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Anti-Nazi Classics Vol. 2
Four films about Nazi Germany. "Rotation" (1949): From the director of "The Murderers Are Among Us" and ranked as one of Germany's most important films ever, "Rotation" is the story of a German family that becomes divided over supporting the Nazis. "Council of the Gods" (1950): Based on testimony from Nuremberg, this classic was inspired by the collaboration between Nazi scientists and chemical giant I.G. Farben -- a collaboration that led to the death of millions. "The Axe of Wandsbek" (1951): In 1934, when the Nazis need a hangman to execute a group of political prisoners, the town butcher makes the biggest mistake of his life: facing bankruptcy, he agrees to do the dirty deed. "The Adventures of Werner Holt" (1964): Two 17 year-olds are pulled out of school and into Hitler's army; while one becomes a fanatical soldier, the other, Werner Holt, begins to understand the senselessness of war. $59.95. (First Run features).
The Art of Filmmaking
Five documentaries about filmmaking: "Tales From the Script" (featuring Shane Black, Frank Darabont, Paul Schrader, among others), "Directors: Life Behind the Camera" (featuring Robert Altman, Robert Benton, Tim Burton, James Cameron, Chris Columbus, Wes Craven, Cameron Crowe, Frank Darabont, Jonathan Demme, Richard Donner, Clint Eastwood, Nora Ephron, William Friedkin, Terry Gilliam, Ron Howard, Lawrence Kasdan, Spike Lee, Barry Levinson, George Lucas, David Lynch, Adrian Lyne, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Sydney Pollack, Rob Reiner, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Bryan Singer, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Robert Zemeckis & David Zucker), "Capturing Reality: The Art of Documentary," "Light Keeps Me Company" (about Sven Nykvist) and "Lavender Limelight: Lesbians in Film." $79.95. (First Run Features).
Attack the Block
(2011) Nick Frost, Jodie Whittaker, John Boyega, Luke Treadaway. Funny, frightening action adventure movie that pits a teen street gang against an invasion of savage alien monsters. A London housing project is turned into a sci-fi battleground and the low-income apartment complex into a fortress under siege as a crazy mix of tough street kids become kick ass heroes fighting off an invasion from outer space. Extras: Five featurettes, three commentaries. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Volume 3 -- Iron Man Unleashed
(2011) Six episodes, $19.99. Extras: "The Avengers Unmasked: Masters of Evil" animated comic book. (Disney).
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Volume 4 -- Thor's Last Stand
(2011) Seven episodes, $19.99. Extras: "The Avengers Unmasked: Hail Hydra!" animated comic book. (Disney).
Bill Moyers: Own Our Own Terms
(2000) Newest release from Bill Moyers' acclaimed library features insightful, practical discussions about death and dying in America. Moyers interviews dozens of terminally ill patients in this four-part exploration of end-of-life issues. (Acorn Media).
Captain America: The First Avenger
(2011) Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Hugo Weaving, Toby Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough, Dominic Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson, Richard Armitage, Derek Luke. Blu-ray only extras: Commentary by director Joe Johnston, director of photography Shelly Johnson and editor Jeff Ford; "Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer; featurettes: "Outfitting a Hero," "Howling Commandos," "Heightened Technology," "The Transformation," "Behind the Skull," "Captain America Origins," "The Assembly Begins"; deleted scenes. Available as a 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo, Blu-ray and DVD. (Paramount).
The Conversation BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1974) Dir.: Francis Ford Coppola; Gene Hackman, Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Teri Garr, Harrison Ford. Extras: New interviews with Coppola and composer David Shire, archival footage, commentaries, making-of featurette, retrospective featurette, short film, marketing gallery. (Lionsgate).
Father of Invention
(2011) Kevin Spacey, Camilla Belle, Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville, John Stamos, Craig Robinson, Virginia Madsen. Once upon a time, Robert Axle (Spacey) was on top of the world. An eccentric inventor turned ego-driven infomercial guru, you couldn't turn on a channel without seeing the latest Robert Axle "fabrication" being touted. But when one of his inventions -- the "Ab-Clicker" -- maimed thousands of customers, a class-action lawsuit landed him in jail for the next 10 years. Newly released, Axle is now ready to redeem his name and hopefully rebuild his billion dollar empire. But first he must convince his estranged 22-year-old daughter (Belle) to let him live with her and her quirky, over protective roommates as well as find that one "fabrication" that will redeem him. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
Fire of Conscience
(2011 -- Hong Kong) Dir.: Dante Lam; Leon Lai, Richie Ren, Baoqiang Wang, Vivian Hsu, Kai Chi Liu, Michelle Ye. Another of the action director's cop vs. gangsters thrill rides with heart-racing action sequences, distinct character development and stunning visual imagery. Investigator Captain Manfred is at a crossroads in life when he's assigned to the case of a lethal car accident and the death of a prostitute and finds himself working with aggressive Inspector Kee, who is determined to rise in the fast-paced world of Hong Kong law enforcement. Manfred is soon swept up into a shadowy world of dirty politics, graphic murders and dangerous secrets when his squad is betrayed by someone within the department. Extras: Five featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Indomina Releasing).
