagon -- Live: Up Close and Musical Sixteen-song set from upcoming July 3 PBS Soundstage concert, recorded in high-def video and 5.1 Surround sound; $19.98. Extras: Interviews. (Koch Vision).

Special Forces Volume 1 War documentaries "The British SAS: Attack in the Desert" and "The Green Berets: Vietnam -- The Battle of Lang Ve"; $6.99. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Special Forces Volume 2War documentaries "The Royal Dutch Marines: Terror Strikes Twice" and "Germany's GSG-9: Jihad in the Fatherland"; $6.99. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Strawberry Shortcake: Rockaberry RollNew Strawberry Shortcake animated adventure has Strawberry and her pals forming their own band, Strawberry Jam, and entering the Strawberryland Talent Show; $14.98. (Fox).

Superheroes: The Filmation Adventures Two-disc set with 18 classic cartoon shorts, $24.98. (Warner).

Tom and Jerry Tales Volume 5 Twelve cartoons from the Kids' WB series, $14.97. (Warner).

Wall Street Warriors: Season 2 Two-disc set with 10 episodes of MOJO HD's reality series about Wall Street, $24.98. (Infinity Entertainment).

Watching the Detectives(2007) Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy. Comedy about a film noir buff whose life is turned on end by a femme fatale with a big adventure in mind. (Peace Arch Entertainment/Genius Products).

Wide Awake(2007 - South Korea) Yu-seok Jeong , Myeong-min Kim. A young boy is improperly anesthetized during heart surgery and feels the entire procedure; from the scalpel slicing through his chest to the saw cutting through his rib cage, he remains completely aware and unable to cry for mercy. Decades later when a series of killings occur, a doctor and his wife wonder if their stalker is that same young boy, now grown up and hell-bent on revenge. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Making of Wide Awake," production design featurette, cast interviews, "Anesthesia Awareness" featurette. (Genius Products).

The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season Four-disc set with all 10 episodes from the final season, $59.99. Extras: "The Wire: The Last Word" featurette, "The Wire Odyssey" retrospective, commentaries. (HBO Video).

Wire in the Blood: Prayer of he Bone Sixth season premiere of the critically acclaimed British crime series, $19.98. (Koch Vision).

Yes to Running! Bill Harley Live (2008) Songs and stories for kids by the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter; includes "Mom and the Radio," "Mrs. Ammons and the Boys' Room," "You're in Trouble," "The Ballad of Dirty Joe," more; $14.99. Extras: Documentary, behind-the-scenes interview. (Round River Records).

For more DVD info, check out our DVD calendar pages at
<http://www.onvideo.org/calendar/cal_dvd.htm>

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From: "onvideoguide" <onvideoguide@...>
Date: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:57 am
Subject: OnVideo E-Mail News, Tuesday, August 19, 2008, V12.34

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ONVIDEO'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO HOME VIDEO RELEASES

For Tuesday, August 19 -- Monday, August 25

Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds
Miley Cyrus performs her sold-out "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" on the big screen in a special Disney Digital 3-D presentation. " The filmed version of the concert tour was be shot in state-of-the-art 3-D at several venues during the upcoming 54-city tour, which began in St. Louis on October 18th. Cyrus, the 14-year old singing sensation and star of Disney Channel's hit series, performs both as a solo artist and as her hugely popular television character, Hannah Montana. Vitals: Director: Bruce Hendricks. Stars: Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Kenny Ortega, Billy Ray Cyrus. 2008, CC, MPAA rating: G, 74 min., Music, Box office gross: $65.280 million, Disney.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
A sophisticated and heartfelt comedy. In the 1939-set romantic tale, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand), a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt t

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