DVD
Masthead created by Good & Associates
|
|
Guide to
Home Video
Releases: May Release Calendar
DVD Releases
Movies are rated on a scale of one to five, with five
denoting a classic. For more information on how we rate, check out our
Rentability Index.
Back to
Calendar Index.
- May 4
-
Last Samurai, The
Set in Japan during the 1870s, this martial
arts epic tells the story of Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), a respected
American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country's
first army in the art of modern warfare. As the Emperor attempts to eradicate
the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors in preparation for more Westernized and
trade-friendly government policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed
and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the
center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of
honor to guide him.
Director: Edward Zwick. Stars: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, William Atherton, Chad
Lindberg, Masato Harada, Ray Goodshall Sr., Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn.
2003, CC, MPAA rating: R, 154 min., Action, Box office gross: $105.600
million, Warner, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Girl With a Pearl Earring
Delft, Holland, 1665. After her
father, a tile painter, is blinded in a kiln explosion, seventeen-year-old Griet
(Scarlett Johansson) must work to support her family. She becomes a maid in the
house of Johannes Vermeer and gradually attracts the master painter's attention.
Though worlds apart in upbringing, education and social standing, Vermeer
recognizes Griet's intuitive understanding of color and light and slowly draws
her into the mysterious world of his paintings. Vermeer is a perfectionist,
often taking months to finish a painting. His shrewd mother-in-law, Maria Thins,
struggles to maintain the family's lavish lifestyle on the income from his
painstakingly meager output. Seeing that Griet inspires Vermeer, she takes the
dangerous decision to allow their clandestine relationship to develop. Plunged
into a chaotic Catholic household run by Vermeer's volatile wife Catharina,
surrounded by an ever-increasing brood of children, Griet is increasingly at
risk of exposure or worse. Alone and unprotected, Griet contends with the
attentions of Pieter, a local butcher boy, and Vermeer's patron, the wealthy and
lascivious Master van Ruijven, who is frustrated that his money does not buy him
control over the artist. While Griet falls increasingly under Vermeer's spell,
she cannot be sure of his feelings for her. The Machiavellian van Ruijven,
sensing the intimacy between master and maid, gleefully contrives a commission
for Vermeer to paint Griet alone. The result will be one of the greatest
paintings ever created, but at what cost?
Director: Peter Webber. Stars: Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkerson,
Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 95 min., Drama,
Box office gross: $10.428 million, Lions Gate, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Calendar Girls
Critically acclaimed comedy inspired by the
remarkable true story of a group of ordinary women who changed the world one
month at a time by taking it all off for a good cause. The Women's Institute in
Great Britain encourages the ancient skills of jammaking, flower pressing,
knitting and baking. But when a friend's husband dies of leukemia, Chris (Helen
Mirren) enlists the support of her fellow members in a fund-raising initiative
for the local hospital. They decide to take the annual WI calendar, normally
featuring landscapes or flowers, and create something a little different. Behind
the baked goods, the apple pressing and the flower arranging, the women are
completely nude. Before they know it, the women are hitting the headlines, while
they get up the nerve to bare it all. Amidst the hype, the friendship between
Chris and Annie is put to the test.
Director: Nigel Cole. Stars: Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, John Alderton, Linda
Bassett, Annette Crosbie, Philip Glenister, Ciaran Hinds, Celia Imrie, Geraldine
James, Penelope Wilton. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 108 min., Comedy, Box
office gross: $21.529 million, Buena Vista, $24.99 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Triplets of Belleville, The
Wildly inventive, visionary and
sophisticated animated film that caught the world's attention with its classic,
visually-stunning style, eccentric satirical humor, rich imagination crowded
with colorful characters and inspired musical score when it premiered at last
year's Festival de Cannes. Voted Best Picture on more than 50 Year's Best
critics' lists including The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, plus numerous
worldwide accolades including two Academy Award nominations for Best Animated
Feature and Best Original Song. Adopted by his grandmother, Madame Souza,
Champion is a lonely little boy. Noticing that this lad is never happier than on
a bicycle, Madame Souza puts him through a rigorous training process. Years go
by and Champion becomes worthy of his name. Now he is ready to enter the
world-famous cycling race, the Tour de France. However, during this cycling
contest two mysterious, square-shouldered henchmen kidnap Champion. Madame Souza
and her faithful dog Bruno set out to rescue him. Their quest takes them across
the ocean to the teeming metropolis of Belleville, where they encounter the
renowned "Triplets of Belleville," three eccentric female music-hall divas from
the 30's who decide to take Madame Souza and Bruno under their wing. Thanks to
Bruno's brilliant sense of smell, the motley sleuths are soon on to Champion's
trail, following the clues to an underground betting parlor -- now the chase is
on.
