Overview: Humor and war often make strange bedfellows but sometimes humor can have a therapeutic effect for postwar sentiments of anger, frustration and loss, especially in the case of the bitterly divisive Vietnam conflict. In the tradition of Hogan's Heroes and M.A.S.H. came Barry Levinson's 'Good Morning Vietnam,' a pithy blend of satirical comedy and tragedy.

Blu ray Verdict: As I hope you all know by now, 'Good Morning, Vietnam' stars Robin Williams. He plays the lead character of a radio announcer/comedian who makes the trip to Vietnam and gives the soldiers the morning news by way of humor, honesty and quick-witted cleverness.

However, the entire movie is not quite a comedy film. Every so often, you will be probably be surprised by a few really accurate portrayals showing what it really was like living in Vietnam during the war involving the way the Vietnamese were living.

However the storyline mostly centers around Robin Williams' character getting to know the Vietnamese and communicating with them by walking around town and meeting them. He even becomes a temporary teacher at one point, teaching the Vietnamese the English language and entertaining them in a goofy manner.

Robin immediately takes an interest in this one Vietnamese woman who initially doesn't give a darn about him at all, but eventually things change later on. Another storyline element involves the brother of the girl he has an interest in. He plays a crucial (and surprising) part in the storyline later on and gives one heck of a great speech at the end of the film.

I'm really shocked at a few of those accurate surprises I mention above. One scene in particular shows an explosion that totally caught me by surprise because of the timing, and other scenes show Vietnamese teens being forced to stand up against a wall and immediately be shot. These are really shocking scenes to me.

Luckily the really violent and brutally honest portrayal of Vietnam back in the early 70's only takes up a very small portion of the actual storyline. The movie mostly focuses on Robin Williams' role as the comedian.

Now those of you who've seen Robin Williams stand-up comedy routine, don't worry- he's not nearly as crude in this film as he is during those comedy acts on stage. I'd say 80% of the jokes in 'Good Morning, Vietnam' are clean and completely appropriate for the entire viewing audience. That other 20% isn't really that bad either. To sum it up, the film mostly shows Robin Williams just being his typically goofy self.

In the Special Features, you learn that many movie studios turned down 'Good Morning, Vietnam' because they only wanted a comedy film from Robin Williams! I highly recommend this movie for the drama and comedy elements, however if you dislike Robin Williams style of humor, it's probably best to steer clear of this one. That said, for me, listening to Robin as a radio host put a HUGE smile on my face! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Production Diary (5 features): How The Movie Came To Be, Actor Improv; Music Of The Movie, Origin Of The Good Morning, Vietnam Sign-On, Shooting In Thailand & Overview Of The Film A Year Later
Raw Monologues
Original Theatrical Trailer
Original Theatrical Teaser Trailer

Overview: For the first time on blu-ray high definition this academy award winning film tells the story of an unconventional teacher that inspires students to go against the status quo and live life to the fullest. With a brilliant performance by Academy Award-winner Robin Williams.

Blu ray Verdict: Even though the film has been out for many, many years now, I still found this brand new blu ray version of 'Dead Poets Society' to be one of the most moving films that I have (still) ever seen. As a student, I know what it is like to feel pressure to academically succeed, and through my classmates, I have seen the strain that pressure can put on a parent-child relationship.

'Dead Poets Society' logs the effect of one inspiring teacher on upon a group of boys that have never been given the chance to think for themselves.

One boy, Neal, realizes his dreams to be more than becoming a doctor, but also an actor. His struggle with his father brings him to drastic measures, but he is an admirable character for overcoming his ability to overcome his fear of standing up to his father. Other boys experience trouble and triumph with authority, love, and fear. Their stories are classic, but also portrayed beautifully.

Robin Williams plays Mr. John Keating, the English teacher that inspires the boys of Wellton Academy to think on their own and to seize the day. They re-initiate the Dead Poets Society, a group that Keating was in as a student at Wellton. Through their club, the boys discover the magic of poetry and the power of words.

Keating uses famous quotes from Whitman, Thoreau, and other classical thinkers to motivate his students. His charisma and optimistic view of life is uplifting and leaves one inspired for days. Perhaps his outstanding performance is best portrayed in his line, "Life is a play and you may contribute one verse. What will it be?"

The film is well acted and revives memories of one's first experience in standing up for one's own beliefs. I recommend this movie to anyone who finds inspiration in literature, and to every person who wants to make the most of his life. It is teachers like Keating that breed our future philosophers and geniuses.

This film is a thank you to every teacher who has unknowingly inspired his or her students to do great things. The final scene when the boys pay tribute to their teacher who is punished for influencing them is enchanting!

That all said, as you probably all well know now, the film's dramatic finale will send you through an emotional rollercoaster ride! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Richard Gere, a retired CIA agent is called back from retirement to find a Soviet assassin believed to have been dead. A senator was murdered with the killer using the same MO as codename "Cassius," a former Russian agent assassin who was never caught.

DVD Verdict: My goodness, talk about a film with not only one but two red herrings AND a twist so never-saw-it-coming that you will be shaking your head! Early on Gere's character is paired with Topher Grace (That 70's Show), a young desk jockey from the FBI. You see, Topher studied "Cassius" and wrote his thesis on him. Indeed, he believes "Cassius" is still alive and retired in the US - and is the recent killer.

Gere claims it is a copycat killer and does not want to work with Topher. Well, we all know what happens in these kinds of films, they get paired together and fight crime as a beloved duo!

As pointed out, there is an early plot twist (that you won't see coming, trust me!), but it all comes powerfully full circle later in the film. And although there is that massive twist at the end, it truly could have had more dire consequences to both Gere and the plot - but lacked a razor's edge to it, sorry.

Anyway, even though Topher lacks field experience he is fairly savvy. And as they seek out "Cassius" bodies start to accumulate. The always-brilliant, and still looking young Martin Sheen plays the head of the CIA. While an early mystery is solved for us, there are others that exist, trust me!

There are action scenes, killings, and drama and along the way the acting was top notch throughout. I actually had two friends that were extras on the film, the sidewalk scene in particular, and they made me aware that most all the film was shot here in Detroit - nowhere near a) France or b) Washington, D.C.!

A great accompanying soundtrack, which had a mild Russian pagan metal vibe with a nice backbone drum beat included makes this whole visual undertaking so much more wonderful. Hence, 'The Double' is a very decent spy drama rental, unless you were an extra in it and then you need to add it to your personal collections, of course! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Producer Interviews
Trailer
Commentary with Michael Brandt (Director/Writer) and Derek Haas (Writer)

www.image-entertainment.com

Overview: As played to perfection by Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb, Sid and Nancy are made for each other, serving their mutual strengths and weaknesses and rising with the punk-rock fame of Sid's group, the Sex Pistols, while falling into the ultimately lethal pit of drug abuse.

Blu ray Verdict: In truth, this has got to be the best film that I've ever seen about drug addiction and the emptiness of people who fall into it. The decline and death of our so-called heroes are frightening and depressing, indeed so well acted that it is horribly, completely believable. Oldman and Webb are simply brilliant. I mean, there is no other word to perfectly describe their dual strength of performance. Webb is totally believable as a border line personality, at times sensitive, but suddenly abusive and paranoid - it is subtle and perfectly acted.

