DVD New Releases: March 2013
March 2, 2013 New DVD Releases
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Extended Edition (2011) Features eight minutes of never-before-seen footage added back into the film by director Bill Condon; includes the theatrical version as well. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Commentary by Condon. (Lionsgate). The Twilight
Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012) Dir.: Bill Condon; Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Anna Kendrick, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Billy Burke, Elizabeth Reaser. Formats: Two-disc DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Forever: Filming Breaking Dawn Part 2" seven-part making-of documentary, "Two Movies at Once" featurette about the simultaneous shooting of both "Breaking Dawn" parts, commentary with director Bill Condon, "Jump to" features that allow fans to watch only their favorite scenes in the film featuring Edward Cullen and Jacob Black, "The Forgotten" Green Day music video. (Lionsgate).
March 5, 2013 New DVD Releases
Abducted: The Carlina White Story (2012) Aunjanue Ellis, Keke Palmer, Sherri Shepherd, Roger Cross. In August of 1987, new parents Joy White and Carl Tyson took their 19-day-old daughter Carlina to Harlem Hospital in New York with a high fever. Ann Pettway, who had suffered a series of miscarriages and was desperate for a child of her own, posed as a hospital nurse and walked out of the hospital with Carlina hidden from view. While Joy and Carl desperately searched for their daughter over the years, Pettway was raising Carlina in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a mere 45 miles from New York City. As Carlina grew older she began to suspect Pettway was not her birth mother and launched her own investigation. A Lifetime Original Movie based on a true story. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Beyond the Headlines: The Carlina White Story" documentary. (Lionsgate).
The Bay (2012) Dir.: Barry Levinson; Kristen Connolly, Christopher Denham, Kether Donohue, Michael Beasley. An ecological disaster that claimed 700 human lives, 2 million fish and 1,000 blackbirds in a small Maryland town is revealed through people's iPhones, Androids, 911 calls and web cams three years after the mysterious parasitic outbreak was covered up by the government. Formats: DVD. Extras: Commentary with director Barry Levinson, "Into the Unknown: Barry Levinson on The Bay" featurette. (Lionsgate).
California Solo (2012) Robert Carlyle, Alexia Rasmussen, Danny Masterson, Kathleen Wilhoite, A Martinez. A former Britpop rocker who now works on a farm near Los Angeles gets caught driving drunk and faces deportation, forcing him to confront the past and current demons in his life. Formats: DVD. Extras: Deleted scene, behind-the-scenes featurette. (Strand Releasing). </dt><dt>
Care Bears: Totally Sweet Adventures (2013) The Care Bears embark on new adventures with a new look, new attitude and new music. Four episodes, $14.98. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Share and Care" sing-along. (Lionsgate).
A Dark Truth (2012) A former CIA agent-turned-political talk show host descends into the treacherous jungles of Ecuador to rescue a team of environmental activists caught up in the criminal corporate cover-up of a violent local massacre. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Behind the Truth" behind-the-scenes featurette. (Sony).
Duck Dynasty Season 2: Volume 1 (2012) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98. Formats: DVD. Extras: Bonus footage. (A&E).
Garbage (2012) Jon Huck, Jed Rees, with special appearances by Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen, Billy Baldwin and Steven Bauer. Two hapless garbage truck drivers become overnight celebrities after an amazing discovery: On a routine garbage run through Hollywood, the pair notice a shiny gold object sticking out of a landfill... Cuba Gooding Jr.'s Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in "Jerry Maguire." Formats: DVD. (Osiris Entertainment).
Gun Hill Road (2011) Esai Morales, Judy Reyes, Miriam Colon, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Franky G. An ex-con returns home to the Bronx after three year in prison to discover his wife estranged and his teenage son exploring a sexual transformation that will put the fragile bonds of their family to the test. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Virgil Films).
H20: Just Add Water: The Complete Season One, The Complete Season Two, The Complete Season Three (2006-10) Each four-disc set includes 13 episodes from each season of Teen Nick's #1 rated series about three normal teenage girls growing up on sun-drenched beaches Down Under who stumble upon an ancient cavern that transforms them into mermaids with magical powers. Formats: DVD, $24.95 each. Extras: Cast photos. (Flatiron Film Company).
Interview With a Hitman (2012) Luke Goss, Caroline Tillette, Stephen Marcus, Danny Midwinter. Viktor is a ruthless Eastern European assassin at the top of his profession. After a ruthless betrayal by the men who trained him, he escapes to London to and joins a new "family", but his past secrets won't fade away and he gets sucked into a viscous power struggle to survive. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital Download. Extras: "The Making of Interview With a Hitman" featurette. (Well Go USA).
The Intouchables (2012) Omar Sy, Francois Cluzet, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot, Clotilde Mollet. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes. (The Weinstein Co./Sony).
Lay the Favorite (2012) Dir.: Stephen Frears; Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rebecca Hall, Joshua Jackson, Vince Vaughn, Laura Prepon, Frank Grillo. A professional odds-maker's (Willis) small-time sports gambling world is turned upside down when he meets up with a former stripper and gambling prodigy (Hall) who helps him score big... and earns the ire of his wife (Zeta-Jones). Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Anchor Bay).
LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Season 2 (2011) Thirteen episodes of the Cartoon Network series. Formats: DVD, $19.98; Blu-ray Disc, $24.98. (Warner).
The Marine 3: Homefront (2011) Mike "The Miz" Mizani, Neal McDonough, Ashley Bell After returning to his hometown on leave, Sgt. Jake Carter (WWE's Mizani) learns that his sister has been abducted by a band of violent extremists. To save her, Carter launches a daring one-man assault on their base of operations... only to discover the group's ruthless leader is plotting a deadly terrorist strike. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Shipwrecked: Breaking Down the Boat, "The Miz Rocks the Boat," "The Miz Declassified," "Casting Call: Ready to Enlist," "Miz Journal." (Fox).
Midnight Stallion (2013) Kris Kristofferson, Jodelle Ferland, Chelah Horsdal. A young girl and her family are rescued from their financial struggle by an unexpected guest: A mysterious, wild stallion in a nearby meadow that may hold the key to saving the family's farm. DOVE-approved family film. Formats: DVD. Extras: Making-of featurette. (Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).
Murdoch Mysteries Collection: Seasons 1-4 The charming hit mystery series features forensic sleuthing in the Age of Invention. 16-disc DVD boxed set and 12-disc Blu-ray set with 52 episodes. (Acorn Media).
Murdoch Mysteries, Season 5 (2012) Murdoch helps a woman accused of murder; investigates an Egyptian curse; experiments with time travel; and crosses paths with Jack London, Henry Ford, and his idol, Alexander Graham Bell. 13 episodes in a DVD 4-disc boxed set and Blu-ray 3-disc set. (Acorn Media).
Playing for Keeps (2012) Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dennis Quaid. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, two behind-the-scenes featurettes: "The Playbook: Making Playing for Keeps" and "Creating an All-Star Team: The Cast of Playing for Keeps." (Sony).
Power Rangers: Clash of the Red Rangers - The Movie (2011) The Samurai Rangers team up with the mysterious RPM Red Ranger to fight off dual threats from Master Xandred's Mooger army and a robotic super villain from the RPM Ranger's dimension. Formats: DVD, $14.98; Digital Extras: "The Power Rangers MEGA Album Playlist" video, "Train Like a Ranger" video, bloopers, "Auditions" featurette. (Lionsgate).
Red Dawn (2012) Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Edwin Hodge, Connor Cruise, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital Download. Extras: TBA. (Fox).
Regular Show: Party Pack (2013) Sixteen episodes from all three seasons of the Emmy Award-winning Cartoon Network animated series. Formats: DVD, $19.82. Extras: Character gallery. (Warner).
Schindler's List - 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (1993) Dir.: Steven Spielberg; Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz. Restored from the original film negative in high definition, supervised by Spielberg. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Voices from the List" documentary with testimonies from those who survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler; "USC Shoah Foundation Story with Steven Spielberg": The director shows how filming "Schindler's List" inspired him to establish the USC Shoah Foundation. (Universal).
Scooby-Doo and the Circus Monsters (2013) New Scooby-Doo compilation includes three funny-bone chilling cases for Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. crew. Formats: DVD, $9.97. (Warner).
The Seven Year Hitch (2012 - TV) Darin Brooks, Natalie Hall, Frances Fisher, Griffin Cleveland, Ryan Doom, George Wendt. Two best friends accidentally take their relationship to the next level and suddenly find themselves saying "I do." Hallmark Movie Channel movie. Formats: DVD.(Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).
Sophia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012) Disney Junior's animated television movie. Formats: DVD. (Disney).
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Friends Forever (2013) Strawberry and Blueberry prepare for the very formal Berry Bitty Buggy Derby. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Never Say Never" music video, printable coloring pages. (Fox).
Thorne (2012) Two episodes ("Sleepyhead" and "Scaredy Cat"), which originally aired on ENCORE as part of their Big Mini-series Showcase, center on the complex and unpredictable Detective Inspector Tom Thorne (David Morrissey) as he goes on an intense chase through chilling crime scenes, deliberately manipulated clues and the darkest depths of London. Formats: DVD. (Anchor Bay).
Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals Thirty Tom & Jerry cartoons featuring some of the tussling twosome's most popular pals, $19.97. The cartoon selection is comprised of several legendary classics, including the Academy Award-winning "The Two Mousketeers." Formats: DVD. (Warner).
Tom and Jerry: Musical Mayhem (2013) Seven Tom and Jerry episodes in a musical themed pack, with the sound of crazy and endless chases, from classical music concerts to evenings at the opera house and waltz rhythms. Formats: DVD, $9.97. (Warner).
Tyler Perry's House of Payne: Volume Ten (2012) Three-disc set, $29.98. Formats: DVD, Digital). (Lionsgate).
