OnVideo Guide to Home Video Releases: DVDs

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DVD Reviews

DVD Resources
Links to DVD news, information and sales sites.

Catalogs of DVDs released 1999 -- 2006

DVD Releases
December 2008 Releases
December 2
December 9
December 16
December 19
December 21
December 23
December 26
December 27
December 30
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
December 2

The Best of Dr. Katz (2008) America's favorite animated shrink analyzes today's funniest comedians in this collection of therapy sessions. Includes sessions with Dave Chappelle, Denis Leary, Sarah Silverman, Conan O'Brien, Janeane Garofalo, Ray Romano, more; $19.99. (Paramount).
Cannon: Season One, Volume Two (1971-72) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
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Casablanca Ultimate Collector's Edition (1942) Dir.: Michael Curtiz; stars Humphrey Bogart as the inimitable Rick Blaine, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Dooley Wilson. Available as a two-disc Blu-ray set or a three-disc DVD set. Housed in a giftbox with a laser cut O-sleeve, 48-page photobook, 10 one-sheet reproduction cards, archival correspondence, exclusive passport holder and luggage tag. Extras: Commentaries by Roger Ebert and historian Rudy Behlmer, introduction by Lauren Bacall, additional scenes and outtakes, "Bacall on Boagrt" and "You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca" featurettes, production research gallery, "Carrotblanca" cartoon, premiere episode from the 1955 TV series, scoring session outtakes, bonus disc with "Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul Documentary. (Warner).