Sure the film is much more than this element, but this twisted love between two people is, by far, the centerpiece to this masterpiece. Their relationship was nothing but a youthful disaster from day one. It involved Sid becoming a celebrity by per chance and Nancy, a suburban cast-off who 'wandered' into the drug world, and a damned search for groupie association with stardom.

While almost nothing on their own, together they enter a downward spiral that can result only in death. Together they are far worse than apart and yet all you can do is helplessly witness their descent into a hell of addiction and chaos.

But, that all said, there is the underbelly here of seminal late-70s punk scene. The music, whether you liked the Sex Pistols or not, shows how it fast became a musical drug of choice. You also quite clearly see how talentless and nihilistic punk really was! Then again, it also had a disturbing amount of raw energy for the urban youth to latch on to, call their own, allow to infiltrate their worlds and create who they would turn out to be - for better or for worse.

Their collaborate chaos, drugs and miss-direction in the end were all that they had, so they lived it unto self-destruction. Their scenes, as portrayed in this film, will give you pause for thought and evoke sadness quite like none you've experienced for quite a while, believe me. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: During the bus ride to a corporate retreat, Sam (Nicholas D’Agosto) has a premonition in which he and most of his friends — as well as numerous others — die in a horrific bridge collapse. When his vision ends, events begin to mirror what he had seen, and he frantically ushers as many of his colleagues — including his friend, Peter (Miles Fisher), and girlfriend, Molly (Emma Bell) — away from the disaster before Death can claim them.

Blu ray+DVD Verdict: Let's be honest here - when Final Destination 4 (also called The Final Destination 3D) came out in 2009 it was intended to close the series. Then this third sequel did good at the box office and an idea for a fifth entry in the franchise I felt that Final Destination 4 relied perhaps a little too much on the 3D effects. While 5 is still in 3D it has a better story and is on the predictable side it's still an overall better film than the fourth.

The story this time goes as follows: Sam Lawton is on a bus on his way to a company retreat and while on a bridge he has a vision that the bridge they're driving on is going to collapse and he, his friends and co-workers are going to die. He manages to save his friends and it leaves everyone confused. They were supposed to die on that bridge and now death has come to get them one by one as you could expect from the series previous films.

The Final Destination films have really mastered the art of making viewers think what happens is predictable, causing them to a except a certain death and then the poor victim dies in a completely different (and often stupid) way. For example you think this guy is going to die burned because that's what the movies tells you to think and then he dies differently.

Some of the deaths are ridiculous and over the top, funny and dumb but they are creative and different from previous FD films. I liked how during the credits they show deaths from the other FD movies it was a cool way to close the movie.

Final Destination 5 was filmed entirely in 3D and the result is fantastic visuals and I say that not being a fan of 3D movies. The effects are better than last time and they still manage to obtain the disgusting/gross feel they were so obviously aiming for. The bridge scene early in the film was fantastic from a visual standpoint, a highlight for sure.

The death scenes were satisfying. As a nice addition Tony Todd reprises the role of mortician William Bludworth he played in the first two Final Destination movies. Todd said that if Final Destination 5 did well at the box office it was possible that movies 6 and 7 would follow.

The Final Destination movies are described as being aimed at teenagers and I can't really argue with that. I don't think there is anything wrong, the FD films have always seemed to be made for teenagers more than any other group (and not the horror buff), they're just good fun. I thought they really exploited the 3D tactic in the last movie and it turned out to be a successful movie but this one makes better use of it and it's not all about 3D this time around.

And so, in truth, this is not the best Final Destination, but still an entertaining one - and much better than the fourth in my opinion. At this point you know if you either like or hate the Destinations, if you're a fan of the series this one is a good addition but those movies have quite frankly become a bit predictable. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Instant Streaming with UltraViolet Digital Copy
"Circle of Death"
Alternate Death Scenes
Visual Effects of Death: Collapsing Bridge
Visual Effects of Death: Airplane Crash

Overview: Tom Selleck plays Matthew Quigley, the cowboy hero in this traditional Western, set very untraditionally in Australia. After some macho silliness in the opening minutes, the story settles into a surprisingly evocative tale of Quigley, a sharpshooter who had come to the country to work for a land baron (Alan Rickman) and who is on the mend after a brutal attack.

Blu ray Verdict: In my oh so humble opinion, Tom Selleck was born to play in westerns. I only wish he had done more of them, because he nails it every time. I've watched this film so much that it was time to add it to my personal movie collection. It has everything I love in a good western: adventure, comedy, romance, drama and real heart. The main actors absolutely soar in their performance.

Tom Selleck and Laura San Giacomo have wonderful chemistry together. I especially appreciated that we are given the opportunity to see the relationship between Matthew/Roy and Crazy Cora develop in a slow and believable way, rather than just implied or rushed like many of today's Hollywood films.

I loved the part where she is standing on the porch, watching him ride off. Alan Rickman with his quiet persona is perfection as the character you love to hate. The showdown between his character and Selleck's is awesome. There are some very tough and brutal scenes, but they are not overdone and are softened by the romance and humor sprinkled throughout. The ending was sheer delight.

Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't say that the music is mesmerizing, while the scenery is breathtaking. I really enjoyed that it took place in the Australian outback. 'Quigley Down Under' is a nice, old fashioned Western where the good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, and there are consequences for the latter and benefits for the former. This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: A gruffly sardonic Walter Matthau heads a fine cast that includes Jerry Stiller, Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, and a perfectly villainous pre-Jaws Robert Shaw. Think you'll find a better film that depicts a nearly broke city led by an inept mayor forced to deal with armed terrorists? Fuhgeddaboutit!

Blu ray Verdict: This 1974 film is a classic in every sense of the word. Not only does it bring to the screen a plot that kept me guessing the whole time how it would all turn out, but the actors interpret their roles in such a way that they seemed like people I know. The scene is in a New York subway train which is being hijacked by a gang. How this is all done is complicated but it somehow seems possible.

Walter Matthau stars as the cop who is charged with catching the criminals who are demanding one million dollars in cash and threatening to murder the 18 hostages who they are holding captive. Martin Balsam is one of the criminals, a timid sort though, whose nervousness is apparent. The leader of the bad guys is Robert Shaw, who speaks with a British accent and who is cool and seemingly always calm.

The hostages all seem real too - a cross section of the New York City landscape in 1974. And, as a former New Yorker myself, I could relate to them and the horror they were experiencing. And as far as the casting of the police officers, there was often a bit of humor because of the way they expressed themselves with typical working class accents. This is the New York of 1974 and I recognized it all. This was years before cell phones and communication seemed old fashioned. The tension, however, was apparent throughout and the fast-paced script kept me awake and alert.

I loved this film. They just don't make films like this anymore. I mean, since this is a '70s crime thriller, some unbelievably cheesy 70's music will be found throughout - and it's perfectly fine! This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Gregory Peck stars as a sea captain who moves way out West to marry Carroll Baker and become part of the ranch owned by her father (Charles Bickford). But he discovers that daddy's top hand (Charlton Heston) carries a torch for Baker and doesn't particularly like Peck stepping into his place.

Blu ray Verdict: As lovingly expected, from the opening titles of the galloping stagecoach horses, pulling against their bits, the harness and chains rattling and the spinning stagecoach wheels, this one had me HOOKED! Adult, smart, original, exciting, beautiful to look at, one of the most spectacular movie scores until Magnificent 7 and Dances With Wolves.

