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December 1

All Hell Broke Loose (2009) Jim Hilton, David Carradine. A former Civil War sharpshooter becomes an assassin until a change of heart drives him to take up ranching ... until a U.S. Marshall asks him to pick up his gun again to go after the gang he once rode with. Extras: Commentary, stills gallery. (North American Motion Pictures).

Ben 10: Alien Swarm (2009) Fourth edition of the Cartoon Network series, $19.97. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

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Better Off Ted Season One (2009) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.98. (Fox).

Carriers (2009) Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Emily VanCamp, Chris Melon. Determined to escape a deadly virus, four teens set out in search of an uncontaminated refuge. As they travel across the decimated landscape of America, they encounter a truth far more horrifying than the virus they are trying to survive. For rental only; the DVD will be available for sale four to six weeks after its rental street date. (Paramount).

A Christmas Tale (2008) Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, Melvil Poupaud. In Arnaud Desplechin's beguiling "A Christmas Tale (Un conte de Noel)," Catherine Deneuve brings her legendary poise to the role of Junon, matriarch of the troubled Vuillard family, who come together at Christmas after she learns she needs a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative. That simple family reunion setup, however, can't begin to describe the unpredictable, emotionally volatile experience of this film, an inventive, magical drama that's equal parts merriment and melancholy. Unrequited childhood loves and blinding grudges, brutal outbursts and sudden slapstick, music, movies, and poetry are all tied together in a marvelously messy package. Extras: "L'aimee," Desplechin's 2007 documentary about the selling of his family home, new documentary featuring interviews with Desplechin and actors Mathieu Amalric and Catherine Deneuve, booklet featuring an essay by critic Philip Lopate. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

The Donna Reed Show: Season Three (1960-61) Four-disc set with 38 episodes, $39.95. Extras: -Donna Reed's real life daughter Mary Owen and TV-son Paul Petersen Q&A taped at Barnes & Noble in New York City; original letter to Donna Reed from a soldier in World War II; "It's a Wonderful Life" tribute; rare filmed holiday greetings from the cast. (Virgil Films & Entertainment).

Handy Manny: Manny's Motorcycle Adventure (2009) First-ever full-length animated feature has Manny bringing his friends and tools along for a cross-country ride. Extras: Bonus episode; original song by Latin-rock band Los Lobos; two interactive viewing modes: "Adventure mode 1 (ages 2-3) uses the remote to answer fun questions about colors, shapes and sizes, Adventure mode 2 (ages 4-5) moves to a higher level with more challenging questions using the remote. $26.99. (Disney).

Into the Storm (2009) Brendan Gleeson, Janet McTeer, James D'Arcy, Patrick Malahide. Biodrama about Winston Churchill as he leads Britain into World War II; sequel to the 2002 TV movie "The Gathering Storm." (HBO Home Video).

Mental Season One (2009) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Unrated alternate pilot, "Paging Dr. Gallagher" featurette. (Fox).

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo Choo Express (2009) Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy star in this feature-length adventure revolving around Professor Von Drakje's creation of a snow that never melts. Extras: Bonus episode, original song by alt-rock band They Might Be Giants; two interactive viewing modes: "Adventure mode 1 (ages 2-3) uses the remote to answer fun questions about colors, shapes and sizes, Adventure mode 2 (ages 4-5) moves to a higher level with more challenging questions using the remote. $26.99. (Disney).

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XVI Limited edition four-disc set with "The Corpse Vanishes," "Warrior of the Lost World," "Santa Claus" and "Night of the Blood Beast." Extras: New interview with "Warrior of the Lost World" director David Worth, "Santa Claus Conquers the Devil: A 50-Year Retrospective," "Night of the Blood Beast" (Turkey Day Version), Turkey Day '95 intros, original theatrical trailers, four exclusive MST3K mini-posters by artist Steve Vance, collectible Tom Servo figurine. $64.99. (Shout! Factory).

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) Dir.: Shawn Levy; Stars: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Christopher Guest, Jon Bernthal, Bill Hader, Alain Chabat, Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon. Available as a three-disc combo pack (Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy), a two-disc special "MonkeyMischief" DVD and a single-disc DVD. Extras: Gag reel, deleted scenes, alternate ending, "Curators of Comedy: Behind the Scenes With Ben Stiller" featruette, "Phinding Pharaoh With Hank Azaria" featurette, "Cherub Bootcamp,"commentaries by the filmmakers; Blu-ray and "Monkey Mischief" add "Show Me the Monkey" featurette, games. (Fox).

Paper Heart (2009) Michael Cera, Charlyne Yi, Jake M. Johnson, Seth Rogen, Paul Rust, Demetri Martin, Lydia Yi, Martin Starr. Read more about "Paper Heart" in the December Calendar. Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Overture Films).

