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OnVideo's Weekly Guide to Home Video Releases

Tuesday, September 10 -- Monday, September 16

All DVD Releases

  • Star Trek Into Darkness

    photo for Star Trek Into Darkness Having grown up with so many of the TV series from the 1960s and 70s that have been rebooted into movie franchises (many with little success), it was a pleasure to see what director J.J. Abrams did with one of my favorites, "Star Trek." The original big-screen adaptations -- though fun -- lacked the excitement and sizzle that the TV series offered (except one: "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan"). Abrams pumped the excitement back into the old warhorse with 2009's "Star Trek" and -- for me -- upped the ante with this sequel. The plot is complicated -- suffice it to say that Captain Kirk gets demoted for interfering with a primitive race on a distant planet, Starfleet comes under attack by a super-powerful-humanoid (named -- ummm -- Khan) who threatens the Earth, the Enterprise must travel into "the forbidden zone" near the Klingon empire, and there's a traitor of sorts manipulating everyone into a war. The action is fast-paced and coherent, the story line never obtuse, the twists not too outrageous, and the special effects worthy of "Star Trek." A real pleasure. Blu-ray extras (at most retailers) include "Creating the Red Planet" featurette, "Attack on Starfleet" behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Klingon Home World" featurette, "The Enemy of My Enemy" featurette, "Ship to Ship" visual effects featurette and "Brawl by the Bay" preparation for the film's climax. Some Blu-ray versions for some retailers (such as Best Buy and Target) have different extras. Vitals: Director: J.J. Abrams.. Stars: John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Peter Weller, Anton Yelchin. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 132 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $220.561 million, Paramount. 3 stars


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  • Love Is All You Need

    photo for Love Is All You Need A hairdresser who has lost her hair to cancer finds out her husband is having an affair, travels to Italy for her daughter's wedding and meets a widower who still blames the world for the loss of his wife. Philip (Pierce Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Trine Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser who's just been left by her husband for a younger woman. The fates of these two souls are about to intertwine as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of Patrick and Astrid, Philip's son and Ida's daughter. It's a story about second chances, seeking love and having the courage to change your life -- even when you think it’s too late. Extras: Commentary with Pierce Brosnan and director Susanne Bier; Q&A with Pierce Brosnan, Trine Dyrholm, Susanne Bier and screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen; behind-the-scenes featurette with Dyrholm, as well as interviews with the cast at the 2012 Venice Film Festival. Vitals: Director: Susanne Bier. Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Trine Dyrholm, Sebastian Jessen, Molly Blixt Egelind. 2012, CC, MPAA rating: R, 116 min., Romantic Comedy, Box office gross: $1.537 million, Sony. 2 stars

  • Chasing Ice

    photo In the spring of 2005, acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic on a tricky assignment for National Geographic: to capture images to help tell the story of the Earth's changing climate. Even with a scientific upbringing, Balog had been a skeptic about climate change. But that first trip north opened his eyes to the biggest story in human history and sparked a challenge within him that would put his career and his very well-being at risk. This is the story of one man's mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Within months of that first trip to Iceland, the photographer conceived the boldest expedition of his life: The Extreme Ice Survey. With a band of young adventurers in tow, Balog began deploying revolutionary time-lapse cameras across the brutal Arctic to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers. As the debate polarizes America and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Balog finds himself at the end of his tether. Battling untested technology in sub zero conditions, he comes face to face with his own mortality. It takes years for Balog to see the fruits of his labor. His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. "Chasing Ice" depicts a photographer trying to deliver evidence and hope to our carbon-powered planet. Vitals: Director: Jeff Orlowski. Stars:. 2012, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 75 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $1.065 million, New Video. 3 stars

