OnVideo.org - Home Video Releases - DVDs, Blu-ray - September


OnVideo Logo blu-ray
Blu-ray Releases
home page
calendar
reviews
features
video resources
video sales
links
information


Join the
Sixties generation

Amazon Video
ales




dujour
iway 500
winner


Good & Associates logo

Masthead created by Good & Associates

OnVideo's Guide to DVDs

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

Catalogs of DVDs released 1999 -- 2006

DVD Releases
September 2011
September 6
September 9
September 13
September 16
September 20
September 27
September 30
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
August 2011
October 2011
November 2011
December 2011
September 6

Airwolf: The Movie (1984) Jan-Michael Vincent, Ernest Borgnine, Alex Cord. Fully restored, uncensored presentation of the telefilm Extras: New interview with Ernest Borgnine, stills galleries. (Shout! Factory).
Assassination Games (2011) Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins. Rival assassins -- each of whom are masters of their respective weapons -- form an uneasy alliance in their mission to take down a DEA-backed drug cartel.Extras: Deleted scenes. (Sony).
Babar: The Classic Series: Best Friends Forever First appearing in "Histoire de Babar," Jean de Brunhoff's 1931 storybook classic based on a tale that his wife Cecile had invented for their children, Babar the Elephant has, for 80 years, captivated millions around the globe. The story of the little elephant who leaves the jungle, visits a big city and returns to bring the benefits of civilization to his fellow elephants has been captured in a multitude of best-selling books (over 12 million sold worldwide, and more than 1,000 titles in print) and several animated series. This release features four episodes that focus on the bonds Babar shares with his pals and family; from the HBO series that ran 1989-91. (Entertainment One).
Babar: The Classic Series: School Days Features four episodes about Babar's own school day adventures as well as those of his friends and family; from the HBO series that ran 1989-91. (Entertainment One).

Advertisement


Baseball's Greatest Games MLB has opened its archive of classic, historic, singular and momentous games and, with A&E, have put together this series. The first 10 -- at $12.95 each, are: The 1960 World Series, Game 7; 1975 World Series, Game 6; 1979 Wrigley Field Slugfest; 1985 NLCS, Game 5; 1986 World Series, Game 6; 1991 World Series, Game 7; 1993 NLCS, Game 7; 1993 World Series, Game 6; 2003 ALCS, Game 7; 2004 ALCS, Game 4. (A&E Home Entertainment).
Bed & Breakfast (2010) Juliana Paese, Dean Cain, Julia Duffy, Eric Roberts, John Savage. Romantic comedy about a saleswoman from a large department store in Rio who discovers she has inherited property in the wine country of California; problem is, the almost ex-husband of a movie star thinks he's inherited the same property. (Green Apple Entertainment).
Care Bears: Share Bear Shines Movie (2011) In this new Care Bears feature, Share Bear and a Twinklet named Gleamer lead a heartwarming mission in caring when they travel to Glitter City, a magical place where Princess Stargio trains Twinklets to become stars. $14.98. (Lionsgate).
A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (2011) Lucy Hale, Megan Park. ABC Family teen melodrama about a gifted singer who must lay down vocal tracks so her evil step-sister can win a recording contract. Extras: "Spitlighting Lucy Hale: Our New Cinderella," "So You Wanna Be a Dancer?" "Meet Prince Charming," "Flip Cam Diaries," "Bless Myself" music video, gag reel, deleted scenes. (Warner).
Clash of Empires (2011 -- Malaysia) Stephen Rahman Hughes, Gavin Stenhouse, Gavin Stenhouse, Jing Lusi. A kidnapping threatens to set off a war between the empires of Rome, China and Malaysia in 120 AD. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Community: The Complete Second Season (2010-11) Four-disc set with 24 episodes, $45.99. Extras: Cast and crew commentary on every episode, deleted scenes, outtakes, Season 2 cast evaluations, "The Paintball Finale: From Script to Screen" featurette, "Creating Wonderland" featurette, animatics, more. (Sony).
Criminal Minds: Season 6 (2010-11) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99. Extras:" Making Criminal Minds: Season 6," "Crime Scenes," "From Script to Screen: Agent Down," "CMS6 Yearbook," gag reel, deleted scenes. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior: Season One (2011) Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.99. Extras: Featurettes, gag reel, deleted scenes. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).
Denise Austin: Sculpt & Burn Body Blitz (2011) A new cross-training cardio workout, $14.98. (Lionsgate).
Dressed to Kill BLU-RAY DEBUT (1980) Dir.: Brian De Palma; Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen, Keith Gordon, Dennis Franz. Unrated cut. Extras: "The Making of a Thriller" documentary including interviews with De Palma, Dickinson, Allen and Franz; "Slashing Dressed to Kill" featurette; "Dressed to Kill: An Appreciation by Keith Gordon" featurette; "Comparison of the Unrated, R-rated, and Network Versions" featurette; animated photo gallery. (MGM).
The Entitled (2011) Ray Liotta, Laura Vandervoort, Kevin Zegers. Everything goes wrong when Paul Dynan (Zegers) plans the perfect crime to help his struggling family: He wants to extort a fortune from three wealthy men. The plan: to abduct their socialite children and collect a healthy ransom of $3 million. Extras: Commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, alternate ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
Everything Must Go (2011) Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Michael Pena, Stephen Root, Laura Dern, Glenn Howerton. Read more about "Everything Must Go" in the September Calendar. Extras: Commentary by director Dan Rush and actor Michael Pena, "In Character With Will Ferrell" featurette, behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes.Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition -- The Workout (2010) The first home workout video from the ABC series, $14.98. (Lionsgate).
Fringe: The Complete Third Season (2010-11) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "Duality of Worlds": Four featurettes: "The Other You," "Visualizing an Alternate World," "A Machine of Destiny" and "The Psychology of Duality"; "Animating the Lysergic Acid Diethylamide" Episode"; "Constructing an Extrasensory Soundscape"; commentaries; "Unusual Side Effects": gag reel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Glimmer to the Other Side," a "Selectable Maximum Episode Mode" with pop-up experience-enhancing commentaries and featurettes. (Warner).
