Overview: Sometimes it seems as if the world is crashing in on itself. It’s the job of the first responders to hold it together. Police, firefighters, paramedics: The men and women of the 3-11 PM shift called third watch are ready to serve in situations ranging from small (attending to a frequent 9-1-1 dialer) to playful (a football match between fire departments) to harrowingly large and complex (tracking an elusive sniper who targets cops).

DVD Verdict: I am a longtime lover of this series, but unlike those who watched it from the very first episode, I came into it on the second season. In fact the 2-part show "Requiem For A Heavyweight" where Bobby Cannavale's character, Bobby Caffey, is shot and killed by his childhood best friend, played by Kirk Acevedo.

That episode should've won an emmy because it is played by all the cast (especially Bobby & Kim) so well and has great emotional impact! I actually shed tears when Bobby finally succumbs to his chest wound and joins his once estranged father in the hereafter as a little child. From that point on until the show ended, I never missed an episode!

Of course, later on A&E, I saw the whole show from the first episode to the last. Third Watch was one of the last of the well-written / well-acted tv dramas before tv became bombarded by all that reality show crap! Which is why I am so glad that they finally brought it to DVD - for this second season has been waited on by fans for years now!

And so, in this second season the original team of heroes returns and an FDNY newcomer (no leaks here, sorry!) joins them in a 22-episode season. Combining the rigors of duty with compelling vignettes of life away from work - I mean, what kind of person defies a gun-wielding madman or rushes into a burning building - well, we, these guys, obviously, this kind of show is the one to stay in and watch, all ends up, my friends! [M4TP] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Gag Reel

www.wbtvondvd.com

Overview: Get ready for twice the terror with Friday the 13th Part 2: Deluxe Edition! Five years after the massacre at Camp Crystal Lake, the nerve-wracking legend of Jason Vorhees and his diabolical mother lives on. Despite ominous warnings from the locals to stay away from “Camp Blood” a group of counselors at a nearby summer camp decide to explore there area where seven people were brutally slaughtered!

And in Part 3D, Jason Voorhees (Richard Brooker) returns again to Camp Crystal Lake. Understandably upset by the beach sex he witnesses, Jason continues to haunt his old stomping grounds, dealing death to those thrill-seeking teens who venture into the woods.

DVD Verdict: In many ways 'Friday the 13th - Part II' is almost a remake of the first film. The basic structure is the same, the characters are a lot like those in the original film Ted is sort of a take on Ned, and Jeff and Sandra remind me a bit of Jack and Marcie; even the final chase scene is shot for shot the same only with new characters.

Writer Ron Kurz does fairly decent with the script; apparently he did some rewrites on the original, but was un-credited. I suppose that is legit seeing as the screenplay here is nothing more than a rehash of the original script - just change the name of the characters and add a few more in.

Steve Miner made his directorial debut and pretty much sticks to the formula that Sean Cunningham did with the original. Miner is an interesting director, despite some success in box office he never really came up with a style of his own. In all his horror flicks he follows the format of other filmmakers like Cunningham, Craven and Carpenter. Though despite not having much of his own style, Miner has been able to make some enjoyable movies and 'Friday the 13th Part II' is one of those enjoyable movies.

But, unlike Cunningham, Miner never really sets a creepy tone like Cunningham was able to do. I suppose that is in part due to having his scenes play out the same. But again despite all of that Steve Miner does craft an enjoyable and some what creepy movie. Though the death of Mark was excellent and really set the tone for the remainder of the movie.

Jason Voorhees was played by Steve Dash despite the credits; Gillette only played him in one scene at the end. Jason was actually rather creepy and is always lurking around and unlike the later installments he takes his time and is a bit more methodical sort of like Michael Myers, which works well. Ginny played by Amy Steel is one of the fan favorites of the series with good reason and Paul played by John Furey was also a solid character. Adrienne King returns as Alice in a very small role that is unconnected to the rest of the movie.

Overall 'Friday the 13th Part II' is a fairly solid sequel and while it's nothing more than a rehash of the original with new characters it actually works well and is at times fairly creepy. A lot of fans cite this one as better than the original and I can't help but feel that is due to Jason since with all the sequels it does seem weird without Jason in the original. But regardless, Friday the 13th Part II is a fairly strong slasher flick and comes highly recommended to fans of these kinda movies - especially here in glorious Blu ray fantastic, crystal clear quality![DK]

'Friday the 13th - Part 3' is the best of the first 3, in my opinion. This is not because of the 3D effects, it is that there are more enjoyable characters and more murders to watch. I was lucky enough to see this in 3D at the cinemas back in 1983, and these effects added value to an already good sequel.

There are many people thru life that have stated how bad the 3D is which has been presented on this new deluxe Blu ray. In a nutshell, it is bad, but this Blu ray will be as good as it ever gets for this film, trust me! There are odd moments of acceptability, but essentially it is '80s filming at its best. This could be because the 3D technology used way back in 1982 does not work well on today's viewing monitors. I watched it on a 40" LCD TV, maybe LCD is what stuffs it up. The red/blue glasses don't help the experience either. They make your eyes feel weird and you can suffer headaches as a result. However, these type of glasses are necessary to view 3D films of that era. Simply put, you can't use modern 3D glasses (i.e. black lenses) to watch old time 3D movies.

As some of my friends have also pointed out, when objects come out of the screen in 'Friday the 13th Part 3,' as part of the 3D effect, it just looks terrible. It blurs and the effect is lost. It may be worth trying to watch the Blu ray on your computer (can we do this yet?!) or a smaller screen to see if it resolves it. Also, the red/blue glasses give the overall picture a tint which makes the film unrealistic.

I'm not sure if you can blame Paramount for any of the issues with this 3D movie being transferred to Blu ray or DVD. As I said, there are the odd few scenes where the 3D effect works well, but overall it is no fun to watch. I understand Paramount have been hassled for years to release the 3D version on DVD but declined - possibly for all the problems I have listed above. That is probably why the original DVD of this movie came with the 2D version.[WA] These are both Widescreen Presentations (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Features of:

Part 2:
Inside 'Crystal Lake Memories'
Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions
Lost Tales from Camp Blood - Part 2
Jason Forever
Original Theatrical Trailer

Part 3D:
3D Version of the Film (includes 3D glasses)
Fresh Cuts: 3D Terror
Legacy of the Mask
Slasher Films: Going for the Jugular
Lost Tales From Camp Blood, Part 3
Theatrical Trailer

Overview: July 4, 2008 was a landmark night at the DTE Energy Music Centre in the 41-year touring career of Detroit's own Ted Nugent, as he performed his 6,000th show to a raucous hometown crowd. For the 20,000+ that attended, this show was an affirmation that a Ted Nugent show is not just a show...it is a celebration.

DVD Verdict: To be in Detroit, well, to be fair, Clarkston, MI on July 4, 2008 was a night to watch the musical world light up in some of the most incredible musical fireworks on display! This amazing gig at the DTE Energy Music Centre was another stop on the 41-year touring career of Detroit's own Ted Nugent, as he performed his 6,000th show.

With backing from Derek St. Holmes (the vocalist behind "Dog Eat Dog”), Johnny Bee Bdanjek (drummer for Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), and even former guitar teacher Joe Podorsik, Nugent had his all-star team backing his every move.

This CD (and the subsequent DVD, of course) is one long, and totally engaging, nostalgic trip. With 2 discs and 23 tracks (21 actual songs, an intro, and an outro), the live release features all his big hits and more.

On display and on deck we got “Motor City Madhouse,” “Wango Tango,” “Cat Scratch Fever,” and “Stranglehold,” to name just, well, four! Nugent and his band were on fire this night and knew it. Sure Nugent’s tendency to waffle on about topics like hunting and being in love with Mother America can get a little yawny, but hey, it's Ted, ya'll!

This was a celebration of life, a celebration of Motor City rock n' roll and, on this night, a celebration of over 40 years of touring to all corners of the earth. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: Awakening in a dark room after being knocked unconscious, a woman realizes that she’s been kidnapped and must frantically put her life back together in order to save the lives of her family in The Betrayed, making its gripping DVD debut June 30 from MGM Home Entertainment.

DVD Verdict: OK, this movie, from start to finish smacked of a handful of other bad kidnap movies ... the only difference being is that it was so badly set up that every time someone was killed, or someone was tortured you instantly assmed they were all lying - just to get the pretty star of the show to confess! And no, (SPOILER), they weren't!

Anyway, Jamie Taylor (Melissa George, 'Alias') is kidnapped when said kidnappers wish to know more details about her husbands undercover, terrorist actions! Waking up, badly beaten in a cell within a warehouse, her 7-year-old son missing for the time being, her captor (Oded Fehr, known only as Alek, as he wears a ski mask for most the movie) relates the story of how her husband, Kevin has been nothing short of a heroin smuggler!

Now, Alek wants from Kevin the $40 million the latter stole from the powerful crime syndicate both men work for. And, if Jamie doesn't provide some answers, Alek will be forced to murder her and her son! And so, as pointed out earlier, nothing here is original, not even the cheap characters. But, mysteriously, it does keep you watching, wondering if it will get better! There are some cinematic layers worth delving into va rewind, sure, and the son needing insulin every once in a while to stay alive is interesting.

And sure, it's pretty much a given that early on that Alek is not really the monster he first appears to be, and that something drives him from within on a more personal, blinded highway of revenge. But, come the final end, we get the contrived suspense shoot out (who's gonna get a bullet, who's gonna escape?!), but it may not be quite the way yu expect it to be, that's all. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: A brilliant killer with a score to settle is putting Detective Danny Fisher to the ultimate test when 12 Rounds explodes with an unrated “Extreme Cut” on Blu-ray with Digital Copy and DVD June 30 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

DVD Verdict: OK, let's start with Cena. This is his second film and the wrestler is being groomed to become a movie star. But from the first moment he appears on screen, you immediately realize he has to have been a wrestler; he is massive and looks like an oak tree, so it will be difficult for him to play a variety of roles. But I don't say this simply because of his physical stature. I say this because of his lack of screen charisma. He is just so, well, joyless in his acting!

However, Cena certainly appears earnest in his attempted portrayal of Danny. But he never really seems to have any chemistry with Molly, the love of his life. In fact, he simply looks scared every time they appear together on screen. Maybe this is the wrestler's subconscious signifying his fear of actually portraying love, but he simply seems awkward.

In '12 Rounds,' he isn't given the opportunity to do anything over than look serious or worry about something. Maybe this was a smart choice by the filmmakers. In the beginning, he and Hank are chasing Miles and his girlfriend. When Miles has been arrested, we flash forward a year and Miles begins pulling the strings attached to Danny, working him like the puppet the terrorist wants him to be. So, for almost two hours, Danny is chasing something, or trying to put out a fire, while careening through the streets of New Orleans.

Aiden Gillen walks through the film like a maniacal puppet master. He always appears bemused and he has every right to; everyone is doing exactly what he wants, how he wants, when he wants. His plan is working perfectly. Actually, too perfectly. Miles Jackson clearly spent the year in prison working out every detail of this complex plan. I could almost enjoy Gillen's performance (the villains are always the most interesting characters anyway) if it weren't so text book. I can imagine Gillen looking up the definition of "arch villain" in the dictionary and pulling all of his character's traits from that brief definition!

Because his plan is going so perfectly, it robs '12 Rounds' of some suspense. If everything is too easy, why do we care? The best action films present some moments of danger to both the hero and villain, giving each of them a temporary leg up on the other. [TH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Rated and Extended “Extreme Cut” of the film
Commentary by Director Renny Harlin, Writer Daniel Kunka and John Cena
Two Alternate Endings
“Crash Course: John Cena Stunts” Featurette
“Never-Before-Seen Cena Gag Reel” Featurette

Overview: Four million years after crash-landing on an unfamiliar planet, sentient robots with the ability to disguise themselves as common vehicles awaken on present-day Earth. Engaged in a crucial race to find a new energy source for their home planet of Cybertron, Optimus Prime and the heroic Autobots must defend the innocent people of Earth against their archnemeses, Megatron and the power-hungry Decepticons.

DVD Verdict: Growing up with "The Transformers", my brother and I were like most kids in the 80's who were literally in love with the toys, the cartoon and comic books.

But moreso, being impressed with the technology that went into having a robot transforming into a car, an airplane, a gun, a dinosaur and an insect. It may seem commonplace now but back then, it was an amazing time to have these die-cast metal/plastic robots that transform, using the television series as a basis of what robots we wanted to get (and hoped our parents would buy) and have these all out battles.

The first season of "THE TRANSFORMERS" was just an amazing cartoon series at the time and I'm still impressed by it 25-years-later. Watching it now, especially comparing it to a lot of Transformers animated series that have come out in the last two decades, the series continues to remain quite strong compared to the newer incarnations of Transformer-related series (especially with the toys that had die-cast metal, which were really awesome back then compared to some of the plastic Transformers toys that are sold today).

Personally, there is nothing bad I could say about this release. SHOUT FACTORY learned from Rhino's mistakes of how to issue the series on DVD for the Transformers 25th Anniversary and how to please fans but also admit the challenges they had in restoring the original broadcast versions with a new stereo soundtrack created from the original audio. Especially, releasing the first season for such a low price.

I also enjoyed the addition of the "Triple Changer: From Toy to Comic to Screen - The Origins of the Transformers" which really gave us a behind-the-scenes look on how the series created and the process of coming up with the names of the characters and more.

Again, there's nothing bad I can say about this release. If I had to really nitpick, sure I can wish for cleaned up video in the hope that thousands of instances of dirt, debris and scratches were removed (which I do hope they do if they intend to release the series again via High Definition) and I would love to have more Hasbro toy commercials but overall, I'm quite content with the release as is.

If you are a fan of "The Transformers" and like many fans who have wanted to own the first season on DVD without breaking the bank, now you can own it for a low price with a much superior release compared to the last. The series has been restored to the original broadcast versions and no more missing animation or any audio problems. This release is quite solid and is simply the definitive DVD version of 'THE TRANSFORMERS - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON' to own. [DAA] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Restored To The Original Broadcast Versions With A New Stereo Soundtrack Created From The Original Audio
Triple Changer: From Toy To Comic To Screen – The Origins Of The Transformers
A Printable Script
Rare PSA

Overview: Hard-edged police detective Grace Hanadarko is certainly no angel, but she has one on her shoulder. Academy-Award winner Holly Hunter returns as Grace, a no-nonsense cop whose fierce dedication to her job belies her self-destructive lifestyle. Taking on kidnappings, homicides, and the dark specter of the Oklahoma City bombing, Grace receives celestial guidance from a gruff guardian angel who may be her last chance for salvation.

DVD Verdict: I looked forward to this series before it began because Holly Hunter is one of my favorite actresses. Once it started, I was a bit put off by the heavy drinking and smoking, and the sex scenes - they fit the story, were not gratuitous, but still it was not easy to watch.

Which is the whole point.

Grace is sliding into darkness and when she asks for God's help, Earl is His "boy", and extends His grace to her with a sense of humor, down-to-earth assessments of people and situations, and an ability to see everyday miracles. It's up to Grace to make that choice of faith. This story is not resolved each week within its one-hour slot. All the main characters are complex with lives and histories and futures, faults and strengths. The viewer may be new on the scene, but these characters are in the middle of what's been going on for years (decades).

Grace's continual questions to Earl are those many of us have asked - the intellectual attempt to understand faith, mixed with anger that bad stuff is "allowed" to happen in the world. Indigenous Americans are portrayed as regular people (without continuous Carlos Nakai in the background) who get Alzheimer's, play practical jokes on friends, worry about keeping their jobs, and care for their extended families.

Saving Grace is gritty real, and even though the characters solve crimes each week, for me the show is about living on this planet with everyone else, and learning about faith and courage, forgiveness of self and others, responsibility that travels into the next world, and the myriad of ways to love.

This DVD set includes all 14 episodes from Season 2 along with two featurettes that document the many successes of 'Saving Grace' - both on television and in the person lives of the actors; not to mention a very Hollywoodesque wrap party where the cast reflects on the series' second season. [BH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Have a Little Faith: The Successes of "Saving Grace"
The Wrap Party Red Carpet, Hosted by Dylan Minnette

Overview: When spies get fired, they don’t get a letter from human resources - they get burned. Get revenge as the USA Network original series “Burn Notice” Season Two explodes onto Blu-ray Disc and DVD June 16 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

DVD Verdict: Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) thought that finding out who burned him would be a good thing. Instead, finding out has made this former spy's life much more complicated. Now that Carla (Tricia Helfer) has stepped out of the shadows as the organization's mouth piece, he has to do her bidding. She has him on some assignment, and Michael thinks it isn't a good thing. So he's trying to find out all he can about the organization and the big picture so he can try to stop them.

But, meanwhile, he needs to eat, so he continues to take on assignments for people in desperate trouble. There's the woman stalked by a drug dealer, the ex-con being roped back into a life of crime, the man who was lost his life savings to medical scam artists, and the football player being harassed by car thieves. Heck, Michael even gets involved in tracking down a Haitian fugitive.

Fortunately, Michael has the help he needs in the form of ex-FBI agent Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell) and ex-girlfriend Fiona Glenanne (Gabriella Anwar). Then again, those two often bring him clients with simple problems that turn complicated. Not making things any easier is Michael's mother Madeline (Sharon Gless) who insists on family bonding moments at the worst possible times.

As much as I enjoyed season 1 of this show, I got even more hooked on season 2. Everything was stronger. The ongoing storyline is more than enough to keep anyone coming back from week to week. Carla seems to be one step ahead of Michael the entire way, and I wanted to know what was going on as much as he did. The weekly stories were just as strong. I never saw how Michael and his friends would save the day. And if you want tricky gadgets and plenty of explosions, this is the show for you.

But the human element of the story actually becomes stronger, too. They play up the relationship between Fiona and Michael even more this season, making both those characters more real. I wasn't a fan of Madeline in the first season, but I warmed to her here. I still wouldn't mind if she was only a recurring character, but I do feel she adds to the show now. Believe me, if you like action and suspense, this show is for you. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Deleted Scenes
'Bad Blood' Audio Commentary with Bronwen Hughes, Ben Watkins, Rashad Raisani, Matt Nix, Rob Benedict and Method Man
'Double Booked' Audio Commentary with Tim Matheson, Jason Tracey, Craig O’Neill and Matt Nix
'Lesser Evil' Audio Commentary with Matt Nix, Bruce Campbell and Michael Shanks
NIXin’ it up on “Burn Notice” featurette
Gag Reel
Boom Notice Easter Egg

Overview: Rickman plays a womanizing egotist whose self-regard is swelled to the breaking point when he wins the Nobel Prize in chemistry. But when he and his wife (Mary Steenburgen) jet to Sweden to claim the award, their son (Bryan Greenberg) is kidnapped by a brute (Shawn Hatosy) claiming to be the scientist's illegitimate offspring, with a hefty grudge against Dad.

DVD Verdict: OK, one day, Eli (Alan Rickman) learns that he's won the Nobel Prize. Unfortunately, Barkley (Bryan Greenberg) is kidnapped on the day of his father's flight to Sweden. Naturally, his father doesn't believe that he's been kidnapped when the kidnapper, an insane car junkie named Thaddeus James (Shawn Hatosy), allows him to speak on the phone. But as Eli and Sarah are escorted back to their hotel after the ceremony, they open a package and discover a severed human thumb. That's when Thaddeus names his terms: $2 million in exchange for Barkley's life.

To describe any more of the plot would be pointless. Needless to say, nothing is what it seems, and just about everyone has something to hide. Take Sarah, whose training allows her to deconstruct things so thoroughly that it's virtually impossible to get anything past her. She remains mostly passive about her husband's appalling behavior throughout most of the film, although there's a sense that she knows him better than he knows himself.

As for Mariner, he seems to know that something about Barkley's situation isn't quite right. He goes from place to place, interviewing everyone who might know something. One of these people is the next-door neighbor, Gastner (Danny DeVito), a recovering obsessive-compulsive. Another person is City Hall (Eliza Dushku), who Barkley met at a poetry reading at the local bookstore. One look at her apartment is enough to unsettle even the darkest of minds. She's an artist with a lot of baggage, all of which carries over into her work.

And then there's Thaddeus. Why on earth would he kidnap the son of a Nobel Prize winner? All I can say is that he has his reasons. When we first meet him, everything is clear-cut in his mind; he has a plan, and he intends to follow it to a tee. But then he kidnaps Barkley, and almost immediately, nothing is clear-cut anymore. Plans change. New lies are concocted. Alliances are formed and then broken. As is the case with City Hall, trying to understand Thaddeus is most likely unnecessary. Even though he explains himself, what motivates him is not as important as what he does. Confusing and wonderful at the same time, 'Nobel Son' is something to watch with friends - as you'll have plenty of questions to ask each other come the end! [CP] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

2 Versions Of The Original Trailer
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary by the Writers and Actors

Overview: Becky's desperate for a job writing for a high-fashion magazine in glamorous New York. She gets her stilettos in the door writing a personal finance column at a sister publication. Much to her surprise, her column, The Girl In The Green Scarf, becomes a hit, and she falls head over high heels for her handsome, overworked boss (Hugh Dancy). But Becky has a secret that leads to some hilarious high jinks that could unravel it all.

DVD Verdict: If you go to the movie expecting something resembling the book, you will be disappointed. The book is about 90% different than the movie and in the book Rebecca was much more believable as just an every day person getting into debt. If I remember correctly in the book Becky got an advance after graduation and just got into the habit of spending until it had grown well past what she had in the bank.

But it was not so bad that she seemed irresponsible. In the book she is a valued reporter at successful savings from the start. And Luke Brandon was just someone she knew as a reporter. Overall a much stronger and independent woman in the book (oh, and it was all set in London!).

Here, um not so much. Her spending is very out of control for no reason and she starts off at a gardening magazine. Since she seems to have no interest in reporting (other than to get to fashion :: SUPER CLICHE':::) and indeed takes a job at successful savings to attempt to get into a fashion magazine, she comes off a bit flighty and selfish.

I felt bad for all those serious girls in the waiting room who wanted the job at Sucessful Savings - that went to Becky because she wanted to shop. Fortunately, in the movie, for someone so hapless she gets a charming handsome editor who thinks she is pretty and thinks most of what she does is great.

Of course the movie ends in kind of the "tootsie" live tv moment where Becky is outed as being in big debt (while in the book it is Becky who takes Brandon to task on TV for one of his companys taking advantage of ordinary folks) but in the movie everyone loves her anyway after proving to be a fraud.

I guess the current economic times comes into play in that Becky in the movie is the person we all hate. The person who got the too big for her to pay mortgage even though she knew, or should have, there was no way to pay for it, the person who got into debt and is now declaring bankruptcy ... yet, this movie gives her the dreamy Hugh Dancy as reward. And in the movie, Becky never seems remorseful, yet in the book she really is.

I might have enjoyed this more had I not read the book. To see a strong independent Becky there kind of makes me frustrated that things were so changed here. [SS] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Deleted Scenes
Bloopers
'Behind The Fashion’ Featurette
Music Video - ‘Stuck With Each Other’

www.DisneyDVD.com

FUN FACTS!
Ed Helms of "The Office" is seen only on videotape in the movie as self-help money management guru Garrett E. Barton.

Sophie Kinsella was on the "Confessions of a Shopaholic" set nearly every day as associate producer, consulting and watching her beloved creation of Rebecca Bloomwood come to life. Not so coincidentally considering the massive international sales of the "Shopaholic" novels, Kinsella was often approached by excited fans on New York, Connecticut and Miami locations as if she were more of a movie star than an author.

Overview: The drama and secrets continue in the top rated second season of the hit ABC Family original series that has fans and critics buzzing all across America. Good girl band geek Amy is smart, talented and pregnant. That's just one of the secrets that Amy, her friends and family deal with in this poignant portrait of modern day high school life. Experience an award winning series overflowing with humor, heart and compassion.

DVD Verdict: The secret in 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' became all too clear early on in the first half of this still first season of this so far two series show ... are ya following so far there people?! After having sex for the first time, 15-year-old Amy (Shailene Woodley) became pregnant. Scared and unsure of what to do, Amy kept it a secret from her parents, hoping she'd be able to figure things out.

Well, as we know, nothing became a smooth ride for Amy throughout that first half of teh first season of the first series. For a character like Amy, who was pregnant and then having to deal with her parents separating was just a double whammy. But we know in reality, high school life is complicated and unfortunately things do happen.

For in this second half of the first series of the two set series thus far, Ben still has a hard time dealing with his mother's death, Rickey (the father of Amy's baby) still has a problem dealing with authority figures because he was betrayed by his own father and kicked out of so many foster homes, Grace's parents are just so damn strict (because they want their children to be Christian and make sound decisions), and Adrian has a mother who is never home - because she's an airline stewardess and thus, doesn't have a parent at home when she needs them - and thus acts out!

And so welcome to the second half of the first season! In this last 12 episodes of that season Amy's still pregnant which means our third-trimester gal has yet to explore those loving nights called sleepless!

But when her baby boy is finally here with us (to come in the real season two!), well Amy takes on motherhood as only she can do, Adrian wants to mix things up a bit and tries to change her look, Jack is still bringing out his thoughtful side by raising money, Anne might soon be off the unemployment list - might, being the operative word! And, yes, (and without giving it away) there is a death on the show!

This series is critically acclaimed and has done well against other competing teenage drama series and I can understand why. These characters are a good representation of people who you may know at high school and the parents and teenager relationships (or lack of it), also happens in reality. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Cast Secrets Revealed!
Exclusive Music Video - The Strange Familiar
Behind-The-Scenes with the Cast
On Set Interviews

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: The classic cartoon chase involving forever frustrated feline Tom and mightily mobile mouse Jerry got spun in new and deliciously inventive ways when animation legend Chuck Jones set up shop at the team’s home studio and produced the 34 wonderful shorts in this Deluxe 2-Disc Collection.

DVD Verdict: As much as this collection doesn't hold - for me, at least - all the "classic Tom and Jerry cartoons" of the 1940's and '50s, it's safe to say that this collection is still a wonderment of ceativity and fun even today.

All 34 of the Chuck Jones 'Tom and Jerry' shorts are included along with two new documentaries - although watching those were not as much fun as reliving all these wonderful cartoons!

These shorts were the most lavish, most fully animated theatrical cartoons of the 1960's. It is curious, however, that with the large budgets and Chuck Jones' genius on tap, these cartoons are not better. In the documentaries, Jones himself likened his version of Tom and Jerry to his Road Runner series, which really does not do them justice! I mean, Tom is less self-destructive than Wile E. Coyote, and Jerry less smugly complacent.

Also, this is not the era in which the cartoons were winning Academy Awards. Those cartoons are included in 'Tom and Jerry: Spotlight Collection, Vol. 1-3.' Do be aware that there was considerable controversy over these Spotlight Collections in which cartoons were edited in the first two volumes and two cartoons were not even released in the third. Just thought I'd mention that fact.

Anyway, presumably, there was only so much you could do with a nonspeaking cat chasing a nonspeaking mouse! Voice veterans Mel Blanc and June Foray were on hand to supply whatever grunts, groans, and giggles were required and (thankfully) after 20 years won seven (7) Oscars. But it's rather incredible what Jones and his crew - most of whom were part of his Warner Bros. team - did find to do with the characters over those many, oh so many years! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.kidswb.com

Overview: Welcome back to Crystal Lake in a chilling re-imagining of the classic horror film "Friday the 13th." Searching for his missing sister, Clay Miller (Jared Padalecki) heads up to the eerie woods of legendary Crystal Lake, where he stumbles on the creaky remains of rotting old cabins behind moss-covered trees.

DVD Verdict: This 'Friday the 13th,' which could have been easily named "Friday the 13th, Part 12, instead of using the original name and confusing those who still insist that this movie is a remake (like my husband), is very entertaining and pays tribute to the original in a number of ways. I was glad to see that they included clips that told the original story.

Ok, so those clips weren't from the original movie, but they still gave a backstory to help newcomers who aren't as familiar with the franchise understand why Jason is the way he is. In this new version, the actors are pretty likeable (at least some of them), and you find yourself hoping that they will get away from the machette wielding masked murderer, although, true to form, they almost never do. For once, the actors were not always cheesey and did a good job of making us relate to them.

Now, onto the flaws... I think one of the only characters I found flawed was the masked man himself. Am I the only one who found it sad and inappropriate that Jason suddenly was running after his victims? Never in any of the previous 11 Friday the 13th movies did Jason ever have to run to catch up to his "prey". It was a neat and spooky effect that all he ever had to do was create his menacing walk and no matter how fast and how long the victim ran, Jason was alway, always there, with no effort. It added to the strength of his character.

Now, all of the sudden, he has to charge after them with full speed, and his arm strength seems to take more effort. In the older movies, he could snap a neck or throw an ax or other sharp object, or push a face thru a wall with just the flick of the wrist. Now it seems like he has to put a lot more force into it. They made him seem too human, and less like the undead, menacing creature that he really is. Lastly, his clothes are all wrong.

In the old movies, he had work pants, huge work boots, and flannel shirts that may not have been worn out, but that were not new and that matched his scary physic. In this movie, we find him wearing what look to be a new pair of jeans, a less faded flannelish shirt, and yes, sneakers. What? These clothes did nothing to help his image. And to top it off, they picked a scrawny looking actor to play him. Jason never had chicken legs until now.

I did enjoy the movie very much, and can't wait for it to come to DVD. I can overlook some of the unusual events in the movie, such as the tunnels and Jason capturing the girl for no reason, but it's very hard to ignore the inconsistencies with the main character. [JH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Theatrical Feature Film (98 min)
Extended Feature Film (109 min)
Rebirth of Jason Vorhees – An in-depth look at the reintroduction of a Horror Legend. Hear from cast and crew as they detail the development of this new Jason, from the early "sack head" Jason, through the development of the new "hockey mask" look
Additional Scenes
Digital Copy Online

www.WarnerBros.com

'Campfire' Video Clip

Overview: Mortimer "Mo" Folchart (Brendan Fraser) and his 12-year-old daughter, Meggie (Eliza Hope Bennett), share a passion for books. What they also share is an extraordinary gift for bringing characters from books to life when they read aloud. But there is a danger: when a character is brought to life from a book, a real person disappears into its pages.

DVD Verdict: Have you ever read a book whose characters are so vivid, so alive, so believable that they seemed to step off the page and into your living room? Or been so submerged in a story, so captivated, so enthralled that you felt as if you had disappeared into it? Well, if you are a Silver Tongue, it might actually happen. In the movie INKHEART, there are two such Silver Tongues, people who have the power to read a character right out of a book and into the real world. But there is a price. When a character comes out of a book, someone from the real world disappears into it.

Mo and his daughter, Meggie, have been searching for a very rare book for a very long time. Nine years ago, Mo accidentally read several evil villains out of the book into reality. Until that fateful night, Mo had no idea of that he possessed this special gift. Unfortunately, his wife disappeared into the book. Now, Mo has finally found another copy, and he is desperate to get his wife back. But what price must he pay this time?

I have not read the very popular INKHEART series of books by Cornelia Funke, but for me, this movie stands on its own and is extremely enjoyable. The premise is unique and clever, the pacing is just right, and I really had fun with the various characters and creatures from the Wizard of Oz, The Arabian Nights, Peter Pan, Greek mythology, and others popping into our world. Who among us has not wished that a favorite book could come to life? Well, if you have the power, they can. What book would YOU wish for?

The casting and acting in INKHEART is very well done. Brendan Fraser, who I always enjoy, does a very nice job as Mo - concerned for his daughter, terrified of unleashing more evil into the world, desperate to find his wife. Helen Mirren is fantastic and funny as Aunt Elinor, the perfect avenger of her odd little family. The rest of the cast is very pleasant and believable, whether they are from the real world or snatched out of fiction. Eliza Bennett, who plays Meggie, is delightful and lovely, and Rafi Gavron, one of Ali Baba's Forty Thieves, is very nice to look at.

As I previously stated, I have not read the books, but I do plan to do so. Never the less, I quite liked this movie; it is a fun and different sort of fantasy. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must say that my 11 year old daughter, who HAS read the books, is very disappointed. INKHEART is one of her favorite books, and she did not think the movie matched the book well enough. My husband, who listened to the INKHEART book on tape, felt that there were too many unnecessary changes, but still thought it was a pretty good movie. [KJ] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Eliza Reads to Us - Actress Eliza Bennett ("Meggie Folchart") shares one of her favorite passages from the book that did not end up in the movie, accompanied by Cornelia illustrations of the story.

Overview: Multiple Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood stars in the drama Gran Torino, marking his first film role since the Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby. Eastwood stars as an iron-willed and inflexible Korean War veteran, living in a changing world, who is forced by his immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices.

DVD Verdict: Eastwood's character, Walt Kowalski, is a deeply flawed man...a man seared by all the traumas that have burned him during his many years of life. Perhaps, the most deeply felt of his traumas, is his experience during the Korean War in which he killed...at least...thirteen of the oriental enemy, some little more than kids. They were a lot like, or so Kowalski painfully speculates, his young Hmong friend.

This is a tale not so much about redemption [although it could be confused as such] as a tale about the difficulty of interpreting...or judging...a person by his surface demeanor. Kowalski is in a very real sense, every man, grown bitter and cynical with age. He is us, filled with the prejudices which...despite all our denials...structure all of us. Despite this, Kowalski, again like most of us, is a thoroughly decent human being. He reacts to injustice but, like very few of us, he does something about it.

He attempts to protect his Hmong neighbors from hoodlums. Unfortunately, one of his actions against these punks results in reprisals in the form of a driveby shooting and a brutal rape. Disgusted with himself and even more disgusted with the gang members, Kowalski acts deciseively to end the terror and protect 'his' oriental family. It is, perhaps, not the ending favored by most Eastwood fans, but is all the more potent because of its simplicity.

I enjoy he way Eastwood deals with 'racism' in this film. Through his character, Kowalski, we see a decent man clothed in the camoflage of superficial racism. Conversely...and I think there is a 'conversely'...we recognize that there are politically-correct individuals, who would never let an ethnic comment slip through their lips, who aren't decent people at all. [RB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

“Manning the Wheel” (RT 9:21) – a look at the American car culture and what it represents to the character Walt and to generations of men.
“Gran Torino: More Than a Car” (RT 3:55) - Visit Detroit and the Woodward Dream Cruise, an annual parade of vintage cars held at the major cruise center in Detroit during the 50's and 60's.

Overview: When a long weekend brings four women together in the countryside, each of them is forced to navigate the depths of social interaction as virtual strangers. How well do we really know the friends we make in adulthood? And in an age of lies, what can be made of the person who tells untruths so small they serve no obvious purpose?

DVD Verdict: 'Lying' is a mystery film, but not a normal, run of the mill mystery film, but one of the rarest kind. The type that explores the unsolvable mysteries of human behavior, relationships and interactions.

The clues are all in the gestures, the tone of voice, the phrasings, in eyes and on the faces of these four women, and it is exciting to watch because of strong and etherial performances from Jena Malone, Chloe Sevigny, Halley Wegryn Gross, Maya Goldsmith and Leelee Sobieski. Not to mention beautiful, hazy cinematography that is imperfect, yes, but rich with texture and a fitting rawness.

Lying is of course, the central theme. The different ways that people lie to each other, particularly in adulthood, that makes us question how well we really know our friends and acquaintances around us. But while 'Lying' does provoke you to contemplate why people lie, it's focus is on HOW people lie.

Blash's film does not try to force a moral stance or a definitive statement about lying down your throat. It's up to you to figure out the "why", and decide what levels of falsehood you are willing to live with and what has gone too far.

The search for the singing voice is an amazing scene. It is the centerpiece of LYING, by far the most memorable sequence, and so powerful when we see Sevigny's character sitting back and marveling over the hysterics her lies have created. [MJ] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Famed filmmaker Todd Haynes’ interview with 'Lying' director M. Blash
Audio Commentary with Jena Malone, Chloë Sevigny, M. Blash, and producer David Guy Levy.

Overview: Deep in the northern woods lies the beautiful, but eerily isolated Lake Sam, where long ago a deranged boy slaughtered his entire family as they slept before disappearing into the wilderness never to be found. Now, 40 years later, Sam (Fay Masterson, Eyes Wide Shut, Paparazzi) is visiting the family cottage where she spent summers growing up and the lake after which she is named.

DVD Verdict: OK, when I saw the cover art I was already thinking, well, this is gonna be another low budget movie! But boy, was I wrong as 'Sam's Lake' was very well put together film, well structured, and came complete with a great twist of an ending!

Extremely creepy for the most part, enough even to make me and my friends jump a few times, the prduction value was wonderful for such a low budget, but not under budget flick. The acting was, for the most part excellent ... honestly! All the characters were very likable, the gay guy being sooooooo real that you just hoped he would make it out alive if someone had to, but come the killing spree, well, you were kinda rooting for them all!

Now, don't get me wrong, 'Sam's Lake' does run a little slow, but that's just to build the character developement, which is required, trust me. This movie should definitely have hit the theatres. I think LGF missed out on garnering a following for this film. [AR] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: For the first time ever, HBO Home Entertainment® simultaneously released a DVD and Blu-ray version of an HBO® original series when 'True Blood: The Complete First Season' hit stores this past May 19th, 2009 – just weeks before the second, highly-anticipated season of the show premiered on the network.

DVD Verdict: The setting for the series is the town of Bon Temps, Louisiana - vampires have only been "out" in mainstream society for a short time and there are many mortals who would rather see them gone, especially the Christian right-wing, some politicians, and also the anti-vampire movement.

At the Merlotte Bar and Grill, comely young waitress Sookie Stackhouse [Anna Paquin] is trying very hard to tune out other people's thoughts, for Sookie is blessed [or cursed] with the gift of being able to listen in on other people's thoughts. She feels uncomfortable around men, possibly because she can read their true intentions towards her, and this includes bar owner Sam [Sam Trammell] who really has a thing for her. The other important people in Sookie's life are Gran, best friend with an acerbic tongue Tara [Rutina Wesley], and Lothario brother Jason [Ryan Kwanten].

One night, a stranger walks into the bar and Sookie is immediately drawn to him, mainly because she can't read his mind. Turns out, Bill Compton [Stephen Moyer] is a vampire who has moved into the old Compton homestead after the death of the last heir. The bond between the two is sealed when Sookie rescues Bill from a mercenary pair of criminals specializing in draining vampires of their much treasured blood [which has a potent, drug-like effect] and selling it on the market [as "V"].

Besides the love triangle, there are other underlying themes explored in this series - bigotry [against vampires, gays etc], murder, alcoholism, etc. As Sookie and Bill get closer, their budding romance is threatened by a series of murders around town, the victims apparently being "fangbangers", women and men who sleep with vampires. Sookie's brother Jason initially finds himself being the prime suspect as he is seen with two of the victims before their deaths.

The theme of addiction is also prominent in this show - Jason is addicted to sex and being 'high' on drugs like "V", Tara's mother is a long-suffering alcoholic etc. The ensemble cast do a great job in carrying the stories in each episode, even the minor characters like the flamboyantly gay Lafayette [Nelsan Ellis] who also happens to be Tara's cousin.

But the two leads truly shine in their roles - both Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer share a strong and credible on-screen chemistry. Of the two, Stephen has a more commanding presence on-screen, with his brooding good looks, and tortured expressions. He is a quintessential Southern gentleman with a delightful accent to boot, and oozes vampire charm and sex appeal by the bucketloads without ever being over-the-top.