  • Peeples

    photo for Tyler Perry Presents Peeples Sparks fly when Grace (Kerry Washington) takes off for the preppy Peeples' annual reunion in the Hamptons the very weekend her boyfriend Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) was going to propose. Undeterred, Wade heads to the Hamptons to surprise her. He might be a fish-out-of-water among this seemingly perfect East Coast clan, but he's not about to let himself flounder. Instead, in a wild weekend of fun, dysfunction and hilarious surprises, Wade and Grace discover there's room for all kinds of Peeples in this family, no matter their differences Vitals: Director: Tina Gordon Chism. Stars: Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, Tyler James Williams, Kali Hawk, Malcolm Barrett, S. Epatha Merkerson, Melvin Van Peebles, Diahann Carroll, Kimrie Lewis-Davis. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 95 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $9.123 million, Lionsgate. 2 stars


    Blu-ray Debuts

  • The Fly (1958)
  • Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection (due 9/13)
  • La Cage aux Folles (1978) (Criterion)
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas 20th Anniversary Edition (1993)
  • The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1965) (Criterion)
  • Star Trek: The Original Series -- Origins
  • Star Trek: Stardate Collection

    Read more.




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All DVD Releases

An American Hippie In Israel (aka The Hitch Hiker) (1972 -- Israel) Machine gun wielding mimes, robots, blood thirsty sharks, free loving debauchery and poignant anti-war monologues by raving mad hippies, all this and more is present in writer-director-prophet Amos Sefer's allegorical independent film. Incited by a disillusioned young man who has decided to flee from civilization, a group of 4 people go searching for freedom and happiness on an isolated island. When their boat goes astray and they are left without food, their animal instincts take over. Formats: Limited edition (2000 individually numbered copies) three-disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: "The Hitchhiker," the uncensored director's cut; six controversial scenes deleted from the original release; in-depth interviews with stars Asher Tzarfati and Shmuel Wolf; "Asher Tzarfati -- An Israeli Actor in Israel" featurette; interview with production manager Moshe Berman; interview with singer/co-star Susan Devore; Channel 10 Tel Avi news segment; "A Cult Is Born" featurette on the film's revival in Tel Aviv; 16mm screen tests; "Be Careful Children" Amos Sefer 16mm short film; bonus 5.1 audio track -- "The Beverly Cinema Experience"; liner notes by acclaimed horror novelist John Skipp; still galleries; trailer; filmographies; more. (Grindhouse Releasing).

The Black Waters of Echo's Pond (2009) Danielle Harris, Robert Patrick, James Duval. Nine friends take a holiday at a Victorian home on a private island and uncover a game that when played brings out the worst in each of them. Jealously, greed, hatred, lust, all of the things they keep buried deep inside themselves rise to the surface and come to a boil. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

Blood (2012) Paul Bettany, Mark Strong, Stephen Graham, Brian Cox. Thriller charting the moral collapse of a police family. Two cop brothers, smothered by the shadow of their former police chief father, must investigate a crime they themselves have committed. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. (Image Entertainment).

Blood Thirst/Thirsty Dead Two blood drinking B-movies made by Americans in Manila: "Thirsty Dead" (1966): A sinister cult kidnaps beautiful women to use in their ghastly blood rites. "Blood Thirst" (1972): After a series of brutal killings, an American investigator probes the violent goings on and discovers a horrifying secret. Formats: DVD. (Vinegar Syndrome).

photo for Blue Bloods -- The Third Season Blue Bloods -- The Third Season (2012-13) Six-disc set with 23 episodes of the series about the Reagans, a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement, starring Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Amy Carlson, Sami Gayle and Len Cariou, $64.99. Formats: DVD. Extras: Four featurettes: The Story of the Reagans, Season Three," "Dinner With the Reagans," exclusive set tour, "Growing Up Reagan." (CBS/Paramount).