The Good Wife: The Second Season (2010) Six-disc set with 23 episodes, $64.99 Extras: "A Conversation With the Kings," an interview with series creators (and husband and wife team) Robert and Michelle King; footage from the Season One DVD release party; inside look at a select episode; personal videos from Alan Cumming; deleted scenes, more. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).
Hanna (2011) Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams, Jason Flemyng Read more about "Hanna" in the September Calendar. Extras: Alternate ending, deleted scenes, "Anatomy of a Scene: The Escape From Camp G" featurette, commentary by director Joe Wright. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Adapt or Die" featurette reveals the intense training and acting process Saoirse Ronan went through to become Hanna; "Central Intelligence Allegory," in which the filmmakers and cast reveal their boldly original approach to this adventure thriller; "Chemical Reaction": A look at The Chemical Brothers' creative process of writing and scoring all of the music in the film, as the musicians talk about their unique approach to the task of composition; "The Wide World Of Hanna": The filmmakers travel from icy Finland to scorching Morocco and then from empty deserts to post-punk Berlin, finding the perfect locations for the film; "Hanna" promo; BD-LIVE. (Universal).
The Hills Have Eyes DVD and BLU-RAY DEBUT (1977) Dir.: Wes Craven; Dee Wallace, John Steadman, Susan Lanier, James Whitworth, Michael Berryman. DVD Extras: Commentary with Wes Craven and Peter Locke. Blu-ray adds: Looking Back at the Hills Have Eyes, The Directors: The Films of Wes Craven, restoration demo, U.S. and German trailers, alternate ending, still galleries, Wes Craven biography. (Image Entertainment).
The Office: Season Seven (2010-11) Five-disc set with 24 episodes, $44.98. Extras: Webisodes, blooper reels, commentary, more. Extras: "Threat Level Midnight: The Movie (A Michael Scott Joint)" featurette, the extended version of the film Michael Scott wrote, directed and starred in; "The 3rde Floor' webisodes; commentary; deleted scenes; extended episodes; blooper reel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
Parks and Recreation: Season Three (2010-11) Three-disc set with 16 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Gag reels, commercials, featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
Police Story: Season One (1973-74) Six-disc set with 21 episodes, $39.97. Extras: New interview with series creator and production consultant Joseph Wambaugh, pilot film, movie of the week. (Shout! Factory).
Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator (2011) This three-disc set takes an in-depth look at WWE's Apex Predator from Elimination Chamber through the road to WrestleMania and Orton's brutal bout with CM Punk. Along the way, fans learn about the Viper in and out of the ring as he reflects on his career to date. $29.93. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (World Wrestling Entertainment).
Rebirth (2011) Documentary by James Whitaker, filmed during the past 10 years since 9/11, takes a look at the physical and emotional healing process after the tragedy; it follows five people whose lives were transformed by the attack juxtaposed with a multi-camera time-lapse photographic study of the evolution of the space where the Twin Towers once stood. (Oscilloscope Laboratories).
Remembering 9/11: 10 Year Commemorative Collection (2011) National Geographic four-disc set (with more than eight hours of programming) to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11: "Inside 9/11," "Giuliani's 9/11," "Witness 9/11" and the new program "9/11: Where Were You?" $39.97. (National Geographic Entertainment/Vivendi Entertainment)
Scarface BLU-RAY DEBUT photo (1983) Dir.: Brian de Palma; Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. Murray Abraham, Harris Yulin. Special Limited Edition Blu-ray. English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1/DTS Surround 2.0. For a limited time only, the Scarface Special Limited Edition Blu-ray will come with collectible SteelBook packaging, 10 exclusive art cards, a digital copy of the film and a DVD of the original 1932 "Scarface." $34.98. And, for the ultimate collector and cigar enthusiast, an elegantly hand-crafted "Scarface"-themed humidor -- made with untreated Spanish cedar -- will be made available in an exclusive, never-before-available, limited edition of 1,000, $999.99 (that's right). Read more about the "Scarface" Blu-ray. (Universal).
Scooby-Doo: Legend of the Phantosaur (2011) New Scooby-Doo feature, $19.98. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Sigmund and the Sea Monsters: Season 1 (1973) Three=disc set with 17 episodes of the Sid and Marty Krofft series that followed the adventures of Sigmund Ooze -- a friendly googly-eyed sea monster that ran away from his family after refusing to frighten people and lived in Johnny and Scott Stuart's backyard clubhouse. $29.33. Extras: Commentaries. (Vivendi Entertainment).
Straw Dogs BLU-RAY DEBUT (1971) Dir.: Sam Peckinpah; Dustin Hoffman, Susan George, Peter Vaughan, T.P. McKenna. Extras: original theatrical trailer, three original television spots. (MGM).
Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels: The Movie (2011) The steamies and the diesels face off in this new action-packed feature that has Diesel 10 masterminding an attempt to take over the Steamworks on the Isle of Sodor. Extras: Karaoke songs, "Fiery Flynn to the rescue" game, "Steamies and Diesels: Learn How They Work" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).
Triad Underworld (2004-- Hong Kong) Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, Shawn Yue, Edison Chen. An Asia Extreme gangster thriller. On the same night his wife gives birth to their first son, Triad mob boss Hung (Lau) learns that an assassin plans to kill him within the next 12-hours. Encouraged to leave town by his best friend Lefty (Cheung) and three untrustworthy lieutenants, Hung decides to stay and makes plans to protect himself and his family. Meanwhile, two low life-gangsters are collaborating to rise up through the ranks and as the dawn approaches, the gritty streets of Hong Kong become the stage to a bloody triad showdown.Extras: Making-of featurette, music video. (Palisades Tartan).
Two and a Half Men: The Complete Eighth Season (2010-11) Two-disc set with 16 episodes, $44.98. (Warner).