His character also allows viewers to sympathize with him, as Bill hopes to bridge the chasm between mortals and vampires, truly believing the two can co-exist in peace. Sookie as portrayed by Paquin is cute, but can be annoying at times, though like I mentioned, the great chemistry between her and Bill compensates for any other deficiencies in the portrayal of her character.

The sex scenes are very graphic, but as the show progresses in Season One, it did appear that the more gratutious sex scenes eventually got toned down in favor of more sensual scenes, like the intense lovemaking scene between Sookie and Bill.

On the whole, I found my attention engaged throughout the series in Season One and look forward with great anticipation to Season Two! [ZH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

In Focus: Vampires in America: A Mock-u-mentary about vampires in America
Tru Blood Beverage Ads: French and American "Tru Blood" beverage ads
Vampire Service Ads: Ads for vampire dating, vampire hotels and lawyers that service vampires
Public Service Announcement: Both pro- and anti-vampire rights
Six audio commentaries with the cast and crew.

Overview: Directed by Oscar® nominee John Madden ('Shakespeare in Love') and based on the novel by thrill-master Elmore Leonard, 'KILLSHOT' tells the story of an estranged married couple who are forced to go into hiding after witnessing a horrendous crime and identifying a hitman as the culprit.

DVD Verdict: Mickey Rourke gives a rather subtle performance as a hitman in this engaging thriller. He plays Armand "Blackbird" Degas who crosses paths with a small-time hoodlum/sociopath Richie [Joseph Gordon-Levitt] and takes him under his wing [as Richie reminds him of his dead younger brother, who was also reckless and a daredevil].

Richie asks Degas if he would like to partner him on an extortion scheme involving the owner of a real-estate company. When the pair go to the office, they meet Wayne Colson [Thomas Jane] whom they mistake for the owner of the company, and in the confusion, Colson gathers his wits and turns the tables on them, injuring Richie in the process. Colson's estranged wife, Carmen [Diane Lane] who works at the firm is a witness and Degas is determined to rid himself of the two witnesses, though Richie seems more vengeance-driven.

Events escalate out of control with the Colsons going into the Federal Witness Protection porgram, but the two criminals hunt them down, leading to a nerve-wracking showdown.

The acting is really quite decent, and given Rourke and Lane's well-defined acting skills, the overall quality of the movie is improved by their credible performances. Both Rourke and Lane share a strange chemistry that plays out well on screen, showing the shifting of power dynamics back and forth between them, like a cat and mouse game.

Then there is the actor playing the role of the impulsive, rather foolish young punk, Richie who succeeds in getting under viewers' skin with his performance as a totally out of control sociopath. Thomas Jane is also effective in his role as the enraged target and frustrated husband.

The cinematography is well above average, set during winter in Algonac, Michigan, with its snow-covered landscape, and serene beauty which contrasts starkly with the violence inherent in the film. The movie credibly blends in elements of violence, vengeance, romance and suspense and makes for an engaging viewing experience. [ZH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not (mysterously!) come with any Special Features!

Overview: Hollywood heavyweight Harrison Ford ('Indiana Jones' films) stars as a Los Angeles Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer charged with enforcing the United States border.

DVD Verdict: 'Crossing Over' - ala 'Traffic' and 'Crash' - features crisscross overhead scenes of Southern California, via shots of freeways as section breaks, and tries to show us how intersecting lines of fate and circumstance can truly all come together in this real world we all live in.

Ford wastes no time establishing his tough-but-sensitive street cred of his character, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. Embroiled in various head to heads with his superiors and those that he captures (sometimes all at the same time), green-card adjudicator, Ray Liotta, is also on the scene - indulging in sexual blackmail with Australian starlet Alice Eve! Meantime, Liotta's wife, Immigration attorney Ashley Judd, wages a battle to protect a young Muslim woman played by Summer Bishil from unjust deportation.

In truth though, and as much as I wanted this to pan ot better, Ford barely stumbles his way through this tentative mess. Always seemingly looking so displeased with his dialogue, it's Liotta's persona that becomes the true power of this tale.

That said, 'Crossing Over' also features Cliff Curtis as agent Hamid Baraheri, an Iranian-American whose high-living, heavily Americanized sister figures heavily in the so-called 'mystery' at the (deeply buried) heart of the story. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not (mysterously!) come with any Special Features!

Overview: Dr. Andrew Brown and his family are starting their second year in tiny Everwood, Colorado. Enough time to begin recovering from the death of Andy’s wife. To put down roots. To be at home. To be at peace. Or maybe just enough time to be in total turmoil.

DVD Verdict: The second season starts off with "The Last Of Summer", a wonderful season opener that reveals the outcome of Colin's surgery. It's a great episode that may lead to thinking something but then pulls the rug out from under you. It also features another Emmy worthy performance by Treat Williams near the end. What happens in this episode will lend itself to the path that Amy (Emily Van Camp) finds herself on this season. It can get a bit rough going, a little dark, but never short of brilliant, with great writing and acting all around (then again, this is 'Everwood,' so that shouldn't be surprising).

Elsewhere, Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives) joins the cast as Harold's sister, Linda, and something blooms between her and Andy. But Linda has something to reveal to him and her family. Sarah Lancaster (Chuck) also appears as Madison, a new babysitter for Delia (Vivien Cardone), and a possible new love interest for Ephram (Gregory Smith). The rest of the cast is back and everyone shines in just about everything they do. They all have their characters down pat. And what characters they are. All of the characters are so fleshed out and real.

So, besides the premiere, what else does season 2 of this great show hold?. Lots. Without giving too much away. A three story episode interlocks in the great "Three Miners From Everwood", complete with guest appearance by the always welcome Beau Bridges. "Blind Faith" finds Andy trying to help a reverend who is going blind; A health issue along with new romances spring up in "Just Like In The Movies"; Thanksgiving rolls around in "Unhappy Holidays", complete with plenty of drama and a guest appearance from legend Betty White; A parent/child split in "Family Dynamics"; Going to the next level in a two relationships that may not turn out how the characters planned in "No Sure Thing"; The last 4 episodes are all wonderful too - "Sick", "Do Or Die", "Your Future Awaits", and the finale, "The Day Is Done". The finale may be my favorite EW finale out of it's 4 seasons.

In the end, season 2 of 'Everwood' was a fantastic year for a wonderful, warm, smart, funny, touching, poignant, intelligent show. A show that should of lasted longer than it did. Everwood is true quality televison at it's best. [BGB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Unaired Scenes

www.wbtvondvd.com

Overview: Now you can experience Walt Disney Pictures crowd-pleasing underdog epic in the stunning clarity and up-close-and-personal magic of high definition. Shia LaBeouf ('Transformers') stars as amateur golfer Francis Ouimet. Armed with nothing but talent, the working-class youth has a seemingly impossible dream: to compete against the world's greatest player, his idol Harry Vardon.

DVD Verdict: I am not a particular fan of golf, but I became intrigued by this movie (back in '05) from various reviews I had read. I also liked the other movie I saw that Bill Paxton directed ('Frailty'). As it turned out, the movie happened to be on while I was visiting family, and after a few minutes we were all absorbed. And now that it's out on Blu ray, man, what a sight for sore, lovin' eyes it sure is!

What keeps this from being like yet another underdog-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks-takes-on-the-seemingly-unbeatable-champ cliche' film are a couple of important factors: Though there may have been some artistic license and creative freedoms, the story is TRUE. Secondly, there were no villains in this film. Although Harry Vardon was Francis Oimet's opponent, he wasn't really an adversary and certainly wasn't a foe. Vardon was a man of good character who conducted himself honorably and treated Oimet with respect.

Stephan Dillane has a look which would make for an effective villain, but his portrayal of Vardon as a sympathetic character not too much different from Oimet was done with remarkable effectiveness. Though I was cheering for Oimet, I also found a part of myself (again) cheering for Vardon as well. The other supporting characters were also very interesting and engaging, and were played very well by a talented cast. Bill Paxton again does another great job as a director, combining creative cinematography with understated and effective performances from his cast.

Overall, a movie that is entertaining and suitable for all ages. It is a refreshing change to have a film with no villains and many likable characters such as this one - and now in such crystal clear clarity too! [BE] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

A View From The Gallery: On The Set Of THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Two Legends And The Greatest Game
From Caddie To Champion: Francis Ouimet
Audio Commentary With Director Bill Paxton
Audio Commentary With Author, Screenwriter And Producer Mark Frost

www.BVHE.com

Overview: The studio that brought you 'The Rookie' and 'Remember The Titans' presents a new reason to stand up and cheer: 'Miracle' is here on Blu-ray disc. Now the action-packed true story that united a nation is more exhilarating and suspenseful than ever in heart-racing high definition.

DVD Verdict: "I am not looking for the best players, I am looking for the right ones". And that is really what this movie is all about: the power of people working together as a team instead of individually. Nowadays, we are tired of seeing superstars in different team sports that think that they are the greatest thing in the world and that their teammates are just the supporting cast. This is true in the US mostly in football and basketball, and in other countries in the word mainly in soccer.

I was born in Uruguay and lived there until the year 2000, and therefore am a big soccer fan. I am tired of seeing the players from my country excel in their European clubs only to see them fail miserably when they play for our country. The reason is that several of them think they are stars when they come to play for Uruguay and neglect to play as a team. They should all get together and give this movie a try!

Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) is the new coach of the US men's hockey team that will compete in the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid and has a huge task ahead of him. The Soviets dominate the world's ice hockey and US was embarrassed in their last attempt in the Olympiads.

But this is not all that Herb has to face in order to succeed. Right from the start he has to fight against the politics surrounding hockey in order to be able to select the players he wants instead of the ones he is supposed to choose. Also, several players carry grudges from their college games and are unwilling to help each other.

The movie revolves around the challenges faced when trying to create an efficient team, the stress of competition and the spillover of work into one's personal life and the strain this causes. Of course, if you like ice hockey you are probably going to enjoy this movie a lot. However, if you do not like or understand the sport, you can still enjoy the storyline.

In my case, working in a company that has season tickets for the current champion of the National Hockey League, the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was easy enough to start learning about the sport and loving it before watching this production. [SF] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Outtakes
Audio commentary by Director Gavin O'Connor, Director of Photography Dan Stoloff and Editor John Gilroy
"The Making-of Miracle" Featurette
"From Hockey to Hollywood: The Actors' Journeys"
"The Sound of Miracle"
Miracle ESPN roundtable with Linda Cohn
First impressions: Herb Brooks with Kurt Russell and the filmmakers

www.BVHE.com

Overview: Escape to a place of unforgettable adventure, mystery and suspense with Jack, Sawyer, Kate, Hurley and the Others as the first two seasons of the critically acclaimed and enormously popular television series LOST arrive in on Blu-ray for the first time on June 16, 2009.

DVD Verdict: To me, 'LOST' is still the best TV series of the third millennium! I am very surprised that a TV series can be made this good these days when cost cutting and declining standards seems to be the norm everywhere else. But, not in the world of television, it seems!

Well, as you know by now, 'LOST' employs a cast of dozens to tell a big story. How big the story is? We all still don't know yet, as it seems that we could have another few seasons to allow it to run its course - thankfully! But, slowly, what begins as your run of the mill airliner crash survivors story keeps adding layers on top of layers, expands, branches out in unexpected directions and, episode after episode after episodes keeps us mesmerized, guessing, mourning those lost and left behind, surprised, intrigued and always ready for more!

The first season started a bit slowly and, speaking for myself, I didn't care much for the first couple of episodes. People struggled with overcoming extreme circumstances, there were multiple stories of friendship, solidarity, spontaneous cooperation, the inevitable conflicts between people of many different upbringings, chasing different dreams, sometimes competing for the same rewards. Facing danger, the unknown and, what appears to be, the incomprehensible, the initial state of anarchy spontaneously gains textures and a fragile structure.

The first season is mostly about our heroes' survival and their struggle to go back to what used to be the `normal' life. Scenes of life and struggle on the island are often interrupted by increasingly disturbing flashbacks and puzzling hints that little that's going on is accidental, random or `normal'. The survivors are tied to each other in most surprising ways and, little by little, the supernatural, the mysterious and the plain unbelievable begin to manifest.

And, as we again all now know, we begin to learn that the island is not what it seems to be. There are monsters and unexpected beasts roaming in the woods - there are hints of other inhabitants and the familiar laws of nature don't seem to always apply!

'LOST' has an incredibly well-written story line, season after season, with some great acting and thus it's shown to us in the highest quality picture and HD sound. It is, without a doubt, one of the best TV series I've watched in a long, long time.

So season 1 left off with Locke and Jack finding a hatch. In season 2, we learn exactly what is in the hatch, why it's there, and its incredible importance, not only to the island, but to the rest of the world as well.

We also left off with Walt being kidnapped by "The Others". Will Michael end up finding him? And at what lengths will he go to do so? And really who exactly are these "Others?" How did they arrive on the island? What are their purpose? Are they enemies of the plane crash survivors or are the survivors enemies to THEM?

Oh and you know how the people in the tail end of the plane were supposed to have died? Not so much. This season we're introduced to a few new characters with incredibly different personalities but who bring a whole lot to the show. Most noteably Mr. Eko (a priest with a drug-filled past) and Ana Lucia who you may remember from season 1 (she befriended Jack at the airport).

And of course, new characters mean new stories and new flashbacks. I personally think one of the most interesting parts of the show are the flashbacks into the characters' lives. They all seem to tie into the island somehow. The bigger question is do these tie ins have anything to do with how these people got on the island?

What about the "old" characters from the first season? We learn a whole lot more about their former lives and even a few of them start relationships with each other. Unfortunately for them, this season brings out their fears and anger and their true selves.

As questions get answered, more and more questions are asked, leaving us wondering whether or not we're ever going to find out the meaning of everything. But that's exactly what 'Lost' is all about. Questions and not enough answers! These are all Widescreen Presentations (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Features of:
Season 1:
“The Genesis of Lost”
“Designing a Disaster”
“Before they were Lost” Cast auditions
“Welcome to Oahu:” The Making of the Pilot
The Art of Matthew Fox
Lost @ Comicon
Lost: On Location
Lost Revealed – Flashbacks and deleted scenes
Bloopers
Spoofs
Audio Commentaries

Season 2:
Audio commentaries
Fire & Water: Anatomy of an Episode
Lost: On Location
The World According to Sawyer
Canine Castaway
Flashbacks
Deleted Scenes
Bloopers
Mysteries, Theories and Conspiracies
Secrets from the Hatch

Overview: Experience a riveting and inspiring true life adventure aboard the high tech sloop Morning Light. Fifteen rookie sailors have one goal in mind, to be part of her crew, racing in the most revered sailing competition on Earth, the Transpac Yacht Race.

DVD Verdict: 'Morning Light' concerns the 2006 Transpacific Yacht Race, an annual competition between sailing sloops crossing the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii. The film observes a team sailing the Morning Light — a group of young men and women who undergo intensive training for a half-year and then race against sailors far more experienced than themselves.

Rather like a cross between MTV's "The Real World" and an indepth (note, bring!) played out record of racing's technical complexities, 'Morning Light' actually succeeds in having you considering to turn it off long before it reaches its beyond-expected finale!

The first half focuses on the rivalries between 20 people vying for 15 slots on the team, with all the usual melodrama of a reality television show. The rest of the film is dominated by the so-called 'heat' of the race. If you don't speak the jargon of sailing and racing, most of the conversations between teammates mean very little, trust me!

And also, no one talks nasty behind anyone's backs, everyone must compete as a team, and the moral is you learn about life through sports and teamwork. There, I've gone and given away the ending!! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Stories from the Sea with host Jason Earles (“Hannah Montana”)
ESPN Special: Morning Light – Making the Cut
Dylan and Cole Sprouse - Blu-ray is Suite!

www.DisneyDVD.com

Overview: Cutting-edge Victorian science meets cunningly plotted mystery in this stylish period thriller. In the 1890s, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) adopts modern techniques like “finger marks” and forensics to track Toronto’s most sinister killers. Though derided by his skeptical boss (Thomas Craig), Murdoch finds friends and allies in a lovely pathologist (Gemini®-winner Hélène Joy) and an eager protégé (Jonny Harris).

DVD Verdict: If you think you've heard the title before, you are probably very correct. For, 'Murdoch Mysteries' is not only based on the characters from Maureen Jennings’ Detective Murdoch novels, with Season One debuting in Canada on CityTV in January of 2008, but back in November of the same year, 'The Murdoch Mysteries Movie Collection' (starring Peter Outerbridge, Colm Meaney, and Keeley Hawes) was unleashed to the public via BFS Entertainment!

Indeed, as the story goes, three (3) television adaptions of Maureen Jennings' Victorian William Murdoch novels were so successful, the broadcaster (the aforementioned CityTV, UKTV in Britain and Granada International) commissioned a full fledged 13 episode series - of which this review is all about.

And so onwards and upwards on this new TV show, 'Murdoch Mysteries: Series One.' This winner of two Geminis® - whilst being nominated for 12 more - show follows the investigations of Toronto police detective William Murdoch at the close of the 19th century. A man of scientific progress as well as devout Catholicism, Murdoch (Bisson) approaches mysteries with such new, state-of-the-art techniques as fingerprinting, blood-testing, and trace evidence, collaborating closely with his department's pathologist, Dr. Julia Ogden (Joy).

Yannick Bisson as the handsome and dapper Detective Murdoch, as opposed to the steel-eyed Colm Meaney-version from the 'Collection' is goodness for the eye for sure, but the fact that he looks so, well, untouched by the job he's undertaken kinda discredits his depth of job satisfaction. That said, Gemini award-winning actress Helene Joy is wonderful to behold each and every time she spends on the screen as Dr Ogden!

Thomas Craig, as the ever-skeptical Inspector Brackenreid (Murdoch's boss) is broading and foreboding all in one, but the fact that he never lets up on the goading of Murdoch and his wonderment of scientific dealings to catch criminals is beyond me. I mean, if the man is succeeding in his job, even by ways and means you don't completely understand, just let him be, man!

But at least they agree (kinda) on one aspect of catching the bad guys - and that comes in the shape and form of a medium Sarah Pensell (Maria del Mar) to help him discover clues. Sadly though she is only in two (2) episodes - "Bad Medicine" and "Elementary, My Dear Murdoch" - but fingers crossed she comes back to enlighten us further in series two. That said, the latter of those two named episodes is one of the best. In which Murdoch attends a séance hosted by Pensell, where he is told the location of a recently murdered young woman. Skeptical at first, he soon finds himself investigating the murder of Iris Winston, a prominent member of the Toronto Paranormal Society, whose body is found exactly where Pensell foretold it to be! And, as luck has it, he is aided by Arthur Conan Doyle - played wonderfully by Geraint Wyn Davies.

Indeed, other standout episodes in season one include an adaptation of the novel Let Loose the Dogs, The Glass Ceiling, The Annoying Red Planet, and the touching Child's Play. A second season premiered in March 2009 and a third season is in production.

Finally, be on the look out for these wonderful spoken words, just as Murdoch has flipped a switch on a wireless: Nikola Tesla: "Detective Murdoch, you are the first to receive a wireless transmission from New York." Detective Murdoch: "I came to thank you in person." Nikola Tesla: "Do not attempt to transmit in return. The power of this unit is far too weak. While I do think this is a splendid invention, I have other ideas of much greater importance that must be explored." Genius, true, true genius. These are all Full Screen Presentations (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Feature of:

Episode Commentary by stars Yannick Bisson and Jonny Harris, production designer Sandra Kybartas, and executive producer Cal Coons
Interviews with the author and cast
Photo Gallery
Cast Filmographies
Character Bios

Overview: Winning 16 Emmy(r) awards and nominated for 27 Golden Globes, "Will & Grace" captivated TV audiences for 8 hilarious seasons with laugh-out-loud antics. The "Will & Grace: Best of Love & Marriage" and the "Will & Grace: Best of Friends & Foes" 2-disc sets takes comedy to heart, featuring 32 episodes (16 in each 2-disc package) of the wildest episodes of the series!

DVD Verdict: Will & Grace's plots routinely center around scenarios that could feature a married couple or two same-sex roommates: Will and Grace bicker over buying a dog, find their relationship tested by apartment renovations, or discover they're both pursuing the same guy - standard sitcom material that the gay factor gives a clever spin.

Though their relationship gets in the way of their sex lives, the two take so much pleasure in each other's company that they can't help but stick together - a surprisingly chaste theme for such a culturally groundbreaking show, but one that Will & Grace's addicted audience undoubtedly appreciated throughout the years.

Hence, if your a super fan of the television show 'Will & Grace,' then you probably already own the full season DVDs. But if you happen to be a casual fan or if you're curious to see what the show is all about, then these Best of DVDs are perfect.

And for those truly not in the know, here is a cast rundown: Grace Adler (Debra Messing) is an interior designer that has a creepy best friend relationship with gay lawyer Will (Eric McCormack). Will hangs out with super flaming gay man Jack (Sean Hayes), and all of them are tormented by rich drunk Karen (Megan Mullally). This group of misfits share the everyday challenges of everyday life in New York City.

But again, these collections are great for the casual fan, but probably not worth it for the shows real fans. These discs offer a glimpse into the history of the show and for the most part they get it right. 'Love & Marriage' has part one of the episode 'Cheaters' - which I found odd because after watching it I wanted to see part two! But it wasn't on the disc!

And also relive such memorable moments as Rosario marrying Jack for a green card, Karen accusing Stan of cheating, and Grace finally tying the knot! Indeed, I personally enjoyed the 'Friends & Foes' collection better than the 'Love & Marriage' one though. It seemed to be funnier and packed a bit more punch.

Overall these collections are pretty cool and priced perfectly for the casual fan that wants to enjoy the show without dropping the coin for the series box sets. These are all Full Screen Presentations (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Features of:
Friends & Foes:
Themed Featurettes

Love & Marriage:
Audio Commentary for "The Pilot (Love & Marriage)" with Debra Messing and Eric McCormack

Overview: Award-winning actress Renée Zellweger stars as Lucy Hill, a high-powered executive in love with her upscale Miami lifestyle. Seeking to snag a big promotion, Lucy agrees to move to a remote Minnesota town to oversee the restructuring of a blue-collar manufacturing plant. After enduring icy roads, freezing weather and a chilly reception from the locals, she soon warms up to the small town and its people – especially the town’s handsome union representative (Harry Connick, Jr.).

DVD Verdict: Charming romantic comedy that delivers as promised. Adhering to the genre - boy and girl meet, spark, soften, screw-up and make a mess, separate and change into better people so that happily ever after seems like a sure thing - 'New In Town' doesn't contain many plot twists or surprises. And if you happen to be a fan of romantic comedy, you should not be disappointed by the playing out of said character development and plot.

The secondary characters in New are charming and eclipsed the leads. I adored Blanche (Siobhan Fallon) with her sweet Minnesota sensibilities, big, drippy heart and quirky out-loud thoughts. The dialog contains loads of chuckles and some of the physical humor is laugh-out-loud funny.

The film is sweet and perfect for a chick-flick night or would be a great date movie. New is reminiscient of movies like While You Were Sleeping, Two Weeks Notice and The Wedding Planner. Fans of this genre or any of these films will want to make sure to rent if not buy outright.

New in Town is family friendly save for random smatterings of moderate curse words and a scene wherein the heroine wears a tight, clingy sweater and reacts to the cold. There is a potty in the woods scene that may not be considered appropriate for those of you who screen movies very carefully for sexual/suggestive content. A mild make-out scene is hidden for the most part. I have seen/heard much worse on sitcoms.

We rented the film but it will become an addition to our library. Sometimes you just need a movie that makes you feel good about life and people. An escapist film to make you laugh and maybe sigh just a little bit. This is one of those. [KK] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Cast and Crew Commentary
Making New In Town in Winnipeg, Canada
Pudding's Delicious Role in New In Town
The Folk Art of Scrapbooking
Deleted Scenes

Overview: Ten years ago in the town of Harmony, an inexperienced coal miner caused an accident that trapped and killed five men and sent the only survivor, Harry Warden, into a coma. When Harry awoke, exactly one year later on Valentine’s Day, he wanted revenge and brutally murdered 22 people with a pickax before being killed himself. Now, after years of peace, something from Harmony’s dark past has returned.

DVD Verdict: 'My Bloody Valentine' follows a group of friends living in a small mining town that experiences several violent tragedies; including a cave-in followed by the loan survivor being accused of killing everyone else, a massive killing spree after that, and then another killing spree ten years later. The latter of those events making up most of the film we see here.

There is very little attempt to make the story or events believable but this is exploitation horror we are talking about here. Not to say that makes it somehow forgiveable, just that those are typically the expectations. To actually credit some of the actors and perhaps even the writers, I actually cared about the scooby-doo-esque kind of ending by the time we got there!

The cast has some familiar faces, and some you may not know. Our three main leads, Ackles, Smith, and the aforementioned King, all handle their roles well. There is no real breakout performance here, nothing that many other actors couldn't of done, but they handle themselves accordingly. Elsewhere, another big cause for celebration(and another reason this feels like a classic 80's film) is the appearance of Tom Atkins.

Atkins is an icon to many, and appeared in many 80's films like "The Fog", "Halloween III", "Night Of The Creeps", "Escape From New York", "Creepshow", and the first "Lethal Weapon". Atkins is cool, and his presence is most welcomed, delighting horror fans from all over. Kevin Tighe, who people may remember from TV's "Emergency", and films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", also appears. It's a fun and competent cast.

In the end, there is a lot of fun to be had with this movie. I grew up on the 80's slasher craze, and this movie really satisifed me in that regard. It may not be everyone's taste, but director Patrick Lussier has directed one of the best slasher films I have seen in years.

Oh, and the digital 3-D presentation is a must for horror fans. The picture is crystal clear and it gives the film so much depth you really feel like you are part of the story. If buckets of blood, body parts and one mean pickaxe flying at you sounds like a good time, then go buy this (or rent it) today! But, and just so you know, this DVD (and Blu-ray) version isn't digital 3-D like in theaters - so you get four multi-colored glasses for regular 3-D DVD viewing in the case also. You also have the option of just watching it in 2-D - your choice, my fiends. Your choice! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentary with Directer Patrick Lussier and Co-Writer Todd Farmer
'Deep Inside My Bloody Valentine'
'Sex, Blood & Screams'
Deleted And Extended Scenes
Gag Reel
Alternate Ending
English and Spanish Subtitles

Overview: It's a time for healing and learning to deal with life without family patriarch Paul (the late John Ritter), as the Hennessys discover the frailties of life and the strength of the family unit. Widowed mom Cate (Katey Sagal), now finds herself in the precarious position of raising three teenagers on her own. She does get a little relief from her father, Jim (James Garner), who's been staying at the house since Paul's death.

DVD Verdict: As we are all well aware by now, comedic great John Ritter passed away (way too early) after only three episodes of season 2. Luckily for us fans of the show ensemble, the series proceeded with a two-part episode in which his character, Paul Hennessey, also died.

The episode is very sad but is a fitting tribute to the great John Ritter. One can see the tears are real, they're not really acting. Afterwards, the Hennessey's once again go about the business of making people laugh. It isn't the same without John Ritter. But, the addition of James Garner and David Spade to the regulars.

But, for those not in the know, ... after gaining fame as ladies man Jack Tripper on the 1970s sitcom Three's Company, John Ritter stole the show here as a father of three - including two nubile teenage girls - on '8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter.' The first season, which aired on ABC during 2002 and 2003, introduced us all to Paul (Ritter) and Cate Hennessy (Katey Sagal) and their precocious children Bridget (Kaley Cuoco), Kerry (Amy Davidson), and Rory (Martin Spanjers).

In that first season, former stay-at-home mom Cate returned to the work force as a nurse, leaving Paul to write his newspaper column at home - on occasion - and mind the kids. And yes, whereas the first excellent season dealt with that uneasy transition from full-time sports column writer to full-time dad, so too does season two flounder on the waves of good/bad advice, and lectures of questionable morality - hence, the introduction of David Spade!!

Katey Segal, as his ever-loving wife/widow Cate - the only one in the annuals of TV history to play the trashist TV mom (Peg Bundy) to the classist TV mom (this role!) - keeps up the family standards wonderfully.

The kids played by Kaley Cuoco (playing a character akin to Kelly Bundy), Amy Davidson (playing a character akin to Lisa Simpson) and Martin spanjer (a cross between Bart Simpson and a former major league suck up to his dad!) are the true meat and potatoes of this sitcom. Their actions move this along to its funny best, each and every episode ... which is just the way their 'father' would have wanted it. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but (sadly) does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: Hot on a killer’s trail in modern-day Manchester, Tyler gets struck by a passing car and wakes up in 1973. The high-tech tools and respect for proper procedure have vanished. Instead, he finds himself working on a homicide squad where hard drinking replaces hard thinking; forensics takes weeks to analyze; and his boss, DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister, Cranford), has no qualms about roughing up suspects - or Sam himself.

DVD Verdict: First brought to US our screens via BBC America back a couple of years ago, this UK show was actually born in 2005! Thus, it is amazing to further learn that this set only contains the first 8 episodes of the series; with the remaining 8 to follow in 2010! Why is it being done this way? Who knows. But what IS for sure is that the UK series (and technically not the US version that came out; and then fizzled out last year) is an incredibly brilliant TV show (that also won two International Emmys®) that will have you instantly hooked.

And so, with the basic premise noted above of DCI Sam Tyler (John Simm, State of Play) getting struck by a passing car having a breather during a chase scene; thus waking up in 1973, he quickly finds himself in an antiquated police station, surrounded by antiquated police officers, and antiquated police procedures!

The show gets straight to the point from the first scene and so in episode one, Tyler's world is immediately turned upside down when moments after his girlfriend (and colleague) is kidnapped, he is involved in this accident. Featuring the search for a modern day killer that seems to also have got his start back in the early '70s, Tyler puts the pieces together expertly ... and even provides us with a wonderful twist ending!

In episode two, Tyler's dogged pursuit of true evidence brings him head to head with his DCI, Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) when the team arrests a robbery suspect, but let him go due to lack of evidence. The fact that an innocent woman subsequently gets hurt as a result has Tyler then working double time to make amends. A slower episode this one, featuring nice tracking shots of the two officers smoking alongside the hospital bed, and then, upon leaving they simply drop the cigarette to the floor and stamp them out! Now hearing weird from-the-ether voices and sounds, Tyler thinks he's going mad - but soon gets to grip with the fact that it's actually the other side trying to contact him at his 2006 hospital bedside!

Episode three is where a fatal stabbing at Crester's Textiles suddenly takes on a whole different meaning for Tyler, as he soon discovers that Crester's is the converted Mill where he lives in 2006! The death is that of a worker, but this is another slow-to-start episode. Although it does pan out to be a nice whodunnit come the very end. Still trapped in '73, Tyler is shown becoming more at ease with his surroundings, but is butting heads with another officer within his unit - in ways that you just know will explode down the line!

Episode four is all about the local crime boss and the ethos of his whole department - especially when he quickly discovers that they let him be in order to tuck away the odd bung and such! A better, faster episode this one with way more meat to it, it alos features a very pretty young lady named 'Joannie' as the central honeytrap. But, and for all the Brits watching this show for the first time over here in the US, the nightclub scene where Tyler runs into three England footballers AND the legendary Marc Bolan is just frickin' priceless!

In episode five, while investigating the murder of a Manchester United football fan, Sam, Gene and WPC Annie Cartwright (the oh-so-lovely Liz White) go undercover (and behind the bar) to gather evidence in the local pub! This turns out to be a very well done, deep, thought out episode, but if you are canny to the way they pan out, you'll guess the true culprit before the end! Mind you, the price of the actual big match football ticket being just 35p is hilarious! As was the fact that a pint in the pub was just 13p in the early '70s!!!

Episode six strays off the beaten path somewhat for when his mother's voice bleeds through from 2006, Tyler hears her say goodbye to him. He hears that his life support machine is to be turned off at 2pm. We are then informed that 'back' in 1973 a hostage-taker will kill his prisoners at 2pm. Now Tyler has to figure out, slowly as it happens, if this is his only way to actually save his life in 2006? Featuring lots of hostage negotiation scenes, the storyline is good, but rambles.

In episode seven, a small time drug dealer dies in police custody, which puts Tyler pitted up against the whole of his CID unit. His suspicions of a police cover-up make him very unpopular. Even more so when he tries to find out the truth. And yes, this is the most boring of all the episodes for sure, but is dealt with in its final moments rather well. It does show, however the inner-protectiveness of the whole CID unit back in the '70s, how they circled around one another. Also, this one episode is weird for not having any '70s tunes playing at any time throughout it!

In the season ender, Tyler has finally started to accept his new world and believes that he can deal with anything that it throws at him. Then he comes face to face with his 29-year-old dad – a small-time gambler caught up in a murder case. Then, all bets are off as the only person he tells about this weird situation is WPC Annie Cartwright - who just thinks he needs a rest! But what he finds out about his dad, plus the way it blends into his continual, and weird flashbacks finally all comes full circle. Nothing he finds out he likes and come the final moments Tyler has to make a very, very snap, personal, professional decision.

And so, this original UK show is as good as all that and more! Another tidbit of '70s info is that some of the inner CID bets involve what they call a 'Party 7.' This was a rather cheap, vile beer that came in a tin can meant for about 7 people. One that you had to open with chisels and hammers! As for the extras, well, aside from the audio commentaries, 'Get Sykes' (7mins) is all about production designer Brian Sykes, a man who also put his stamp on 'All The President's Men.' The Outtakes (6mins) are funny, and full of swear words!, but the two-parter "Take a Look at the Lawman," an hour-long documentary with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage is just plain tedious! Great things re: small amount of CGI and such are revealed, but the director just prattles on, in truth!

Lastly, just keep an eye out throughout the entire series for the show's catchphrase, and raise a glass to it and drink each time it's uttered: "Listen to the Gene Genie"!! These are all Full Screen Presentations (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Feature of:

Audio commentaries for every episode with cast and crew
"Take a Look at the Lawman," an hour-long documentary with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
Interview clip with director Bharat Nalluri
"The Music of Life on Mars" featurette with composer Ed Butt
"Get Sykes" featurette with production designer Brian Sykes
Outtakes Reel

Overview: Prepare to embark on an epic three-part adventure starring the legendary crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise as they sacrifice their lives, ship and freedom to save the universe from imminent destruction. Spanning across three motion pictures, the Star Trek: Motion Picture Trilogy is the ultimate story of heroism, duty and friendship that will thrill old and new fans alike. The films have been digitally remastered and The Wrath of Khan has been fully restored in high definition with brilliant picture quality and 7.1 Dolby TrueHD.

DVD Verdict: Sure, all Trek fans has seen these movies several times over, but the collection is worth the price in my opinion because of the improved quality, especially Wrath of Kahn, and the new special features. Who know, with the new Star Trek film heating up movie theaters all over the world, maybe this compilation will make into the hands of new fans, as well.

With one notable exception the new commentaries are great and insightful. The only bad apple in the group is the new commentary by Khan director Nicholas Meyer and Manny Coto (former writer/producer for Star Trek: Enterprise and current writer/producer of 24). Regardless of how many times Manny Coto tried to draw him out or relate the film to Trek in general, Meyer came off very pretentious. The commentary on Search for Spock (Ronald D. Moore and Michael Taylor) and The Voyage Home (Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman) is far better and actually provides some insight we hadn't thought of before.

The films themselves still hold up and look pretty good. Wrath of Khan is still the best Trek film ever, hands down. Not even the new Star Trek can surpass it. While some of the special effects look a little dated you don't really notice that because of the great acting, especially by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and the late Ricardo Montalban. Even today, knowing how this film ends does not change just how emotional Spock's death is. Both Shatner and Nimoy are great in that scene.

The Search for Spock is probably the weakest of the three (I mean, it is an odd number film, after all), but it's still a fun story and one that features the destruction of the Enterprise NCC-1701. The Voyage Home, one of the most Earth-based of the Star Trek films, works mostly because of the cast. The idea of plopping these 23rd century people into 20th century San Francisco leads to several humorous scenes and watching Spock's attempts to swear are still funny.

And so, in closing, what is the difference? Paramount returned to "Khan"'s original film negatives to make new high definition transfers and restore the movie. All of the other movies are the 2001 transfers, digitally enhances using DNR technology and upconverted to 1080i for a high definition look. This is a form of DIGITAL REMASTERING IN HIGH DEFINITION. And this is the term that confuses the average Blu-Ray collector. 90 percent of the time when a studio claims "digitally remastered" on a DVD or Blu-Ray Disc they do NOT mean they went back to the original film negatives to make a new transfer, they just used digital technology to clean up the old transfer. [AR] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan:
Commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer
Commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer and Manny Coto
Library Computer - Exclusive to Blu-ray
Production Log - Featuring a compilation of several featurettes. Included are: Captain's Log - (27:18); Designing Khan - (23:54); Original Interviews with William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Walter Koenig and Ricardo Montalban - (10:56); Where No Man Has Gone Before: The Visual Effects of Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan - (18:14); James Horner: Composing Genesis - (9:25) A featurette presented in High Definition and featuring an interview with James Horner and his first musical score for a film.
The Star Trek Universe - The following featurettes cover the "Star Trek Universe". Included are: Collecting Star Trek's Movie Relics - (11:05); A Novel Approach - (28:55); Starfleet Academy Scisec Brief 002: Mystery Behind Ceti Alpha VI - (3:08)
Storyboards - Using your remote, you can view the following storyboards: Main Title Concept, Kobayashi Maru, Ceti Alpha V, Regula I, Chekov and Terrell Find Khan, Admiral's Inspection, Khan's Revenge, Kirk Strikes Back, Finding the Genesis Cave, The Mutura Nebula, Sneak Attack, Genesis, Honored Dead.
A Tribute to Ricardo Montalban - (4:44)
Star Trek I.Q. - A Blu-ray BD-Live exclusive game.
Theatrical Trailer - (2:20) The original theatrical trailer for the film.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock:
Commentary by Director Leonard Nimoy, Writer/Producer Harve Bennett, Director of Photography Charles Correll and Robin Curtis
Commentary by writers Ronald D. Moore and Michael Taylor
Library Computer - Exclusive to Blu-ray
Production - Featurettes about "STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK" which include the following: CAPTAIN'S LOG - (26:13) Interviews with the cast and crew; TERRAFORMING AND THE PRIME DIRECTIVE - (25:53) Interviews with David Brin (author) about terraforming; INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC: THE VISUAL EFFECTS OF STAR TREK - (13:51) Discussion from the ILM team of creating visual effects in the good ol' days; SPOCK: THE EARLY YEARS - (6:22) Interview with those who played the Spocks in the third film. Interview with Stephen Manley who played the 17-year old Spock.
THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE - Featurettes in relation to the "Star Trek Universe". Included are: Space Docks and the Bird of Prey- (27:49); - Speaking Klingon - (21:04); Klingon and Vulcan Costumes - (12:16); Star Trek and the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame - (16:50)
Star Fleet Academy Scisec Brief 003: Mystery Behind the Vulcan Katra Transfer - (2:41) A brief of the Vulcan Katra transfer ritual.
Photo Gallery - Using your remote, you can view photo galleries taken in production and stills from the movie.
Storyboards - You can view the storyboards using your remote.
Theatrical Trailer - (1:11) The original theatrical trailer in HD
Star Trek IQ - An IQ game featured on BD-Live

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home:
Commentary by Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner
Library Computer - Exclusive to Blu-ray, fans can watch the film with menus that a viewer can use their remote and click on and will show information on characters, objects, music, planets and more.
Production - The following five featurettes are featured under production: Future's Past: A Look Back - (27:28) Featuring interviews with the cast and crew and the fun everyone had on working in the film; On Location - (7:26) A featurette presented in standard definition featuring the crew shooting at major locations in San Francisco with the main cast in their Starfleet outfits walking throughout the city; Dailies Construction - (4:11) side by side comparison of cameras shooting a scene when the crew were walking in San Francisco. Presented in standard definition; Below-the-Line : Sound Design - (11:45) Interview with Mark Mangini (Sound Effects Editor) and creating the sounds for the film; Pavel Chekov's Screen Moments - (6:09) Walter Koenig discussing about his onscreen moments for "Star Trek IV".
The Star Trek Universe - The following seven featurettes are featured under "The Star Trek Universe": Time Travel: The Art of the Possible - (11:15); The Language of the Whales - (5:44); A Vulcan Primer - (7:50); - Kirk's Women - (8:19); Star Trek: Three Picture Saga - (10:11); Star Trek for a Cause - (5:38); Starfleet Academy Scisec Brief 004: The Whale Probe - (3:34) A Starfleet Academy Scisec brief about the probe and the encounter with the Federation. Featured in High Definition.
Visual Effects - The following two featurettes are featured under "Visual Effects": From Outer Space to the Ocean - (14:43); The Bird of Prey - (2:48)
Original Interviews - The following interviews with William Shatner - (14:33) Interview with William Shatner on the set of "STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME", Leonard Nimoy - (15:40) Interview with Leonard Nimoy and Deforest Kelley (13:02) - Interview with Deforest Kelly. Interesting interviews from the set.
Tributes - The following two featurettes are included: Roddenberry Scrapbook - (8:15) Gene Roddenberry's son Eugene shares some personal memories of his father about the creation of "Star Trek" and how "Star Trek: The Next Generation" came about; Featured Artist: Mark Lenard - (12:44) The daughters of actor Mark Lenard talk about their father who played Spock's father Sarek and his emotional scene from "Star Trek: The Next Generation".
Production Gallery - (3:55) The shooting of a photo with cast and crew all together. And photos from the making of the film in a music montage.
Storyboards - Using your remote, you can view the many storyboards such as: Encounter with the Saratoga, The Probe Approaches Earth, Time Warp, Mind Meld, The Whaling Ship, Return to the 23rd Century, Communication and NCC-1701-A.
Theatrical Trailer - (2:22) - The original theatrical trailer in HD.
Star Trek IQ - An IQ game featured on BD-Live.