Ultramarines (2010) Voices of Terence Stamp, Sean Pertwee, John Hurt. CGI-animated feature-length movie interpretation of the internationally successful Warhammer 40,000 Universe. In the 41st Millennium, the only force that stands between humanity and alien hordes are the Space Marines. Genetically enhanced, clad in power armor and knowing no fear, they are the angels of death. When a select squad of scarred veterans and raw recruits responds to a distant planet's distress beacon, they discover a horrific evil has been unleashed. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Into the Void: Making of Ultramarines," "Between Chaos & Darkness: The World of the Space Marines," "Creating the Daemon," Ultramarines prequel animated onscreen graphic novel. (Anchor Bay).
Waiting for Lightning (2012) The inspirational story of Danny Way, a young boy from a broken home in Vista, Calif., whose passion for skateboarding would one day bring him fame and a lifetime of accomplishments. A visionary skateboarder whose love of big air in half-pipes and on gigantic ramps have garnered him fame and fans around the world, Way decides to attempt the impossible: jump China's Great Wall on a skateboard. Features a who's who of action sports all-stars including Way, Travis Pastrana, Laird Hamilton, Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Mat Hofman, and Ken Block. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Blu-ray Extras: Seven Videos including: "X Games Featurette," "Kauai MegaRamp with Laird Hamilton & Jake Brown," "Woodward MegaDay," "Chronicles of Gnarly & Tribute to Mike Temasky"; deleted scenes; interview with director Jacob Rosenberg. (First Run Features).
Wreck-It Ralph (2012) Voices of John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Jack McBrayer, Sarah Silverman, Ed O'Neill, Alan Tudyk, Rachael Harris, Stefanie Scott, Mindy Kaling, Dennis Haysbert, Adam Carolla, Edie McClurg. Formats: 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), DVD. Extras: "Bit by Bit: Creating the Worlds of Wreck-It Ralph" behind-the-scenes featurette; alternate and deleted scenes; Video game commercials for Fix It Felix Jr., Sugar Rush, Hero's Duty and Fix It Felix Hammer; "Paperman" animated short film that played in theaters before "Wreck It Ralph." Blu-ray adds "Disney Intermission: The Gamer's Guide to Wreck-It-Ralph," a series of 10 video segments offering an inside look at the many video game references, Disney references and other hidden surprises featured in the film. (Disney).
March 12, 2013 New DVD Releases
The Blob (1958) A cult classic of gooey greatness," The Blob" follows the havoc wreaked on a small town by an outer-space monster with neither soul nor vertebrae, with Steve McQueen playing the rebel teen who tries to warn the residents about the jellylike invader. Strong performances and ingenious special effects help "The Blob" transcend the schlock sci-fi and youth delinquency genres from which it originates. Made outside of Hollywood by a maverick film distributor and a crew whose credits mostly comprised religious and educational shorts, "The Blob" helped launch the careers of McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach, whose bouncy title song is just one of this film's many unexpected pleasures. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Formats: Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Two audio commentaries: one by producer Jack H. Harris and film historian Bruce Eder and the other by director Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. and actor Robert Fields; trailer; "Blobabilia!": a gallery of collector Wes Shank's rare trove of stills, posters, props (including the blob itself) and other ephemera; essay by critic Kim Newman. (The Criterion Collection).
Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away (2012) Takes audiences on a wondrous journey across the imaginative landscapes of Cirque du Soleil, capturing the feats of the extraordinary artists up close using cameras that sometimes soar 70 feet in the air. Formats: DVD, two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo, three-disc 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD combo, Digital, UltraViolet. Extras: Featurette, a coupon for 20% off the total ticket price on select Cirque du Soleil live shows. (Paramount).
Curandero: Dawn of the Demon (2005) Carlos Gallardo, Gizeht Galatea, Gabriel Pingarron, Jose Carlos Rui. Action-packed horror flick that takes a couple on a horrifying journey through the deepest bowels of the Mexican underworld. When beautiful federal agent Magdalena calls upon the local curandero for his services to purify a police station, the two suddenly find themselves immersed in a satanic cult's blood-thirsty battleground. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate Home Entertainment and Miramax).
The Devil's in the Details (2012) Ray Liotta, Emilio Rivera, Joel Mathews. A veteran soldier is kidnapped by a drug cartel's ruthless enforcer and forced to help smuggle a fortune in drugs across the border... or see his innocent wife and daughter killed; only a former Navy SEAL can help bring an end to the family's nightmare. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD. Extras: "The Making of The Devil's in the Details." (RLJ Entertainment/Image Entertainment).
Duke (2012) A homeless Iraq War vet leaves his dying dog and best friend, Duke, on the doorstep of a clinic. The dedicated staff nurse Duke back to health, and then launch a campaign to locate the vet and re-unite him with his best pal. Hallmark Movie Channel original. Formats: DVD, $14.93. (Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).
The First Time (2012) Dylan O'Brien, Britt Robertson, Victoria Justice, James Frecheville. A romantic comedy centered on two high schoolers: Dave, who until now has pined for a girl he can't have, and Aubrey, a creative type who's dating a guy who doesn't quite understand her. Formats: DVD. (Sony).
Foyle's War: The Home Front Files (Sets 1-6) Michael Kitchen stars as DCS Christopher Foyle, who investigates crimes on the home front as WWII rages. The 22-disc set features the complete U.K. broadcast edition of the 22 mysteries, plus interviews with series writer and creator Anthony Horowitz, co-stars Anthony Howell and Honeysuckle Weeks, making-of documentaries, notes on a real-life Foyle, and more. Formats: DVD, $149.99. (Acorn Media).
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys - Season Four (1997-98) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $26.98. Formats: DVD. (Universal).
Hitchcock (2012) Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Toni Collette, Jessica Biel, Danny Huston, Kurtwood Smith, Ralph Macchio, James D'Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg. Formats:Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scene, "Becoming the Master: From Hopkins to Hitchcock," "Obsessed With Hitchcock," Sacha Gervasi's behind the scenes cell phone footage, Hitchcock cell phone PSA, five featurettes: "The Story," "The Cast," "Danny Elfman Maestro," "Hitch and Alma " and "Remembering Hitchcock," commentary with director Sacha Gervasi and writer Stephen Rebello. (Fox).
Life of Pi (2012) Dir.: Ang Lee; Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Gerard Depardieu, Tabu, Adil Hussain, Ayush Tandon. Formats: Three-disc 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD Combo, two-disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo, DVD, Digital, UltraViolet. Extras: Three documentaries: "Remarkable Vision," "Epic Journey" and "Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright"; stills gallery, storyboards. 3D combo adds deletd scenes, VFX progression. (Fox).
Max & Ruby: A Bunny For Every Season Forty-eight bunny stories spread out over four DVDs: "Springtime for Max & Ruby," "Summertime With Max & Ruby," "Perfect Pumpkin!" and "Everybunny Loves Winter!" Formats: DVD, $26.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).
Ministry of Fear (1944) Suffused with dread and paranoia, this Fritz Lang adaptation of a novel by Graham Greene is a plunge into the eerie shadows of a world turned upside down by war. En route to London after being released from a mental institution, Stephen Neale (Ray Milland) stops at a seemingly innocent village fair, after which he finds himself caught in the web of a sinister underworld with possible Nazi connections. Lang was among the most illustrious of the European emigre filmmakers working in Hollywood during World War II, and "Ministry of Fear" is one of his finest American productions, an unpredictable thriller with style to spare. New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New interview with Fritz Lang scholar Joe McElhaney, trailer, essay by critic Glenn Kenny. (The Criterion Collection).
The Mob Doctor: The Complete Series (2012) Three-disc set with 13 episodes. Formats: DVD. (Sony).
Ode to Billy Joe (1976) Robby Benson, Glynnis O'Connor. Formats: DVD. Southern melodrama based on Bobbie Gentry's hit song "Ode to Billy Joe," exploring why Billy Joe McAllister threw himself off the Tallahachee Bridge. Extras: Vintage featurette: "Bobbie Gentry: A Voice of the South." (Warner).
Pioneers of Television: Season 3 (2012) In the third season of "Pioneers of Television," more than 100 stars bring their stories to life, telling backstage tales of America's favorite shows. Each episode melds compelling new interviews with iconic clips and never-before-seen photos to offer an insider's look at television's biggest celebrities. The four episodes featured are "Funny Ladies," "Primetime Soaps," "Superheroes" and "Miniseries." Formats: Two-disc DVD, $24.99. (PBS Distribution).
Rise of the Guardians (2012) Voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law, Dakota Goyo, Dominique Grund. Formats: DVD, 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Dreamers and Believers" cast and character featurette; "Sandy's Dream Guide," interactive guide in which The Sandman helps interpret your dreams; "More Magic" (DVD-ROM) printable egg holders, coloring sheets and more, perfect for Easter fun; commentary with director Peter Ramsey and producers Christina Steinberg and Nancy Bernstein. Blu-ray adds "Behind the Magic" four-part behind-the-scenes featurette; "The Man Behind the Guardians" about author William Joyce; two games: "Jack Frost Snowball Showdown!" and "Rock, Paper, Scissors With Sandy." (Paramount).
Samson and Delilah (1949) Dir.: Cecil B. DeMille; Victor Mature, Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury, Henry Wilcoxon. Fully restored to its original glory. The original nitrate three-strip Technicolor negatives were scanned in 4K, and the three strip image was registered, cleaned and color corrected in 4K. In addition, DeMille's original nitrate print was used in order to complete the original music overture and special effect work was done to clean up original optical images, a particularly tricky three-strip challenge. Finally, the original mono audio track was cleaned up and restored. Interestingly, the restoration team noticed a shimmer effect in some of the scenes. Since they were simultaneously restoring "Sunset Boulevard," they looked at production photos of Norma Desmond's visit to the "Samson and Delilah" set and saw the enormously powerful lights that were required for the Technicolor production. This explained the shimmer effect, which was left intact. Formats: DVD. (Paramount Home Media Distribution).