Back to top


September 9

X-Men: First Class (2011) James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Rose Byrne, Zoe Kravitz, Nicholas Hoult, Lucas Till, Oliver Platt. Read more about "X-Men: First Class" in the September Calendar. Blu-ray Extras: Ten Marvel "X-Men" digital comics with exclusive "X-Men: First Class" backstory comic; more than two hours of never-before-seen extras, including: "Cerebro Mutant Tracker," the complete interactive Mutant Database with interactive videos giving fans the ability to learn about their favorite mutants in the X-Men film franchise; "Children of the Atom," an eight-part behind-the-scenes featurette, charting the film from pre-production through post-production, including visual effects techniques and cataloguing X-Men transformations through prosthetic make up and costume design; "X Marks the Spot" interactive feature allowing viewers the opportunity to learn more about specific scenes with talent interviews and behind-the-scenes footage; extended and deleted scenes; BD-Live Portal with additional Cerebro Mutant Tracker profiles; composer's isolated score. (Fox).

Back to top


September 13

Arthur's Music Jamboree Eight fun-filled episodes of pure aardvark entertainment, $12.99. (PBS Distribution).
Barney: Big World Adventure -- The Movie (2011) Barney and his playground friends take a balloon ride around the world, encountering princesses and kings, musicians and magicians, puppeteers and artists across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. $14.98. Extras: "Big Balloon Adventure Game," "BJ's Elephant Adventure Game." (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).
Beverly Lewis' The Shunning (2011 -- TV) Danielle Panabaker, Sherry Stringfield. A young Amish woman-- who has always struggled with the rules that define her sheltered Amish community -- begins to wonder about her origins when a wealthy outsider begins asking questions about her family. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Sony).
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth Season (2010-11) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $44.98. Extras: "Actor on Actor: The Big Bang Theory of Relativity" featurette, gag reel, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Blue Bloods: The First Season (2010) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $64.99. Extras: Featurettes, gag reel, deleted scenes. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount).
Born of Earth (2008) Daniel Baldwin, James Russo, Brad Dourif. An ancient race of evil creatures lurks just below the surface of Prophet Hills, accounting for mysterious abductions and murder. (Entertainment One).
Brand New Day (Bran Nue Dae) (2009 -- Australia) Rocky McKenzie, Jessica Mauboy, Ernie Dingo, "Missy" Higgins, Geoffrey Rush. Music-driven romantic comedy centering on the romantic adventures of a young couple set against the spectacularly beautiful Australian landscape, Follows Aboriginal teenager Willie as he runs away from boarding school back to his home town of Broome to reunite with his girlfriend Rosie. meeting a wild assortment of characters on the road as he stays one step ahead of the boarding school's headmaster, Father Benedictus (Rush), who's hot on his trail. (Fox).
Camelot -- The Complete First Season (2011) Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Bloopers, behind-the-scenes featurettes (including a unique on set visit with actor Paul Mooney), character profiles, easy access episode recaps. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds pop-up history modules. (Anchor Bay).
Citizen Kane 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray (1941) Dir.: Orson Welles; Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead, Ruth Warrick, Ray Collins, Erskine Sanford, Everett Sloane, William Alland, Paul Stewart, George Coulouris. Three-disc set with a 48-page collector’s book filled with photos and behind-the-scene details, 20-page reproduction of the original 1941 souvenir program, lobby cards, reproductions of rare production memos and correspondence. Bonus features: Disc 1: Commentary by Peter Bogdanovich; commentary by Roger Ebert; "Opening: World Premier of Citizen Kane" vintage featurettes; interview with Ruth Warrick; interview with Robert Wise; storyboards; call sheets; still photography with commentary by Roger Ebert; deleted scenes; ad campaign; press book; opening night; theatrical trailer. Disc 2: "The Battle Over Citizen Kane Documentary." Disc 3: "RKO 281" (HBO Feature). Read more about "Citizen Kane."
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2010) After a much–publicized departure from hosting NBC's "Tonight Show," O'Brien hit the road with a 32-city music-and-comedy show. The "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour" was O'Brien's answer to a contractual stipulation that banned his appearance on television, radio and the Internet for six months following his last show.Extras: Deleted scenes and extra footage, commentary by O'Brien and crew, music video, Q&A. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
The Count of Monte Christo BLU-RAY DEBUT (2002) James Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris. Bonus features: Alternate final duel, deleted scenes, "The Napoleonic World" production design featurette, "En Garde" multi-angle sword fighting feature, "The Pen" Alexandre Dumas featurette, "Adapting a Classic" screenwriting segment, "The Clash of Steel" stunt choreography piece, "Layer-By-Layer" interactive sound design feature, commentary by director Kevin Reynolds. (Disney).
Danny Phantom: Season One (2004-05) Four-disc set with 20 episodes, $29.93. (Shout! Factory).
Dora the Explorer: Dora's Enchanted Forest Adventures (2010) Three animated adventures, $19.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).
Dora the Explorer: Dora's Storybook Adventures (2011) Boxed set with "Fairytale Adventure," "Dora Saves the Snow Princess" and "Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom," with a toltal of nine episodes, $24.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).
Ghost Hunters: Season 6: Part 1 (2010) Three-disc set with 12 episodes, $29.98. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Glee The Complete Second Season (2010-11) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98. Extras: "Glee Music Jukebox"; behind-the-scenes look at the Season 2 finale shot in New York City; featurette showcasing "Glee" guest stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Carol Burnett and others; additional featurettes highlighting cast performances and much more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Goosebumps: Attack of the Mutant and Goosebumps: Ghost Beach (2011) Two new R.L. Stine Goosebumps tales, $14.98 each. (Fox).
Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season (2010-11) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $45.99. (Disney).
Grounded for Life: Season One (2001) All 15 episodes at a bargain price, $9.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
Grounded for Life: Season Two (2001-02) All 22 episodes at a bargain price, $9.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
Haunting at the Beacon (2009)Teri Polo, David Rees Snell While trying to get their lives back on track after the loss of their four-year-old son, Bryn and Paul Shaw move to the charming old Beacon Apartments, but Bryn begins seeing a ghostly little boy skulking around the building. When she tries to free the child to carry a message to her son, she realizes a second malevolent entity stalks the halls of the Beacon: one that doesn't want the boy, or her, to escape. Filmed at the haunted Rogers Hotel in Waxahachie, Texas. Extras: Commentary. (Take 2 Releasing).
Hesher (2011) Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson, Natalie Portman, John Carroll Lynch, Piper Laurie, Devin Brochu. Read more about "Hesher" in the September Calendar. Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, behind-the-scenes featurette, "Air Traffic" shot montage, sketch gallery of drawings featured in the film.Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).
Incendies (2011 -- Canada) Remy Girard, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Lubna Azabal. Twins journey to the Middle East to discover their family history, and fulfill their mother's last wishes. Read more about "Incendies" in the September Calendar. Extras: Commentary by director Denis Villeneuve, "Remembering the Ashes: Incendies Through Their Eyes" featurette. Available as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (Sony).
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Complete Sixth Season (2010) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Just Peck (2009) Keir Gilchrist, Marcia Cross, Adam Arkin, Camryn Manheim. When Michael Peck's overbearing parents force him to compete in the Science Fair, he thinks he can shock everyone. Instead, Peck finds teen angst might be cliche, but it still sucks. (Image Entertainment).
Leading Ladies (2011) Melanie LaPatin, Laurel Vail, Benji Schwimmer, Shannon Lea Smith, Nicole Dionne. Comedy about two sisters, their gay best friend, and their overzealous stage mom. When one sister gets pregnant and the other plans to waltz out of the closet, the family must hustle to maintain their status quo in the harsh arena of competitive dance. Features dancers from "So You Think You Can Dance." (Wolfe Video).
Lourdes (2009 -- French) Sylvie Testud, Lea Seydoux. An enigmatic exploration of miracles: In order to escape her isolation, wheelchair-bound Christine makes a life changing journey to Lourdes, the iconic site of pilgrimage in the Pyrenees Mountains. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Palisades Tartan/Spotlight).
