Ben 10: Alien Swarm
(2009) Fourth edition of the Cartoon Network series, $19.97. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
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Better Off Ted Season One
(2009) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.98. (Fox).
A Christmas Tale
(2008) Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, Melvil Poupaud. In Arnaud Desplechin's beguiling "A Christmas Tale (Un conte de Noel)," Catherine Deneuve brings her legendary poise to the role of Junon, matriarch of the troubled Vuillard family, who come together at Christmas after she learns she needs a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative. That simple family reunion setup, however, can't begin to describe the unpredictable, emotionally volatile experience of this film, an inventive, magical drama that's equal parts merriment and melancholy. Unrequited childhood loves and blinding grudges, brutal outbursts and sudden slapstick, music, movies, and poetry are all tied together in a marvelously messy package.
Extras: "L'aimee," Desplechin's 2007 documentary about the selling of his family home, new documentary featuring interviews with Desplechin and actors Mathieu Amalric and Catherine Deneuve, booklet featuring an essay by critic Philip Lopate. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Into the Storm
(2009) Brendan Gleeson, Janet McTeer, James D'Arcy, Patrick Malahide. Biodrama about Winston Churchill as he leads Britain into World War II; sequel to the 2002 TV movie "The Gathering Storm." (HBO Home Video).
Mental Season One
(2009) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98Extras: Unrated alternate pilot, "Paging Dr. Gallagher" featurette. (Fox).
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XVI
Limited edition four-disc set with "The Corpse Vanishes," "Warrior of the Lost World," "Santa Claus" and "Night of the Blood Beast." Extras: New interview with "Warrior of the Lost World" director David Worth, "Santa Claus Conquers the Devil: A 50-Year Retrospective," "Night of the Blood Beast" (Turkey Day Version), Turkey Day '95 intros, original theatrical trailers, four exclusive MST3K mini-posters by artist Steve Vance, collectible Tom Servo figurine. $64.99. (Shout! Factory).
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
(2009) Dir.: Shawn Levy; Stars: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Christopher Guest, Jon Bernthal, Bill Hader, Alain Chabat, Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon. Available as a three-disc combo pack (Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy), a two-disc special "MonkeyMischief" DVD and a single-disc DVD. Extras: Gag reel, deleted scenes, alternate ending, "Curators of Comedy: Behind the Scenes With Ben Stiller" featruette, "Phinding Pharaoh With Hank Azaria" featurette, "Cherub Bootcamp,"commentaries by the filmmakers; Blu-ray and "Monkey Mischief" add "Show Me the Monkey" featurette, games. (Fox).
Paper Heart
(2009) Michael Cera, Charlyne Yi, Jake M. Johnson, Seth Rogen, Paul Rust, Demetri Martin, Lydia Yi, Martin Starr. Read more about "Paper Heart" in the December Calendar.Extras:Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Overture Films).
Saturday Night Live: The Complete Fifth Season
(1979-80) Seven-disc set with 20 episodes, $69.98. (Universal).
Terminator Salvation
(2009) Dir.: McG; Stars: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard, Moon Bloodgood, Common, Jadagrace, Helena Bonham Carter. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
WWE: History of the World Heavyweight Championship
(2009) The World Heavyweight Championship can be traced back over a century; this three-disc set highlights its story, from the early National Wrestling Alliance, to World Class Wrestling through its current home at WWE in this never before seen documentary. Past and present champions relate the title's significance and relive the emotional moments that surround the championship. Includes more than 20 championship matches. $34.95. (WWE Entertainment).
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December 8
Brigitte Bardo Classic Collection
Three Bardot films: "The Night Heaven Fell," "Plucking the Daisy" and "Don Juan." (Image Entertainment).
Get Smart Season 5
(1069-70) Four-disc set with 26 episodes, $24.98. (HBO Home Video).