Ride Around the World (2006) Documentary takes a journey across Morocco, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Patagonia, Texas and British Columbia to meet vaqueros, gauchos, baqueanos and cowboys -- all part of a single global horse culture, an unbroken trail stretching back 1,200 years. Winner of the 2007 Best Documentary Award at the Western Heritage Awards and a Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Park City Film Music festival. Extras: Making-of documentary, trivia quiz. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

Saturday Night Live: The Complete Fifth Season (1979-80) Seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98. (Universal).

Terminator Salvation (2009) Dir.: McG; Stars: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard, Moon Bloodgood, Common, Jadagrace, Helena Bonham Carter. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

WWE: History of the World Heavyweight Championship (2009) The World Heavyweight Championship can be traced back over a century; this three-disc set highlights its story, from the early National Wrestling Alliance, to World Class Wrestling through its current home at WWE in this never before seen documentary. Past and present champions relate the title's significance and relive the emotional moments that surround the championship. Includes more than 20 championship matches. $34.95. (WWE Entertainment).

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December 8

Brigitte Bardo Classic Collection Three Bardot films: "The Night Heaven Fell," "Plucking the Daisy" and "Don Juan." (Image Entertainment).

The Cove (2009) Documentary on the fishermen of Taiji, a town along the Japanese coast, where hunting dolphins is a major part of the local economy. A few dolphins are saved during hunting season and sold off to aquariums for water shows, and the rest are crowded together and -- away from prying eyes -- stabbed to death, their meat sold as food. The very act of hunting has also poisoned the area's waters and has taken a toll on the marine ecology. (Lionsgate).

Crime Wave: 18 Months of Mayhem (2009) History Channel documentary revealing the real people behind some of America's most notorious criminals: John Dillinger, Machine Gun Kelly, Babyface Nelson and Bonnie and Clyde. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Dog Eat Dog (2008 -- Columbia) Oscar Borda, Blas Jaramillo, Marlon Moreno, Paulina Rivas. When two fed-up, underpaid street soldiers decide to double-cross their boss on a cash-collection shakedown -- and gun down his beloved godson -- the crime lord dispatches every murderous gangster and merciless thug in the city, and even a voodoo priestess, to eliminate the desperate duo. (IFC Films).

The Fugitive: Season Three, Volume Two (1966) Four-disc set, $39.98. (Paramount).

Get Smart Season 5 (1969-70) Four-disc set with 26 episodes, $24.98. (HBO Home Video).

Ghosted (2009 -- Mandarin) A mysterious love story set in Taiwan and Germany. German artist Sophie is trying to come to terms with the unsolved murder of her Taiwanese lover Ai-Ling. After a run-in with the seductive Mei-Li, a journalist investigating Ai-Ling's death, Sophie flees back to Germany. But when Mei-Li turns up on her Hamburg doorstep, the mystery deepens. (First Run Features).

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, David Bradley, Jim Broadbent, Jessie Cave, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Frank Dillane, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Helen McCrory, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Natalia Tena, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Julie Walters, David Thewlis, Bonnie Wright. Available as a three-disc Blu-ray combo pack that includes the film, bonus features, a standard DVD version of the film and a digital copy; a two-disc DVD special edition with more than two hours of extras as well as a digital copy; and a standard DVD. Extras: The Blu-ray and two-disc versions will include two behind-the-scenes featurettes, including one focusing on the last year of writing the "Harry Potter" books with author J.K. Rowling; two smaller, cast-centered featurettes; deleted scenes and more. The Blu-ray will include Warner's Maximum Movie Mode feature, which offers picture-in-picture information features and commentary from director David Yates, producers David Barron and David Heyman and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton. (Warner).

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ultimate Edition Five-disc set with theatrical and extended versions. First part of "Creating The World of Harry Potter" eight-part documentary: Part 1: The Magic Begins, in which viewers get an inside, in-depth look at the planning, creativity, personalities and other elements that went into the initial creation of Harry's screen world; 48-page photo book, five hours of special features. Features: Diagon Alley; Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry's Room and the Great Hall -- Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts; Classrooms: Defense Against The Dark Arts; Spells And Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; Third Floor Corridor; deleted scenes; Sorting Hat; Library; Gallery of Art & Architecture; Hogwarts Yearbook; "Guide to Ghosts; Hogwarts Grounds; Quaffle and Bludger: Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch; tour Hagrid's hut; Extra Credit; Interview: Capturing the stone: A conversation with the director Chris Columbus, producer David Heyman, screenwriter Steve Kloves and production designer Stuart Craig; "A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter" 2001 international TV special; deleted scenes; trailers and TV spots; digital copy of theatrical film. Blu-ray Disc adds: In-Movie Experience with director Chris Columbus: An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined with PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries; WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more; BD Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more. $49.99 Blu-ray, $39.92 DVD. (Warner).