Love, Wedding, Marriage (2011) Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz, Jane Seymour, Jamess Brolin, Christopher Lloyd. Comedy directed by Dermot Mulroney. A happy newlywed marriage counselor's views on wedded bliss get thrown for a loop when she finds out her parents are getting divorced and her new hubby neglected to tell her about his first wife. (IFC Films).
Marvel Knights Animation -- Thor & Loki: Blood Brothers (2011) Animated version of the Marvel comic takes a look at Thor and Loki, two adversarial brothers in the mystical land of Asgard and seemingly forever enemies; $14.97. Extras: Behind-the-scenes extras. (Shout! Factory).
Masterpiece Mystery!: Inspector Lewis 4 (2010) Four new episodes in which Inspector Lewis and DS Hathaway solve cases at an all-female college, investigate the poisoning of a bishop, look into a clinical trial, and examine a sinister blackmail plot. Two-disc set, $34.99. Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (PBS Distribution).
Meek's Cutoff (2011) Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, Zoe Kazan, Paul Dano, Shirley Henderson, Neal Huff, Tommy Nelson, Rod Rondeaux. Read more about "Meek's Cutoff" in the September Calendar. Extras: "The Making of Meek's Cutoff."Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Oscilloscope Laboratories).
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Manos: The Hands of Fate Special Edition MST takes on this 1966 film, regarded as one of the worst ever made, which depicts a family that gets lost en route to a vacation and stumbles into the lair of a cult. Disc 1 of the set includes "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Manos: The Hands Of Fate" and bonus features "Group Therapy," wherein Joel, Trace, Frank & Mary Jo relive the horror; MST Hour wraps; and an exclusive mini-poster by artist Steve Vance. Disc 2 offers the original "Manos: The Hands of Fate" feature film; and bonus features "Hotel Torgo," a documentary on the making of "Manos"; Jam Handy to the Rescue!: a Ballyhoo production; "Hired!," (featuring parts 1 and 2 together at last); and more! (Shout! Factory).
Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011) Michael Jai White, Dean Geyer, Alex Meraz, Evan Peters, Jillian Murray. Sequel returns to the adrenaline pumped underground world of MMA fighting, as a group of four college-aged fighters must learn the most intense fighting techniques and go head-to-head in a punishing Beatdown competition. Extras: Commentary by star and director Michael Jai White, deleted scenes. (Sony).
Nostalgia for the Light (2010 -- Chile) An amazing study in contrasts by legendary Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzman ("The Battle of Chile"). In Chile's Atacama Desert, atop the mountains, astronomers peer deep into the cosmos in search of answers concerning the origins of life. Nearby, relatives sift through the sand searching for the remains of loved ones, the disappeared dumped unceremoniously by Pinochet's military regime during the 1970s. Extras: Five short films by Guzman on astronomy, the cosmos, and the history of Chile. (Icarus Films).Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? BLU-RAY DEBUT (2000) George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Chris Thomas King, Charles Durning. Bonus features: Behind-the-scenes featurette, two Storyboard to scene comparisons, "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" music video. (Disney).
Outsourced: The Complete Series (2010-11) Twenty-two episodes, $39.98. (Universal).
Politics of Love (2011) Brian White, Mallika Sherawat, Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob. A comedy romance inspired by the slew of publicly documented election love stories that sprung up during Obama's presidential push. The plot follows the fortunes of a campaign team caught up in a whirlwind of euphoric romances. (Codeblack Entertainment).
Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season (2010-11) Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $29.99. (Disney).
Rescue Me: The Sixth Season and The Final Season (2010-11) Five-disc set with 19 episodes, $45.99. Extras: Four new featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reel. (Sony).
Roseanne: Season One All 23 episodes at a bargain price, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
Roseanne: Season Two All 24 episodes at a bargain price, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
Sanctuary: The Complete Third Season (2010) Six-disc set with 20 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Making-of featurettes, commentary, bloopers/outtakes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Entertainment One).
The Silent House (2010 -- Uruguay) Florencia Colucci, Abel Tripaldi. A teenage girl and her father are hired to clean out an abandoned house in the country, a house that was once the scene of unspeakable horror and which is seemingly hungry for fresh blood. Shot in a single, uninterrupted take. (IFC Films).
Son of Morning (2011) Joseph Crosss, Heather Graham, Lorraine Bracco, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Danny Glover, Bob Odenkirk, Jesse Bradford, Edward Herrmann, Steven Weber. As an environmental catastrophe threatens the world, a stressed-out, lowly copywriter experiences an episode of stigmata in church and is positioned as the next Messiah by an ambitious reporter. Extras: Interviews, behind-the-scenes footage. (Entertainment One).
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) Two-disc set of the prequel to "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." Stars John Hannah, Peter Mensah, Lucy Lawless. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurettes: "Weapons of Mass Disruption," "Battle Royale: Anatomy of a Scene," "On Set With Lucy Lawless," "10 Easy Steps To Dismemberment," "Post Production: The Final Execution," "Enter The Arena: Production Design," "Dressed to Kill," bloopers. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds 3D "Ring of Fire" battle sequence, extended episodes, commentaries. (Anchor Bay).
Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season (2010-11) Five-disc set with 22 episodes. Extras: Featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reel, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
The Tempest BLU-RAY ONLY (2010) Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Alfred Molina. Directed by Julie Taymor. Modern retelling of William Shakespeare's final masterpiece. Exiled to a magical island, the sorceress Prospera (Mirren) conjures up a storm that shipwrecks her enemies, and then unleashes her powers for revenge. Extras: "The Tempest Documentary," commentary by director Julie Taymor, Russell Brand's rehearsal riff, "O Mistress Mine" Reeve Carney music video. (Disney).
That '70s Show: Season One All 25 episodes at a bargain price, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
That '70s Show: Season Two All 26 episodes at a bargain price, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
3rd Rock From the Sun: Season One All 20 episodes at a bargain price, $9.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
3rd Rock From the Sun: Season Two All 26 episodes at a bargain price, $9.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).
35 and Ticking (2011) Tamala Jones, Nicole Ari Parker, Keith Robinson, Kevin Hart, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Darius McCrary, Meagan Goode, Dondre Whitfield. Romantic comedy about a group of thirtysomethings trying to figure out life, love and marriage. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, photo gallery. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Thor (2011) Director: Kenneth Branagh. Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Jaimie Alexander, Samuel L. Jackson, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Ray Stevenson, Colm Feore. Read more about "Thor" in the September Calendar. Available as a DVD/Blu-ray Combo, a 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo, and DVD. Extras: Commentary by director Kenneth Branagh, four deleted scenes, "Road to the Avengers" featurette. Blu-ray adds "Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant" featurette,seven making-of featurettes, seven more deleted scenes, digital copy. (Paramount).
True Legend (2010 -- China) Dir.: Woo-ping Yuen; Vincent Zhao, Andy On, Michelle Yeoh, Jay Chou and David Carradine in his final screen performance. Su Can's (Vincent Zhao) respectable life is obliterated when his vengeful brother, Yuan (Andy On), returns from war armed with the deadly Five Venom Fists. Weakened but not destroyed, Su Can learns a never-before-seen form of martial arts: the Drunken Fist. Armed with this new power, he returns home to honor his family through retribution by taking on his brother in a battle to become the ultimate warrior. Packed with the distinct fighting styles of director Woo-ping Yuen. Extras: Five original featurettes, two storyboard to scene sequences, music video international trailer. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Indomina Releasing/Vivendi Entertainment).
Wishful Drinking (2011) Combining wry wit and raw facts, this is Carrie Fisher's hit stage production of the intoxicating autobiographical tale of her life reveals her hilarious slant on the not-so-glittering side of being a celebrity. (HBO).
Wubbzy and the Fire Engine (2010) Wubbzy and his best buddies, Widget, Walden and Daizy, suit up for six stories that feature gentle lessons about helping out, working together and getting the job done. $16.98. (Anchor Bay).