Chasing Ice (2012) Documentary about acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog, who headed to the Arctic on a tricky assignment for National Geographic: to capture images to help tell the story of the Earth's changing climate. His revolutionary time-lapse cameras -- set up across the brutal Arctic -- captures a multi-year record of the world's changing -- and diminishing -- glaciers. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: TBA. (New Video).

photo for Chicago Fire: Season One Chicago Fire: Season One (2012-13) Five-disc set with 24 episodes, $44.98. An up-close and personal view into the lives of everyday heroes follows the adventures of the men and women of Chicago Firehouse 51, the courageous firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics whose actions make the difference between life and death. From Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf ("Law & Order"). Formats: DVD. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, Otis' podcasts (13 podcasts about life as a firefighter. (Universal).

Chime Time Adventures (2013) Follows the everyday adventures of 6-year-old twins Tommy and Tallulah as they work to "chime the time" and keep everything running smoothly in Tickety Town. Traveling through the special Tickety Toc clock, where Tommy and Tallulah live, audiences enter a fantastical CGI world of eclectic characters and tag along on escapades filled with surprises. First DVD release from the pre-school Nick Jr. TV Series. Formats: DVD, $14.98. (Anchor Bay).

The Contractor (2013) Brad Rowe, Christina Cox, Danny Trejo, Taylor Spreitler, Arianne Zucker. One family's world begins to unravel when a newly hired contractor with a sinister agenda enters their home, sabotaging their car, ruining the house's plumbing and planting evidence framing the husband for an affair. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: Commentary with director Sean Olson, behind-the-scenes interviews with Danny Trejo and the cast, stills gallery. (Lionsgate).

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th (2013) For more than thirty years, "Friday the 13th" has proven to be as unstoppable at the box office as its hockey-masked villain Jason Voorhees, having spawned 12 feature films (and counting), a syndicated television series and an extensive line of books, merchandise and collectibles. For its creators, the franchise has been anything but "bad luck," generating nearly $600 million in domestic box office receipts and turning an unstoppable, machete-wielding madman into a true pop-culture icon. Inspired by the book, "Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th" takes viewers behind the mask on a journey into the making of the landmark horror franchise -- from its humble beginnings in 1980 at a New Jersey summer camp to the blockbuster release of its 2009 "reboot." Combining hundreds of rare and never-before-seen photographs, film clips, outtakes, archival documents, conceptual art and behind-the-scenes footage, and featuring interviews with more than 150 cast and crew members spanning all twelve films and the television series, this is the ultimate tribute to one of horror's most iconic and enduring franchises. $29.95. Formats: Two Blu-ray/Two DVD Combo. Extras: Trailers, filmmaker commentary.(1428 Films). Due Sept. 13.

Death Force/Vampire Hookers (1978) Two blood soaked epics from the king of Filipino exploitation, Cirio H. Santiago. "Death Force": After being left for dead by his fellow smugglers, Doug (James Inglehart) is rescued by two Japanese soldiers, living on a remote island, who teach him the ways of the samurai. Finally returning to the USA, he quickly exacts a brutal and bloody revenge. Co-stars Leon Issac Kennedy and Jayne Kennedy. Presented uncut and under its original title for the first time on home video. "Vampire Hookers": When their commanding officer goes missing, two American sailors discover a group female of vampires who pose as prostitutes to lure men into their secret lair. Stars John Carradine. Formats: DVD. (Vinegar Syndrome).

photo for Delete Delete (2011) Keir Gilchrist, Janet Kidder, Matt Frewer, Erin Karpluk, Ryan Robbins, Seth Green, Gil Bellows. When a nearly triggered nuclear reactor meltdown turns out to be the work of a world-wide artificial intelligence that has turned into a conscious entity with the sole purpose of destroying the world, one disaster at a time, the only way to save the world is to create a second form of artificial intelligence that is just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous. Part of the Doomsday thriller series. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Cast and crew interviews. (Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment).

The Doll Squad/Mission: Killfast Blu-ray Two classics from cult movie legend Ted V. Mikels explode. In "The Doll Squad" (1973), a foursome of female agents are out to stop a vicious evil mastermind from unleashing the bubonic plague. In "Mission: Killfast," martial arts master Tiger Yang faces off against a group of savvy weapons dealers, resulting in a non-stop orgy of shoot-outs, explosions, and bikini clad beauties. Extras: Commentary track with Ted Mikels, interviews with Ted Mikels, "Doll Squad" trailer, interview with the "Doll Squad's" Francine York. (Vinegar Syndrome).