Shaman Healer Sage (2013) Documentary tells the story of Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., who transitioned from a successful career in modern medical science in the U.S. to study ancient energy medicine of the legendary Inka and Q'ero shamans of South America. His best-selling book serves as the foundation for this biographical documentary in which he shares his life's work. Villoldo ultimately founded the Four Winds Society, which brings the teachings of the master healers to the West. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Energetic Interventions" featurette in which Villoldo demonstrates some of the energy healing techniques featured in the film. (True Mind).
Smashed (2012) Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Mary Kay Place. A married couple whose bond is built on a mutual love of alcohol put their relationship to the test when the wife decides to get sober. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentary with director James Ponsoldt and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, deleted scenes, "Making Smashed" featurette, "Toronto Film Festival Red Carpet and Q&A." (Sony).
Storage 24 (2012) Noel Clarke, Colin O'Donoghue, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Laura Haddock. In London, a military plane crashes leaving its highly classified contents strewn across the city. Completely unaware that the city is in lockdown, a group of people become trapped inside a storage facility with a highly unwelcome predator. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Dis. Extras: Commentary, creature development featurette, production design & costume featurette, music & sound design featurette, on set featurette, video blogs, "A Day in the Life Of: Clarke & O'Donoghue", scene commentaries, deleted scenes, photo gallery (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
The Taint (2010) Drew Bolduc, Colleen Walsh. In a world in which The Taint poisons the minds of men, turning them into raging misogynists, one young man and his girlfriend fight back against castration and endless head crushing. Formats: DVD. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, behind the scenes featurette. (Troma).
TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Sidney Poitier "Blackboard Jungle" (1955), "Edge of the City" (1957), "Something oOf Value" (1957), "A Patch of Blue" (1965). Formats: DVD. (Warner).
TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Natalie Wood "Splendor in the Grass" (1961), "Gypsy" (1962), "Sex and the Single Girl" (1964), "Inside Daisy Clover" (1965). Formats: DVD. (Warner).
TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Judy Garland "For Me and My Gal" (1942), "The Harvey Girls" (1946), "In The Good Old Summertime" (1949), "Summer Stock" (1950). Formats: DVD. (Warner).
This Must Be the Place (2012) Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Judd Hirsch, Harry Dean Stanton, Joyce Van Patten, David Byrne. Though he's turned 50, former rock star Cheyenne still dresses "Goth" and lives in Dublin off his royalties. When his estranged father dies, he travels to New York, where he discovers his father had an obsession: to seek revenge for a humiliation he had suffered at the hands of a Nazi war criminal, now hiding somewhere in America. Cheyenne decides to pick up where his father left off, and starts a journey, at his own pace, across America. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (The Weinstein Co./Anchor Bay).
Xena: Warrior Princess - Season Four (1998-99) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98. Formats: DVD. (Universal).
March 19, 2013 New DVD Releases
Action-Packed Movie Marathon Four explosive outings: two revenge flicks, "Eye of the Tiger" (1986) and "Exterminator 2" (1984) and two sci-fi adventures, "Alienator" (1990) and "Cyclone" (1987) in a two-disc set for the amazingly low price of $9.99. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).
Angus Buchan's Ordinary People (2012) Inspirational film follows the individual journeys of three men... a desperate criminal who narrowly evades death at gunpoint, ahardened auto mechanic who finds himself caught between grief and debt, and a struggling young alcoholic who yearns to escape from his misery,leading up to their attendance of the 2010 Mighty Men Conference, an annual gathering of Christian men to worship and connect with God. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Making Angus Buchan's Ordinary People" featurette. (Sony).
Bachelorette (2012) Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Rebel Wilson. Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used toridicule back in high school and, on the night before the nuptuals, go searching for a little fun that involves an epic girls' night out filledwith strip clubs, ex-boyfriends and innumerable unmentionables. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Bloopers, "Behind the Scenes of Bachelorette" featurette, commentary with writer-director Leslye Headland. (Anchor Bay).
Badlands (1973) "Badlands" announced the arrival of a major talent: Terrence Malick. His impressionistic take on the notorious Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate killing spree of the late 1950s uses a serial-killer narrative as a springboard for an oblique teenage romance, lovingly and idiosyncratically enacted by Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. The film also introduced many of the elements that would earn Malick his passionate following: the enigmatic approach to narrative and character, the unusual use of voice-over, the juxtaposition of human violence with natural beauty, the poetic investigation of American dreams and nightmares. This debut has spawned countless imitations, but none have equaled its strange sublimity. New 4K digital restoration, approved by Malick, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Making Badlands," a new documentary featuring Sheen and Spacek and production designer Jack Fisk; new interview with editor Billy Weber about director Malick's unique approach to editing; new interview with producer Edward Pressman; trailer; booklet featuring an essay by filmmaker Michael Almereyda. (The Criterion Collection).
Chance in a Million Complete Collection (1984-86) All three seasons of the star-studded, award-winning British comedy starring Simon Callow as Tom Chance, a man who seems cursed by fate. When he meets Alison Little (Brenda Blethyn), they begin a courtship marred by a barrage of absurd coincidences and ludicrous circumstances. Three-disc set with 18 episodes. Formats: DVD. Extras: Alternate pilot episode, episode commentaries, more. (Acorn Media).
Gottfried Helnwein and the Dreaming Child (2011) A fascinating look at the creative process, this unique documentary explores what happens when the artist Gottfried Helnwein takes on the role of production designer for a never-before-seen opera written by Israel's most famous playwright, Hanoch Levin. For Helnwein, the child has always been the symbol of innocence and innocence betrayed, a motif that persists throughout much of his work. But when the Israeli Opera creative team casts an adult to play the lead child, Helnwein must fight to preserve the opera's integrity and Levin's original vision. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital Download, UltraViolet (cloud). (First Run Features).
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) Dir.: Peter Jackson; Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Lee Pace, Ian Holm, Luke Evans, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, Christopher Lee, Benedict Cumberbatch. Formats: Three-disc Blu-Ray Combo Pack, Five-disc Blu-Ray 3D Combo Pack, 2-Disc DVD Special Edition, Digital Download, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Full suite of Peter Jackson's production videos, behind the scenes video journals covering start of production, location scouting, filming in 3D, post-production overview and Wellington world premiere. (Warner).
Jersey Shore: The Uncensored Final Season (2012) Four-disc set with 13 uncensored episodes, $26.99. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Gym, Tan, Look Back" special, deleted scenes, "Breakdowns, Boobs 'N Bronzer" special featuring hilarious moments from the show, "Jersey Shore Dictionary" special, multiple "After Hours" specials, the "Jersey Shore Reunion special," a "Most Outrageous Moments" montage, more. (MTV/Paramount).
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) Considered by many to be the finest British film ever made, "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is a stirring masterpiece like no other. Roger Livesey dynamically embodies outmoded English militarism as the indelible General Clive Candy, who barely survives four decades of tumultuous British history (1902 to 1942) only to see the world change irrevocably before his eyes. Anton Walbrook and Deborah Kerr provide unforgettable support, he as a German enemy turned lifelong friend of Blimp's and she as young women of three consecutive generations, a socially committed governess, a sweet-souled war nurse, and a modern-thinking army driverwho inspire him. "Colonel Blimp" is both moving and slyly satirical, an incomparable film about war, love, aging, and obsolescence shot in gorgeous Technicolor. New 4K digital master from the 2012 Film Foundation restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Audio commentary featuring director Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese, video introduction by Scorsese, "A Profile of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," restoration demonstration, hosted by Scorsese, interview with editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell (Michael Powell's widow), Gallery featuring rare behind-the-scenes production stills, Gallery tracing the history of David Low's original Colonel Blimp cartoons, booklet featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell. (The Criterion Collection).
A Mind to Kill Complete Collection (1994-2001) Compared to "Cracker" and "Wallander" for its gritty realism and no-holds-barred storytelling. Philip Madoc stars as brooding detective Noel Bain, an old-fashioned and kindhearted cop who solves crimes with his unerring instinct, keen intelligence, and passion for defending the innocent, while struggling to protect his daughter from the crime-filled world he knows too well. Eleven-disc set with 21 mysteries. Never aired in the U.S. Formats: DVD. Extras: (Acorn Media).
No Job for a Lady: The Complete Collection (1990-92) All three series of the witty Brit-com following Jean Price (Penelope Keith), who has just been elected Member of Parliament for the left-wing Labour Party. Now her real work begins: Getting along with her chauvinist fellow MPs while navigating the Machiavellian world of Westminster. Three-disc set with 18 episodes. Formats: DVD. (Acorn Media).
Shadow People (2012) Dallas Roberts, Alison Eastwood, Anne Dudek, Mattie Liptak. A radio talk show host unravels a conspiracy about encounters with mysterious beings known as The Shadow People and their role in the unexplained deaths of several hundred people in the 1980s. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
Strange Frame (2012) Voices of Tim Curry, Claudia Black, Ron Glass, Juliet Landau, Tara Strong, George Takei. First animated sci-fi lesbian rock musical explores the theme of the transformative power of love between two women, bringing viewers into a world of space pirates, indentured slaves and genetic mutations. Set at the end of the 28th century, the human race has long since abandoned a desolate earth. In order to survive, humanity has been using genetic engineering to adapt to otherworld environments, to the point where changing one's skin color or gender has become commonplace. On the moon Ganymede, saxophonist Parker (Claudia Black) and guitarist Naia (Tara Strong) develop a close relationship. The two embark on their new relationship and form a new band but they also must fight for their freedom from the evil Mig (Tim Curry). Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: Two behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scene. (Wolfe Video).