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The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis, Vincent Grass, Ken Stott, Pierfrancesco Favino, Sergio Castellitto, Liam Neeson, Eddie Izzard. Extras: Commentaries. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney)
Curious George: Leads the band and Other Musical Mayhem Eight episodes of the PBS Kids TV series, $16.98. Extras: Games, activities. (Universal).
The Day the Earth Stood Still Special Edition (1951) Dir.: Robert Wise; Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe , Sam Jaffe, Billy Gray. Extras: Commentary by Robert Wise and Nicolas Meyer; commentary by film and music historians John Morgan, Steven Smith, William Stromberg and Nick Redman; isolated score track; "The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin"; "The Day The Earth Stood Still Main Title Live Performance" by Peter Pringle; "The Making of The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Decoding 'Klaatu, Barada, Nikto': Science Fiction as Metaphor" featurette; "A Brief History of Flying Saucers" featurette; "The Astounding Harry Bates" featurette; "Edmund North: The Man Who Made the Earth Stand Still" featurette; "Race To Oblivion," a documentary short written and produced by Edmund North; "Farewell to the Master": A reading by Jamieson K. Price of the original Harry Bates short story; interactive pressbook; Fox Movietone news from 1951; advertising gallery; behind-the scenes gallery; portrait gallery; production gallery; spaceship construction blueprints; shooting script. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Fly Me to the Moon (2008) Voices of Trevor Gagnon, Philip Daniel Bolden, David Gore, Christopher Lloyd, Kelly Ripa, Nicollette Sheridan, Ed Begley, Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Tim Curry, Robert Patrick, Buzz Aldrin. (Summit Entertainment).
Growing Up 5 DVD Gift Set Five-disc set from the Animal Planet series with five episodes: "Growing Up Arctic." "Growing Up Wildcats," "Growing Up Safari," "Growing Up Wilderness" and "Growing Up Primates"; $39.92. (Genius Products).
Hey There, It's Yogi Bear (1964) Voices of Daws Butler, Don Messick. New to DVD animated feature; remastered; $19.98. (Warner).
Jake and the Fatman: Season One, Volume Two (1988) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
Law & Order: The Sixth Year (1995-96) Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).
The Longshots (2008) Ice Cube, Tasha Smith, Keke Palmer, Jill Marie Jones, Earthquake. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Making the Longshots," "A Conversation With Director Fred Durst," "A Conversation With Ice Cube," "Jasmine Plummer: The Real Longshot." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Weinstein Company/Genius Products).
Lower Learning (2008) Jason Biggs, Eva Longoria Parker, Rob Corddry. At Geraldine Ferraro Elementary, the teachers are drunk, lazy or psychotic, every child has been left behind, and the burned-out vice principal is barely holding on. When sexy district inspector Rebecca Seabrook (Eva Longoria Parker) arrives to shut down the school, they hatch a plan to take back the classrooms from an insanely corrupt principal. Extras: "The ABC's of Lower Learning" behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
The Man Called Flintstone (1966) Voices of Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Py, Gerry Johnson. New to DVD animated feature; remastered; $19.98. (Warner).
Perry Mason: Season Three, Volume 2 (1959-60) Four-disc set with 14 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).
Rise of the Footsoldier (2007) Ricci Harnett, Terry Stone, Craig Fairbrass. Inspired by the shocking true story of one man's rise to power as the most feared and respected criminal in England. In a place where violence is business and crime a way of life, Carlton Leach was a legend. Everyone knew him, everyone feared him. A street thug, Leach quickly rose to become a member of a notorious gang of criminals who rampaged their way through London and Essex in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Extras:"The Making of Rise of the Footsoldier," interviews with the cast and crew, deleted and extended scenes. (Lionsgate).