Overview: Frank and April Wheeler (DiCaprio and Winslet) always thought of themselves as special, but they settled in a conventional Connecticut suburb when they had children. Hungry for a less constricted life, April persuades Frank to move to Paris - but slowly their plans unravel and their marriage unravels along with it.

DVD Verdict: Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio reunited for this film about U.S. suburban life in the mid-1950s. The chemistry between these two is as strong as ever but in Revolutionary Road they are steeped in misery. April Wheeler (Winslet) has aspirations--to be an actress, to be special somehow, to rise above the cookie-cutter suburban life. Frank Wheeler (DiCaprio) is a cog in the machinery at a New York business and dealing with his 30th birthday by having an affair. They are anchored (and not in a good way) by two children, predictable friends and neighbors, and the daily grind.

April comes up with the idea of moving to Paris where Frank can "find himself" while she supports the family with secretarial work. He goes along with it and the planning gets underway. Their friends disapprove but the cachet, the specialness of it all, pleases them--until they find out that April is pregnant. The pregnancy and Frank's promotion at work lead him to change his mind about Paris.

April and Frank fight bitterly throughout this dark movie, which is based on the 1961 novel by Richard Yates. If there is one flaw in the premise--or possibly it's a strength - it is that the suburban motif in their lives is drawn too lightly to justify the Wheelers' misery. Their own personal unhappiness and incompatibility seem universal, and they talk about it endlessly. Faced with the collapse of their Paris plans, April says, "For years I thought we've shared this secret that we would be wonderful in the world ... We were never special or destined or anything at all." The pathos of this realization is by no means unique to this couple, but it drives the end of the movie to its painful outcome.

The production is beautiful and moody, with wonderful costumes and sets bringing the middle of the century to life. Director Sam Mendes - Winslet's husband - delivers a vehicle that may have slightly more for Winslet to work with than DiCaprio; his angst is played out slightly less convincingly than hers, I thought. The "Greek chorus" of a neighbor (Kathy Bates) and her mentally ill son (Michael Shannon) provides back-story and outsider commentary on the problems in the Wheelers' life; Shannon's masterful performance commanded an Oscar but as a device for furthering the story, I thought it was a shade heavily drawn.

I couldn't take my eyes off this gorgeously designed film, and its dark atmosphere left me with many questions. Is it hubris to imagine that you are special? Is it weakness of character to plan a dramatic escape from the everyday-ness of life? When you run away, don't you take yourself with you? Don't problems need to be resolved where they live? And when a dream collapses, how well do we deal with it? These may or may not be the musings that Mendes and his screenwriters and cast were intending to spark, but they are the questions that stayed with me. [LB] This a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Commentary with director Sam Mendes and screenwriter Justin Haythe
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Sam Mendes and Screenwriter Justin Haythe (HD)
Lives of Quiet Desperation: The Making of Revolutionary Road (HD)
Richard Yates: The Wages of Truth (HD)
Theatrical Trailer (HD)

www.Paramout.com/HomeEntertainment

Overview: Three ferociously committed actors fill the roles of the Bielski brothers, Jewish partisans who escaped into the forests of Eastern Europe during the Second World War.

DVD Verdict: The opening scenes of 'Defiance' are testament to the brutally swift nature of the Nazi genocide. In most cases, there was simply no time to think about resisting (or escaping). The Nazis came in, along with the help of the local authorities in the occupied territories and murdered the Jews in the blink of an eye. We see this very effectively illustrated in 'Defiance' after the Bielskis find their parents murdered on the family farm.

One of the picture's strengths is that it also illustrates the role of the local collaborators who assisted the Nazis. In a dazzlingly effective scene, Tuvia takes revenge by shooting the local police chief and his sons after they've murdered his parents. The collaborators aren't seen as monsters--quite the contrary, in a humanized portrait, the police chief begs for his life and insists he was forced to act at the bidding of his superiors in the Nazi occupation force (in an earlier scene, the police chief comes to a farm looking for one of the Bielski brothers who hides in a barn after attacking a group of Nazis--here the police chief is much more crass and arrogant--but still all too human!).

Nonetheless, Zwick, the film's director, should have had another scene involving the collaborators to balance out the 'sympathetic' portrait. The truth of the matter was that there were other of these local collaborators who were outright sadists, capable of incomprehensible, monstrous acts of brutality. Similarly, Zwick shows us a group of Jews in the forest who end up savagely beating a captured German soldier to death (despite his cries that he has a wife and children). While such acts of revenge did occur, it's hard to appreciate the context for their actions (it would have been better if Zwick had actually shown the Bielski parents, for example, being murdered and not merely the aftermath).

A good deal of 'Defiance' explores the conflict between the two brothers. Tuvia is the pragmatic one who comes to accept his role as a new 'Moses', leading his beleaguered group of 'intellectuals' to safety through the forest. At first he has only contempt for his fellow Jews who he regards as cowardly and passive. But as time passes, they earn his respect as they all become more proactive. Zus, on the other hand, wants to take direct action against the Nazis and joins the Soviet partisans as one of their fighters.

A good part of 'Defiance' is taken up showing life in the forest camp. The characterizations are a mixed bag. Some of the characters are standard 'types' (the debate between the 'intellectual' vs. the 'spiritual' Jew is one such example). There are some good scenes depicting the malnourishment that the community had to endure along with a few obligatory romances. [TS] This a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Commentary by director Edward Zwick
Defiance: Return to the Forest (HD)
Bielski Partisan Survivors (HD)
Children of the Otriad: The Families Speak (HD)
Scoring Definace
Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailers (HD)

www.Paramout.com/HomeEntertainment

Overview: After they come across an old treasure map, three school chums embark on an adventure-filled search for the legendary Captain LeRouge's lost pirate ship, which, according to tale, sits somewhere in the swamps of Louisiana. With the newly acquired help of an adorable magical swamp creature named Labou, the children must not only race against an oil tycoon's rapid purchasing of the land, but brave a confrontation with the ghost of LeRouge himself, who also scours the bayou in search of his ship.

DVD Verdict: 'Labou' casts a Caucasian boy, an African-American boy, and an Asian girl, all about age 12, in the three leading roles and has them tring to work together for a common cause. The film talks about not taking animals from their wild habitats (in this case, the magical Labou) and the misuse of the scenic and natural wonders of the land through digging up and refining oil.

And so yes, 'Labou' is a really fun adventure film that appeals to the kid in all of us. I watched it with my 8-year old niece and a few of her friends and we absolutely loved it!

The story (about 3 kids in search of lost pirate treasure) is heartfelt, the characters are genuine (and some quite hilarious), and, perhaps most importantly, the plot line incorporates life lessons on the value of friendship, trust and perseverance that every kid should experience. Labou, the mystical swamp creature that is at the center of the film, is compelling and funny, and adds a fantasy element to the story that tugs at the imagination and makes us all wish we were kids again.

TG Solomon, a major investor in the film, wanted to make a family picture, and this certainly is one! Labou was being made on location when Hurricane Katrina was coming to New Orleans in late August of 2005, and the cast itself was evacuated only two days beforehand.

The movie was not able to continue to be shot until five months later, and thus it is "Dedicated To The People Of Louisiana And Their Courage To Rebuild." This a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary from Director Greg Arnowitz, producer Sheri Bryant and Actor Chris Violette
The Making of 'Labou' Featurette
The Casting Process Featurette
Building 'Labou' Featurette
The Music of 'Labou' Featurette
Special Effects Featurette
New Orleans: Points of Interest Featurette

Overview: In music terms, Brooklyn’s Christopher "Biggie Smalls" Wallace was a hip-hop superstar to rival Oakland’s Tupac Shakur. In movie terms, however, 2Pac has long overshadowed B.I.G. with the films he made as an actor and the documentaries that followed in the wake of his similarly-unsolved murder. George Tillman Jr. (Soul Food, Men of Honor) aims to correct that imbalance with Notorious, the authorized biography of the larger-than-life New York rapper.

DVD Verdict: I have to honestly say this could be one of the best movies I've ever seen! I remember listening to B.I.G when I was 14 years old, everything hes ever done was lyrically amazing to me. I saw the trailer for this movie and was really excited to see it.

'Notorious' is the story of Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls who became one of the most popular rap artists in the 1990s until he was gun downed at the very young age of 24. Biggie is played by newcomer Jamal Woolard who does a decent job playing Wallace, considering he never acted before.

The first 45 minutes of the film are the most interesting as it focuses on Biggie's early career as a drug dealer. He's constantly arguing with his mother (played by the always solid Angela Bassett) who finally throws him out of the house after he won't give up his drug-dealing ways. Eventually he lands in jail where he starts writing rap lyrics which he eventually fashions into full-fledged songs in the recording studio. The era is ably recreated as we're given a sense of how rap music developed during the 1980s and early 90s.

After his release from jail, Biggie starts building a reputation as a talented rapper in his Brooklyn neighborhood. He becomes a protégé of up and coming producer Sean "Puffy" Combs (one of the producers of the movie) who takes him under his wing. When Puffy is fired, Biggie goes back to drug-dealing only to find himself arrested again. This time however, a friend offers to take the rap on a gun charge and Biggie has a second chance to resume his career.

The rest of the movie chronicles Biggie's eventual rise to the top. I was a little uncertain as to how Biggie actually got there. At one point he's 'paying his dues' playing college gigs at places like Howard University. The next thing you know he's got a number one hit record.

If I had to use one word it would be breathtaking! I came into this movie expecting nothing more than 8 Mile (which I really disliked) and about on level with Get Rich Or Die Trying (another movie I wasn't a fan of) I guess I based this on the fact that Chris wasn't here to act his own character, I read James Woolard (Notorious) had never acted before...and was a bit skeptical as to the performance he would give, to my surprise it was JAW DROPPING!

Everything from the voice to the look was spot on, and I couldn't wait to hear him speak, it just reminded me of that awesome voice he has on all his tracks. The characters playing Sean "puffy" Combs, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and D-Roc, were all amazing, and wonderfully acted!

The story is heartwarming and at times hard to swallow, but to my amazement the amount of "gang" related material was almost non existent, which is a nice change from movies like Hustle and Flow, and Get Rich Or Die Trying ... every scene seemed like somebody was fighting or getting shot.

In my honest opinion, even if your not a fan of Hip Hop, or Notorious B.I.G for that matter, you owe it to yourself to watch this movie! I'm not gonna give any story details away, only the fact that the script, and acting is excellent! Ill even admit the end of this movie even got my eyes to well up a bit...and that never happens!!

Either rent this movie, just to enjoy the excellent story, or pick it up and add it to your collection ... it definitely moved to the top of my movie list! [MJR] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentary with Director George Tillman, Jr., Co-Screenwriter Reggie Rock Bythewood, Co-Screenwriter Cheo Hodari Coker and Editor Dirk Westervelt
Audio Commentary with Producer/Biggie's Mom Voletta Wallace, Producer/Biggie's Co-Manager Wayne Barrow and Producer/Biggie's Co-Manager Mark Pitts
Behind the Scenes: "Making of Notorious" Featurette - (27:22)
I Got a Story to Tell: The Lyrics of Biggie Smalls - (9:28)
NOTORIOUS Thugs: Casting the Film - (9:05)
Biggie Boot Camp - (6:48) Interview with Director Frank Tillman, Jr.
Anatomy of a B.I.G. Performance - (5:15) Interview with Director Frank Tillman, Jr. & Little Cease
Party & Bulls**t (never-before-seen footage of the real B.I.G.) - (3:42)
The B.I.G. Three-Sixty - A segment featuring the filming of the murder of Notorious B.I.G. near Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Ave.
The Petersen - (1:13) Going behind the scenes of the Petersen Museum for the party that Biggie attended, hours before he was murdered
Directing the Last Moments - (2:10) Director Frank Tillman, Jr. discussing how difficult the scene was to shoot
It Happened Right Here - (1:23) Interview with Producer/Biggie's Co-Manager Wayne Barrow discussing the spot where Biggie was killed
The Petersen Exit - (2:15) Interviews with crew and talent
The Shooting - (4:12) Interview with Director Frank Tillman, Jr., Cheo Hodari Coker and Reggie Rock Bythewood (co-writers) and Producer/Biggie's Co-Manager Wayne Barrow and producer Robert Teitel
The Impala - (1:12) Interview with Producer/Biggie's Co-Manager Wayne Barrow discussing the Chevy Impala that the killer drove
The Unfortunate Violent Act - (1:09) Interview with Reggie Rock Bythewood (co-writer) on how they shot the scene because the investigation to Biggie's death is still ongoing.
The Window - (1:30) Interview with FX Technician Larz Anderson on how they made the broken glass window affect without firing a bullet
Deleted Scenes - (12:13) A total of nine deleted scenes and an extended scene with a brief text introduction to each scene:
Assassin assembles his gun; Taking care of business; Big on his own; o Finding inspiration; The assassin watches; In the hotel pool; East Coast in the house; After the accident; The assassin backs up
Extended Concert: Primo Street Rap

Overview: Sebastion (Chris Carmack) and Dani (Laura Vandervoot) run a small scuba business in Hawaii, but often hunt for sunken treasure in their free time. They hope to one-day find the loot that will allow them to live on the beach of their choice in bliss for the rest of their lives. What seems to be a hopeless hobby turns into a serious pursuit after they meet a wealthy couple willing to fund their efforts.

DVD Verdict: And so yes, what begins as an innocent experience enjoying their new friends’ lavish lifestyle turns into the discovery of ulterior motifs and extreme danger. Well, that's the basis of the plot anyway ... the one they'd have you believe is truly at the core of this did-we-need-a-sequel flick!

A lot of the free filming for the movie was done well with Sebastian (Chris Carmack) and his wife Dani (Laura Vandervoort) playing in the ocean. It certainly gave Hawaii even more credit to it's beautiful beaches and landscapes. But as for "action" scenes, not so much. An example would be when Chris is fighting Carlton (David Anders) on the boat, Dani Girl. That was one of the worst fake fights ever filmed!

A lot of the chase scenes and ocean scenes are very erratic as relating to camera stability. Oh, and look out for Audrina Partridge (from 'The Hills') who makes an appearance early in the film as the jilted girlfriend of a local party boy. Her acting hasn't improved, trust me!

This movie followed the same path as the original, but on a cheaper budget. There are many similarities between the two movies if you just think about it. Both are chasing a dream to find buried treasure, but during their quest they stumble upon unfortunate events and are forced into doing things that would jeopardize their lives. Spoiler: The same character dies but in a different manor (Ashley Scott & Mircea Monroe).

Josh Brolin and David Anders are killed in similar ways, by a harpoon gun. The story line was unfortunately predictable , the acting was sub par, and the "terrorist" villain has been done enough times. Laura Vandervoort is a good actress, but the movie itself, doesn't put any spotlight on her acting. Again, Audrina Patridge is horrible! [MD] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Music Video - A compilation of shots from the movie and behind-the-scenes footage.
Featurette: "Get Wet" (11:42) - Shows the actors training for their diving sequences.
Featurette: "Run For Your Life" (6:42) - Shows the big chase scene at the end of the film in more depth.

Overview: The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in 'Saturday Night Fever,' knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately, while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done.

DVD Verdict: It's hard to think of a bigger slice of 1970's Hollywood kitsch than this candy-coated, mega-successful 1978 musical comedy. Capitalizing on the tidal wave of Eisenhower-era nostalgia pervasive on both big and small screens at the time, it manages to be stridently artificial and mindlessly entertaining at the same time, although it still boggles the mind that it has had such an afterlife, including sing-along versions playing at art-house movie theaters. Part of the ironic amusement is watching actors obviously in their late twenties and early thirties pretending to be teenagers. Credit should be given to director Randal Kleiser for his unapologetic stance on maneuvering the contrived silliness with spirit if not much finesse.

Set in a period of the 1950's that existed only in Hollywood and lacking any semblance of reality or dramatic conflict, the threadbare plot focuses on greaser Danny, the cool leader of the T-Birds, and wholesome Sandy, a good-girl Aussie blonde enjoying a summer romance on the beach prior to senior year at Rydell High. Sandy was supposed to move back to Australia, but she ends up staying stateside and attending Rydell. With image being of the utmost importance, Danny initially rejects Sandy - now a cheerleader - when they meet again, and we follow all their romantic complications over the course of the school year until graduation. There is also the ongoing power struggle between the T-Birds and the rival gang, the Scorpions, as well as the peer-pressure shenanigans caused by the T-Birds' girlfriends, the Pink Ladies, headed by sleep-around tart, Rizzo.

All of this merely provides an excuse for the various musical numbers, the most energetic being the ensemble pieces like the cleverly edited "Summer Nights" and the stylized "Jailhouse Rock" knock-off, "Greased Lightning". Most of the numbers are from the Broadway show, though there are some deliberately anachronistic insertions such as Barry Gibb's disco-accented title tune and the peppy funhouse duet, "You're the One That I Want". John Travolta is perfectly cast as Danny, even if his singing voice threatens to evaporate from his sincerity. Olivia Newton-John has the right manner and looks for Sandy, though she is hardly challenged to develop a compelling character here.

The standout is Stockard Channing as Rizzo, the only character that has any connection to the reality of the times, and she expertly sings the mocking "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" and frankly outdoes Newton-John on the touching "There Are Worse Things I Could Do". Several familiar faces fill out the cast - Eve Arden in Miss Brooks mode as Principal McGee, Sid Caesar rather constrained as Coach Calhoun, Joan Blondell equally pallid as malt shop waitress Vi, Edd Byrnes as a Dick Clark-type lothario, Alice Ghostley as the auto shop teacher, Dody Goodman as the ditzy school administrator, and of course, Frankie Avalon serenading "Beauty School Dropout" to squeaky-voiced Didi Conn's Frenchy. [EU] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary by Director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch
Introduction by Randal Kleiser
Rydell Sing-Along
Featurette: The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease - (22:27)
Additional Scenes: Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes with introduction by Randal Kleiser
Grease on DVD Launch Party - (15:13)
Grease Memories from John & Olivia - (3:23)
The Moves Behind the Music - (8:14)
Thunder Roadsters - (5:21)
John Travolta and Allan Carr "Grease Day" Interview - (1:47)
Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood "Grease Day" Interview - (2:07)
Photo Galleries
Theatrical Trailer HD

Overview: A 19-year-old Italian American from Brooklyn, Tony Manero (John Travolta), works in a humble paint store and lives with his family. After dark, he becomes the polyester-clad stallion of the local nightclub; Tony's brother, a priest, observes that when Tony hits the dance floor, the crowd parts like the Red Sea before Moses.

DVD Verdict: Saturday Night Fever remains a classic movie over time because so many people appreciate the nostalgia of the disco era; and many more can easily identify with Tony Manero, the main character in the film. Tony's life is already going nowhere fast at the ripe old age of 19; and the only time when he truly feels important is when he's dancing at the local disco dance floor.

Tony (John Travolta), a kid from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, works in a small paint shop while he still lives with his parents. His only real happiness comes on Saturday nights when he and his buddies go to a local disco called 2001 Odyssey. Although Tony can be racist and foul mouthed, I came to like his character rather quickly, most likely because of Travolta's excellent acting. When there's a major dance contest at the disco, Tony initially partners up with Annette (Donna Pescow) to try to win first prize--but Tony's attention is quickly drawn to another slightly older woman, Stephanie Mangano (Karen Lynn Gorney). Eventually Tony dumps Annette to enter the dance contest with Stephanie.

Of course, there's a budding romance between Tony and Stephanie, however clumsy that relationship can be at times. Look also for some excellent scenes in which Tony hangs out with his buddies including Bobby C., Joey and Double J. (Barry Miller, Joseph Cali and Paul Pape, respectively).

The soundtrack to the film is forever famous; the music by the Gibb brothers helps the movie along without ever taking center stage. A fine accomplishment that is in and of itself! The dancing scenes reflect great talent and choreography; and the cinematography works wonders in the opening shots of Tony walking down the street in Brooklyn.

The DVD comes with a few extras; we get a commentary by the director and we also get the VH1 Behind The Music episode about Saturday Night Fever. I especially liked the way they tell people about how they made the film--it wasn't easy. There are three deleted scenes as well.

There's also a strong caution to parents: this is not a Disney movie! There are many swear words and nasty words for Hispanics and African-Americans. There are some scenes related to drugs as well. Overall, Saturday Night Fever is the gritty little film that did good. The movie's characters are people with whom many people can identify with; we were either the kids who hung out at the club or we wanted to be the kids who hung out at the club. The dancing and soundtrack are nothing short of excellent; and the convincing acting gets five stars in my book any day. [MGS] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary by director John Badham
Catching the Fever Featurettes: A 30-Year Legacy - (15:23); Making Soundtrack History - (12:37); Platforms & Polyester - (10:35); Deejays & Discos - (10:17); Spotlight on Travolta - (3:35)
Back to Bay Ridge - (9:00)
Dance Like Travolta with John Cassese - (9:48)
Fever Challenge! - (4:00)
Deleted Scenes - (3:36)

Overview: "Bueller…Bueller…?" Sorry, not here! Instead, high-schooler Ferris Bueller (Mathew Broderick), his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), and his best bud Cameron (Alan Ruck) are off on the spontaneous romp through Chicago known as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

DVD Verdict: How anyone could not like this movie is beyond me. I hate to wax nostalgic, but it's very hard for me to believe it's been 23 years since this movie's release. While I cringe at those 80's clothes and hairdos, I'm fully aware that the comedy here remains timeless and the angst of the wasteland known as high school remains equally pertinent.

Although Matthew Broderick is more renowned these days for being Sarah Jessica Parker's husband and for his role in the Broadway version of Mel Brook's "The Producers," I'll forever fondly remember him for his work as the cunning, school-cutting, school clown Bueller. It sucks to typecast an actor, but it's pretty hard to beat his performance here.

This movie is loaded with so many goodie quotes that an entire review can be composed solely on that subject. It also features a few people who got noticed here and got bigger roles: Jennifer Grey one year before "Dirty Dancing" and Jeffrey Jones, as Dean of Students Edward R. Rooney, two years prior to "Beetlejuice," to name but two of this great cast. For me, it's always pleasantly shocking to see previously unknown actors and actresses in older movies and wonder how you could have glanced over them in the first place (even though you can never tell who's going to be famous).

I can't help but watch this from beginning to end every time - and I don't mind a single second spent watching this - even if it's the one-thousandth and first time I've watched it. To be cliche, it gets better and better each time.

From Rooney getting his to Bueller's charmingly fooling everyone (except the sister) with his fake illness to the parking attendants riding Cameron's father's Ferrari at 100-plus mph and jacking up the miles to the stuffy atmosphere of the fancy downtown Chicago restaurant Bueller smooth talks his way into to the famous scene where the impromptu rendition of The Beatles' version of "Twist and Shout" livens up the downtown parade (complete with the zombie walk from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video from a segment of the crowd), "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" just screams classic from beginning to end. The folks at "Family Guy" can parody more scenes than they already have and I would love it. [DG] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Getting the Class Together - The Cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off - (27:45)
The Making of Ferris Bueller's Day Off - (15:29)
Who is Ferris Bueller? - (9:12)
The World According to Ben Stein - (10:49)
Vintage Ferris Bueller: The Lost Tapes - (10:51)
Class Album

Overview: Season two of Dexter is all about decisions. Lila or Rita? Old code or new code? Run or fight? Right or wrong? Well, one thing’s for sure: When it comes to writing, casting, acting, and production, the makers of this show made all the right decisions. Michael C. Hall is simply superb as the title character. You’ll never find yourself more willing to genuinely root for a serial killer. It’s bloody liberating!

DVD Verdict: This show just gets better and better. Dexter is sweating bullets thru most of the second season because they have discovered all the bodies he has cut up and dumped in the ocean. The FBI has put together a task force to find the killer (Dexter) and it's a game of cat and mouse for most of shows.

Keith Carradine is in most of the shows and although Dexter thinks he suspects him, the FBI agent just likes his opinions. Yes, that is the way it is with Dexter. Just when he thinks he is suspected, he finds the people mostly just respect him and want to know what he thinks. In other words, he always escapes punishment just when you think he is going to get caught. His love life is picking up speed too but then Rita thinks he has been cheating on her and dumps him. He starts an affair then with a sociopath and the tension rides high for the entire season.

No matter what he does, we his fans are making excuses for any bad behavior on his part. He kills the serial killers because the courts can't convict them or find them. He doesn't cheat on his girlfriend until after she has broken up with him (he's silly enough to think when she says it's over that it's really over) and that is when he sleeps with the sociopath. Deb, his sister sets him straight.

See what I mean...we should be hoping this serial killer gets caught...instead I am making excuses for him at every turn just like his girlfriend and foster sister Deb. Yes, there is something about Dexter that makes you want to turn him into a good guy, but if that happened, what would the show be about! The show has its humorous moments and it's just great!

Highly recommended, but its grisly nature won't appeal to everyone. If you're not into blood, this series isn't for you - and too bad, you don't know what you will be missing! [JS] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Tools of the Trade" Video Game
The United States of Tara Episodes 101 and 102
"Blood Fountains" Featurette
"Dark Defender" Series
Cast Interviews

Overview: The original party-down movies of their years these flicks feature rockin' tunes radical babes ... and your most excellent hosts Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar!

DVD Verdict: Long before the world ever heard of Austin Powers, Mike Myers was infusing pop culture with the catch phrases and wild doings of Wayne Campbell and hastening the move of multiple Saturday Night Live characters to the big screen over the course of succeeding years. Wayne and his trusty sidekick Garth raked up at the box office and left us with a classic comedy that will be making people laugh for years to come. Aside from all the Wayne-isms and Garth-isms, this movie changed forever the way we listen to a number of classic rock songs.

Okay, for those mysteriously not in the know, let's review! Wayne lives in his parents' basement, but it's okay because he and his buddy Garth have their very own public access show on their local cable station in Aurora, Illinois. Wayne thinks his dream of doing Wayne's World for a living (and thus escaping from the world of name tags and hair nets) has come true when he gets an offer to do the show on a Chicago TV station, but there's a certain matter with the fine print. Will Wayne sell out? Yeah. And monkeys might fly out of my butt.

Myers and Carvey take their SNL trademark routines as far as they can, going a little too far once or twice (as with the Scooby Doo and Mega-happy endings - although they did make possible the much-appreciated Tia Carrere bikini scene), and it's not hard to see why: Wayne's World was the most popular SNL skit for a good two to three years running. The film has a surprising number of familiar faces: besides the aforementioned Tia Carrere, you get Rob Lowe (fresh off a certain little infamous home movie), Brian Doyle-Murray, Ed O'Neill, Lara Flynn Boyle, Donna Dixon, and - making cameo appearances - Chris Farley, Meatloaf, and Alice Cooper. Of course, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey take center stage at all times. They satirize everything, from Grey Poupon commercials to the entertainment industry, to themselves.

There are a number of memorable scenes: the Bohemian Rhapsody bit as the guys cruise town in the Mirth-mobile, Garth's Foxy Lady dance number (many of us will never be able to listen to that classic Jimi Hendrix tune the same way again), all of the Dreamweaver moments, the Laverne & Shirley take-off trip to Milwaukee, Wayne's Marilyn Monroe impersonation, and others. Whether you knew it or not, you were exposed to Wayne's World lingo throughout the 90s, so if you haven't seen the movie, isn't it time you learn why you should have laughed at all those jokes you didn't understand way back then? [DJ]

In #2, Wayne and Garth have moved out of the parents basement and now have their own place across town, still doing their low budget local access TV show and still worshipping every rock musician out there. Wayne and his girlfriend Cassandra, from the first movie are still an item only now she has a manager trying to help her get her career started.

This time Wayne has been sent a message from the spirt of Jim Morrison, of the Doors who tells Wayne he must put on a concert in Aurora and find the meaning of his life. Wayne takes the message very seriously and even flies to London, England to find Del Preston who used to be friends with Jim way back when. Now our duo must deal with putting on their TV show, raising enough money for a permit to hold the show Wayne titles "Waynstock" and deal with Cassandra being taken away from him by her manager. Not to mention Wayne has to prove himself worthy with Cassandra's father and Garth has a close encounter with a beautiful woman, Honey Hornee' (Kim Bassinger) who takes an instant liking to him but may be up to more then just a one night stand.

Overall the movie is on par with the first one. All the funny one liners and sight gags and situations fly by us with the same familiarity that the first gave us. We jump right back into the universe we left a year ago and it's like we never left it. A classic mock Kung Fu fight between Wayne and Cassandra's father with dubbed English while they talk is a priceless moment. As well as Wayne, Garth and two friends dressed up in outfits that the Village People music group wore spying on Cassandra and her manager only to be spotted by them and having to perform as said group in a Male only bar.

The only thing holding this movie back is that it seems too familiar, like we did this all before. There is enough original in this to make you forget the first but too much was taken from the first to make it more like a differnet version of the same. It still holds it own though quite well. Many more stars this time around play bit parts like for instance Drew Barrymore, Jay Leno, Heather Locklear, Metalica and Rip Taylor having parts that are just randomly thrusted upon us. Some play themselves while others playing differnet parts. Of course we can't forget the late and great Chris Farley who I must admit seemed a bit out of place in the part they gave him, but always cool to see him any time.

While some of the jokes were recycled from the first movie, Ie) the alternate ending and the new guy stealing Wayne's girlfriend from him while Wayne gets jealous all the while.. there are some great new gags. I loved the moment towards the end when Wayne stops at a gas station for directions and some bad old actor is giving Wayne some sad story about the street he is looking for only for Wayne to say he wants a better actor for this part and they suddenly change the actor before our eyes to someone better. Some new jokes didn't work like Wayne and Garth being lifted on their backs at the concert they are at and after they are placed down a lot of weird items are being sent in the same mannor to the security guards.

That was probably one of those better on paper then it actually turned out to be moments that should have been left on the drawing board. It is also a bit dated, jokes that were funny in 1993 may seem a little silly now. For instance the Jurrasic Park moment but that's to be expected in these type of comedies. Usually popular pop culture of the time will be spoofed and if anything it brings back fun memories of yesteryear. [RL] These are both Widescreen Presentations (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

'Wayne's World':
Audio Commentary by director Penelope Spheeris
"Extreme Close-up” Featurette (23 mins, SD)
Theatrical Trailer (HD)

'Wayne's World 2':
Audio Commentary by director Stephen Surjik
“Extreme Close-up” Featurette (14 mins, SD)

Overview: An expert sniper, Vassili’s deeds have become legendary - thanks to propaganda produced by Vassili’s best friend, a political officer named Danilov (Joseph Fiennes). To stop Vassili, the Germans dispatch their best sniper, Major Konig (Ed Harris), to Stalingrad.

DVD Verdict: The opening scenes capture the realities of war almost as effectively as was done in "Saving Private Ryan." This movie does something that so many other WWII movies does so stupidly, though: It tries to drive a romance into the middle of a survival of the fittest mortal combat film. I don't mind such a thing in a work of fiction, but this movie is about the Battle of Stalingrad, which is probably the most important battle of WWII.

Actually, the film is about a legend that grew in Soviet Russia during WWII, and this story puts it into that great battle. The opening scenes are pure adrenaline pumping combat that is stark and terrible. As the film settles down, though, we begin to focus in on a highly politicized duel between a pair of snipers. One is a peasant from Russia. The other is a professional from Nazi Germany. They hunt for one another through the broken city of Stalingrad, each attempting to find their advantage against the other.

To be sure, the sniper scenes are a bit far fetched, the love story is strange, the political drama overdone. The mass combat is spectacular. Watch this film for a look at that for yourself. The climax is ridiculous, especially for a sniper war. I suggest that you watch this film once just to get an idea of the nature of combat between the professional German army and the conscripted peasant army of the Soviet Union. It will give you a small look at the struggle that cost 20 million Soviets' lives.

In the end Danilov sees the truth of the situation and how he used Zaitsev to serve his own purposes and questions the meaning of war. This movies deals more with the battle of wits between the snipers, and the rivalry between the 2 russians for the love of the woman, than the bigger picture of the Battle of Stalingrad. I thought it was well done; interesting; and is based on a true story. [CdeP] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Through the Crosshairs
Inside Enemy at the Gates
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailer

Overview: In a futuristic but familiar world, a high-tech engineer whose memory has been partially erased must use a group of unrelated objects, including a wire, a ticket stub and a bus token as clues to discover the truth about his previous identity, and collect a paycheck he had been awaiting. Based on the short story by science fiction author Phillip K. Dick.

DVD Verdict: Ben Affleck sure had a bad year in 2003, all of his worst movies came out that year. To name a few Gigli, Daredevil, and of course this one. Don't get me wrong this movie isn't horrible it's just that it tries so hard at being clever that in the end it fells quite silly. the movie begins with a reverse engineer named Michael Jennings (played by Ben Affleck) who gets paid hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars by big industries to take new existing technology and make it better, after he is finished with his work he is required by contract to submit himself to memory erasure, the memory they erase is only the work that he has done for his clients.

Afterwards we are introduced to James Rethrick (played by Aaron Eckhart) who proposes Michael a deal of a lifetime, he must give up three years of his life in order to create something that doesn't exist, as a matter of fact he doesn't even know if it can be done: but in the end if he is successful he will be paid a substantial amount of money.

Anyway so far the premise of the movie is good, so what went wrong? Well, after that three year gap we find Michael receiving the payment for his work... but as soon as he checks his account all the money has being dropped and instead been exchanged for nick knacks. Anyhow I don't want to ruin more it's an okay movie to watch once. The main problem with this movie is the tone, there are things that just don't fit and makes you scratch your head and go "HUH"?

For instance Uma Thurman plays a botanist that somehow knows how to fight in hand-to-hand combat (must have learned in Kill Bill) also there are some plot holes that are kind of hard to ignore, as well there are random action scenes that look better for a matrix movie. Without ruining more it's an ok movie to watch once. [SS] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Aucio Commentary by director John Woo
Audio Commentary by screenwriter Dean Georgaris
Designing 'Patcheck' Featurette
The Stunts of 'Paycheck' Featurette
Extended/Deleted Scenes

Overview: She's beautiful, smart, goal-oriented, and she just inherited the Cleveland Indians. Unfortunately, she wants to move the franchise to Miami, and a losing season is her only ticket to Florida. So she signs the wildest gang of screwballs that ever spit tobacco. They're handsome, but they're hopeless ... and you know the rest!

DVD Verdict: Tom Berenger, Corbin Bernsen, Charlie Sheen, and Wesley Snipes star in this fun film about the woeful Cleveland Indians baseball team and how a group of misfits and castoffs came together to make the Indians pennant winners again.

Berenger stars as Jake Taylor, a former all-star catcher who has been toiling in the Mexican league. He gets a call from the Indians GM to come to spring training to be the team captain and help mentor the younger players. These players include Willie Mays Hayes (Wesley Snipes), a speedy outfielder who can only hit pop flys, Rick Vaughn (Charlie Sheen), a flame-throwing pitcher fresh out of the California penal league who possesses a blazing fastball but has no control, and Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert), a hard-hitting Cuban who defected for religious freedom. He can crush fastballs, but nothing else. He also has a shrine in his locker with an idol named Jobu. Roger Dorn (Corbin Bernsen) is a high-priced third baseman who cares more about his investment portfolio than he does about baseball.

Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitten) has inherited the Indians after the death of her owner-husband. A former showgirl, she is determined to move the team to Miami, where she will cash in on several perks from the city. But to do this, the team's attendance must fall below a certain level. Determined to get what she wants, she begins taking things away from the team, such as whirlpools, and even their private plane. Soon the team is travelling to games by bus. However, the team has Lou Brown (James Gammon) as their manager. He is determined to make the Indians winners, regardless of what Rachel does.

The season starts off slowly for the team, and they are in their traditional last place position. But the GM lets Lou in on Rachel's scheme, and things begin to change. The players realize that the only option they have other than becoming free agents or being released is to win it all. And that's what they set out to do.

I'm a big baseball movie fan, and this movie is one of my all-time favorites. The story is excellent (being a Cubs fan, I'm glad the producers didn't pick them as their team to use), and the acting is tremendous. The choice of Bob Uecker as Indians announcer Harry Doyle was a stroke of genius. His announcing and one-liners really add a great dimension to the film. Rene Russo does a good job as Jake's on again, off again girlfriend Lynn Wells. Its fun to watch their ups and downs throughout the movie. There's even a take-off on the then-popular "do you know us?" American Express Card commercials. I give this teriffic movie my highest recommendation. [JM] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Commentary by Writer/Director David S. Ward and producer Chris Chesser My Kinda Team
A Major League Look at Major League
Bob Uecker: Just a Bit Outside
Alternate Ending with Filmmaker Introduction
A Tour of Cerrano's Locker
Photo Gallery

Overview: Late for court, an attorney weaves in and out of traffic. In a different lane, a father whose right to see his children rests on getting to court on time. A minor accident will turn these two strangers into beasts.