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ultimate Edition Five-disc set with theatrical and extended versions. Second part of "Creating The World of Harry Potter" eight-part documentary: Part 2: Characters, offering a first-hand look at the unique strengths of each of the films' directors and what they brought to the principal characters in the Harry Potter film series; 48-page photo book; five hours of special features. Features: Deleted scenes; Lockhart's classroom; photo gallery; Certificates -- have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart's many achievements; Required Reading -- find out what text books you'll need for Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts class; Extra Credit; Behind Hogwarts; A conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves: The author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life and the changes that happen in the process; Dumbledore's Office; Build a Scene; Tour Dumbledore's Office -- Welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore's office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts; Interviews with students, professors and more; Professors and More: Personal moments with the professors and others as they discuss their characters: Prof. Gilderoy Lockhart, Lucius Malfoy, Prof. Pomona Sprout, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Prof. Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid, Prof. Severus Snape, Uncle Vernon Dursley, Aunt Petunia Dursley, Argus Filch, Prof. Minerva McGonagall; Gallery of Production Sketches; Activities; The Chamber Challenge [Game]; Tour the Chamber of Secrets; The Forbidden Forest Challenge [Game]; Colin's Darkroom; Tour Diagon Alley: Self-guided tour of Diagon Alley, where you can find all your supplies for the school year; Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game]; EA Game Preview; Screen Tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson; "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed" 2002 HBO First Look special; trailers and TV spots; digital copy of theatrical film. Blu-ray Disc adds: In-Movie Experience with director Chris Columbus: An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined with PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries; WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more; BD Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more. $49.99 Blu-ray, $39.92 DVD. (Warner).

Harry Potter Years 1-6 Giftset Six-disc set with all six Harry Potter films, $69.98. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Home Movie (2008) Adrian Pasdar, Cady McClain. Documents one family's descent into darkness, using a compilation of "found" home-made footage. To outward appearances, they are the all-American family. Dad is a minister in their idyllic upstate New York town, mom is a psychologist, and 10-year-old twins Emily and Jack seem to be the perfect little children. That is, when they're not stapling frogs to trees. (IFC Films).

Hooking Up (2008) Corey Feldman, Bronson Pinchot, Brian O'Halloran. The relationships of three girls and four guys, all living in an affluent, adolescent suburban reality, intersect through the topsy-turvy world of love, power and hooking up. (MTI Home Video).

Johnny Mercer: The Dream's On Me (2009) Profile of the Georgia-born lyricist, singer and composer whose solo and collaborative efforts have kept the world singing for more than eight decades with such songs as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Jeepers Creepers," "That Old Black Magic," "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe," "Skylark," "Blues in the Night," "Moon River," "The Days of Wine and Roses" and many, many more. The documentary features rare interviews and performances by Mercer himself and includes movie and television clips of Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Fred Astaire, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn, Tony Bennett, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and others. Produced by Clint Eastwood. Two-disc set, $29.98. Extras: Featurette "At the Piano With Clint" and performances by jazz musicians such as Audra McDonald, Michael Feinstein, Jamie Cullum, Dr. John, and Morgan Eastwood. (Warner).

The Judy Garland Show Collection Three of the best episodes from the classic 1963-64 "The Judy Garland Show." Features guests Mickey Rooney, Bobby Darin, George Maharis, Bob Newhart, Jack Carter, Leo Durocher, The Dillards. $29.98. (Infinity Entertainment).

Julie & Julia (2009) Dir.: Nora Ephron; Stars: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Jane Lynch, Dave Annable, Mary Lynn Rajskub. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Nora Ephron; "Secret Ingredients: Creating Julie & Julia" behind-the-scenes featurette. Blu-ray adds: "Family & Friends Remember Julia Child"; "Julia's Kitchen" featurette about how the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History acquired Julia's kitchen and take a tour inside; "Cooking Lessons: Poaching Eggs With Julia Child & Jacques Pepin, Making Hollandaise Sauce With Julia Child & Jacques Pepin, Mark Peel Prepares Scrambled Eggs, Suzanne Goin Prepares Braised Beef Shortribs, Steven Lewandowski & Drew Nieporent Prepare Butter Poached Maine Lobster; movieIQ -- "Julia's Recipe Collector" allows viewers to collect and email favorite Julia Child recipes while watching the film. (Sony).

The Life and Times of the King of Pop 1958-2009 (2009) Documentary on Michael Jackson's last days and his memorial service. (MVD Entertainment Group).