Zero Dark Thirty (2012) Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong, Jennifer Ehle, Jason Clarke, Edgar Ramirez, Chris Pratt, Scott Adkins, Nash Edgerton, Harold Perrineau, Taylor Kinney. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Four featurettes: "Small Feat" with director Bigelow sharing why this project, and the recounting of this historic event, was so important; "The Compound" behind-the-scenes featurette on the re-creation of Osama bin Laden's lair; "Geared Up" behind-the-scenes of the the raid; "Targeting Jessica Chastain." (Sony).
March 22, 2013 New DVD Releases
Les Misérables (2012) Director: Tom Hooper. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "The Stars of Les Misérables" casting featurette with director Tom Hooper; "Creating the Perfect Paris" production design featurette; "The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo's Les Misérables" mini-documentary takes a look at the historical backdrop and universal themes of Hugo's classic; commentary with Hooper. Blu-ray adds "Les Misérables Singing Live" featurette on the daunting challenge of singing live rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks; "Battle at the Barricade" featurette on the building of the barricade scene; "The West End Connection" featurette with renowned West End producer Cameron Mackintosh, who was deeply involved in the filming, as well as former "Les Misérables" theatrical stars who appeared in supporting roles in the current film; "Les Misérables on Location" featurette. (Universal).
This Is 40 (2012) Dir.: Judd Apatow; Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Melissa McCarthy, Jason Segal, Megan Fox, John Lithgow, Albert Brooks, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Robert Smigel, Chris O'Dowd, Annie Mumolo, Robert Smigel, Charlyne Yi, Lena Dunham. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo (with unrated version on the Blu-ray), VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with writer-director Judd Apatow, gag reel, Line-O-Rama, deleted scenes, music from Graham Parker and the Rumour, and Ryan Adams. Blu-ray adds "The Making of This Is 40," "This Is Albert Brooks (At Work)," Graham Parker & The Rumour: "Long Emotional Ride," Brooks-O-Rama, "Biking With Barry," "Triumph The Insult Comic Dog," "Kids on the Loose 3," "Bodies By Jason" commercial, "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross, deleted, extended and alternate scenes. (Universal).
March 26, 2013 New DVD Releases
Adventures in Zambezia (2013) Animated with the voices of Jeremy Suarez, Abigail Breslin, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, Samuel L. Jackson. When a spirited young falcon named Kai (Suarez) learns of Zambezia, the fabulous city of birds, he leaves his remote country home against the wishes of his father (Jackson). But when his dad is captured by an evil lizard who plans to attack the city, Kai must learn the importance of teamwork if he's to rescue his father, save his new friends and help keep Zambezia lizard free. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: Four featurettes: "Birds of a Feature," "An African Story," "The Tree City" and "Technical Challenges." (Triggerfish Animation Studios).
The Collection (2012) Josh Stewart, Emma Fitzpatrick, Lee Tergesen, Christopher McDonald. A twisted madman "collects" humans in a booby-trapped house of horrors. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with director/co-writer Marcus Dunstan and co-writer Patrick Melton, five behind-the-scenes mini-featurettes, alternate/deleted scenes. (Lionsgate).
Continuum: Season One (2012) Two-disc set with 10 episodes. Formats: DVD, $44.98; Blu-ray Disc, $49.98. Extras: "Meet the Makers, Protectors and Terrorists." (Universal).
The Frankenstein Theory (2013) Kris Lemche, Joe Egender, Timothy V. Murphy, Eric Zuckerman. A discredited university professor travels to the Arctic Circle to prove his obscure theory that Mary Shelley's literary classic "Frankenstein" is, in fact, a work of non-fiction disguised as fantasy; what he finds is an unspeakable truth more terrifying than any fiction. Formats: DVD. (RLJ Entertainment/Image Entertainment).
House Arrest (2011) Stacey Dash, Jayceon "The Game" Taylor. A young woman living the high life is arrested with her boyfriend for a crime she didn't commit, and is placed under house arrest and forced to move back in with her mother and daughter on the ghetto side of town. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate).
Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot: The Complete Series (1967–68) Four-disc collector's edition featuring all 26 episodes of the fantasy series from Toei Studios, $39.97. Formats: DVD. Extras: 24-page book with special essay by Japanese pop culture expert August Ragone. (Shout! Factory).
Killing Them Softly (2012) Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Vincent Curatola, Max Casella, Trevor Long, Slaine, Sam Shepard. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital. Blu-ray Extras: "The Making of Killing Them Softly," deleted scenes. (The Weinstein Company/Anchor Bay).
LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2013) 22-minute original standalone LEGO tongue-and-cheek special. The heroes of the Rebel Alliance including heroic Luke Skywalker, swaggering Han Solo and steadfast Princess Leia have no time to celebrate their victory over the Empire as a new Imperial threat arises. But as Jedi-in training Luke embarks on this next mission, he discovers that his celebrity status as a "Death-Star-Blower-Upper" can be a double-edged lightsaber when he's constantly mobbed by crazed fans. So much for secret missions! Meanwhile, Darth Vader and Darth Maul are locked in a hilarious "Sith-ling" rivalry as they compete for the Emperor's approval. Formats: DVD. Extras: Includes an exclusive collectible Darth Vader LEGO minifigure. (Fox).
MADtv Season 2 (2012) Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $29.93. Special guest hosts Christina Applegate, Ice-T, Harry Connick, Jr., Rodney Dangerfield, Queen Latifah, LL Cool J and others usher in some of the most entertaining sketches from fan-favorite cast members like Nicole Sullivan, Orlando Jones, Phil LaMarr, Brian Callen, Debra Wilson, Mary Scheer and Artie Lange. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).
A Man Escaped (1956) With the simplest of concepts and sparest of techniques, Robert Bresson made one of the most suspenseful jailbreak films of all time. Based on the memoirs of an imprisoned French resistance leader, this unbelievably taut and methodical marvel follows the fictional Fontaine's single-minded pursuit of freedom, detailing the planning and carrying out of his escape with gripping precision. But Bresson's film is not merely process-minded, it's a work of intense spirituality and humanity. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc Extras: "Bresson: Without a Trace," a 1965 episode of the television program "Cineastes de notre temps" in which the director gives his first on-camera interview; "The Essence of Forms," a 45-minute documentary from 2010 in which some of Bresson's collaborators and admirers, including actor Francois Leterrier and director Bruno Dumont, share their thoughts about the director and his work; new visual essay with text by film scholars David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson; trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Tony Pipolo. (The Criterion Collection).
Men at Work: The Complete First Season (2012) Two-disc set with 10 episodes, $35.99. Formats: DVD. (Sony).
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries Series 1 (2012) New, glamorous "lady detective" series makes its North American debut. Based on the popular detective novels by Kerry Greenwood, the gorgeously costumed and evocatively shot mystery series features Essie Davis as the Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, a sly sleuth and thoroughly modern woman of the late 1920s operating in a mostly male-dominated detective world. Produced for ABC Australia and filmed on location in Melbourne. Formats: Four-disc DVD, three-disc Blu-ray. (Acorn Media).
Monsieur Verdoux (1947) Charlie Chaplin plays shockingly against type in his most controversial film, a brilliant and bleak black comedy about money, marriage, and murder. Chaplin is a 20th century Bluebeard, an enigmatic family man who goes to extreme lengths to support his wife and child, attempting to bump off a series of wealthy widows (including one played by the indefatigable Martha Raye, in a hilarious performance). This deeply philosophical and wildly entertaining film is a work of true sophistication, both for the moral questions it dares to ask and the way it deconstructs its megastar's loveable on-screen persona. New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Chaplin Today: “Monsieur Verdoux," a 2003 program on the film's production and release, featuring filmmaker Claude Chabrol and actor Norman Lloyd; "Charlie Chaplin and the American Press," a new documentary featuring Chaplin specialist Kate Guyonvarch and author Charles Maland; new video essay featuring an audio interview with actress Marilyn Nash; radio advertisements and trailers; booklet featuring an essay by critic Ignatiy Vishnevetsky and reprinted pieces by Chaplin and critic Andre Bazin. (The Criterion Collection).
N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo (2013) Documentary chronicles hip-hop duo N.A.S.A.'s (Sam Spiegel and DJ Zegonduo) worldwide travels and collaborations that led to 2009's ground-breaking LP of the same name. "N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo" was shot between 2004-2011 in locations spanning the globe (Brazil, Jamaica, Sweden, the U.S. and more) and features music and appearances by David Byrne, Kanye West, Karen O, Tom Waits, Method Man, M.I.A., Ol' Dirty moo, John Frusciante, Santigold, RZA, George Clinton, Nick Zinner, Ghostface Killah, Lykke Li, Gift of Gab, Kool Keith, Chuck D, DJ AM, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Spank Rock, The Cool Kids, Amanda Blank, and many more. The film also features myriad accompanying visual images by various high profile visual artists who lent their work to the project, including: Shepard Fairey, Marcel Dzama, Sage Vaughn, The Date Farmers and Logan, Barry McGee, Jimena Odea, Splunny, Didiu Rio Branco, Flourescent Hill, Three Legged Legs, Aaron Acord, and more. Formats: DVD. (BB Gun Press).
Oliver Twist (1982) George C. Scott, Tim Curry, Michael Hordern, Timothy West, Eileen Atkins. DVD debut of the 1982 CBS miniseries. Formats: Two-disc DVD. (Entertainment One).
Parental Guidance (2012) Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott, Bailee Madison, Joshua Rush, Kyle Harrison Breitkopf, Jennifer Crystal Foley. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary with director Andy Fickman and Billy Crystal. Blu-ray adds gag reel. "In Character With Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei" featurette. (Fox).