DVD Verdict: 'Changing Lanes' is a film that surprised me almost every minute of the way. There's a lot of plot and theme at work here, but I want to emphasize that this is hardly pretentious filmmaking; it's an honest look at just how far pressure can push normal men, as well as how such pressure can bring out the best qualities in these same people. After a rather clumsy introduction and a chaotically directed crash scene that felt rather rushed, the film settled in comfortably into its main story. On the surface, the movie plays perfectly well as a thriller, certainly enough to satisfy thriller buffs looking for hard-edged suspense.

But further yet, the film becomes a character study of two men who lead opposite lives, but perhaps aren't as dissimilar as each may think. Rich and affluent, Affleck's Banek is a man on the top, but despite his seemingly arrogant and impatient behavior, he displays a moral and conflicted center, torn by what's right and what everyone else-namely his boss, co-workers, wife-says is right. Undoubtedly the most complex character Affleck has ever played, this is also the young actor's best performance to date.

Samuel L. Jackson is easily one of the best actors around, and his portrayal here is absolutely terrific, perhaps his most substantial performance since his role in Pulp Fiction. Gipson is certainly less priveleged than Banek, and this societal gap displays an interesting effect once things get out of hand. Gipson represents the majority of us, the working middle class that's frustrated when fate hands him a wrong turn. The disastrous day that Gipson endures is affecting, and it's both simultaneously crushing and exhilarating to see a reasonable man go to the extremes.

There are far more themes at work here, and I've only touched on the surface. For instance, there's a powerful scene where Amanda Peet (as Banek's wife) delivers a coldly manipulative speech that clues us in as to why Banek would cheat on his beautiful wife with a less physically attractive, but far kinder, more emotionally supportive woman (played well by Toni Collete). Another similarly powerhouse sequence is Sydney Pollack's (playing Banek's boss) diatribe on ethics in business and why the cutthroat method is the only effective tool for pressing business matters. With an abundance of moments like these, there's so much theme at work in the script that the film simply demands repeat viewings. [EL] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary by director Roger Michell
A Writer’s Perspective (6 mins)
2 Deleted Scenes
Extended Scene
Original Theatrical Trailer

Overview: Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale) hasn't slept in a year. The shocking deterioration of his physical and mental health has made his every waking moment an unrelenting state of confusion, paranoia, guilt, anxiety and terror. His only solace from this living nightmare comes from an affectionate prostitute (Jennifer Jason Leigh).

DVD Verdict: Best known as the movie that Christian Bale lost a third of his body weight for, this hallucinogenic thriller about a sleep-deprived industrial worker with a guilty conscience is both weird and yet strangely thought-provoking all at once!

'The Machinist' is the sort of film Hollywood does not dare to make- risky, taut, and smart. While not a great film it certainly is loads better than the usual bilge Hollywood feeds the public. That director Brad Anderson (who directed Session 9) had to go to Barcelona, Spain to finance and film the picture says it all. The film stars Christian Bale (who, as mentioned, lost over 60 lbs. for the role) as Trevor Reznik, a machinist who has not slept in a year and is wasting away physically.

His only sources of comfort seem to be a prostitute named Stevie (Jennifer Jason Leigh) that he sleeps with, and an airport café waitress named Maria (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon), whom he confesses to. Then, one day, on a break at work, Trevor meets Ivan (John Sharian)- a bald biker dude with a Cajun accent, red sportscar, and a claw for a hand- after his left hand was mangled in an accident.

Not long after Trevor accidentally causes the dismemberment of a co-worker named Miller (Michael Ironside) and is shunned at work. He seems to be losing his mind when no one believes him that the reason the accident occurred was because he was looking at Ivan- whom his bosses claim is not on the payroll.... Perhaps the only downsides to the film are Leigh's hooker with a heart of gold (although she does what little she can with the role) and the ending.

As Trevor sleeps he dreams of the first few moments after the accident and then we get a fade out. There should have been something more definitive and climactic than merely Trevor's getting shuteye. The end feels almost tacked on, as if Kosar had no idea how to get out of the corner he painted his character into. Still, were this a Hollywood film there would have been car explosions, pedophilia, and many other overblown elements. The best thing for this screenplay was that it had to be made overseas.

There are a number of excellent little points in the film, such as scattered Dostoevsky and Kafka references, Trevor's looking eerily like his Nine Inch Nails namesake Trent Reznor, Trevor's choosing to turn left, in the Route 666 kid's ride with Nicholas, and in the sewers, when he encounters forks in a road, until the end, where he turns himself in and turns right on the highway, which picks up on the mangled left hands of Miller and Ivan and other left aligned things in the film. Also, Michael Ironside - who works far too little - seems to always lose a limb in his films. [CC] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

BD Exclusive Featurette: Manifesting the Machinist (23 minutes, HD)
BD Exclusive Featurette: Hiding in Plain Sight (14 minutes, HD)
Featurette: Breaking the Rules (25 minutes, SD)
Commentary by Brad Anderson
Deleted Scenes (SD)
Trailer (SD)

Overview: Chris Farley plays the disaster-prone brother of a gubernatorial candidate in Washington State. Though he is well meaning, the havoc he creates on the campaign trail is drawing press attention, so a snotty aide (David Spade) to the politician is dispatched to keep the big lug under control.

DVD Verdict: "Black Sheep" is merely a retooling of "Tommy Boy," but in cases like this, it doesn't matter. It was made purely for laughs, not to make a statement or impress with a display of great scriptwriting. "Tommy Boy" has a far superior script, and despite several flaws in the screenplay and continuity, it was a genuinely good movie, on every level. This one was simply made for a quick buck, and some laughs. It piggy-backed on the other's success.

First, let me state the obvious: The Spade-Farley team was right up there with all the great comedy teams of the ages. The physical differences, as well as everything else. Spade - short and little, caustic wit, a mean streak, really snarky: Farley - big, obese, low-brow approach (though he himself was bright, he played stupid very well), affable and friendly, a loose cannon. Look at the others - Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello, Aykroyd and Belushi and so on. They fit the template. But it ended way too soon. Farley left us way too soon, and he was one of the funniest human beings of all time. And Spade just added to it.

"Black Sheep" has a fairly simple premise: Mike Donnelly (Farley) is the underachieving train-wreck brother of Al Donnelly, a rare person. He is an actual honest politician. (The writers of this movie wisely avoided party politics; it's up to the viewer to decide who is the conservative and who is the liberal. They avoided this altogether. That would have been a mistake which would have nose-dived this picture right into the ground.) But Mike wants to help his brother win the election, no matter what he has to do to get this done. The story pairs him with David Spade, on a series of misadventures which are genuinely funny, especially as executed by these two comic geniuses.

The opening scene is proof that sometimes pure nonsense, depicted with no explanation whatsoever, can leave one rolling with laughter. Farley is driving the campaign vehicle through town, making announcements to the public about Al Donnelly's candidacy for governer, but for some completely unknown reason, all the unleashed dogs in town are following the truck, barking as if they were on a wild pack's hunt. "...WHAT'S WITH THESE DOGS?!..." He can't shake them, and ultimately wrecks the truck, and suddenly, the dogs just cool it. There's no back story, no explanation, but it is hilarious nonetheless.

Throughout, Farley's "Mike" character suffers mishap after mishap, some of which could result in serious bodily injuries, and where I don't much care for slapstick, it's impossible to not laugh at it all. And Farley often did his own stunts as well. It's amazing, what he put himself through, willingly, to make his audience laugh. [AH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Journey inside the world of bugs in this epic of miniature proportions. Crawling with imaginative characters, hilarious laughs, and colorful animation, Walt Disney Pictures Presentation of A Pixar Animation Studios Film, A Bug's Life. In this 2-disc set you'll step behind the scenes for a look at the innovation and teamwork that resulted in this ingenious film.

DVD Verdict: This was the second film Pixar came out with, the first being Toy Story. And it really takes up where Toy Story left off in regards to unique story, and animation technology.

The writers at Pixar just have a way of taking ideas that many people have had before and doing something with them. How many people have ever looked at an Ant hill and wondered what those little bugs are thinking?

Well, Pixar took that question and made a very good movie. The actors are not as well known as the actors in Toy story, but they are great actors, like Kevin Spacey. And of course John Ratzenberger. Did you know that he has a voice character in every Pixar film that has been made up to The Incredibles.

The visuals aren't the only best things about it, but you can't knock down Disney for its timeless heritage of magical fun-filled wizardry. Let's face it, the movie looks so good enough to burst a chuckle or two. Or, if you handle it, say 99! Just as appealing to grown-ups as it is to children, the comedy relief bodes extremely well for an animated movie running on ultra-high speed microchips. It makes a new statement for the term "ladybug", which is sure to fool many! This is the finest example of creativity and delightfulness in a "family" picture sitting next to the original BABE. Sure, we can handle the modernization of its jokes any time!

And so YES, this Blu ray is amazing, amazing, amazing! The transfer (the first ever completely digital transfer), is simply unbelievable. It is like you can reach into the screen and touch the characters. The cinemascope animation is truly stunning, and the transfer expresses it beautifully. The sound is wonderful. You feel like you're in the bugs' world. Truly an outstanding, sure to be groundbreaking disc. Disney, why can't all of your Blu rays be like this! This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Filmmakers Round Table with John Lasseter, Kevin Reher, Darla Anderson, Andrew Stanton.
A Bug's Life: The First Draft
Story treatment introduction by John Lasseter, and more!

Overview: One of the most memorable paranoia thrillers of the 1970s, Sydney Pollack's Three Days of the Condor never loses its focus as a tense, compelling exercise in suspense. The plot rests on the premise that everyone with power is corrupt; Pollack and writers Lorenzo Semple Jr. and David Rayfiel keep the proceedings from devolving into the preposterous or unconvincing.

DVD Verdict: The spy adventure film "Three Days of the Condor" was released in 1975. This was a period when the American government and the commercial sector were in a panic over our access to oil. This was when President Gerald Ford, mindful of the power of the Oil Producing Export Countries, announced that in the future we might actually consider taking oil by force if it should be denied to America.

On the subject of Ford, we know that he followed Nixon, and that it was just one year before "Condor" was released that Ford's predecessor resigned in disgrace. What did him in? The Watergate Scandal. What was that? A series of clandestine activities, which once again lead back to the central point that this was a timely film.

Why is "Three Days of the Condor" even more timely today? Because of all that we have been through and what we know about the CIA and its clandestine activities that we did not know then. We have experienced 9/11 and skepticism increases over its causes and who put the plan into effect, much like those same questions being asked about the assassination of President Kennedy.

The reason why this film is even timelier today and can be better understood in a context better than three decades after its initial release is that we are much better informed about a major point discovered by Robert Redford, a book reader for the CIA who goes by the code name of Condor, is that there is an official CIA and another CIA. Often the latter will superimpose itself on the former. John Le Carre made the same point relative to MI5 in British intelligence.

Redford, working out of a New York office purporting to be an historical society, leaves one afternoon to order and bring back lunch for himself and the rest of the crew. After a little chitchat at the restaurant he returns to discover that everyone in the office has been fatally shot. Just where does he go from here? Redford explains on the phone to headquarters that he is no agent, and is just a research man who reads books and makes recommendations. He hopes to be brought in before he meets with the same fate as his office colleagues.

A smooth and suave Cliff Robertson is his contact operating out of the CIA's main headquarters in Langley, Virginia. When it is arranged for a station chief to come to New York to "bring him in," more trouble ensues. Redford has every reason to wonder if he has any allies left in "The Company" as he runs away from tragedy once more.

In an effort to secure at least temporary safety Redford kidnaps Faye Dunaway after she leaves a store where he has gone to temporarily hide from pursuers. A professional photographer who lives in Brooklyn, Dunaway at first resists Redford, but ultimately becomes an ally when she realizes that he is telling the truth and his life is in danger.

At one point Dunaway tells Redford that she is afraid to get to know him since he is not going to live very long. He disagrees, telling her that sense of danger is a driving interest force within her toward him. Ultimately they became romantically involved and she is willing to accompany him to Langley so he can confront Robertson.

The film was released not long after Daniel Ellsberg became famous for leaking what came to be known as the Pentagon Papers. In a fascinating twist at the end of the film, Redford uses the New York Times as a type of insurance policy. Some of the film's most dramatic scenes involve Redford and Robertson, with the former speaking for the best of America as he states the case for decency and accountability in government while the latter states the proposition for secrecy and an "end justifies the means" mentality.

Sydney Pollack in his director's role keeps the pacing fast as befitting a spy mystery involving pursuers and pursued. The camera work was magnificent. Some of the long shots are particularly fascinating in displaying New York City and Washington D.C. as large cities in the midst of winter amid the ongoing tension of Redford's tense battle to survive.

Two prominent character actors render solid performances; John Houseman as a veteran CIA officer and colleague of Robertson's and Max Von Sydow as a contract assassin who performs his tasks with consummate professional detachment. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Trailers
Theatrical Trailer HD

Overview: An unusual quest reunites two best friends from high school and takes them deep into the Oregon woods, where they encounter whitewater rapids, nymph-like ecoterrorists, and crotch-biting animated squirrels!

DVD Verdict: Three friends; Tom (Dax Shepard), Jerry (Matthew Lillard), and Dan (Seth Green), come together after the death of one of their closest childhood friends, Billy. Billy had been obsessed with uncovering nearly $200,000 that famed highjacker D.B. Cooper (an actual real life criminal) supposedly hid somewhere in the wood of Oregon.

Partly out of adventure and partly as a final farewell gesture to Billy, the three young men leave for a multi-day canoeing trip down the Colombia River to see if they can find the object (the money) of Billy's obsession. The river turns out to be the least of the men's worries as they encounter one strange encounter after another: illegal DELIVERANCE-type pot farmers, an angry sheriff, giant black bears, environment-loving tree-living women, and one expert woodsman who looks an awful lot like Burt Reynolds.

When I first watched WITHOUT A PADDLE, I didn't think I was going to like it. I like Matthew Lillard and Seth Green, but wasn't a big fan of Dax Shepard. The plot didn't sound all that good to me and I was concerned with some of the content warnings. Surprisingly, WITHOUT A PADDLE wasn't too bad of a movie. Yes, there is pot smoking done for comic affect. Yes, there is sexual innuendo. Yes, there are a lot of crude jokes. And yes, once the movie gets started much of it is nonsensical and seems like something out of a Benny Hill sketch or a Monty Python movie. But, I actually enjoyed the movie. It made me laugh and after I finished it I realized that I had a good time.

Some of this might be due to the set up of the film. The introductory backstory about the characters and their friendship growing up does a wonderful job making the audience care about the characters and setting up the rest of the picture. When the movie turns into a Bizzaro World version of STAND BY ME, things don't seem as insane as they should. The pacing of the movie also helps. There are times the film could drag, but it never does. The characters have a purpose and they will fulfill that purpose even if it kills them. Once the boys leave for their trip it's one exciting and often humorous event after another.

WITHOUT A PADDLE isn't a movie for children, which is a shame. If some of the content would have been toned down a bit, it would have been a movie that most family members could enjoy. Nevertheless, it is a good movie that teenagers on up can enjoy if they just give it a chance. [TV3] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary By Director Steven Brill
Video Commentary By The Cast And Director (BonusView)
13 Additional Scenes
MTV's Making The Movie
6 MTV Interstitials
Theatrical Trailer

Overview: An offbeat personality, a tough-as-nails approach and a track record as one of the country's leading investigators: These are just a few of the traits exhibited by Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. For the Atlanta transplant heading up the Priority Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, her position on this elite detective squad, which handles high-profile cases of a sensitive nature, is a tenuous balancing act.

DVD Verdict: Let's be honest, this has got to be the most challening and well-played roles for a woman on TV in a long time. Kyra Sedgwick is stellar as Brenda Johnson, the LAPD deputy chief of police who runs the Priority Homicide division.

The opening seasons do a good job of taking the time to show the initial negative reaction to her arrival, as she has come to the position from Atlanta. One insider held a grudge in the build up, then another, then a whole bunch, but ultimately she does her job to the letter and doesn't bend/break under pressure.

Indeed, little by little, most of the people who have been with the squad for years begin to acknowledge her capabilities, while the hold-outs attempt to sabotage her work - and all but fail in horrible, humiliating fashion.

Ergo, Sedqwick is not only interesting, but slightly annoying (in a good way) in her role as Brenda Leigh Johnson. In one scene she can give us a performance full of drama lightened by the quirkiness of her character. Season 4 of 'The Closer was excellent.' It was full of change and of very good and well written episodes. The team came under fire from the press for what is and what is not called Priority Homicide. This leads to a major restructuring of the squad and a very interesting turn of events thanks to Brenda's quick thinking.

Also, the squad had to deal with their own problems: interpersonal relationships (Daniels and Gabriel) and one of them has to deal the loss of a loved one. Brenda's parents came for an episode and put Brenda and Fritz' relationship in the limelight. Just when are they going to get married?! Brenda and Fritz also had to deal with moving to a new (temporary) place and with their relationship. The episodes of the closer were excellent coming to a rather explosive and great season finale. [CM] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

"Ride Along" featurette
"Catching a Lie" featurette
Gag Reel
Unaired Scenes

Overview: The sixth season of this award-winning series featuring master showmen Penn & Teller, delivers viewers an aggressive, humorous expose of taboo topics, using the duo's trademark humor, knowledge of carnival tricks, as well as hidden cameras and blatant confrontation.

DVD Verdict: Originally aired on Showtime, 'Penn & Teller Bullsh*t: Complete Sixth Season' is brilliant, cutting and at all times spot on the money re: the ideology of the world we all live within.

The overall approach of this show is a thirty-minute concentrate of a Michael Moore movie with wittier commentary! Here Penn & Teller (Penn Fraser Jillette and Raymond Joseph Teller) take on a variety of current topics and myths and prove them wrong. It is hard not to take a show like Bullshit! seriously but it sure is fun to see the collection of nutjobs, charlatans, snake-oil salespeople and so on the show comes up with!

Interestinglu, Penn & Teller B.S. opens with an investigation on the supposed damages porn causes. Of course, the ex-magicians interview wackjobs who say porn is bad for you and serious folks who say nay. The fact two U.S. government studies could find no link between adult movies and bad behavior is also brought up. Also looked at on the first Bullshit DVD in this set is New Age Medicine which debunks crunchy granola cures including recognized yet crackpot treatments like acupuncture and TT aka Touch Therapy.

Penn & Teller, known to specialize in gory tricks, exposing quacks and frauds, performing clever pranks; and have become associated with Las Vegas, atheism, scientific skepticism, and libertarianism, take on NASA in the third episode of Bullshit season 6. This is fun but nothing people who question NASA haven’t heard before.

DVD 2 of Penn & Teller Bullshit Season 6 includes Being Green which is particularly fun and full of nutty folks with their hand in your pockets. There is an ecotherapist and the cooks who follow her therapy, a guy a wrote a carbon diet book, and two women who sell carbon credits; one an obvious fraud the other a put on. However, the episode on Sensitivity Training can be, well, politely put, overlooked! I mean, all this is coming from guys who's license plates are customized so they read, "Atheist" and "Godless", and when Penn signs autographs, he often writes down, "there is no God" with his signature! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Interactive Menus
Scene Selection

Overview: The technical dazzle of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a truly astonishing thing to behold: this story of a man who ages backwards requires Brad Pitt to begin life as a tiny elderly man, then blossom into middle age, and finally, wisely, become young. How director David Fincher--with makeup artists, special-effects wizards, and body doubles--achieves this is one of the main sources of fascination in the early reels of the movie.

DVD Verdict: Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the screenplay for Forrest Gump (the ladder being uncredited of course), The Curious Case opens in a New Orleans hospital where an elderly woman is dying as Hurricane Katrina rolls in. Her adult daughter begins reading aloud from a journal written by a man named Benjamin Button, who was "born under unusual circumstances."

As the woman's narration fades into a Louisiana-accented Brad Pitt's, we learn of how Thomas Button (Jason Flemyng) discovers his wife dying after giving birth their son. When he sees the child, he panics and drops it on the steps of an elderly-care home managed by Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), who accepts the wrinkled, unhealthy baby as her own not expecting it to live very long. Years later, Benjamin (as he's named) is seven, looks seventy, and is confined to a wheelchair. Living among the elderly, Benjamin meets the granddaughter of one of the care home tenants, Daisy, and falls instantly in love.

As Benjamin brows older (and his body, younger), he longs for adventure and takes a job on a tugboat captained by Captain Mike (Jared Harris). After leaving home, Benjamin quickly racks up plenty of life experiences including an affair with Elizabeth Abbott (Tilda Swinton), the wife of a British Trade Minister. Their brief affair of course leads to a delayed, profound, and predictable effect on Elizabeth's life.

Of course, we watch as Benjamin goes through almost everything one can go through in their lifetime, but everything leads back to Daisy (played as an adult by Cate Blanchett). There are sequences that are spellbinding, such as the intentionally aged scene involving Mr. Gateau (an unrecognizable Elias Koteas), the clockmaker and the sequence showing unrelated events creating a sort of domino effect.

The plot is the biggest issue I have with this film. Eric Roth, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Forrest Gump, wrote this screenplay. Had another writer penned this script, Roth likely would've sued him for plagiarism. The plot structure, Benjamin's experiences, and Benjamin's and Daisy's relationship are so similar to Forrest Gump, it wouldn't be a stretch to call this film "Forrest Gump 2." The essential difference is that Forrest Gump, while having an array of memorable characters, was an event movie; what situation would Forrest find himself in? "Benjamin Button" is a character movie; what situation will find Benjamin? Guess which film is more entertaining.

The most unoriginal thing Roth did was use a hummingbird as symbolism. The feather (from Forrest Gump) and the hummingbird represent the same thing in both films. Roth's script is possibly what kept this film from a Best Picture statuette.

Script aside, Hollywood doesn't make films like this anymore; 3-hour character studies with no real balls-out action or visual effects that mainstream audiences are accustomed to. However, this film has Oscar-winning visual effects that are truly incredible. Brad Pitt plays the seven-year-old Benjamin Button all the way through his mid-twenties (or sixties, depending on how you look at it) and I was amazed to find that his face was digitally applied to smaller actors. This effect is incredibly impressive and there's not a single flaw. Makeup effects are stunning too. It's fascinating seeing Pitt go from an old man to early-90s Pitt.

The art direction of early 1900s New Orleans is absolutely beautiful; becoming a sort of picturesque, swampy paradise, with the beauty of a painting. The cinematography is all digital, including the coloration for the scenes that take place long ago. It never looks like it was made to look old, but simply is old. The "struck by lightning" scenes look like old silent film stock (these are probably the sequences shot on 35mm, mentioned in the accompanying Criterion booklet). The cinematography is masterful and should've won the Oscar.

Not a single actor is miscast in this film. Pitt is an underrated actor doing some terrific work here and Blanchett has a timeless beauty and classic quality that fits any era. Henson more than deserved her Oscar nomination as Benjamin's strong-willed adoptive mother. [JM] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

First Trimester - Development and pre-production
Second Trimester - Production: Part 1��
Third Trimester - Visual Effects: Benjamin
Birth - Premiere�h: A brief look at the New Orleans premiere of the film

Overview: Meet George Jetson and his quirky family: wife Jane, son Elroy and daughter Judy. Living in the automated, push-button world of the future hasn't made life any easier for the harried husband and father, who gets into one comical misadventure after another!

DVD Verdict: `The Jetsons' was originally conceived following the iconic success of Hanna-Barbera's `The Flintstones,' which featured a `modern' Stone Age family. Hanna-Barbera decided to turn their Bedrock success on its ear, creating a similar family cartoon, but changed the setting to their vision of the Space Age - the 21st century!

The Jetsons originally lived Orbit City, a city where the houses were literally way, way up in the air, like Space Age needles. The family included George, his wife, Jane, and their children Judy and Elroy, along with their beloved dog, Astro. A very sweet robot housekeeper, Rosie, equipped with an unexpected personality, soon joined the family.

So, the Jetsons lived the `average' life in Hanna-Barbera's future, which incorporated flying space cars, instant transport tubes, various robots and a host of other bizarre gadgets to make their lives a breeze. But, the wonderful thing about The Jetsons was that, regardless of the technology, their problems were the same ones faced by families of all ages.

In the original `Season One,' George worked at Spacely Space Sprockets, run by his pint-sized, ill-tempered boss, Cosmo S. Spacely. In `Season Two,' new characters were introduced, including a a second pet for the Jetsons named Orbitty, whose spring-like legs and suction cup feet enabled him to suspend himself on anything and in any direction. Orbitty is also able to change color to reflect his emotions.

The `Season Two' episodes collected here, along with the second-half of the 1985 episodes yet to be released, also aired in syndication, and generated the same level of success as the original episodes had. As a result, a second revival occurred, leading to 10 more episodes, referred to as `Season Three,' finalizing the episode series in 1987!

In addition, `The Jetsons' prompted two TV movies: The music-themed `Rockin' with Judy Jetson,' and then a true Hanna-Barbera crossover, `The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones.'

In 1989, `The Jetsons: the Movie' hit the big screen with its only film, which depicted the finale of the entire series. An important note, this movie is being released on DVD for the first time from Universal Studios. The Jetsons: The Movie It's being dedicated to the memories of George O'Hanlon, the voice of George Jetston, and Mel Blanc, THE master voice animator, who was also the voice of Mr. Spacely. Ironically, this movie was the final voice project for both men.

The 21 episodes in this DVD boxed set from `Season Two' are: Elroy Meets Orbitty; Rosie Come Home; Solar Snoops; Judy's Birthday Surprise; Super George; Family Fallout; S.M.A.S.H.; The Mirrormorph; Mother's Day for Rosie; Jetsons' Millions; Fugitive Fleas; Rip-Off Rosie; Far-Out Father; Astro's Big Moment; The Cosmic Courtship of George and Jane; Fantasy Planet; S'no Relative; Instant Replay; Haunted Halloween; Future Tense; and The Wrong Stuff. This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.kidswb.com

Overview: From the creator of Family Guy and the co-creator of American Dad! Comes a brand-new animated series of pop culture parodies, skewered stories, and fabulously filthy fun nuggets. Uncensored, uninhibited and unbelievably hilarious, Seth MacFarlane’s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy is brimming with the kind of raunchy, twisted humor you can’t see on television no matter how hard you try. So sit back, veg out and enjoy the show. The possibilities are endless...and so are the laughs.

DVD Verdict: Seth MacFarlane, creator of “American Dad” and “Family Guy”, is back with a new DVD release of nothing but glued together shorts ... all new, all chosen to question your ethical integrity, and (sadly) all horribly lame, worthless and not in the tad bit funny!!

There, I said it! It's off my chest! Now, with that said, allow me to explain. Accompanying these quick, choppy in nature shorts are some silent black screen titles. Rather old school in their nature, they become very distracting, very quickly, and serve as dull breaks inbetween the crudeness of each short. As for thee gags, well, they get tiring very quickly. Whereas I usually find "Family Guy" and "American Dad" and their subsequent episodes still funny after dozens of viewings, these were like dog treats ... stale, small untasty so-called treats!

In conclusion, die hard Seth MacFarlane fans may have already caught several of these shorts on YouTube. Since most shorts are unrelated quick shock shorts, it may not be worth it for many to buy this less-than-an-hour-in-length DVD release. I mean, I'm not completely dissastisfied, but keep your money and buy it used; or wait until the price drops, unless you just absolutely must own it. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Still Galleries: Rough Character Models, Cleaned up character models and Colored character models
Red Carpet Premiere

Overview: Barbra Streisand is world renowned for thrilling audiences with her magical performances, her supreme vocal talent and setting box office records. Now fans can get front row seats to the best of Barbra Streisand captured in Streisand The Concerts, a new 3-disc DVD showcasing some of her most memorable concerts, special exclusives including 17 songs never-before released on DVD and behind-the-scenes moments with one of the most beloved artists of all time.

DVD Verdict: At 64 and still able to perform and SING like she does.....well the likes of her just do not exist anymore nor I'm afraid ever will.

She remains an original artist to her fingertips ......and all at her age and still in total control of her magnificent talents. We are blessed that she is alive & well and still in near-prime condition. The fun she appears to be having is apparent in her banter with the adoring audience, her funny expressions and dialogue with Il Divo (they are simply dreadful and thank GOD we can just skip over their musical numbers!!) and her simply stunning Don't Rain on My Parade, where she is skipping & hopping like a little girl all in her bare, stocking feet!

Yes, the VOICE is not what it was 10 years earlier, and the keys are lower, but how it has aged......smoky & deep yet still able to climax a song like no other....I'm finding more emotions in how she expresses the meaning of a lyric.....My Man.....Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair.....People.....The Way We Were......and capping it off with a most exquisite rendition of Smile, most probably the most moving version since Garland's.

Yes, this concert is heavily "produced" in terms of photography/sound design, lighting, staging, etc.,.......but Barbra is the last of the classic glamorous Hollywood stars and of course she would want her (most probable) final live performance in pristine condition for posterity and the ages to view.

This woman's phenomenal body of work in every genre she's touched is astonishing and this concert is a significant and much valued addition.

Oh, did I forget to mention my personal fav? The soft and lyrical Nobody's Heart Belongs to Me where her voice is so pure & gentle...then followed directly with a SLAM! BAM! rendition of Arlen's When the Sun Comes Out where Streisand holds nothing back, belting out as only she can this number first recorded by her in 1963!!! Beautiful Barbra......Beautiful. [LS]

Disc #1 - Fort Lauderdale/October 2006
Disc #2 - Live at Arrowhead Pond/July 1994
Disc #3 - Putting It Together: The Making of The Broadway Album

This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
TV Special Bonus Tracks

'Streisand - The Concerts' DVD Teaser Video

DVD Purchase Link

Overview: Debuting "DEFLATING THE ELEPHANT: THE FRAMED MESSAGES BEHIND CONSERVATIVE DIALOGUE" teaches us how language affects our lives and more significantly, our political discourse.

DVD Verdict: 'Deflating the Elephant' features George Lakoff, author of Moral Politics: What Conservatives Know and Liberals Don’t and Don’t Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate, a professor of cognitive linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, who dissects the conservative dialogue and provides explanations and examples of how they have spent the last 35 years perfecting their ideas and their language. When we hear certain phrases like “tax relief,” “war on terror,” or “gay marriage,” they automatically illicit opinions that support conservative thinking.

Sure, that's a mouthful, but if you know and fully understand those words collectively you'll understand fully the importance of this film. Lakoff discusses how conservative think tanks have focused on framed messaging to demean liberals and liberalism. According to Lakoff language is influenced by framing - the process of associating a word with a concept - and in turn our way of thinking, our ideology, and our behaviour, is shaped by the way in which concepts are used and repeated.

Phrases like "war on terror", "tax relief", and "tax-and-spend liberals" have been used sufficiently that they now result in a conditioned response adhering conservative ideology. Lakoff contends that this is how America has been changed from essentially a progressive country to one with decidedly conservative leanings.

One of the claims made about the film is that it's an invaluable learning tool for anyone who wants to learn how to read between the lines and recognize the real meaning behind framed messaging. The only trouble is that hardly anyone is going to want to sit through it. When I read about the movie I thought the topic would be fascinating and was hoping for something along the lines of what had been done with Manufacturing Consent.

Instead, even the introductions to the various sections by Sean Penn are stilted (you can almost see his eyes reading off the teleprompter) and the movie as a whole is an exercise in tedium to sit through. [RM] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Debuting at Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace in 2004 to critical acclaim, Elton John's "The Red Piano" concert comes home in this fourteen song performance featuring some of the beloved artist's biggest hits.

DVD Verdict: Elton John's Las Vegas show, 'The Red Piano' - which debuted at Caesars Palace in 2004 - is now thankfully/finally released to the general public on DVD! Featuring John performing his biggest hits, including "Candle in the Wind," "Your Song," "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer," the incredible show is presented in an artistic environment comprised of multi-color neon sculpture, pop art, inflatables, baubles, balloons ... and the band!

And so yes, let's say it right here, right now .. the Bitch is Back! Indeed! Easily one of the finest songwriters of the 20th century. John is at his best here. 'The Red Piano's set list sure features (as expected) some of Sir Elton John's best-known crowd pleasers and he delivers each performance with a smile and rapturous enthusiasm.

Indeed, vocally, Elton is in excellent form, and though he modifies a few melodies (he doesn't hit the high notes like he used to - he leaves that to his back-up vocalists), his voice sounds rich and full.

And so why the title of the show? Well, by centering the show around this aforementioned titular red piano, and enlisting photographer Dave LaChapelle to develop art and imagery that would both compliment the music and enhance the concert-going experience, John was able to set a new standard for Las Vegas' already lavish live productions. I mean he had to, didn't he?

If you haven't had a chance to see Sir Elton perform in person, this may be the next best thing. In fact, you get better close-ups here than you'd ever get in a theater or arena! [PK] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: In the early days of the 20th Century, an expedition led by Dr. Samuel Jordon traveled deep into the Grand Canyon in search of a long-rumored hidden city. The entire team disappeared. But when Jordon’s archaeologist daughter Susan (Shannen Doherty) leads a rescue party into the uncharted valley, she will discover an ancient civilization ruled by savage warriors, human sacrifice and a mythological monster that feeds on carnage.

DVD Verdict: The back story goes that at the dawn of the 20th Century, Dr. Samuel Jordan led a team of explorers deep into the Grand Canyon in search of a mythical lost city. They were never heard from again. Convinced that her father is still alive, Dr. Jordan's archeologist daughter Susan (Shannon Doherty) assembles a rescue party and guides them into the uncharted valley.

Doherty stars as the spunky (of course) daughter of a missing archaeologist (The Exorcism of Emily Rose's Duncan Fraser) in turn-of-the-century Arizona. The dig he's supposed to be working on, before he went off on his jaunt in the mountains, is currently being headed up by his assistant (Heather Doerksen, recently of the remake of The Eye) and supervised by a member of the Smithsonian (Michael Shanks).

There's another guy around who seems to be in some sort of supervisory position (J. R. Bourne), but I never quite caught why he was such a bigwig. Anyway, a journalist friend of said missing archaeologist shows up in camp one day with a lead, and the troupe head off to the grand canyon to find out if he's still alive. This involves discovering whether his long-held belief that ancient Egyptians settled in Arizona is valid or not.

Sure it's a low budget flick and sure it's got 'Beverly Hills 90210's original brat Doherty in it, but it's not her acting that's stiff ... it's the actual dialog! Oh well, yes, the CGI is pretty horrid also, but it is a B-movie, after all! And why we always only see the horrifying ancient ritual of sacrifice from afar, as if binoculars were the given order of the day is beyond me! And, as I've started, what happens to the 2nd in command chick at the end? And why, as one of these rituals does our hero not reveal his heart-ripping-from-chest gag to his fellow wondering-whats-going-on friends?!

In truth there's not a single good performance to be found in this movie. Not even a decent one. The badly-CGIed creature conveys more emotion than these characters do! I'm not kidding either! But, all that said, 'The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon' is a lot of fun to have on a rainy Sunday afternoon, for sure. [RB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Making-of Featurette

Overview: Scott is suddenly single and alone after his girlfriend dumps him during his marriage proposal and his roommate moves thousands of miles away. But when he invites super-nice strangers Ryan and Mary to share his apartment, they soon begin to intrude on every aspect of his life including his new relationship with the girl of his dreams.

DVD Verdict: So, the semi-believable story goes that a single guy named Scott (Brandon Routh) is suffering from a bad case of heartache invites an outwardly ideal couple Ryan (Jesse Bradford) and Mary (Sophia Bush) to share his stylish apartment. The trouble is he quckly discovers that he has to second-guess his decision when the couple suddenly begin to intrude on every aspect of his life ... including his new relationship!

Suddenly, being single after being dumped by his girlfriend during his marriage proposal - and subsequently left in a lonely apartment when his roommate moveed thousands of miles away - doesn't seem so bad! So, the big question he now instantly has (and ergo, so now the plot line of the film) is is he just being overly paranoid or does this seemingly perfect couple need a third wheel to keep them rolling? This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

"Three’s a Crowd" Making-of Featurette
Audio Commentary with writer/director Michael Samonek
Theatrical Trailer

Overview:

Academy Award® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Best Supporting Actor, Jerry Maguire, 1996) battles for mankind's survival in this action-packed, apocalyptic horror thriller. When the scientist (Ron Perlman) leading a top-secret Middle Eastern archeological site goes missing, an elite military unit is sent on a search and rescue mission.

DVD Verdict: With a stella-named cast, I truly expected waaaaay too much from this film before it had even been placed into the DVD player! Please don't make the same mistake!

All of the characters in 'Devil's Tomb' are military personnel who have served in active combat. We know this because of the multiple flashbacks that tell us some very vague things about these periods of their lives.

The story goes that these people are al contracted to rescue a scientist (Ron Perlman) who is trapped under the Middle East desert while researching a profound archeological discovery. So, fearless war veteran Mack (Gooding, Jr.) and his squad of elite U.S. mercenaries descend far beneath the surface with no clue of the horrors that await them below. For, and cue scary movie music, deep beneath these desert sands dwells a thousand year old secret that's not of this earth!

At the end, it turns out that the purpose of the military expedition was to bring one woman to oversee the death of her father and take his place doing something between holding back demons and holding the gates of hell closed!

So, to say that the ending was ultimately anti-climactic is beyond a stretch of imagination! Also, the religious symbols used here were too, well, vague and perhaps even esoteric. They say (in the movie also) that "some secrets are best left buried" ... perhaps this movie should have remained a secret then, after all! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview:

An ode to old time gamblers, now outdated in an age of powerful upscale casinos, YONKERS JOE tells the story of a dice hustler (Palminteri) whose determination to make one last grab for a big score in Vegas is complicated by the reappearance of his estranged son.

DVD Verdict: In this film, Yonkers Joe has made a career of swindling people at the card table, and he just needs to roll a few more trick plays to afford a better future for his son.

Indeed, his comfortable lifestyle is disrupted when he receives a call from the institution where his son, Joe Jr. (Tom Guiry), lives. Mentally challenged since birth, 21-year-old Joe has recently been displaying hostile and aggressive behavior toward his fellow students. As a result, he is being expelled from the institution and forced to move in with his father until new arrangements can be made.

Faced with the prospect of caring for his son or paying for him to live in an expensive group home, Yonkers Joe begins to formulate a plan to execute the scam of his lifetime.

The acting in Yonkers Joe is tremendous, with Tom Guiry easily pulling off his role. His character alone makes the film, and the director doesn't sugarcoat Joey's genetic disease in any way. It's an emotional ride, with a great ending, and I would recommend it to anyone. Indeed, Yonker's Joe is a wonderful addition to the ranks of the Vegas cinema strip. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: From Mamoru Oshii, the world-acclaimed director of Ghost in the Shell comes an award-winning story of an exciting but endless war with heroes too young to understand the meaning of their battles. A group of eternally young fighter pilots known as Kildren experience the sudden loss of innocence as they battle the enemy in astonishing dogfights above the clouds. With his only childhood memory consisting of intense flight training, the fearless teenage pilot Yuichi's dogfights coexist with his struggle to find his missing past.

DVD Verdict: As you may or may not know, there is a lot of love (still) around here for last years unjustly ignored (at the Japanese Box Office) animated feature, 'The Sky Crawlers.'

True that the film's director, Mamoru Oshii has a cinematic style that is nothing if not an acquired taste, but why people couldn't get into this quite brilliantly-inventive film is beyond me.