Dora the Explorer: Dora's Great Roller Skate Adventure (2012) Three new-to-DVD episodes: Dora and Boots zoom into Skate Park and stand up to the bullying Big Wheeler, Dora brings her friends to the doctor, Dora goes to the Green Power Science Fair. Formats: DVD, $14.99. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).



Flair Bartending: The Working Flair Series (2013) Two-disc instructional DVD that includes step-by-step, slow-motion tutoring of 240 Flair Bartending moves, hosted by Scott Young, an internationally renowned bartending instructor and founder of ExtremeBartending.com. Flair Bartending series and Extreme Bartending have been seen on "The Rachel Ray Show" and featured in over 400 TV interviews and magazine/newspaper articles. Formats: DVD, $19.98; Digital. (Shelter Island).

The Fly BLU-RAY DEBUT (1958) David Hedison, Patricia Owens, Vincent Price, Herbert Marshall. Extras: Commentary with Hedison and film historian David Del Valle, "Biography: Vincent Price," "Fly Trap: Catching a Classic," Fox Movietone News. (Fox).

Frankenhooker (1990) James Lorinz, Patty Mullen, Louise Lasser, Jennifer Delora. When Jeffrey Franken's fiancee is chopped to pieces by the blades of a remote-controlled lawnmower, he uses his dubious medical knowledge to try to bring her back to life, reassembling her using the body parts of New York City's finest prostitutes and resurrecting her during a heavy lightning storm. Unfortunately for Jeffrey, his dear Elizabeth's brain is scrambled and she runs amok on 42nd Street, turning tricks and bringing high-voltage death to her customers. Formats: DVD. Extras: Commentary with director Frank Henenlotter and make-up effects designer Gabe Bartalos, "A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth" featurette, "A Stitch in Time: The Make-Up Effects of Frankenhooker" featurette, "Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers Frankenhooker" featurette, Jennifer Delora's Frankenhooker Photo Scrapbook," trailer. (Synapse Films).

Frankenstein's Army photo for (2013) Karel Roden, Joshua Sasse, Robert Gwilym, Alexander Mercury. Toward the end of World War II, Russian soldiers pushing into eastern Germany stumble across a secret Nazi lab in which a German scientist, Viktor, has unearthed and begun experimenting with the journal of Dr. Frankenstein, with the goal to create an army of super-soldiers stitched together from the body parts of fallen Germans -- in a desperate attempt to prevent Hitler's defeat. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Making-of featurette, interviews, creature spots. (MPI/Dark Sky Films).

Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection BLU-RAY DEBUT All 12 films from Warner Bros. and Paramount in one "Horrific" collection: a 10-Disc set with seven Blu-ray debuts and 11 Hours of extra content in collectible tin packaging; includes a 40-page book with behind-the-scenes photos, a Camp Crystal Lake counselor patch, more. $129.95. The discs: Disc 1: "Friday the 13th" (1980), Disc 2: "Friday the 13th Part 2" (1981), Disc 3: "Friday the 13th Part 3" in 3D (1982), Disc 4: "Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter" (1984) (new to Blu-ray), Disc 5: "Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning" (1985) and "Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives" (1986) (new to Blu-ray), Disc 6: "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood" (1988) and Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan" (1989) (new to Blu-ray), Disc 7: "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday" (1993) and "Jason X" (2002) (new to Blu-ray), Disc 8: "Freddy vs. Jason" (2003), Disc 9: "Friday the 13th" (2009) (theatrical version and "Killer Cut" extended version), Disc 10: Killer Bonus DVD Disc. Also includes digital (UltraViolent) versions. (Warner). Due Sept. 13.