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
(2009) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, David Bradley, Jim Broadbent, Jessie Cave, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Frank Dillane, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Helen McCrory, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Natalia Tena, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Julie Walters, David Thewlis, Bonnie Wright. Available as a three-disc Blu-ray combo pack that includes the film, bonus features, a standard DVD version of the film and a digital copy; a two-disc DVD special edition with more than two hours of extras as well as a digital copy; and a standard DVD. Extras: The Blu-ray and two-disc versions will include two behind-the-scenes featurettes, including one focusing on the last year of writing the "Harry Potter" books with author J.K. Rowling; two smaller, cast-centered featurettes; deleted scenes and more. The Blu-ray will include Warner's Maximum Movie Mode feature, which offers picture-in-picture information features and commentary from director David Yates, producers David Barron and David Heyman and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton. (Warner).
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ultimate Edition
Five-disc set with theatrical and extended versions. First part of "Creating The World of Harry Potter" eight-part documentary: Part 1: The Magic Begins, in which viewers get an inside, in-depth look at the planning, creativity, personalities and other elements that went into the initial creation of Harry's screen world; 48-page photo book, five hours of special features. Features: Diagon Alley; Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry's Room and the Great Hall -- Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts; Classrooms: Defense Against The Dark Arts; Spells And Charms; Potions; Transfiguration; Third Floor Corridor; deleted scenes; Sorting Hat; Library; Gallery of Art & Architecture; Hogwarts Yearbook; "Guide to Ghosts; Hogwarts Grounds; Quaffle and Bludger: Get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch; tour Hagrid's hut; Extra Credit; Interview: Capturing the stone: A conversation with the director Chris Columbus, producer David Heyman, screenwriter Steve Kloves and production designer Stuart Craig; "A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter" 2001 international TV special; deleted scenes; trailers and TV spots; digital copy of theatrical film. Blu-ray Disc adds: In-Movie Experience with director Chris Columbus: An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined with PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries; WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more; BD Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more. $49.99 Blu-ray, $39.92 DVD. (Warner).
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ultimate Edition
Five-disc set with theatrical and extended versions. Second part of "Creating The World of Harry Potter" eight-part documentary: Part 2: Characters, offering a first-hand look at the unique strengths of each of the films' directors and what they brought to the principal characters in the Harry Potter film series; 48-page photo book; five hours of special features. Features: Deleted scenes; Lockhart's classroom; photo gallery; Certificates -- have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart's many achievements; Required Reading -- find out what text books you'll need for Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts class; Extra Credit; Behind Hogwarts; A conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves: The author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life and the changes that happen in the process; Dumbledore's Office; Build a Scene; Tour Dumbledore's Office -- Welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore's office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts; Interviews with students, professors and more; Professors and More: Personal moments with the professors and others as they discuss their characters: Prof. Gilderoy Lockhart, Lucius Malfoy, Prof. Pomona Sprout, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Prof. Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid, Prof. Severus Snape, Uncle Vernon Dursley, Aunt Petunia Dursley, Argus Filch, Prof. Minerva McGonagall; Gallery of Production Sketches; Activities; The Chamber Challenge [Game]; Tour the Chamber of Secrets; The Forbidden Forest Challenge [Game]; Colin's Darkroom; Tour Diagon Alley: Self-guided tour of Diagon Alley, where you can find all your supplies for the school year; Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game]; EA Game Preview; Screen Tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson; "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed" 2002 HBO First Look special; trailers and TV spots; digital copy of theatrical film. Blu-ray Disc adds: In-Movie Experience with director Chris Columbus: An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined with PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries; WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more; BD Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more. $49.99 Blu-ray, $39.92 DVD. (Warner).