Back to top




September 16

Star Wars Blu-rays The Blu-ray versions will be available in three configurations: "Star Wars: The Complete Saga," a nine-disc set with all six movies priced at $139.99 (though Amazon is already taking pre-orders at $89.99); "Star Wars: Original Trilogy" three-disc set with only the original Episodes IV to VI ("A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi") for $69.99 and "Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy," a three-disc set with Episodes I to III ("The Phantom Menace," "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith") for $69.99. There's a host of new and old goodies to be had in the sets, including deleted, extended and alternate scenes, featurettes and more. Each film will, of course, be in widescreen with 6.1 DTS sound. Read more about the releases.

Back to top



September 20

Airplane! BLU-RAY DEBUT (1980) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Julie Hagerty, Robert Hays, Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack. Available exclusively at Best Buy on Sept. 25. (Paramount).
Breakfast at Tiffany's BLU-RAY DEBUT (1961) Dir.: Blake Edwards; Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam, Mickey Rooney. Fully restored and remastered for the film's 50th anniversary. Extras: Commentary by producer Richard Shepherd, "A Golightly Gathering" featurette, "Henry Mancini: More Than Music," "Mr. Yunioshi: An Asian Perspective" featurette, "The Making of a Classic," "It's So Audrey: A Style icon," "Behind the Gates": Tour of the studio lot, featurette on Tiffany's, photo galleries, original theatrical trailer. (Paramount).
Breaking the Press (2010) Drew Waters, Farah White, Tom Maden, Chad Halbrook. A contemporary retelling of the parable of the prodigal son set in the world of Texas high school basketball. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette. (Fox).
Bride Flight (2008 -- Netherlands) Karina Smulders, Waldemar Torenstra, Anna Drijver, Plenui Touw, Petra Laseur, Elise Schaap, Willeke van Ammelrooy, Rutger Hauer. A romantic drama that charts the lives of three women from different backgrounds, forever changed when they emigrate to New Zealand as war brides after WWII. Extras: "Making of Bride Flight," interview with Rutger Hauer, interview with screenwriter Marieke van der Pol. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Music Box Films Home Entertainment).
Bridesmaids (2011) Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Jon Hamm. Read more about "Bridesmaids" in the September Calendar. Available as a Blu-ray/DVD combo and a single DVD. All editions include the theatrical version and an unrated version of the film. Extras: Commentary by director Paul Feig, co-writer Annie Mumolo and cast members Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, End McClendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper; gag reel; line-o-rama; deleted scenes; extended & alternate scenes; "Cholodecki's Commercial": Check out what's new with Cholodecki's with the never-before-seen "commercial" from Annie's jewelry employer. Blu-ray adds "Made of Honor: Behind the Scenes of Bridesmaids"; "Drunk-O-Rama" featuring Kristen Wiig's greatest moments on the plane; "Pep Talk": featuring Kristen Wiig on the tennis court; "Annie Vs. Helen": montage of Bridesmaids frenemies best and worst moments together; "Hold On" full song performance of Wilson Phillips' hit "Hold On." (Universal).
Chrysanthemum ... and Other Stories About Mischievous Mice and Adorable Animals Seventeen stories -- more than three hours of fanciful content starring a memorable collection of critters from all walks. These three DVDs include animated adaptations of such award-winning classics as "Chrysanthemum," "Owen," "A Weekend With Wendell," "Make Way for Ducklings," "Is Your Mama a Llama?" and "Noisy Nora." With celebrity narration by Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, Danny Glover, and others. "Chrysanthemum ... and More Mouse Mayhem," "Rapunzel ... and More Classic Fairy Tales" and "Is Your Mama A Llama? ... And More Classic Children's Stories." $24.95. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).
Circo (2011-- Spanish) Filmed along the back roads of rural Mexico and set to the music of the indie-rock band Calexico, this documentary follows the Ponce family's hardscrabble circus as it struggles to stay together. (First Run Features).
The Dick Van Dyke Show 50th Anniversary Edition: Fan Favorites Five-disc set with 20 classic episodes, $24.98.Extras: Original pilot episode, interviews with cast and producers, behind-the -scenes featurette. (Image Entertainment). Rare rehearsal footage
Dumbo Blu-ray photo (1941) The Academy Award-winning (1942, Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture) favorite will take flight for the first time with a premium restoration in Blu-ray high-definition featuring 7.1 Digital Theater System High-Def Surround Sound. Bonus features: Deleted scene: "he Mouse's Tale"; deleted song: "Are You a Man or a Mouse?"; "Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo"; "The Magic of Dumbo: A Ride of Passage" about the Disneyland popular ride, seen through the eyes of a child; commentary by Pete Docter, Paula Sigman and Andreas Deja; sound design excerpt from "The Reluctant Dragon"; original Walt Disney Television introduction, Cine-Explore, Disney View, "What Do You See?" and "What Do You Know?" games, "Celebrating Dumbo" featurette, "The Flying Mouse" and "Elmer Elephant" animated shorts. Read more about the 70th Anniversary Edition of "Dumbo" here.
The Dybbuk Entertainment One and The Archive of American Television is bringing "The Play of the Week" -- one of the classics from the Golden Age of TV -- into living rooms via DVD. The ambitious syndicated anthology series, which ran from 1959-61, was executive produced by David Susskind, and it staged a different play every week covering all genres -- dramas, comedies, musicals, fantasies, mysteries, et al -- while tapping some of the best talent appearing on Broadway. Acclaimed director Sidney Lumet's version of "The Dybbuk" -- arguably the most famous work in the cannons of Yiddish theater and cinema -- follows the story of a young bride possessed by a malicious spirit. Originally broadcast in 1960, "The Dybbuk" stars Carol Lawrence. When a young maid is possessed by the soul of her deceased lover on the eve of her wedding, a rabbi must exorcise the dybbuk and the young bride must choose between marriage to a man she does not love or an unworldly union with her dead lover's spirit. (Entertainment One).
Families of Philippines and Families of Germany (2011) Two latest additions to the "Families of the World" series that allows future travelers to reach across the globe and visit other people and cultures from a child's point of view. $29.95 each. (Master Communications).
4th and Goal (2010) Documentary about six young football players in their quest to join the most elite club in professional sports: the NFL. Shot over six years, "4th & Goal" tells the stories of DeQawn, Albert, Gibril, Tim, Randy, and Bret, all standouts at a respected junior college football program. Each of the young men are recruited for top Division 1 college scholarships. As they fan out across the country to the nation's best college football teams, each carries with him the belief that he will be one of the chosen few who will someday be a "Sunday Player" in the NFL. What their experience reveals is the true fate of millions of young football players: Only about 1,700 players can play in the NFL, and the cut-throat competition -- physical, intellectual, and emotional -- is what distinguishes one man's success from another man's failure. (First Run Features).
Gettysburg (2011) History special strips away the romanticized veneer of the Civil War to present the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in a new light -- a visceral, terrifying and deeply personal experience, fought by men who put everything on the line in defense of their vision of the American future. Ground breaking, information-packed look at the turning points, strategic decisions, technology and little-known facts surrounding the battle. Developed in collaboration with highly esteemed Civil War historians. Executive produced by Ridley and Tony Scott. $24.95. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (A&E Networks Home Entertainment).
Happy Endings: The Complete First Season (2011) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $35.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, a special "Mike Relm Remix" music video, more. (Sony).
Hawaii Five-0: The First Season (2010-11) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, exploration of the legacy of the series, behind-the-scenes of the making of the pilot, a tour of the islands with actress Grace Park, footage of the show's introduction at Comic-Con, a look at re-scoring the iconic theme song, an overview of the first season's story, the English translation of all episode titles, cast and crew commentaries on select episodes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount Home Entertainment).
The Inspector General Collector's Edition (1949) Danny Kaye, Walter Slezak, Barbara Bates, Elsa Lanchester, Gene Lockhart, Alan Hale. Extras: Rare color home movies taken on the set of the film, "Money On Your Life," a 1938 short starring Kaye. (Shout! Factory).
The Kennedys (2011) Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Katie Holmes, Tom Wilkinson, Diana Hardcastle, Kristin Booth. Reelz Channel miniseries about the Kennedy clan provides an intimate look at how Joseph Kennedy Sr. shaped his sons John and Robert to become two of the most influential men in U.S. history. The film was originally slated to air on the History Channel, but criticism of the harsh depiction of the Kennedys (none of the clan were angels, after all, and Joe Kennedy has been tied to the Mafia) lead the network to back down and pass on the show. Pepper won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Extras: "The Kennedys: From Story to Film" behind-the-scenes featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Video).
Law & Order: Los Angeles -- The Complete Series (2010-11) Five-disc set with 21 episodes. (Universal).
L.A. Zombie (2011) Canadian bad boy Bruce La Bruce is back with a hyper-sexual analysis of contemporary gay culture. Starring international porn star and model Francois Sagat, the film follows an alien zombie creature as he emerges from the sea and attempts to make sense of his new home, Los Angeles, where he proceeds to bring the dead back to life after having sex with them. (Strand Releasing).