Veep: The Complete First Season (2012) Two-disc set with eight episodes. Formats: DVD, $39.98; Blu-ray Disc, $49.99, Digital, UltraViolet. Extras: "The Making of Veep," "Veep: Misspoke," "Veep: Obesity" public service announcement (and outtakes) about obesity, deleted scenes, 12 audio commentaries. (HBO). </dt></dl>
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Extended Edition (2011) Features eight minutes of never-before-seen footage added back into the film by director Bill Condon; includes the theatrical version as well. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Commentary by Condon. (Lionsgate). The Twilight
Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012) Dir.: Bill Condon; Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Anna Kendrick, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Billy Burke, Elizabeth Reaser. Formats: Two-disc DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Forever: Filming Breaking Dawn Part 2" seven-part making-of documentary, "Two Movies at Once" featurette about the simultaneous shooting of both "Breaking Dawn" parts, commentary with director Bill Condon, "Jump to" features that allow fans to watch only their favorite scenes in the film featuring Edward Cullen and Jacob Black, "The Forgotten" Green Day music video. (Lionsgate).
March 5, 2013 New DVD Releases
Abducted: The Carlina White Story (2012) Aunjanue Ellis, Keke Palmer, Sherri Shepherd, Roger Cross. In August of 1987, new parents Joy White and Carl Tyson took their 19-day-old daughter Carlina to Harlem Hospital in New York with a high fever. Ann Pettway, who had suffered a series of miscarriages and was desperate for a child of her own, posed as a hospital nurse and walked out of the hospital with Carlina hidden from view. While Joy and Carl desperately searched for their daughter over the years, Pettway was raising Carlina in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a mere 45 miles from New York City. As Carlina grew older she began to suspect Pettway was not her birth mother and launched her own investigation. A Lifetime Original Movie based on a true story. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Beyond the Headlines: The Carlina White Story" documentary. (Lionsgate).
The Bay (2012) Dir.: Barry Levinson; Kristen Connolly, Christopher Denham, Kether Donohue, Michael Beasley. An ecological disaster that claimed 700 human lives, 2 million fish and 1,000 blackbirds in a small Maryland town is revealed through people's iPhones, Androids, 911 calls and web cams three years after the mysterious parasitic outbreak was covered up by the government. Formats: DVD. Extras: Commentary with director Barry Levinson, "Into the Unknown: Barry Levinson on The Bay" featurette. (Lionsgate).
California Solo (2012) Robert Carlyle, Alexia Rasmussen, Danny Masterson, Kathleen Wilhoite, A Martinez. A former Britpop rocker who now works on a farm near Los Angeles gets caught driving drunk and faces deportation, forcing him to confront the past and current demons in his life. Formats: DVD. Extras: Deleted scene, behind-the-scenes featurette. (Strand Releasing). </dt><dt>
Care Bears: Totally Sweet Adventures (2013) The Care Bears embark on new adventures with a new look, new attitude and new music. Four episodes, $14.98. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Share and Care" sing-along. (Lionsgate).
A Dark Truth (2012) A former CIA agent-turned-political talk show host descends into the treacherous jungles of Ecuador to rescue a team of environmental activists caught up in the criminal corporate cover-up of a violent local massacre. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Behind the Truth" behind-the-scenes featurette. (Sony).
Duck Dynasty Season 2: Volume 1 (2012) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $19.98. Formats: DVD. Extras: Bonus footage. (A&E).
Garbage (2012) Jon Huck, Jed Rees, with special appearances by Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen, Billy Baldwin and Steven Bauer. Two hapless garbage truck drivers become overnight celebrities after an amazing discovery: On a routine garbage run through Hollywood, the pair notice a shiny gold object sticking out of a landfill... Cuba Gooding Jr.'s Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in "Jerry Maguire." Formats: DVD. (Osiris Entertainment).
Gun Hill Road (2011) Esai Morales, Judy Reyes, Miriam Colon, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Franky G. An ex-con returns home to the Bronx after three year in prison to discover his wife estranged and his teenage son exploring a sexual transformation that will put the fragile bonds of their family to the test. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Virgil Films).
H20: Just Add Water: The Complete Season One, The Complete Season Two, The Complete Season Three (2006-10) Each four-disc set includes 13 episodes from each season of Teen Nick's #1 rated series about three normal teenage girls growing up on sun-drenched beaches Down Under who stumble upon an ancient cavern that transforms them into mermaids with magical powers. Formats: DVD, $24.95 each. Extras: Cast photos. (Flatiron Film Company).
Interview With a Hitman (2012) Luke Goss, Caroline Tillette, Stephen Marcus, Danny Midwinter. Viktor is a ruthless Eastern European assassin at the top of his profession. After a ruthless betrayal by the men who trained him, he escapes to London to and joins a new "family", but his past secrets won't fade away and he gets sucked into a viscous power struggle to survive. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital Download. Extras: "The Making of Interview With a Hitman" featurette. (Well Go USA).
The Intouchables (2012) Omar Sy, Francois Cluzet, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot, Clotilde Mollet. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes. (The Weinstein Co./Sony).
Lay the Favorite (2012) Dir.: Stephen Frears; Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rebecca Hall, Joshua Jackson, Vince Vaughn, Laura Prepon, Frank Grillo. A professional odds-maker's (Willis) small-time sports gambling world is turned upside down when he meets up with a former stripper and gambling prodigy (Hall) who helps him score big... and earns the ire of his wife (Zeta-Jones). Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Anchor Bay).
LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Season 2 (2011) Thirteen episodes of the Cartoon Network series. Formats: DVD, $19.98; Blu-ray Disc, $24.98. (Warner).
The Marine 3: Homefront (2011) Mike "The Miz" Mizani, Neal McDonough, Ashley Bell After returning to his hometown on leave, Sgt. Jake Carter (WWE's Mizani) learns that his sister has been abducted by a band of violent extremists. To save her, Carter launches a daring one-man assault on their base of operations... only to discover the group's ruthless leader is plotting a deadly terrorist strike. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Shipwrecked: Breaking Down the Boat, "The Miz Rocks the Boat," "The Miz Declassified," "Casting Call: Ready to Enlist," "Miz Journal." (Fox).
Midnight Stallion (2013) Kris Kristofferson, Jodelle Ferland, Chelah Horsdal. A young girl and her family are rescued from their financial struggle by an unexpected guest: A mysterious, wild stallion in a nearby meadow that may hold the key to saving the family's farm. DOVE-approved family film. Formats: DVD. Extras: Making-of featurette. (Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).
Murdoch Mysteries Collection: Seasons 1-4 The charming hit mystery series features forensic sleuthing in the Age of Invention. 16-disc DVD boxed set and 12-disc Blu-ray set with 52 episodes. (Acorn Media).
Murdoch Mysteries, Season 5 (2012) Murdoch helps a woman accused of murder; investigates an Egyptian curse; experiments with time travel; and crosses paths with Jack London, Henry Ford, and his idol, Alexander Graham Bell. 13 episodes in a DVD 4-disc boxed set and Blu-ray 3-disc set. (Acorn Media).
Playing for Keeps (2012) Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dennis Quaid. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, two behind-the-scenes featurettes: "The Playbook: Making Playing for Keeps" and "Creating an All-Star Team: The Cast of Playing for Keeps." (Sony).
Power Rangers: Clash of the Red Rangers - The Movie (2011) The Samurai Rangers team up with the mysterious RPM Red Ranger to fight off dual threats from Master Xandred's Mooger army and a robotic super villain from the RPM Ranger's dimension. Formats: DVD, $14.98; Digital Extras: "The Power Rangers MEGA Album Playlist" video, "Train Like a Ranger" video, bloopers, "Auditions" featurette. (Lionsgate).
Red Dawn (2012) Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Edwin Hodge, Connor Cruise, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital Download. Extras: TBA. (Fox).
Regular Show: Party Pack (2013) Sixteen episodes from all three seasons of the Emmy Award-winning Cartoon Network animated series. Formats: DVD, $19.82. Extras: Character gallery. (Warner).
Schindler's List - 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (1993) Dir.: Steven Spielberg; Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz. Restored from the original film negative in high definition, supervised by Spielberg. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Voices from the List" documentary with testimonies from those who survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler; "USC Shoah Foundation Story with Steven Spielberg": The director shows how filming "Schindler's List" inspired him to establish the USC Shoah Foundation. (Universal).
Scooby-Doo and the Circus Monsters (2013) New Scooby-Doo compilation includes three funny-bone chilling cases for Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. crew. Formats: DVD, $9.97. (Warner).
The Seven Year Hitch (2012 - TV) Darin Brooks, Natalie Hall, Frances Fisher, Griffin Cleveland, Ryan Doom, George Wendt. Two best friends accidentally take their relationship to the next level and suddenly find themselves saying "I do." Hallmark Movie Channel movie. Formats: DVD.(Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).
Sophia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2012) Disney Junior's animated television movie. Formats: DVD. (Disney).
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Friends Forever (2013) Strawberry and Blueberry prepare for the very formal Berry Bitty Buggy Derby. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Never Say Never" music video, printable coloring pages. (Fox).
Thorne (2012) Two episodes ("Sleepyhead" and "Scaredy Cat"), which originally aired on ENCORE as part of their Big Mini-series Showcase, center on the complex and unpredictable Detective Inspector Tom Thorne (David Morrissey) as he goes on an intense chase through chilling crime scenes, deliberately manipulated clues and the darkest depths of London. Formats: DVD. (Anchor Bay).
Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals Thirty Tom & Jerry cartoons featuring some of the tussling twosome's most popular pals, $19.97. The cartoon selection is comprised of several legendary classics, including the Academy Award-winning "The Two Mousketeers." Formats: DVD. (Warner).
Tom and Jerry: Musical Mayhem (2013) Seven Tom and Jerry episodes in a musical themed pack, with the sound of crazy and endless chases, from classical music concerts to evenings at the opera house and waltz rhythms. Formats: DVD, $9.97. (Warner).
Tyler Perry's House of Payne: Volume Ten (2012) Three-disc set, $29.98. Formats: DVD, Digital). (Lionsgate).