Lost: The Complete Fifth Season (2009) Five-disc set with 17 episodes, $59.99. Extras: Featurettes, interviews, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

Lost Treasure of the Maya (aka No Bad Days) (2008) Michael Madsen, Protasio, Heather Storm, Richard Tyson, Declan Joyce, Keith David. Set in the exotic terrain of the Yucatan Peninsula, a group of tomb-raiders steal precious Mayan artifacts and come up against evil forces greater than they ever anticipated. (MTI Home Video).

McLeod's Daughters: The Original Movie (1996) Jack Thompson, Sonia Todd, Lisa Chappell, Bridie Carter. The feature film behind the popular TV series. (E1 Entertainment).

Moonlight Serenade (2009) Amy Adams, Alec Newman. A hat check girl at a local jazz club and a successful financial manager who aspires to be a musician team up for an act that soon turns romantic. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

The Night Before Christmas: Special Edition (2009) Two-disc set features a dozen favorite heartwarming holiday chestnuts that celebrate the winter holiday season, with stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other family celebrations. $19.95. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).

Perry Mason: The Fourth Season-- Volume Two (1961) Three-disc set, $39.98. (Paramount).

Public Enemies (2009) Dire.: Michael Mann; Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Jason Clarke, Rory Cochran, Billy Crudup, Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang, John Ortiz, Giovanni Ribisi, David Wenham, Stephen Graham. Read more about "Public Enemies" in the December Calendar. Available as a standard DVD, two-disc special edition and on Blu-ray. Extras: Featurette, commentary; Special Edition adds additional featurettes, digital copy; Blu-ray adds U Control, BD Live, D-Box, iPhone App. (Universal).

Rescue Me: Season Five, Volume Two (2009) Three-disc set with 11 episodes from the second half of the fifth season. Extras: "Rescue Me Dysfunctional Family Dinner" featurette, "Setting the Backfires of Season 5" featurette, deleted scenes. (Sony).

Runaway (2005) Aaron Stanford, Robin Tunney, Zack Savage. Psychological thriller about a young man and his brother who hide out in a small town, on the run from an abusive relationship. Extras: Commentary by Aaron Stanford, Robin Tunney and director Tim McCann, making-of featurette, interview with screenwriter Bill True, photo gallery. (E1 Entertainment).

The Sherlock Holmes Collection (2009) Only five episodes of the BBC's celebrated -- and long sought after -- 1960s Sherlock Holmes series survive. Coincidentally, all five star the inimitable Peter Cushing as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective, with Nigel Stock as Dr. Watson. All five have been made available in this $29.95 three-disc set. (A&E Home Entertainment).

The Skeptic (2009) Timothy Daly, Zoe Saldana. A stubbornly rational lawyer and control freak who is about to have his disbelief in the paranormal challenged big-time when he goes to stay in his late aunt's big, creepy Victorian mansion while he contests her will. (IFC Films).

SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 6, Volume 1 (2009) Two-disc set with 24 epiosdes, $26.98. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics: Animal Antics and More Seven-disc set brings to life 50 award-winning and classic children's stories. $49.95. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).

World's Greatest Dad (2009) Dir.:Bob Goldthwait; Robin Williams, Alexie Gilmore, Daryl Sabara, Geoff Pierson, Henry Simmons, Mitzi McCall. A thoughtful but outrageous comedy about a man who learns the things you want most may not be the things that make you happy, and that being lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone. Robin Williams plays a high school poetry teacher who copes with his son's death from a freak masturbation accident by faking a suicide note to spare the family shame. The note, published without his permission, ends up becoming a sensation, and Lance reignites his writing career by penning a personal journal he claims was written by his son. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

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December 15

Chris Angel: Mindfreak Collector's Edition Megaset Fifteen-disc set contains every astounding episode from Seasons 1-5, the Halloween Special, six "lost" episodes (36 hours of mind-blowing magic, illusions and death-defying demonstrations, in collectible pop-up packaging, $99.95. Extras: Commentaries, bonus footage. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Fallen Idol: The Yuri Gagarin Conspiracy (2009) On April 12, 1961, the Soviet Union reported the successful launch, orbit and reentry of the first man in space, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, pushing the cold war into a space duel. With the collapse of communism in the Russian Federation, recent access to documents in the Kremlin archives reveal a story intended to remain buried forever. Yuri Gagarin, the icon of triumphant communism known world over, was not the first man in space. He was preceded by Vladimir Ilyushin, an unsung hero and the man at the center of this decades old conspiracy. Narrated by Elliott Gould. (Indican Pictures).

The Five Lives of Criss Angel Mindfreak Two-disc set with five episodes from the fifth season, $24.95. Includes "White Death," in which Criss is buried under ice and snow; "Death Field," in which he traverses a field of live explosives; "Terminal Velocity," in which Criss attempts to teleport himself; "Death Crash," in which spectators choose which of five coffins (one with Criss inside) are smashed to splinters; and "Mass Levitation," an attempt to levitate an entire Las Vegas crowd. (A&E Home Entertainment).