In truth, leading man Gregory Peck is a little old for his initial love interest Carol Baker (she looks like his daughter in some sequences), but he does just fine matched against leading lady Jean Simmons. Peck can be a somewhat wooden actor, but he is at his best as in a part like this one where he plays the strong silent hero who bucks expectations (think Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird").

Peck refuses to accept his fiancee's and her father's plans for him to join the well-heeled ranchers and drive the messy Hennesseys out of the country for good. Peck just wants everyone to get along. That probably is not going to work out well in a western. Charles Bickford is terrific as one of the patriarchs of one of the feuding clans. He manages to convey the fact that he is a violent, ruthless man underneath a veneer of refinement.

The other feuding clan is headed by folk-singer Burl Ives who chews all of the scenery and makes a huge impact as Rufus Hennessey, who has no intention of letting anyone get in the way of his cattle. Other roles which are well executed feature Charlton Heston as a smoldering, jealous, incredibly sexy ranch foreman and Chuck Connors as a repulsive rapist. I found Jean Simmons to give a workmanlike performance as the school teacher at the center of the drama, although she told Wyler's biographer that she did not like Wyler, and the film was almost impossible to act in because of constant script changes.

The characterizations are the key element of the appeal of the film, and reveal the fact that Wyler is behind the scenes pulling all of the strings, even if we didn't see his name in the credits. Although he thought the film was one of his lesser efforts, I think most viewers will find the movie to be exceptional, even with a comparison to the great John Ford's films.

When one realizes the chaos Wyler had to deal with behind the scenes (unhappy leads Peck and Simmons, cantankerous Bickford, and inexperienced actors in important parts) the final result is a triumph. This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: The most exciting moments in NFL history often come when the clock is ticking down and everything is at stake. This film lives on the edge of that chaotic euphoria to deliver a wild DVD ride. ''Two Minutes to Glory'' details the thrilling stories of the greatest comebacks in NFL history and the legendary heroes who made them happen.

DVD Verdict: In what was a fascinating look into the NFL and its history therein, 'Two Minutes to Glory' focuses on some of the greatest comebacks in NFL History.

The movie runs at around an hour and a half and includes most of the truly memorable drives in NFL history that we've either seen a million times before, or have long forgotten about! Either way, this collection is memory after memory after memory re: comebacks!

Included is some wonderful footage from the epic '90s Montana/Elway showdown on Monday Night Football. And here on this single disc collection, (of course) the Indianapolis Colts garner four major segments! And yes, that includes some indepth coverage of the Tampa Bay miracle, don't worry all you Colts fans!

The disc ends with a chapter called "The Greatest" which focuses on three iconic comeback drives. The first was 'The Drive' by Elway. The third was Montana's amazing drive against the Bengals in the Super Bowl (the John Candy drive). The middle of the three was 38-34. This collection of clips is very comprehensive and it does a really nice job capturing the most thrilling of comebacks. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: 'Dirty Girl' is the story of Danielle (Juno Temple), the dirty girl of Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, circa 1987. Her reputation takes an unexpected hit when her misbehavior gets her banished to a remedial class, where she is paired on a parenting project with Clarke (Jeremy Dozier), an innocent closet-case with no friends.

DVD Verdict: LOVED this movie! Juno Temple and Jeremy Dozier are going to be major stars and I can't wait to see the next movie Abe Sylvia directs.

The movie combines both comedy and drama, which is great since it lets the young actors show their range. The coming-of-age story set in a small town in Oklahoma deals with serious subject matters, but in a way that's not depressing - instead the story unfolds in a way that allows you to really connect with the characters and everything they go through.

'Dirty Girl' will really surprise you. Mixing comedy and drama can be fatal most of the times, but director Abe Sylvia somehow does it successfully. Again, this is a story about broken homes and dysfunctional families, and their long-term effects.

It really touched me. Again, as it can stand another rally cry, Juno Temple and Jeremy Dozier are amazing, and the fantastic cast - Milla Jovovich, William H. Macy, Dwight Yoakam, and the always dependable Mary Steenburgen - provide great support. The DVD includes commentary by the director and deleted and extended scenes. Oh yeah, and as a bonus, the soundtrack is perfectly sumptuous too! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.dirtygirlmovie.com

Overview: Based on the critically acclaimed bestseller by Allison Pearson, 'I Don't Know How She Does It' follows a Boston-based working mother (Sarah Jessica Parker) trying desperately to juggle marriage, children, and a high-stress job.

DVD Verdict: This movie is about a women named Kate Reedy (Sarah Jessica Parker) who jungles a carrer as a finance executive and being a mother of two. Kate devotes her day to her job and night to her husband, Richard (Greg Kinnear) and their children. Even though Kate is busy at work by traveling, conference calls, meetings and deadlines she always found time to get involved in her daughter's school.

But when Kate is handed a major new account that will require a lot of trips to New York to work with her charming new business associate, Jack Alelhammer (Pierce Brosnan). Meanwhile Richard also wins a new job and now things are little a little crazy on the home front. In the end Kate realizes that only thing that matters is family. She learns to take a break and enjoy her kids.

I liked this movie quite a bit. I'm a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker and that's part of what attracted me to this movie. For me this movie was like Sex and the City without the sex. SJP, narrates most of the movie along with a few other people in her life. I wasn't sure about the film until I was an hour through the movie, and for me the things that happened in the plot were my reasons for liking it, not the actors.

Watch this movie! Indeed, I would totally recommend this movie to watch with your friends with a pizza night. Hope you enjoy it! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs. Blu-ray™ and DVD bonus features include a conversation with bestselling author, Allison Pearson.

www.weinsteinco.com

Overview: A revenge thriller with a comedic edge centering on a seemingly innocent young couple forced by a psychotic stranger to confront their duplicitous past deeds.

DVD Verdict: In truth, I have seen some work by this producer before and was very impressed how he can take a low budget and make a great horror flick. As a fan of the horror genre, I recommend this flick wholeheartedly.

Will Keenan stars as Lance, our victim who is hounded and forced to do things. Tanisha Mukherjee plays his wife. Camille Keaton (gang raped in the original 'I Spit on Your Grave') plays Mrs. Keenan. B-movie actor Timothy Muskatell also does an excellent job as the bizarre tormenter of Lance.

'Chop' balances comedy and horror flawlessly, the plot has more twists and turns than a high-speed chase on a San Francisco street, the technical aspects are all amazing, and overall 'Chop' is as close to a perfect indy horror film as I have ever seen.

In closing, 'Chop' is an excellent film with a quite decent soundtrack, great script, good quirky characters, and a touch of dismemberment! There are some F-bombs, some explicit sex talk, and even scenes of oral sex, but no nudity. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.thecollectivefilm.com

Overview: Meet bad coach Rick Vice, a redneck psycho with a suspect record (the attempted murder of a Pee Wee football team). When the Pulham Blue Cocks coach drops dead on the sidelines, Vice is the last resort to turn around the worst team in college football's worst division (it's one step up from Nerf!).

DVD Verdict: Yes, yes, yes, I knew watching Andy Dick in anything was going to be a huge waste of time! His erratic acting has never sat well with me, in truth. So, I decided to watch this movie anyway, not only because it's part of my job, but because someone I personally knew was featured in film! In a small, small way, of course! And sure, ok, just with Andy Dick alone in the flick I knew this movie was going to have some comedic elements that would make me smile - cringe, moreover, but funny should be scattered; one could only hope!

