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OnVideo's Weekly Guide to Home Video Releases
The Astonishing X-Men Blu-Ray Collection
(2011) All four Astonishing X-Men adventures from Joss Whedon: "Astonishing X-Men: Gifted,"
"Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous," "Astonishing X-Men: Torn," Astonishing X-Men: Unstoppable." Also available on DVD. Extras: Special bonus content and original cover art illustration by John Cassaday. (Shout! Factory).
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1989) Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin. Extras: Air guitar tutorial with Bjorn Turoque & The Rockness Monster, "One Sweet and Sour Chinese Adventure to Go," radio spots, theatrical trailer. (MGM).
Brave
(2012) Voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Robbie Coltrane, Craig Ferguson.Formats: Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition (1 Blu-ray 3D + 2 Blu-ray Discs + 1 DVD + 1 Digital Copy); three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD. Extras: "La Luna" theatrical short and "The Legend of Mor'du" short film; commentary. Blu-ray adds production, behind-the-scenes and location featurettes; extended scenes; promo clips; "wee gaffes"; art gallery; more. (Disney).
A Burning Hot Summer
(2012 -- Canada) Louis Garrel, Monica Bellucci, Jerome Robart, Celine Sallette. The once-happy marriage between brooding painter Frederic and his movie-star wife Angele hits the rocks when another couple joins them on a Roman holiday. Features an evocative score from the Velvet Underground's legendary John Cale. Formats: DVD. (IFC Films).
Comes a Bright Day
(2012) Craig Roberts, Imogen Poots, Kevin McKidd, Timothy Spall. Offbeat love story set during the armed robbery of one of London's most exclusive jewelers. Sam is a bright, ambitious and handsome bellboy at a five star hotel who, while running an errand at one of London's most exclusive jewelers, suddenly finds himself in a life or death hostage situation with the radiantly beautiful Mary and her belligerent elderly boss Charlie. Formats: DVD. (Strand Releasing).
Company in Concert
(2011) Live performance of the hit Stephen Sondheim musical comedy, starring Craig Bierko, Stephen Colbert, Jon Cryer, Katie Finneran, Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Hendricks, Aaron Lazar, Patti LuPone, Jill Paice, Martha Plimpton, Anika Noni Rose, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Jim Walton and Chryssie Whitehead. Winner of the 1971 Tony Award for Best Musical, "Company" follows five married, once married, or soon-to-be-married couples and their mutual friend, Robert, a 35-year-old bachelor who has been unable to connect in a long-term relationship. The relationships are presented in a series of vignettes. Performed for four sold-out evenings with the New York Philharmonic and filmed for theatrical exhibition. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Culinary Masterpieces: Four Great Foodie Films
Four culinary masterpieces in a special edition box set: "Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven," "Kings of Pastry" (by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus), "Guy Martin: Portrait of a Grand Chef" and "A Matter of Taste: Serving Up Paul Liebrandt," $59.95. Formats: DVD. (First Run Features).
Dark Horse
(2012) Dir.: Todd Solondz; Jordan Gelber, Christopher Walken, Mia Farrow, Selma Blair, Justin Bartha. Romance blooms between two thirtysomethings in arrested development: an avid toy collector who is the dark horse of his family and a depressed woman on the rebound. Jordan Gelber plays Abe, a spoiled Long Island 35-year-old who still lives with his parents, collects action figures, takes money from his mom, has a do-nothing job with his dad's little real estate company, wears a rhinestone name necklace and drives a bright yellow Hummer. But the perpetually angry Abe's life suddenly perks up when he attends a wedding and meets the equally miserable (but beautiful) Miranda. Abe proposes on their first date, but the events that follow suggest Abe may have a very weak grasp of reality; plus, there's the sneaking suspicion that Miranda may really be after Abe's more successful and better-looking brother. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Virgil Films).
The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Complete Series BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1961-66) Fifteen-disc set with all five seasons, $349.98. Extras: TV Academy Tribute to Carl Reiner featuring Dick Van Dyke, George Clooney, Garry Shandling, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Paul Reiser, Rose Marie, Larry Mathews, and more, 50th Anniversary Q & A with Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner and Garry Marshall; "It May Look Like a Walnut" color test; Dick Van Dyke Appearance on "The Danny Kaye Show"; Mary Tyler Moore appearance on "The Danny Kaye Show"; Mary Tyler Moore appearance on "The Danny Thomas Show"; "Kick the Habit" radio spot featuring Dick Van Dyke; Safety Council reel; network promos. Also includes all the extras from the DVD set. (Image Entertainment).
Doctor Who Classic: The Claws of Axos Special Edition
When a damaged spaceship containing beautiful humanoid creatures called Axons lands on Earth, the Doctor (Third Doctor Jon Pertwee), Jo and UNIT are sent to investigate. In return for their help, the Axons offer the gift of Axonite, which would end world famine. It all appears too good to be true. Formats: DVD. Extras: Re-mastered edition includes commentary, Axon Stations making-of featurette, the earliest surviving Doctor Who studio recording; more. Two-disc set, $34.98 (BBC Home Entertainment).