G-Force (2009) Voices of Nicolas Cage, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan, Bill Nighy, Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Kelli Garner, Gabriel Casseus, Jack Conley, Penelope Cruz, Tyler Patrick Jones. Available as a Combo Pack with Blu-ray, DVD and DisneyFile Digital Copy; two-disc special edition DVD with digital copy, and single-disc DVD. Extras: Commentary by director Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr.; "Blasters Boot Camp," "G-Force Mastermind" behind-the-scenes featurette, bloopers, deleted scenes, three music videos. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

George Lopez: Tall, Dark & Chicano (2009) HBO comedy special, $19.97. (HBO Home Entertainment).

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009) Jeremy Piven, Ed Helms, David Koechner, Kathryn Hahn, Alan Thicke, James Brolin, Rob Riggle, Ving Rhames. For sale edition; rental only release was Nov. 17 (Paramount),

The Hangover (2009)Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha, Jeffrey Tambor. Available in a single-disc theatrical cut DVD, a two-disc unrated Special Edition and on Blu-ray. Extras: "Map of Destruction" featurette re-trace each step the guys took during their fate-filled evening and see the real locations, learn about their Las Vegas lore and see the filming that took place there; "Three Best Friends" song; gag reel. Blu-ray adds photos from the missing camera, gag reel, outtakes, Ken Jeong's improv, more. Blu-ray adds Mike Tyson's rendition of "In the Air Tonight," "Cursing Mash-ups With All the @#$%! Cursing in the @#$%! Film," BD Live content, digital copy, more. (Warner).

The Headless Woman (2008 -- Argentina) Maria Onetto, Claudia Cantero, Ines Efron, Daniel Genoud, Cesar Bordon. A bourgeois woman, driving alone on a dirt road, becomes distracted, and runs over something. In the days following this jarring incident, she is dazed and emotionally disconnected from the people and events in her life as she becomes obsessed with the possibility that she may have killed someone. Examines the intricacies of class status and the role of women in a male-dominated society. (Strand Releasing).

Herb & Dorothy (2009) The extraordinary story of a postal clerk and a librarian -- Herb and Dorothy Vogel -- who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means. In the early 1960s, when very little attention was paid to Minimalist and Conceptual Art, the Vogels quietly began purchasing the works of unknown artists. Devoting all of Herb's salary to purchasing art they liked, they were guided by two rules: the piece had to be affordable, and it had to be small enough to fit in their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment. Within these limitations, they proved themselves curatorial visionaries; most of those they supported and befriended went on to become world-renowned artists, including Sol LeWitt, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Richard Tuttle, Chuck Close, Robert Mangold, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Lynda Benglis, Pat Steir, Robert Barry, Lucio Pozzi, and Lawrence Weiner. (New Video/Arthouse Films).

Inglourious Basterds (2009) Dir.: Quentin Tarantino; Stars: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Bruhl, Eli Roth, Samm Levine, B.J. Novak, Til Schweiger, Gedeon Burkhard, Paul Rust, Michael Bacall, Omar Doom, Sylvester Groth, Julie Dreyfus, Jacky Ido, August Diehl, Martin Wuttke, Richard Sammel, Christian Berkel, Sonke Mohring, Michael Fassbender, Mike Myers, Rod Taylor, Denis Menochet, Cloris Leachman, Maggie Cheung, Samuel L. Jackson. Read more about "Inglourious Basterds" in the December Calendar. Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc DVD special edition, and Blu-ray Disc. Extras: All three editions: Extended and alternate scenes, "Nation's Pride": the film within the film. Special Edition and Blu-ray add "Roundtable Discussion" with Tarantino, Pitt and film critic Elvis Mitchell; "The Making of Nation's Pride"; the original "Inglorious Bastards" -- a salute to the original 1978 film; conversation with Rod Taylor; "Quentin Tarantino's Camera Angel"; "Hi Sallys" gag reel; film poster gallery tour with Elvis Mitchell; digital copy. (Universal).

The Other Man (2009) Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Antonio Banderas. An intimate tale of a man who discovers his wife's infidelity and sets out to track down his rival. Driven to pursue the mystery surrounding his wife's adultery, he embarks on a global pursuit with a haunted passion that begins to probe the nature not simply of jealousy, but of loss and forgiveness. He eventually forms an unusual friendship with the lover and, through a series of informal meetings and emails, the husband uncovers the truth about his wife's affair. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

New York Yankees 2009: Season of Pride, Tradition & Glory Documentary on the Yankees' winning season. Extras: Tour of the new Yankee Stadium, memorable moments and highlights from the '09 season, interviews, a Nick Swisher road trip, pre-game ceremonies, a season-ending recap and "Hope Week" features. $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).