The big bang opening action sequence between the fighter pilots in 'Sky Crawlers' is a little formula-based, sure but after that the director expertly transitions from speed-of-light action to speed-of-life storytelling - where his characters and their dialog all have the same pacing.

Oshii's primary audience will love this tale. Overall, the colors are bright, the background as relaistic as it gets, the human animation as old school anime as it gets, and the dialog is so intelligent and unpretentious that it's hard not to fall in love with the whole piece as an ensemble. I mean, for the most part the characters say what they mean, and mean what they say. They can't afford to do otherwise, because we are finding them at dark, introspective moments in their lives.

And just so you know, the characters in 'Sky Crawlers' speak Japanese on the ground, but switch to English when at war. This effect seems to be commentary on how American occupation has shifted the habits of Japan's youth, which according to Oshii, has become more violent. [SC] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

“Animation Research for The Sky Crawlers” Featurette
"The Sound Design and Animation of The Sky Crawlers” Featurette

Overview: A man regains consciousness at the bottom of a cave, with no concept of how he arrived there, nor any idea who the dead man is at his side. Only one thing is certain - he has to escape the menacing creature that s pursuing him. His journey back to the surface takes him through a cemetery - like world that's been abandoned by a mysterious organization called Eden Log.

DVD Verdict: The first fifteen minutes follow a man awakening with amnesia buried deep in a cavern. We follow this in almost a first person way - as he trudges through the dark depths, all whilst being followed by some nasty mutant critters. As the story "progresses", we discover (with him) that there is a vast network of plant life managed by a group called Eden Log. Honestly, for as vast as this film tried to be, figuring out the rest is up to you.

The picture quality is bland, but if you can get past the first eight minutes of that damn light/camera blinking sequence, it gets a little better. Absolutely no color whatsoever in the entire film. There is one shot of green, but it is brief. The clarity hardly gets tested as there is little scope to the shots. The DTS is awesome though. The cavern sounds, creature throttlings, and echoes were all mixed excellently. Makes the home theater sound like a cave.

No special features to speak of, but the sound is what gives this an extra star. A sign of any good film is the debate that ensues from people trying to figure it out, and there appears to be quite a few discussions. If you are looking for simple sci-fi, this is not it. If you want something that is easy to watch visually, definitely skip this one, otherwise I think you might get a decent representation from this young crew. [SK] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: All-season comedy fun gets sprung in a big way when Saturday Night Live veterans Amy Poehler (Baby Mama), Rachel Dratch (I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) and Will Arnett (Semi-Pro) gear up for one huge Spring Breakdown.

DVD Verdict: Basically, the story tells the tale of a trio of thirtysomething friends (Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, and Parker Posey) break the monotony of their bland lives by vacationing at a popular spring break resort frequented by college coeds.

In what turned out to be Director Ryan Shiraki's follow-up to his 2004 feature directorial debut, 'Freshman Orientation,' 'Spring Breakdown' involves a tightly woven script - penned by director Shiraki in collaboration with star Dratch - that is fun to watch, but won't get you too involved.

Enjoying the beaches of South Padre Island, the ladies decide to turn their tragically un-hip lives around and party with the beer-and-bikini set. But through keg-stands, hookups and foam parties, Becky, Gayle, Judi and Ashley quickly discover that it’s better to stand out than to fit in! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: A clerical error tests the lifelong friendship of two brides-to-be by scheduling their respective weddings at the famed Plaza Hotel on the exact same date in this romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

DVD Verdict: Simply said, 'Bride Wars' is not a movie in contention for academy awards. It isn't a movie that goes to extreme attempts to be realistic or especially on the ending note, plausible. However, I found it to be a funny movie that gave me at least four to five burst out laughing moments and I give this movie credit for that.

When Marilyn St. Clair, portrayed endearingly by Candice Bergan, revealed to Hudson's and Hathaway's characters that there was an error and both women's wedddings were scheduled on the same day, at that point one has to make the decision look at the movie critically or accept it as the comedy it is. I see why some women would be upset given the feminist viewpoint, but bottom line, two women are friends, have a falling out and go to outrageous lengths to make each other suffer, but make up at the end. Is that so bad?!

What I found most intriguing was the chemistry between Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. They seemed as actresses very comfortable with each other and that came across in their characters, especially in the first third where their long term friendship was portrayed.

I didn't find the women's feud that unrealistic to be honest. I've had many female friends all of my life and I've seen situations set the feuds and rivalries going. Luckily, I witnessed the apologies and hugs as comes not unexpectedly at the end of this movie.

My only complaint is the very ending note was a bit contrived and it's like, ok, this REALLY stretches reality, but I see they had to end it somehow. In conclusion, you're liable to watch the friendship reignited towards the very end, then hit the DVD remote chapter button to the end credits to skip the ending note! [WL] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

3 Deleted Scenes including an alternate opening!
Exclusive Featurette: The Perfect White Dress

Overview: Based on the bestseller by two Sex and the City scribes, He's Just Not That Into You confirms that the HBO series was more than just a television show--it was a cultural institution that spawned tours, catchphrases, fashion trends, and more. Ironically, the resulting film is both smarter and funnier than the big-screen version of Carrie and the gang.

DVD Verdict: I am a huge Jennifer Aniston fan. I also love Jennifer Connelly and who doesn't love cute as a button Drew Barrymore? Here we find these lovely ladies all in different stages of love. Drew Barrymore works at a magazine with a bunch of homosexual guys who try to give her advice because she cant seem to get it right. Scarlett Johannson has a guy in love with her, but she has no interest as she likes a married man more.

Jennifer Connolly seems satisfied in her married life until she finds it all to be a sham. Jennifer Aniston finds that she isnt really satisfied just living with a man for seven years and not being married. Then we have Gigi, she is the one actively looking for a man but being extremely clingy in the process. She finally gets some hints from Justin Long that she isn't what men are looking for, and she needs to change her plan of attack drastically.

Producer Drew Barrymore and her business partner Nancy Juvonen are smart producers. Adapting a 'self-help' book in to a fictional romantic comedy/ drama seems like an iffy proposition at best. But they clearly saw that it could work and adapting the former mega bestseller into a movie has now created a hugely popular movie going experience. Barrymore and Juvonen are also behind the "Charlie's Angels" films. So, they clearly recognize material that will draw people to the multiplex. It's too bad they can't recognize quality material and bring better films to the same legions of people so willing to drop $10 for a movie ticket.

Throughout the film, there are a number of moments when the screen flashes a line, presumably a bon mote of self-help gleamed from the bestseller. Then, we watch as a random person tells a quick story about their romantic life meant to illustrate this statement. Why are random people talking to us? Some of these moments are funny, but wouldn't it be a better idea to use the well-known actors you already have in the film for these moments? It would also help to make us more familiar with these same characters as we would get another little glimpse into their characters. Too bad. A wasted opportunity. As they stand, these moments only serve to make the film seem even longer.

In conclusion, this is a great movie. It's a coming of age romantic comedy set to the digital age that reminds us that love can be found when we least expect it. We do not have to change for a man. We also dont have to wait around for his call. Women can pick up the phone the same way. Excellent movie with an all star cast definitely worth seeing and worth owning. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Ken Kwapis - Birthday Party / Walk Home / Anna Visits Her Mom / Annas Song / Gigis Date with Bill / Gay Pride Parade.

www.NewLine.com

Overview: In 1998, four childhood buddies with a shared love of all things Star Wars reunite for one final, hilarious odyssey. Their insane plan: a cross-country road trip to storm George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch and steal a copy of Episode I before it’s released. With the police, a crew of angry Trekkies, and a crazy pimp hot on their trail, what could possibly go wrong?

DVD Verdict: This is a movie that is not to be missed! This movie may not be for everyone, but for the millions of Star Wars lovers worldwide, this movie will rocks your sides off! The producers have taken a cast of some of the wackiest and most talented young comics of the day and pared them with a storyline that makes me want to laugh just to think of it!

A bunch of long-time friends who are die-hard Star Wars fans decide to drive cross-country on a "quest" to break into George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch and steal a copy of the Phantom Menace. It takes a special brand of insanity to pull off a trip like this, but these guys are motivated!

And for those that truly don't know, it's 1998, and every "Star Wars" fan was abuzz. Episode 1 was finally coming out. No, Episode 1 did not come out in 1977. That first film was really Episode 4. Fans were camping out at movie theatres in anticipation of tickets going on sale. "Fanboys" is the story of four friends who realize that one of them will not be there for the opening. Linus (Chris Marquette) has cancer and they really want him to see "The Phantom Menace." Their idea: break into Skywalker Ranch and see the first cuts.

Eric (Sam Huntington) isn't quite on the page yet. He's abandoned the dream of creating a comic book and literally sold out, selling cars at his Dad's dealership. He hasn't seen Linus in years and doesn't even realize his best friend has cancer. Hutch (Dan Fogler) despite still living in his Mom's 'carriage house' is a pretty good persuader. And Windows (Jay Baruchel) has found an online girlfriend "Rogue Leader" who will help them with plans, etc. for Skywalker Ranch.

Still, they manage to get on the road and what a long strange trip it is from Ohio to California. We've got cameo appearances by William Shatner, Billy D. Williams, and Carrie Fisher! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Deleted Scenes
Commentary with the Cast & Crew
Disturbances in the Force: A Series of Webisodes
The Truth about Fanboys
Star Wars Parallel
4 Fanboys & 1 Fangirl
The Choreography
The Ultimate Fanboy Contest Winner

Overview: Seven years after her brother's death, Samantha Darko finds herself stranded in a small desert town after her car breaks down where she is plagued by bizarre visions telling of the universe's end. As a result, she must face her own demons, and in doing so, save the world and herself.

DVD Verdict: Going into this film's plot is futile. Just like 'Donnie Darko' the plot is dense and uneasily consumed in the first viewing. Without spoiling the film too much, I can tell you that the movie comes from and explores the perspective of a character whose role is that of the manipulated dead as opposed to the first film's living receiver. If you know your Donnie Darko mythology that little bit of info will help you swallow the film with a little more ease.

Sam Darko is similar to Donnie in that she is an outcast and morose. She's running from her past and it leads her to a town in the middle of nowhere that might as well be hell. She meets a man by the name of Iraq Jack, who has the same role in diverting a major dimensional disaster that her brother did in the previous film. That's about as much of a plot description as I can give.

Overall, the acting is all wonderful. The character of Sam Darko is more passive then her brother Donnie so she may come off as more of a victim, but her ultimate role in thee story requires all this once all is said and done. The cinematography, using the digital Red Camera, is perfect and filled with gorgeous vistas that even Ang Lee would envy. The story supplies a switch of focus more traditional to the first film half way through and its really unexpected and interesting. Whats really neat about he film is that it really expands the set mythology and explores things left out on the sidelines, like what exactly is the manipulated dead doing or going through while the living receiver is doing his duty?

And, most importantly, its a sequel that "expands" some of the mythology set forth in the original but doesn't change or alter the final conclusions of the first film. Donnie Darko isn't cheapened and none of its final impact derided. Another real cool change, in keeping with the perspective switch, is that instead of seeing the universe thorugh the genre of a super hero/sci-fi view we get a more feminine perspective, a fairy tale. Some of the first few images drive this point home.

But, as is the case with most sequels some of the romance and surprise is removed. The film is smart for just changing the perspective, but at the same time we've visited this universe already and nothing can change that. We don't get enough time insid Iraq Jack's head, and since he's so very important to the film's final conslusion this is a real problem. The director cribs or tries to pay homage to some imagery in Richard Kelly's original and they just come off hollow this time around.

The first film's conclusion tightly wrapped everything up, but this one seems to purposely leave some loose ends, maybe for a further installment? Finally, my biggest gripe with this flick has to do with the impending doom itself. The original had a very interesting, weird X-Files like disaster involving the plane engine, that was creepy and very visual, but this film's doomsday is so abstract it just doesn't leave enough of an impact on the visual level. It's a cool concept especially if you've read Carl Sagan, but its abstract nature just doesn't have the real and relatable visual oomph of the plane engine from the original. [DJB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary by director Chris Fisher, writer Nathan Atkins, and cinematographer Marvin V. Rush
Deleted Scenes (6 mins)
“Making of S. Darko” Featurette (15 mins)
Theatrical Trailer
“Utah Too Much” Music Featurette
Trailers

Overview: This prequel to Len Wiseman’s Underworld and Underworld: Evolution is distinctively different, especially minus the nimble vampire warrior star, Selene (Kate Beckinsale). Underworld: Rise of the Lycans takes its cues from the vampire/werewolf battles that occur in the other films, but director Patrick Tatopoulos focuses here on the young werewolf Lucian's (Michael Sheen) rise to leadership.

DVD Verdict: I found the first 'Underworld' picture to be a boring, derivative slight action picture with mild interest. The sequel was an improvement due to it upping the excitement factor and unmuddling the storytelling. Neither films were particularly memorable or original. I always thought the idea of clashing these two mythic movie monsters was a novel idea. Underworld was the first major picture in recent years to set it in motion, but was ultimately lackluster. Unfortunately, the unforseen popularity of this series will prevent the story of Vampires vs. Werewolves from gracing the screen for a long while.

Now we come to the third Underworld sequel, a prequel, and we get what I've always longed for, a full on werewolf and vampire war by the hundreds. We get gothic castles, swords and horses and leave out the pleather-clad super heroes that owed more to The Matrix then the concept would initially conclude. Is this film great or wonderful? No, not really. It's by-the-numbers in it's origin tale and delivers the action the trailers and promotions promised.

One thing this prequel gets right that the previous films couldn't is the romance factor. I really believed the two star crossed lovers in this film, unlike Beckinsale and Speedman's in the previous films which just seemed labored, and the two stars had no chemistry together. You wanted less love and more action. This film makes the relationship real and grand, and makes it worthy of a full-on war, as opposed to the film Troy which never really made you believe any war would be started over Helena. The scene where the lovers are ultimately and permanately parted is truly well done and dramatic. Good job.

The special effects, the real reason for these films to exist, are not up to par though. There are some scenes and shots of fast moving hords of werewolves that just don't work. They look animated and unrelated to the natural space they occupy. Some of the slower motion CGI werewolves look convincing enough. The practical on-set werewolves, like the previous films, are awesome and truly work. No surprise there, the director of this sequel is Patrick Totopoulis, the prouduction and creature designer of the previous films(and many others including The Cave, Stargate, Independence Day, and Dark City). He does a good job of directing here with what appears to be a much smaller budget than the last sequel's.

We get more traditional, and ultimately appropriate gothic imagery and costumes that are really fun and effective. The pallette, like the previous films, is monotone and chrome-blue. The photography is dark, and since the film isn't going for scares, not too dark to muddle the images of action. The action sequences themselves aren't that innovative. They're the typical hack and slash and arrow penatrations we're used to seeing in these type of films, but I welcome them over the laborious task of sitting through one more bullet timed, slow-motion gun battle that instantly makes me want to go to sleep.

So, I give this film the highest rating of the Underworld series. A series of films that isn't that good to begin with, and has somehow wormed it's way into the hearts of every 13 year old in America. The story is clean and to the point. The action is fun. Most the special effects work. The acting is all on spot. [DJB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Underworld Rise of the Lycans - From Script to Screen Featurette Director Patrick Tatopoulos, and Producers Len Wiseman, Gary Lucchesi, Tom Rosenberg and Richard Wright discuss all aspects of the filmmaking process and how Rise of the Lycans came to life as a prequel from script to screen.
The Origin of the Feud Featurette - Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Director Patrick Tatopoulos and Producers Len Wiseman, Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg examine the relationship between Lucian, a Lycan slave and, Sonja, Elder Viktor's daughter, and how their forbidden love began the deadly feud.
Re-Creating the Dark Ages: The Look of Underworld Rise of the Lycans Director and special effects veteran Patrick Tatopoulos takes us through his process of creating the look of the prequel by building on the aesthetics established in the first two films.
Filmmaker Audio Commentary - With Director Patrick Tatopoulos and Producers Len Wiseman, Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg
Music Video - "Deathclub (Wes Borland/Renholder Remix)" By William Control Feat. Matt Skiba

Overview: Unpretentious and dramatically straightforward, Valkyrie is a suspenseful yet ennobling story about the last attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler prior to the end of World War II.

DVD Verdict: Based upon actual historical events, VALKYRIE is a cinematic portrayal of the German Operation Valkyrie, a subversive plot against Hitler's Germany by a group of Nazi insiders. Tom Cruise stars as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. Stauffenberg is a distinguished and decorated officer, but secretly hates Hitler. After loosing an eye, a hand, and some fingers during combat operations in Tunisia, Stauffenberg is approached by the German Resistance. They know of his dislike for Hitler's regime and believe that his new post places him in the perfect position for an intended coup. Using "Operation Valkyrie", a contingency plan originally approved by Hitler that allowed the Ersatzheer (replacement army) to take control of the country if there was a internal breakup of the high command, as a blueprint Stauffenberg and the Resistance begin planning how to kill Hitler and take Germany back.

Even though I enjoy history, I have to admit that before seeing VALKYRIE, I was unaware of "Operation Valkyrie". I knew that there had been many assassination attempts on Hitler's life, but I did not know about the brave Stauffenberg, Valkyrie, and the almost successful coup of Hitler's Germany. I thought the film did a good job of bringing the story to the screen in an interesting and exciting way. If the only reason you haven't watched this movie is because you already know the outcome of the operation, please reconsider.

Acting-wise, VALKYRIE has some great performances. Tom Cruise illustrates once again that he's a better actor than he would sometimes like the world to believe and seems perfect as lead man Stauffenberg. However, VALKYRIE is really an ensemble picture and everyone else in the picture does a fine job, too.

There are some who think it unusual that the characters speak in English with no German accents. Personally, I found this refreshing. I'm not sure where the idea originated that people of different countries have to speak in an English film with an accent reflecting their country of origin, but it's a convention that I'm glad isn't used in this movie. I hope that future historical films such as this follow suit and we could get rid of bad accents in historical movies altogether.

As far as historical accuracy goes, as I mentioned before, I didn't know much about "Operation Valkyrie" before seeing the movie. However, since then, I have done some research and it seems that VALKYRIE does an excellent job of sticking to historical truth. There are some events, scenes, and dialogue that have been changed, edited, or extended for dramatic or pacing purposes, but the essence of the story is kept and many of the historical facts of the events are adhered to. The props, set designs, and costumes are extremely accurate. Also, it should be noted if for no other reason, VALKYRIE is a movie worth watching because its one of only a few films ever to be allowed to film on location at the Blenderblock in Berlin.

I really enjoyed VALKYRIE. I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, but I know he can be a pretty good actor. I also enjoy watching historical pictures. The film kept me engrossed and was so interesting that it led me to do some historical research afterwards. With that said, there is quite a bit of dialogue in the movie. In fact, much of what occurs between the opening scene and the final act of the movie is dialogue. I didn't mind that so much, but there are some people who might find all that talking (but great dialogue and discussion) to be drab and boring. [TV3] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Commentary by Bryan Singer and Tom Cruise
"The Valkyrie Legacy" Documentary
"From Page to Screen" - The Making of Valkyrie

Overview: Bryan Mills (Neeson) has given up his career as a spy to form a relationship with his estranged teenage daughter--but when, on a trip to Paris, she's kidnapped by slavers, Mills uses all his connections and skills to turn the city of lights upside down and rescue her.

DVD Verdict: I must say I was surprised by the casting choice of Liam Neeson as the hero in this fast-paced action drama. Though he is known more for his character-driven roles, Liam Neeson doesn't disappoint in this action flick, playing a dad who will stop at nothing to save his daughter from human traffickers.

The story basically takes off when Bryan Mills' [Neeson] 17-year-old daughter, Kim [Maggie Grace] begs him to sign a document permitting her to travel out of the States. She convinces him that all she and her 19-year-old girlfriend are interested in are taking in the art museums in Paris. It is only whilst seeing Kim off at the airport that Bryan realises Kim is actually planning to follow rockband U2 on their tour across Europe. His instincts that something will go wrong is proven right when Kim gets kidnapped by human traffickers, and the rest of the movie is basically an action-packed adrenaline rush as Bryan uses his past skills as a 'preventer' for the CIA to hunt the traffickers down in a desperate attempt to rescue his daughter.

Admittedly, this movie is thin on plot and character development. There really is no real character development, and both Kim [Maggie Grace], and Bryan's ex-wife [played by Famke Janssen] appear more as one-dimensional characters. Even Bryan's character is not sufficiently well-developed - he's too busy killing the bad guys, though Liam Neeson credibly portrays the determined and wrathful dad. As for the plot - there are numerous plot holes - why didn't Bryan rope in his old CIA buddies to help him hunt his daughter down? How is it that every time the thugs surround Bryan, he single-handedly overpowers them all? And the shots aimed at Bryan, by presumably experienced criminals and even bodyguards, always miss?

Those gripes aside, I admit I enjoyed this movie. Human traffickers are aptly portrayed as scum that merit no mercy in this movie, and there is some graphic violence here, though I felt the torture scene was kind of muted. Neeson plays an action hero that is single-minded in his purpose, and there is no distracting side-romance commonly seen in some other similar action flicks.

Adrenaline junkies will enjoy this action drama, but those desiring an intelligent plot and serious character development might want to pass on this. [ZH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Extended Cut seamlessly branched with Audio commentary with Director Pierre Morel, Writer Robert Mark Kamen, and Cinematographers Michel Abramowicz and Michel Julienne
Exclusive Le “Making Of” featurette
Avant Premiere

Overview: Kyla Pratt (Hotel for Dogs, Fat Albert) returns as Maya Dolittle, the “animal whisperer,” who is heading off to college when Hollywood starlet Tiffany Monaco seeks out her canine counsel to help with her depressed Chihuahua. After witnessing Maya’s natural charm and ability to communicate with animals, Tiffany introduces the gifted teen to her self-serving agent and the two persuade Maya to star in her own reality series.

DVD Verdict: As we all know by now, the lovely Maya Dolittle (Kyla Pratt) has inherited the gift of being able to talk to animals from her father. But as she prepares to go off to university in San Francisco to be a veterinarian, she quickly realizes that it will take seven years to reach her goal - and, much like her impatient father, she would rather help te animals now, rather than later!

Add to that the fact that she keeps finding her already-packed suitcase is always unpacked after her back is turned - because Lucky can't bear the thought of her leaving and wants her to stay - and you can see why Maya is so perplexed! Add to that a her pet Monkey's annoyance - the weirdly French-accented Monkey from the original films - and soon they both convince her that there are more than enough animals she can help on her very own street.

Then, out of nowhere, a wealthy blonde heiress/starlet with no discernible talent shows up at her door and whisks her off to Beverly Hills to cure her depressed Chihuahua, Princess! Well, not to give too much away, but it turns out that Princess is really a dude - how nobody noticed such a thing is beyond me though! Anyway, thanks to Maya, he gets dressed in leather biker dude duds instead of a pink gown and a tiara - which makes hime one happy Chihuahua! So, long story short, Maya gets star struck in LA as she meets Hollywood types, cures their pets and gets her own TV show. But in the end she sees the error of her ways and realizes that there are no shortcuts to attaining her life goal. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Tiffany’s Tricked Out Cell Phone featurette
No Business Like Show Business featurette
Star Tours: Dolittle Style featurette

Overview: Skullage represents a look at the history of Black Label Society through live performances and videos filmed throughout the years. Features 3 acoustic tracks including 'Stillborn.'

DVD Verdict: Black Label Society fill a massive void in those lives that need venting on an hourly basis! This 'Skullage' DVD consists of various segments that span the band's entire career: "Stillborn," "Suicide Messiah," "In This River," "Fire It Up", and "New Religion."

Zakk Wylde, better known as the long-time guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, has released seven (7) albums now with this, his own band, Black Label Society. So, you know what to expect - lots and lots of head-banging, riff-laden, shredding content guaranteed to satisfy any metal fan, new or old to the musical throes of BLS.

Centering around the “Welcome to the Compound” segment which takes you into Zakk’s home for some candid interviews and stories on the inspiration behind some of his songs, Zakk is shot working out, wearing a dress (don't ask!), and playing with dolls (again, don't ask!!). For both newcomers and longtime fans, this segment will be the real highlight of the DVD.

There's also segment titled "Slightly Amped," which consists of four previously unavailable acoustic songs taken from a radio performance in Lehigh, PA, on February 13, 2004: "The Blessed Hellride," "Spoke in the Wheel," "We Live No More," and "Stillborn." This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: You asked for more, so you’re getting more-more Season 1 of iCarly! Join Carly, Sam, and Freddie as they deal with all the craziness of school, growing up, and crankin’ out the best web show out there, iCarly.com!

DVD Verdict: Nikelodeon made a good choice by giving Miranda Cosgrove her own show. She comes across sweet in this techy type series which casts her and her friend Sam as the dynamic duo of the iCarly web show. The balance between the girls and Freddie (tech producer of the show) is just right with Carly's older brother Spencer adding more humor to the mix.

This DVD includes the second 12 episodes of the first season and many of them are still fun to watch. The show works well because it mixes regular sit com camera angels along with first person shots when the girls are doing the web show. It gives the viewer the feeling that they are actually watching a web show.

I have to say that I prefer the way Carly comes across more than the popular Hannah Montanna show. Hannah Montanna tends to be mean spirited in several of her episodes which bugs me sometimes. Miley Cirus has lots of episodes where she is getting revenge or is loosing her temper and blowing up. In iCarly Miranda Cosgrove is more reserved and less spiteful. That role is left to Sam as she picks on Freddie. I would say Carly is similar to how Lizzie Mcgurie was. A good kid who messes up sometimes. She learns from her mistakes or is playing peace keeper between Sam and Freddie.

I can only hope that the producers will refrain from their tendencies to try to make the female lead in their kids shows into a pop star like Brittany Spears, as we've all seen where that can lead (poor Billy Ray Cyrus, I'm sure the thought of Miley turning into Lindsay Lohan has frightened the mullet right off his head). Please don't try to do that to Miranda Cosgrove. She's in a class by herself and its working well for her and her network (i.e., "if it aint broke, don't fix it")! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Behind the Slime with the Cast of iCarly
Behind-the-Scenes Extras
Special Bonus: Pilot Episode of True Jackson, VP

Overview: In 'Dadnapped,' fourteen year-old Melissa (Emily Osment) is struggling with a unique kind of sibling rivalry. To get her father Neil’s (George Newburn) attention, she has to compete with teenage spy Tripp Zoome, the main character in her father’s best selling novels. But when Neil is abducted by overzealous fanboys and falls into the clutches of a pair of sinister brothers, the fictional Tripp can’t save him and Melissa will have to try to channel her "inner Zoome" to rescue her dad.

A bashful high school student finds fames as a high-flying poultry impersonator in 'Hatching Pete.' Pete’s (Jason Dolley) best friend Poole (Mitchel Musso) wants to keep up his family’s longstanding tradition of playing their high school mascot, the Chicken, but Poole is allergic to the costume. Pete agrees to stand in for his pal, but only on the condition that his identity remains a secret.

DVD Verdict: Incredible top-flight Disney Channel talent shines in a pair of the network’s signature productions as Emily Osment, star of the hit Disney Channel series 'Hannah Montana,' and David Henrie of 'Wizards of Waverly Place' headline the great family tale, 'Dadnapped'

'Dadnapped' is an action-packed comedy that shows us what can happen whe a 14 year-old girl taps into her inner Zoome and finds the courage and know-how to save her dad! Based on the novel bearing the same title, the film features the very-grown-up Osment as she learns to become more heroic in life.

Of course, there are limitations to just how heroic she can become, because it's a Disney movie!But once understanding of that you can move on and enjoy the funny romp for all it's worth. Oh, also, Emily Osment sang two songs for the movie!!

Then, a pair of tween faves rule the roost when Jason Dolley, of 'Cory in the House' and 'Minutemen,' and Mitchell Musso, of 'Hannah Montana,' star in the next comedy, 'Hatching Pete,' a tale of fame, friendship and “fowl” play!

When Pete is begged by his best friend Poole to stand-in as their high school's mascot, the chicken, Pete agrees as long as his identity will remain unknown. Poole, who is allergic to the chicken suit but feels he can't quit being the mascot because his family legacy is to be the chicken, readily agrees to keep the secret.

When Pete dons the chicken suit, he becomes transforms into an outrageous guy, and the chicken becomes a celebrity except no one knows that Pete is the chicken. With everyone anxious to find out the chicken's true identity, Pete must decide if it's finally time to admit that he's the man behind the beak!

Containing a slight sequel or, perhaps re-imagining of a previous Disney Channel Movie, 'Minutemen,' what comes across though is Pete's inner fear and lack of confidence that many teens feel in real life. He faces it, eventually, and viewing kids will see that the world doesn't come to an end just because something in school doesn't exactly pan out the way they first hoped/imagined it to! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Dadnapped Bonus Features
Exclusive Extended Ending
Trip Zoome: Off The Rails: An Animated Graphic Novel

Hatching Pete Bonus Features
Unmasking The Mascot – A Hatching Pete bonus feature so viewers can find out what it's really like inside the suit!

www.DisneyDVD.com

'Dadnapped' - Music Video: Emily Osment, 'Hero In Me'

Overview: Charlie (Charlie Sheen) tops the charts as kiddie-song sensation Charlie Waffles. Alan (Jon Cryer) at last meets the perfect woman who just happens to be dating Charlie. Jake (Angus T. Jones) starts junior high, armed with reams of “helpful” advice from Alan and Charlie. Evelyn (Holland Taylor) ties the knot for the fifth time (lots of guests at the wedding, lots of cops at the reception). And as always, Berta (Conchata Ferrell) deals with it all by dealing out a royal flush of deadpan zingers.

DVD Verdict: Including the infamous 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' crossover episode (plus, in the extras, the actual 'Two & A Half Men' crossover 'CSI' episode!), this season was as strong as any of the others. This episode in particular, the first of a double-header of wraps for Evelyn and Teddy's marriage, his death, and the subsequent big reveal, was so well done that it's a shame that they're not all tinged with some 'CSI' magic!

The flashbacks were placed brilliantly, with Charlie acting way over the top to the camera when he discovers Teddy's body! The super-tight zoom-ins were funny, although they should have used it on other topics besides Jake and food - but, you'll understand more on why that was during the featurettes on the subject. Conchata Ferrell's acting was great and very funny, and (as it was pointed out thru the watching of these episodes, Judith not being there through the entire episode didn't bother me at all!

Sure Rose was missed, but overall the episode was great. Oh, and heads up, the vanity card at the end of the episode is written by the writers of 'CSI' instead of Chuck Lorre! Nice touch!

Now, if you're not aware of this TV show (and where the frick have you been if so?!) ... well, take a pair of bickering brothers, a precocious child, an ex-wife, and a meddling mother and you've got 'Two and a Half Men'! In the sitcom's sophomore year, which aired during the 2004-2005 television season, siblings Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and Alan (Jon Cryer) have their living situation somewhat under control. Amazingly, here in this fifth season they STILL live in much the same manner!

Alan is still as fussy as ever and Charlie is a overgrown child who views women as his preferred playthings. But they somehow manage to provide a surprisingly stable home for Alan's son Jake (Angus T. Jones) - who is growing faster and taller with each episode that passes! Mind you, that said he's as annoyingly dumb as he was back in the first episode and it is starting to annoy the crap out of most of us!

Anyway, and though obviously played for laughs, it's a tad creepy watching Jake walk into some PG-13 situations - some of them including his dad! But, they work for the hits to the funny bone and so can be excused - for now! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, and comes with the Special Features of:

Two and a Half Men at 100 - featurette on the show's 100th episode
The Lore of Chuck Lorre: Must Pause TV - the genesis and evolution of his vanity cards at the end of each episode
Dying Is Easy, Comedy Is Hard - chronicling the crossover episodes between writing teams of Two and a Half Men and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Bonus episode: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - "Two and a Half Deaths."

www.WarnerBros.com

Overview: Love thy neighbor. Words to live by for Sid's sexy sister Abby Cunningham - especially with the male neighbors in her new hometown, Knots Landing. Maybe it's Abby's influence, but bed-hopping becomes the latest cul-de-sac sport. Who cheats? It's simpler to list who doesn't in this sizzling 4-Disc Season 2 set of the long-running hit series!

DVD Verdict: The 1979-80 TV season was followed by a strike that led to the following season beginning late. Warner Brothers thoughtfully has given us a taste of what that experience must have felt like for viewers back in 1980 - and maximized it - by making us wait three entire years between the first and second seasons of "Knots Landing" on DVD. Thanks, WB!

Never mind that for many devoted "Knots" viewers, the first season is only a prologue to the actual show, a thirteen-episode intro that sets up all the characters. Season Two is when the real fun begins and that's largely because of Abby. But it's not because Abby rules alone; it's because she meshes so well with the other characters. Suddenly, the show springs to life.

Why does Abby bring so much to the show? Because she's not pure malice like JR and she's not an over-the-top vamp like Alexis. Abby is well-written and rather than being a real villain, she just happens to be one of the heroes of the show who does her own thing. After a peaceful beginning in the early episodes of Season Two, we get down to the rivalry that defines the show for years: Karen vs. Abby.

Sure, Abby eventually causes trouble in Val's marriage but it's Abby's relationship with Karen that's central. It's so much fun to watch it start from the hug Karen gives Abby when she first arrives at Seaview Circle to the fast deterioration of their friendship.

But that's just part of the joys that await us in Season Two. We get the first signs of trouble in Gary and Val's marriage, a crossover visit from "Dallas" Kristen Shepard, Sid being convicted of attempted rape, the continuing dysfunction that is the Avery marriage. And then there' Kenny and Ginger.

This season does end in a rather intense cliffhanger and I can only hope that Warner Brothers doesn't make us wait three more years. Come on, "Dallas" is more than 75% released and we're only on Season Two of "Knots"? Please buy this so we can get the entire series. There's so much more ahead - baby nappings, kidnappings, lookialike singers and Alec Baldwin- and it would be a shame to miss any of it! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs but does not come with any Special Features.

www.WarnerBros.com

Overview: In the squad room, the cops on the Manchester murder investigation unit call Janine Lewis “Boss.” At home, the kids simply call her “Mum.” In both places, she manages to keep everybody in line—but just barely—with a firm yet affectionate hand. Award-winning actress Caroline Quentin returns as both chief detective and a single mom trying to balance the demands of career and family.

DVD Verdict: 'Blue Murder' is one very entertaining detective series that, as they vividly point out on the front cover, most Americans have never witnessed! Despite the fact that this is the fourth series (the fifth, in the UK for some strange reason!) to have been released. Appealing especially to British mystery buffs, Detective Chief Inspector Janine Lewis (Caroline Quentin, 'Men Behaving Badly') plays one of those super strong and yet quietly sensitive women characters who is able to balance her hectic work life along with her hectic family life with equal strength of distinction.

For those that don't know, Janine lives and works in Manchester and her team at work is a an eclectic mix of personalities and unique strengths. They work well together, for sure, but as the series has progressed the cracks in their working environment seem to be more evident than ever before. Disagreements, sly verbal jabs and even, as we see in the first two-partner opener of the fourth series 'Private Sins,' one has secrets that can no longer be kept buried.

That character is DS Tony Shap (Nicolas Murchie), whose half-brother turns up as the episodes main suspect, in a case involving an illegal Belarusian immigrant and private investigator found murdered in a parking lot. Indeed, throughout this whole affair, the newly-crowned 'Supercop' Shap is covert throughout this entire tale. The storyline is great, the acting at top notch level, Quentin showing us a much slimmed down figure and leaner home life - as the husband is an an ex living in Spain!

New team member Kat, played by Belinda Everett is a wonderful female foil for Janine both in and out of the office. The new female colleague is such a cool, funny, strong breathe of fresh air to the group and is played with such shoulders-firmly-planted-back appeal by Belinda you just wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley!

Episode 3, which is the second story - come on now, stay close here - is named 'Tooth & Claw' and tells the story of a strangled vet named Ruth Turner. Whilst on her daily run near bucolic Hunter's Low, she witnesses a fire burning at a local stables, makes a phone call and next thing you know, she's dead! This is the first episode that comes to mind that has all the cast out and about in the sunny, beautiful landscape of the Manchester hills. Man, what scenery, lovely to watch them work outside for a change. Anyway, once you get past the massive red herring the ending is a twist from nowhere and so well worth the viewing time.

Episode 4, 'Having It All' is the 'Bring It On' of the batch, but without the rough and tumble of the art form. A very complex, entwined episode for sure, it features one very brutal garage death scene, a suspicious daughter, a suspicious father, and a non-suspicious, but queerly insensitive sister! And once you discover how the garage death went down, well, you'll be holding the back of your head every time you venture out into yours from there on in, trust me!

The fifth episode, 'This Charming Man' is based around the tale of a local Manchester band whose lead singer - a poor man's Liam Gallagher (Oasis) - is caught kissing another girl by his supposed girlfriend ... and then is discovered dead some hours later! With no connection to the original Charming Man, Morrissey, the story is a good whodunit for sure. I mean, not only is their music great, chart worthy even, but the way they finally unearth the killer is brilliant! Oh, and here's a quote from Paul Loughran (DS Ian Butchers), that wraps the episode: "The average age of a British man to die is 73. The average age of a Rock Star to die is 27!"

The final episode, 'Inside' (which was actually the second aired episode in the UK from this, THEIR fifth season!) is a great way to end the series here. Powerful, intriguing, in-depth and enough what-if's to have you on the edge of your seat, the tale unfolds that when someone is murdered on the inside, DI Richard Mayne (the brilliant Ian Kelsey) goes inside the prison as a con to catch the killer - whilst risking his life at the same time.

Trust me, the episodes on this DVD set are all expertly written, directed and acted. The city of Manchester looks alive and welcoming in this latest series, the ariel shots colorizing what used to be a dark, dingy cinematic sweep in prior openings. The crimes are as they would be in any large city, murderers skulking the streets, wrong doings around every corner. Each murder is solved, the twists, turns and red herrings brought to the fore each time in each 45 minute episode, the tensions and stress we all live and feel evident and appreciated for true realism. These are all Full Screen Presentations (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Feature of:

Cast Filmographies

Overview: Beloved actress Thora Hird - honored for lifetime achievement by the British National Comedy Awards - stars as Emily Ridley, a feisty Salvation Army captain who refuses to go gently into retirement.

DVD Verdict: Dame Thora Hird, who died aged 91 (2003), was so popular in the UK for her character acting and this show was no swan song - close re: TV popularity/ratings, but not image wise. Indeed, it has always been said that Hird starred in one of her own personal favorite roles in 'Hallelujah!' - portaying a Salvation Army lady!

The simplistic storyline goes that due to a lack of monetary income, the quaintly known-as Sally Army are in need of some, well, salvation themselves! And, as expected, that is exactly where Captain Emily Ridley (Hird) comes in and steps up to the collective plate!

But, after 32 years service, her superiors want her to retire. But our Captain Emily has other plans and when she expresses her reluctance to do so, she's transferred to a series of (as they put it) "quieter postings" in various small Yorkshire towns. But once settled within the dales, alongside her recent-enlistee niece, Sister Alice Meredith (Patsy Rowlands), she soon gets to work on all the new postings, quietly (at first) proving that there's life in the old gal yet!