That ALL said, I was very surprised how much I actually laughed throughout the movie! Really enjoyed it, in fact! Indeed, I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great laugh! Basically, for all intents and purposes, 'Division III: Football's Finest' is a redneck version of the highly unfunny 'The Replacements.' It is a purely slapstick comedy, but smarter in pockets. It follows a typical sports movie underdog team path, but it's way fresh, and tons of jokes layered-on-top! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.image-entertainment.com

Overview: Johnny Strong ('BLACK HAWK DOWN') stars as New Orleans Police Detective Sean Riley, a tough cop mourning the death of his young son while investigating a series of brutal torture murders. But when a clue leads Riley to a troubled army buddy (Sean Patrick Flanery of 'THE BOONDOCK SAINTS'), he'll uncover a shocking military conspiracy that triggers a war between local gangs and an international team of mercenaries.

DVD Verdict: 'Sinners and Saints' is an action thriller that takes place in a post-Katrina New Orleans. As leader of an elite street crimes task force squad, Detective Sean Reilly (Johnny Strong) is trying to cope with the death of his young son and the abandonment of his wife. When a routine warrant service results in an ambush and the vicious murder of his partner, this might be the last straw for Sean. Reassigned by his mentor, Capt. Trahan (Tom Berenger), Sean and Det. Will Ganz (Kevin Phillips) investigate a baffling gangland homicide.

As the clues pile up, Sean and Will realize that Colin (Sean Patrick Flanery), one of Sean's childhood friends, and a security contractor just back from the Middle East, seems to be at the center of the horrible case. The two quickly realize there is something far more sinister going on than either could ever have imagined.

Though director William Kaufman incorporates many familiar elements into this cop thriller, he manages to transcend mere cliche and has crafted an exciting picture. Location filming on the ravaged streets of New Orleans give the movie a gritty tone. Be warned: many scenes in this strong R-rated feature are graphically violent. Blu-ray special features include a behind-the-scenes making-of featurette and deleted scenes. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: When Ally Darling (Faris) reads an article that leads her to believe she's going to be alone forever, she begins a wild search to find the best "ex" of her life. But Ally's quest to reconnect with her former lovers goes hilariously awry!

DVD Verdict: In truth, 'What's Your Number?' is an R-rated romantic comedy that stars Anna Faris, most notable for her role in the 'Scary Movies' series and more recently the 'House Bunny' movie. Her counterpart in the movie is Chris Evans from 'Captain America'. The premise centers around Ally Darling (Faris), who, after being fired from her job, stumbles across an article in a Marie Claire magazine that says the average amount of sexual partners you should have in your lifetime is around 10. Ally's number is considerably higher than that. So, she assumes she has already met the person she was supposed to marry and starts on a quest to find out which one of the men she had been with and should have stuck with.

As far as romantic comedies go, it's not a bad premise, but the problem is, 'What's Your Number?' tries way too hard to be funny and poignant and fails at both. I won't deny that some of the humor in the movie made me laugh. For the most part though, the comedic attempts were way over the top and seemed to fall flat like a lump of coal.

For instance, as she waits for one of her men to cross the restaurant, we get a slow motion moment where he greets everybody in the place like he's a rock star or Mr. Popularity and Ally's hair catches on fire from a barbecue pit behind her. There are numerous moments like this. She falls over a fence and says a bad word and of course there are children nearby who begin to chant the dirty word over and over.

One message the movie has that resonated with me was its message about love and how you can tell for yourself what love is. Unfortunately, it was the only thing in the movie that grabbed me. It was too long, clichéd and poorly written from beginning to end.

Many of the scenes in the movie also seemed to be staged just to highlight a different spot in the city of Boston. I'm pretty sure that the city of Boston paid a pretty penny for this movie and because of that had a lot of say in what, where and when scenes would be shot, all the way up to the final shot of the film. Of course the break-in strip basketball scene at Boston's Bank North Garden basketball court was solid proof of that.

'What's Your Number?' is not a very good movie. It's desperate flailing for laughs and moments is evidence enough they knew they had a lot of work to do in order to overcome a lackluster script. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Featues of:

Theatrical Feature
Extended Feature
Deleted Scenes & Flashback Dates
Theatrical Trail

www.FoxStore.com

Overview: Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifi anakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. What could go wrong? Director Todd Phillips' explosively funny follow-up to his award-winning smash hit demonstrates that though what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, what happens in Bangkok can hardly be imagined!

DVD Verdict: The idea of a sequel to the 2009 film 'The Hangover' was a welcome one after having caught audiences off-guard with its hilarious situations in Las Vegas while raking in the cash to become the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all-time. The characters were likable on their own and had great chemistry together so the thought of following them further absolutely made sense.

In the lead-up to 'The Hangover: Part II' however there was concern regarding the appearance that the plot would be a carbon copy of the original. Unfortunately that was largely realized, and despite a number of big laughs the movie feels uninspired and all too familiar.

The setting has changed to Thailand but the scenarios are largely the same. A bachelor party spins out of control and the guys wake up not remembering a thing about the night and realizing someone is missing. From there it is a race around the city as they try to put the pieces together. Substitute monkey for baby for easy reactionary laughs and so on.

The majority of the developments parallel what took place in the first film to a frustrating degree. Being unable to overlook that it made each and every reveal feel forced. Surprises really didn't feel as though they were surprises and ultimately they all led to predictable conclusions. Even the new locale didn't really add much to the story but to provide the backdrop as they raced around without largely inhibiting their efforts.

If just one unexpected thing took place it's that I came away having really enjoyed Ken Jeong as Mr. Chow despite not having cared for the character in the first movie. All the other actors were playing their roles identical to the first except for Alan (Zach Galifianakis) who was quite mean-spirited early on and that felt somewhat out of place and distracting.

As much as its familiarity hampered its potential The Hangover II was still full of laughs and I can't overlook that entirely. The main problem is that these characters just can't shock me anymore regardless of what they get themselves into. In fact by the end I started to dread the prospect of them in a third film attempting to top the first two. The photos during the credits sequence though were genuinely funny yet again and almost made the whole thing worthwhile on their own. When the credit sequence is the highlight that isn't a sign of a good film however.

You pretty much know what you're going to get with The Hangover II, an enjoyable but unoriginal follow-up, and for such a popular comedy that may be just enough to entice audiences and satisfy the masses who don't necessarily care for anything more. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Instant Streaming with UltraViolet Digital Copy
"Comedy Rhythm of Todd Phillips"
"Not Your Everyday Monkey"
"Bangkok Tour with Mr. Chow"
Action Mash-Up
Gag Reel

Overview: An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the african american maids point of view on the white families they work for and their hardships they go through on a day to day basis.

DVD Verdict: 'The Help' is excellent! This is how the story goes: At the dawn of the civil rights movement, three Mississippi women are about to take one extraordinary step. Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss and her mother won't be happy till she finds a husband.

Aibileen, a wise African-American maid and caretaker suffers after the loss of her own child. And Minny, Aibileen's sassy best friend, struggles to find and hold a job. Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk.