Director: Sylvain Chomet. Voices of Michele Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda,
Monica Viegas, Michel Robin. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 81 min.,
Animated, Box office gross: $3.000 million, Columbia Tritar, No VHS SRP, Priced
for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Chasing Liberty
Eighteen-year-old Anna Foster (Mandy Moore) just
wants the American dream: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. At the
very least, she wants the freedom to live like any other teenager. But as the
only child of the President of the United States, every detail of Anna's life is
constantly monitored by the media, the public and her very protective parents --
backed up by a battalion of Secret Service agents dedicated to safeguard her
from danger, including the perils of first dates. While on a diplomatic trip to
Europe with her parents, Anna exacts a promise from her father for a rare
evening out alone, unescorted by the usual security detail. But when
over-protective Dad has a last-minute change of heart and reneges, Anna decides
it's time to take matters into her own hands, ditches the agents and goes on the
run. In her wild escape, incognito Anna meets charming Brit Ben Calder (Matthew
Goode), who aids her European getaway. Reveling in her newfound independence,
Anna decides to take Europe by storm, accompanied by Ben and always a step ahead
of her zealous bodyguards. As her impromptu European adventure takes her farther
away from a life of protocol and draws her closer to her dashing young traveling
companion, she dreads the day she has to tell Ben who she really is and go back
home. But Ben has a secret of his own -- he's really a secret service agent. For
Many Moore fans only.
Director: Andy Cadiff. Stars: Mandy Moore, Matthew Goode, Jeremy Piven,
Annabelle Sciorra, Caroline Goodall, Mark Harmon. 2004, CC, MPAA rating:
PG-13, 111 min., Romantic-Comedy, Box office gross: $12.189 million, Warner, No
VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Elephant
Winner of the Palme d'Or and Best Director prizes at
the 2003 Festival de Cannes, Gus Van Sant's realistic drama takes us inside an
American high school on one ordinary day that rapidly turns tragic. As the story
unfolds, the kids go about their day, filled with classwork, football, gossip
and socializing. With each student, we see high school through a different
experience, a new lens. And as these experiences range from friendly and
innocent to traumatic and disturbing, young lives shift from light to darkness
with surreal speed. A controversial look at the Columbine tragedy.
Director: Gus Van Sant. Stars: Alex Frost, Eric Deulen, John Robinson, Elias
McConnell, Jordan Taylor, Carrie Finklea, Nicole George, Brittany Mountain.
2003, CC, MPAA rating: R, 81 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.227 million,
HBO, $19.95 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Peter Pan
For the first time, a boy -- Jeremy Sumpter -- stars
in the title role, opposite Jason Isaacs as Captain James Hook. The story begins
on a chilly night in buttoned-up Edwardian London as Wendy Darling (Rachel
Hurd-Wood) mesmerizes her younger brothers with tales of swordplay,
swashbuckling and Captain Hook, the legendary pirate who fears nothing but a
ticking clock. But a clock is ticking for Wendy, too. Her father has decreed
that it's time for her to grow up. After tonight, no more stories. She's to be
groomed for womanhood and marriage by strict Aunt Millicent (Lynn Redgrave).
Unknown to the Darlings, Peter Pan loves Wendy's stories, too, and travels a
great distance to hear them. His appearance in their nursery that night, along
with a jealous little fairy called Tinker Bell (Ludivine Sagnier), triggers an
awfully big adventure for Wendy and her brothers. Following him out the window
like a small flock of birds, the children swoop over London's moonlit rooftops,
through a galaxy of radiant planets and stars, to the magical Neverland, where
they begin an exhilarating new life free of grown-up rules with Peter and the
Lost Boys in their secret underground home. Confronting depraved pirates,
malicious mermaids, a monstrous crocodile and, worst of all, the vicious steel
claw dangling from Hook's right arm, Wendy and her brothers find out what
they're made of. And the ongoing battle between Peter and Hook escalates to a
thrilling climax, played out against the fantastical backdrop of the enchanted
world of Neverland.
Director: P.J. Hogan. Stars: Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood,
Lynn Redgrave, Richard Briers, Olivia Williams, Harry Newell, Freddie
Popplewell, Ludivine Sagnier. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 113 min., Family,
Box office gross: $48.000 million, Universal, $24.98 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Tomorrow
Poignant tale based on the short story by William
Faulkner and scripted by Horton Foote. Robert Duvall, in one of his best
performances ever, plays Jackson Fentry, a young man who leaves his father's
farm to work at a local sawmill. He rescues a young pregnant woman who has been
abandoned by her husband and family, and the two fall in love. Shot in black and
white to convey the feel of the Depression-era South.