The Paper Chase: Season Two (1983-84) Six-disc set with 19 episodes, $49.99. (Shout! Factory).

Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall (2009) Documentary uses computer imagery to reconstruct how the Berlin Wall grew from a meager obstacle to a mighty barrier of seven concentric walls with ditches, fences, signal wires, tank-traps and a flood-lit death strip patrolled by half-starved dogs -- a nearly impenetrable barricade with a 96-mile circumference, 200-plus bunkers and 302 watchtowers. Features firsthand accounts from the people who tried to escape, interviews with the security officials who designed the wall and the Stasi men who protected it. Interviews with border guards, politicians, historians and journalists help to breathe life into the Cold War icon whose demise, beginning on Nov. 9, 1989, signaled the start of one of history's most dramatic political transformations. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Sita Sings the Blues (2009) When filmmaker Nina Paley couldn't make her marriage work, she decided to use it as fodder for an ambitious project: a musical, animated and personal interpretation of the Indian epic, the Ramayana. The film tells two parallel stories: The ancient Hindu story of a god and goddess and Paley's 21st century break-up, woven together using flash animation, watercolor paintings, rotoscoping techniques and jazzy musical interludes that link the narrative 3,000 years apart. Extras: Commentary, bonus short "Fetch!" by Paley. (Indiepix).

Taking Woodstock (2009) Director: Ang Lee. Stars: Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber, Imelda Staunton, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Henry Goodman, Eugene Levy, Paul Dano, Dan Fogler, Mamie Gummer. Read more about "Taking Woodstock" in the December Calendar. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Peace, Love and Cinema" behind-the-scenes featurette, commentary by Ang Lee and writer James Schamus; Blu-ray Disc. adds "No Audience Required: The Earhlight Players," more deleted scenes, BD-Live. (Universal).

Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie Extended Edition (2009) Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin. The wizards-in-training go on vacation but an accidental spell threatens the family; Max tries to keep his parents together while Alex and Justin use every trick they know as they search for the Stone of Dreams to reverse the spell and save their family. This Disney Chennel movie comes to DVD with extra footage and a Color-Changing Wishing Stone included in each box (for a limited time). Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette. (Disney).

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December 22

All About Steve (2009) Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Ken Jeong, DJ Qualls, Katy Mixon, Howard Hesseman. Read more about "All About Steve" in the December Calendar. Available as a single-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray. Extras: Commentary by writer Kim Barker, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Ken Jeong and director Phil Traill; "All About All About Steve" featurette; deleted scenes; gag reel; crew snapshots to "Mary's Rap." Blu-ray adds "Take A Stab At Vocab!" "Fox Movie Channel Presents Casting Session," digital copy. (Fox).

American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009) Eugene Levy, Rosanna Arquette, Bug Hall, Kevin M. Horton, Curtis Armstrong. Latest direct-to-video chapter in the "American Pie" franchise. Three high school buddies discover a legendary guide to seduction -- written by some of the school's previous generations -- hidden in the school library. Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, "On the Set of American Pie Presents: The Book of Love," "Just the Tips: The Love Manual," more. (Universal).Also available on Blu-ray Disc.

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2009) Georgia Groome, Eleanor Tomlinson, Aaron Johnson, Alan Davies. Soon-to-be-15-year-old Georgia has her sights on Robbie, a new guy at school she dubs "a gorgeous sex-god." But Robbie is dating Georgia's arch rival, the blonde, perfect and evil Lindsay, so Georgia sets a series of mad schemes in motion to nab Robbie and have the best birthday party ever. Extras: Commentary by director Gurinder Chadha, eight featurettes, video diaries, deleted scenes, bloopers, gallery, Stiff Dylans music video "Ultraviolet." (Paramount).

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009) Dir.: Peter Hyams; Michael Douglas, Jesse Metcalfe, Amber Tamblyn, Orlando Jones, Joel Moore. Remake of the 1956 film noir classic in which a writer's plan to expose a corrupt district attorney takes an unexpected turn. High profile District Attorney Mark Hunter (Michael Douglas) has an impeccable record putting criminals behind bars and is a shoo-in for governor in the upcoming election. But when ambitious rookie journalist C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe) begins investigating Hunter for tampering with evidence to secure his convictions, the district attorney's perfect record is up for scrutiny. Extras: Commentary by writer-director-cinematographer Peter Hyams and actor Jesse Metcalfe; "The Whole Truth -- The Making Of Beyond a Reasonable Doubt"; "Criminal Forensics -- The Burden Of Proof."; and the theatrical trailer. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).

Blind Date (2007) Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson. Don and Janna, a married couple struggling to reconnect after the death of their daughter, answer each other's phony classified ads to begin an elaborate game of pretend blind dates, hoping this ruse will allow them finally to talk openly about the demise of their relationship in the wake of tragedy. (E1 Entertainment).

