DVD Playhouse--April 2011

DVD PLAYHOUSE—APRIL 2011
By
Allen Gardner

HEREAFTER (Warner Bros.) Clint Eastwood’s spiritual thriller follows a trio of characters whose seemingly disparate paths converge: Matt Damon as a blue collar Joe who tries to fight against his psychic powers that see “the other side,” Cecile de France as a journalist who somehow survives the tsunami that crushed Indonesia, and a London schoolboy (Frankie and George McLaren) who seeks answers after losing his twin brother. Like all of Eastwood’s films, the narrative construction is tight as a drum, with solid work by all involved. That said, “solid” would have to be the operative word to describe the proceedings here, as well as “unremarkable” and “uninvolving” on an emotional level. Perhaps we expect too much when we see Clint’s name on a film these days, but that’s the flip side of being one of the best. Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew; The Eastwood Factor, a documentary on Clint Eastwood’s life and work, in Hi-Def for the first time on BD. Also available on VOD (Video on Demand). Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
TRON LEGACY 3D/TRON: THE ORIGINAL CLASSIC (Disney) Belated sequel to the 1982 hit has a digitally-youthened Jeff Bridges reprising his role as computer programmer Kevin Flynn, trapped inside a computer video game for the past twenty years (actually it’s been 29, but minor details like this seem unimportant to the filmmakers). Now Flynn’s 20 year-old son (Garrett Hedlund) must enter the high-tech void to free his father and battle his evil virtual clone, a stone-faced psycho named Clu (if this is an homage to veteran character actor Clu Gulager, we wish they’d done it in a better movie). Loaded with candy for the visual cortex, but very little remains for its brother in the cerebellum. Unlike its predecessor, which seemed to have tongue firmly planted in cheek, this reboot seems to take itself quite seriously, and therein lies the problem. Bridges is great as always, and we hope he was well-compensated for his time, not to mention all the different parts he has to play. The original Tron holds up surprisingly well after nearly 30 years, with a youthful Bridges teaming with equally dewy versions of Bruce Boxleitner and Cindy Morgan as they do battle inside a complex video game, run by an evil artificial intelligence named Sark (David Warner). Fun, nostalgic, and still quite eye-popping in its inventiveness. Tron: Legacy is offered in Blu-ray 3-D, Blu-ray 2-D and regular DVD formats, with the original Tron offered in the latter two. Bonuses: Featurettes; Documentaries; Music videos; Trailers; Vintage featurettes; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. DTS-MA 7.1 and 5.1 surround.
WHITE MATERIAL (Criterion) French auteur Claire Denis makes another gem, this one following Gallic cinema icon Isabelle Huppert as an entitled aristocrat living in colonial Africa unwilling to leave her family’s coffee plantation in spite of the civil war that’s encroaching upon her. Echoes of Visconti’s Garden of the Finzi-Continis abound, but in the most positive way. Denis casts her unique eye upon the death of European colonialism, choosing the ideal leading lady to embody the pride and arrogance of the past’s ruling class. Not to be missed. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes; Short documentary on film’s premiere at the 2010 Ecrans Noirs Film Festival in Cameroon; Deleted scene; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0.