Director: Joseph Anthony. Stars: Robert Duvall, Olga Berlin, Sudie Bond.
1972, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 103 min., Drama, Home Vision Entertainment.
DVD: Only.
-
Missing Gun, The
A mile-a-minute action-thriller that played the
2003 Sundance Film Festival. Artistically cutting-edge, the film marked the
first time a feature was ever digitally produced in mainland China. Its frantic
pace, wall-to-wall action and oddball cast of characters have earned writer-
director Lu Chuan the title of "the Chinese Guy Ritchie." A quirky tale about an
exemplary small-town cop, an honest but distracted family man whose stability
vanishes when he awakes following a drunken wedding celebration to the
horrifying reality that his service weapon is missing. Facing dismissal and
utter humiliation, he sets out to track down the gun and traces a path through a
tangle of quirky characters until suddenly things turn tragic as his first love
turns up murdered and the fatal bullet appears to be from his gun. This
bittersweet story is about one man's quest for redemption and incorporates
moments of black comedy, murder mystery and a paranoid odyssey backed by a
frenzied pace and high-energy music. In China, the only thing more dangerous
than having a gun it losing it.
Director: Lu Chuan. Stars: Wen Jiang, Shi Liang, Jing Ning, Liu Xiaoning.
2003, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 90 min., Action-Thriller, Columbia TriStar, No
VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
- May 11
-
In America
Endearing and moving family drama about Irish
immigrants in New York and their struggles to make it in America. The family --
which arrives in the States via Canada -- are virtually penniless and take up
residence in a sleazy apartment overrun by drug addicts, lowlifes and weirdos.
Johnny, the father, is an aspiring actor, but his emotions -- and that of wife,
Sarah -- is stunted by the haunting memories of their son's death. Their two
young daughters are enthusiastic lovers of America -- for them, America is a
place of magic where anything is possible -- and the pair befriend a
tormented artist, who takes the girls under his wings. Throughout the course of
the film, the family learns to cope with the "impossible" obstacles of life in
New York City. Carried by the girls' youthful hope and faith, the family finds
the heart to live and love again, and along the way heal their wounds. Told by
the family's 11-year-old daughter -- a child wise beyond her years. Based on
incidents in director Jim Sheridan's life -- the screenplay was penned by
Sheridan and his (now grownup) two daughters. Wonderful performances by all
involved, particularly Samantha Morton as Sarah and Djimon Hounsou as the
"fearsome" artist.
Director: Jim Sheridan. Stars: Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Sarah Bolger,
Emma Bolger, Neal Jones, Randall Carlton, Ciaran Cronin, Djimon Hounsou.
2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 107 min., Drama, Box office gross: $9.000
million, Fox, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Scary Movie 3
Taking shots at the latest crop of blockbusters,
"Scary Movie 3" irreverently roasts "The Ring," "Signs," "Matrix Reloaded,"
"Eight Mile," "The Others" and more, and also skewers pop trends like "American
Idol." In the third installment of the "Scary Movie" franchise, Cindy Campbell
has to investigate mysterious crop circles and video tapes, and help the
President in preventing an alien invasion. Anna Faris stars as the eager
anchorwoman Cindy; Charlie Sheen as the alien-attracting farmer Tom and Denise
Richards as his hapless wife Annie; Eddie Griffin as Orpheus and Queen Latifah
as The Oracle, Aunt Shaneequa; Pamela Anderson and Jenny McCarthy as Catholic
School girls; Leslie Nielsen as the President of the United States; Simon Rex as
rap star wannabe George; Jeremy Piven as reporter Ross Giggins; Camryn Manheim
as the formidable Trooper Champlin; Regina Hall as eerie school teacher Brenda
Meeks; Anthony Anderson as rap promoter Mahalik; as well as George Carlin, Fat
Joe, Simon Cowell, Method Man, Redman, Macy Gray, Master P., Ja Rule, D.L.
Hughley, Wu Tang Clan and The Coors Twins.