Hamlet at Elsinore
(1964) Christopher Plummer, Michael Caine, Robert Shaw, Donald Sutherland, Roy Kinnear. Historic production of H"amlet" filmed on location at Elsinore, Denmark, the actual location where the play is set. This truly unique and thrilling production has not been seen in North America since its original premiere in 1964 on NET, the precursor to PBS, and is a must own for fans of the Bard. (BBC/Warner).
Harlow 100
Warner Archive's inaugural box set collection spotlights the Platinum Bombshell, Jean Harlow. A true trend-setter, the first "Platinum Blonde" provided the template for an archetype that stretches from Marilyn to Madonna to Gwen Stefani and beyond. Not only was she a big-screen sex symbol, but Harlow was a gifted comedienne and a talented dramatic actress. This special collection celebrates her centennial year with seven of her films, three newly remastered. None ever
Identification of a Woman
(1982) "Identification of a Woman," directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, is a body-and soul-baring voyage into one man's artistic and erotic consciousness. After his wife leaves him, a film director finds himself drawn into affairs with two enigmatic women, while at the same time searching for the right subject (and actress) for his next film. This spellbinding anti-romance was a late-career coup for the legendary Italian filmmaker, and is renowned for its sexual explicitness and an extended scene on a fog-enshrouded highway that stands with the director's greatest set pieces. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Booklet featuring an essay by critic John Powers and a reprinted 1982 interview with Michelangelo Antonioni by critic Gideon Bachmann. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Island of Lost Souls
(1932) A twisted treasure from Hollywood's pre-Code horror heyday, "Island of Lost Souls" is a cautionary tale of science run amok adapted from H. G. Wells's novel "The Island of Dr. Moreau." In one of his first major movie roles, Charles Laughton is a mad doctor conducting ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor (Richard Arlen) who finds himself trapped there. This touchstone of movie terror, directed by Erle C. Kenton ("House of Frankenstein"), is elegantly shot by Karl Struss ("The Great Dictator"), features ground breaking makeup effects that inspired generations of monster-movie artists, and co-stars Bela Lugosi in one his most gruesome roles. New high-definition digital restoration of the uncut theatrical version, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Commentary by film historian Gregory Mank, author of "Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff" and "Hollywood's Maddest Doctors"; new video conversation among filmmaker John Landis, Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker and genre expert Bob Burns; new interviews with horror film historian David J. Skal ("The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror"), filmmaker Richard Stanley ("Hardware," original director of the ill-fated 1996 remake of "The Island of Dr. Moreau"); new interviews with Devo founding members Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh, whose manifesto is rooted in themes from "Island of Lost Souls"; booklet featuring a new essay by critic Christine Smallwood. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Joseph Campbell: Mythos III
Third installment of Joseph Campbell's fascinating lecture series, seen on PBS. Offering five newly remastered and visually stunning lectures from one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Hosted by Susan Sarandon. (Acorn Media).
Jurassic Park
The long-awaited Blu-ray version will be available in two sets: "Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy," a three-disc set with hours of bonus features including a new "Return to Jurassic Park" six-part documentary that features new interviews with many of the cast members from all three films, the filmmakers and Steven Spielberg ("Dawn of a New Era," "Making Pre-history," "The Next Step in Evolution," "Finding The Lost World" and "Something Survived"); a "Limited Edition Blu-ray Trilogy Gift Set" that includes a custom T-rex dinosaur statue. There will also be a new three-disc DVD set. (Universal). Read more about the releases.