The cast led by Emma Stone (as Skeeter), Viola Davis (as Aibileen) & Octavia Spencer (as Minny) is excellent. The screenplay (based on Kathryn Stockett's novel) and directing by Tate Taylor (who also executive produced) is excellent.

The music by Thomas Newman is excellent. The cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt is excellent. The film editing by Hughes Winborne is excellent. The casting by Kerry Barden & Paul Schnee is excellent. The production design by Mark Ricker is excellent. The art direction by Curt Beech is excellent. The set decoration by Rena DeAngelo is excellent. The costume design by Sharen Davis is excellent.

This is an excellent film that is well-made and well-shot. This is a heartwarming and beautifully gut-wrenching film that hits your heart and mind to its very core. The performances by Emma Stone, Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer are terrific and Oscar-worthy. Another performances by Jessica Chastain (as Celia Foote) & Bryce Dallas Howard (as Hilly Holbrook) are great, as well. This is one of the best films of the year and was also one of the best films of last summer. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

The Making of "The Help" From Friendship To Film - (23:29)
In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi - (11:51)
Deleted Scenes - Five deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor
"The Living Proof" music video by Mary J. Blige - (5:08)

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: Inspired by a true story, 'Dolphin Tale' is about courage, ingenuity, and never giving up.

DVD Verdict: 'Dolphin Tale' is an "inspired by a true story" film, where a baby dolphin is injured when she is entangled in crab pot lines. She washes up on a beach in Florida where Sawyer, the lonely son of a single mother, sees her. The Clearwater Marine Hospital picks her up. Hazel, the daughter of the hospital chief of staff, names the dolphin "Winter."

Winter recovers but her tail must be amputated. She learns to swim by wiggling side-to-side, but if she continues to do that indefinitely, it will damage her spine and kill her. The movie concerns efforts to design a prosthetic tail that Winter will wear by Sawyer, Hazel, the marine hospital staff and a prosthetic specialist doctor Sawyer meets at the VA hospital when visiting his war-wounded cousin.

The Marine Hospital is also struggling financially and trying to raise enough money so it can avoid being bought by a wealthy developer who intends to tear it down and build a resort. The lonely Sawyer finds a friend in Hazel and something to be passionate about in the effort to save Winter.

In closing, there's something in this movie that captures the imagination and interest of both children and adults. The antics of the dolphin, and the children's interactions between themselves and the dolphin will keep young children entertained and older children engaged. The riveting storyline, and the tension and drama keep the adults engaged as well. This truly falls into the category of "family entertainment". This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Featues of:

The Hutash Rainbow Bridge (HD, 2 minutes): What begins as something akin to a deleted or extended scene soon reveals itself to be a computer-animated short.
At Home with Winter (HD, 13 minutes): A trip behind-the-scenes with the cast and crew.
Spotlight on a Scene (HD, 7 minutes): Director Charles Martin Smith and producer Andrew Kosove dissect the film's opening sequence, the digitally created dolphins that star in it, and the 3D techniques involved in bringing the scene to life in three dimensions.
Winter's Inspiration (HD, 18 minutes): The true story of Winter, her miraculous recovery and the people who saved her take center stage in this excellent featurette.
Ormie and the Cookie Jar (HD, 4 minutes): An original animated short about a pig trying to reach a cookie jar on top of a refrigerator.
Winter Meets Panama (HD, 2 minutes): A quick, altogether expendable deleted scene.
Gag Reel (HD, 3 minutes)

Overview: 'Prep & Landing' is an adorable holiday story about a high-tech team of elves who ensure homes around the world are properly prepared for their visit from Santa.

DVD Verdict: Admittedly, I love holiday movies but with little ones at home it can be hard to find movies that both them and my husband and I like. When 'Prep & Landing' came out in 2009, we loved it! I recorded it on our DVR but it got accidentally deleted - we were all devastated!

Well until now 'Prep & Landing' was just a show we would watch each holiday season, but now we can watch 'Prep & Landing' anytime we want on DVD! (... and you can too, of course!)

'Prep & Landing' is an adorable movie that packs so much into its 22 minutes of running time. The movie is about an elf who is awesome at his job at setting up homes for Santa's arrival, but he gets bored. After some help he realizes how important his job is and scrambles to get the house ready or Santa may have to pass it up.

The movie is so cute and funny! We all laughed and my boys (3 and 4) just want to watch it over and over! It is one Christmas DVD that we will be watching over and over ... and over and over! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

• Prep and Landing: Operation Secret Santa Short
• Prep and Landing: Tiny's Big Adventure Short
• Kringle Academy training videos (4)

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: Featuring acclaimed actors Lea Thompson, Constance Marie, Marlee Matlin, and D.W. Moffett, and rising stars Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Lucas Grabeel, and Sean Berdy, Switched At Birth is a superbly acted and heartfelt series that the entire family will enjoy!

DVD Verdict: WARNING: This DVD is only for the first half of season one! What I liked best about this show was that it incorporates characters and issues about being deaf into the show itself. Too often these days you do not see deaf characters in shows so the deaf culture in America remains invisible.

I commend this show for bringing this into the show. Outside of this though I found the characters to be completely believable and the plot of the story was engaging and entertaining. You will find that the messages with the show are family friendly and that it does get into issues of relating adoption as well as family values, parenting and unconditional love.

Indeed, ASL teachers all over the country were warned about the potential sudden increase in students signing up for ASL class, particularly the teenage female students. This is of course partly due to Sean Berdy, but the show itself is addicting.

The premise seems simple enough - two teenagers discover that they were switched at birth and their families try to sort through their lives with this new discovery. One of the girls is deaf. That's about the one thing that made this story even more interesting and one that brought the deaf culture into the series.

Again, this show could very well be like a launching point for the movement to get more of the hearing community to understand that deaf people are not "handicapped" or "impaired" in any way, and maybe ASL will become more widely used to the point where a deaf or HoH person can walk into any store and be able to communicate with the sales clerks. OK so maybe that's a long ways away yet, but still, it would be a start! It was a great show and I hope that it continues in the future. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: The story centers on a pre-World War II stunt pilot (Bill Campbell) who accidentally comes into possession of a rocket-propelled backpack much coveted by the Nazis. With the aid of his mechanic pal (Alan Arkin), he gets it up and running, then uses it to foil a plot by a gang of vicious Nazi spies!

Blu ray Verdict: I recently rewatched this movie in honor of its 20th anniversary in the summer of 2011. I hadn't seen it since it came out in theaters, when I was quite young. From what I recall, the movie was something of a box-office bomb. While it's certainly not a bad movie and didn't deserve to bomb, I can definitely understand why it never caught on widely.

First, the plot is just thin. The movie is about 140 minutes long, and for an "action/adventure" movie much of that is taken up by dialogue. I don't need a fight scene every second, but the movie should find some way of keeping the tension going. Also, the movie reveals WHO the main villain is right near the beginning of the story, but doesn't reveal WHY he's a villain until near the end. This seems exactly the opposite of how it should have progressed. The movie would have been much more suspenseful if we'd learned of the Nazi threat earlier, but didn't know one of the main characters was a Nazi spy. Instead, the scenes with Jenny and Sinclair (the Nazi spy) dating become too predictable.