Director: David Zucker. Stars: Anna Faris, Charlie Sheen, Eddie Griffin, Queen
Latifah, Denise Richards, Regina Hall, Jeremy Piven, Pamela Anderson, Jenny
McCarthy, Leslie Nielsen, Camryn Manheim. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 84
min., Comedy, Box office gross: $109.897 million, Dimension, $24.99 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Fog of War, The: Eleven Lessons From the Life of
Robert S. McNamara
A masterpiece from gifted filmmaker Errol Morris
As if ripped from today's gripping headlines, the documentary is the
thought-provoking, historically riveting story of America as seen through the
eyes of Robert S. McNamara, former Secretary of Defense under the
administrations of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Inspired by the book
"Wilson's Ghost," "The Fog of War" is a 20th Century fable, a story of an
American dreamer who rose from humble origins to the heights of political power.
One of the last century's most controversial and influential figures in world
politics, McNamara takes us on an insider's journey through many of the seminal
events of the 20th Century -- from the firebombing of 100,000 Japanese civilians
in Tokyo in 1945 to the brink of nuclear catastrophe during the Cuban missile
crisis to the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. Through unreleased
archival footage and first-hand account interviews with McNamara conducted over
a span of two years, "The Fog of War" is not a standard historical drama but
rather an important personal drama of a provocative historical figure.
Winner of the Best Documentary Oscar, the Best Documentary Award from the
National Board of Review and the Los Angeles and Chicago Film Critics
Associations, among many, many other honors.
Director: Errol Morris. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 107 min., Documentary,
Box office gross: $1.575 million, Columbia TriStar, No VHS SRP, Priced for
rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Van Helsing: The London
Assignment
In the heat of the $54
million debut of "Van Helsing," Universal Studios Home Video will release "Van
Helsing: The London Assignment," an all-new original animated film that unlocks
the series of events that sets the stage for the theatrical film. In an
adventure that transpires immediately before the events of the feature film, the
mysterious monster-hunter Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) is sent to London by the
Knights of the Holy Order to capture a demonic creature who has been terrorizing
the late-night streets, murdering young women. As he unravels the mystery behind
the creature's dark purpose, Van Helsing learns of the identity of the sinister
Dr. Hyde (Robbie Coltrane). The pursuit leads to a series of perilous chases
through 19th century London, from its newly built underground railway system to
a dizzying aerial pursuit over the under-construction Tower Bridge, and all the
way to Buckingham Palace. The monster must be stopped before he destroys the
monarchy but has Van Helsing possibly met his match in the form of this new evil
nemesis?
Director: Sharon Bridgeman. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Robbie Coltrane, Alun
Armstrong, David Wenham. 2004, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 33 min., Animated,
Universal.
DVD: Only.
-
God Is Great and I'm Not
Sparkling performance by Audrey Tautou
in this charming comedy that follows the romantic and spiritual journey
of 20 year-old model Michele as she searches for happiness. In her quest for
meaning and love, Michele jumps from one religion to another, much like she
changes clothes. After a breakup with her boyfriend, she jumps from Catholicism
to Buddhism to, finally, Orthodox Judaism. In French with English subtitles.
Director: Pascale Bailly. Stars: Audrey Tautou, Edouard Baer, Julie Depardieu.
2001, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 95 min., Romantic Comedy, Koch Lorber Films,
$24.98 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Safe Conduct
Set in German-occupied France during World War II,
director Bertrand Tavernier's epic tells the story of two filmmakers -- real-
life scriptwriter Jean Aurenche (Denis Podalydes) and director Jean Devaivre
(Jacques Gamblin) -- who face the choice of collaborating with the enemy or
joining the Resistance. While Aurenche spends his time evading the Nazis'
attempts to employ him, Devaivre works for the German-run Continental Films as a
cover for his role in the French Resistance, subtly incorporating subversive
messages into his work. In French with English subtitles.
Director: Bertrand Tavernier. Stars: Jacques Gamblin, Dennis Podalydes.
2002, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 163 min., Drama, Koch Lorber Films, $24.98 VHS
SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Sister My Sister
Astonishing account of two sisters pushed to
their limits and drawn to each other under the oppression of Victorian
propriety. The film was adapted from Wendy Kesselman's acclaimed stage play, "My
Sister in This House." In a small provincial town in 1930s France, sisters
Christine and Lea are dutiful maidservants for their domineering new mistress,
Madame Danzard. Danzard is delighted by the fastidiousness of her servants who,
in turn, relish the few free hours they have together. But as the oppressive
atmosphere in the house becomes too much, and Danzard becomes harsher and
harsher, passion begins to build between them, erupting with disastrous results.
Director: Nancy Meckler. Stars: Julie Walters, Joely Richardson, Jodhi May.