Le beau Serge (1958) Of the hallowed group of Cahiers du cinema critics turned filmmakers who would transform French film history, Claude Chabrol was the first to direct his own feature. His stark and absorbing landmark debut, "Le beau Serge," follows a successful yet sickly young man Jean-Claude Brialy) who returns home to the small village where he grew up. There, he finds himself at odds with his former close friend Gerard Blain) -- ­now unhappily married and a wretched alcoholic -- ­and the provincial life he represents. The remarkable and raw "Le beau Serge" heralded the arrival of a cinematic titan who would go on to craft provocative, entertaining films for five more decades. New digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Audio commentary featuring Guy Austin, author of "Claude Chabrol"; segment from a 1969 episode of the French television series "L'invite du dimanche" in which Chabrol revisits Sardent, the town he grew up in and the film's location; 2011 documentary by filmmaker Pierre-Henri Gibert on the making of "Le beau Serge"; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Terrence Rafferty. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Lee & Grant (2011) Personal look at two iconic leaders of the Civil War. $24.95. (A&E Networks Home Entertainment).
Les cousins (1959) In "Les cousins," Claude Chabrol crafts a sly moral fable about a provincial boy who comes to live with his sophisticated bohemian cousin in Paris. Through these seeming opposites, Chabrol conjures a piercing, darkly comic character study that questions notions of good and evil, love and jealousy, and success in the modern world. A mirror image of "Le beau Serge," Chabrol's debut, "Les cousins" recasts that film's stars, Jean-Claude Brialy and Gerard Blain, in startlingly reversed roles. This dagger-sharp drama won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and was an important precursor to the French New Wave. New digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Commentary featuring film scholar Adrian Martin; 2011 documentary by filmmaker Pierre-Henri Gibert about the making of "Les cousins," featuring director Claude Chabrol, star Stephane Audran, assistant directors Charles Bitsch and Claude de Givray, and others; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Terrence Rafferty. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
The Lost Future (2010 -- TV) Sean Bean, Annabelle Wallis, Sam Claflin. A group of warriors must face off against a race of genetically-mutated beasts in order to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where jungles that have reclaimed the land as we know it. Extras: Interviews with cast/crew, making-of featurette. (Entertainment One).
Mad TV Season One Part One (2011) Thirteen episodes of the Cartoon Network series, $19.97. (Warner).
Make Believe (2010) A coming of age journey set in the quirky subculture of magic, this documentary follows six of the world's best young magicians as they pursue the title of Teen World Champion. The film travels from back rooms of the world famous Magic Castle in the Hollywood Hills to the most important international magic competition, the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, as the teens face the mounting pressure to win the competition and move to the next stages of their careers. Extras: Profiles of each of the film's subjects; "Masters of Magic" featurette with Lance Burton, Neil Patrick Harris and other magicians; 10 learn-it-yourself tricks taught by the teen magicians featured in the film. (Firefly: Theater & Films/Level 22).
The Mentalist: The Complete Third Season (2010-11) Five-disc set with 24 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Two featurettes, deleted scenes. (Warner).
Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer: The Complete Series (1958-59) Twelve-disc set with all 78 episodes, $89.95. Created by legendary crime novelist Mickey Spillane, Mike Hammer was brought to television for the first time with Darren McGavin as the hardboiled private eye. Pummeled for its "excessive and gratuitous violence" (by 1950s standards), the show was, nevertheless, instantly successful -- thanks, in part, to Gavin's tongue-in-cheek charm. Now available for the first time on DVD. (A&E Networks Home Entertainment).
Mike and Molly: The Complete First Season (2010-11) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $44.98. Extras: "Falling in Love With Mike & Molly" featurette, "Mike & Molly Play Acts" additional scenes, "An Interview with Jim (the dog)," gag reel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Modern Family The Complete Second Season (2010-11) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Deleted family interviews, extended and deleted scenes, gag reel, music video, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
My First Collection Volume 2 Featuring Spoon Value-priced three-DVD set containing 13 stories for young children that, together, have won notable awards such as a Caldecott Honor, an ALA Notable Video and an American Film Festival Blue Ribbon Award. Comprised of three individual DVDs: "Spoon ... and More Stories About Friendship," "Dem Bones ... and More Sing-Along Stories" and "That New Animal ... and More Stories About the New Baby" featuring the title stories as well as "The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night," Mia Farrow's beautiful narration on "I Love You Like Crazy Cakes," Mercer Mayer's "A Boy, A Dog and a Frog." Rosemary Wells' "Otto Runs for President," "Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!" and Robert McCloskey's beloved "Blueberries for Sal." $24.95. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures). Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
My Run (2010) After tragically losing his wife to breast cancer and struggling to raise three young children on his own, real life super hero and modern day Forrest Gump, Terry Hitchcock seized on an idea. He wanted to accomplish the impossible: Run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring attention to the incredibly difficult lives of single-parent families. Narrated by Billy Bob Thornton. $19.99. (Virgil Films & Entertainment),
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! BLU-RAY DEBUT (1988) Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalban, George Kennedy, O.J. Simpson. Available exclusively at Best Buy on Sept. 25. (Paramount).
Planes, Trains & Automobiles BLU-RAY DEBUT (1987) Dir.: John Hughes; Steve Martin, John Candy. Extras: New retrospective feature on John Hughes. Available exclusively at Best Buy on Sept. 25. (Paramount).
Raising Hope Season 1 (2010-11) Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, gag reel, commentaries, the un-aired pilot. (Fox).
The River Murders (2011) Ray Liotta, Christian Slater, Ving Rhames. A homicide detective's past comes back to haunt him when his ex-girlfriends become the target of a serial killer who's determined to destroy him. Extras: Cast and crew commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette. (Sony).
Secrets in the Walls (2010) Jeri Ryan, Kay Pananbaker, Peyton List, Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Another dream house turns evil in this Lifetime Network Movie paranormal thriller. (RHI Entertainment/Vivendi Entertainment).
Set Up (2011) Curtis Jackson, Bruce Willis, Ryan Phillippe, Jena Dewan, Randy Couture, James Remar. A group of friends are pitted against each other after a diamond heist goes wrong, and one of them partners with a notorious crime boss to seek revenge. Extras: Commentary by co-writer/director Mike Gunther, "The Making of Set Up" featurette, "Weapons on the Set" featurette, cast and crew interviews. (Lionsgate).
SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob's Runaway Roadtrip (2011) SpongeBob enjoys the Great Barrier Reef, a romantic cruise, a trip to the Ocean Mint, a homebound holiday and a trip that's out of this world in six adventures in one grand vacation, debuting on DVD before the November TV premiere, $16.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).
Spooky Buddies (2011) Latest in the direct-to-video Buddies franchise: Talking pups B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud and Rosebud embark on a spine-tingling journey across town to a shadowy mansion shrouded in legendary secrets where, in a race against the mysterious Howlloween Hound, the Buddies must stop Warwick the Warlock to save the world from his dastardly deeds. Available as a two-disc Blue-ray/DVD combo pack and a single DVD. (Disney).
10 Things I Hate About You: Season One, Volume 2 (2009-10) Three-disc set with 10 episodes. Extras: Extended scene, rap video, "Joey's Makeup Transformation." (Shout! Factory).
Timmy Time: Hide and Seek (2011) Five episodes of the Disney Channel pre-school series, $14.98. Extras: "Timmy Time Sing-Along," "Timmy's Days of the Week." (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).
We Are the Night (2010 -- Germany) Karoline Herfurth, Nina Hoss, Jennifer Ulrich. Female vampire thriller set in modern-day Berlin. (IFC Films/MPI Media Group).
The World of Sholom Aleichem Entertainment One and The Archive of American Television is bringing "The Play of the Week" -- one of the classics from the Golden Age of TV -- into living rooms via DVD. The ambitious syndicated anthology series, which ran from 1959-61, was executive produced by David Susskind, and it staged a different play every week covering all genres -- dramas, comedies, musicals, fantasies, mysteries, et al -- while tapping some of the best talent appearing on Broadway. Originally broadcast in 1959, the acclaimed teleplay (adapted by Arnold Perl from his 1953 Off-Broadway play) was drawn from writer Sholom Aleichem's touching tales of Jewish life in the ghettos of Eastern Europe. The broadcast featured several actors who had been blacklisted during the McCarthy Era -- including Zero Mostel, Lee Grant, Jack Gilford, Morris Carnovsky, and Sam Levene -- and proved to be one link in a chain of events that brought about the end of the blacklist. The production is a compilation of three stories from Aleichem: "A Tale of Chelm," about a bookseller who tries to buy a goat in a town of fools; "Bontche Schweig," a tale of a poor man whose heavenly arrival coaxes tears from the angels; and "The High School," about a couple's attempts to send their son to a nonreligious school. (Entertainment One).