Ultramarines (2010) Voices of Terence Stamp, Sean Pertwee, John Hurt. CGI-animated feature-length movie interpretation of the internationally successful Warhammer 40,000 Universe. In the 41st Millennium, the only force that stands between humanity and alien hordes are the Space Marines. Genetically enhanced, clad in power armor and knowing no fear, they are the angels of death. When a select squad of scarred veterans and raw recruits responds to a distant planet's distress beacon, they discover a horrific evil has been unleashed. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Into the Void: Making of Ultramarines," "Between Chaos & Darkness: The World of the Space Marines," "Creating the Daemon," Ultramarines prequel animated onscreen graphic novel. (Anchor Bay).
Waiting for Lightning (2012) The inspirational story of Danny Way, a young boy from a broken home in Vista, Calif., whose passion for skateboarding would one day bring him fame and a lifetime of accomplishments. A visionary skateboarder whose love of big air in half-pipes and on gigantic ramps have garnered him fame and fans around the world, Way decides to attempt the impossible: jump China's Great Wall on a skateboard. Features a who's who of action sports all-stars including Way, Travis Pastrana, Laird Hamilton, Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Mat Hofman, and Ken Block. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Blu-ray Extras: Seven Videos including: "X Games Featurette," "Kauai MegaRamp with Laird Hamilton & Jake Brown," "Woodward MegaDay," "Chronicles of Gnarly & Tribute to Mike Temasky"; deleted scenes; interview with director Jacob Rosenberg. (First Run Features).
Wreck-It Ralph (2012) Voices of John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Jack McBrayer, Sarah Silverman, Ed O'Neill, Alan Tudyk, Rachael Harris, Stefanie Scott, Mindy Kaling, Dennis Haysbert, Adam Carolla, Edie McClurg. Formats: 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), DVD. Extras: "Bit by Bit: Creating the Worlds of Wreck-It Ralph" behind-the-scenes featurette; alternate and deleted scenes; Video game commercials for Fix It Felix Jr., Sugar Rush, Hero's Duty and Fix It Felix Hammer; "Paperman" animated short film that played in theaters before "Wreck It Ralph." Blu-ray adds "Disney Intermission: The Gamer's Guide to Wreck-It-Ralph," a series of 10 video segments offering an inside look at the many video game references, Disney references and other hidden surprises featured in the film. (Disney).
March 12, 2013 New DVD Releases
The Blob (1958) A cult classic of gooey greatness," The Blob" follows the havoc wreaked on a small town by an outer-space monster with neither soul nor vertebrae, with Steve McQueen playing the rebel teen who tries to warn the residents about the jellylike invader. Strong performances and ingenious special effects help "The Blob" transcend the schlock sci-fi and youth delinquency genres from which it originates. Made outside of Hollywood by a maverick film distributor and a crew whose credits mostly comprised religious and educational shorts, "The Blob" helped launch the careers of McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach, whose bouncy title song is just one of this film's many unexpected pleasures. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Formats: Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Two audio commentaries: one by producer Jack H. Harris and film historian Bruce Eder and the other by director Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. and actor Robert Fields; trailer; "Blobabilia!": a gallery of collector Wes Shank's rare trove of stills, posters, props (including the blob itself) and other ephemera; essay by critic Kim Newman. (The Criterion Collection).
Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away (2012) Takes audiences on a wondrous journey across the imaginative landscapes of Cirque du Soleil, capturing the feats of the extraordinary artists up close using cameras that sometimes soar 70 feet in the air. Formats: DVD, two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo, three-disc 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD combo, Digital, UltraViolet. Extras: Featurette, a coupon for 20% off the total ticket price on select Cirque du Soleil live shows. (Paramount).
Curandero: Dawn of the Demon (2005) Carlos Gallardo, Gizeht Galatea, Gabriel Pingarron, Jose Carlos Rui. Action-packed horror flick that takes a couple on a horrifying journey through the deepest bowels of the Mexican underworld. When beautiful federal agent Magdalena calls upon the local curandero for his services to purify a police station, the two suddenly find themselves immersed in a satanic cult's blood-thirsty battleground. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate Home Entertainment and Miramax).
The Devil's in the Details (2012) Ray Liotta, Emilio Rivera, Joel Mathews. A veteran soldier is kidnapped by a drug cartel's ruthless enforcer and forced to help smuggle a fortune in drugs across the border... or see his innocent wife and daughter killed; only a former Navy SEAL can help bring an end to the family's nightmare. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD. Extras: "The Making of The Devil's in the Details." (RLJ Entertainment/Image Entertainment).
Duke (2012) A homeless Iraq War vet leaves his dying dog and best friend, Duke, on the doorstep of a clinic. The dedicated staff nurse Duke back to health, and then launch a campaign to locate the vet and re-unite him with his best pal. Hallmark Movie Channel original. Formats: DVD, $14.93. (Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).
The First Time (2012) Dylan O'Brien, Britt Robertson, Victoria Justice, James Frecheville. A romantic comedy centered on two high schoolers: Dave, who until now has pined for a girl he can't have, and Aubrey, a creative type who's dating a guy who doesn't quite understand her. Formats: DVD. (Sony).
Foyle's War: The Home Front Files (Sets 1-6) Michael Kitchen stars as DCS Christopher Foyle, who investigates crimes on the home front as WWII rages. The 22-disc set features the complete U.K. broadcast edition of the 22 mysteries, plus interviews with series writer and creator Anthony Horowitz, co-stars Anthony Howell and Honeysuckle Weeks, making-of documentaries, notes on a real-life Foyle, and more. Formats: DVD, $149.99. (Acorn Media).
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys - Season Four (1997-98) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $26.98. Formats: DVD. (Universal).
Hitchcock (2012) Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Toni Collette, Jessica Biel, Danny Huston, Kurtwood Smith, Ralph Macchio, James D'Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg. Formats:Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scene, "Becoming the Master: From Hopkins to Hitchcock," "Obsessed With Hitchcock," Sacha Gervasi's behind the scenes cell phone footage, Hitchcock cell phone PSA, five featurettes: "The Story," "The Cast," "Danny Elfman Maestro," "Hitch and Alma " and "Remembering Hitchcock," commentary with director Sacha Gervasi and writer Stephen Rebello. (Fox).
Life of Pi (2012) Dir.: Ang Lee; Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Gerard Depardieu, Tabu, Adil Hussain, Ayush Tandon. Formats: Three-disc 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD Combo, two-disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo, DVD, Digital, UltraViolet. Extras: Three documentaries: "Remarkable Vision," "Epic Journey" and "Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright"; stills gallery, storyboards. 3D combo adds deletd scenes, VFX progression. (Fox).
Max & Ruby: A Bunny For Every Season Forty-eight bunny stories spread out over four DVDs: "Springtime for Max & Ruby," "Summertime With Max & Ruby," "Perfect Pumpkin!" and "Everybunny Loves Winter!" Formats: DVD, $26.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).
Ministry of Fear (1944) Suffused with dread and paranoia, this Fritz Lang adaptation of a novel by Graham Greene is a plunge into the eerie shadows of a world turned upside down by war. En route to London after being released from a mental institution, Stephen Neale (Ray Milland) stops at a seemingly innocent village fair, after which he finds himself caught in the web of a sinister underworld with possible Nazi connections. Lang was among the most illustrious of the European emigre filmmakers working in Hollywood during World War II, and "Ministry of Fear" is one of his finest American productions, an unpredictable thriller with style to spare. New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New interview with Fritz Lang scholar Joe McElhaney, trailer, essay by critic Glenn Kenny. (The Criterion Collection).
The Mob Doctor: The Complete Series (2012) Three-disc set with 13 episodes. Formats: DVD. (Sony).
Ode to Billy Joe (1976) Robby Benson, Glynnis O'Connor. Formats: DVD. Southern melodrama based on Bobbie Gentry's hit song "Ode to Billy Joe," exploring why Billy Joe McAllister threw himself off the Tallahachee Bridge. Extras: Vintage featurette: "Bobbie Gentry: A Voice of the South." (Warner).
Pioneers of Television: Season 3 (2012) In the third season of "Pioneers of Television," more than 100 stars bring their stories to life, telling backstage tales of America's favorite shows. Each episode melds compelling new interviews with iconic clips and never-before-seen photos to offer an insider's look at television's biggest celebrities. The four episodes featured are "Funny Ladies," "Primetime Soaps," "Superheroes" and "Miniseries." Formats: Two-disc DVD, $24.99. (PBS Distribution).
Rise of the Guardians (2012) Voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law, Dakota Goyo, Dominique Grund. Formats: DVD, 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Dreamers and Believers" cast and character featurette; "Sandy's Dream Guide," interactive guide in which The Sandman helps interpret your dreams; "More Magic" (DVD-ROM) printable egg holders, coloring sheets and more, perfect for Easter fun; commentary with director Peter Ramsey and producers Christina Steinberg and Nancy Bernstein. Blu-ray adds "Behind the Magic" four-part behind-the-scenes featurette; "The Man Behind the Guardians" about author William Joyce; two games: "Jack Frost Snowball Showdown!" and "Rock, Paper, Scissors With Sandy." (Paramount).
Samson and Delilah (1949) Dir.: Cecil B. DeMille; Victor Mature, Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury, Henry Wilcoxon. Fully restored to its original glory. The original nitrate three-strip Technicolor negatives were scanned in 4K, and the three strip image was registered, cleaned and color corrected in 4K. In addition, DeMille's original nitrate print was used in order to complete the original music overture and special effect work was done to clean up original optical images, a particularly tricky three-strip challenge. Finally, the original mono audio track was cleaned up and restored. Interestingly, the restoration team noticed a shimmer effect in some of the scenes. Since they were simultaneously restoring "Sunset Boulevard," they looked at production photos of Norma Desmond's visit to the "Samson and Delilah" set and saw the enormously powerful lights that were required for the Technicolor production. This explained the shimmer effect, which was left intact. Formats: DVD. (Paramount Home Media Distribution).