A Little Help
(2010) Jenna Fischer, Chris O'Donnell, Rob Benedict, Daniel Yelsky, Lesley Ann Warren, Ron Leibman, Brooke Smith. A woman, a Long Island dental hygienist who wants nothing more than to run her own life and who relies on guilty pleasures -- cigarettes and beer -- to help her cope with an unruly lifestyle in order to take care of herself and her 12 year old son, gets entangled in a series of bizarre lies when her unfaithful husband dies. Extras: Cast interviews, Jakob Dylan music video. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Mardi Gras: Spring Break
(2011) Danneel Ackles, Arielle Kebbel, Carmen Electra, Nicholas D'Agosto, Regina Hall, Josh Gad. A group of college buddies sow their wild oats in New Orleans. (Sony).
The People vs. George Lucas
(2010) Few films have had the same influence on pop culture as "Star Wars." Even fewer have the same devoted fan base as the original trilogy. But since the release of George Lucas's "Star Wars" prequels -- more than 20 years after the original release -- some fans have found their ardor cooled into a complicated love-hate relationship with Luke and Leia's creator. This is a heartfelt documentary that delves deep into Lucas's cultural legacy and explores the issues of filmmaking and fanaticism around one of the industry's most famous franchises. Extras: Poetry slams selections, Gary Kurtz interview selections, "GL Raped Our Childhood" song and music video, "The People vs. Star wars 3D featurette. (Lionsgate).
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog ... and More Stories By Mo Willems
(2011) In the lead story -- an animated adaptation of the sequel to the best-selling "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" -- Pigeon finds a delicious hot dog, but a sly and hungry duckling comes along who also wants a bite. Also includes "Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity" and "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed." $14.95. Extras: Read-along function, "Getting to Know ('Pigeon' author Mo Willems)" featurette, "Animating Pigeon" featurette, interview with Willems. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
(Finland -- 2010) Onni Tommila, Jorma Tommila, Ilmari Jarvenpaa, Per Christian Ellefsen. It's the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an American "archeological" dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn't the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa's elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare -- a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality. Extras: Making-of featurette; "Rare Exports Inc." (2003), the original short film in which the Christmas tale was born; "Rare Exports -- The Official Safety Instructions" (2005), in which Santa returns in the second short film in the series; "Blood in the Snow" concept art featurette; behind-the-scenes stills photo gallery; original trailer from Finland. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (1964), a cult classic featuring Pia Zadora in which first movie role. (Oscilloscope Laboratories).
Roger Corman's Cult Classics: Lethal Ladies Collection
Three Roger Corman New World 'B' films featuring hard-fighting women: "Firecracker" (1981), "T.N.T. Jackson" (1974) and "Too Hot to Handle" (1977). (Shout! Factory).
Shaolin
(2011 -- Hong Kong) Andy Lau, Nicolas Tse, Jackie Chan. In this remake of Jet Li's "Shaolin Temple" (1982), director Benny Chan tells an epic tale of sadistic warlords squaring off against noble monks in the early years of the Chinese republic. Available as a DVD/Blu-ray Combo, Blu-ray, DVD and in a Collector's Edition DVD. Extras: Behind-the-scenes interviews, deleted scenes, making-of featurette. (Well Go USA).
Teeny Tiny and the Witch-Woman ... and More Spooky Halloween Stories!
(2011) Five Halloween-themed tales: The lead story plus "The Boy With Two Shadows," "Los Gatos Black on Halloween," "What's Under My Bed" and "King of the Cats"; $14.95. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
(1979) Coinciding with the Dec. 9 feature film adaptation starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, Acorn has re-released the classic Cold War spy drama. Alec Guinness delivers the performance of a lifetime in his BAFTA-winning role as George Smiley, a retired spymaster recruited to find a mole in the British intelligence service. Repackaged three-disc set includes six episodes, along with a 28-min. interview with John le Carre. $49.99. (Acorn Media).
Tom and Jerry: The Golden Collection V1
Two-disc set with 37 shorts, in chronological order, un-edited and un-censored. Extras: Commentary by animation experts on nine shorts, "Vaudeville, Slapstick and Tom and Jerry" retrospective featurette. $26.99. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Winnie the Pooh
(2011) Voices of John Cleese, Jim Cummings, Bud Luckey, Craig Ferguson, Jack Boulter, Travis Oates. Available as a DVD/Blu-ray Combo and a three-disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Combo. Blu-ray Combo Pack extras: Animated shorts "The Ballad of Nessie" and "Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon"; a sing-along viewing option; behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes. Also available as a single-disc DVD. (Disney).
Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings
(2011) The unrated bloody beginnings of Three Finger and
his family of hillbilly cannibals. Extras: Commentary, bonus footage, director's "Die-aries," "Making Another Wrong Turn," "Lifestyles of the Sick and Infamous," music video featuring The Black Out City Kids. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Young Justice Season 1 Volume 2
(2010-11) Single disc with nine episodes, $14.97. (Warner).