Back to top


September 27

American Loser (aka Trainwreck: My Life as an Idoit) (2007) Sean William Scott, Gretchen Mol. Dramady about a self-induced attention-deficit disordered, learning disabled, Tourette's syndrome suffering, balance impaired, ex-alcoholic young man from the Upper East Side of Manhattan and the gold-digging girl who inspires him to try to get it together. (Barnholtz Entertainment).
Angel of Evil (2010 -- Italy) Based on the memoirs of infamous Milan gang leader Renato Vallanzasca who admitted, "I was born to be a thief," this fast-paced action film recounts his astonishing four-decade career. (Fox World Cinema).
Basket Case BLU-RAY DEBUT (1982) Kevin Van Hentenryck, Terri Susan Smith. Cult classic. Carrying a mysterious wicker basket wherever he goes, Duane Bradley checks into a flea-bag hotel in New York's Times Square. What's in the basket? It's Duane's hideously misshapen Siamese twin brother, Belial, who seems to wield some sort of odd control over his more normal looking brother. Together, they're in town to hunt down and wreak havoc on the sick surgeons who separated them, but this isn't your normal revenge flick. New full-frame HD transfer preserving the original 16mm camera ratio. Extras: New video introduction by director Frank Henenlotter; commentary by Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins and actress Beverly Bonner; rare outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage from the director's personal collection; two theatrical trailers plus TV spot; 2001 video short: "In Search of the Hotel Broslin"; two rare "Basket Case" radio spots; gallery of "Basket Case" exploitation art and behind-the-scene photos. (Image Entertainment and Something Weird).
Ben-Hur 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition (1959) Dir.: William Wyler; Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O'Donnell, Sam Jaffe. The classic film got a $1 million makeover -- frame by frame from an 8k scan of the original 65 mm camera negative, making this the highest resolution restoration ever completed by Warner Bros. "Ben-Hur" has been on moratorium for the past year. Now limited and numbered, each set contains more than four hours of extras including an all-new hi-def feature length documentary hosted by son Fraser Heston; a reproduction of Heston's diary during filming; and an exclusive hard-bound photo book. Available as a three-disc Blu-ray ($64.99) and five-disc DVD set ($49.92) with the following extras: Commentary by film historian T. Gene Hatcher with scene specific comments from Charlton Heston; music-only track showcasing Miklos Rozsa's score; "Charlton Heston: A Personal Journey" (78 min), a new high-definition feature-length documentary chronicling Charlton Heston's life while filming "Ben-Hur"; "Ben-Hur": 1925 silent version, from the Thames Television restoration with stereophonic orchestral score by composer Carl Davis (143 min); 2005 documentary: "Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema" in which current filmmakers reflect on the importance and influence of the film on modern epics (58 min); 1994 documentary: "Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic" Hosted by Christopher Plummer (58 min; "Charlton Heston: The Ben-Hur Diaries," a first-time exclusive look into the Oscar-winning actor's experience while making the award-winning film, this is a reproduction of Charlton Heston's private and insightful diary from January 1958 through April 1960, documenting his time before production of the film all the way through his Oscar win; "Ben-Hur: A Journey Through Pictures" audiovisual recreation of the film via stills, storyboards, sketches, music and dialogue; screen tests (30 min); vintage newsreels gallery; highlights from the 1960 Academy Awards ceremony; theatrical trailer gallery; hard-bound book with rare photography, production art and reproductions from the original theatrical press book. Also available as a two-disc 50th Anniversary Edition DVD with the feature film restored and remastered for standard definition with commentary ($20.97). (Warner).
The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman (2010 -- China) First feature from Chinese filmmaker Wuershan,executive produced by director/producer Doug Liman, who was intrigued by Wuershan's original approach to the martial arts genre. The film recounts the journey of a mystical blade as it passes through the hands of three ambitious men and features a mix of diverse filmmaking styles, including black-and-white sequences, animation, split screen and a music video. (Fox World Cinema).
Call Me Fitz: The Complete First Season (2010) Three-disc set with 13 episodes, Extras: Interviews with cast/crew, behind-the-scenes featurettes, bloopers reel, episode recaps. (Entertainment One).
Carlos (2010) Carlos, directed by Olivier Assayas, is an epic, intensely detailed account of the life of the infamous international terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez­also known as Carlos the Jackal. One of the 20 century's most-wanted fugitives, Carlos was committed to violent left-wing activism throughout the 70s and 80s, orchestrating bombings, kidnappings, and hijackings in Europe and the Middle East. Assayas portrays him not as a criminal mastermind but as a symbol of seismic political shifts around the world, and the magnetic Edgar Ramírez brilliantly embodies him as a swaggering global gangster. Criterion presents the complete, uncut, director-approved, five-and-a-half-hour version of "Carlos." New digital transfer, supervised and approved by directors of photography Denis Lenoir and Yorick Le Saux, with DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: New video interviews with director Olivier Assayas, Lenoir, Le Saux, and actor Edgar Ramírez; Twenty-minute making-of documentary on the film's OPEC raid scene; original theatrical trailer; booklet featuring essays by critics Colin MacCabe and Greil Marcus, plus biographies on selected historical figures portrayed in the film, written by the film's historical adviser, Stephen Smith. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
The Cleveland Show Season 2 (2010-11) Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $29.99. Extras: Uncensored and never-before-seen footage, deleted scenes, featurettes, commentaries. (Fox).
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Eleventh Season (2010-11) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $72.99. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount Home Entertainment).
CSI: Miami -- The Ninth Season (2010-11) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $64.99. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount Home Entertainment).
CSI: New York -- The Seventh Season (2010-11) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $64.99. (CBS Home Entertainment/Paramount Home Entertainment).
Dum Maaro Dum (2011 -- India) Revolves around an honest, tough cop in Goa who sets out to eradicate the drug Mafia and a college student who turns to crime when his scholarship to an American university falls through. (Fox World Cinema).
Dust (2007) Documentary. A look at the pervasive power of dust from its tiny particles settling in unseen places to its ability to cause illnesses and create the cosmos. The film examines the myriad forms and pathways of dust, from the places where it settles and the people who contend with it: Armies of cleaning men and women, manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and air cleansing products, housewives, toxic waste disposal workers, and museum custodians. In examining the many types of dust, including microscopic particulates invisible to the naked eye, a variety of scientists -- botanists, biologists, meteorologists, and astronomers -- discuss the environmental and health consequences of dust, from Sahara sandstorms and the Oklahoma dust bowl of the Thirties to the toxic dust generated by the 9/11 demolition of the WTC towers. (Icarus Films).
Footloose DVD and BLU-RAY DEBUT (1984) Dir.: Herbert Ross; Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker. Extras: Commentary by Kevin bacon, commentary by producer Craig Zaden and writer Dean Pitchford. New: "Let's dance! Kevin Bacon on Footloose," "From Bomont to the Big Apple: An Interview With Sarah Jessica Parker," "Remembering Willard," Kevin Bacon's screen test, Kevin Bacon costume montage. (Paramount).
Go For It! (2011) Aimee Garcia, Al Bandiero, Jossara Jinaro. Inspirational dance film about a student who must decide between following her dream to become a dancer, or to follow the wishes of her family. (Lionsgate).
Good Neighbors (2010) Scott Speedman, Emily Hampshire, Jay Baruchel. Set in Quebec, this thriller follows three apartment building neighbors as they bond over a recent string of murders taking place in their community. As the trio learns more about each other and the horror of what lies outside escalates, dark secrets unfold and they soon learn that nowhere is safe. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