Saturday Night Live: The Complete Fourth Season (1978-79) Seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98. Extras: Cast interviews. (Universal).
Step Brothers (2008) Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott.. Available in single-disc DVD unrated and two-disc DVD and Blu-ray unrated versions. Single-disc extras: Theatrical and extended film versions, extended and alternate scenes, "Line-o-rama," gag reel, "Boats 'N Hoes" music video, "The Making of Step Brothers," commentary by Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Adam McKay, special guest NBA star Baron Davis. Two-disc extras: Adds a digital copy of the film, more extended and alternate scenes, deleted scenes, job interviews, therapy sessions, "Dale vs. Brennan -- Sibling Rivalry," "The Music of Step Brothers," more. (Fox).
Wanted (2008) Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc Special Edition, and Blu-ray. Extras: Extended scenes; six featurettes: "Cast and Characters," "Stunts on the L Train," "Special Effects: The Art of the Impossible," "Groundbreaking Visual Effects From Imagination to Execution," "The Origins of Wanted: Bringing the Graphic Novel to Life" and "Through the Eyes of Visionary Director Timur Bekmambetov"; "Wanted" motion comics; "The Making of Wanted: The Game"; "The Little Things" music video mash-up. (Universal).
Where the #$&% is Santa? (2008) Latest outing by Jackass producer Bam Margera. (Warner).
Wisegal (2008 -- TV) Alyssa Milano, Jason Gedrick, James Caan. The story of Patty Montanari, a Brooklyn widow and mother who sells contraband cigarettes to make ends meet. She soon begins a torrid love affair with Frank Russo, a captain in a crime family she's fallen in with, but eventually comes to the realization that this "Family" is ruthless, and begins to fear for her life. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008) Dir.: Chris Carter; David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet. Theatrical Version and Unrated Extended Cut available in a single-disc DVD, a three-disc Ultimate X-Phile Edition DVD with Digital Copy, and a Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Single DVD: Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz; "Body Parts: Special Make-up Effects" featurette; "Chris Carter: Statements on Green Production" featurette; deleted scenes; gag reel; music slideshow: "Dying 2 Live" by Xzibit; still galleries. Extras: Ultimate X-Phile Edition: Adds three-part "Trust No One: Can The X-Files Remain A Secret? feature-length documentary. Extras: Blu-ray adds: "The X-Files Dossier: Agent Dakota Whitney Files" allowing users to create their own Special Agent avatar profile to browse through five "X-Files" case files on clairvoyance; BonusView mode; "The X-Files Complete Interactive Timeline" featuring over 80 video clip segments from "The X-Files" archives; Picture-in-picture commentary with Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz; In-Movie Features via BD remote direct access; "Behind the Camera"; storyboards and concept art; isolated score track. (Fox).
White Dog (1982) Dir.: Samuel Fuller; Paul Winfield, Kristy McNichol. New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the uncut version, approved by producer Jon Davison. Extras: New video interviews with producer Davison, co-writer Curtis Hanson, and Sam Fuller's widow, Christa Lang-Fuller; interview with dog trainer Karl Lewis-Miller; rare photos from the film's production; booklet featuring new essays by critics J. Hoberman and Armond White, plus a rare 1982 interview in which Fuller interviews the canine star of the film. (The Criterion Collection).