A weak plot can be saved by strong characters, but at best the main characters in Rocketeer are milquetoast. The main character, Cliff (Billy Campbell), is a "good boy" in the style of older 1930s movies. He's impossible not to like, but he's also hard to really love. His girlfriend, Jenny, barely has a personality, although I suspect that's partly due to Jennifer Connelly's acting, which I've always found dry. The worst is Timothy Dalton as the main villain just doesn't work for me. He never comes across as threatening. Moreover, a Nazi spy placed within the "highest social circles of Hollywood" sounds more goofy than ominous.

The movie does have its fun parts. The secondary villain, Eddie Valentine, is interesting. The huge "enforcer" works well as a menacing goon. And Rocketeer does overall stick closely to its 1930s roots. But overall this just seems like a movie that could have worked so much better than it currently does. It could have been the second coming of Indiana Jones, but learned little from Spielberg and Lucas about keeping the audience excited. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

20th Anniversary Screening Q&A Session
Theatrical Trailer
"The Rocketeer: Excitement in the Air" TV Special
Electronic Press Kit Interviews
"Meet Me Down at the El Capitan"
Photo & Poster Galleries

Overview: Bruce Willis, Malin Akerman (Watchmen), Nikki Reed (The TWILIGHT Saga), Deborah Ann Woll (''True Blood'') and Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) star in the tough, sexy story of three hit women sent to rural Louisiana to intercept a big money dope deal.

Blu ray Verdict: The title "Catch .44" (a clever play on the phrase Catch 22, i.e. as in a double catch 22 as well as a .44 caliber bullet) may well be a direct-to-DVD movie, but it's definitely well worth your viewing time, trust me!

That said, sure the movie really isn't that clever, but pretends to be, at least! I was confused by the beginning. The film opens with Bruce Willis (Mel) talking to an unseen person who he has worked with for seven years but doesn't trust...cue credits. The music is Mexican-Cowboy grindhouse stuff during the credits. We see Tes driving. Then we see three women in a diner, they are talking about living in a man's world, the apparent theme of the film, when they attempt to rob the place and one of them gets shot.

More credits ... with the music being Sweet's 'Fox on the Run.' For the most part we have now just ventured into some kind of Pulp Fiction diner scene flashback scenario. The names on the girls flash on the screen by their face, which has come to be the rule rather than the exception in modern action films.

Tes, the leader of the group, works at an exotic dance bar. They work for a drug dealer named Mel. The whole diner scene we saw earlier is about a drug deal. While there are cell phones, Mel talks on a red rotary dial phone to Tes in a remote phone booth, apparently something that still exists in Louisiana.

While the girls are driving to the restaurant, there is some subplot action that is going on that appears unrelated.

The movie swaps back and forth between the restaurant shoot-out action and various flashbacks leading up to the scene. The film is supposed to be a Tarantino style grindhouse, but doesn't really work that well as the characters aren't that great. There is no clever grindhouse dialogue.

The flashback scenes don't work that well. Forest Whitaker uses different accents during the movie which doesn't appear to be by design! But, and with all that said, take a seat and have some eye candy fun! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Celebrate the most magical time of the year with this Special Edition of the irresistible holiday classic inspired by Disney's Academy Award(R)-winnng masterpiece, Beauty And The Beast (1991: Winner -- Best Song, Best Original Score; nominated for Best Picture).

Blu ray+DVD Verdict: In truth, I have always loved this movie since I was kid. Now seeing it as a young adult, I can appreciate it even more in brilliant high definition!

I must admit that the picture quality is terrible on the original VHS and even earlier and current DVD versions. But once you see it on Blu-ray, the animation is so crystal clear that it looks new again and literally shines on your big screen compared to the major grain on the other releases in the past!

While the animation is not up to par with the original, and some of the characters movements are robotic at times, high definition sure does a damn good job of bringing it close. Don't go into this movie expecting the same standard as the original because there won't be. For what it is, it's above average.

The songs of course are great. Loved that the whole original voice cast came back. People are complaining that this movie scared their children, especially the villain Forte. Honestly, I saw this movie for the first time when I was seven years old in 1997 and I was not all scared but entranced. Really though, it can't all be candy canes and lollipops just because it says Christmas in the title!

This isn't Tinker Bell and the Magical Christmas Tree. This is one of the very few Disney sequels that I actually enjoy (next to the Lion King 2: Simba's Pride) and not despise like so many others (the Hunchback of Notre Dame II... need I say more? Now lets never speak of it again!).

If you want a great holiday movie for your kids, or for the kid at heart, than pick this up! However, I would highly recommend seeing it on Blu-ray as the other qualities pretty much suck, but still worth it I suppose given that it's a great "midquel" to the BATB franchise. Heck, if I loved it so much on VHS you could imagine how much I love it even more on Blu. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

•Blu-ray(TM)Feature Film + Bonus
•DVD Feature Film + Bonus
•Disney's Sing Me A Story With Belle: "Stick To It (Don't Give Up)" -- Belle Inspires Children To Keep Trying And Never Give Up
•Disney Sing Along Mode
•Disney's Song Selection -- Select Your Favorite Songs And Sing Along
•Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes
•Music Video: "As Long As There's Christmas"
•Enchanted Environment -- Bring The Castle's Crackling Fireplace Into Your Home

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: She found love in the most unlikely of places, and now the beautiful Princess Belle will learn the value of friendship as she and the castle's enchanted inhabitants form a special bond in the second sequel to the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast.

DVD Verdict: 'Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World' is a Disney DVD re-release of the 1997 Disney animated film based on the 1991 Oscar-winning film of the same name. In this story, which takes place in-between the events of the full-length movie.

Belle and the Beast learns to get along and helps with the Beast's volatile temper, also, Luminere, Cogsworth and the rest of the gang organize a party to cheer up Mrs. Potts.

In truth, the stories are cute and it gives us a little insight into what Belles life was like in the castle, those months that she was there.

The special features includes an episode of the 1995 live-action Disney series Sing Me a Story with Belle, interactive games, and trailers for upcoming Disney favorites like Brave, Treasure Buddies and Prep and Landing.

In closing, and to my mind, 'Belle's Magical World' is the best way for any Disney fan to spend time with the most spirited Disney Princess ever! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.66:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: A killer motorcycle gang that sweeps through towns like a desolating plague...looting, terrorizing and running amok...band together to prove their innocence when accused of rape.

DVD Verdict: A quickly made follow-up to AIP'S 'The Wild Angels', 'Devil's Angels' nevertheless provides solid entertainment, as well as some good acting from a game cast. John Cassavetes stars as the craggy head of a motorcycle gang who decides to lead his fun-loving bunch to a mythical place he calls Hole In The Wall.

This Nirvana is supposedly a hide-out he has heard of, where they won't be bothered by the outside world of Squares and can happily debauch to their heart's content. This group, however, is nowhere near as savage as 'The Wild Angels', and their idea of fun is taking apart a little country store, stiffing the owner, and setting fire to the camper of a couple unlucky enough to accidentally knock over one of their Hogs.

But the story turns ugly when they stop in a small town and are accused of rape by the local yokels. Cassavetes brings a certain likability (and even a sense of honor) to his part, Leo Gordon is his usual proficient self as the local Sheriff, and, as a nice, but reckless girl who chooses to party with the gang, Mimsy Farmer (in the second of three films she made for AIP) is lovely and persuasive.

The gang members are mostly convincing as well, though Beverly Adams, sporting a Vidal Sassoon haircut (courtesy of her future husband)and an enormous pair of false eyelashes, simply looks ridiculous as Cassavetes main squeeze!