Harry Potter Years 1-6 Giftset
Six-disc set with all six Harry Potter films, $69.98. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Johnny Mercer: The Dream's On Me
(2009) Profile of the Georgia-born lyricist, singer and composer whose solo and collaborative efforts have kept the world singing for more than eight decades with such songs as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Jeepers Creepers," "That Old Black Magic," "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe," "Skylark," "Blues in the Night," "Moon River," "The Days of Wine and Roses" and many, many more. The documentary features rare interviews and performances by Mercer himself and includes movie and television clips of Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Fred Astaire, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn, Tony Bennett, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and others. Produced by Clint Eastwood. Two-disc set, $29.98. Extras: Featurette "At the Piano With Clint" and performances by jazz musicians such as Audra McDonald, Michael Feinstein, Jamie Cullum, Dr. John, and Morgan Eastwood. (Warner).
Julie & Julia
(2009) Dir.: Nora Ephron; Stars: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Jane Lynch, Dave Annable, Mary Lynn Rajskub. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.Extras: Commentary by writer-director Nora Ephron; "Secret Ingredients: Creating Julie & Julia" behind-the-scenes featurette. Blu-ray adds: "Family & Friends Remember Julia Child"; "Julia's Kitchen" featurette about how the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History acquired Julia's kitchen and take a tour inside; "Cooking Lessons: Poaching Eggs With Julia Child & Jacques Pepin, Making Hollandaise Sauce With Julia Child & Jacques Pepin, Mark Peel Prepares Scrambled Eggs, Suzanne Goin Prepares Braised Beef Shortribs, Steven Lewandowski & Drew Nieporent Prepare Butter Poached Maine Lobster; movieIQ -- "Julia's Recipe Collector" allows viewers to collect and email favorite Julia Child recipes while watching the film. (Sony).
Lost: The Complete Fifth Season
(2009) Five-disc set with 17 episodes, $59.99.Extras: Featurettes, interviews, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
Public Enemies
(2009) Dire.: Michael Mann; Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Jason Clarke, Rory Cochran, Billy Crudup, Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang, John Ortiz, Giovanni Ribisi, David Wenham, Stephen Graham. Read more about "Public Enemies" in the December Calendar. Available as a standard DVD, two=disc special edition and on Blu-ray. Extras: Featurette, commentary; Special Edition adds additional featurettes, digital copy; Blu-ray adds U Control, BD Live, D-Box, iPhone App. (Universal).
Rescue Me: Season Five, Volume Two
(2009) Three-disc set with 11 episodes from the second half of the fifth season. Extras: "Rescue Me Dysfunctional Family Dinner" featurette, "Setting the Backfires of Season 5" featurette, deleted scenes. (Sony). Back to top
December 15
Fallen Idol: The Yuri Gagarin Conspiracy
(2009) On April 12th, 1961, the Soviet Union reported the successful launch, orbit and reentry of the first man in space, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, pushing the cold war into a space duel. With the collapse of communism in the Russian Federation, recent access to documents in the Kremlin archives reveal a story intended to remain buried forever. Yuri Gagarin, the icon of triumphant communism known world over, was not the first man in space. He was preceded by Vladimir Ilyushin, an unsung hero and the man at the center of this decades old conspiracy. Narrated by Elliott Gould. (Indican Pictures).
G-Force
(2009) Voices of Nicolas Cage, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan, Bill Nighy, Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Kelli Garner, Gabriel Casseus, Jack Conley, Penelope Cruz, Tyler Patrick Jones. Available as a Combo Pack with Blu-ray, DVD and DisneyFile Digital Copy; two-disc special edition DVD with digital copy, and single-disc DVD. Extras: Commentary by director Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr.; "Blasters Boot Camp," "G-Force Mastermind" behind-the-scenes featurette, bloopers, deleted scenes, three music videos. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).
George Lopez: Tall, Dark & Chicano
(2009) HBO comedy special, $19.97. (HBO Home Entertainment).
The Hangover
(2009)Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha, Jeffrey Tambor. Available in a two-disc Special Edition and on Blu-ray. Extras: Photos from the missing camera, gag reel, outtakes, Ken Jeong's improv, more. Blu-ray adds Mike Tyson's rendition of "In the Air Tonight," "Cursing Mash-ups With All the @#$%! Cursing in the @#$%! Film," BD Live content, digital copy, more. (Warner).