Sure 'Hallelujah' isn't a rip-roaring, laugh out loud comedy, and might not even seem an obvious choice for grooming re: comedic fodder!, but it builds, it allows you to feel your way around it during the 2 series, 15 episode run from back in the mid '80s. And the fact that Hird had a real life soft spot for the Salvation Army thru her entire life shows the devotion to the role also - a role that, some say was created especially for her.

Looking back on it now, even as a mid-40's Englishman myself, I am very surprised by the amount of references to local places in Yorkshire. I guess back in the day UK TV didn't expect/anticipate the feed into the US, and the millions of Americans that would then watch this show and not understand vast chunks of the references! I mean, I know it's where it's set, but considering it was broadcast nationally some of the references/jokes have not only been well lost in the mists of TV time, but will be completely, 100% lost on American 'newcomers' to the show - so, beware, sorry.

But regardless, and with her tambourine clasped firmly in hand, the so-named dotty Captain Emily Ridley takes Yorkshire by the scruff of its modern day Sodom and Gomorrah necks and sets out to bring order to a community of Dales that, well, upon overview seems okay. But as we all know, looks can be deceptive sometimes! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

History of the Salvation Army

Overview: Ethereal beauty Angel Wharton is the devil in disguise. When she kidnaps a child as prey for a pedophile, you know she is evil. But what--or who--made her that way?

DVD Verdict: For all intents and purposes, 'FALLEN ANGEL' takes a look at the past of a murderer, looking at the factors that turned a woman into a sociopath. Based on the novel by Andrew Taylor, this is a really quite brilliant piece of work. What transpires, via the extraordinary circumstances that turned Rosemary (the beautiful Emilia Fox) into a murderer is a trip to watch unfold.

Becoming more of a tense thriller as it progresses, and even through the turmoil of a kidnap, you begin to understand, to sympathize and like the pivotal characters involved. Sure, at this juncture you think that this certain part, this episode will obviously be tragic, but the irony that presents itself before the end is yet another compelling factor of this great work of art.

The second episode, showing the character Angel's teenage years is the best in my opinion, as this really builds into the main characters and events. You may well end up understanding how a killer could indeed be made/created. Not that you truly can emphasize with the way such people are shown, or how they choose certain avenues opened up before them, but there is a case for such a tale to be turned into a documentary for sure.

Anyway, this second episode in particular is the best of the trilogy bunch, but as we come full circle on the story by the end of the series come the end of the third episode, well, perhaps the book which this drama is based on goes further into the background of the girl. For, the average viewer will still be left with unanswered questions, pondered thoughts of possible confusion even, and a feeling of uncertainty over why she had such murderous tendencies; even given the build up and somewhat explanatory latter second half of the series.

So, for sure you will be left with questions but this very clever drama knows that going in, and never fails to shirk its responsibilities towards bracing you to behold its damning tale. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Behind-The-Scenes Special (47 mins.)

Overview: A struggling New York jingle writer (Dustin Hoffman) and a lonely British bureaucrat (Emma Thompson) meet by chane in London and transform one another's lives.

DVD Verdict: Like the far superior "Something's Gotta Give," Joel Hopkins` "Last Chance Harvey" is that rare movie romance in which the main characters have less time ahead of them than they have behind them. This means that they come loaded down with far more serious baggage than their whippersnapper counterparts in most such stories.

Harvey's burden is that he's a songwriter who's pretty much hit the bottom-of-the-barrel in his professional life - he writes jingles for television commercials - and who's long since given up his dream of ever becoming a world-class jazz pianist. He's also a failure as a parent, finding himself all but estranged from his twenty-something daughter who so prefers her stepfather to her real father that she's chosen the former to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. Kate is an employee at Heathrow Airport who spends most of her free time taking care of her high maintenance aging mother and being roped into going on pathetic blind dates that invariably leave her feeling unfulfilled, crushed and vulnerable. It is when Harvey travels to London to attend his daughter's wedding - where he is treated like a virtual outcast - that his and Kate's paths eventually cross. Discouraged and lonely, Harvey and Kate begin a tentative friendship that promises to bloom into a full-fledged romance by the end of the picture.

Since love stories centered around later-life couples are indeed such an anomaly, it becomes doubly sad to have to report that "Last Chance Harvey" turns out to be a decidedly innocuous, low-wattage affair overall. Although the movie runs for a scant ninety minutes, literally a full half hour passes before Harvey and Kate share any real screen time together. This means that the entire romance has to be crammed into a mere hour's worth of time, a feat that no actors - not even two of the caliber of Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson - could reasonably be expected to pull off. The script deserves credit for not over-dramatizing its scenes and for being willing to allow the romance to unfold without a great deal of hoopla and fanfare. But the result, paradoxically, is that this very lack of urgency and energy winds up draining much of the life out of the film.

Lucky for us, we do have two old pros like Hoffman and Thompson to make the movie seem better than it is - though it's a bit farfetched to try to pass the lovely and witty Thompson off as a woman who can't land herself a man. It's also a bit unfortunate that the final scenes begin to seem like "The Graduate: Forty Years Later," as a now much older Hoffman races around the city trying to get himself back in the good graces of the woman he loves.

Hoffman and Thompson make for an inspired pairing, but beyond their performances, "Last Chance Harvey" evaporates from memory not too long after we've seen it. [RZ] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary with writer/director Joel Hopkins and Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson
“An Unconventional Love Story – The Making of Last Chance Harvey.”

Overview: J.R. may be down, but he's never out. After Ewing Oil collapsed in disgrace at the end of Season 10, some folks might expect Season 11 to feature a J.R. who's learned his lesson. But not Dallas fans - they know the only lesson J.R. ever learned was do unto others before they do unto you.

DVD Verdict: As I have said time and time again, to those that would listen, I love all of 'Dallas,' all of it, and this season is no exception. Now, people are going to trash this season and subsequent ones for a variety of reasons, but the most common one is the absence of Victoria Principal. Now, if she was your favorite character, I understand and there is no point in arguing!

However, if she didn't matter that much to you, and you prefer the other characters, such as JR and Cliff and Bobby, then you should be quite pleased, and in fact her departure is very interesting dramatic stuff. Basically you have that, also Susan Howard is gone, and Dack Rambo, all departed, and this allows the show to pursue some interesting dramatic angles-it could move the pieces around in new, fresh ways, such as have Bobby explore other women, have Ray and Jenna form a couple, and be overall an interesting parallel to the things that stayed the same, such as JR cheating and busting up his marriage to Sue Ellen yet again.

Cliff Barnes has a dramatic year coping with the loss of his sister and making amends with the Ewings, minus JR, and Clayton and Ellie have a good dramatic year, yet stay together to provide some sameness and security to the show. If some of these changes had happened earlier, I think people would have praised them as good drama-it's just that Dallas hung the classic cast together so long, it was viewed as a downturn when cast members left.

Today a show would probably do it sooner on purpose just to keep things interesting, and I think a re-viewing of the later seasons by all will make many realize that this is actually exciting stuff-watching a sort of great family have trouble and fall apart, and watch to see who will be the last man standing from it all. So, in short, I love it, I think it's exceptional, Leonard Katzman and David Paulsen turned out another classic year. [CB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs but does not come with any Special Features.

www.dalllasondvd.com

Overview: For nine seasons from 1972 to 1981, the Walton family was America's family. Viewers' hearts were captured by the story of John and Olivia Walton, their seven children, Grandpa and Grandma as they faced the Depression and World War II with not much more than a love of the land and the rock-solid support of each other. This elegiac final season is the ideal capstone to the Emmy-honored and lovingly remembered series.

DVD Verdict: The 9th, and final season of 'The Waltons' is an uneasy mix of sour romantic and working relationships traded with scenes from the end of the Great War, where Ben is a prisoner and Jason waits to go off to the Pacific. It's a sentimentally unwelcome goodbye to the series, but it ends in a post war optimism fittingly enough just before the later progress of mass communications and television. Thereafter, The Waltons lived on into the decades in holiday movie specials. So the parting season wasn't an unhappy ending for fans of the American heartland's 1st TV family.

Anybody over the age of 40 understands that this 70s TV series, set in an era of antique autos and old souls, represents a beloved vision of Americana gone forever but not forgotten. Older folks cling to it to remember a better time in Hollywood when primetime featured simple shows and down to earth plots that John Q. Public could easily identify with.

Of its few flaws was Michael Learned's character Olivia, who in real life was of partial Italian heritage that was missing on the show while guest star characterization inclusive of a rainbow of humanity either left out or negatively portrayed olive skin. Then after the 4th season, the show slowly turned into a sheepish glorification of wartime America.

Be that as it may, for anyone who's an only child or from a broken home, this show is the ultimate TV surrogate family. Its old school message lends archaeological media insight into family values of humility during hard times when banksters weren't bailed out of the Depression as Main St. suffered. No TV family in network history compares to it. At all.

If a time capsule were to define the earth salt of 20th century pop culture, media critics would be hard pressed to find a more iconic fit. New age generation gappers can't grasp innocence. When TV was young, reality shows reflected pride, not 15 minutes of shame. If The Waltons has a lasting legacy, it is as TV's best reminder of the good old days.

Indeed, while the show ended in 1981, it would continue in 6 made-for-TV-movies from 1982-1997, moving from the characters from the forties and into the sixties. In these TV movies, Richard Thomas returns as John-Boy and Michael Learned is back as Olivia, while Ellen Corby makes a few appearances as Grandma. Hopefully, Warner Brothers will release these 6 TV movies, as it would be great to own the entire Walton legacy on DVD. [PP] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs but does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: Clad in tweed and puffing on a pipe, Detective Inspector Purbright (Anton Rodgers, Lillie, May to December) pursues the evildoers of Flaxborough with a doggedness that belies his polite conversation and mild manner. And a good thing, too. For although the quiet country town appears all gentility, beneath the surface lies a darker world of deception, intrigue, treachery, and infidelity. These forces can upset the harmony of the most staid of small communities … and ignite passions that erupt into violence.

DVD Verdict: 'Murder Most English,' a show created by the late Colin Watson - a British writer most famous for the twelve 'Flaxborough' novels - features the wonderful, pipe-puffing Inspector Walter Purbright, a role sublimely undertaken by stage and television star Anton Rodgers, who unfortunately died just a few years ago.

Come the first episode, 'Hopjoy Was Here,' and after the cute, '70s style animated opening, its first part sets the scene for us to get to know the partnership between the Inspector (a slim, stealth-like Rodgers) and his Sergeant, played by a very young, Christopher Timothy. Shot in single frames with one camera (for the most part) the show is a 45 minute two-parter Dinner Theatre-style presentation.

Filmed live, slurps of tea (so much drunk tea!), coughs, raspy returns and even unintentional background noises are the norm, but the acting powers on regardless. The homes, although internally sets for filming, are all obviously based on real '70s homes. And so to see, in one suspects bathroom cabinet a classic aftershave called 'Man On The Move' is just pure brilliance!

But the real tour de force is the forensic man, a gent clad in tweed who calls everyone Squire, his indepth explanations are beyond anything that Grissom (CSI) could have dreamt of back in the '70s! Man, this dude goes to town, thriving on his found evidence, carrying it all around with him in little glass vessels in his open top briefcase! The second part drifts a little, scenes seem to run longer, but we get there; and discover the little double twist at its core ... and then we're straight into the second tale!

This one, 'Lonely Hearts 4122' revolves around a Dating Agency-style plot, where women are being buried in someone's back yard after having been to this agency. The premise plays out slowly, the build taking time, but come the secondary final part, the police duo are smart, knowledgable, and figuring it out. And come the final twist, and yes, it is a REAL twist (especially for this era), you'll be gagging to get the 2nd disc out - for the third episode to present itself.

Indeed, the third episode, 'The Flaxborough Crab' starts off well enough, kinda allows you to semi-guess the possible outcome early on, but after a red herring is thrown into the ring, well, a little more thought is once again called upon. Mind you, a near 10 minute, single camera Coroner's Inquiry is a complete drag and could have done with being cut down, but that's by-the-by. And as we quietly make our way to the end of part one, we find another twist awaiting us there. But the trouble I have with that 'twist' is that the 'twist' is wearing exactly the same clothes as the 'twist' had on in the previous episode!!!

Anyhoo, a slow beginning stretches the story needlessly - inclusive of a mysterious so-called beer drinking 'Monk' - before a couple of red herrings are thrown about. Come the final turn of the cards a good twist is revealed though. And the last episode, 'Coffin, Scarcely Used' has a great spot-the-star church yard opening, with lots of UK TV stars showing up as younger players.

The episode builds well, interestingly allowing us to follow it down a path that we honestly don't know too well, and with a voice over that introduces us to the second part (which was something new) it's the final reveal that really makes you impressed with the writers. Chewing real sandwiches, drinking real cups of tea, smoking real pipes, Inspector Purbright is already someone I miss from my TV screen! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but (unfortunately) does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: The frozen Arctic is home to polar bears and walruses, two very different types of animals whose struggle to survive against the elements is only being made more difficult by a changing climate. Directors Adam Ravetech and Sarah Robertson filmed walruses and polar bears in the Arctic for 15 years in order to create this amazing story about the lives of Nanu the baby polar bear and a newborn walrus dubbed Seelah.

DVD Verdict: "Arctic Tale" is cobbled together from 15 years of film shot in the frozen north. So this is most decidedly not a case of following around these two young cubs from birth to rebirth (to wit, the cycle of life). Nanu starts off accompanying her mother and her brother, while Seela has both a mother and an "auntie" (a designation that is social rather than biological). The lives of the polar bears and the walruses intersect at time in the story, although youngsters worried that Nanu is going to try and eat Seela--or adults wary that the two become unlikely friends in some arctic version of the lion and the lamb lying down together through the wonders of strategic film editing)--do not need to be afraid. However, parents should be forewarned that "Arctic Tale" is about trying to survive in a harsh environment. Neither polar bears nor walruses are vegetarians, and the grim fact is that these creatures have to eat to survive. That is made clear, although the filmmakers avoid being graphic in that regard. Consequently, in terms of what we see on screen this film is appropriate for children, and I think young viewers will understand the harshness of life up north and remember that more than the unnecessary scene supposedly showing us the joys of walrus flatulence.

The cinematography, as you would expect, is spectacular. However, the narration by Queen Latifa makes it clear that this is not just a nature documentary simply showing what happens and avoiding making editorial comments. Clearly these animals are threatened by global warming, and you know full well that that polar bears, walruses, and other arctic creatures are not responsible for that. Some of narration we hear is written by Kristin Gore, the daughter of the Oscar and Nobel Prize winning Al Gore, but she was also a writer for "Futurama," so she may well be responsible for the jokes we hear rather than the politics. As the reference to global warming start piling up I found myself being distracted by the rhetoric from watching what was happening to the animals, and that was enough to deduct one star.

Then we get to the end credits and young kids start spouting solutions to ecological problems, suggesting to young viewers that if your family does their laundry in warm water they are basically killing future Nanus and Seeles, then things are just going too far and I have to round down to three stars for my rating. There were critics who attacked "Happy Feet)" as being "an animated version of 'An Inconvenient Truth,'" which was pretty ludicrous to anybody who has seen the film that chastises humanity for throwing garbage in the ocean, over fishing, and zoos, but has nary a word about global warming. But "Arctic Tale" leaves itself open to such attacks, and if anybody is sitting on the fence regarding that score the end credits certainly force the issue. To be clear: I am not against the position being espoused here, but by how it is presented. The argument needs to be sustained by logic and not by emotions, even when it is being preached to the choir. [LB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

"Making of Arctic Tale" Featurette
"Are We There Yet? World Adventure: Polar Bear Spotting"
Trailer

Overview: Former crooks and fast friends Maurice Riley (Anthony Head, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Syd Woolsey (Warren Clarke, Dalziel and Pascoe, Bleak House) are back in dear old Britain after 15 years of living off their ill-gotten gains in Spain’s "Costa del Crime." Now they’re ready to start a quiet new life in a quiet new seaside town. And Maurice’s wife, Barbara (Jenny Agutter, MI-5, Logan’s Run), is determined to make sure that’s exactly what happens.

DVD Verdict: The plot line goes that Maurice Riley and Syd Woolsey are old friends who return from the good life on the Costa del Crime to a quiet Devon fishing village. They have no plans to return to their former life as two-thirds of the most successful heist threesome ever to have terrorized the UK. Instead, all they seemingly would like to do is spend their quiet retirement days fishing and sitting in the local pub!

But, as expected, especially for these kind of BBC shows (and anything starring the great Tony Head), the quiet life is not for them and disappears from view very, very quickly. Trouble is, as they soon find out, life on their once-known successful thief highway isn't as smooth as it once was. Indeed, while the targets/jobs may still be there, crime and all its technological advancements have all progressed more than they could ever know - and means a whole score of new things to learn!

Quickly into the first episode, we come across the pub owner Hedley (Dean Lennox Kelly - 'Shameless'), who turns out to be the son of Syd and Maurice's former partner in crime - their third wheel in their once so successful partnership. Battering his way into the gang as their new third, Hedley subsequently becomes the muscle of the outfit; shown to great affect in one later seen where he rescues the duo from a warehouse beating.

Also starring the (oh so) lovely Mina Anwar ('Thin Blue Line') as Helen Huthwaite, Hedley's wife, and the always-brilliant Paul Barber ('Only Fools And Horses') as Little Nick, come episode 2 the funny black comedy quips are flying freely, the retirement scenario set, it's as they prepare for their second job in retirement, that the two leads go nose to nose: "We're friends and there's nothing we can do about that now," shouts Head to Clarke when asked to plot a small heist to aid his wayward son!

Episode 3 is Clarke's moment to romanticaly shine, which he does in all his rubber-faced glory! Not the most fast-paced of tales, the ending is unexpected (thief-wise) and so is worth waiting for. Episode 4 is like, as it turns out, a Blue Man Group special! Also featuring the still beautiful Jenny Agutter, as Maurice's wife Barbara, and his real-life daughter as Grace (Emily Head), this is a great plot premise. Indeed, it is easily one of the most well executed and funniest of the tales, and comes complete with a twist ending not expected in the slightest!

Episode 5 is sooooooooo sloooooooooow a tale and is painful to get through! Featuring a pregnancy plot, a fight for honor, and a mullet, the gang have to get Hedley's head out of his ass - double quick time! Come the final episode, and with the series definitely getting weaker as it progressed, the same could be said of the plot ... as it centers around both criminals feeling their late-in-life ages! A tale set almost wholly in the local pub, the Evel Knievel-style ending is stupid beyond all belief (watch as the bike hits the ground after landing from the jump!!!), but as they all toast a belated final retirement, you sense it might not last as long as they would all trust! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but (unfortunately) does not come with a any Special Features.

Overview: Emily Browning stars as Anna, a young girl being released from a mental hospital following the harrowing death of her mother. But when she returns home, she discovers her father (David Strathairn) has fallen under the sexual spell of her mother's former nurse, Rachael (Elizabeth Banks, Zack and Miri Make a Porno), despite the open hostility of Anna's sister Alex (Arielle Kebbel, John Tucker Must Die). When Anna sees the ghost of her mother point at Rachael and scream "Murder!", Anna and Alex begin to investigate Rachael's past and make some unsettling discoveries.

DVD Verdict: OK yes, let's get this straight from the start ... 'The Uninvited' is really a remake of the 2003 Korean film 'A Tale of Two Sisters.' And yes, that original title is a little leading down the path of exposure, perhaps why they decided to change it for US audiences, but a big clue is to be found right there!

Anyway, enough of that ... 'The Uninvited' begins with our protagonist, Anna, in a mental ward after dealing with the emotional trauma of losing her mother in a freak fire. As the film begins, her psychiatrist believes she is ready to go back into the real world and she is allowed to move back in with her father and her older sister, Alex. Unfortunately, father is now seeing Rachel, a nurse who was in charge of Anna's mother. This weird situation is further complicated by the fact that Anna is becoming more and more convinced that her mom wasn't killed in a freak accident...maybe she was murdered.

So if you have watched ghost movies over the last ten or so years, you basically know this film. It hits all of the major plot points, has a couple requisite twists and throws weird scares at you (it is based on a Korean film, you know). I expected all of this. I even expected one twist that I thought was revealed very early on. Even so, the ending still surprised me and I have to say that this film was classy in telling a familiar story. The truth is, there hasn't really been a genre-changing film in the ghost story genre for awhile now. The Uninvited is no different. So, what is important is not what is being told (as there's nothing new under the sun), but how it's told.

Here 'The Uninvited' soars where a lot of recent ghost stories (Unborn, for example) have failed. The storytelling is far classier than it has any right to be, the script is well-written and convincing and the actors are terrific. Emily Browning, playing Anna, practically carries the weight of the film on her slender shoulders. With her forlorn and innocent gaze, you really start to feel for her increasingly desperate plight. Meanwhile, her sister is played perfectly by Arielle Kebbel who brings a sexy older sibling charm to the proceedings. And then there's Elizabeth Banks, playing the stepmother who might not be all she says she is.

All of this is pitted against a murder mystery or two and wrapped up in a perfect bow. There's not a dull moment in the film, the scares actually startled me, even when I expected them and some of the ghostly hauntings could give the weird factor of The Grudge/Ring a run for their money. It's effective and very well done.

I definitely recommend buying/renting this movie. Indeed, buy/rent 'The Uninvited' if you're in the mood for a fun, classy and, yes, sometimes scary ghost story. [TM] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Unlocking The Uninvited
Deleted Scenes
Shocking Alternate Ending!

Overview: Motown (DeRay Davis) and Darius (Jasper Redd) work in a morgue, trading put-downs and toiling among the most undemanding of customers. But outside of their decidedly dreary jobs, the two dream of bigger and better things. If only they could win the $25,000 prize that will go to the winners of the upcoming 3-on-3 Streetball Tournament.

DVD Verdict: "October Road" was not supposed to be a hit. It wasn't even supposed to be a series. After filming the pilot in the winter of 2005, ABC initially passed on the series during their selections for a fall line-up. But in January of 2007, in a last minute decision (and in desperate need of new material with the up-coming writer's strike) ABC greenlite 5 additional episodes. And then something crazy happened. The show premiered and over 14 million people watched its first season.

"October Road" while not a great series by any stretch, was definitely a worthy addition to ABC's line-up. But unfortunately it has the fatal flaw of thinking that it was much more original and better written than it really was. The characters were likeable enough, but they were all characters that we had seen many times before, and the series had yet to add anything new or fresh into the mix.

And the same can really be said about the premise of the series. The main idea is that "you can never go home again," but this is a theme that is continuously used. But "October Road" failed to be as meaningful as it could have been because there just wasn't enough emotional investment with the characters.

Anyway, the story goes that before he left town, Nick Garrett told his high school girlfriend, Hannah Daniels, he would be back in six weeks. Now, ten years later, he has returned, and the jilted-but-never-married Hannah, has forgotten Nick's unfulfilled promise and moved on with her life. She is a single mom raising a nine-year-old son, the bright and charming Sam.

Hannah is involved with Ray Big Cat Cataldo, the former high school bully, whose mission in life has previously been to bestow misery on Nick and his friends. While Nick sorts out his life, he moves into his childhood home with his father, a widower affectionately referred to as the Commander. Nick makes a new friend and potential partner in Aubrey, a pretty college student and fledgling writer, whose bohemian style intrigues him.

Nick realizes he has several reasons for staying in Knights Ridge, especially making amends to those close to him. He has broken promises and portrayed them unfavorably in his successful book. Nick also sees undeniable coincidences surrounding Hannah s son, leading him to believe he might be Sam s father.

Although Nick does not regret fulfilling his mother's dying wish of experiencing life outside Knights Ridge, he finds himself oddly compelled to staying in town. He realizes the road ahead is rocky, but embraces the familiarity of his former life, and is willing to confront the struggles and challenges to be included again among those he has let down.

So, what happens in Season 2? Will Owen return home? Will Phil leave his house? What is in store for Hannah and Nick? I'm not gonna give it away here and get shouted at for doing so, trust me, but suffice to say that all you could ever wish for happens and that plots get (for the most part) tidyied up pretty nicely!! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Road's End: The Final Chapter
Bumps In the Road - October Road Season 2 bloopers
The Scenic Routh: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Overview: Motown (DeRay Davis) and Darius (Jasper Redd) work in a morgue, trading put-downs and toiling among the most undemanding of customers. But outside of their decidedly dreary jobs, the two dream of bigger and better things. If only they could win the $25,000 prize that will go to the winners of the upcoming 3-on-3 Streetball Tournament.

DVD Verdict: It seems bringing to life a monstrous dead man (Bob Sapp, 'The Longest Yard') is the only solution for two guys demoted to the graveyard shift! Of course it is, why not?! Anyway, having used the auto battery of Motown’s precious Gremlin to bring to life this tall (ie, monstrous dead man, to win the upcoming 3-on-3 basketball tournament all they have to do is teach the pour, lumbering sap how to actually play the sport!

And so as Motown and Darius attempt to teach their new friend how to be a basketball star, they also have to help him remember how to do simple things - like go to the bathroom! In the meantime, they have to fiend off the devious plot of their basketball nemeses, who want the new guy on their team once they realize how good he is. Throw in some beautiful women and you have a multi-faceted comedy movie effort.

Trust me, 'Frankenhood' (a great title, if nothing else) is not destined to be a classic movie by any stretch of the imagination, but did produce a few consistent laughs throughout. I hope it does the same for you too as it is worth a giggle on a rainy weekend afternoon stuck in with the kids. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Behind the Scenes Featurette
Deleted Scenes

Overview: Two proper Englishwomen, determined to get away from their drab lives and inattentive husbands, find paradise among the serene countryside of the Italian Rivera in this enchanting adventure staring Josie Lawrence and Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire).

DVD Verdict: 'ENCHANTED APRIL' is a charming story about a group of English women seeking refuge away from their dreary surroundings, and rent a flat together in Italy for their Spring holiday. This is an especially affirmative and enjoyable little fantasy for anyone living in a particularly gloomy or temperate climate.

I have lived in Seattle all of my life and we are no strangers to rain and darkness, almost nine months of the year. When I first watched this film, starring the wonderful Miranda Richardson (Rose Arbuthnot), Josie Lawrence (Lottie Wilkins), vampish Polly Walker (Caroline Dester) and delightfully crotchety Joan Plowright (Mrs. Fisher), I could feel the beautiful Italian sunshine warm my shoulders.

Indeed, the entire cinematography is very rich, and the mood is very quiet. The movie is actually a metaphor for the process that the characters go through (awakening and transformation) because watching the movie leads you (the watcher) through this very same process. I don't think it is possible to really watch this movie and not be affected.

This is a very well constructed film. The cast is marvelous, the cinematography breath-taking, and the music is very moving. It is amazing how little is actually said in the movie, and yet how much more is actually communicated because of this.

This is one of the few movies I have ever seen, where I found that the one change they made for the movie, that differed from the book, actually made the story work better. I greatly prefer to see Mr. Briggs as "rather short sighted" and therefore dependent on seeing how people are on the inside, to the original idea of infatuation by great beauty. This is a lovely little movie that will truly capture your heart. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Feature:

Feature Commentary with Director Mike Newell and Producer Ann Scott

Overview: Brutal and breathtaking, 'Sin City' is Robert Rodriguez's stunningly realized vision of Frank Miller's pulpy comic books. In the first of three separate but loosely related stories, Marv (Mickey Rourke in heavy makeup) tries to track down the killers of a woman who ended up dead in his bed. In the second story, Dwight's (Clive Owen) attempt to defend a woman from a brutal abuser goes horribly wrong, and threatens to destroy the uneasy truce among the police, the mob, and the women of Old Town. Finally, an aging cop on his last day on the job (Bruce Willis) rescues a young girl from a kidnapper, but is himself thrown in jail. Years later, he has a chance to save her again.

DVD Verdict: The concept for this film started in the Comics revolution of the late 60's with incredible artists like Frank Frazetta, Jim Steranko, Neal Adams, and Barry Smith. They knew anatomy, and they used photographs to compose their backgrounds. Pre-Anime, the characters began to "almost" move off the pages. Frank Miller came along in 1978. He helped to inaugurate the adult graphics novels-larger formats, better paper, brighter inks-coupled to nudity and R-rated dialogue. Some of this has been around since the late 50's, but the new format was gathering speed and Miller was in the vanguard.

Miller's graphic novel's about SIN CITY contained art in panels that broke down like very detailed storyboards. When Robert Rodriguez decided to court Miller and sell him on the idea of converting the graphics to digital video-Miller loved it. Their partnership went so far as to have Rodriguez dropping out of the Director's Guild so that he might be permitted to put Frank Miller in the credits as co-director. Rodriguez created a B&W world where color was used sparingly-and for great effect. Blood was white-or bright red. Some eyes were blue. Some hair was blond. Pale green and pale blue showed up on classic cars.

Rodriguez assembled a powerhouse cast. Bruce Willis was first up, to boost the sales of the production and the star power. He was excellent in the film-beginning to appear very Noir-very Chandler and Hammett-a modern Bogart. Using CGI and live actors, Rodriguez was able to do most of the work in his homegrown studio in Texas. Miller created a world part pulp-novel, classic cars-and part hyper-violent martial arts and splatter film. Everybody smoked, many of them drove a ragtop-they could shoot guns with both hands simultaneously-and women, regardless of how far they had fallen-were still treated with respect. More than an adaptation of Millers comic book art-it is literally his artwork brought starkly to life. The effect is original, violent, sexy, existential-and very effective.

The film worked off three Miller "stories"-and the best of the three-THE BIG FAT KILL-starred Mickey Rourke. He can think of this film as his return to the big time. He is brilliant. His character, Marv, is perfectly fitted for this new genre-and his acting, and the action he precipitates-blows all the others in the film out of the water. This may be Rourke's finest performance. He has been a pro boxer, as well as actor-and he needed that physical prowess for this role.

Everyone in the film was impressive-with the likes of Clive Owen, Powers Boothe, Rutger Hauer, Nick Stahl, Benicio Del Toro, Elijah Wood, Michael Madsen, Josh Harnett, and Michael Clarke Duncan all making love, murdering, or slapping around women like Jessica Albo, Jamie King, Rosario Dawson, Carla Gugino, and Brittany Murphy. One critic wrote," This is a Mickey Spillane fever dream!"

It appears that a sequel is imminent-absolutely necessary. Most of us can't wait for the next installment-to cruise Old Town, prowl the Roark farm, beware of the warrior hookers, love the hot babes, dodge the bullets and swords and knives, and stare at those great cars.

In closing, 'Sin City' on Blu-ray is the definitive edition for the film. It is packed full of special features and commentary that entertain and educate filmgoers on the importance of staying true to the source material. If only all comic book movies could do the same. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Disc 1: Restored Theatrical Version
Cine-Explore - Blu-ray Exclusive
Commentary With Robert Rodriguez And Frank Miller
Commentary With Robert Rodriguez And Quentin Tarantino
Audio Track Featuring A Recording Of The Austin Audience Reaction

Disc 2: Recut, Extended, Unrated Version
Kill ‘Em Good Interactive Comic Book — Blu-ray Exclusive
Rodriguez Special Features: 15-Minute Film School; All Green Screen Version; The Long Take; Sin City: Live In Concert; 10-Minute Cooking School
How It Went Down: Convincing Frank Miller To Make The Film
Special Guest Director: Quentin Tarantino
A Hard Top With A Decent Engine: The Cars Of Sin City
Booze, Broads And Guns: The Props Of Sin City
Making The Monsters: Special Effects Make-Up
Trench Coats & Fishnets: The Costumes Of Sin City
Teaser And Theatrical Trailer

Overview: From the octagon to the big screen, the world’s greatest Mixed Martial Arts Champions come together for the first time in a major motion picture. When an MMA world champion is lured into the illegal world of underground cage fighting by an elusive promoter, he quickly realizes that the only way out is to kill or to be killed.

DVD Verdict: Bringing together the absolute best talent on the Mixed Martial Arts circuit, 'Never Surrender' follows the intensely dangerous journey of an MMA world champion through the illegal world of underground cage fighting.

'Never Surrender' is part of a growing trend of the integration of MMA fighting and entertainment through MMA movies. Many of the leading martial arts stars are taking advantage of the chance to capitalize on their fighting fame by getting better paying gigs in Hollywood.

Indeed, the underground story of fighting for survival is a compelling premise for 'Never Surrender.' The acting and writing is another story. If you require great lines, talented actors, and intense moments of epic film drama, this is not your movie. The cast is loaded with guys that know how to fight, but lack a lot in the natural portrayal of human emotion on screen. There are plenty of cheesy moments. However, between the constant fight sequences, and the multitude of women, there will be fans.

George “Rush” St-Pierre (current UFC Welterweight Champion), BJ “The Prodigy” Penn (undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion), Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion), Anderson “The Spider” Silva (current UFC Middleweight Champion) and heavyweight favorite Heath “The Texas Crazy Horse” Herring star in this controversial action flick. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

A "Making Of” Featurette
Anatomy of a Fight
Twelve Stones music video “Adrenaline”
Trailer Gallery

Overview: A new term at high school is even more of a trauma for Cady (Lindsay Lohan) than it is for everybody else, since she is not just an out-of-towner but an out-of-Africa, her parents having raised her as a bush baby. Now she is confronted with the complexity of school loyalties and fads, which-as we are reminded by innumerable slo-mo sequences with an added roartrack-are twice as bloodlusty as the lives of African fauna.

DVD Verdict: There are so many ways for a movie like this to go wrong that it's amazing how successfully it portrays the reality of that most bloodthirsty jungle, high school. If you go broad you end up with revolting bottom of the barrel humor, ala the American Pie franchise. If you go dark you risk losing the excitement and exuberance of high school, a place where human personality is constantly evolving. The high water mark for films of this kind was hit by Clueless, which is frothy, smart, sly, and fun. Welcome To The Dollhouse resides at the opposite end, though thoroughly brilliant it is at times so painfully honest that it's difficult to watch. 'Mean Girls' faultlessly rides the fence between theses poles, the pitch and tone are just right - tough-minded enough to be real, silly enough to be charming.

Tina Fey, who wrote the screenplay and plays Ms. Norbury, beleaguered math teacher, deserves high marks - her script drives the film's fate. Director Mark Waters is also responsible for another fine picture that runs the gauntlet between silly and insightful - Just Like Heaven, with Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon. In that movie he made me believe a man was falling in love with a ghost - and got me to care about them. On the other hand, he also directed House Of Yes, an appalling Pinter-esque, drawing room gabfest intended to impress intellectuals - watch that turkey at your peril - Parker Posey notwithstanding.

A movie of this sort does not rely on good acting, which is fortunate. What Ms. Lohan does might be described as charming the camera, but it would never qualify as acting. However, Waters has surrounded her with eye candy and talented character actors, which can cover up a world of sin. Tim Meadows, as Principal Duvall, brings an impeccable dry, ironic delivery to the table while Rajiv Surendra, as the math uber-geek, threatens to run off with every scene he's in. Rachel McAdams is convincing as Regina, the Barbie doll come to life - one can only hope she's an amazing actress and nothing like that in person. Surprisingly, Amy Poehler is thoroughly uninteresting as Regina's mom, a part that had comedy home run written all over it.

Ms. Fey probably knew it would be hard sustain this high-wire performance for 3 acts. Mean Girls does bog down after a bit, and the resolution is downright facile. But by then you already like it so much that it just doesn't matter. Poor Cady, Lindsay Lohan, goes from being home schooled in Africa to surviving the watering hole politics of an American high school, things just got a lot tougher. Recommended. [EL] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary
9 Deleted Scenes
Featurettes: Only the Strong Survive (25 minutes); The Politics of Girl World (12 minutes); Plastic Fashion (10 minutes)
Gag Reel
Theatrical Trailer

Overview: A terrifying story of a young girl who wakes up in a casket with a traumatic head injury and no memory of her identity. She quickly realizes she was abducted by a deranged serial murder and must survive the night and outsmart the technologically inclined killer who is hell bent on finishing what he started.

DVD Verdict: "Princess" wakes up in a coffin. She can't remember who she is or why she's there. All she knows is that, once she escaped, some psycho in a chromed skull mask gored the mortician and is after her. And Chrome Skull is one determined serial killer. Whatever backwoods burg he brought her to, there aren't any police for miles and the phone service hasn't been upgraded for a couple of decades, so "Princess" has to survive until dawn if she wants to live.

That is the whole plot of "Laid To Rest." There's no background for her, Chrome Skull or much else, making this a chase flick, and a slightly better than average one. "Princess" races through the woods with helpers she crosses on the way, trying to evade Chrome Skull and his collection of super-sharp killing knives. CS may not have much of a background, but my guess is writer/director Robert Hall is saving depth for sequels or prequels (CS leaves behind a box of prior murders and an Internet search hints that he's on the FBI's list).

It makes your ability to believe "Laid To Rest" hinge on the acting, which is fair. Bobbi Sue Luther does well as the terrified girl on the run from Chrome Skull and Kevin Gage is the best actor here, playing the big hearted southern lug Tucker. Chrome Skull makes a good action figure and drives a wicked car with a vanity plate (nice touch). There aren't too many other characters, and they are little more the meat for the grinder. Sean Whalen does a good Steve Buscemi, as well.

The grinding of bones and flesh is also old school, so if you miss the realistic spewing of gore, "Laid To Rest" should cover your bases. What is lacking is any sort of logic, as Chrome Skull just seems to be on a meaningless killing spree. The barn full of corpses does get a slight explanation, as does who "Princess" is and just maybe why Chrome Skull chose her as a victim. However, "Laid To Rest" feels like it was ripped out of another story and we're being dropped into the middle of it. Should Hall get the opportunity to make CS into an ongoing characther, "Laid To Rest" might just be a chapter in a saga, bit alone, it is a just better than average scare flick. [TB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary
'Postmortem: The Making of 'LAID TO REST' Featurette
'Torture Porn: The SFX of 'LAID TO REST' Featurette
Blooper Reel
Deleted Scenes (4 mins)
Trailer

Overview: A drama about midlife crises (mostly for people approaching 30, that is), director Tony Goldwyn (A Walk on the Moon) has assembled a top-notch cast, but there's not enough likeability in the characters to care. Architect Michael (Zach Braff) is a commitmentphobe who wanders into a flirtation with coed Kim (Rachel Bilson) because he's gun-shy about settling down with his perfect girlfriend Jenna (Jacinda Barrett), who's expecting his child.

DVD Verdict: I stay so far away from these types of movies that when I finally get to see one or forced to see one I really enjoy it. Last Kiss really surprised me; I thought that a film with so much drama going on within it would just annoy me. What I did get was some really good acting though Zach Braff seems to always have the same expression on his face to me. It could just be me but anyway on to the synopsis. The last Kiss is very very simple, a bunch of friends are turning thirty. They're all at different points in their lives but they all seem to have woman trouble except Michael. This guy has the perfect relationship and his girlfriend is pregnant which he is happy about. He has no problems right? But then the dingbat goes and makes problems making guys look really bad.

His friend is getting married and at this wedding he meets a pretty young college student. This girl sets her eyes on him and goes after him and though he resists at first he becomes intrigued by her and starts up something with her. Besides this Michael friends provide more drama and some pretty good comedy. His friend Izzy is still in love with his ex and does some crazy things because of her. He even starts yelling at her at someone else's wedding, foiling and crying because she won't take him back. His friend Chris has a newborn and is tired of coming home to his wife yelling at him and his child crying. Even Michael's girlfriend's parents are having major trouble, it's just a huge web of messy relationships. All of these guys have their trouble but the main focus is how Michael messes up something good all by himself.