Call of the Wild 3-D (2009) Christopher Lloyd, Ariel Gade, Wes Studi, Aimee Teegarden, Devon Graye, Kameron Knox, Jaleel White, Joyce DeWitt, Veronica Cartwright, Timothy Bottoms. This modern-day adaptation of Jack London's classic follows Ryan (Ariel Gade) a 9-year old girl visiting her grandfather (Christopher Lloyd) in Montana. When a wild hybrid wolf/dog shows up injured on the back porch one night, Ryan wants to take him back to Boston as a pet, but her grandfather knows the animal will eventually have to return to the wild. To help his granddaughter understand, he begins to read her Jack London's "Call of the Wild" each night ... but Ryan has ideas of her own, and helps a local boy train the magnificent animal to become a sled dog leader. (Vivendi Entertainment).

Chasing Butterflies (2009) Amy Brienes, J. Mandy Brown, Maria Cellario, Matt Loney, Zach Myers, Gabriel Vaughan, Eric Walton. A screwball comedy roller coaster, with one unexpected plot twist: Nina, a runaway bride, is unaware that her mother has married her fiance in her stead, and that the two have set out to bring her back. Nina's escape lands her in a car with a joy-riding 15-year-old who is subsequently car jacked by two lovesick convicts. They all end up at a remote motel, run by a Bible-thumping divorcee. (Vanguard Cinema)

District 9 (2009) Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, John Sumner, William Allen Young, Vanessa Haywood, Marian Hooman. Read more about "District 9" in the December Calendar. Available as a single-disc DVD, a two-disc DVD special edition, and on Blu-ray. Extras: Single disc: Commentary by director/co-writer Neill Blomkamp, deleted scenes, "The Alien Agenda: A Filmmaker's Log" three-part documentary that explores the pre-production process and creation of the world of District 9, Peter Jackson's role in producing the film, the unorthodox approach to using South Africa as the setting for the film, the shooting style using small handheld cameras, and the sound effects editing. The special edition adds four featurettes: "Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Wikus" (the special effects used to transform the protagonist from a human to an alien), "Innovation: The Acting and Improvisation of District 9," "Conception and Design: Creating the World of District 9" and "Alien Generation: The Visual Effects of District 9. The Blu-ray adds an interactive map "Joburg from Above: Satellite and Schematics of the World of District 9," a digital copy of the film, and BD-Live features Cinechat and movieIQ. (Sony).

Extract (2009) Dir.: Mike Judge; Stars: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, J.K. Simmons, Clifton Collins Jr., Gene Simmons. Read more about "Extract" in the December Calendar. Extras: "Mike Judge's Secret Recipe" featurette Blu-ray Disc. adds extended and deleted scenes. (Miramax).

(500) Days of Summer (2009) Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Clark Gregg, Minka Kelly, Rachel Boston, Matthew Gray Gubler, Chloe Moretz. Read more about "(500) Days of Summer" in the December Calendar. Extras: Commentary by director Marc Webb, writer Michael Weber, co-writer Scott Neustadter and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt; "Lost Days of Summer": Deleted and extended scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside (2009) Family Guy animated "retelling" of "The Empire Strikes Back." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

In Search of Mozart (2009) Made to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, this is the first feature-length documentary on Mozart's life. Produced with the world's leading orchestras and musicians, it traces the composer's life through his music and extensive correspondence, dispelling the many common myths about Mozart's genius, health, relationships, death and character, to present a new image, very different from Milos Forman's "Amadeus." $40.00 (Microcinema).

It Might Get Loud (2009) Documentary in which rock legends Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White come together to play, compare notes and talk about music and their mutual love of the electric guitar. Read more about "It Might Get Loud" in the December Calendar. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary by director Davis Guggenheim, producer Lesley Chilcott and producer Thomas Tull; Toronto Film Festival Press Conference with Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White, Davis Guggenheim, Lesley Chilcott and Thomas Tull. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Kyle XY: The Complete Third and Final Season (2009) Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, commentaries, "Kyle XY: Future Revealed" look at what would have happened in Season 4. (Disney).

Loser (1999) Kirk Harris Chamaco. Tragic tale of 23 year-old James Dean Ray, a small-time drug dealer bent on self-destruction, who spends his final hours hanging out and selling drugs, with, of course, an occasional robbery, oblivious and indifferent to his pending doom. (Vanguard Cinema).

Off the Ledge (2009) Justin Whalin, Anne Ramsay. Comedy-drama revolves around a New Years Eve Party where most of the partygoers are oblivious to the true atmosphere of pain amid their celebration of life and renewal. As off beat partygoers spontaneously ring in the New Year at a Hollywood Hills home, four hapless individuals intertwine as they do their best to survive the evening. (Vanguard Cinema)

The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season Three (2009) Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $39.99. Extras: "Hat Chat" with cast members, sneak peak at Season 4, "Make It or Break It" pilot episodes. (Disney).