1994, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 85 min., Drama, Koch Lorber Films, $24.98 VHS
SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Pigalle
Taking place in the seedy Pigalle district of Paris, the
eccentric cast of characters consists of drug dealers, junkies, pimps,
prostitutes, transvestites, drag queens and the mob of criminals who target them
as prey. The film revolves around a transsexual performer and her life and loves
while barbaric survival tactics in the streets obscure all moral codes and
everyone is caught up in a drug trade turf war. In French with English
subtitles.
Director: Karim Dridi. Stars: Bianca Li, Francis Renaud, Vera Briole. 1994,
CC, MPAA rating: NR, 78 min., Drama, Koch Lorber Films, $24.98 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Code, The (La Mentale)
A hardcore, international cult-hit that
with a Tarantino-esqe attitude. For Dris (Samuel Le Bihan) and his best friend,
Yanis (Samy Naceri), growing up in the bleak concrete jungle of Paris, meant
rites of passage ranging from petty break-ins to armored car robberies, but
their luck finally ran out and Dris got sent to prison. Four years later, Dris
is back home and all he wants is to lead a quiet life and settle down with his
fiancee, Lise, who begs him to abandon his criminal life. But Yanis has since
grown into a fearsome mob boss and wants his old friend to come back. Dris is
unable to resist the pressures from Yanis and the seductions of his former
lover, a gypsy hooker named Nina, and finally agrees to one more heist. But they
haven't counted on Feche, godfather of the Paris night and sworn enemy of Yanis,
who's been hatching his own violent plan. Once back into the world of organized
crime, Dris discovers that the code of the streets is strict and the penalty for
betrayal is far worse than prison. Torn between loyalties, Dris must decide
whether adhering to the code is worth risking his life.
Director: Manuel Boursinhac. Stars: Samuel Le Bihan, Samy Naceri, Clotilde
Courau, Marie Guillard. 2004, CC, MPAA rating: R, 107 min., Thriller, Box
office gross: $0.008 million, Columbia TriStar, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Japanese Story
A cross-cultural journey, an emotional drama and
a haunting love story as wide and complex as the Australian outback, where the
film takes place. "Japanese Story" premiered at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival,
and screened at the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals. Toni Collette plays
Sandy Edwards, an ambitious geologist who suddenly finds herself having to
baby-sit Hiromitsu (Gotaro Tsunashima), a taciturn Japanese businessman. Hoping
to strike up a business deal, she agrees to take him on a field trip around
Western Australia's remote Pilbara Desert. Against the background of the
outback, these two diametrically opposed strangers are to find themselves thrust
together in a potentially life or death situation. As they journey further and
further into the desert, they leave more and more of what they know about each
other and themselves behind. Winner of Eight Australian Film Institute Awards
including Best Actress (in a leading role), Best Cinematography and Best Film.
Director: Sue Brooks. Stars: Toni Collette, Gotaro Tsunashima. 2004, CC,
MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.313 million, Columbia
TriStar, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Legend of Johnny Lingo, The
Far away on a Polynesian island, an
orphan boy named Tama is cursed by his tribe and finds comfort in a fellow
outcast: Mahana, a feisty girl shunned for her ragged appearance. When Tama
sails off in search of a new life, he promises a tearful Mahana to return for
her someday. But Tama's journey leads him to Johnny Lingo, a wealthy trader who
makes Tama his apprentice and heir. Tama eventually inherits Johnny Lingo's
fortune, spirit and namesake and learns that the measure of a man is not in his
possessions but in love, friendship and honoring a promise from the past.
Director: Steven Ramirez. Stars: Rawiri Paratene, Joe Folau, Alvin Fitisemanu,
Kayte Ferguson, Fokikovi Soakimi, Tausani Simei-Barton, George Henare. 2003,
CC, MPAA rating: G, 117 min., Animated, family, MGM, No VHS SRP, Priced for
rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Dragon Lord
Martial arts action-adventure written directed and
starring Jackie Chan. Dragon (Chan) and his buddy Cowboy (Mars) have been best
friends since childhood but when they both fall head over heels for the same
woman, they become rivals. When they come across a gang stealing valuable
Chinese artifacts, Dragon and Cowboy join forces again and high-kick into gear
to prevent the thieves from doing their dirty work. Choreographed by legendary
Corey Yuen.