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December 9

Anamorph (2007) Willem Dafoe, Scott Speedman, Clea Duvall. A seasoned NYPD detective (Willem Dafoe) is drawn into a gruesome case involving a string of unusual serial murders, perpetrated by a killer who fashions himself an artist. (Genius Products).
Blue Blood (aka If I Didn't Care) (2007) Roy Scheider, Bill Sage, Susan Misner, Noelle Beck, Ronald Guttman. Indie thriller about a seasoned private investigator tasked with untangling a murder in the exclusive community of the Hamptons. (Koch Vision).
Change My Life (2001 -- France) Fanny Ardant, Rochdy Zem. Two fallen angels help each other pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Unemployed actress Nina staggers through the streets of Paris, succumbing to a massive overdose of tranquilizers and ultimately collapsing into unconsciousness. Only one person comes to her aid -- Sami, a lonely Algerian jogging by. But after saving her life, he disappears into the night. (SKD USA/Koch).
The Dark Knight (2008) Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Eric Roberts, Anthony Michael Hall, Nestor Carbonell, Melinda McGraw, Nathan Gamble, Michael Jai White. Extras: "Gotham Uncovered" behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Dark Knight" Imax scenes, "Gotham Tonight" episodes, poster and stills galleries, digital copy of the film, more. Available as a single-disc DVD, a two-disc Special Edition DVD, and a two-disc Blu-ray edition. (Warner).
Deadwood: The Complete Series Gift Box with 19 discs, $179.97.Extras: "The Meaning of Endings": David Milch on the conclusion of "Deadwood," "The Real Deadwood: Out of the Ashes," Q&A with cast and creative team, Deadwood 360 tour, Al Swearengen audition reel (as performed by Titus Welliver). (HBO Video).
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008) Voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carrell, Carol Burnett, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Isla Fisher, Dan Fogler, Amy Poehler, Dane Cook, Jaime Pressly, Jonah Hill. Extras: Single Disc: Commentary by directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino, "Ice Age" short "Surviving Sid." Two-Disc Special Edition: Includes single-disc content and adds digital copy of the film, deleted footage and animation screen tests, "That's One Big Elephant: Animating Horton" featurette, "Bringing the Characters to Life" featurette, "Meet Katie" featurette, "Elephant Fun: The Facts featurette, "Our Speck: Where Do We Fit In?" featurette with kids, "A Person Is a Person: A Universal Message" featurette with cast and crew, "Bringing Seuss to Screen" featurette, "The Elephant in the Room: Jim Carrey" profile, "We Are Here! Game." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
The Early Works of Cheryl Dunye (1990-94) Six shorts by the director Newsday called "the lesbian Spike Lee"; her acclaimed first feature was "The Watermelon Woman" (1996). Extras: Interview with Cheryl Dunye, " More About The Watermelon Woman." $24.95. (First Run Features).
Elephant Tales (2006) Animated adventure. Orphaned elephants Zef and Tutu set off across the African plains to search for their kidnapped family; $26.98. (MGM).
Europa (1991) Dir.: Lars von Trier; Jean-Marc Barr, Barbara Sukowa, Udo Kier. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Commentary featuring director Lars von Trier and producer Peter Aalbaek Jensen; "The Making of Europa" (1991), a documentary on the film from storyboarding to production; "Trier's Element" (1991), a documentary featuring an interview with von Trier, and footage from the set and Europa's Cannes premiere and press conference; "Anecdotes from Europa" (2005), a documentary featuring interviews with film historian Peter Schepelern, and cast and crew from the film; 2005 interviews with cast and crew; conversation with von Trier from 2005, in which he speaks about the "Europa" trilogy; "Europa -- The Faecal Location" (2005), a short film by Gislason; booklet featuring a new essay by critic Howard Hampton. (The Criterion Collection).
Gunsmoke: Season Three, Volume One (1957-58) Three-disc set with 19 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
Happy Days: The Fourth Season (1976-77) Three-disc set with 23 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
A Hole in a Fence (2008) A new documentary from filmmaker D.W. Young that chronicles the changing fortunes of Red Hook, Brooklyn, one of New York City's most unique neighborhoods. It's the story of a vanished homeless community and the young architect who documented it; of an urban farm run by local kids amidst a landscape of industrial decay; of young graffiti writers losing their stomping grounds; of the arrival of a controversial Ikea megastore; of a photographer's vision of nature's renewal; of the doomed struggle to save a rare part of the neighborhood's working waterfront; and of a filmmaker's discovery of a fleeting, hidden world on the other side of a rusty old fence. $19.95. (First Run Features).