Hammer of the Gods (2013) Charlie Bewley, Clive Standen, James Cosmo. In 871 AD Britain, a young man transforms into a brutal warrior as he travels the unforgiving landscape in search of his long lost brother, Hakan the Ferrocious, whose people are relying on him to restore order to their kingdom. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Interviews, "Making Of Hammer of the Gods," "Behind the Visual Effects," AXS TV: "A Look At Hammer of the Gods." (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Homeland Season Two (2012) Four-disc set with 12 episodes. Formats: DVD, $59.98; Blu-ray Disc, $69.99. Extras: "The Border: Prologue to Season 3," deleted scenes, "Return to the Homeland: Filming in Israel," "Damian Lewis: A Personal Video Diary," "The Choice: The Making of the Season Finale." (Fox).

How to Be the Life of the Party (2013) Jam-packed, ultra-fun three hour program that teaches viewers how to be the center-of-attention at any party, birthday bash, BBQ or friendly gathering. Formats: DVD, $9.98; Digital. (Shelter Island).

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 8 (2012) Ten episodes, $39.98. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentary on select episodes, deleted scenes, gag reel, "Lady House" featurette, "Frank Reynolds' How to Be a Warthog," "Fat Mac: In Memoriam." (Fox).

La Cage aux Folles BLU-RAY DEBUT and DVD (1978) Renato (Ugo Tognazzi) and Albin (Michel Serrault) -- ­a middle-aged gay couple who are the manager and star performer at a glitzy drag club in St. Tropez -- ­agree to hide their sexual identities, along with their flamboyant personalities and home decor, when the ultraconservative parents of Renato's son's fiancee come for a visit. This elegant comic scenario kicks off a wild and warmhearted farce about the importance of nonconformity and the beauty of being true to oneself. A modest French comedy that became a breakout art-house smash in America, Edouard Molinaro's "La Cage aux Folles" inspired a major Broadway musical and the blockbuster remake "The Birdcage." But with its hilarious performances and ahead-of-its-time social message, there's nothing like the audacious, dazzling original movie. New 2K digital film restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: New interview with director Edouard Molinaro; archival footage featuring actor Michel Serrault and Jean Poiret, writer and star of the original stage production of "La Cage aux Folles"; new interview with Laurence Senelick, author of "The Changing Room: Sex, Drag and Theatre"; French and U.S. trailers; a booklet featuring an essay by critic David Ehrenstein. (The Criterion Collection).

The Last Keepers (2013) Aidan Quinn, Virginia Madsen, Zosia Mamet, Olympia Dukakis. When the teenage daughter of a reclusive family of artists falls in love with an unusual boy at school, she awakens mysterious powers -- she's the last in a long line of female mystics who have practiced their magical traditions in secret for centuries -- and discovers ancient secrets that will change her life forever. Formats: DVD. (Vertical Entertainment).

The League Season 4 (2012) Thirteen episodes. Formats: DVD, $29.98; Blu-ray Disc, $34.99. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Taco Tones," "Rafi's Helpful Holiday Hints," "Witchy Woman" podcast, "Alt Nation," gag reel. (Fox).

Love Is All You Need (2013) Pierce Brosnan, Trine Dyrholm, Sebastian Jessen, Molly Blixt Egelind. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Commentary with Pierce Brosnan and director Susanne Bier; Q&A with Pierce Brosnan, Trine Dyrholm, Susanne Bier and Anders Thomas Jensen; behind-the-scenes featurette with Dyrholm, as well as interviews with the cast at the 2012 Venice Film Festival. (Sony).

Luther 3 (2013) Idris Elba returns as John Luther in the third installment of the riveting psychological mini-series. Formats: Two-disc DVD, $34.98. Extras: cast and crew interviews. (BBC Home Entertainment).