ANYWHERE USA (MVD/Cinelove) Bizarre, blackly comic work cast with mostly non-pros about people on society’s fringe, framed around the director’s own daughter and a man living in a van. Winner of a Special Jury Prize at Sundance, this unique work combines the sensibilities of David Lynch, John Waters and an Gonzo goofiness all its own. Impossible to describe, and equally difficult to ignore. Bonuses: Filmmaker commentary; Featurettes; Photo gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
A SHINE OF RAINBOWS (20th Century Fox) Amiable family fare about a young boy (John Bell) who moves with his adoptive mother (Connie Nielsen) to live on an Irish isle, where the discovery of a baby seal pup helps him come of age. Nice support from Aidan Quinn as the boys' reluctant adoptive father, and a refreshing lack of saccharine make this one of the better kid-friendly offerings of late. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE QUIET ARRANGEMENT (HWIC Videoworks) When the wife of a prominent lawyer is kidnapped, the attorney decides to take matters into his own hands, only to find that not everything is as it seems. Strong cast of mostly unknowns (Kyle Jason, Rob Stone among them) deliver the goods in this dark, uncompromising thriller. Bonuses: Director’s cut of the film; Filmmaker and actor commentary; Documentary on film’s production; Deleted and extended scenes; Alternate ending; Short films; Music videos; Trailer and teasers. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
BLOOD OUT (Lionsgate) A small town cop (Luke Goss) travels to the big city, where he finds that local cops refuse to dig deeper into his younger brother’s gang-related murder. When he puts his badge aside and goes undercover to discover the truth, he gets more than he bargained for. An update, or sorts, of Get Carter, the classic 1971 Michael Caine film that launched the British crime genre. Features lots of authentic, gritty scenes and some strong turns by a cast that includes Vinnie Jones, Val Kilmer, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Luke Goss. Solid, if unremarkable thriller that’s worth a look on a rainy night. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HOW DO YOU KNOW (Sony) Writer/director James L. Brooks, responsible for classics such as Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News and As Good As It Gets, lays an egg with this comedic misfire. Former softball pro Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) has seemingly lost everything when she’s cut from Team USA, then finds herself torn between two suitors: dimwit pro baseball player Matty (Owen Wilson) and neurotic corporate wonk George (Paul Rudd), who finds himself in hot water with his powerful father (Jack Nicholson) and the law. Loaded with talent behind and before the camera, this film lacks a single likable character or engaging moment. When Jack Nicholson can’t keep your movie afloat, you’re in trouble! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Blooper reel; Featurettes; Filmmaker commentary; Deleted scenes. Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
THE MIKADO (Criterion) Charming 1939 Technicolor production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s acclaimed operetta, directed by musician/filmmaker Victor Schertzinger. Loaded with stunning visuals and terrific turns by some of British musical theater’s biggest talents of the time, including Martyn Green, Sydney Granville and American expat Kenny Baker. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with Mike Leigh and G & S scholars Josephine Lee and Ralph MacPhail, Jr.; Short silent film promoting D’Oyly Carte Opera Company’s 1926 production of The Mikado; Deleted scene; Excerpt from 1939 radio broadcast. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono.
TOPSY-TURVY (Criterion) Mike Leigh’s wonderful biography of beloved 19th century British composers Gilbert and Sullivan and the staging of their landmark 1885 comic opera, The Mikado. One of the best movies about the theater ever made, buoyed greatly by Leigh’s keen eye for period detail and the lead performances of Jim Broadbent and Allen Corduner as the temperamental duo. Fine support from Leigh stalwarts Timothy Spall, Lesley Manville, Wendy Nottingham and Kevin McKidd. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Leigh; Conversation with Leigh and musical director Gary Yershon; Short film by Leigh; Deleted scenes; Featurette; Trailer and TV spots. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 2.0 surround.
EVERY DAY (Image) Smart serio-comedy about a television writer (Liev Schreiber) dealing with a variety of life’s curveballs from family (Helen Hunt, Ezra Miller, Brian Dennehy), to boss (Eddie Izzard), to seductive co-worker (Carla Gugino, very sexy, indeed). Witty script from writer/director Richard Levine (of Nip/Tuck fame) raises the bar on this warm, witty and wise romp. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
ALIEN 2 ON EARTH (Midnight Legacy) Low-budget Italian rip-off of Alien has been on many a “video nasty” list for virtually every decade since its 1980 release, and never made it to the screen or unedited VHS in the U.S. Touted as the “first widescreen release and definitive version from the original 35mm negative,” this high praise is akin to celebrating the polishing of a hunk of lead to its highest sheen. A group of cave explorers (and we know how many of those there are) are confronted by, among other things, a living rock and demonic, flesh-eating creatures bent on devouring the human race. Hyper-violent and gory, but also very uninventive and quite dull. For cult movie fanatics only! Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Outtakes; Dutch VHS trailer. Widescreen. DTS-MA 2.0.