The Last Kiss was unbelievable and if you ask me the writing itself was a bit different but very realistic. In real life things really just happen all of a sudden and that's what the movie does. It shows how a guy can have everything one day but then one thing just changes his total outlook about his life. I love the dialogue; Jacinda Barret who plays Jenna (Michaels girlfriend) plays an angry girlfriend very well. She was really good even picking up a knife and threatening to kill Michael. The acting was good no problems there but I hated the ending. I was just expecting something different and surprising; also a lot of things were not disclosed. I would have liked to know what happened to the other characters other than the main characters. Overall Last Kiss was a pretty good movie. The story has been heard before but the style was new to me and it was entertaining I would definitely recommend this. [KJ] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Audio Commentary Zach Braff and director Tony Goldwyn
Audio Commentary by Zach Braff, Tony Goldwyn, Jacinda Barrett, Rachel Bilson, Michael Weston and Eric Christian Olsen
'The Last Kiss' - Filmmakers' Perspective - (2:33)
'The Last Kiss' - Getting Together - (26:44)
'The Last Kiss' - Behind Our Favorite Scenes - (8:26)
'The Last Kiss' - Last Thoughts - (3:29)
Music Video - Cary Brothers "Ride" performance version with Zach Braff Intro - A music video directed by Zach Braff
Deleted Scenes (14 mins.)
2 Alternate Endings
Gag Reel - (2:44)
Bloopers for "THE LAST KISS"
Theatrical Trailer - (2:34)

Overview: Steve Zahn (That Thing You Do) plays Peter Gaulke, heir to a wild animal television program called "Strange Wilderness," but too out of it to keep up his late father’s congenial yet focused legacy. With the show’s ratings plummeting (even at a 3 a.m. broadcast time), Peter attempts to rescue the series by traveling to Ecuador in search of Bigfoot.

DVD Verdict: "Strange Wilderness" is a good-natured, frequently hilarious takeoff on all those nature documentaries that play on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, and whose pedigree stretches all the way back to the granddaddy of them all, "Mutual of Omaha`s Wild Kingdom." Peter and Fred are the producers of a wildlife series entitled "Strange Wilderness" that has been foundering in the ratings ever since Peter's father, a Steve Irwin-type naturist and the original host of the show, passed away, leaving his less-than-stellar son to carry on his legacy.

The sheer scientific illiteracy of much of the commentary that Peter provides for his footage probably hasn't helped matters much in this regard. Now faced with the prospect of series cancellation, Peter and his crew of incompetent dweebs head off to the wilds of South America to file an exclusive report on the famed Bigfoot who has recently been spotted there.

Though adolescent in the extreme, "Strange Wilderness" turns out to be a zany, endearingly random and unflaggingly energetic little comedy whose likable cast is obviously dialed into what the moviemakers are trying to do here. Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Covert, Ernest Borgnine, Jeff Garlin, Kevin Heffernan, Justin Long and Harry Hamlin seem to be having the time of their lives here and their enjoyment rubs off on us as well.

Is it dumb? Of course it is. Is it lowbrow, inane and hopelessly juvenile? You betcha'. But unlike so many other films that fall into those categories, "Strange Wilderness" has a shrewd mind for parody and a liveliness of spirit that actually make the movie funny. Credit scenarist Peter Gaulke and co-author/director Fred Wolf (who first developed this concept as sketches on "Saturday Night Live") for some excellent joke-writing and pacing and for their willingness to pull out all the stops in their effort to get the laugh. In fact, the crew's ill-fated encounter with Bigfoot is alone worth the price of the title! [RE] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the following Special Features:

Cooker's Song (5 min)
The Turkey (6 min)
What do we do? (6 min)
Reel Comedy Strange Wilderness (21 min)
Deleted Scenes (22 min)

Overview: Hope, a down-to-earth wife and mother of three lives life quietly in an Ohio suburb, until her celebrity sister, Faith, comes barging into town. Faith single-handedly stirs up drama with the family; just as her ex-soap opera character did on TV. You can take the diva off daytime, but can’t take the drama out of the diva. This family comedy will keep you laughing all episode long.

DVD Verdict: The very, very colorful (if only for Ripa's outfits each episode!) 'Hope & Faith' was one of the 2003 TV seasons most anticipated new sitcoms. I should know, I was one of those highly anticipating it myself! Taking two very well known TV faces - Kelly Ripa, a woman who had not only taken over from Kathie Lee Gifford alongside Regis Philbin on their TV chat show, but had also just give birth! - and the always reliable Faith Ford, the 'Murphy Brown' veteran who seemed not to be able to land another steady sitcome job after its demise), and suddenly 'Hope & Faith' was born ... well, for three years before its untimely network demise, of course!

The set up is that Hope (Ford) is the happy married wife. Her sister Faith (Ripa) was fired from her soap opera gig and moves into her sister's home. Hope's husband (Ted McGinley) reminds me of Desi Arnaz's Ricky without the cubian accent. The trouble is the three kids seem more like props for the two female leads, since the kids have NOTHING to do but pop into the scenes with some inane reasoning attached each time!

But, in full-length shots, these slim, toned frames are beautiful to watch parade around the sets, our very own reincarnation of Lucy and Ethel (or even, perhaps, Laverne and Shirley), the gals screech, wail, and work off each others punchlines like troopers.

So, of course there's a lot of slapstick in 'Hope & Faith,' but none more so that the actual pilot ... that culminated in a VERY hilarious, and slippery sisterly food fight in the kitchen!! It is beyond anything I have ever seen, but as revealed by Faith Ford herself during the audio commentary, it was done in two takes ... on TWO different days! The weekly plot lines are 20 minutes long, and are bizarre to say the least but work due to not allowing your brain to settle too much as you watch!

Yep, these two women are the personification of everything that sucks in popular culture. Superficial, spoiled stupid whiners, that somehow end up winning the day, hugging each other tightly, and getting through another day without the police being called! Listen in on some of the episode audio commenaries as they are brilliant! Tidbits revealed have included: 1) That actress Nicole Paggi who played 15 year-old 'Sydney Shanowski' for 21 episodes, was only replaced because (at the time) she was actually 25 years-old ... and grew too big to play a 15 year-old! 2) That little, always-pale Macey Cruthird who played 'Hayley Shanowski' for 55 episodes was the only one on the set without boobs ... and yet (seemingly now revealed) now has more than her fair share! 3) That Ted McGinley who plays Hope's husband 'Charley Shanowski' in 58 episodes wanted so badly to meet his idol Roger Clemens in the one episode he features in, but wasn't cast that day and so didn't! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Blooper Reel
Audio Commmentaries
All-New Interviews with Cast and Crew

Overview: Samantha Best (Charity Shea) is leaving her foster-home past behind – full scholarship in hand – to take on the future at Boston’s prestigious Charles University. There, she meets her new, occasionally dysfunctional surrogate family – socialite roommate Kathryn (Jennifer Miller), star basketball player and potential crush Devon (Brandon Jay McLaren) and former child celebrity Dawn (Athena Karkanis). On her own for the first time, Samantha must face the excitement and pressures of college life. It’s going to be a year to remember.

DVD Verdict: “The Best Years ” follows an orphan, Samantha Best as she starts her freshman year at the prestigious Charles University in Boston. Having survived the foster care system for most all her life thus far she arrives at the school looking forward to new opportunities and friendships.

Along the way she garners one of those indelibel friendships with her new roommate Kathryn Klarner, (Jennifer Miller, 'Lucky Number Slevin'), a rich socialite from one of the most prominent families in the mid-west. Not content with just the one new friend, Samantha then enlists into her entourage Dawn Vargas (Athena Karkanis, 'Saw IV'), a child actor who has traded in Hollywood for college; and Devon Sylver (Brandon Jay McLaren, 'She's the Man'), a fellow scholarship recipient and star basketball player who has caught her eye.

Throughout the entire 13 episode first season the acting is strong across the board, and for those that require a little knee jerk action to insite your ass off the couch with questions, well, there are a few unexpected plot twists thrown into the mix also!

Indeed, just when the story is becoming a bit too predictable bang, something happens that surprises - such as the accidental death of a student, some once-deeply buried family secrets, and true redemption from unexpected sources.

In short, 'The Best Years' is a good drama with a great story line to it that I love. To anyone who loves drama love triangles, and so on then you will love 'The Best Years' series, I promise.

As for the second season, well, a teaser trailer was broadcast a while ago and we all noticed a couple of the main characters were missing! Are they gone for good? Who knows at this stage, but as we've already had to wait almost 2 years for this show to give us the precious second season, well, I think we deserve answers ... soon! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Cast Interviews
Outtakes from the Wrap Reel
Audition/Screen Test Segments, and More!

www.KOCHvision.com

Overview: A fantastical tale about a man who makes up bedtime stories for his niece and nephew only to find that they magically come true the next day, 'Bedtime Stories' is a funny and enjoyable film about finding happiness in unexpected places.

DVD Verdict: 'Bedtime Stories' is almost really good. In fact, it's almost really a lot of things. For instance, it's almost really a good movie for kids and almost really funny. It's not quite good, funny, or a movie for kids, but it comes so darn close.

Here is what works ... 'Bedtime Stories' stars Adam Sandler, who is always likable though generally inane and crude as well. In this case, Sandler toned down the frat-house humor that so hollowed the movie Click. He turns in his usual affable performance in this film.

Russell Brand, who is charismatic though not very versatile, also comes on strong as Sandler's quirky friend. Richard Griffiths, a.k.a. Vernon Dursley of Harry Potter fame, and Courtney Cox also turn in a decent performances... but don't look for any of them to receive an Oscar any time soon.

The storyline is great fun--Skeeter Bronson (Sandler) is lowly but talented schlep satisfied with a work-a-day job in a growing hotel. His life is changed when he agrees to take in his sister's two children while she applies for work in another state.

When Skeeter begins making up bedtime stories for the kids, he finds his inventions coming true in the real world. A good premise. So why is 'Bedtime Stories' only "almost" good? In the tradition of all things Sandler, 'Bedtime Stories' falls back on tried and true silliness instead of trusting itself. The movie includes a string of jokes about a hamster with over-sized eyes. Fortunately, Disney, of course, stripped out the crude humor that so often shows up in Sandler movies.

The additional cast. I'm sorry but the formula Sandler and Keri Russell did not work. They did not play off each other. Sandler and Drew Barrymore had energy. Sandler and Julie Bowen were great. Sandler and Russell... not so much. In addition, Sandler has this pathological need to keep an entourage of auxiliary cast member--most notably and dependably bad would be Rob Schneider but there are others.

In the end, 'Bedtime Stories' is mildly fun and predictably happy. For this movie, Disney has taken the edge off Sandler without giving him substance. [SLK] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Until Gravity Do Us Part - A four minute behind-the-scenes look at the film's mindboggling special effects.
It's Bugsy - A near four minute featurette featuring a close up of Bugsy the big-eyed guinea pig.
To All The Little People - A near six minute featurette featuring interviews with Laura Ann Kesling (Bobbi) and Jonathan Morgan Heit (Patrick) and how they felt about working with Director Adam Shankman, Adam Sandler, Russell Brand, Keri Russell, Courteney Cox and others.
Laughter is Contagious Outtakes - A seven minute featurette featuring outtakes and interviews with the cast of working with each other.
Cutting Room Floor: Deleted Scenes - Ten minutes worth of 12 deleted and extended scenes
BD-Live enabled - with movie chat, movie mail and Disney Movie Rewards Live.

Overview: A young couple retreats to the wilderness for a romantic camping weekend, but the trip quickly spirals into a nightmare when they are carjacked by an escaped convict and his girlfriend. Thrown together by chance, no one can imagine the terrifying horror that awaits the two couples at a remote and isolated gas station.

DVD Verdict: Admittedly, my expectations when it comes to modern independent horror are pretty limited. For the most part, films go for cheese and splatter with loads of lame humor. I called these films lazy in a recent review, as they trade genuine suspense for a quick chuckle every time. Making an intentionally bad movie must be much easier than attempting something that genuinely draws the audience in. So when I checked out Toby Wilkins' "Splinter" on a lark, I was pleasantly surprised. "Splinter" is a taut, fast-paced and nasty little thriller that works as solid entertainment.

A jolty, kinetic little creature feature--the tone and pacing of "Splinter" recalls other (perhaps more sophisticated films) with its quick and jagged editing, but it works well here. The creature in question is a spiky parasite that kills its prey and then uses the bodies to maneuver around in a grisly spectacle of attack. It's an interesting and unsettling visual to see the carcasses bent, broken, altered, and taken over. The violence and settings are played for "real," with characters you come to know and respect. That, to me, was the real selling point of "Splinter." It set up character types at the beginning, but through nice performances and an attention to dialogue in the script--these individuals break through as real protagonists that you want to see succeed.

This genuine respect for the characters (and thankfully, they're not just idiots) is what brings the suspense to life. The film is short, brutal, sometimes unexpected and it works brilliantly on its own terms. In a world where independent horror can be painful--I felt that this little film was a nice diversion. I may not remember the film several months down the line, but I enjoyed the nasty ride now. With reasonable expectations, "Splinter" just might surprise you too. [KH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentary with Toby Wilkins, Shea Whigham, Paulo Costanzo and Jill Wagner
Audio Commentary with Toby Wilkins, Nelson Cragg, and David Michael Maurer
2 Pod Casts: "The Wizard" (special effects), "How to make a Splinter Pumpkin with Jill Wagner"
4 Featurettes: "Constuction: The Creation of the Gas Station," "Weather: And Lots of It," "Pyro and Other Special Effects," "Make-up and Creature Tests"
HDNet: A Look at Splinter with director, Toby Wilkins
Conceptual Art Gallery - The Creature

Overview: Strike up the band with Pooh, Tigger, Darby and all your favorite friends in a spectacular full-length movie featuring seven original songs. It's a perfect day for a picnic, and you're invited! To thank Rabbit for planning this delightful event, his pals appoint him Mayor. But Rabbit has a lot to learn about what it takes to keep everyone in the Hundred Acre Wood one big, happy family!

DVD Verdict: "Tigger & Pooh and a Musical Too" is the second film based on the popular Walt Disney 3D animated television series "My Friends Tigger & Pooh" shown during the Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney block.

Now, the purist in me really prefers the simple pastel-like animation of the hand drawn Winnie the Pooh films, so I admit I have a tough time with the look of 'My Friends Tigger & Pooh.' I think the CGI is handled well but I just don't like the look, sorry!

Anyway, once you get past the look, and you will, 'Tigger & Pooh and a Musical Too' exudes the usual charm of all the previous incarnations of the silly old bear and his pals.

However, it should be noted that the title is slightly misleading. I kept waiting for a musical type production to begin. The front cover of the DVD features Tigger and Pooh wearing top hats and even shows Darby, Pooh and Lumpy dancing on a stage. The back cover shows Tigger swinging on a street lamp as if he 's on the set of Singin' in the Rain. I guess the fact that the characters sing a number of songs makes this a "musical"!This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Rabbit's Think Think Think Theatre Game
Kenny Loggins Music Video - "Underneath The Same Sky"

Overview: Based on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, 'Doubt' is a mesmerizing, suspense-filled drama with four riveting performances from Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis that will have you pinned to the edge of your seat.

DVD Verdict: The film based on John Patrick Shanley's play is superbly done. The actors are in top form with Meryl Streep and Seymour Hoffman demonstrating consider acting force as a nun and a priest in a struggle for competing versions of reality. It is basically about the quest for truth in a world of incomplete clues and hints. The search for truth may lead to a broad range of consequences depending on whose truth is accepted and whose truth is rejected. Sister Aloysius, the Catholic school principal, played by Meryl Streep, is convinced that she has discovered a truth about Father Brendan Flynn, a robust likable assertive priest, played by Seymour Hoffman.

A great strength of the films script is that Shanley leaves the mystery somewhat unresolved in the screen play. Though some film viewers may have concluded that Father Flynn did have some improper behavior with a student, there is still much room for doubt since Father Muller could have been transferred to another Catholic parish to avoid Sister Aloysius' continued assault on his reputation and his peace of mind.

The film begins with the central theme of the play, as given in a sermon by Father Flynn. He states: "What do you do when you are not sure?" The play cascades from this point with Sister Aloysius convinced of Father Flynn's guilt and Sister James wracked with moral uncertainty as to what is true or not true and what are the moral consequences for each decision.

Each clue in the film propels you toward one solution until you are given another clue drawing you in the opposite direction and conclusion. In this way, Sister James acts as the viewer and she voices some of the same trusts and doubts that must be in the mind of every viewer of the film. Some viewers of the film will not rush to judgment and will absorb the subtle clues that propel this clash of characters forward. Other viewers of the film will take sides since Father Flynn is a likeable, robust, assertive, clever, strong, person who is contrasted with the cold rock strength and certainty of Sister Aloysius, who is never presented as especially warm or compassionate yet her actions speak to great compassion if indeed she fully believes she is interrupting the sexual predatory actions of Father Flynn.

The film even takes a surprise direction when we hear from Donald Muller's mother who tells us her son is an effeminate child who was been repeatedly beaten in public schools as well as by his father for his effeminate behaviors. In Catholic school, his mother hoped he would be protected. His mother sees the possible attentions of this white priest toward her son as far more desirable than the hostility he experiences from young males in public school or from his own father. The character of Mrs. Muller is unexpected, wonderfully acted, and throws a complete different light onto the actions of the play. Sister Aloysius thought she had found a partner and then found more than for which she had bargained.

The film comes to a resolution, one that I will not reveal and one that not every viewer will like or appreciate. But the human condition requires doubt, and certainty is so rare that we rightfully distrust it, doubt is far more likely to be the fate of human beings. [CBC] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

From Stage to Screen (19:06)
Scoring 'Doubt' (4:37)
The Sisters of Charity (6:28)
Feature Commentary with John Patrick Shanley (103 minutes)
The Cast of 'Doubt' (13:30)

Overview: Mickey Rourke gives the performance of a lifetime as pro wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a former superstar now paying the price for twenty years of grueling punishment in and out of the ring. But he’s about to risk everything to prove he has one more match left in him: a re-staging of his famous Madison Square Garden bout against “The Ayatollah.”

DVD Verdict: 2008 has been offically dubbed the comeback year, the year when dozens of has-been stars seen their careers get a jumpstart and propell them back into the spotlight. Robert Downey Jr. had Iron Man and his Oscar nominated role for Tropic Thunder, Britany Spears finally got that much needed career boost, but the most out there comeback of the year come from Mickey Rourke, who delivers one of the years best performances in the raw, realistic, and heart tugging The Wrestler.

Randy 'The Ram' Robinson was a huge wrestling star in the 80's, with money, fame, and tons of fans. Now almost twenty years later, he is a shell of his former self, body battered and torn, no longer a star, living paycheck by paycheck with every run down wrestling match, the guy is like a walking failure of his glory days. One day, after suffering a near death experience, he wants to put his wrestling days behind him and try to make a 'normal' life.

As mentioned before, Mickey Rourke gives the performance of his career, considering this role basically mirrors his own self destructive life. Balancing moments of humor, tenderness, sorrow, and all other emotions inbetween, you actually feel for the guy, feel his pain, and its real, its true, genuine emotion. Then there are the two woman, Marisa Tomei as the strippe Cassidy that Randy has a thing for and Evan Rachel Wood as his angry daughter Stephanie. Both of them deliver great performances as well, Tomei acting sort of like the light of the movie, acting as the perfect counterpart to Rourke, and Wood is able to convey pefectly play her role in a way that dosen't make it just another 'angry daughter' role.

Darren Aronofsky, known mostly for his surreal, gritty sci/fi flicks gives us the dirt and piles it on, making the scenes so real and alive, you can feel the cold, you can smell the alcohol, and the wrestling scenes are just so bone crushing, so in your face, its almost too much for you to handle. I still have this searing image in my brain of the brutal fight scene near the middle of the film (trust me, you'll know when you see it). The Wrestler is just that movie that really dosen't act like one but an actual experience as you walk through this man's life.

For those who have said that this year was a pretty lackluster year for movies, The Wrestler is that one movie that will seep into your skin and truley affect you in a way very few films will ever accomplish. [ME] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Within the Ring featurette
The Wrestler Music Video – Written and Performed by Bruce Springsteen

Overview: A man being pursued by a murderer stumbles into a mysterious lab and accidentally travels back in time. A naked girl in the midst of the forest. A cloaked stranger with his face covered in bandages. A disquieting mansion on the top of a hill. All of them pieces of an unpredictable jigsaw puzzle where terror, drama and suspense will lead to an unthinkable sort of crime.

DVD Verdict: Although it is oddly classified under the horror genre, 'Timecrimes' is definitely more fitting under the sci-fi/thriller categories, as this Spanish treat certainly delivers more on those merits than anything truly horrific. Karra Elejalde stars as Hector, a man whose tranquil life takes a different turn when he spots a naked woman (Barbara Goenaga).

After he goes to investigate, he is stabbed by a man with a bandaged head, and that's only the beginning of Hector's troubles. His search for refuge leads him to a close-by science center and its technician (writer/director Nacho Vigalondo), and is only followed by a whole series of time-bending consequences.

Yes, 'Timecrimes' is one of those films that paying careful attention to helps, and while some of the developments may seem a bit predictable, the film manages to rack up the suspense factor, while also maintaining an intelligent and thought-provoking story. The minimal budget is meaningless, as Vigalondo manages to keep you enthralled throughout. With an American-ized remake on the way (of course), here's hoping that it manages to do 'Timecrimes' the justice it deserves. [ND] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Makking of Timecrimes
Cast and Crew Interviews
Short Film: '7:35 de la manana'
Creation of Timecrimes Internet Game (5 Featurettes)
Make-Up Featurette
Photo Gallery
Teaser Trailer

Overview: Keanu Reeves portrays Klaatu, an otherworldly being whose arrival on Earth triggers an unstoppable series of events that threaten all of mankind. In a desperate attempt to save humanity, governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind the visitor's appearance.

DVD Verdict: In 1951 Robert Wise made a film called "The Day The Earth Stood Still." Over the years, a majority of fans have agreed for it's time was quite remarkable. In 2008 a remake arrived and this is the result. In comparing the two, there is little similarity. In the original Black and White version audiences were immediately snared and captivated with an eerie and haunting theme which signaled impending doom.

The newer version has neither a haunting theme, nor the ominous feel of one. The 1951 movie had an impressive atomic power Spaceship, now audiences are treated to a gigantic mother Orb and thousands of smaller copies, imitating the crafts of Independence Day. When the spaceship landed in 51' Michael Rennie offered 'Peace and Good Will' the military replied with gunfire.

In 1951, America was infected with an epidemic virus of Fear and suspicion. In 2008, little has changed, except perhaps the virus now included the feminine strain of Suspicion and Fear, but the military still responds with gunfire. In the 1950's when Klattu is wounded, his incredible robot named Gort, easily disarms the feeble army. Here despite all the advances in military weaponry, they are still unable to match Gort. Nevertheless, the space visitor takes to the streets in able to acquire information.

In 2008, Humans have learn little, except to realize they are responsible for the deleterious condition of the Earth. Our Representative Thinker in 1951 was noted actor Sam Jeffe, who needed help with his arithmetic in the new movie, it's John Cleese, who is Prof. Barnhardt. With Patricia Neal helping Klattu in the 50' audiences expected similar in 08'. However adapting to the times, Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) is met by Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) who is now a PHD.

In addition, Mr. Harley, Personal Sect. to the president is replaced by Kathy Bates, Sec. Def Regina Jackson. Both are equally inept at understanding the visitor. In the final analyst between the two versions, the original conveyed the message, eliminate your ignorance and aggression or face obliteration, in the new film, the director has eliminated the first segment and opts for obliteration. Take your choice, watch the Original and be impressed or view the second and be disappointed. [JT] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio commentary: by writer David Scarpa
Featurette: Reimagining "The Day"
Featurette: Unleashing Gort
Featurette: Watching the Skies: In Search of Extraterrestrial Life
Featurette: The Day the Earth Was "Green"
Photo Gallery: Concept Art; Storyboards; Production Photos

Overview: Revealing the private world of Saddam Hussein and his inner circle, this gripping 4-part, 4-hour miniseries charts the rise and fall of one of the most significant political figures in recent history.

DVD Verdict: Showcasing the years between his take-over of the Presidency of Iraq in 1979 up thru his execution in 2006, this mini-series was well informative and even at it's length, not very dragging in parts. And don't think this is all about Saddam either, his family and fellow soldier/followers are in full force here too.

And each part is extremely well-played, even reaching the point where recreated news-footage makes you think you're seeing the real thing. If there was any fault of this mini-series it lied in the final fourth act, basically showcasing Saddam's hiding exile, going from Iraq's largest leader to a pauper hiding in a hole (just like it was in real life).

But not being a Hussein historian by any means (who'd want to?), I truly felt that this script followed the insane leader and those around him to a tee. Quite disturbing in parts without being too graphic (Saddam had a thing about his relatives getting to close to greatness...he didn't like it) and showing a side of the madman you may not expect (he loved film-making, especially if the star was playing him), this is one mini-series highly suggested to anyone who doubts taking him out of power wasn't the right thing to do or a neccesary evil. [EE] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

The Fate of a Dynasty: An in-depth look at Saddam's regime, including cast and crew interviews.

Overview: On August 20th, 2005, on what would have been his 56th birthday, a statue of Phil Lynott was unveiled in Dublin’s Grafton Street by his mother. There to witness the event were members of Thin Lizzy from throughout the band’s career. Later that evening they joined forces under the leadership of Gary Moore for a concert that paid tribute to Lynott’s memory.

DVD Verdict: As a long time fan of both Thin Lizzy and Gary Moore, this was a real treat to look forward to. The show was played on the night of the unveiling of the late Phil Lynott's statue in Dublin. Most of the previous members of Thin Lizzy are present and Gary Moore is band leader on the night. It goes without saying that Gary's playing and singing are absolutely outstanding. His phrasing, note selection and tone are first rate and shows why he is one of the premier rock and blues players of the last twenty years.

As for the show itself, it starts off with Gary and band playing "Walking by Myself", an old blues standard that featured on "Still Got the Blues". After that, they tear through around 70 minutes of Lizzy classics. After playing Jailbreak and Don't Believe a Word (with Jonathon Noyce and original drummer Brian Downey), Brian Robertson comes out and they play two of the great Lizzy songs of the 70's: Emerald and Still in Love With You. Robbo's playing is unfortunately a little sloppy in parts, particularly on Emerald (but he hits his straps on Still...), but it doesn't detract from the overall performance too much. They are great songs and done well here.

The best part, however, is when Scott Gorham comes out and they blaze through Black Rose, Cowboy Song and the Boys are Back in Town. Black Rose is worth the price of admission for this DVD alone. It is utterly mind blowing and watching two great gunslingers go toe to toe on this track and play it note perfect is wonderful. In fact, it may even surpasse the album version. Boys is also a great rave up and really gets the crowd going.

Last up is Eric Bell, the guitarist from the early days of the band and they play Whisky in the Jar. He still sounds good, both guitar and vocal wise and takes the front seat on this tune. The final tune (in the encore) is Gary and band doing his old chestnut (that Phil originally sang on) Parisienne Walkways, which features some volcanic soloing. Such a great tribute to the man and his music.

A special mention must be made of the audio and video production. They are first class, to say nothing of the quality of the performance. The sound, in particular, is spectacular and special attention was given to getting the guitar tones right, as they were such a big part of Lizzy's sound. Both Gary and Scott's sound are so huge that you feel like you are in the room with the amps turned up to 11.

I only have a couple of minor quibbles: the set could have been longer (I wish they'd played Chinatown and Waiting for an Alibi, for instance) and Robbo's less than brilliant playing. Overall, though, I love this crystal clear quality blu ray and recommend it to Lizzy fans, particularly as good footage of the band is hard to get. [AW] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Interviews

Overview: Schoolhouse Rock is going green! Schoolhouse Rock! Earth has all the heart and musical soul of the original Schoolhouse Rock, designed for a new generation of fans! Eleven all-new songs with all-new animation prove that caring about the environment can be rockin' fun!

DVD Verdict: There's a whole generation of who got through high school and college (and probably won some prizes on "Jeopardy" as well!) thanks to the original "Schoolhouse Rock" series. Now the SAME creators have put together this lively hour-long DVD with 11 all-new songs having to do with saving our environment.

There's "Saving The Ocean" and "Solar Power to the People" as well, as "The Little Things We Do", which will have kids watching their parents and suggesting maybe it's time to turn off the lights when not in use or, just as important, "recycle"!

The graphic animation was always simple and you won't notice much difference here. It's the MUSIC that makes kids remember the facts and I'm thrilled to say that jazz legend Bob Dorough - who still plays in small clubs in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains - is back again as Musical Director.

Now 86 years old - but still with his characteristic gray ponytail - he's teaching these songs and facts to what must be his GREAT-grandchildren. If the music didn't make it in these shorts, they'd be forgotten.

I'm really glad Disney chose to release this DVD. It's one of the best things to come out for kids - who can share the joy of the series with their parents - since Christmas. [SR] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: Manny and his boisterous tools are not only dedicated to fixing things right, but also to conserving and preserving the Earth's valuable resources. In Handy Manny Manny's Green Team, the team works together to save baby turtles, restore cool air for the science fair and discover how reflecting light off mirrors helps get a job done.

DVD Verdict: With the upcoming celebration for Earth Day on April 22nd, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is releasing a special Handy Manny DVD titled "MANNY'S GREEN TEAM" with five episodes that revolve around using good sense for green consumption of energy, such as using solar power and more.

And those five episodes include: 1) Saving the Turtles - Jackie of the park calls and the mayor has a request for Manny to create a bike path for the upcoming Sheetrock Festival "Ride Your Bike" Day. But before he creates a bridge, Manny, the tools and Jackie see that turtles are burying their eggs where the bike path is going to be; 2) Manny Goes Solar - Mr. Kumar from the China shop calls Manny to find out if he can put up a new sign for his store. Mr. Kumar wants a moving sign but there are no electrical connections to power a motor that helps the sign move up and down.

3) Science Fair - Senor Lopez, the science teacher of Sheetrock Elementary School calls Manny to fix the air conditioning for a room where people will be coming into for the science fair. Due to a mishap caused by the tools, the science project for the children's are destroyed. But both Senor Lopez and Manny teach the children that a lot of ideas come from accidents and perhaps the accident can lead to something much better; 4) Light Work - Mrs. Portillo calls Manny when they are about to close their shop for the day. Her chandelier has come down from the ceiling and may fall. Manny goes to help fix the chandelier but since they need to turn off the power because of electricity work, they have no light to help Manny see what he's working on.

5) Bloomin' Tools - Jackie calls Manny because her window shutters in her new home is not opening. But when Mandy opens the shutters, there is nothing but a brick wall. So, using some creative ideas, Manny comes up with an idea to help her utilize the window. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

"HANDY MANNY" comes with a game and helfpul tips on becoming part of the green team:
Livin' La Vida Verde (Recycle Game) - The game has you explore Manny's workshop and you can find objects and learn which can be reused and recycled
Manny's Green Checklist - This feature utilizes your DVD-Rom of your PC or Mac and you can read about seven green tips. This is more of a page that is viewed on your web browser and not interactive.

Overview: True love is calling, but you never know whom you’ll find on 'The Other End of the Line'! When a beautiful customer-service operator in India falls for a charming American executive over the telephone, they’re in for a serious case of mistaken cultural identity.

DVD Verdict: Granger Woodruff (Jesse Metcalfe) runs a small marketing firm that has recently run into a few snags. Their biggest potential client, a major hotel chain, rejects their latest pitch sending them back to the drawing board. To make matters worth, Granger discovers that he's been the target of credit card fraud and must spend hours on the phone with a credit card representative to sort the legitimate charges from the fraudulent ones. On the other end of the line, Priya Sethi (Shirya) in India has perfected the art of Americanization. She has the lingo, the pop culture references and the accent down pat. Convinced Priya lives in California, Granger and Priya blossom a phone relationship that sweeps the two up in a romance neither expected (even if we did).

Over in India, Priya's parents have their hearts set on a man for her arranged marriage unaware that Priya's heart belongs to a man she's never actually met. Pushing her and her fiancée-to-be ever closer, the parents are shocked to discover that Priya has suddenly left for California for a rendezvous with Granger. Where The Other End of the Line had a chance to escape from You've Got Mail's shadow is when Granger and Priya's rendezvous goes awry after he fails to recognize her at their meeting place. With the uncomfortable circumstance of explaining who she really is out of the way, she starts her relationship with Granger anew using her actual name in place of the telephone pseudonym she'd been using all along.

The Other End of the Line doesn't stray outside the lines - ever. It finds its niche, its groove, and just rides it all the way to the end. The moment Granger and Priya will have their first conflict - you'll see it coming. The new slogan that wins Granger the contract - you see it as soon as it pops up. The movie dances about with the grace of Roseanne Barr and pretty much lumbers into each and every formulaic checkpoint. Jesse Metcalfe was at least entertaining in John Tucker Must Die - but then again, he didn't have to carry that one on his shoulders. 'The Other End of the Line' doesn't bode well for his leading performance capabilities.

It's a shame too, as he's certainly charming enough, but just can't elevate material without any inspiration. Shirya is another one of those beautiful gems from India who can act but really doesn't have much presence. It's all in all a very basic piece with neither Metcalfe nor Shirya having to do much beyond read their lines with a hint of love struck wonder in their eyes. [AM] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs, but does not come with any Special Features.

Overview: The greatly anticipated follow up to the platinum selling Beyond the Pale. In this Austin performance that capped off the 2008 sold-out stand up tour, Gaffigan does not let the audience catch their breath. This all-new show proves no other comedian working today can romanticize laziness and over-indulgence like Jim Gaffigan.

DVD Verdict: "KING BABY" is another enjoyable comedy performance from Jim Gaffigan. Compared to many comedians featured on Comedy Central DVD's that would get into the sex and drop a bit of profanity in their routine, Gaffigan's comedy is not risque or profane. It's straight up comedy about subjects that everyday people often wonder about and it's just the way it's delivered is how hilarious it can be.

I can type an example of his jokes on this review and realize, by typing it...it won't be funny. It's all about Gaffigan's delivery of the jokes, one after the other and he can go on five minutes about bacon and people will still be laughing. His demeanor is calm and when he says he's a lazy guy or talks about certain foods, you kind of believe he's not BS'ing and that his comedy is part of the way he really perceives things.

That is the upside to his comedic performance, the downside is that some jokes may go a bit too long for some people. Some may wonder how long can Gaffigan joke about bacon and the fact that he's talking about bacon or ketchup, some may find his comedy a bit too safe. No hardcore sex jokes, no making fun of people in the audience, it's straightforward comedy about things in life that are daily occurrences but Gaffigan knows how to take those things and make it funny.

And as mentioned, 70-minutes of concert performance is great but Gaffigan fans will truly be happy to know that there are a good number of special features included on the DVD. If there was anything that I could of hoped for is that like a few other Comedy Central DVD's, some come with a CD of the actual live performance. That would have been cool to listen to some Gaffigan on a long commute and I hope they consider it for his next comedy DVD release.

All in all, Gaffigan's style of comedy may not be for everyone. For those who are wanting comedy with profanity and jokes about ethnicities or sex, this is not one of those comedy DVD's. But if you are wanting to watch a comedian who can make jokes out of topics such as bowling, laziness, ketchup, garbage bags, pillows, deodorant, bacon and more ... Gaffigan knows how to deliver. Definitely check "King Baby" out! [DA] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Pale Force: If you've never seen Gaffigan's cartoon Pale Force, you're in for a treat. It's basically Jim Gaffigan and Conan O'Brien as pale superheroes who stop evil with their paleness. Conan is usually portrayed as a wimp. There's three episodes here, but they're very short.
Our Massive Planet: Some sort of nature show that Gaffigan hosted where he rants about animals. Short segments, and not really funny, in my opinion. Still, there are four here for you to enjoy.
Never Aired British Interview: This is an interview from the UK that's about six and a half minutes long. It's played for laughs at some points, like the origin of the name of his tour, "The Sexy Tour". Gaffigan rambling about he's sexy the entire time is pretty funny.
XM/Sirius Interview: This is a half hour interview with Jim Gaffigan and it's pretty much more of his brand of humor while there are a few actual interview bits here and there. Another entertaining extra.
Atlanta Meet and Greet On Demand: On demand content from "The Sexy Tour". It's hit or miss here, but there are a few bits that are funny.
The Sexy Tour: Friday Night Stand up: These are the segments that aired when Gaffigan hosted Friday Night Stand Up on Comedy Central, while promoting the tour.
Beyond the Pale Tour: Friday Night Stand up: This is a similar set of segments, only for the previous "Beyond the Pale" tour.

Overview: A suburban housewife (Kim Basinger) is forced to fend for herself when she becomes stranded in a desolate forest with four murderous thugs. What starts off as a quick trip to the mall ends in the woods with a fight for her life. All she has is a toolbox and her will to survive.

DVD Verdict: Watching this straight-to-DVD fair, Kim Basinger reminded me of why she is one of the best actresses of the last 20 years. I would recommend this movie to anyway who enjoys an on the edge of your seat thriller where a women takes her life into her own hands.

Based (oh, so loosely) around the Little Red Riding Hood tale, some of the kill scenes are some of the best I have seen in a while - including one where Kim Basinger kills one of the thugs using something as simplistic as a tire iron ... listen as those smack to the head hit hard and fast!

Also note that the special effects we have come to love from Guillermo Del Toro movies are on full display. The raw, gritty, and at times surrealistic elements of Don Murphy movies can be seen throughout. And finally, a surprise twist ending that I would have literally never guessed! Watch this DVD today as it is fresh, chilling and BRILLIANT! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio commentary with writer/director Susan Montford and producer Don Murphy
The Making of 'While She Was Out' Featurette
Theatrical Trailer

Overview: Taped live before a sold-out audience at the WaMu Theater at New York Citys Madison Square Garden, 'Ricky Gervais: Out of England The Stand-Up Special' is a high-spirited hour of offbeat observations and understated humor from the actor/comedian/writer/director.

DVD Verdict: In truth, I watched this special on HBO over Thanksgiving 2008, and it was one of the funniest acts I have seen in awhile. I would consider Ricky Gervais on the fast track to one of the best comedians ever. His humor while edgy at times, is extremely clever. I am a huge fan of George Carlin (R.I.P.), Larry Miller, and Bill Cosby, and Ricky Gervais can entertain using anyone of the styles used by these comedians.

Now admittedly, some parts you simply don't watch this with your children or grandmother and others are perfectly fine for anyone. You'll either know when as they start to appear or watch it beforehand to prepare accordingly - which might actually be the safest/best bet!

What was a little frustrating from such a funny man, was that I think Fosters beer must have sponsored this event - as he kept drinking from his can of Fosters ... and it just seems like he was getting paid for it!

Anyway, the show is not very long (70 minutes) and there is a 10-minute "Interview" as a bonus - though half of that 10 minutes is devoted to replaying scenes you've already seen in the concert! Good stuff though, for the most part, trust me! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Feature of:

A Conversation with Ricky Gervais (10 mins.)

Overview: Comic superstar and three-time Emmy® Award-winner Chris Rock stars in his fifth solo HBO stand-up performance. Kill The Messenger features Chris Rock from three international performances - at South Africa's Carnival City Casino, Londons Carling Apollo Hammersmith and New York 's legendary Apollo Theater - where he delivers his unique, adults-only take on dozens of social, political and celebrity issues.