Mama's Family: The Complete First Season (1983) Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $22.95. Formats: DVD. Extras: Featurette: "Mama's Family Tree: The Branches (All About Eunice and Ellen)"; "Family History": A Classic "Family" Sketch from "The Carol Burnett Show," featuring Betty White. (StarVista/Time Life).

Mama's Family: The Complete Second Season (1983-84) Four-disc set with 22 episodes, $29.95. Formats: DVD. Extras: Movie: "Eunice" (original air date: March 15, 1982); featurette: "Mama's Family Tree: The Roots (All About Mama and Fran)"; interviews: Vicki Lawrence interviews Mama, Vicki Lawrence interviews Carol Burnett, Betty White. (StarVista/Time Life).

Mama's Family: Season One Favorites and Mama's Family: Season Two Favorites (1983-84) The best episodes, highlighting the most memorable moments from the Harper family escapades; $12.95 each. Formats: DVD. (StarVista/Time Life).

The Mole Man of Belmont Avenue (2010) Mike Bradecich, John LaFlamboy, Robert Englund, Tim Kazurinsky. Two slacker brothers inherit a brownstone apartment building and run it into the ground: Tenants are moving out, no one drinks at the bar downstairs, and the building's pets go missing. To make matters worse, they soon discover a mysterious creature is hiding in the basement, trying to eat every living thing in the building one by one. Formats: DVD, VOD. (Level 33 Entertainment).

The Nightmare Before Christmas 20th Anniversary Edition (1993) Dir.: Henry Selick; voices of Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Paul Reubens. Formats: Three-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), two-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), DVD. (Disney).


Official Digimon Adventure: Volume 4 (2013) The first 21 episodes of Season 2. Commonly referred to as "Digimon Zero Two," the second season takes place four years after the original series. With most of the original characters now in junior high school, the Digital World was supposedly secure and peaceful. However, a new evil has appeared in the form of the Digimon Emperor, and three new children are chosen to save the World. Three-disc set, $19.95. Formats: DVD. (Cinedigm).

Parade's End (2012) Five-part miniseries explores a bygone England -- spanning from the Edwardian era to the chaos and destruction of World War I, based on four related novels by Ford Madox Ford published in the 1920s. Adapted for the small screen by Tom Stoppard, who vividly captures the devastation of war and the end of Edwardian ideals, bridging the gap between feudal England and the dawn of modernism. Formats: Two-disc DVD, two-disc Blu-ray Disc with Digital. (HBO).

Peeples (2013) Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, Tyler James Williams, Kali Hawk, Malcolm Barrett, S. Epatha Merkerson, Melvin Van Peebles, Diahann Carroll, Kimrie Lewis-Davis. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with writer-director Tina Gordon Chism, producer Stephanie Allain and actors Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, Tyler James Williams, Kali Hawk, Malcolm Barrett and Kimrie Lewis-Davis; "Meet the Peeples, Jam With the Fam" three-part featurette, gag reel. (Lionsgate).

Ping Pong (2012 -- U.K.) Documentary about eight pensioners -- in their 80s and 90s and one 100-year-old, with 703 years of experience between them -- from across the planet who compete in the World Over 80s Table Tennis Championship in Inner Mongolia. The film shows that the advanced masters scene is like those in other sports, with rivalries, egomania and even dirty tricks -- like stealing an opponent's bat. Formats: DVD. Extras: Extended and deleted scenes. (Cinedigm).

Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Run For Your 'Rife! (2012) Two-disc set with 13 spooky mysteries in which Scooby and the gang come face-to-face with werewolves, zombies, ghosts and even the abominable snowman. Includes "Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow," a new 22-minute cartoon, as well as "Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Werewolf?," "A Gaggle of Galloping Ghosts," "Which Witch Is Which," "A Tiki Scare Is No Fair," "Scared a Lot in Camelot," "Hang in There, Scooby-Doo," "Snow Job Too Small," "The Stoney Glare," "Scooby Doo and a Mummy, Too," "A Scooby-Doo Halloween," "Scoobra-Kadoobra," "Scooby in Kwackyland." Formats: DVD, $19.98. (Warner).