A SUMMER IN GENOA (eOne) Oscar-winner Colin Firth stars as a widower who, looking for a fresh start, moves with his two young daughters to Genoa, Italy, but quickly realizes that your demons travel with you. Powerful, emotionally-raw drama, with terrific performances from Firth, Catherine Keener, Willa Holland and Hope Davis. Bonuses: Cast and crew interviews; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 (Warner Bros.) The Harry Potter series has the distinction of being the only book-to-film series that keeps improving with each successive installment. With this thrilling first half of Harry’s final chapter, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) set out to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s power—the Horcruxes. As always, dark forces conspire to destroy them, and their best-laid plans. Terrific blend of state-of-the-art visual effects, wonderful performances by a dream supporting cast (Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Richard Griffiths, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, David Thewlis and Julie Walters). Available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Interactive features; Bonus scenes; Digital copy of film. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
CASINO JACK (20th Century Fox) Kevin Spacey stars as real-life D.C. power player Jack Abramoff, whose mind-boggling level of fraud, corruption and finally hubris makes for one of the best social and political satires of 2011. Smart, scathing screenplay by Norman Snider and sure-footed direction from the late George Hickenlooper (this was his final film) just raise the proceedings that much higher, along with stellar support from a fine cast, including Barry Pepper, Jon Lovitz, Kelly Preston and Rachel Lefevre. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurette; Gag reel; Deleted scenes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
RABBIT HOLE (Lionsgate) Nicole Kidman delivers one of her most powerful turns as a mother who is dealing with the death of her young child. Reminiscent of the moody dramas from filmmakers like Ingmar Bergman and Yasojiro Ozu, director John Cameron Mitchell delivers a heartfelt drama where less is more, and what remains unsaid lingers with you the longest. Fine support from Aaron Eckhart, Diane Weist, Tammy Blanchard, and Sadrah Oh. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by the filmmakers; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Dolby 5.1 and DTS-HD 7.1 surround.
THE RESIDENT (Image/Hammer) Hilary Swank stars in this cat-and-mouse thriller about a young medical resident who moves into a spacious Brooklyn loft with a seemingly ideal landlord (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), until she realizes the man has developed a dangerous obsession with her. Solid thriller delivers the goods, and was produced by the rebooted version of Britain’s legendary Hammer Studios. Hammer veteran Christopher Lee makes a welcome and wizened appearance. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
HEMINGWAY’S GARDEN OF EDEN (Lionsgate) Lush adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s autobiographical novel about a young American writer (Jack Huston, excellent) and his wife (Mena Suvari) spending an extended honeymoon in post WW I Europe. When the wife ups the sexual ante by including a sultry Italian woman (Caterina Murino) in the mix, the stakes are raised to a level that will change their lives forever. Hemingway isn’t an easy one to adapt to the screen, but screenwriter James Scott Linville does it with skill, aided by veteran helmer John Irvin, and a supporting cast that includes Matthew Modine and Richard E. Grant. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
RICKY (IFC Films) Francois Ozon brings a delightful tale of magical realism and special effects magic to life. A couple (Sergi Lopez and Alexandra Lamy) have a child that has an unusual condition at birth, which soon causes a media uproar about its true nature. Unique blend of social commentary, love story and comedy. While it’s not always easy to follow, those who stick with it will the rewards ample at the end. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
BUNNY AND THE BULL (IFC Films) Oddball road picture of sorts, set entirely in an apartment. A recluse (Edward Hogg) finds himself suddenly faced with a rodent infestation. His mind goes back to a disastrous journey he took across Europe with best friend Bunny (Simon Farnaby), a womanizing, hard-drinking gambler. Unable to control the stream of memories, the apartment soon becomes the springboard for an odyssey of memories told through snapshots and souvenirs. Strange, to be sure, but also wholly original and quite compelling. Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