Previously available only as a full-screen VHS tape, double billed with a forgettable TV-movie, 'Return Of The Rebels', this new-to-DVD 'Devil's Angels' DVD is a welcome addition to any Biker Film collection, trust me. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: There is horror in a small Cornish village when a disbarred doctor starts performing grafting experiments on the unfortunate and terrified villagers.

DVD Verdict: Pretty straight forward little thriller, one I've always wanted to see, that interestingly makes a monster out of a doctor who wants to do heart transplants! And this was about 4 or 5 years before it actually happened for real! I wonder how Christiaan Barnard felt about that! OK I just checked the first heart transplant was 1967.

Dr. Blood himself is pretty over the top not hesitating to sacrifice the useless and unworthy to further his pursuits. It's close and a little clammy when down in the mine tunnels but the location work is good and I want to add my praises for Hazel Court who is too attractive for her role!

There's a great bit in the first two minutes. She's a nurse and when the village Dr drives up she runs over to help with his packages. He loads her up with an armful of five or six boxes then wanders off to jaw with the locals. Pretty funny bit no matter how you parse it from a period or contemporary perspective.

Sorry, but I wouldn't recommend this flm to many. It's OK, in and of its kind but the ending, which the whole movie builds up to, is ludicrous and let's all the steam out of the slowly, but effectively, developed tension. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Two of the most inept detectives that ever bungled a case find themselves way over their heads in this wacky action adventure that leads them from Los Angeles to Rome and Venice. Trying to reunite a pair of misplaced lovers, our incompetent duo begin a crazed caper with two Italian families - feuding for 1,700 years!

DVD Verdict: I think I was ten when I first saw this movie at the theaters and I can honestly say I have never laughed so hard and uncontrollably at any film in my life. Granted, today the movie does look dated and suffers from some poor picture and sound quality, but I urge you to try and see beyond that.

This is a small masterpiece. David Landsberg's honest but clumsy Wilson is perfectly balanced by Dreyfuss' seedy, fast-talking character. Anyway, the movie has several well timed running gags (the hurt hand, the old lady whose pictures are always messed up, etc.) some hilarious chase sequences (my fave being a chase through a movie set), and a cheesy yet quirky soundtrack give an overall sense of outrageousness.

The plot is just credible enough to make the comedy work and the action sequences are well done but not lended so much weight that they distract. Landsberg and Dreyfuss (both of whom also wrote the film) have a keen sense of comic timing, and play off of each other like pros. (Also noteworthy is that this film introduced me to the Italian beauty Valeria Golina, several years before Rainman!).

I've seen Landsberg in the occasional supporting role on TV and in film but I've never seen Dreyfuss before or since! It's a shame these two didn't make more films, and in a way it's sad that this film didn't do better. But now it's out on DVD, go buy it and have a wonderful night inside on a cold, wintery get together. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Amateur sleuth Lamont Cranston, alias "The Shadow," is called upon to solve the murder of a newspaper columnist.

DVD Verdict: Lamont Cranston, aka the Shadow, has his hands full as the murder of blackmailing reporter Jeff Mann is blamed on him. Not only does the real murderer seem one step ahead of him as Lamont tries to discover his identity, but he is continually hampered from gaining crucial evidence by his jealous, interfering fiancée Margo Lane. Cranston perseveres and is rewarded with the clue he needs at one of Mann's victims' nightclubs.

In truth, The Shadow is one of the great pre-comic book heroes of the 1930s, so you'd think that this film would be a lot more fun than it is. The problem is that the film-makers didn't seem much interested in making a Shadow film ... what we have here is a not very good detective movie with lots of ill-considered "humorous" scenes.

Not even a curiosity, this is not for Shadow fans. Take a look at the 1940 chapter serial with Victor Jory. Much closer to the original Shadow concept. Though there's still loads of potential for someone to make the definitive screen adaptation of The Shadow ... 'cos Russell Mulcahy's 1994 effort wasn't it either ... sorry, but I have to tell the truth here! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: As of its release in early 2007, Planet Earth is quite simply the greatest nature/wildlife series ever produced. The new, 6-disc Planet Earth Special Edition is also available in this special, limited, numbered collector’s edition globe package! All six discs, plus a set of 4 exclusive art cards featuring some of the most stunning images from the series are housed in a sturdy, weighted globe, numbered for greater collectability.

DVD Verdict: If you haven't yet experienced Planet Earth, take this opportunity to "see your world as never before". Incredible photography is the bedrock of this far reaching documentary series which spans the globe from mountains to deserts, caves to oceans finding every possible form of life be it large or small, predator or prey.

Equally enjoyable are the short snippets which close each segment detailing how some of the more stunning images were captured (wait until you see the shark explode out of the water to nab a meal) and you can't go wrong with Sigourney Weaver describing the action from start to finish. You truly won't believe your eyes, especially if you have HD!

Indeed, there are really few words that can readily add justification on just how beautiful and awe inspiring this groundbreaking series truly is. As wildlife documentaries go, PLANET EARTH sets a standard that most other film production companies can only dream about. It's with this re-release on Blu-Ray that they take it to even a more heightened level by adding extras that will round out the series in a way that a true fan of the program will drool over.

The series is broken up into 11 different episodes that capture great footage of different habitats and the animals that live there. The stories are wonderfully narrated (and can tug on your heart strings.) The Special Edition comes with bonus video diaries that contain behind the scenes footage for each episode/habitat that share wonderful insight into "how it's made." It also includes Planet Earth: The Future and other bonus features.

The photography in this video is nothing short of astonishing! My new 60" HDTV and Blu-Ray player really make this video series shine. This is like Discovery Channel HD on steroids. If you've got a Blu-Ray player and HDTV, and you enjoy Discovery Channel or Animal Planet type programming then you owe it to yourself to check this series out.

BBC series are consistently of very high quality and this one is as good as it gets. The camera work produces unbelievable shots of nature and the animal kingdom. Through slow motion and other devises the physical world we live in comes alive in spectacular beauty. What a wonderful teaching tool for the Wonders of God's Creative Work.

The BBC and David Attenborough have a done a great job covering practically every aspect of Planet Earth. It is a rare one in which the producers celebrate the planet and save the preachings for the bonus disc, than lament about destruction. (Some of the best in wildlife photography as we see in the 10 minute dairies after each disc.)

In conclusion, Planet Earth: Special Edition is captivating and wonderful to watch for both kids and adults. It really helps one appreciate the majesty and beauty of the world we live in. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Commentary on select episodes
Great Planet Earth Moments: Relive the greatest moments of this revolutionary series and discover how these scenes were captured on film!
Snow Leopard: Beyond the Myth - The BBC Natural History Unit explores a secret cave deep in the mountains of Pakistan where generations of snow leopards return each year to raise their young.
Secrets of the Maya Underworld: The freshwater pools that dot Mexico's Yucatan peninsula were believed by the Mayans to be portals to the underworld. For the first time ever, the BBC Natural History Unit explores this incredible, labyrinthine system of underground rivers.
Elephant Nomads of the Namib Desert: Follow the struggle for survival of two female elephants trying to raise their young in one of the harshest climates on Earth.
Music Only viewing option
Special Sneak Peek at Executive Producer Alastair Fothergill's next blockbuster project: Frozen Planet

Original DVD Special Features now also on Blu-ray:
110 minutes of behind the scenes footage one 10-minute behind the scenes program for each episode Planet Earth
The Future: This 3-part series looks at what the future may hold for endangered animals, habitats and ultimately ourselves. Following the environmental issues raised by Planet Earth, it asks why so many species are threatened and how they can be protected in future.