Sesame Street: C is for Cooking (2013) Cookie Monster and lovable Elmo are in the kitchen with memorable songs and stories about how eating healthy can be beneficial and delicious for children. The also promotes math skills, such as counting, addition and measuring, as well cognitive reasoning skills such as following the steps of a recipe. Kids will discover how to make sushi, bread and oatmeal cookies, and then, join Murray as he takes a trip to cooking school. Formats: DVD, $14.98. Extras: Includes a special bonus adventure, "Elmo's Magic Cookbook," and a booklet of six delicious dishes. (Warner).

Sisters & Brothers (2011) Cory Monteith, Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew, Camille Sullivan, Kacey Rohl. Follows the hardships, laughter and tears of a group of brothers and sisters as they work out their issues while trying not to be overcome by them. Hollywood star Justin and his struggling brother Rory uneasily face the perils of Hollywood. Long-bickering sisters Nikki and Maggie are forced together on a long road trip from Hell. Louise struggles with the challenges of being the primary caregiver for her mentally ill brother , and spoiled teen little sister Sarah is about to meet her opposite half-sister she just found out she had. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow (2013) New animated mini-movie (22 minutes) -- with the voices of Hank Azaria, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen and Anton Yelchin -- that revolves around the annual Smurfberry Hunt and the Headless Horseman. Formats: DVD, $6.99. (Sony).

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold BLU-RAY DEBUT (1965) The acclaimed, best-selling novel by John le Carre, about a Cold War spy on one final dangerous mission in East Germany, is transmuted by director Martin Ritt into a film every bit as precise and ruthless as the book. Richard Burton is superb as Alec Leamas, whose relationship with a beautiful librarian, played by Claire Bloom, puts his assignment in jeopardy. "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" is a hard-edged and tragic thriller, suffused with the political and social consciousness that defined Ritt's career. High-definition digital film restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Extras: Exclusive, wide-ranging interview with author John le Carre; selected-scene commentary featuring director of photography Oswald Morris; "The Secret Centre: John le Carre," a 2000 BBC documentary on the author's life and work; interview with actor Richard Burton from a 1967 episode of the BBC series "Acting in the '60s," conducted by critic Kenneth Tynan; audio conversation from 1985 between director Martin Ritt and film historian Patrick McGilligan; gallery of set designs; trailer; booklet featuring an essay by critic Michael Sragow. (The Criterion Collection).

Star Trek: The Original Series -- Origins BLU-RAY DEBUT Collection showcases the origins episodes of the most significant characters from "Star Trek: The Original Series." Introduced by Rod Roddenberry, son of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, and starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig and Ricardo Montalban, this collection includes: "The Cage," thr original pilot episode of the epic series that introduced the iconic characters Captain Pike and Spock; "Where No Man Has Gone Before" second pilot episode in which Captain James T. Kirk is first seen at the helm of the Enterprise; "Space Seed" debut of the unforgettable super villain, Khan; "Errand of Mercy" introduces the legendary alien race the Klingons; "The Trouble With Tribbles." (CBS/Paramount).

photo for Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) Dir.: J.J. Abrams; John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Peter Weller, Anton Yelchin. Formats: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, DVD, Blu-ray Disc VOD, Digital. Blu-ray Extras: "Creating the Red Planet" featurette, "Attack on Starfleet" behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Klingon Home World" featurette, "The Enemy of My Enemy" featurette, "Ship to Ship" visual effects featurette, "Brawl by the Bay" preparation for the film's climax, "Continuing the Mission," an inspiring look at the partnership between the film's crew and the organization that assists returning veterans to find meaningful ways to contribute on the home front. (Paramount).