HEARTLESS (IFC Films) Director Philip Ridley helms this supernatural thriller about a young photographer (Jim Sturgess) who finds himself thrust into an alternate world teeming with grotesque monsters and abominations, led by a demon (Joseph Mawle) who offers the young man everything he’s ever dreamed of—for a price. Who’s-who of British cinema cast includes Timothy Spall, Ruth Sheen, Eddie Marsan, and Clemence Poesy. An inventive blend of Faustian fantasy and urban thriller. Bonuses: Trailer; Featurettes; Commentary by filmmakers; UK trailers; Music videos. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ALL GOOD THINGS (Magnolia) Harrowing true story set in early 1980s New York during the real estate boom. Ryan Gosling stars as wealthy real estate heir Robert Durst whose wife Kathie (Kirsten Dunst) disappeared mysteriously in 1982 and was never seen again. While Durst was a suspect in his wife’s disappearance, no charges were ever filed. No spoilers have been revealed here, as the film’s real story is the character of Durst himself and the time and place in which the story is set. Fine work from the entire cast, including the great Frank Langella and Philip Baker Hall, as well as director Andrew Jarecki. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Featurettes; Interview with Jarecki; Commentary with Jarecki and Durst; Commentary with Jarecki and co-writer/producers Marcus Hindrey and Marc Smerling. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
BLACK SWAN (20th Century Fox) Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s take on The Red Shoes captured star Natalie Portman a Best Actress Oscar in this tale of a prima ballerina who finds herself disappearing into her character from Swan Lake. Easily the most polarizing film of 2010, with the audience clearly cut down the middle between the film’s fans and its detractors. This critic is in the latter camp, and found the film overwrought, pretentious and almost laughable in its exuberant melodramatics. The one standout: Mila Kunis as Portman’s friendly (or not) rival in the ballet company. Shamefully overlooked by Oscar, her work rises above the histrionics of the proceedings. Judge for yourself. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Documentary on film’s production; Featurettes; BD-LIVE interactive features. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
VANQUISHER (Magnet) Thai martial arts star is given a solid showcase playing a Bangkok special ops police officer who finds herself betrayed by a CIA operative during a mission to take out an Al Qaeda cell. When their paths cross again while trying to take out a suicide bomber capable of killing thousands, she must use all her skills and wits to take on enemies from both sides. Slickly made thriller is sure to please fans of martial arts films and action thrillers alike. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (Lionsgate) Jim Carrey stars in this eccentric comedic tale of a con man who goes from white collar businessman, to incarcerated criminal, and back again, all in the name of his love for…you guessed it, the eponymous character above (Ewan McGregor). Fascinating blend of humor and character study written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, featuring what might be Carrey’s best performance. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Filmmaker commentary; Featurette; Deleted scenes; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround.
AFTER DARK ORIGINALS (Lionsgate) Two new titles are released this month from the low-budget horror series: HUSK finds a group of twentysomethings stuck in a remote farmhouse after a school of crows destroys their windshield. As in all horror movies set in the heartland, the farmhouse and the fields surrounding it hide a terrifying supernatural ritual. PROWL tells the story of a group of young people who yearn to leave their small town and foolishly accept a ride in the back of a semi that turns out to be loaded with cartons of blood. When the truck parks itself in an abandoned warehouse loaded with otherworldly creatures hunt human prey, they really begin to wish they’d gone Greyhound. Both films are serviceable gorefests with attractive young casts, but nothing new. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by cast and crew; Sketches and storyboard galleries; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
SILENT NARUSE (Criterion/Eclipse) Invaluable collection of Japanese cinematic pioneer Mikio Naruse’s silent works, produced between 1931-34, which are regarded by cinefiles and scholars as silent masterpieces. Five films: Flunky, Work Hard; No Blood Relation; Apart From You; Every-Night Dreams; and Street Without End focus mostly on women: geisha, housewives, waitresses and the like, who are confined to societal roles forced upon them by the times. Poignant, brilliantly shot melodramas are beautifully restored for this collection, and represent the only remaining films from Naruse’s body of work. New scores by Robin Holcomb and Wayne Horvitz. All are full screen, Dolby 2.0 stereo.
NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS (IFC Films) Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Cannes, this extraordinary film was shot in secret on the streets and in the houses of Tehran, Iran by director Bahman Ghobadi (and co-written by imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi) focusing on Iran’s burgeoning (and illegal) underground music scene, following a pair of young musicians recently released from prison on a mission to take their band out of their oppressive homeland and into Europe. Powerful, funny and heartbreaking, a true landmark film about the power of artistic expression. Bonuses: Featurette; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ONE WEEK (IFC Films) Joshua Jackson stars as a man diagnosed with terminal cancer who decides to chuck the remnants of his unsatisfying life, buy a vintage Norton motorcycle and head west. Satisfying road picture has the expected Picaresque structure the genre requires, with host of memorable and quirky supporting characters who aid and enlighten Jackson on his fateful journey. Bonuses: Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.