Staten Island (2009) Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Seymour Cassel, Julianne Nicholson. Three lives intersect in the forgotten borough of New York City. Sully Halverson (Hawke) is a septic tank cleaner who is desperate to give his unborn son the chance he never had. Jasper Sabiano (Cassel) is a deaf-mute deli worker who wants to escape the mobsters that have infiltrated his life and business Parmie Tarzo (D'Onofrio) is a local mob boss who dreams of crushing the competition and achieving infamy any way he can. Once their lives intersect, nothing will ever be the same.Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (National Entertainment Media).

Taxi: The Final Season (1982-83) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.98. (Paramount).

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December 29

Carriers (2009) Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Emily VanCamp, Chris Melon. Determined to escape a deadly virus, four teens set out in search of an uncontaminated refuge. As they travel across the decimated landscape of America, they encounter a truth far more horrifying than the virus they are trying to survive. Sell-through version; DVD was released to rental Dec. 8. (Paramount).

Emily of New Moon, Season Two (2009) Two-disc set with 13 episodes. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Glee: Season 1: Road To Sectionals (2009) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Director's cut of the pilot episode, behind-the-scenes featurettes, audition videos, isolated music from the show. (Fox).

Gone to Texas (1986) Sam Elliott,Claudia Christian, John Quade, Donald Moffat. Docudrama about Texas revolutionary Sam Houston. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Jennifer's Body (2009) Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons, Johnny Simmons, Kyle Gallner, Josh Emerson, Lance Henriksen, Diablo Cody. In theatrical and extended editions. Read more about "Jennifer's Body" in the December Calendar. Extras: Commentary. Two-disc Blu-ray Disc adds deleted scenes, gag reel, "Jennifer's BodyThe Dead Pool," video diaries, "Megan Fox Is HOT," Fox Movie Channel presents "Life After Film School" Liter Diablo Cody. (Fox).

The Marine 2 (2009) Ted DiBiase, Temuera Morrison, Lara Cox, Robert Coleby, Michael Rooker. Inspired by a true story and shot on location in Phuket, Thailand. WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase stars as Marine recon sniper Joe Linwood, whose vacation trip to paradise with his wife is suddenly shattered when guerillas take control of a secluded five-star resort asking for a substantial ransom. The guerilla leaders begin murdering hostages as the clock ticks away, forcing Linwood to use his expert skills to save the hostages from certain death. Extras: Behind-the-scenes footage of the climatic fight scenes -- without stunt doubles -- between DiBiase and Morrison and between DiBiase and the film's Muay Thai fighters; featurette on the terrorist siege sequence including storyboards, miniatures and hotel guests' reactions to filming at the five-star resort; Ted DiBiase profile; production featurette; music video of unseen sequences. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

9 (2009) Voices of Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau, Christopher Plummer, John C. Reilly, Fred Tatasciore. Animated film about a post-apocalyptic world. Feature-length expansion of Shane Acker's short film. Extras: Deleted scenes, the original short, "The Long and the Short of It" behind the scenes featurette, "The Look of 9," "Acting Out," commentary. Blu-ray Disc adds BD-Live features "On Tour With Shane Acker," "My Scene Sharing," U-Control. (Universal).

Paranormal Activity (2009) Micah Sloat, Katie Featherston, Mark Fredrichs, Amber Armstrong, Tim Piper, Randy McDowell. Read more about "Paranormal Activity" in the December Calendar. Available as a single-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray. Extras: Unrated version with alternate ending not seen in theaters. Blu-ray adds digital copy of theatrical version. (Paramount).

Perfect Getaway, A (2009) Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Steve Zahn, Marley Shelton, Kiele Sanchez, Chris Hemsworth, Katie Chonacas. An adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii, get caught up in a fight for survival when they discover that another newlywed couple on the island has been murdered. Includes both theatrical and unrated director's cut. Extras: Alternate ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).

A Song From the Heart (1999) Amy Grant, Keith Carradine. A blind cellist falls in love with her next-door neighbor. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).

Spaceballs: The Totally Warped Animated Adventures! (2008) Mel Brooks lends his voice and writing talent to the hilarious re-imagination of the greatest "Star Wars" spoof of all time. Four episodes with intermission shorts, $19.98. (MGM).

United States of Tara: Season One (2009) 12 episodes, $42.99. Extras: ommentary by Diablo Cody, "Sitting Down With Diablo Cody," "Meet Toni Collette." (Paramount)

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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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November 25, 2009
(ISSN 1094-3676).