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I Am Legend Ultimate Collector's Edition (2007) Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Willow Smith, Charlie Tahan. Three-Disc Special Edition DVD boxed set. Extras: Exclusive 44-Page concept sketch book, 10 concept illustrations, six art cards showing international cities devastated by the Plague Virus, four animated comics, a lenticular lucite commemorative piece featuring imagery from the film, letter from the director, commentary by director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter-producer Akiva Goldsman, deleted scenes, alternate version of the film with a controversial ending, "Creating I Am Legend" minidocumentary gallery, "Cautionary Tale: The Science of I Am Legend," four animated comics, two live-action shorts directed by Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith rehearsal footage of alternate ending, previsualizations of key special effects sequences, visual effects featurette, digital copy of theatrical version. Available as a three-disc DVD set ($49.92) and a two-disc Blu-ray set ($59.99). (Warner).
Lost: The Complete Fourth Season --The Expanded Experience Five-disc set with 14 episodes, $59.99. Extras: Commentaries, bloopers, deleted scenes, "Freighter Folk," "Transforming Hawaii," "Gun Tracking," "The Music of Lost." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
McLeod's Daughers: The Complete Seventh Season. Eight-disc set with 32 episodes of the series about a largely-female workforce at a large family-owned Australian cattle ranch; airs on WE: Women's Entertainment channel in the States. $79.98. (Koch Vision).
The Man Who Came Back (2008) Eric Braeden, George Kennedy, Armand Assante, Sean Young, Billy Zane, Peter Jason, Carol Alt. Traditional western about one man who stood fearlessly against injustice. Framed for murder and left for dead, Paxton (Eric Braeden) fights back to seek revenge at all costs against those who killed his family. (Lionsgate).
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Murnau, Borzage and Fox A 12-disc collection saluting F. W. Murnau and Frank Borzage, directors whose daring camera movements and visually extravagant styles were integral in the development of modern movies: "Lazybones" (1925) -- Frank Borzage, "Street Angel" (1928) -- Frank Borzage, "7th Heaven" (1927) -- Frank Borzage, "Sunrise" (1927) -- F.W. Murnau, "Lucky Star" (1929) -- Frank Borzage, "They Had to See Paris (1929) -- Frank Borzage, "City Girl" (1930) -- F.W. Murnau., "Liliom" (1930) -- Frank Borzage, "After Tomorrow" (1932) -- Frank Borzage, "Young America," (1932) -- Frank Borzage, "Song O' My Heart," (1930) -- Frank Borzage, "Bad Girl," (1931) -- Frank Borzage; "Murnau, Borzage and Fox (2008), a feature length documentary by filmmaker John Cork examining the early history of Fox films and studio head William Fox and his patronage of German expressionist F.W. Murnau. In turn, Murnau's cinematic styles would influence Fox's stable of directors including Frank Borzage, John Ford and Raoul Walsh. $239.98. Extras: Still galleries, restoration notes, scores, more. (Fox). For a complete listing of the set's contents, Click here.
Passion & Power: The Technology of Orgasm (2008) Based on Rachel Maines' bestselling book, "The Technology of Orgasm, Passion & Power," this documentary explores the history of the vibrator, from the Victorian era -- when doctors used the device to relieve women of "hysteria" -- through the sexual revolution of the 1960s to the postfeminist present. Extras: Interview extras, behind the scenes, antique vibrators, "Dancing Vibrator" trailor. $24.95. (First Run features).
Rawhide: Season Three, Volume Two (1960-61) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).
Sex and the City The Movie: The Wedding Edition (2008) Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon , Chris Noth, Candice Bergen, Jennifer Hudson, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler. Limited edition four-disc set with 4 1/2 hours of extras, a music CD compilation "Sex and the City: Songs of Romance," a hardcover photo book, numbered certificate of authenticity, housed in a pink wedding album, $69.98. (Warner).
Three Short Films by Werner Herzog "The Dark Glow of the Mountains," "Ballad of the Little Soldier" and "Precautions Against Fanatics." (New Yorker Video).
Total Western (2000 -- France) Samuel Le Bihan, Jean-Pierre Kalfon. After a drug deal goes wrong, a young man goes into hiding at a reform school in the countryside; when his location is discovered, he and the kids have to protect themselves with whatever means they can. (SKD USA/Koch).
Warner Bros. Horror Double Features Two double-discs: "The Shuttered Room" (1967), starring Gig Young and Carol Lynley, with "It!" (1966), starring Roddy McDowall; and "Chamber of Horrors" (1966), starring Patrick O'Neal, with "The Brides of Fu Manchu" (1966), starring Christopher Lee; $19.98 each. (Warner).
The Wire: The Complete Series Twenty-three disc gift set of all five seasons, $249.99. Extras: Three prequels that explore life before "The Wire," gag reel. (HBO Video).