Star Trek: Stardate Collection All 10 original "Star Trek" films together on Blu-ray in a premium, collectible package with 12 discs and 25 hours of illuminating bonus content: interviews with the cast and crew, commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes and much more. "Star Trek I: The Motion Picture," "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home," "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," "Star Trek VII: Generations," "Star Trek VIII: First Contact," "Star Trek IX: Insurrection" and ""Star Trek X: Nemesis." Formats: DVD, $84.94; Blu-ray Disc, $119.99. Extras: Disc 11: "Star Trek Summit" Parts 1-3; Disc 12: "Evolutions": The Evolution of the Enterprise," "Villains of Star Trek," "I Love the Star Trek Movies," "Farewell to Star Trek: The Experience," "Klingon Encounter," "Borg Invasion 4D," "Charting the Final Frontier." (Paramount).

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Bitty Mysteries (2013) Strawberry and her pals learn to face their fears, become real-life heroines and find some missing VIPs (Very Important Pets) in this hour of mysteries. Formats: DVD. Extras: Printable coloring pages. (Fox).

photo for Supernatural: The Complete Eighth Season (2012-13) Five-disc set with 23 episodes, $59.98. Also available as a four-disc Blu-ray with UltraViolet digital copies, $69.97. After a year apart, Sam and Dean are reunited in the Eighth Season premiere. After escaping from Purgatory with the help of a vampire named Benny, Dean heads straight for Sam, but the reunion isn't exactly everything he imagined it would be. Although Sam drops everything to join his brother, leaving the life he had grown accustomed to enjoy turns out to be harder than he imagined. In the meantime, Benny's help turns out to be more than what Dean bargained for. As the brothers struggle with their unexpected reunion, they make a shocking discovery that could lead them on a deeply personal mission to settle old scores. If only they could agree -- is this a "family business" or isn't it? Extras: "Finding Supernatural" behind-the-scenes of the "Found Footage" episode, "Angel Warrior: The Story of Castiel," "For the Defense of Mankind: The Tablets Revealed," producers' commentaries, deleted scenes, gag reel. (Warner).

Twins of Evil (1971) Peter Cushing, Dennis Price, Playboy centerfold models twins Mary and Maria Gellhorn. Hammer horror classic about satanism and witch hunts. Formats: DVD. Extras: "The Flesh and the Fury: X-Posing Twins of Evil" feature-length behind-the-scenes documentary, trailer. (Synapse Films).

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk (2013) Brings two of Marvel's greatest heroes -- Wolverine and the Hulk -- together like never before for their most brutal encounter yet in Marvel Knights Animation's latest animated adventure in a unique comic book style packaging that bridges the comic book to DVD concept. Formats: DVD, $14.97. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette. (Shout! Factory).

War Witch (2012 -- Canada) Rachel Mwanza. In Sub-Sahara Africa, Komona, a 14-year-old girl, has been kidnapped from her African village by rebels to become a child soldier. Though she discovers a valuable intuition about the presence of the enemy and becomes a "War Witch," she escapes from the camp with an older albino soldier only to face fresh tragedy that forces her to confront the ghosts haunting her mind. In French and Lingala with English subtitles. Formats: DVD. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette with director Kim Nguyen. (Tribeca Film).

We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks (2013) From Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney comes this gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller about Julian Assange and the creation of WikiLeaks, the controversial website that facilitated the largest security breach in U.S. history. Paralleling Assange's rise and fall with that of Pfc. Bradley Manning, the young soldier who leaked hundreds of thousands of classified documents, the documentary is a multi-layered expose about transparency in the information age and our ever-elusive search for the truth. Formats: DVD. (Universal).

Wish You Were Here (2012) Joel Edgerton, Teresa Palmer, Anthony Starr, Felicity Price. The lives of a group of Australian friends are irreparably changed after one of them goes missing during a spontaneous vacation in Cambodia. As the investigation into the disappearance begins to reveal the nefarious motivations behind their trip, the remaining three struggle to carry on with their lives in Sydney amidst the threat that even more damning details will emerge .Formats: DVD. Extras: Making-of featurette, Q&A, cast and crew interviews. (Entertainment One).


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