Inglourious Basterds
(2009) Dir.: Quentin Tarantino; Stars: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Bruhl, Eli Roth, Samm Levine, B.J. Novak, Til Schweiger, Gedeon Burkhard, Paul Rust, Michael Bacall, Omar Doom, Sylvester Groth, Julie Dreyfus, Jacky Ido, August Diehl, Martin Wuttke, Richard Sammel, Christian Berkel, Sonke Mohring, Michael Fassbender, Mike Myers, Rod Taylor, Denis Menochet, Cloris Leachman, Maggie Cheung, Samuel L. Jackson. Read more about "Inglourious Basterds" in the December Calendar.Available as a single-disc DVD, two-disc DVD special edition, and Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
The Other Man
(2009) Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Antonio Banderas. An intimate tale of a man who discovers his wife's infidelity and sets out to track down his rival. Driven to pursue the mystery surrounding his wife's adultery, he embarks on a global pursuit with a haunted passion that begins to probe the nature not simply of jealousy, but of loss and forgiveness. He eventually forms an unusual friendship with the lover and, through a series of informal meetings and emails, the husband uncovers the truth about his wife's affair. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Taking Woodstock
(2009) Director: Ang Lee. Stars: Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber, Imelda Staunton, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Henry Goodman, Eugene Levy, Paul Dano, Dan Fogler, Mamie Gummer. Read more about "Taking Woodstock" in the December Calendar.Extras:Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).
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December 22
All About Steve
(2009) Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Ken Jeong, DJ Qualls, Katy Mixon, Howard Hesseman. Read more about "All About Steve" in the December Calendar. Available as a single-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray. Extras: Commentary by writer Kim Barker, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Ken Jeong and director Phil Traill; "All About All About Steve" featurette; deleted scenes; gag reel; crew snapshots to "Mary's Rap." Blu-ray adds "Take A Stab At Vocab!" "Fox Movie Channel Presents Casting Session," digital copy. (Fox).
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
(2009) Georgia Groome, Eleanor Tomlinson, Aaron Johnson, Alan Davies. Soon-to-be-15-year-old Georgia has her sights on Robbie, a new guy at school she dubs "a gorgeous sex-god." But Robbie is dating Georgia's arch rival, the blonde, perfect and evil Lindsay, so Georgia sets a series of mad schemes in motion to nab Robbie and have the best birthday party ever. Extras: Commentary by director Gurinder Chadha, eight featurettes, video diaries, deleted scenes, bloopers, gallery, Stiff Dylans music video "Ultraviolet." (Paramount).
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
(2009) Dir.: Peter Hyams; Michael Douglas, Jesse Metcalfe, Amber Tamblyn, Orlando Jones, Joel Moore. Remake of the 1956 film noir classic in which a writer's plan to expose a corrupt district attorney takes an unexpected turn. High profile District Attorney Mark Hunter (Michael Douglas) has an impeccable record putting criminals behind bars and is a shoo-in for governor in the upcoming election. But when ambitious rookie journalist C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe) begins investigating Hunter for tampering with evidence to secure his convictions, the district attorney's perfect record is up for scrutiny. Extras: Commentary by writer-director-cinematographer Peter Hyams and actor Jesse Metcalfe; "The Whole Truth -- The Making Of Beyond a Reasonable Doubt"; "Criminal Forensics -- The Burden Of Proof."; and the theatrical trailer. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay Entertainment).
District 9
(2009) Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, John Sumner, William Allen Young, Vanessa Haywood, Marian Hooman. Read more about "District 9" in the December Calendar. Available as a single-disc DVD, a two-disc DVD special edition, and on Blu-ray. Extras: Single disc: Commentary by director/co-writer Neill Blomkamp, deleted scenes, "The Alien Agenda: A Filmmaker's Log" three-part documentary that explores the pre-production process and creation of the world of District 9, Peter Jackson's role in producing the film, the unorthodox approach to using South Africa as the setting for the film, the shooting style using small handheld cameras, and the sound effects editing. The special edition adds four featurettes: "Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Wikus" (the special effects used to transform the protagonist from a human to an alien), "Innovation: The Acting and Improvisation of District 9," "Conception and Design: Creating the World of District 9" and "Alien Generation: The Visual Effects of District 9. The Blu-ray adds an interactive map "Joburg from Above: Satellite and Schematics of the World of District 9," a digital copy of the film, and BD-Live features Cinechat and movieIQ. (Sony).