Help Me Help You! (2009) Ravi Godse, Sabrina Bryan, Steve Guttenberg, Patrick Jordan, Richard Kind. A doctor with only six months to live decides to help his six closest friends through matchmaking, career and personality changes before he's gone. (Monarch Home Entertainment).
Holly's World: The Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (2009-11) Three-disc set with all 19 episodes from the first two seasons,, $29.98. (MPI Home Video).
How I Met Your Mother Season 6: The New Is Always Better Edition (2010-11 Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $29.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes, gag reel, commentaries, an extended performance of "Stand By Me," more. (Fox).
How to Make It in America: The Complete First Season (2010) Two-disc set with eight episodes, $39.98. Extras: Commentaries. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (HBO).
Hung: The Complete Second Season (2010) Two-disc set with 10 episodes $39.98. Extras: Commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (HBO)
Kendra: Seasons 2 & 3 (2009-11) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $29.98. (MPI Home Video).
Kojak: Season Two (1974-75) Six-disc set with 25 episodes, $44.99. Extras: Commentaries, archival interviews. (Shout! Factory).
L'Amour Fou (2011 -- France) Documentary on fashion icon Yves Saint-Laurent. Read more about "L'Amour Fou" in the September Calendar. (IFC Films).
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit -- The Twelfth Year (2010-11) Five-disc set with 24 episodes. (Universal).
The Ledge (2011) Charlie Hunnam, Patrick Wilson, Liv Tyler, Terrence Howard. Gavin (Charlie Hunnam) is on the ledge of a building, ready to jump, and Hollis (Terrence Howard), who just learned that he is not the biological father of his children, is tasked with talking Gavin down. Their conversation eventually reveals Gavin s deep-rooted theological conflict with his fundamentalist Christian neighbor Joe (Patrick Wilson). The negotiations take a drastic turn when Hollis learns that Gavin has a deadline, and his life is not the only one hanging in the balance. An unpredictable thriller that asks challenging questions about faith and reason; the nature of belief; and the value of human life. (IFC Films).
The Looney Tunes Show Season 1 Volume 1 (2010-11) New animated adventures of the cartoon characters, airing on the Cartoon Network. Includes four episodes plus four Merrie Melodies -- animated music videos of original songs spotlighting everyone from Elmer Fudd to Pepe Le Pew. $14.97. (Warner).
Ma & Pa Kettle Complete Comedy Collection Five-disc set with all 10 Ma & Pa Kettle films. (Universal).
Managing Menopause Naturally: What Every Woman Needs to Know (2011) A comprehensive program that addresses women's concerns and discusses options ranging from traditional medicine to holistic and "natural" approaches. Available from the new home video entertainment label True Mind for $19.98. Genetics, cultural and environmental influences, lifestyle choices, spiritual and emotional health are all key factors that play a determining role in and to what degree a woman will experience "the change." The 80-minute program presents holistic and natural options to managing the widely varying symptoms while also discussing such alternatives in relation to the current established medical treatments a woman might choose. Features leading experts from complementary health care MDs to herbalists, nutritionists and midwives. (True Mind).
The Middle: The Complete Second Season (2010-11) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $44.98. Extras: Unaired scenes, gag reel. (Warner).
Miss Nobody (2010) Kathy Baker, Leslie Bibb, Brandon Routh. A mild-mannered secretary discovers that she has a talent for murder as she ascends the corporate ladder. (Inception Media Group).
The Phantom Carriage (1920) The last person to die on New Year's Eve before the clock strikes twelve is doomed to take the reins of Death's chariot and work tirelessly collecting fresh souls for the next year. So says the legend that drives "The Phantom Carriage (Korkarlen)," directed by the father of Swedish cinema, Victor Sjostrom, about an alcoholic, abusive ne'er-do-well (Sjostrom himself) who is shown the error of his ways and the pure-of-heart Salvation Army sister who believes in his redemption. Based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlof, this extraordinarily rich and innovative silent classic (which inspired Ingmar Bergman to make movies) is a Dickensian ghost story and a deeply moving morality tale, as well as a showcase for groundbreaking special effects. New digital transfer, restored in collaboration with the Archival Film Collections of the Swedish Film Institute. Extras: Two scores, one by acclaimed Swedish composer Matti Bye and the other by the experimental duo KTL; commentary featuring film historian Casper Tybjerg; interview with Ingmar Bergman excerpted from the 1981 documentary "Victor Sjostrom: A Portrait," by Gosta Werner; "The Bergman Connection," an original visual essay by film historian and Bergman scholar Peter Cowie on "The Phantom Carriage's" influence on Bergman; booklet featuring an essay by screenwriter and filmmaker Paul Mayersberg. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Shalom Sesame: Adventures in Israel Last of the 12 DVDs in the "Shalom Sesame" series has Grover exploring Israel in his own way, $14.95. (SISU Home Entertainment).
Shalom Sesame: Adventures in Israel Last of a 12-part series that sees the Sesame Street characters travel to Israel to introduce Jewish holidays, traditions and cultures to viewers of all ages. $14.95. (SISU Home Entertainment).
The Stool Pigeon (2010 -- Hong Kong) Dir.: Dante Lam ; Nicholas Tse, Nick Cheung, Lu Yi, Liu Kai Chi. Tse plays an ex-convict, street racer nicknamed Ghost, who unwillingly works as an informant for police detective Don Lee (Cheung) in order to clear debts left by his late father and to rescue his only sister out of prostitution. The film was nominated for eight awards at the 2011 Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Film, Best Director (Dante Lam), Best Screenplay (Wu Wei Lun), Best Actor (Nick Cheung), and Best Supporting Actor (Liu Kai Chi), with Nicholas Tse taking home the trophy for Best Actor. Extras: Director and actor interviews, behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, photo gallery.Available as a DVD/Blu-ray Combo and on Blu-ray Disc. (Well Go USA).
3 By Theo: The Theo Van Gogh Collection (2010) Dutch film director, producer, and author Theo van Gogh was known for his controversial political views and advocacy for freedom of speech. Assassinated in 2004 by a religious extremist, van Gogh left behind a legacy of award-winning, critically acclaimed art-house cinema. This three-DVD set brings together van Gogh's most landmark and acclaimed films: "Blind Date": a bartender watches with amusement as a married couple role plays as strangers to overcome the pain of their daughter's death; "Interview": when a renowned political journalist is forced to interview famous actress Katja Schuurman, both reveal their darkest secrets; and "1-900": a young, single woman escapes her life through the fantasy of anonymous phone sex. But when the man she speaks to weekly wants more, their relationship takes a dangerous turn. $39.98. (Entertainment One).
Treasure island (1990 -- TV) Charlton Heston, Christopher Bale, Oliver reed, Christopher Lee. First time on DVD. (Warner).
Vampires, Mummies And Monsters Collection: Roger Corman Cult Classics Four Roger Corman cult films: "The Velvet Vampire" (1971), "Lady Frankenstein" (1971) with Joseph Cotten, "Grotesque" (1988) with Linda Blair and Tab Hunter, and "Time Walker" (1982). (Shout! Factory).
Viva Riva! (2010 -- Democratic Republic of the Congo ) Patsha Bay Mukuna, Manie Malone, Diplome Amekindra. Riva, a small-time but ambitious hood (Patsha Bay Mukuna), returns to the frantic, corrupt city of Kinshasa after a decade-long absence with a pocketful of cash and a stash of stolen gasoline, a rare commodity in the Congo. Living large in his hometown, Riva soon meets a trio of determined operators who set into a motion a story of vengeance, desire and brutality. Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Music Box Films).

Back to top


September 30

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) Director: Michael Bay. Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Patrick Dempsey, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Ken Jeong, Frances McDormand, Alan Tudyk, Julie White, Kevin Dunn. Read more about "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" in the September Calendar. Available as a bare-bones Blu-ray/DVD Combo with Digital Copy and on DVD. A deluxe Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and DVD will be released in the coming months. (Paramount).


Back to top

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.


E-mail OnVideo


| Home | Resources | DVD Releases | Calendar |
| Reviews | Links |


E-mail: mail@onvideo.org
© 1996 -- 2011 OnVideo. All rights reserved

September 20, 2011
(ISSN 1094-3676).