BLU BAYOU The big news in the world of Blu this month is Sony’s release of Martin Scorsese’s TAXI DRIVER in a long-awaited digital transfer with a remastered DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Robert De Niro established himself as the actor of his generation with his portrait of disaffected Vietnam vet Travis Bickle, whose social alienation manifests itself in one of cinema’s most horrific and cathartic depictions of violence. World-class across the board, from Paul Schrader’s screenplay, to Bernard Hermann’s superlative final score, and a supporting cast that includes Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks and Jodie Foster. An authentic American classic that is a must-have in every cinefile’s library. Bonuses include: Interactive script to screen; Commentary by Scorsese and Schrader; Commentary by Schrader and Professor Robert Kolker; Featurettes; Documentary on the film’s production; Animated photo galleries. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Sony also releases a 25th anniversary edition of Rob Reiner’s STAND BY ME, one of the best American coming-of-age films, based on Stephen King’s novella The Body. Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell play four friends on the cusp of high school adolescence in the late ‘50s who trek into the woods to find the body of a local boy who was supposedly killed by a train. Kiefer Sutherland has never been better playing a sadistic (and most likely psychotic) bully. Funny, tragic, lyrical and gorgeous, buoyed by a terrific period soundtrack. Reiner’s finest hour as a director, hands-down. Bonuses: Picture-in-picture commentary with Reiner, Wheaton and Feldman; Featurettes; Music video; Audio commentary by Reiner. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. Blue Underground releases Dario Argento’s INFERNO, a 1980 shocker about a sister (Irene Miracle) and brother (Leigh McCloskey) who finds themselves caught in a spiral of evil and murder after coming across a diary that reveals the secrets of “The Three Mothers.” Third in Argento’s so-called “Three Mothers” trilogy contains, as in all his work, one of the great color palates ever committed to film. Oozing with style and technically brilliant filmmaking, but also sorely lacking a coherent story. Much of the direction was done by an uncredited Mario Bava, Argento’s mentor, after Argento fell ill during production. Worth seeing as an example of pure cinema, but don’t look for any logic! Bonuses: Interviews with cast and crew; Trailer; Intro by Argento. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and Dolby 5.1 surround. Lionsgate releases Wes Craven’s Scream trilogy: SCREAM, SCREAM 2 and SCREAM 3. Beginning with the first (and best) of the three films, a disparate group of young people find themselves falling prey to a mysterious killer, whose deadly acts seem to mirror the most famous scenes from the most popular horror movies in history. Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette manage to survive long enough to star in all three films which, by the time part 3 arrives, becomes too much of something that wasn’t necessarily a good thing to start out with. Bonuses on all three include: Commentary by Craven, cast and crew; Featurettes; Outtakes; Trailers and TV spots; Interviews with cast and crew. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. MGM/Fox releases George Stevens’ Biblical epic THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, one of the last big studio all-star epics, released in 1965. Max Von Sydow is a suitably somber Christ in this three hour, twenty minute behemoth that contains some of the great set pieces in cinema history, and also some of the biggest casting gaffes in film history (John Wayne as a Roman Centurion, to name one). Other big names who show up include Carroll Baker, Ina Balin, Pat Boone (!), Richard Conte, Jose Ferrer, Van Heflin, Charlton Heston, Martin Landau, Angela Lansbury, David McCallum, Roddy McDowall, Dorothy McGuire, Sal Mineo, Donald Pleasence, Sidney Poiteir, Claude Rains, Telly Savlas, Shelley Winters and Ed Wynn. Bonuses: Documentary on film’s production; Deleted scene; Trailer. Widescreen. DTS-HD 5.1 surround. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is director Norman Jewison’s 1971 adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, and is being released in a 40th anniversary BD/DVD combo pack. Israeli actor Topol stars as Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman in Czarist Russia who dreams of a better life for himself and his daughters. Stunning filmed on location in Croatia, with visuals that really pop on BD. Bonuses: Commentary by Jewison and Topol; Featurettes; Deleted song “Any Day Now”; Deleted scene; Trailers, teasers and TV spots. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and Dolby 5.1 surround.Criterion releases Jean-Pierre Melville’s LE CERCLE ROUGE, one of the French crime auteur’s greatest works, with Alain Delon as a recently paroled master thief who joins forces with a notorious criminal (the great Gian Maria Volante) and an alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand) to pull off a heist against impossible odds. Beautifully-shot in muted colors, this is one of Melville’s greatest meditations on fate, friendship and the folly of desperate men. Bonuses: Restored uncut version; Excerpts from the TV program “Cinema de Notre Temps” on Melville; Interviews with crew members; Archival interviews with cast and crew; Vintage on-set footage; Trailers. Widescreen. Dolby 1.0 mono.



DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! A&E releases DR. QUINN MEDICINE WOMAN: THE COMPLETE SEASON THREE, starring Jane Seymour as the frontier doctor who captured audiences hearts for nearly a decade on CBS. Eight discs feature 25 episodes of the series’ third season. Bonuses: Commentary by Seymour and co-star Joe Lando; Cast biographies. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Shout Factory releases THE ERNIE KOVACS COLLECTION, a priceless assembly of six DVDs and over 13 hours of the television pioneer’s work from 1951 to 1962, when he was tragically killed in a car crash at age 42, cutting short a brief and brilliant career. Kovcas’ unique brand of humor, in which he bent, stretched and practically reinvented the then-young medium of television created so many influential techniques, it helped create the “language” of TV that we take largely for granted today. Shows like “SNL” and the like would never have existed with Ernie Kovacs’ groundbreaking work. Bonuses: 44-page book with essays, rare photos and program notes. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. Acorn Media releases THE RED GREEN SHOW: THE DELINQUENT YEARS a nine disc set containing 47 classic episodes of the series’ 1997-99 run, a celebration of all things Canadian. Starring Ranger Gord, Bill Smith, and Hap Shaughnessy, as the denizens of the Possum Lodge, for three more years of doing what men do when women aren’t around—and some things that are even worse. Bonuses: Character bios and production notes. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. eOne releases ANTARCTIC MISSION: THE COMPLETE SERIES, which follows the crew of the Sedina IV as they study the wildlife of the Antarctic. Stunningly photographed in HD, with images that really pop on the BD version. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-HD 5.1 surround. ANYTHING GOES is an early television production, from 1954, that originally aired on “The Colgate Comedy Hour.” This delightful tale of jazz age madness is scored to Cole Porter’s greatest hits, and features turns from Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Burt Lahr, and Sheree North. Book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse. Long thought one of the many “lost” kinescopes from the ‘50s, a print was recently discovered in the late Ethel Merman’s collection by her heirs. Bonuses: Interview with musical director Buddy Bregman. Full screen. Dolby 1.0 mono. Athena releases THE COSMOS: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE takes a look at heady questions such as where the universe came from, the idea of intelligent life outside our own galaxy, and the sophisticated technology that modern scientists are using to come closer to answering these questions man has pondered since the beginning of time. Weighty stuff, presented with a light touch. Bonuses: Viewer’s guide; Photo gallery. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. BILL MOYERS’ THE LANGUAGE OF LIFE features Moyers engaging eighteen different writers, discussing their love of, and use of, the written word for personal expression and how language both endures and evolves over time. Fascinating for scholars, students and lovers of the written and spoken word alike. Bonuses: Viewers’ guide. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE GENIUS OF DESIGN takes a look at the history of architecture in a fascinating, five-part program that examines the art and science of design, and that which it shapes. Bonuses: Viewer’s guide. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Paramount/Nickelodeon release ICARLY: SEASON 2 VOLUME 3, a three disc set featuring 15 episodes and two TV movies from the Tween favorite that follows Carly, Spencer, Freddie, and Gibby and their musically-inspired adventures. Bonuses: Pilot episode of T.U.F.F. Puppy; Shorts. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. BIG TIME RUSH follows the journey of four friends who go from a carefree life of hockey and hanging by the pool, to Hollywood stardom. Musical series is sure to appeal to the Tween set, particularly girls. Two-disc set features eleven episodes. Bonuses: Trivia track; Photo flipbook. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Paramount releases WALLENBERG: A HERO’S STORY stars Richard Chamberlain as Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who saved countless Jewish lives during WW II. Co-starring Alice Krige, this epic miniseries won four Emmys in 1985. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono. PBS Video leads the pack with its slate of releases this month, including: SECRETS BENEATH THE ICE a “Nova” episode which looks at scientists researching the effects of global warming on the polar ice shelf. Sobering, fascinating stuff. HOW SMART ARE ANIMALS? takes a look at the surprisingly advanced intellects of some of the most beloved members of the animal kingdom, including dogs, dolphins, and octopi. The final segment takes a look at scientist Irene Pepperberg and her talking parrot, Alex, and how their studies helped revolutionize ideas about animal communication and intelligence. BATTLE FOR HAITI examines how the already-beleaguered nation of Haiti has coped with the aftermath of the disastrous January, 2010 earthquake that left the island in ruins, focusing on how an escape from the quake-ravaged National Penitentiary, and how the now-free gangsters and their leaders are assuming control again. Fascinating and horrifying, by turns. HOW DOES THE BRAIN WORK? examines how the organ that controls our thoughts and actions operates under a variety of conditions. Divided into four sections: “Magic and the Brain,” “Can Machines Think Like Us,” “Magnetic Mind Control,” and “Profile: David Eagleman, this is a fascinating look at human biology and how it is constantly evolving.



DOCUMENTARY DAYS Criterion releases THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK, Robert Epstein and Richard Schmiechen’s award-winning look at the trailblazing San Francisco City Supervisor, the city’s first openly gay public official, and how his 1978 assassination helped bring the gay rights movement to the forefront of national issues. Released in 1984, doc is also notable for being one of the first to deal with gay and lesbian issues in the U.S. A truly groundbreaking work that endures. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Epstein, co-editor Deborah Hoffmann, photographer Daniel Nicoletta; Bonus interview clips; Featurettes; Audio and video recordings of Milk; Research tape excerpts. Essay by film critic Ruby Rich. Full screen. Dolby and DTS-HD 1.0 mono. HBO releases IF GOD IS WILLING AND DA CREEK DON’T RISE, Spike Lee’s follow-up to his epic look at New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Lee takes up where he left off five years later, portraying the rebirth of the Crescent City and the ensuing stories of hope and heartache that are bookended by the 2010 Super Bowl victor of the New Orleans Saints, and the BP oil spill that rocked the Gulf once again. Powerful and, like of all Lee’s work, pulls no punches. Bonuses: Commentary by Lee; Featurette with bonus interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. eOne releases THE LAST CONTINENT, another look by filmmaker Jean Lemire about a brave group of scientists aboard the Sedna IV as they explore Antarctica. Narrated by Donald Sutherland, this breathtaking work, shot in HD, shows some of the most amazing images of nature ever captured during the ship’s 430 day journey. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: 11 featurettes. Widescreen. DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 surround. INTO THE COLD (Sebastian Copeland) Another gripping look at man vs. nature, this time from filmmaker Sebastian Copeland, who documents his training and then extensive trip on foot across the North Pole. Stunning look at a rarely-seen part of the world, and also a timely warning about how man-made carelessness is slowly leading to the erosion of our most precious natural resources. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. MVD releases DERAILROADED, which takes a look at Larry “Wild Man” Fischer’s adventures in the music business, and lifelong battle with mental illness. Interviews with legendary figures such as Frank Zappa, Mark Mothersbaugh and Solomon Burke help propel this compelling and tragic story. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Outtakes; Featurettes and interviews. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Image releases COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD: TWO MAN GROUP, a record of the comic duo’s unique brand of improv in their sold-out, hit stage show. One of the funniest live shows you’re likely to see. Bonuses: Featurette; Interviews with Colin & Brad. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. NewVideo/History Channel releases STAN LEE’S SUPERHUMANS, co-hosted by the legendary Marvel Comics founder, which takes an eight episode look at people with extraordinary powers, such as “The Human Calculator,” “Rubber Band Man,” “Man of Steel,” and more. Fascinating and great fun. Bonuses: Additional footage. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE PRESIDENT’S BOOK OF SECRETS takes a look at the confidential secrets that U.S. Presidents have been privy to throughout history. Interviews with former intelligence operatives, renowned historians and archivists show how classified information is treated in the highest circles of political power. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE THIRD REICH takes an in-depth look at what made Hitler’s terrifying regime so powerful and how they came close to their goal of global domination. Rare footage, photos and newsreel film, as well as interviews with historians makes this fascinating viewing. Two-disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. THE UNIVERSE: THE MEGA COLLECTION offers the entire groundbreaking series in a mammoth boxed set. Shot in eye-popping HD, series combines stunning NASA footage with state-of-the-art CGI graphics, all telling the amazing story of how the universe came into being, and how it continues to evolve. A must-see for students, teachers and science buffs alike. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Episode in 3D; Feature-length documentary: “Beyond the Big Bang”; Featurettes. Full screen. DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases IMAX HUBBLE is an amazing document of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and its mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, film combines breathtaking material with images taken during the 20 years Hubble has been our window into space. Bonuses: Featurette. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. First Run Features releases BEHIND THE BURLY Q, filmmaker Leslie Zemeckis’ affectionate look at the bygone era of burlesque performers, who once ruled the American stage during the 1930s-1950s. Featuring hilarious and poignant interviews with former performers and witnesses to the era’s greatest performers, such as Alan Alda, (whose father Robert Alda got his start in burlesque), Blaze Starr, and Lili St. Cyr, as well as terrific archival film and photos. Exec produced by Robert Zemeckis. Bonuses: Featurettes; Bonus interviews; Photo gallery; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.



FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS Vivendi releases THE GARFIELD SHOW: PRIVATE EYE VENTURES, featuring six detective/spy-themed cartoons starring everyone’s favorite pizza-munching feline. Sure to please the little folks in your house. Bonuses: Garfield shorts. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. PBS releases WILD KRATTS CREATURE ADVENTURES starring Martin and Chris Kratt, in animated form, as they interact with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Ten episodes offer great animation and heart-warming, educational stories. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. Paramount releases MAX & RUBY: RAINY DAY PLAY! featuring 12 episodes with everyone’s favorite lupine hero and heroine, all with educational themes. Perfect for pre-school and early grade school-aged kids. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. DIEGO SAVES THE WORLD! features the kids from “Go Diego Go!” in six travel-themed adventures involving animals. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo. 20th Century Fox releases ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3: THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES two new feature-length sequels to the original family hit that finds, in part 2, Arthur traveling back to the Minimoy world to join forces with old friend Max to do battle with evil Maltazard. Part 3 finds Arthur chasing Malthazar into the giant human world where an army of giant mosquitoes sets off an epic battle between the two kingdoms. Great blend of animation and live action, featuring voice work from Freddie Highmore, Snoop Dog, Will.i.am, Fergie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Selena Gomez. Mia Farrow appears as Granny. Both are directed by French action maestro Luc Besson! Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround. Warner Bros. releases YOGI BEAR, featuring Dan Aykroyd as the voice of Yogi and Justin Timberlake as Boo Boo in this CGI animated adventure about everyone’s favorite Jellystone National Park bears. Other voices include Anna Faris, Tom Cavanaugh, T.J. Miller and Andrew Daly. Great fun and skillfully-updated version of the classic Hannah-Barbera cartoon. Available in a BD/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Music video; Interactive games; New Looney Tunes cartoon, “Rabid Rider.” Widescreen. DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 surround. BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, offers all-new animated adventures starring the Caped Crusader, in a 2-disc collection offering 13 different stories. Terrific animation and use of color, with clever storylines sure to please kids young and old alike. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround. SESAME STREET: WILD WORDS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES offers three nature-themed episodes from the venerable PBS children’s show, starring Elmo and his friends, with guest appearances by Jimmy Fallon, Meredith Viera, and Debra Messing. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.