Shaman Healer Sage (2013) Documentary tells the story of Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., who transitioned from a successful career in modern medical science in the U.S. to study ancient energy medicine of the legendary Inka and Q'ero shamans of South America. His best-selling book serves as the foundation for this biographical documentary in which he shares his life's work. Villoldo ultimately founded the Four Winds Society, which brings the teachings of the master healers to the West. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Energetic Interventions" featurette in which Villoldo demonstrates some of the energy healing techniques featured in the film. (True Mind).
Smashed (2012) Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Mary Kay Place. A married couple whose bond is built on a mutual love of alcohol put their relationship to the test when the wife decides to get sober. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentary with director James Ponsoldt and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, deleted scenes, "Making Smashed" featurette, "Toronto Film Festival Red Carpet and Q&A." (Sony).
Storage 24 (2012) Noel Clarke, Colin O'Donoghue, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Laura Haddock. In London, a military plane crashes leaving its highly classified contents strewn across the city. Completely unaware that the city is in lockdown, a group of people become trapped inside a storage facility with a highly unwelcome predator. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Dis. Extras: Commentary, creature development featurette, production design & costume featurette, music & sound design featurette, on set featurette, video blogs, "A Day in the Life Of: Clarke & O'Donoghue", scene commentaries, deleted scenes, photo gallery (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
The Taint (2010) Drew Bolduc, Colleen Walsh. In a world in which The Taint poisons the minds of men, turning them into raging misogynists, one young man and his girlfriend fight back against castration and endless head crushing. Formats: DVD. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, behind the scenes featurette. (Troma).
TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Sidney Poitier "Blackboard Jungle" (1955), "Edge of the City" (1957), "Something oOf Value" (1957), "A Patch of Blue" (1965). Formats: DVD. (Warner).
TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Natalie Wood "Splendor in the Grass" (1961), "Gypsy" (1962), "Sex and the Single Girl" (1964), "Inside Daisy Clover" (1965). Formats: DVD. (Warner).
TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Judy Garland "For Me and My Gal" (1942), "The Harvey Girls" (1946), "In The Good Old Summertime" (1949), "Summer Stock" (1950). Formats: DVD. (Warner).
This Must Be the Place (2012) Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Judd Hirsch, Harry Dean Stanton, Joyce Van Patten, David Byrne. Though he's turned 50, former rock star Cheyenne still dresses "Goth" and lives in Dublin off his royalties. When his estranged father dies, he travels to New York, where he discovers his father had an obsession: to seek revenge for a humiliation he had suffered at the hands of a Nazi war criminal, now hiding somewhere in America. Cheyenne decides to pick up where his father left off, and starts a journey, at his own pace, across America. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (The Weinstein Co./Anchor Bay).
Xena: Warrior Princess - Season Four (1998-99) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.98. Formats: DVD. (Universal).
March 19, 2013 New DVD Releases
Action-Packed Movie Marathon Four explosive outings: two revenge flicks, "Eye of the Tiger" (1986) and "Exterminator 2" (1984) and two sci-fi adventures, "Alienator" (1990) and "Cyclone" (1987) in a two-disc set for the amazingly low price of $9.99. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).
Angus Buchan's Ordinary People (2012) Inspirational film follows the individual journeys of three men... a desperate criminal who narrowly evades death at gunpoint, ahardened auto mechanic who finds himself caught between grief and debt, and a struggling young alcoholic who yearns to escape from his misery,leading up to their attendance of the 2010 Mighty Men Conference, an annual gathering of Christian men to worship and connect with God. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Making Angus Buchan's Ordinary People" featurette. (Sony).
Bachelorette (2012) Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Rebel Wilson. Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used toridicule back in high school and, on the night before the nuptuals, go searching for a little fun that involves an epic girls' night out filledwith strip clubs, ex-boyfriends and innumerable unmentionables. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Bloopers, "Behind the Scenes of Bachelorette" featurette, commentary with writer-director Leslye Headland. (Anchor Bay).
Badlands (1973) "Badlands" announced the arrival of a major talent: Terrence Malick. His impressionistic take on the notorious Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate killing spree of the late 1950s uses a serial-killer narrative as a springboard for an oblique teenage romance, lovingly and idiosyncratically enacted by Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. The film also introduced many of the elements that would earn Malick his passionate following: the enigmatic approach to narrative and character, the unusual use of voice-over, the juxtaposition of human violence with natural beauty, the poetic investigation of American dreams and nightmares. This debut has spawned countless imitations, but none have equaled its strange sublimity. New 4K digital restoration, approved by Malick, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Making Badlands," a new documentary featuring Sheen and Spacek and production designer Jack Fisk; new interview with editor Billy Weber about director Malick's unique approach to editing; new interview with producer Edward Pressman; trailer; booklet featuring an essay by filmmaker Michael Almereyda. (The Criterion Collection).
Chance in a Million Complete Collection (1984-86) All three seasons of the star-studded, award-winning British comedy starring Simon Callow as Tom Chance, a man who seems cursed by fate. When he meets Alison Little (Brenda Blethyn), they begin a courtship marred by a barrage of absurd coincidences and ludicrous circumstances. Three-disc set with 18 episodes. Formats: DVD. Extras: Alternate pilot episode, episode commentaries, more. (Acorn Media).
Gottfried Helnwein and the Dreaming Child (2011) A fascinating look at the creative process, this unique documentary explores what happens when the artist Gottfried Helnwein takes on the role of production designer for a never-before-seen opera written by Israel's most famous playwright, Hanoch Levin. For Helnwein, the child has always been the symbol of innocence and innocence betrayed, a motif that persists throughout much of his work. But when the Israeli Opera creative team casts an adult to play the lead child, Helnwein must fight to preserve the opera's integrity and Levin's original vision. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital Download, UltraViolet (cloud). (First Run Features).
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) Dir.: Peter Jackson; Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Lee Pace, Ian Holm, Luke Evans, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, Christopher Lee, Benedict Cumberbatch. Formats: Three-disc Blu-Ray Combo Pack, Five-disc Blu-Ray 3D Combo Pack, 2-Disc DVD Special Edition, Digital Download, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Full suite of Peter Jackson's production videos, behind the scenes video journals covering start of production, location scouting, filming in 3D, post-production overview and Wellington world premiere. (Warner).
Jersey Shore: The Uncensored Final Season (2012) Four-disc set with 13 uncensored episodes, $26.99. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Gym, Tan, Look Back" special, deleted scenes, "Breakdowns, Boobs 'N Bronzer" special featuring hilarious moments from the show, "Jersey Shore Dictionary" special, multiple "After Hours" specials, the "Jersey Shore Reunion special," a "Most Outrageous Moments" montage, more. (MTV/Paramount).
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) Considered by many to be the finest British film ever made, "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is a stirring masterpiece like no other. Roger Livesey dynamically embodies outmoded English militarism as the indelible General Clive Candy, who barely survives four decades of tumultuous British history (1902 to 1942) only to see the world change irrevocably before his eyes. Anton Walbrook and Deborah Kerr provide unforgettable support, he as a German enemy turned lifelong friend of Blimp's and she as young women of three consecutive generations, a socially committed governess, a sweet-souled war nurse, and a modern-thinking army driverwho inspire him. "Colonel Blimp" is both moving and slyly satirical, an incomparable film about war, love, aging, and obsolescence shot in gorgeous Technicolor. New 4K digital master from the 2012 Film Foundation restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Audio commentary featuring director Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese, video introduction by Scorsese, "A Profile of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," restoration demonstration, hosted by Scorsese, interview with editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell (Michael Powell's widow), Gallery featuring rare behind-the-scenes production stills, Gallery tracing the history of David Low's original Colonel Blimp cartoons, booklet featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell. (The Criterion Collection).
A Mind to Kill Complete Collection (1994-2001) Compared to "Cracker" and "Wallander" for its gritty realism and no-holds-barred storytelling. Philip Madoc stars as brooding detective Noel Bain, an old-fashioned and kindhearted cop who solves crimes with his unerring instinct, keen intelligence, and passion for defending the innocent, while struggling to protect his daughter from the crime-filled world he knows too well. Eleven-disc set with 21 mysteries. Never aired in the U.S. Formats: DVD. Extras: (Acorn Media).
No Job for a Lady: The Complete Collection (1990-92) All three series of the witty Brit-com following Jean Price (Penelope Keith), who has just been elected Member of Parliament for the left-wing Labour Party. Now her real work begins: Getting along with her chauvinist fellow MPs while navigating the Machiavellian world of Westminster. Three-disc set with 18 episodes. Formats: DVD. (Acorn Media).
Shadow People (2012) Dallas Roberts, Alison Eastwood, Anne Dudek, Mattie Liptak. A radio talk show host unravels a conspiracy about encounters with mysterious beings known as The Shadow People and their role in the unexplained deaths of several hundred people in the 1980s. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
Strange Frame (2012) Voices of Tim Curry, Claudia Black, Ron Glass, Juliet Landau, Tara Strong, George Takei. First animated sci-fi lesbian rock musical explores the theme of the transformative power of love between two women, bringing viewers into a world of space pirates, indentured slaves and genetic mutations. Set at the end of the 28th century, the human race has long since abandoned a desolate earth. In order to survive, humanity has been using genetic engineering to adapt to otherworld environments, to the point where changing one's skin color or gender has become commonplace. On the moon Ganymede, saxophonist Parker (Claudia Black) and guitarist Naia (Tara Strong) develop a close relationship. The two embark on their new relationship and form a new band but they also must fight for their freedom from the evil Mig (Tim Curry). Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: Two behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scene. (Wolfe Video).