DVD Verdict: Chris Rock is not just a comedian. He doesn't just tell jokes (anymore). He's a truly smart guy that sees the world for what it is...and then shares his view of it with you. And the world is clearly a very very funny place.

Political views. Racial views. Religious views. Social views. His views on plain old common sense....Whether you agree with his views or not, he'll make you laugh. He might even make you mad with some of his views...but that's the point. Oh, you mean the stuff you agree with is funny, but the stuff that you don't agree with isn't??? C'mon!

Rock's 2008 HBO special 'Kill the Messenger' is Chris Rock at his best. Some of the act does seem familiar just because (most of us?) now know his routine so well after so many fine years. You have his previous HBO specials: from "Big *** Jokes" 14 years ago when he used to simply "tell jokes", to his breakthrough specials starting in 1996 that established Rock for the unique style and delivery that he is now famous for {Bring The Pain (1996), Bigger and Blacker (1999), and Never Scared (2004)}. And of course you also have years and years of TV and movies to go with his signature HBO persona.

So, while some of the act may seem a bit familiar, rest assured that the subject matter is fresh. The only annoyance (albeit a slight annoyance) with the Kill the Messenger performance is the 3-venue video splicing presentation. In other words, you'll see Rock start a joke in New York, but then finish it in London or South Africa (not necessarily in that order); this splicing effect was distracting for me, but may not bother you.

So do go ahead and hit the buy button for a night of laughs if you didn't have the good fortune to catch this on HBO. One other word of caution is that the material is very timely. [Sky] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: One of the most successful British comedies of all time is coming to America! Meet Matt Lucas and David Walliams, who are bringing their smash hit Little Britain stateside with the all-new HBO series Little Britain USA. The series will feature familiar Lucas/Walliams personas from their original show, as well as new characters created expressly for this series. In addition, Little Britain USA will feature guest appearances including Paul Rudd, Rosie O’Donnell, Hayden Pantierre, and Sting.

DVD Verdict: 'Little Britain USA' is a different kind of program from the usual 'Little Britain.' When I was first introduced to the show, I was a little confused - "it seems like it is just the same two guys doing the same bunch of characters and ... oh, I see now!

Different skits and stories!" Once I was into the second episode of 'Little Britain's Season (series) One and began to 'get it' finally, I went back, watched episode one and then was hooked thereafter. The characters are always hilarious, and David Walliams and Matt Lucas never cease to amaze me with their creations, writing, and comedic talents. All that to say: Be sure to introduce yourself to the actual British version as well.

Now, in 'Little Britain USA' there was one thing in the commentary that was said that I acknowledged watching the series: They wrote the series and re-wrote some of the characters to make it more "fitting" for a USA audience. That was not necessary at all. I loved the new "American" characters they've created, but was ever so happy to see Lou and Andy, Sebastian, Vickie Pollard, and Daffyd Thomas. My suggestion in the future is to write the show their way and NOT try to Americanize it. Lucas and Walliams are geniuses and need to just stick with doing it their way.

There are a few running storylines throughout the 6 episodes (I assume the series was cut short to 6 episodes as in Season Two the costumes took up a lot of budget). We're reintroduced to "Bitty" as a family with an overprotected infantile son visit their American Cousins, two HILL-arious bank robbers, and even funnier body builders. I love grandma and the grandson on the front porch having discussions. There are one-off jokes like the cop and his gun collection and hunters who go after "big" game.

Still, for me I was most attentive to see some of the original characters from the original series (mentioned above) who I love. They're such well rounded characters with great personalities and are very, very funny. If you can, be sure to watch 'Little Britain Series' 1 - 3, 'Little Britain Abroad,' and 'Little Britain Live.' I love all those shows a LOT. Especially Lou and Andy! [KW] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentaries by both stars on each of the six episodes
Deleted Scenes
Documentary
Gag Reel

Overview: Actor Chris Lilley goes back to high school as a trio of warped misfits--including a Polynesian problem child, an overzealous drama teacher, and a patronizing female exchange student - in this irreverent Australian series. Ringing true with the cliques and cliches of school life, the deadpan show is hilarious at mining the absurdities and pains of adolescence.

DVD Verdict: High school is a fruitful, feisty and furtive time in our lives. It's something we endure, some thrive, others wither and die, setting a course of their lives. Chris Lilley, comedian, spreads his special take on this time through the "mockumentary" format of his show "Summer Heights High".

What impressed me most about his journey in this show is his creation of three absolutely complete and thorough characters. While they all somehow resemble each other, both in looks and in attitudes, they are extremely diverse, and there are times that you will love these people and hate them as well. His Mr. G, a flamboyant drama teacher who's ego cannot possibly fit in the staff room, puts on the musical of the year, about himself and a dead girl he never knew. Ja'Mie, a popular rich girl from a snobby school, spreads her charm (and lack of it) around the school with her gaggle of girls she's using to be in the popular crowd. And Jonah, a Polynesian student with a learning disability who's teased relentlessly for his race and struggles with culturally insensitive teachers.

Lilley's performance through the show is remarkable as he inhabits and lives in the skins of his people. While designed as a comedy, and certainly rife with many comedic moments, what struck me, as a teacher, was the serious issues he covers and uncovers in these eight all too short episodes. Most impressively, is the character of young Jonah, who never really has a chance to excel between his disability and his lack of adult protagonists in his life, save one teacher who loves him for who he is. That story touched me deeply, and as the series ended, it was his story that resonates. How many Jonahs have we lost in our schools for precisely the same reason?

Daring, risky, and occasionally on the edge between humor and inappropriateness, "Summer Heights High" is quite the show. I would love to see more. [JH] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Outtakes
Deleted Scenes

Overview: Clive Barker has unleashed a nightmare like no other; a deliciously depraved vision of hell on earth that changed the face of horror forever. Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, and Doug Bradley - as the iconic "Pinhead" star in this extreme saga of leave after death, pleasure beyond pain, an ancient puzzle box and the legion of Cenobites that feed upon human suffering. Now for the first time ever Hell Comes to Blu Ray.

DVD Verdict: First, let me say, I don't even care for these kind of films much anymore; I have seen many horror films in my time, and just reached my saturation point. So many are simply bad, and in the day of everything being a retread of an old movie, I really don't bother much. And psychologically, I can't get into watching suffering, even if it's only protrayal.

That being said, something good is good, no matter what it is. "Hellraiser" is such a case, a story about hedonism; pursuing pleasure, regardless of the consequences. It has been said, here and elsewhere, that when taken to its utmost degree, pleasure and pain are intermingled, and the opening sequence of this film, once the box is bought and put into use, depicts a scene of such horrific events, one can't imagine experiencing it. It's quick, but intense, and very graphic.

The man in the first scene appears throughout, mostly in flashbacks, as his sister-in-law's lover, in a torrid sexual relationship, where she says she would do "anything" for him, and anything she does. Upon his reappearance, in a very degraded state, he convinces her to bring people back to the house and bludgeon them to death, where Frank takes a little something from the victim each time, slowly becoming whole again. The sex, blood, and violence in this story are relevant to the plot, as so many movies just have sex, blood, and violence for the sake of sex, blood, and violence. Each victim claimed by Julia, further restores Frank a little more, and he spends a large part of the story looking like what you'd find in a hospital's burn unit. It looks painful.

Frank's brother, Larry, is the good guy, and doesn't know what his new wife is doing, but his daughter, Kirstie finds out, and goes the distance to stop it. She's a nice girl, and has never liked Julia, a typical step-mother/step-daughter relationship. But this is a vile human being, this Julia; she and Frank deserve one another.

In the events of the story, Kirsty meets four demonic beings whose job it is to take people to the darkness, to pay the price for their selfish pleasure. They were once human, and bear the scars of their transformation, and part of their fright, is their total indifference to the plight of the victims. They simply don't care; it's all in a day's work. The leading one, allows Kirstie to barter with them, as she points out Frank has escaped them. She didn't pursue hedonistic pleasure/pain, and she summoned them purely by accident. It is her job, to now lead them to Frank, and to avoid being claimed herself.

In 1987, even with budget restrictions, this was a state-of-the-art film, although it looks like a movie made that long ago. I can't stand pepople lambasting a film with words like "dated." Well, Duh! It came out a long time ago, it isn't going to look like it was released last week! And lack of resources make a film a more commendable project, as today proves, bigger budgets often take the place of ingenuity. The majority of scenes here were done in one or two takes, as time and money were an issue. Yes, it's nice to have more at your disposal, but it often takes the drive to excel away.

The disc was a vast improvement over the tape, but this blu ray takes the cherry on the cake award - sharper picture, clearer sound and so forth. Incredible, simply incrfedible! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Mr. Cotton, I Presume? An Interview with Star Andrew Robinson
Actress From Hell: An Interview with Star Ashley Lawrence
Hellcomposer: An Interview with Composer Christopher Young
HELLRAISER: Resurrection
Under The Skin Doug Bradley on HELLRAISER
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Clive Barker and Ashley Lawrence, Moderated by Screenwriter Peter Atkins
Trailers, TV Spots, Behind-The-Scenes Galleries, Posters & Advertising Gallery, DVD-ROM: First Draft Screenplay, DVD-ROM: Final Draft Screenplay, and Storyboard Gallery.

Overview: The Seventies were sexy and sleazy. At the epicenter of it all was Plato's Retreat, the controversial, first-ever swingers club. In New York's conservative Upper West Side, Plato's embraced adventurous couples who came to dance, to swim, and... to swap. It was the start of a revolution. The brainchild of Larry Levenson, the self-proclaimed King of Swing, Plato's Retreat quickly emerged as the mainstay of public sex for the me generation, welcoming anyone and everyone.

DVD Verdict: Matthew Kaufman's and Jon Hart's by-the-numbers documentary sticks to the rise and fall of Larry Levenson's infamous New York swingers club Plato's Retreat as strictly as it was infamously back in the day (1977-1985). Incorporating within it so much "aura" grainy black-and-white footage of sexual interaction, it's like an oldern-day porno - without the pay off!

Taking place inside the club's Manhattan locations where heterosexual couples - from blue collar workers to celebrities - paid $25 to freely experiment, the film combines interviews with former patrons, Levenson family members, and television interview footage with Levenson, to present a time capsule of America's shift from the free-love attitudes of the '60s and '70s to the fear-based era of AIDS.

Ergo, 'American Swing' is interesting as a time capsule of a near and yet strangely distant age. Yet the movie never goes beyond that curiosity factor. In the end, the impression isn't that much different from one given by the club's own patrons - it's fascinating, disgusting, sexy and sad ... probably like a night at Plato's itself! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

Overview: Paul Rodgers is the possessor of one of the great rock voices. As the frontman of first Free and then Bad Company he also established himself as one of the great rock performers and a classic songwriter. This Blu-ray was filmed in Glasgow on his sell out autumn 2006 UK tour and features powerful performances of songs from across his career.

DVD Verdict: Paul Rodgers is the best voice in rock today! There, I said it. In dact, of all the 1960s and 1970s singers, his voice has been preserved the most. It's almost magical how great he sounds in concert these days.

This Blu ray is amazing quality, picture perfect, clear as a button! I am the biggest Free fan on earth, and in theory, it's hard for me to watch other musicians play Free's music, but Rodgers' solo band does a respectful, inspired job. The always dependable Howard Leese (from Heart; now with Rodgers since the early or mid-1990s) fires off great, tasteful solos without ever aping or making fun of the late great Paul Kossoff.

Rodgers' solo bassist here, a classically trained violinist, does great fretwork on the five-string bass (he has hovercraft feet though - the boy can't stand still!) Collective Soul's drummer is the one behind the kit here, and despite a week's worth of practice, he is really quite good.

The show opens with Free's 'I'll Be Creepin' and first comes the drummer, then bass, then each of the two guitarists enter and join in. Rodgers is flawless and I hope I look as fit as he does when I'm nearing 60 years old! The band is excellent, as mentioned, and although the song selection is heavy on Free material, well, what's not to love!?

Indeed, all the essential Free songs are all pretty much here - 'Alright Now,' 'Wishing Well,' 'Ride a Pony,' 'Be My Friend,' 'I'm a Mover' and my favorite, 'Fire and Water.' For classic rock followers or anyone wanting to hear just plain ol' good music and watch a rock legend master at work, I highly recommend this Blu ray (or even, of course, the DVD!) This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Interview with Paul Rodgers
Interview with the Band
Interview with the Fans
Special Guest Performance: Steven Rodgers - 'Sunshine'

Overview: Get ready to rock! Five episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series are on DVD for the first time ever, including the bonus episode Ready, Set, Don't Drive. Hannah Montana: Keeping It Real features awesome guest stars Corbin Bleu and Dwayne Johnson!

DVD Verdict: I mean, unless you've been hiding under a huge rock for the past few years, you'll already know that 'Hannah Montana' is one of Disney Channel's hottest tween series' ... ever! As the world s favorite pop princess, Hannah Montana (aka sweet Southern gal Miley Stewart) has amazing one-in-a-million experiences that happen in the blink of an eye and they all come with drama.

But, if you are unaware to who she is, well, Hannah Montana is a cute show about a 14 year old girl living a double life. By day she is Miley Stewart, an average teen girl living an average life, but by night she's Hannah Montana, teen pop sensation. Miley usually likes to keep her second life on the down low but in this collection she is tempted to throw caution to the wind and reveal her secret to the world.

So, what's on here that people might have an issue with. Well, perhaps it could be that fellow Disney-file Raven Symone actually is pretty hilarious, is also a great actress, and can actually sing - that might irk kids and followers of Ms. Symone, as she has disappeared off the Disney map recently!

Miley Cyrus, on the other hand, well, some say she can't act that good, that she is an "OK singer," and that she can only sing rock/alternative music because her voice is so raspy.

Well, there's two sides to every story ... and these five hilarious episodes (all direct from the smash-hit Disney Channel original TV series - and featuring such stunts as using her secret Hannah identity to build her Hollywood career; to get her driver's license; and to win the hearts of the cutest boys like hottie Johnny Collins, ie: Corbin Bleu) are all packed into 'Hannah Montana: Keeping It Real.' And oh, sweet niblets, don't be forgetting those wonderful special guest appearances!This is a Full Screen Presentation enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
Bonus Episode - Hannah Montana Ready, Set, Don't Drive
Miley's Makeover - Hannah Gets A New Look

www.DisneyDVD.com

The New Hannah - Clip:

Overview: After 25 years in the force, Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe has lost his appetite for the job. After taking a bullet in the line of duty, he plans to take early retirement and open his dream restaurant, Pie in the Sky. But his accountant wife, Margaret, doesn’t think the numbers add up. And his former boss, ACC Fisher (Malcolm Sinclair, Casino Royale), connives to keep Crabbe on the force to cover up for his own incompetence.

DVD Verdict: 'Pie in the Sky' debuted on BBC1 in the U.K. in March 1994 and aired for five series. But, quite how it managed such a feat is beyond me! I mean, from the off (and by the 'off' I mean the first four episodes, at least) we get no muurders, no mysteries, no shinanegans in the slightest! Indeed, save for some cooking tips and some kitchen etiquette, well it might as well be a cooking show!

That said, 'Pie In The Sky' features the brilliant character-driven actor Richard Griffiths ('Harry Potter') as the taciturn former policeman, Henry Crabbe. Now, the basic set up behind this working for the police but still semi-retired malarkey is that at the end of the first episode, DI Crabbe is shot in the leg in a botched capture (by blink-and-you'll-miss-it guest star, Michael Kitchen - Foyle’s War), and thus is accused of something a little more devious; in the manner that allowed his man to go free.

So, and with just 7 weeks left before a full retirement, the force put a hold on that, allowing him semi-retirement from the police to set up his own restaurant, Pie In The Sky. And, while he would much rather be left to his own devices in the kitchen, he is brought back each episode to solve some form of police annoyance for them - which is their end of the deal, whilst things concerning his full retirement are "looked into."

The first four episodes are, as noted above, nothing short of mystery boredom, and there is not one lover of British mysteries or thrillers that will take this to their hearts, sorry. I mean, I was watching the entire opening three seasons of 'Wire In The Blood' the other day and they get you knee deep in the thick of murder within one minute! Even 'Midsomer Murders' get you a little sticky in blood before the 20 minute mark. But this, being classified as a "Detective Series" on its front cover, ... er ... no!

The first episode, 'The Best of Both Worlds' is a set up for his situation; the second 'The Truth Will Out' is even slower, meandering in its so-called plot of having Crabbe try to locate a missing policeman. Nobody does anything much here, but we do get to see the revealing of the finished Pie In The Sky restaurant that Crabbe has invested all his money into - which doesn't seem big enough to swing a dead cat in, to be honest.

Whereas episode three, 'An Innocent Man' shows us some nice countryside and railway scenes, but not much else as Crabbe runs an investigation into one of his regular customers; and then, finally, in episode four 'Once A Copper' we get a little mystery that involves visiting Japanese dignitaries - with a nice, moral ending toboot! Ahhhhh, but then come episode five, 'A Shot In The Dark' we finally get a little murder/mystery to delve into when a pilot in a small import business is shot dead. And although it wasn't exactly deep in its plot, the ending was satisfying for us mystery fans.

Episode six, 'Undesirable Elements' sends what Crabbe initially believes to be on a wild goose chase, but quickly turns out to harbor a hidden agenda, set in motion by Freddy Fisher. A few red herrings and some silly flashbacks and the ending is seen coming, but enjoyable nonetheless. Episode seven, 'Passion Fruit Fool' sees Fisher on vacation, but Crabbe still knee deep in anything that sways him from working on his menus. Indeed, albeit for the introduction of a very young Andy Serkis ('Lord of the Rings' trilogy as "Gollum") as a thief friend of young chef Steve's, the entire episode goes nowhere fast. Save for the joke of "Gollum" starting of in Middleton before heading for Middle Earth, of course!

Episode eight, 'A Matter Of Taste' has Crabbe investigating a smash and grab at an upmarket wine store. Again showing Margaret out of the cramped surrounds of the restaurant, it is the lovely Maggie Steed that runs this show. A quick appearance from Pete Postlethwaite ('Brassed Off') as a City Inspector of Residential Buildings is brilliant, but the rest is just lite-caper fare. Episode nine, 'Who Only Stand and Wait,' centers around the discovery of the remains of a young French woman murdered some 18 years earlier. A good tale with a 'Primal Fear'-esque nod at its end, it certainly shows that there can be mystery found within these episodes after all.

The final episode, 'Endangered Species' tells the sage old tale of conversation activists on the rampage against the building of a new motorway through some age old woods. But things take a nasty turn for the worse when mysterious hooded thugs start to intimidate the activists; whose lead, The Fox actually went on to star in 'Wire In The Blood' as a young DI!!

It's doubtful we will ever see the likes of 'Pie In The Sky' again, except in repeats as there are not any shows these days that you could sit down with the whole family - regardless of age - and tune in to witness some, good clean (albeit some of them boring as tasteless pancakes) family episodes of mystery. These are all Full Screen Presentations (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Features of:

Interview with star Maggie Steed
Production Notes
'Steak & Kidney Pie' - Complete Recipe
Biography of Richard Griffiths

Overview: Like Agatha Christie, the name Ruth Rendell has become universally recognized as a quality British mystery “brand.” With intellectually challenging plots, unique psychological depth, and clear-eyed social observations, these Inspector Wexford mysteries, Simisola and Road Rage, reinforce the brand’s sterling reputation.

DVD Verdict: Ruth Rendell, nay Baroness Rendell of Babergh, CBE, the much revered British mystery author, has written countless whodunits over the past four decades. Not all have stood the test of time, and some (created for TV ones especially) have just been a huge snoore bore!

With many of her novels requiring the stalwart Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford (George Baker) to investigate all the mess of twisted alibis and devious motivations, it's no shock to discover he's back amongst the pigeons in these two mysteries. But you see, therein lies the problem, as these episodes are far from new. Indeed, both episodes have been out on single DVDs for many years now, so why the need to create a special Set 4 for them is quite beyond me.

'Simisola' tells the story of CI Wexford’s Nigerian-born physician asking him to look into the abrupt disappearance of his 22-year-old daughter. The trail eventually leads Wexford (Baker, whose first major film role was in the 1950s swashbuckler, 'The Moonraker') and DI Mike Burden (Christopher Ravenscroft, who himself starred in 1989's 'Henry V') to two murders, where the investigators become entabgled within an emotionally charged case - one further complicated by racial and class misunderstandings.

The only thing that really still strikes me about this film is the British accents. They are very deep, grounded, earthy - especially when lower class characters are speaking. And so it makes the wonderful, UK-born dialogues difficult to understand at times, especially snared in the midst of argumentative moments!

However, 'Road Rage' (taken from season 11 in the UK TV series run) is the story of environmental activists. Disrupting the construction of a highway bypass, a girl's badly decomposed (and strangled / sexually assaulted) body is found, and cabdriver Stanley Trotter is suspected of murder. As clashes between protesters and security forces escalate into violence, a radical group engineers a series of kidnappings, with Wexford’s beloved wife among the hostages.

Originally split into a three-parter, in its own box-set too, the film explores how a righteous cause becomes clouded with violence when a militant eco-terrorist group called "The Sacred Globe" soon emerges on the scene in Kingsmarkham. Featuring a lot of moments of upper-class involvement in eco-terrorist movements, 'Road Rage' may well be trying to overly-state a point (from back in time now, of course) but is still wonderful visual Rendell entertainment. These are both Full Screen Presentations (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with the Special Features of:

Super Sleuths: Inspector Wexford, a documentary featuring George Baker
Ruth Rendell Biography

Overview: Acclaimed filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen deliver their most gripping and ambitious film yet in this sizzling and supercharged action-thriller. Based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy, and featuring an acclaimed cast led by Tommy Lee Jones, this gritty game of cat and mouse will take you to the edge of your seat and beyond - right up to its heart-stopping final moment.

DVD Verdict: If you've had water cooler chats about 'NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN,' you've probably heard it described as "disturbing" - even by people who loved it! Even the film's detractors have to admit that it packs a wallop. Of course, since it IS the Coen Brothers, you might expect that the amount of blood spilled would be effectively countered by any number of laugh out loud moments.

Well, not quite. There IS humor in 'NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN,' but overall, the film's vision is as bleak as the West Texas landscape it depicts. Like the preceding films in the Coen oeuvre, this movie drips irony, and conventions are subverted right and left. There's much that can be savored intellectually and aesthetically. And then, there's the level of violence, which, frankly, many will find off-putting. And if law officer dealing with all this carnage is the sharp, but world weary Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones, natch) and not the smart, funny and life-affirming (and life bearing) Marge Gunderson of their earlier masterpiece FARGO, well, you are missing at least ONE leavening touch.

Of course, neither the Coen Brothers nor any filmmaker should be required to always leave the viewer with that little ray of hope. Whereas in previous films, their vision might have been described as absurd, here the Brothers Coen veer towards the nihilistic. And that will leave a lot of viewers as cold as the film's numerous corpses. They are, of course, adapting the work of novelist Cormac McCarthy, and reportedly did not stray too far from their source work. That may account for a lot.

Filmmakers as original as the Coens do not deal primarily in adaptations, although, in this film, and its immediate predecessor, the re-make of 'THE LADYKILLERS,' we may be seeing something of a reversal of that trend. The brothers have said on many occasions that the source novel was perfect material for them, and I certainly won't dispute that assertion substantially. I will suggest, however, that in films their original screenplays, evildoers are, in the main, quite human and sometimes even oddly sympathetic.

Put simply, 'NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN' is what it is: the stuff nightmares are made of. Thematically, its themes of happenstance and fate, the futility of our best laid schemes are classic Coen. No earlier film of theirs has ever weighed on me so oppressively as this. But I won't deny its excellence. Whether future films will prove as bleak and (yes) "disturbing" as this one remains to be seen. The fact that they followed it up with the comic 'BURN BEFORE READING' is a sign at least that it won't all be existential angst from here on out!

As for the luscious Blu ray special features, well they are simply abounding, but my fa two are: "The Making Of No Country For Old Men" - which lasts just under half an hour and is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a Coen Brothers' movie. In features interviews with the Coen Brothers, cast and crew and even focuses on how certain cast members were selected.

The other one was the "Josh Brolin Unauthorized' - which only may last around 10 mins, but is a very interesting perspective of "behind-the-scenes" work that captures Josh Brolin as he interviews certain cast members and the crew. A dramatic "behind-the-scenes" featuring the cast members with some sort of an edge! This is a Widescreen Version Presentation (2:35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

The making of No Country for Old Men
ABC "Popcorn" video
Channel 4 News Joel And Ethan Coen appearance
Lunch With David Poland - IKLIPZ-Javier Bardem And Josh Brolin interview
WNBC Reel Talk With Lyons & Bailes Josh Brolin
Los Angeles Writers Guild of America Q & A Panel
Six additional audio interviews
Digital Copy: Watch your DVD in the living room and your Digital Copy on the go
Working with the Coens
The Diary of a country sheriff
Josh Brolin's unauthorized behind-the-scenes featurette
Q & A with Joel And Ethan Coen, Roger Deakins and the sound and production crews
Charlie Rose featuring Joel And Ethan Coen, Josh Brolin And Javier Bardem EW.com Just A Minute With Javier Bardem
Variety Screening Series Q & A
In-store Appearance With Javier Bardem And Josh Brolin

Overview: Asia, featuring members of Yes, ELP and King Crimson, was the first “supergroup” of the eighties. In 2006 the original four members reunited for the first time in over 20 years for a series of concerts in the US and the UK. This Blu-ray was filmed in Tokyo in March 2007 on the Japanese leg of the tour.

DVD Verdict: OK, and sorry ahead of time for beng so negative, but I've listened to Asia since their beginning album. I saw the 'Asia in Asia' concert on MTV with Greg Lake stepping in for John Wetton. I was excited when they got back together for their 'Then and Now' album. I have John Wetton's solo works. I listen to ELP, Yes, and I've dabbled with King Crimson. You get my drift, I'm an Asia fan.

And so while I'll give this a great thumbs up for quality because it is the 21st century I'll give it is a thumbs down for their song selection! I mean, it's not like I haven't heard 'Only Time Will Tell' and 'Heat of the Moment' ten thousand times already. But I know that the song selection was done by the group as far as the other non-Asia pieces, but everything that was played was just pretty safe.

Call it what you want, but I would have expected more from these outstanding musicians. And nothing played from the 'Astra' album? And for all the really true die-hard fans out there that supported Asia after they officially broke up, but Downes kept them going bringing in John Payne as lead singer; what about any of those songs from the five albums that they did and especially their last 'Silent Nation' which received critical acclaim. Nothing at all played.

Pretty much a slap in the face to the fans of Asia, both to the Wetton era and Payne era. Of course, this is just my opinion, but so much more could have been done during this tour than what they actually did. Not saying that what they did was terrible or anything, but it just didn't cover enough ground as far as Asia is concerned. I could do without the ELP, Yes, The Buggles songs for more of Asia since they do have a vast catalog.

Although I was never a big fan of John Payne's singing style (it would have been cool to hear Wetton sing some of his songs since Payne sang plenty of Wetton's songs), I think Asia really matured musically through the years with Downes and Payne leading the way for Asia. And now, it appears that Asia wants those years forgotten, not playing any of that material, but Payne and his new band GPS is still out there playing a couple of Asia tunes on his current tour. Go figure.

So, if you loved Asia back in the day and didn't like it that Greg Lake stepped in for the VHS taping of 'Asia in Asia,' then here's your chance to see them again in a much better way - on Blu ray, baby! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Interviews with Asia

Overview: Based on a true-story, a 'A Plumm Summer' tells the remarkable tale of two young brothers, Elliott and Rocky Plumm, who go head-to-head with the FBI in order to crack the "frog-napping" case and get their beloved TV puppet, Froggy Doo back on the air, all the while become local heroes and best friends.

DVD Verdict: 'A Plumm Summer,' the 1968 mystery that three children try to solve. Basically, (and stick with this) but Froggy Doo has been kidnapped! Rocky Plumm, the about 8 year old younger brother of 13 year old Elliot Plumm, is obsessed with a television character Froggy Doo. At a live show, Elliot and Rocky discover that Froggy Doo has been taken. The madcap adventures start there. Elliot, a very shy photographer, gets a crush on the adorable blonde Haley his neighbor. The three start on a mission to recover Frooggy Doo.

The film is supposed to be based on real events. And a quick search turns up that in Billings, Montana a couple of not too bright thieves broke into the local television studio. They stole the Froggy Doo marionette and demanded a $150 ransom. That brings in the FBI and the local police. Apparently Froggy's body was found hanging on a fencepost, and later his head in the back seat of a car all by children. With some huge amounts of creative license, this movie was born.

Is this really great family entertainment? Well, it's pretty good. It's a bit saccharin, too sweet. The little Rocky is simply charming and funny. My 13 year old son laughed at him pretty hard, in the first half. The geeky older brother, totally believeable. The chemistry between Haley and Elliot, not so great. The story line, well it's drug out a bit too far. The film is almost 2 hours long, and could use about a 30 minute haircut.

The first half is pretty funny and enjoyable. The film loses it's way around midpoint with the whole father nonsense. The fater is a drunk, played by William Baldwin (imagine that, such a stretch role for him). There's sort of a needless moment where the father comes home drunk 3 late for Rocky's birthday party. There's a fight between Elliot and his father. Some mean words are exchanged. We also learn that Elliot's mom got pregnant with Elliot before she was married. Frankly, none of this matters to the main plot line. It actually sets up some really needless questions for younger viewers.

Otherwise this is the classic pretty movie, filmed with good lighting, in focus shots, in pristine sets. It's a cut above the Disney methodology. There's almost no grit to this film anywhere. The ending, oh just plain strange. Too happily ever after for anything approaching reality. [DGL] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentary with writer/director Caroline Zelder & writer/producer Frank Antonelli
Gag Reel (3:51)
Deleted Scenes: (2:29)
Behind the scenes music video: (2:40)
Behind the scenes on the red carpet: (6:13)
Theatrical Trailer: (2:16)

Overview: Danny Boyle (Sunshine) directed this wildly energetic, Dickensian drama about the desultory life and times of an Indian boy whose bleak, formative experiences lead to an appearance on his country's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

DVD Verdict: After seeing the trailer when it first came out, I saw 'Slumdog Millionaire' before all the hype started spreading. In my town is a non-profit theater that shows independent and lesser-known films (in addition to the big award winners and cult classics). Anyway, it was there that I first saw this film. I was even more blown away than I expected to be. Not that I had any expectations. It's Danny Boyle. What can you expect?

Danny Boyle has taken us from post-punk to post-apocalyptic England (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later). He's taken us from tropical sands to the sun that heats them (The Beach, Sunshine). Now he's taken us to India. The film is shot as beautifully as you would expect. It will make for fine demo material on Blu-ray. Every scene in this film can be defined as 'eye candy.'

It starts out with a torture scene. Then it cuts to a game show. Then it cuts to a group of boys playing in the slums of Mumbai. This interweaving of flashbacks of flashbacks is really intricate but easy to follow. We are taken on an incredible journey of two slumdog brothers, Jamal and Salim, as they beat impossible odds of survival by being able to think quickly on their feet and looking out for each other (most of the way). How does Jamal end up on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? How does he know the answers to all the questions? Will he know the answer to the final 16 million rupee question? Will he find his one true love?

By the time you find out, you already can't wait to see it again. And so I did. But the second time, I invitede about ten people over to the house, who I had convinced through sheer joy in raving about this film!

Also worth mentioning is the music. While watching 'Slumdog Millionaire' the first time, I made the decision to go out and buy the soundtrack the very next day. It's all so catchy and just as eclectic as the visual aspect of the film. The music and editing are done so effectively that they become characters themselves. Composer A.R. Rahman is now very much on my radar. But I've dragged this review on long enough. I'll let the soundtrack's reviews and Oscars speak for themselves.

If there's anything you should take away from this review, it's this: 'Slumdog Millionaire' is a joy to behold. It is a beautiful film unlike anything you've seen (though it combines many familiar elements): it is a unique, vivid, inspiring, disturbing, funny, depressing and uplifting roller coaster of a film - all within two hours. You will be just as excited experiencing this film upon repeat viewings as you were the first time watching it. The climax will still get your heart beating as fast as it was, even though you know how it ends. You will also find yourself going out of your way to share this film with others. [PB] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentary By Director Danny Boyle & Actor Dev Patel
Audio Commentary By Producer Christian Colson & Writer Simon Beaufoy
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes: Slumdog Dreams - Danny Boyle & The Making Of Slumdog Millionaire, & Slumdog Cutdown
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Trailers

Overview: Skadoosh!! It's the world premiere of Po's all-new adventure from the filmmakers that brought you Kung Fu Panda! He may have defeated the ferocious Tai Lung, but our Dragon Warrior (Jack Black) must now face Shifu's (Dustin Hoffman) biggest challenge with the help of Viper, Tigress, Monkey, Crane and Mantis!

DVD Verdict: So, if you thought Po the panda’s adventures ended with Kung Fu Panda you were wrong. Now a full kung fu master, Po has to face even bigger challenges - like training a group of youngling bunnies!

Indeed, 'Secrets of the Furious Five' finds us rejoining Po after his battle with Tai Long. Here he’s put in charge of training a new class of kung fu students, made up of the bunnies who were so cute in the first movie. Seeing the students bent on learning how to fight, Po instead teaches them about the character traits that are so important in kung fu - confidence, patience, courage, and more.

Each of these lessons comes from telling the students about the early days of the famed “furious five”. It turns out that Tigress, Mantis, Crane, Viper, and Monkey weren’t such perfect kung fu masters all along, and they’ve had to learn important lessons and overcome their own shortcomings.

Clocking in at only 24 minutes, 'Secrets of the Furious Five' really shouldn’t be on its own DVD. Really this is just a short extension of the original movie, much like we’ve been seeing from Pixar on their DVD releases for a while now. Packaging it separately makes it look like more than it is, but this really is just more of a bonus feature than a separate product, which is probably why it’s being released the way it is, I guess. [RT] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

DVD-ROM Feature: Pandamonium Activity Kit
Featurettes: Learn To Draw, Dumpling Shuffle, Learn The Panda Dance, Do You Kung Fu?, Inside The Chinese Zodiac, Animals Of Kung Fu Panda, & What Fighting Style Are You?

Overview: Neil Simon has a special genius for finding the great hilarity in ordinary people doing everyday things. Like two divorced men who decide to share a New York apartment. That's the premise of The Odd Couple, though there's nothing odd in the casting of two Oscar-winning talents like Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau.

DVD Verdict: I grew up with the Tony Randall/Jack Klugman sitcom version of "The Odd Couple." Everything about it is funny. Having seen for the first time the movie, I never before imagined how smart Neil Simon could be. The movie outshines the TV series, and is worth the space on any standard comedy DVD library shelf.

In the TV series, Klugman's Oscar is a bohemian bachelor living in slop, and apparently content. In the movie, Walter Matthau's Oscar is no neater, but five times as deep. Although he lives in a divorced man's squalor of old cigars and warm beer, he wants more. He's lonely for his wife and kids, and regrets not making his alimony payments. His life is so disorganized that he wastes money by squandering cash on dinners out and gambling.

When Felix Ungar, as played by Jack Lemmon, Oscar's poker buddy, comes to stay when his wife divorces him, lifestyles clash.

On the surface, the clash is about organization and housekeeping. More deeply, Felix and Oscar duel as Super Ego and ID. Consistently archetypal, they are, in a more modern sense, like Marge and Homer Simpson, each seeing life through their limited expressions. Felix is uptight, and forever second-guessing himself. Oscar is living life for the moment, and never stopping to consider his responsibilities.

Oscar cares about Felix more than their other poker buddies, and connects with him as alter self, regarding their friendship worth pursuing. Since Felix needs a place to stay, Oscar offers up his ample apartment. The conflicts arise soon after, but not without each appreciating what the other brings to the relationship. Ironies abound when Felix's hypersensitivities gain him the affection of two dimwitted but attractive sisters, and Oscar's unbridled hormones.

Oscar can't help but enjoy Felix's great cooking and cleaning habits. He eats better, saves money, and finds his home is a nice a place to be when cigarette butts don't litter the floor.

No remake could collect such a cast. Matthau and Lemmon are known here as a duo on par with any of the great matches, like Bogie and Bacall, Bing and Bob, or Abbott and Costello. John Fiedler as the soft spoken family man, Vinnie, and Herb Edelman as Murray the cop are casted primely. One reason "The Odd Couple II" misses is this class cast. Matthau and Lemmon bring a lot to the table, but with Murray and Vinnie (plus Monica Evans and Carole Shelley respectively as the giggly sisters, Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon), anything made 30+ years later won't do.

Superbly written, "The Odd Couple" is one of those comedies with intelligence. Never does Neil Simon try to pan off one-liners. Even as Oscar tosses out slicing one-phrased commentaries as swiftly as Grouch Marx, there is more than a quick chuckle behind it. It is the myriad of layers, subtle commentary and sly interjections that lift this script up an extra level, placing it as a classic.

Surprisingly entertaining is the theme. It is the same them as in the TV series, but plays in varied orchestrations throughout the movie's context. It was one of the great TV themes, and to hear it extrapolated in several variations makes it so much more enjoyable. [AT] This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.35:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Audio Commentary By Charlie Matthau & Chris Lemmon
Featurettes: In The Beginning..., Inside The Odd Couple, Memories From The Set, Matthau & Lemmon, & The Odd Couple - A Classic
Original Theatrical Trailer
Photo Galleries

Overview: Cary Grant plays John Robie, a reformed jewel thief who was once known as "The Cat," in this suspenseful Alfred Hitchcock classic thriller. Robie is suspected of a new rash of gem thefts in the luxury hotels of the French Riviera, and he must set out to clear himself.

DVD Verdict: This travel brochure to adventure and romance is one of Alfred Hitchcock's most entertaining films. The gorgeous vistas of the French Riviera are matched perfectly by the stunning duo of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Robert Burks' cinematography was nominated for an Academy Award and Edith Head gives Grace Kelly the look of an American princess. A fine screenplay from Michael Hayes based on a novel by David Dodge, and a light romantic score from Lyn Murray combine with all the other elements to make this a true film classic.

American John Robie (Cary Grant) has been living well in a beautiful villa on the French Riviera for the past 15 years. Once the most notorious thief in France, the man known as "The Cat" has been quiet for many years. He was in prison during the war when the Germans bombed it. He chose to stay and fight with the French Resistance upon his escape, and became a legend. It led to his parole, which is rather precarious now that a string of jewel robberies mimicking his exact style are occuring on the rooftops of the rich.

The French police want him for it, and his old pals are angry that he's brought them this unwanted attention after all these years. Since the only way to clear himself is to catch the thief himself, he hooks up with an insurance agent whose company is paying out the claims on all the robberies and begins a game of cat and mouse with the thief. The cheese in the trap is the delicious Grace Kelly.

Francie Stevens (Kelly) and her mother, Jessie (Jesse Royce Landis), are vacationing on the Riviera. Robie, posing as a lumber tycoon from Oregon, wants to keep they and their diamonds company until the thief strikes. Francie throws off his game, however, when she learns early on who he really is and displays a wild enthusiasm for helping him steal! Robie isn't there to steal, of course, but has trouble convincing Francie of that when her mother's jewels are stolen. Coming on the heels of a romantic interlude between the two, it is especially insulting.

That evening togethe