Director: Jackie Chan. Stars: Jackie Chan, Mars, Wai-Man Chan. 1982, CC,
MPAA rating: PG-13, 86 min., Martial Arts, Dimension, No VHS SRP, Priced for
rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
- May 18
-
Paycheck
In this exciting John Woo adaptation of a story by
famed sci-fi author Philip K. Dick, Ben Affleck plays Michael Jennings, a man
being hunted, but for what he doesn't know why. A world-famous genius hired by
high-tech corporations for specialized top-secret projects, Jennings routinely
has his memory erased once a job is completed so as not to divulge any company
secrets. Highly paid for his work, he expects to earn eight figures for his
latest three-year project, which has him locked up in a high-tech facility with
no contact with the outside world save a few company workers. But upon finishing
the work, instead of a big paycheck, he is given an envelope full of random
objects and told that he has agreed to forfeit all payment. With his memory
erased per his contract, Jennings has no defense, until he discovers that the
objects are clues to his past. Now, with the help of Rachel (Uma Thurman), the
woman he has worked with and loved for the last three years, Jennings is in a
race against time to put the pieces of his past together -- before his previous
employers have him killed.
Director: John Woo. Stars: Ben Affleck, Aaron Eckhart, Uma Thurman, Colm Feore,
Paul Giamatti. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 118 min., Sci-Fi Thriller, Box
office gross: $53.557 million, Paramount, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Torque
Biker Cary Ford (Martin Henderson) lives to ride. Now
he's riding to live. The Reapers biker gang wants him for a murder he didn't
commit. The leader of the Hellions wants to get his hands on his neck and on the
contraband he thinks Ford ripped off. And the FBI wants to have a little chat.
Exciting action for the younger set, including a wild bike-chase atop and
through a moving commuter train.
Director: Joseph Kahn. Stars: Martin Henderson, Ice Cube, Monet Mazur, Jay
Hernandez. 2004, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 81 min., Action, Box office gross:
$20.878 million, Warner, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Miracle
The amazing, true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey
Team and their incredible triumph against overwhelming odds. In 1980, the United
States ice hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) challenged a ragtag
squad of college kids to take on the awesome juggernaut from the Soviet Union --
the greatest hockey team in the world -- at the 1980 Olympic Games. Despite the
long odds, Team USA carried the pride of a nation yearning for a distraction
from world events. With the world watching, the team rose to the occasion,
prompting broadcaster Al Michaels' now-famous question to the millions viewing
at home: "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!"
Director: Gavin O'Connor. Stars: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich.
2004, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 135 min., Sports drama, Box office gross: $56.328
million, Walt Disney, $24.99 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
You Got Served
You find street dancers all across the country --
on street corners, in alleyways, on playgrounds or in dark, sweaty warehouses.
Crowds gather to cheer and scream for their favorite crew locked into battle
with other formidable crews. With unbelievable raw talent, they demonstrate
explosive moves that defy gravity and spin like tops to the rhythmic sounds of
urban music. "You Got Served" delves into that competitive, underground world.
Elgin and David are best friends and leaders of the best dance crew in the area.
When another town's top group challenges them to a battle, David and Elgin,
along with their buddies must create and perfect the most cutting edge moves in
order to remain on top. The stakes are raised as friends double-cross each other
and true motives are revealed. When the biggest battle comes to town, David and
Elgin must work past their differences to prove that they are still the best
crew on the streets.
Director: Christopher B. Stokes. Stars: Marques Houston, Omari Grandberry,
Jarrell Houston, Lil' Kim, Steve Harvey, Meagan Good, Jennifer Freeman.
2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 94 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $33.006
million, Columbia TriStar, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Embalmer, The
Drawing inspiration from a scandalous tabloid
story, Italian director Matteo Garrone creates a compelling drama of desire and
its consequences. Peppino (Ernesto Mahieux), a taxidermist who stashes
contraband in corpses for the Mafia, may be undersized, but he shouldn't be
underestimated. After Peppino persuades the handsome Valerio (Valerio Foglia
Manzillo), a waiter of heroic proportions, to be his well-paid assistant, he
shows his new protege a good time by hiring prostitutes to entertain them both.
But Peppino's eyes are not on the girls ... and Valerio's new girlfriend Deborah
(Elisabetta Rocchetti) knows it. The battle for Valerio's affections are about
to take a deadly turn. Garrone has entered complex, mature territory that pulls
from classic film noir to create an underlying sense of dread in this
beautifully shot, dramatically riveting character study. He started with a
simple question: How does a man who isn't especially rich or good-looking seduce
a young, handsome man, who doesn't happen to be homosexual? To answer this
question Garrone created three compelling characters and a well-crafted
screenplay that keeps the audience wondering why the tall and beautiful Valerio
stays with the crafty, diminutive and possibly dangerous Peppino. Is it strictly
professional? Is there a mutual romantic attraction? The money? Mentor and
protege? In Italian with English subtitles.