Zero Dark Thirty (2012) Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong, Jennifer Ehle, Jason Clarke, Edgar Ramirez, Chris Pratt, Scott Adkins, Nash Edgerton, Harold Perrineau, Taylor Kinney. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Four featurettes: "Small Feat" with director Bigelow sharing why this project, and the recounting of this historic event, was so important; "The Compound" behind-the-scenes featurette on the re-creation of Osama bin Laden's lair; "Geared Up" behind-the-scenes of the the raid; "Targeting Jessica Chastain." (Sony).
March 22, 2013 New DVD Releases
Les Misérables (2012) Director: Tom Hooper. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "The Stars of Les Misérables" casting featurette with director Tom Hooper; "Creating the Perfect Paris" production design featurette; "The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo's Les Misérables" mini-documentary takes a look at the historical backdrop and universal themes of Hugo's classic; commentary with Hooper. Blu-ray adds "Les Misérables Singing Live" featurette on the daunting challenge of singing live rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks; "Battle at the Barricade" featurette on the building of the barricade scene; "The West End Connection" featurette with renowned West End producer Cameron Mackintosh, who was deeply involved in the filming, as well as former "Les Misérables" theatrical stars who appeared in supporting roles in the current film; "Les Misérables on Location" featurette. (Universal).
This Is 40 (2012) Dir.: Judd Apatow; Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Melissa McCarthy, Jason Segal, Megan Fox, John Lithgow, Albert Brooks, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Robert Smigel, Chris O'Dowd, Annie Mumolo, Robert Smigel, Charlyne Yi, Lena Dunham. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo (with unrated version on the Blu-ray), VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with writer-director Judd Apatow, gag reel, Line-O-Rama, deleted scenes, music from Graham Parker and the Rumour, and Ryan Adams. Blu-ray adds "The Making of This Is 40," "This Is Albert Brooks (At Work)," Graham Parker & The Rumour: "Long Emotional Ride," Brooks-O-Rama, "Biking With Barry," "Triumph The Insult Comic Dog," "Kids on the Loose 3," "Bodies By Jason" commercial, "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross, deleted, extended and alternate scenes. (Universal).
March 26, 2013 New DVD Releases
Adventures in Zambezia (2013) Animated with the voices of Jeremy Suarez, Abigail Breslin, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, Samuel L. Jackson. When a spirited young falcon named Kai (Suarez) learns of Zambezia, the fabulous city of birds, he leaves his remote country home against the wishes of his father (Jackson). But when his dad is captured by an evil lizard who plans to attack the city, Kai must learn the importance of teamwork if he's to rescue his father, save his new friends and help keep Zambezia lizard free. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: Four featurettes: "Birds of a Feature," "An African Story," "The Tree City" and "Technical Challenges." (Triggerfish Animation Studios).
The Collection (2012) Josh Stewart, Emma Fitzpatrick, Lee Tergesen, Christopher McDonald. A twisted madman "collects" humans in a booby-trapped house of horrors. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with director/co-writer Marcus Dunstan and co-writer Patrick Melton, five behind-the-scenes mini-featurettes, alternate/deleted scenes. (Lionsgate).
Continuum: Season One (2012) Two-disc set with 10 episodes. Formats: DVD, $44.98; Blu-ray Disc, $49.98. Extras: "Meet the Makers, Protectors and Terrorists." (Universal).
The Frankenstein Theory (2013) Kris Lemche, Joe Egender, Timothy V. Murphy, Eric Zuckerman. A discredited university professor travels to the Arctic Circle to prove his obscure theory that Mary Shelley's literary classic "Frankenstein" is, in fact, a work of non-fiction disguised as fantasy; what he finds is an unspeakable truth more terrifying than any fiction. Formats: DVD. (RLJ Entertainment/Image Entertainment).
House Arrest (2011) Stacey Dash, Jayceon "The Game" Taylor. A young woman living the high life is arrested with her boyfriend for a crime she didn't commit, and is placed under house arrest and forced to move back in with her mother and daughter on the ghetto side of town. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate).
Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot: The Complete Series (1967–68) Four-disc collector's edition featuring all 26 episodes of the fantasy series from Toei Studios, $39.97. Formats: DVD. Extras: 24-page book with special essay by Japanese pop culture expert August Ragone. (Shout! Factory).
Killing Them Softly (2012) Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Vincent Curatola, Max Casella, Trevor Long, Slaine, Sam Shepard. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital. Blu-ray Extras: "The Making of Killing Them Softly," deleted scenes. (The Weinstein Company/Anchor Bay).
LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2013) 22-minute original standalone LEGO tongue-and-cheek special. The heroes of the Rebel Alliance including heroic Luke Skywalker, swaggering Han Solo and steadfast Princess Leia have no time to celebrate their victory over the Empire as a new Imperial threat arises. But as Jedi-in training Luke embarks on this next mission, he discovers that his celebrity status as a "Death-Star-Blower-Upper" can be a double-edged lightsaber when he's constantly mobbed by crazed fans. So much for secret missions! Meanwhile, Darth Vader and Darth Maul are locked in a hilarious "Sith-ling" rivalry as they compete for the Emperor's approval. Formats: DVD. Extras: Includes an exclusive collectible Darth Vader LEGO minifigure. (Fox).
MADtv Season 2 (2012) Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $29.93. Special guest hosts Christina Applegate, Ice-T, Harry Connick, Jr., Rodney Dangerfield, Queen Latifah, LL Cool J and others usher in some of the most entertaining sketches from fan-favorite cast members like Nicole Sullivan, Orlando Jones, Phil LaMarr, Brian Callen, Debra Wilson, Mary Scheer and Artie Lange. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).
A Man Escaped (1956) With the simplest of concepts and sparest of techniques, Robert Bresson made one of the most suspenseful jailbreak films of all time. Based on the memoirs of an imprisoned French resistance leader, this unbelievably taut and methodical marvel follows the fictional Fontaine's single-minded pursuit of freedom, detailing the planning and carrying out of his escape with gripping precision. But Bresson's film is not merely process-minded, it's a work of intense spirituality and humanity. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc Extras: "Bresson: Without a Trace," a 1965 episode of the television program "Cineastes de notre temps" in which the director gives his first on-camera interview; "The Essence of Forms," a 45-minute documentary from 2010 in which some of Bresson's collaborators and admirers, including actor Francois Leterrier and director Bruno Dumont, share their thoughts about the director and his work; new visual essay with text by film scholars David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson; trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Tony Pipolo. (The Criterion Collection).
Men at Work: The Complete First Season (2012) Two-disc set with 10 episodes, $35.99. Formats: DVD. (Sony).
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries Series 1 (2012) New, glamorous "lady detective" series makes its North American debut. Based on the popular detective novels by Kerry Greenwood, the gorgeously costumed and evocatively shot mystery series features Essie Davis as the Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, a sly sleuth and thoroughly modern woman of the late 1920s operating in a mostly male-dominated detective world. Produced for ABC Australia and filmed on location in Melbourne. Formats: Four-disc DVD, three-disc Blu-ray. (Acorn Media).
Monsieur Verdoux (1947) Charlie Chaplin plays shockingly against type in his most controversial film, a brilliant and bleak black comedy about money, marriage, and murder. Chaplin is a 20th century Bluebeard, an enigmatic family man who goes to extreme lengths to support his wife and child, attempting to bump off a series of wealthy widows (including one played by the indefatigable Martha Raye, in a hilarious performance). This deeply philosophical and wildly entertaining film is a work of true sophistication, both for the moral questions it dares to ask and the way it deconstructs its megastar's loveable on-screen persona. New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Chaplin Today: “Monsieur Verdoux," a 2003 program on the film's production and release, featuring filmmaker Claude Chabrol and actor Norman Lloyd; "Charlie Chaplin and the American Press," a new documentary featuring Chaplin specialist Kate Guyonvarch and author Charles Maland; new video essay featuring an audio interview with actress Marilyn Nash; radio advertisements and trailers; booklet featuring an essay by critic Ignatiy Vishnevetsky and reprinted pieces by Chaplin and critic Andre Bazin. (The Criterion Collection).
N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo (2013) Documentary chronicles hip-hop duo N.A.S.A.'s (Sam Spiegel and DJ Zegonduo) worldwide travels and collaborations that led to 2009's ground-breaking LP of the same name. "N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo" was shot between 2004-2011 in locations spanning the globe (Brazil, Jamaica, Sweden, the U.S. and more) and features music and appearances by David Byrne, Kanye West, Karen O, Tom Waits, Method Man, M.I.A., Ol' Dirty moo, John Frusciante, Santigold, RZA, George Clinton, Nick Zinner, Ghostface Killah, Lykke Li, Gift of Gab, Kool Keith, Chuck D, DJ AM, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Spank Rock, The Cool Kids, Amanda Blank, and many more. The film also features myriad accompanying visual images by various high profile visual artists who lent their work to the project, including: Shepard Fairey, Marcel Dzama, Sage Vaughn, The Date Farmers and Logan, Barry McGee, Jimena Odea, Splunny, Didiu Rio Branco, Flourescent Hill, Three Legged Legs, Aaron Acord, and more. Formats: DVD. (BB Gun Press).
Oliver Twist (1982) George C. Scott, Tim Curry, Michael Hordern, Timothy West, Eileen Atkins. DVD debut of the 1982 CBS miniseries. Formats: Two-disc DVD. (Entertainment One).
Parental Guidance (2012) Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott, Bailee Madison, Joshua Rush, Kyle Harrison Breitkopf, Jennifer Crystal Foley. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary with director Andy Fickman and Billy Crystal. Blu-ray adds gag reel. "In Character With Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei" featurette. (Fox).
Veep: The Complete First Season (2012) Two-disc set with eight episodes. Formats: DVD, $39.98; Blu-ray Disc, $49.99, Digital, UltraViolet. Extras: "The Making of Veep," "Veep: Misspoke," "Veep: Obesity" public service announcement (and outtakes) about obesity, deleted scenes, 12 audio commentaries. (HBO). </dt></dl>
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