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December 16

The Cheetah Girls: One World Extended Music Edition (2008) Third Disney Channel Original Movie featuring the Cheetah Girls. Extras: Bloopers, music videos, spots, Bollywood style tattoos. $29.99. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
Crime 360: The Complete Season One Three-disc set with eight episodes, $29.95. (A&E Home Video).
Crossroads (aka The Novice) (2006) Alan Arkin, Jacob Pitts, Amy Acker, Frank Langella, Matthew Carey, Orson Bean. The life of a young Jesuit seminarian is turned upside down when he falls in love with a young woman while working as a volunteer at a soup kitchen. (MTI Home Video).
The Elder Son (2006) Rade Serbedzija, Shane West, Leelee Sobieski, Eric Balfour, Regina Hall, Ed Begley Jr. An alcoholic Russian clarinetist living with his children in Los Angeles is charmed into believing that a fugitive car thief is his son, although his daughter remains suspicious of his motives, while finding herself attracted to her "brother." (Peace Arch Entertainment).
Gangland: The Complete Season Two Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $34.95. (A&E Home Video).
Generation Kill (2008) Based on the national best-selling book by Evan Wright, "Generation Kill" is an authentic and vividly detailed seven-part HBO miniseries that presents an intimate portrait of the first 40 days of the Iraq war from the perspective of the Marines of the First Recon Battalion. Three-disc set, $59.99. Extras: "Generation Kill: A Conversation With the 1st Recon Marines," "Making Generation Kill" featurette, Eric Ladin's video diaries, commentary by creators David Simon and Ed Burns, and from author Evan Wright. (HBO Video).
Goldilocks & the 3 Bears (2008) Voices of Brooke Shields, Tom Arnold, Jamie Lynn Spears. Classic fairy tale remade as a reality TV show. Extras: "A Lesson on How to Draw a Character," "Making Goldilocks and the 3 Bears." $19.97. (The Weinstein Company, Genius Products, The Jim Henson Co.).
Ice Road Truckers: The Complete Season Two Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.95. Extras: "About the Ice Road," "Meet the Truckers," "Life in Northern Canada," "Dangers on the Ice Road" and "Arctic Animals" featurettes. (A&E Home Video).
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea Special Edition (2000) Extras: Storybook narrated by the voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson; deleted song; games. $29.99. (Disney).
Mamma Mia! The Movie (2008) Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc Special Edition and Blu-ray. Extras on all versions: Sing-along, new musical number "The Name of the Game," commentary by director Phyllida Lloyd. Special Edition and Blu-ray add: Deleted scenes, outtakes, "Anatomy of a Musical Number: Lay All Your Love on Me," "Becoming a Singer" featurette, "Behind the Scenes With Amanda," "On Location in Greece," "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" music video, digital copy of the film, "The Making of Mamma Mia!" and "A Look Inside Mamma Mia!" (Universal).
Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Collection Seven-disc set with all 14 episodes of the original series, two feature films "Bean: The Movie" and "Mr. Bean's Holiday," and "Mr Bean: The Animated Series." Extras: Deleted scenes, documentaries, never-before-seen TV sketches, more; $79.95. (A&E Home Video).
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) Dir.: Rob Cohen; Brendan Fraser, Maria Bello, Jet Li, John Hannah, Michelle Yeoh, Anthony Wong, Luke Ford, Isabella Leong. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc Deluxe Edition, and two-disc Blu-ray. Extras: Deleted scenes; extended scenes; seven featurettes: "Preparing for Battle With Brendan Fraser and Jet Li," "The Making of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," "Jet Li: Crafting the Emperor Mummy," "From City to Desert," "Legacy of the Terra Cotta," "Creating New and Supernatural Worlds" and "A Call to Action: The Casting Process"; commentary by director Rob Cohen; digital copy of the film. (Universal).
Petticoat Junction: The Official First Season Five-disc set with 38 episodes, $42.99. Extras: Interviews. (Paramount).
Poor Little Rich Girl (1987) Farrah Fawcett. Two-disc set of the six-part miniseries about gorgeous, lonely, and rich beyond imagination Barbara Hutton, who inherited the vast Woolworth fortune when she was only a child. Craving affection, she burned through the money in high style, and found herself poor and alone after seven failed marriages to princes, a baron, a count, and an American movie star; $29.95. (A&E Home Video).
Power Rangers -- Jungle Fury: Way of the Master and Jungle Fury: Into the Jungle (2008) Two feature-length adventures featuring three skilled warriors who are the Earth's only defense against evil spirits. $19.99 each. (Disney).
Same Old Song (1997 -- France) Sabine Azema, Agnes Jaoui, Jane Birkin, Lambert Wilson. A charming, romantic musical comedy directed by Alain Resnais ("Hiroshima, Mon Amour," "Last Year at Marienbad"). The film revolves around two Parisian sisters caught in a web of dysfunctional relationships and romantic confusion. In a tribute to the classic films of Dennis Potter ("Pennies From Heaven" and "The Singing Detective"), Resnais has his characters lip-synch to fragments of musical recordings from Josephine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf, Johnny Halliday and contemporary pop songs, allowing them to express their innermost thoughts and feelings. Set against the glittering Paris skyline, "Same Old Song" is a captivating and playful, round-robin game of romance. (New Yorker Video).
Sangre de mi sangre (Blood of My Blood) (2007) Jesus Ochoa, Armando Hernandez, Jorge Adrian Espíndola, Paola Mendoza. A Mexican boy smuggles himself to Brooklyn to meet his long-lost father, only to have his identity stolen upon arrival by an impostor who seeks to steal the fathers' fortune. (Genius Products).
Spiker (2007) Frank Zagarino, David "Shark" Fralick, Lou Martini Jr., Ginger Kroll. A nightmare come to life, the Spiker is a massive pink-eyed albino and a maniac killing machine whose physical endurance borders on the fantastic. He escapes from an asylum and returns to the small town he terrorized years before. (MTI Home Video).
Transformers Energon: The Ultimate Collection Four-disc set of adventures in which the Autobots and Decepticons work together with human kind to find the rare and precious substance Energon; $61.99. (Paramount).
The Wedding Director (2006 -- Italy) Sergio Castellitto, Donatella Finocchiaro, Sami Frey. Franco Elica is a dissolute movie director who slides into despair after being asked -- to his horror -- to make a film. Hoping to avoid a looming sexual-harassment scandal, Franco flees to Sicily where he hides out and meets a host of colorful characters: a man who makes his living shooting wedding films, a film director who is faking his own death to finally achieve fame, and a cultured Prince. Beneath the film's farcical surface is a scathing vision of a cinema in decline. Extras: Making-of featurette, production gallery. (New Yorker Video).
Will Shakespeare (1978) Tim Curry, Ian McShane. Two-disc set of the six-part miniseries, $29.95. (A&E Home Video).