Director: Matteo Garrone. Stars: Ernesto Mahieux, Valerio Foglia Manzillo,
Elisabetta Rocchetti. 2002, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 96 min., Psychological
drama, First Run Features.
DVD: Only.
- May 25
-
Lord of the Rings, The: The Return of the
King
New Line has
taken a different tack with the third installment in the most successful trilogy
of all time: instead of an August video release (as was the case with the first
two "Rings" outings), the company will release the 11-Oscar winning "King" May
25 on VHS and as a two-disc DVD set. Later this year, most likely November, the
company will release an expanded four-hour edition.
Sauron's forces have laid siege to Minas Tirith,
the capital of Gondor, in their efforts to eliminate the race of men. The
once-great kingdom, watched over by a fading steward, has never been in more
desperate need of its king. But can Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) answer the call of
his heritage and become what he was born to be? In no small measure, the fate of
Middle-earth rests on his broad shoulders. With the final battle joined and the
legions of darkness gathering, Gandalf (Ian McKellen) urgently tries to rally
Gondor's broken army to action. He is aided by Rohan's King Theoden who unites
his warriors for history's biggest test. Yet even with their courage and
passionate loyalty, the forces of men -- with Eowyn and Merry hidden among them
-- are no match for the enemies swarming against Gondor. Still, in the face of
great losses, they charge forward into the battle of their lifetimes, tied
together by their singular goal to keep Sauron distracted and give the Ring
Bearer a chance to complete his quest. Their hopes rest with Frodo (Elijah
Wood), a tiny but determined hobbit making a perilous trip across treacherous
enemy lands to cast the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. The closer Frodo
gets to his final destination, the heavier his burden becomes and the more he
must rely on Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin). Gollum -- and the Ring itself -- will
test Frodo's allegiances and, ultimately, his humanity. "The Lord of the Rings:
The Return of the King" concludes the epic story of these characters, their
relationships and rivalries, and reveals how through courage, commitment and
determination even the least of us can change the world.
Director: Peter Jackson. Stars: Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian
Holm, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving,
Elijah Wood. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 201 min., Fantasy, Box office
gross: $364.000 million, New Line, $24.97 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Son, The
Olivier Gourmet was named best actor at the Cannes Film
Festival for his portrayal of Olivier, a divorced carpentry instructor at a
vocational school whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a
mysterious student, Francis. The 16-year-old is unaware of any connection he
may have to his new teacher, but it is clear that the weight of the past is a
heavy burden on Olivier. While struggling to maintain a professional distance,
he can't help himself from following the boy through the training center
hallways and through the city streets after class. Eventually the two come to
know each other and the relationship between the two psychologically bruised
humans is strengthened. When Olivier's ex-wife, Magali, is told about the boy,
she grows horrified. Soon the secret that binds the boy to Olivier and Magali is
revealed and a profound emotional and morally complex situation unfolds. In
French with English subtitles.
Director: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Stars: Olivier Gourmet, Morgan Marinne,
Isabella Soupart. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 100 min., Drama, New Yorker,
$24.95 VHS SRP.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Weather Underground, The
The remarkable story of The Weather
Underground, radical activists of the 1960s, and of radical politics at its best
and most disastrous. One of the top documentaries of 2003, "The Weather
Underground" chronicles the unbelievable story of The Weathermen, the outlaw
faction of radicals who, outraged by the Vietnam War and racism in America, went
underground to wage a low-level war aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government.
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Director: Sam Green, Bill Siegel. 2003, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 92
min., Documentary, Box office gross: $0.548 million, Docurama, No VHS SRP,
Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Club Dread
From people who brought you the surprise video hit
"Super Troopers" comes this lame horror-comedy. The non-stop booze-soaked party
on an island resort owned by Coconut Pete (Bill Paxton), a rock star has-been,
takes a turn for the weird when dead bodies start turning up. Everyone begins to
look suspicious. Could it be Sam (Erik Stolhanske) of the Fun Police brigade,
who is quick on the trigger with his tequila loaded super-soaker; Jenny
(Brittany Daniel), the over-sexed fitness instructor; Juan (Steve Lemme), the
flamboyant diving instructor with a secret third-world past; Putman (Jay
Chandrasekhar), the bratty-British tennis coach/fanatic; Dave (Paul Soter), the
ecstasy-crazed, adopted nephew of Coconut Pete; or the burly masseuse (Kevin
Heffernan) blessed with a creepy 'touch' that can render anyone into instant
Jell-O? Can the inhabitants of Pleasure Island unite, solve the mystery and
restore happy hour to this tropical bacchanal? Who cares?