Overview: In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the BBC premiere of the original Ricky Gervais comedy sensation, The Office, BBC releases The Office Collection Special Edition featuring the complete, original UK series plus an assortment of new bonus features.

DVD Verdict: The Office (primarily the UK verson) is like watching those horrendous wedding speeches. All at the same time you cringe, tune out, mentally attempt to speed it up, laugh at the speaker's ineptitude, watch the reaction of others, celebrate when the content is relevant and entertaining, and generally marvel at how we humans can miscommunicate and be unaware of our behavior and how we present ourselves. Anyone who has worked in an office can relate to bizarre co-workers, incapable leaders, office politics, relationships that cross any acceptable boundaries, in fact, it is amazing that any work at gets done in the workplace which is so ably demonstrated in this series.

And that is what Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have extraordinarily captured in a very original format. It borders on voyeurism as we follow the excruciatingly painful missteps of a hapless boss and his unambitious team as they are followed in a quasi-documentary format. But where the brilliance lies is in the exploratory of topics and situations that regular sitcoms never remotely touch. I still cringe at many scenes too numerous to mention which make it relatable, believable, and at the end of the day, real.

The ensemble cast must get huge credit given what Gervais brings to the role. It is an incredible portrayal and catalogue of what must be every excruciating interaction he ever had with a bad boss. The writing is terrific and so is the amazing ad lib. Having watched the whole thing five times in six years (damn you Gervais - my time is precious), I am continually surprised how much the U.S. version continues to mine the brief U.K. version for story-lines and one-liners.

Basically, Ricky Gervais's Brent is a train wreck you can't take your eyes from!! Fans of the US version might miss the humanizing sadness of Steve Carrell's Michael Scott, and the initial, prolonged heartbreak of the Jim/Pam relationship, but there are other, more wince-inducing pleasures to be had with the original.

Abd so now with 'The Office – 10th Anniversary Special Edition,' newcomers can experience the hypocrisy, pettiness, and egotism of David Brent. Longtime fans can re-experience his ineptitude, as well as experience new-to-DVD special features. With two short seasons – six half-hour episodes each – and a pair of 45-minute specials that conclude the series, the original UK show never (to my mind, at least) wore out its welcome. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: One of the most popular European classic comic strips of all time tells stories of the heroic escapades of youthful reporter Tintin and his loyal canine companion Snowy!

DVD Verdict: My goodness, this was one fun, brain-tripping ride back to a time when, well, I was a child back in the UK! I used to watch this show on TV growing up, not quite understanding it, but never missing an episode!

Based around the origins of a comic that first appeared in 1929 by Belgian artist Herge, these delightful adventures were spun into books, magazines, TV series, radio programs and theater productions down the years. But, the TV show 'The Adventures Of Tintin' (that, sadly, only ran from 1991 to 1993) was by far the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday morning cup of tea and a bowl of Frosties!

For those not in the know, the show follows Tintin and Snowy in solving mysteries closely related to the much-loved original stories. A colorful cast of characters is along for the ride, including the salty Captain Haddock, handy Professor Calculus and clumsy Thomson & Thompson! The all set out to explore the globe, solving mysteries as they go, and always searching for truth and justice.

The animation is simple but effective, and the "live" action aspect brings something new and fun to the stories. The cartoons don't have the same immersive, mesmerizing effect as the books, but they are fun and won't disappoint most longtime Tintin fans (or their Tintin-fan parents!)

Also nice is that each episode is presented in both English and French versions, which is a great educational tool for anyone who wants to learn French. The voice-overs are generally good, although I think the French voice actors are better (Captain Haddock, in particular) and the graphic design is strong, taking its cues pretty closely from the Herge originals.

And now with a Hollywood movie about to pounce upon us, well, this is perfect timing (of course!) from Shout! Factory to get these season one box-sets out and onto the shelves. (FYI - The upcoming major motion picture actually intertwines elements of two episodes included here in this 2-disc box-set - 'The Secret Of The Unicorn' and 'Red Rackham’s Treasure'!) This is a Full Screen Presentation (1:33.1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

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Overview: In this unforgettable four-disc set, relive the Packers' remarkable championship run with the original network broadcasts of their thrilling four-game post-season run. Follow Green Bay as they fight off a late Philadelphia comeback in the Wild Card round, breeze past Atlanta in the Divisional Playoffs, out-slug the arch-rival Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game and then charge past the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

DVD Verdict: The Lombardi Trophy returns to Titletown, USA! For the fourth time in their storied history, the Green Bay Packers were Super Bowl champions! It was a season to be savored for all of Packers Nation. Over these four games, Green Bay captured the imagination of an entire nation and their story became etched into the fabric of their incredible NFL legacy. Indeed, in truth the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers both overcame adversity to reach Super Bowl XLV.

Here's a couple of key games that you will see:

Sept. 12 - At Philadelphia - Packers 27, Eagles 20: Aaron Rodgers threw for two touchdowns, Mason Crosby kicked a team-record 56-yard field goal and the Packers survived Michael Vick’s outstanding performance in relief of a concussed Kevin Kolb.

Key play: Vick is stopped on a fourth-and-1 at the Green Bay 42 in the final minutes with the Eagles driving toward a potential tying touchdown. The skinny: Eagles find a quarterback; Packers find the win column.

Wild Card Round - Jan. 9 - At Philadelphia - Packers 21, Eagles 16: Rookie running back James Starks ran for 123 yards, while Rodgers threw for three touchdowns as the Packers won in Philly for the second time. Vick threw for 292 yards, but sent an ill-advised pass into the end zone with the Eagles at the Green Bay 27 that was picked off by Williams.

Key play: Williams’ interception in the end zone with 33 seconds to play with the Eagles poised to strike for a come-from-behind win. The skinny: Vick & Co. are terminated for the second time at the Linc with the game in the balance.

NFC Championship - Jan. 23 - At Chicago - Packers 21, Bears 14: The Packers beat the rival Bears for the second time in three weeks in the biggest game the two teams could possibly play. An ineffective Jay Cutler (6-for-14, 80 yards) suffered a knee injury in the third quarter and did not return for Chicago. Sam Shields had two interceptions for Green Bay, while Jennings had eight catches for 130 yards.

Key play: B.J. Raji’s 18-yard pick return for a TD in the fourth quarter. The big man puts the Packers up 21-7. The skinny: Green Bay completes journey to the Super Bowl, its fifth, by beating three opponents in venues where it had played during the regular season — the Linc, Georgia Dome and Soldier Field.

Now, the fact that Vivendi are taking archived broadcasts, recorded with HD cameras, and releasing it on DVD only is a slap in the face of the fans, sorry! If you're someone who is ok with watching regular DVD, then by all means go ahead and enjoy this DVD set. However, if you're one of the tens of millions of people who watch football every week on an HDTV that you purchased in the last few years, then stand your ground and let Vivendi and the NFL know that just because Green Bay is the NFL's smallest market doesn't mean that the fanbase deserves the smallest effort! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.