Extract
(2009) Dir.: Mike Judge; Stars: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, J.K. Simmons, Clifton Collins Jr., Gene Simmons. Read more about "Extract" in the December Calendar.Extras: "Mike Judge's Secret Recipe" featurette Blu-ray Disc. adds extended and deleted scenes. (Miramax).
(500) Days of Summer
(2009) Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Clark Gregg, Minka Kelly, Rachel Boston, Matthew Gray Gubler, Chloe Moretz. Read more about "(500) Days of Summer" in the December Calendar.Extras: Commentary by director Marc Webb, writer Michael Weber, co-writer Scott Neustadter and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt; "Lost Days of Summer": Deleted and extended scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Darkside
(2009) Family Guy animated "retelling" of "The Empire Strikes Back." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
It Might Get Loud
(2009) Documentary in which rock legends Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White come together to play, compare notes and talk about music and their mutual love of the electric guitar. Read more about "It Might Get Loud" in the December Calendar.Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary by director Davis Guggenheim, producer Lesley Chilcott and producer Thomas Tull; Toronto Film Festival Press Conference with Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White, Davis Guggenheim, Lesley Chilcott and Thomas Tull. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).
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December 29
Glee: Season 1: Road To Sectionals
(2009) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98. Extras: Director's cut of the pilot episode, behind-the-scenes featurettes, audition videos, isolated music from the show. (Fox).
Jennifer's Body
(2009) Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, J.K. Simmons, Johnny Simmons, Kyle Gallner, Josh Emerson, Lance Henriksen, Diablo Cody. In theatrical and extended editions. Read more about "Jennifer's Body" in the December Calendar.Extras: Commentary. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
The Marine 2
(2009) Ted DiBiase, Temuera Morrison, Lara Cox, Robert Coleby, Michael Rooker. Inspired by a true story and shot on location in Phuket, Thailand. WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase stars as Marine recon sniper Joe Linwood, whose vacation trip to paradise with his wife is suddenly shattered when guerillas take control of a secluded five-star resort asking for a substantial ransom. The guerilla leaders begin murdering hostages as the clock ticks away, forcing Linwood to use his expert skills to save the hostages from certain death. Extras: Behind-the-scenes footage of the climatic fight scenes -- without stunt doubles -- between DiBiase and Morrison and between DiBiase and the film's Muay Thai fighters; featurette on the terrorist siege sequence including storyboards, miniatures and hotel guests' reactions to filming at the five-star resort; Ted DiBiase profile; production featurette; music video of unseen sequences. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Spaceballs: The Totally Warped Animated Adventures!
(2008) Mel Brooks lends his voice and writing talent to the hilarious re-imagination of the greatest "Star Wars" spoof of all time. Four episodes with intermission shorts, $19.98. (MGM).
All listings are based on information from
the home video studios. Some release dates may change and titles may come out
after a specified date (with no announcement from the studio). Additionally,
some titles may be released with little or no advance announcement. And since
all DVDs are priced at sell-through and are available for substantial discounts
at both online and brick-and-mortar stores, we only list suggested retail prices
for some special editions, box sets and collections.
All DVDs are screened on a reference system consisting of a
Rotel RDV-1060 DVD Audio/Video Player, a
Rotel RSX-972 Surround Sound Receiver, and Phase Technology 1.1 (front), 33.1 (center),
and 50 (rear) speakers and Power 10 subwoofer.
(2009) Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, John Sumner, William Allen Young, Vanessa Haywood, Marian Hooman. 
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