Captain America: The First Avenger
After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. As Captain America, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).
Vitals: Director: Joe Johnston. Stars: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Hugo Weaving, Toby Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough, Dominic Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson, Richard Armitage, Derek Luke.
2011, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 124 min., Action, Box office gross: $173.459 million, Paramount.
The Conversation
(1974)
Island of Lost Souls
(Criterion) (1932)
Jurassic Park Blu-ray Trilogy
(1961)
Read more.
Barney Miller: The Complete Series
Twenty-five disc set with all 168 episodes from the eight seasons of the series, $159.99.Extras: Includes a 40 page booklet, new cast interviews, commentaries, as well as Season One of the spin-off "Fish," starring Abe Vigoda, which has never before been released on DVD. (Shout! Factory).
before available on DVD. Lovingly packaged in a striking, glamour filled slipcase filled with special features. "Bombshell" (1933) (remastered). Glamour queen Lola (Harlow) is quitting the movie biz -- something her manipulative press agent (Lee Tracy) can't allow. "The Girl From Missouri" (1934) (remastered). Eadie's not easy! A plucky bachelorette (Harlow) intends to bag a New York millionaire…without abandoning her virtue. "Reckless" (1935)(remastered). Harlow goes dramatic as a Broadway star accused of murder after the death of her high-living, high society hubby. With William Powell, the last real-life love of Harlow's short life. "Riffraff" (1935) She works in a cannery. He's a fisherman. But their playful romance is fated to give way to a tragedy surrounding union activism. She's Harlow, he's Spencer Tracy. "Suzy" (1936) Harlow, Cary Grant, and Franchot Tone are involved in a World War I triangle of romance and spy intrigue. "Personal Property" (1937) Debt-ridden socialite Harlow puts on a show of wealth to impress a suitor who's also making a pretense of fortune. Robert Taylor is the butler who sees through the ruses. "Saratoga" (1937) In Harlow's final film she plays the daughter of a horse breeder who is engaged to a millionaire, but drawn to a bookie played by Clark Gable. Extras: Trailers for six films, including newly
discovered trailers for "Bombshell," "The Girl From Missouri" and "Personal Property"; rare, never before heard "Reckless" pre-recording sessions including Harlow's unused vocals captured live on the MGM stage; portfolio of seven 5" x 7" MGM studio portraits of Harlow; Lux Radio Theater presentation "Madame
Sans-Gene" with Harlow and Taylor (audio only); two "Leo Is on the Air" radio air trailers. (Warner).
It Takes a Thief: The Complete Series
Eighteen-disc set containing all 66 digitally remastered episodes, $199.98. Fusing the heist and espionage genres, "It Takes a Thief" was an action-adventure series that aired on ABC for two-and-a-half seasons between Jan. 9, 1968 and March 24, 1970. Marking the TV debut of Robert Wagner, the cult classic series was inspired by Hitchcock's 1955 Cary Grant film, "To Catch a Thief," and was among the last of the 1960s spy television genre. The premise: Stealing to finance his life as a playboy and sophisticate, Alexander Mundy (Wagner) was the world's greatest cat burglar ... until the day he got caught. But thievery skills are an asset in the world of espionage, so Mundy is pardoned when he agrees to use his wily ways to help steal for the SIA, an American espionage agency. Extras: Extended feature-length version of the pilot episode, "The King of Thieves: Interview With Robert Wagner," "A Matter of Larceny: Interview With Glen A. Larson," limited edition senitype (reproduced 35mm film frame), "It Takes a Thief" exclusive four-piece coaster set, collectible booklet with retrospective essay. (Entertainment One).
Laurel & Hardy: The Essential Collection
Ten-disc set with 58 of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy's talking shorts and feature films, produced under legendary movie mogul Hal Roach from 1929 through 1940, available for the first time in the U.S. all together in one magnificent collection, digitally remastered and digitally restored. Extras: Housed in collectible, book-style packaging with an extensive, detailed film guide. The set also boasts over two hours of special features including exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with comedy legends Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Lewis, Tim Conway and more, who discuss the enduring impact and influence of Laurel and Hardy. Additional features include commentaries by Laurel and Hardy aficionados, along with a virtual location map that allows viewers to take an interactive tour of the iconic places in and around Los Angeles where Laurel and Hardy filmed. $99.98. (Vivendi Entertainment and RHI Entertainment)
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October 17, 2011
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