Director: Jay Chandrasekhar. Stars: Bill Paxton, Erik Stolhanske, Brittany
Daniel, Steve Lemme, Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter, Kevin Heffernan, Elena
Lyons, Dan Montgomery Jr., Tanja Reichert, Nat Faxon, Michael Weaver. 2004,
CC, MPAA rating: R, 97 min., Horror-comedy, Box office gross: $4.920 million,
Fox, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Welcome to Mooseport
Ray Romano's failed attempt to
crossover to the big screen also strands Gene Hackman in a weak comedy outing.
Former President Monroe "Eagle" Cole (Gene Hackman) is, after two very
successful terms in office, looking forward to retiring to the sleepy vacation
town of Mooseport where he plans to work on his golf handicap, write his
memoirs, and entertain corporate offers. Apart from going through a divorce with
the former first lady, Cole intends to enjoy a relaxed and prosperous
retirement. When the town fathers ask him to fill a mayoral seat that has
recently become vacant, a position to which he'll be acclaimed, Cole sees no
reason not to accept. That is until Harold "Handy" Harrison (Ray Romano), the
popular owner of the local hardware store, decides to run against him. Cole, who
has never lost an election in his entire political career, finds himself facing
a potentially embarrassing defeat. Fate ups the ante when he unknowingly makes a
move on Harrison's girlfriend, and the campaign becomes a race not just for the
job, but for the girl. Not even Cole's high popularity ratings and years of
political experience have prepared him to take on "Plumber Power," and what
began as a sure thing quickly accelerates into a raucous campaign of clashing
egos, misunderstandings and political conniving in the formerly benign and
civilized environs of Mooseport.
Director: Donald Petrie. Stars: Gene Hackman, Ray Romano, Marcia Gay Harden,
Maura Tierney, Christine Baranski, Fred Savage. 2004, CC, MPAA rating:
PG-13, 110 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $14.005 million, Fox, No VHS SRP,
Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Bubba Ho-Tep
Weird comedy-thriller takes place in the Shady Rest
retirement home in Mud Creek, Texas, where a series of mysterious deaths have
been taking place. To solve the mystery, an aging, cantankerous Elvis Presley
(Bruce Campbell) and a decrepit -- and black -- JFK (Ossie Davis) team up and
face off against a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy who's been sucking the souls
from the barely leaving. Will this Bubba Ho-Tep make sure there's never another
Elvis sighting? Or can the King show the world that he can still take care of
business?
Director: Don Coscarelli. Stars: Bruce Campbell, Ossie Davis. 2004, CC, MPAA
rating: R, 114 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $1.239 million, MGM, No VHS SRP,
Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
What Boys Like
"American Pie" clone follows the weekend
adventures of groomsmen who make a last-minute bet: Jay must have a pure
one-night stand and Dewey must put on hold his life's work of chalking up 20 000
women (supposedly Wilt Chamberlain's record) and remain celibate for three days.
The stakes are a mint 1959 T-Bird convertible and, if Dewey wins, Jay's younger
sister. From the rehearsal dinner to the bedrooms of estate, the boys have an
irreverent romp through the days leading up to the walk down the aisle.
Director: Lawrence Gay. Stars: Duane Martin, Christopher Wiehl, Charisma
Carpenter, Lisa Brenner, Magaki Amadei. 2004, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min.,
Comedy, Monarch Home Video, No VHS SRP, Priced for rental.
DVD: Day & Date.
-
Orgy of the Dead
Wacky tale, written by famed schlock director
Ed Wood, follows a young couple through a spectacle of dancing zombies,
vampires, vixens and more in a seductive ritual. In search of inspiration for
his next novel, John and his girlfriend Shirley head out one evening to find a
cemetery. After their car breaks down, the couple stumbles upon a crowd of
sinners being punished by a group of the dancing dead. The couple is taken
prisoner and forced to watch the naked ghouls mix and mingle, while the
overseeing Emperor decides their fate for trespassing on such a private and
momentous occasion.
Director: Stephen Apostolof. Stars: Criswell. 1965, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 91
min., Horror, Rhino Video.
DVD: Only.
All DVDs are screened on a reference system consisting of a
Rotel RDV-1080 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.
January 2004 Releases
February 2004 Releases
March 2004 Releases
April 2004 Releases
June 2004 Releases
July 2004 Releases
| Contents/Site Map |
Home |
Resources |
Sell-Through |
Reviews |
Links |
E-mail: mail@onvideo.org
© 1996 -- 2004 CyberPod. All rights
reserved
CyberPod and OnVideo are trademarks of CyberPod Productions.
April 25, 2004
|
|