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December 19

The House Bunny (2008) Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Rumer Willis, Kat Dennings, Sarah Wright, Dana Goodman, Katharine McPhee, Colin Hanks, Christopher McDonald, Beverly D'Angelo. Extras: Deleted scenes, "The Girls Upstairs: Behind the Scenes With the Real Girls Next Door," "Look Who Dropped By" featurette on the stars who showed up on-set, "I Know What Boys Like" music video, "Zetas Transformed" featurette, "Getting Ready for a Party" featurette, "Anna Faris: House Mom" featurette, "House Bunny Style": Make-up/hair/wardrobe documentary on making over the Zeta girls into "Bunnies," "The Girls of Zeta" featurette, "Calendar Girls" look at the photo shoot for the film's calendar, "House Bunny Memories," more. Available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).
Traitor (2008) Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Said Taghmaoui, Neal McDonough, Jeff Daniels. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Jeffrey Nachmanoff and Don Cheadle, "Action! The Stunts and Special Effects of Traitor," "International Espionage: An In-Depth Look at Traitor's Exotic Locations." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Overture Films/Anchor Bay).

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December 21

American Teen (2008) Documentary reveals the absorbing portraits of five quintessential members of the classic teen social groups -- the popular princess, the enviable jock, the rowdy rebel, the handsome heartthrob and the introverted geek -- through the lives of Indiana teens Megan Krizmanich, Colin Clemens, Hannah Bailey, Mitch Reinholt and Jake Tusing. Extras: Cast interviews, deleted scenes, blogs, character trailers. (Paramount).
Burn After Reading (2008) Dir.: Joel and Ethan Coen; George Clooney, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins, J.K. Simmons. Extras: "Finding the Burn" behind-the-scenes featurette, "D.C. Insiders Run Amuck" casting featurette, "Welcome Back George" companion, comedy piece focusing on George Clooney as he returns for his third collaboration with the Coens. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
Death Race (2008) Dir.: Paul W.S. Anderson; Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Natalie Martinez, Jason Clarke. Extras: Theatrical and unrated extended versions, "Start Your Engines: Making a Death Race," "Behind the Wheel: Dissecting the Stunts," commentary by director Paul W.S. Anderson and producer Jeremy Bolt. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
Hamlet 2 (2008) Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, Melonie Diaz, David Arquette, Elisabeth Shue. Extras: Deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, sing alongs, commentary by director-co-writer Andrew Fleming and co-writer Pam Brady. (Universal).
The Women (2008) Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Candice Bergen, Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman, Carrie Fisher, Lynn Whitfield, Joanna Gleason, Ana Gasteyer, Debi Mazar. Extras: "The Women Behind the Women" featurette, "The Women: The Legacy" featurette, additional scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).


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December 23

Pulse 3 (2008) Jamie Bamber, Boti Bliss, Noureen DeWulf, David Pitt, Laura Cayouette, Courtney Shay Young, Georgina Rylance, Brittany Renee Finamore. Seven years after "Pulse 2" the survivors on Earth have settled into a primitive lifestyle completely void of electronics. The clusters of human survivors live together in refugee camps as the phantoms have taken over the cities ... until teenager Justine escapes to the city and opens a working laptop, unleashing death and destruction. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette. (The Weinstein Co./Genius Products).
Savage Grace (2008) Julianne Moore, Stephen Dillane, Hugh Dancy. The true story of the Baekeland family -- the inventors of Bakelite -- and their descent into sexual obsession and murder. The journey is told though the dramatization of the shocking Barbara Daly Baekeland murder case, which happened in a posh London flat in 1972. (Genius Products).
Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008) Voices of Alyson Court, Paul Mercier. CG-animated sequel. Seven years after the Raccoon City incident, a horde of zombies is unleashed at a major U.S. airport. Special agents Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy quickly arrive on the scene to combat the zombie rampage in classic, high octane "Resident Evil" style. Extras: "The Generation of Degeneration" featurette, character profiles, voice bloopers, faux Leon interview. (Sony).


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December 26

Beethoven's Big Break (2008) Jonathan Silverman, Moises Arias, Stephen Tobolowsky, Eddie Griffin, Jennifer Finnigan. Another direct-to-video sequel featuring the misadventures of the loveable St. Bernard; here Beethoven and his family crash Tinseltown when a Hollywood animal handler adopts the larger-than-life dog. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, gag reel, behind-the-scene featurettes. (Universal).


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December 27

Baghead (2008) Steve Zissis, Ross Partridge, Greta Gerwig, Elise Muller. Writers-directors-brothers and independent film favorites Mark and Jay Duplass ("The Puffy Chair") are back with a quirky little film which gently satirizes horror films, would-be actors and filmmakers -- and people who try to disguise themselves by putting bags over their heads. Four struggling actors retreat to a cabin in the mountains to write a screenplay which would make them all stars. Problem is: What happens when their story idea -- a horror flick about a group of friends tormented by a villain with a bag over his head -- starts to come true? Extras: Commentary by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass, "Mark and Jay Duplass Answer Questions They've Already Answered" featurette, "Baghead Scares." (Sony).
The Duchess (2008) Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling. Extras: "How Far She Went" behind-the-scenes featurette, "Georgiana In Her Own Words" featurette, "Costume Diary." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).
Eagle Eye (2008) Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc Special Edition DVD, and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes, alternate ending, "Asymmetrical Warfare: The Making of Eagle Eye," "Eagle Eye on Location: Washington D.C.," "Is My Cell Phone Spying on Me?" featurette on the balance between modern technology and privacy, "Shall We Play a Game?" conversation with "War Games" director John Badham, Gag Reel, Photo Gallery. (Paramount).
Ghost Town (2008) Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni. Extras: Commentary by director David Koepp and Ricky Gervais, three featurettes: "Making Ghost Town," "Ghostly Effects" and "Some People Can Do It." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).


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December 30

Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget: Uncensored (2008) Headlined by roastmaster John Stamos. $19.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, interviews, more. (Paramount).
Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands (2007) This intoxicating carnival of a film concerns a widow who remarries and gets the respectable husbands she's always yearned for, but her libido recalls her gambling, whore-mongering first husband from the grave. (New Yorker Video).
42 Ways to Kill Hitler National Geographic documentary explores the multiple assassination attempts on Hitler's life and how they could have changed history; $19.98. Timed for the Dec. 26 limited release of Tom Cruise's "Valkyrie." (Warner).
Greek: Chapter Two (2008) Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $29.99. Extras:Bloopers, commentaries, more. (Disney).
The History of Black New York: New York Noir (2008) Documentary examines the history of New York's black citizens and culture, from the early 1600s to today, with rare historical footage and segments on Civil Rights, politics, business, military heroes and entertainment. (Little Dizzy Home Video).
Kyle XY: The Complete Second Season -- Revelations (2007-08) Six-disc set with 23 episodes, $39.99. (Disney).
Nip/Tuck Season 5, Part 1 Five-disc set with 14 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "Hollywood Hedonism" featurette, gag reel, deleted scenes. (Warner).
The Secret Life of the American Teenager: The First Season (2008) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Behind-the-scenes. (Disney).
Surfer Dude (2008) Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Scott Glenn, Willie Nelson. Soulful longboard surfer Steve Addington (McConaughey) returns to Malibu for the summer to find his cool hometown vibe corrupted. New sponsorship demands Addington to expand into Virtual Reality Video Games and Reality TV. Unwilling to participate in digital reality, he chooses to spend his summer surfing his home break. But in a twist-of-fate, the waves go flat. Out of money, his expense accounts cancelled, and betrayed by his buddies, Addington is backed into a harsh corner. The dude needs a wave, and there's never been a drought like this. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
10 Items or Less: The Complete First and Second Seasons Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.95. Extras: "10 Items or Less: A Look Behind-the-Scenes," "Notes From the Casting Couch" featurette, blooper reel, two Internet viral videos. (Sony).
Towelhead (2008) Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Peter Macdissi, Summer Bishil. Follows the dark, bold and shockingly funny life of Jasira, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence. When Jasira's mother sends her to Houston to live with her strict Lebanese father, she quickly learns that her new neighbors find her and her father a curiosity. Worse, her budding womanhood makes her traditional and hot-tempered father uncomfortable. Lonely in this new environment, Jasira seeks friendship and acceptance from her neighbors Mr. Vuoso, an Army reservist, and Melina, a meddling but caring expectant mother. (Warner).
Woman on the Beach (2006 -- South Korea) Seung-woo Kim, Hyun-jung Go, Seon-mi Song, Tae-woo Kim. Filmmaker Joong-rae, suffering from writer's block, takes a trip to the coast with his production designer Chang-wook, who brings along the vivacious Moon-sook. Soon after their arrival, Moon-sook falls for Joong-rae's advances; however, the fickle hero can't commit and he awkwardly parts with her. What had been a sardonic "Jules and Jim" turns into a burlesque "Vertigo" when Joong-rae returns to the coastal resort and attempts to recreate the original romance with a woman who resembles Moon-sook, until his jilted lover shows up. Extras: Making-of featurette, interviews. (New Yorker Video).

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All listings are based on information from the home video studios. Some release dates may change and titles may come out after a specified date (with no announcement from the studio). Additionally, some titles may be released with little or no advance announcement. And since all DVDs are priced at sell-through and are available for substantial discounts at both online and brick-and-mortar stores, we only list suggested retail prices for some special editions, box sets and collections.



All DVDs are screened on a reference system consisting of a Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio, a Rotel RSX-972 Surround Sound Receiver, and Phase Technology 1.1 (front), 33.1 (center), and 50 (rear) speakers and Power 10 subwoofer.


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December 10, 2008
(ISSN 1094-3676).