Doctor Who: Series Seven, Part One
(2012) Two-disc set with five episodes. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "The Science of Doctor Who," "Doctor Who at Comic-Con," Pond Life featurettes, more. (BBC Home Entertainment).
Duck Dynasty: Season One
(2012) Three-disc set with 15 episodes, $19.95. Formats: DVD. (A&E).
Friends: The Complete Series BLU-RAY DEBUT
All 236 original broadcast episodes on 21 discs plus 20 hours of bonus features including over three hours of newly-added material. New content includes a retrospective documentary with new interviews looking back at the 10 years of the series, never-before-released cast appearances, unaired footage, a new gag reel and more. $279.98. (Warner).
The Ghostmaker
(2011) Aaron Dean Eisenberg, J. Walter Holland, Liz Fenning, Jared Grey. A group of friends use an ancient coffin to experience the world as ghosts. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with director Mauro Borrelli and producers Ed Polgardy and Scott Rudolph; behind-the-scenes featurette, interviews. (Lionsgate).
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
(2012) Inspired by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's groundbreaking book, this documentary takes on one of the central moral challenges of the 21st century: the oppression of women and girls worldwide. The film is an unforgettable journey with actress/advocates Eva Mendes, America Ferrera, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Uniuon, Diane Lane and New York Times journalist Kristof to meet some of the most courageous individuals of our time, who are doing extraordinary work to empower women and girls everywhere. These are stories of heartbreaking challenge, dramatic transformation and enduring hope. The two-disc set features episodes on Gender-Based Violence/Sierra Leone, Sex Trafficking/Cambodia, Education/Vietnam, Maternal Mortality/Somaliland, Forced Prostitution/India. Formats: DVD. Extras: Extended and deleted scenes and interviews, PSAs, trailers, mini-campaign videos, bonus content for Facebook game, Take Action Next Steps. (Docurama).
Harold & Kumar Blu-ray Ultimate Collector's Edition
All three Harold and Kumar films: "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," "Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay" and "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas" plus bonus features.$49.99. (Warner).
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Parts 1 and 2: Ultimate Edition
(2010-11) Includes more than six hours of special features (including "Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 7 and Part 8") and collectibles including a photo booklet with 48 pages of rare photos of the cast and crew, concept sketches and behind-the-scenes insights; four limited edition character cards and a lenticular card. Formats: Six-disc Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Combo pack, $64.99. (Warner).
The Highway
(2011) Devin the Dude, Lil Duval, Gary Owen, Erik Estrada, Eddie Griffin, Elle Capone, Kelly Coffield, Keith David. Two marijuana-loving brothers embark on a journey in search of a mythical highway in Kentucky, which they believe will lead them to "marijuana nirvana." Formats: DVD. (Lionsgate).
The Incredible Mel Brooks: An Irresistible Collection of Unhinged Comedy
(2012) 5-DVD/1-CD set pays tribute to America's national treasure, Mel Brooks. Included here are gems such as "Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again," an evening with Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett that aired on HBO in September 2011 and was recently nominated for the Outstanding Variety Special Emmy Award; the 1981 BBC documentary "I Thought I Was Taller: A Short History of Mel Brooks"; "Excavating The 2000 Year Old Man," a PBS special on the story behind the iconic 2000 Year Old Man and the partnership between its two extraordinary creators, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner; "Mel and His Movies," a new five-part exploration of his incomparable film career; vintage appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Dick Cavett Show"; episodes of the unforgettable TV series "Get Smart," as well as "When Things Were Rotten" and his Emmy-award winning turn as unpredictable Uncle Phil on "Mad About You"; and, of course, "The Critic"; short films, tributes, and rare footage; a CD with long-lost comedy bits and songs from Brooks' movies; and a 60-page book featuring vintage photos, program notes and essays by Leonard Maltin, Robert Brustein, Gene Wilder and Bruce Jay Friedman. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).
The Island President
(2011) A film about one man's mission to save his nation and perhaps the planet. President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives is confronting a problem greater than any other world leader has ever faced -- the survival of his country and everyone in it. Nasheed, who brought democracy to the Maldives after decades of despotic rule, now faces an even greater challenge: As one of the most low-lying countries in the world, a rise of three feet in sea level would submerge the 1,200 islands of the Maldives and make them uninhabitable. A classic David and Goliath tale, this documentary captures Nasheed's battle to stop global warming -- and save his country. Music by Radiohead. Formats: DVD. Extras: Interview with director Jon Shenk, photos, bios. (First Run Features).
Lukewarm
(2011) John Schneider, Jeremy Jones, Nicole Gale Anderson, Jason Burkey, Jenna von Oy, Bill Cobbs. Inspiring tale of temptation, faith and redemption, about a young man who realizes he can only move forward after facing his past and reconcile with his estranged father. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Image Entertainment).
A MusiCares Tribute to Barbra Streisand
(2012) Actress, singer, director, writer, composer, producer, designer, author, photographer and activist. On February 11, 2011, Streisand was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year (MusiCares was established in 1989 by The Recording Academy to provide a safety net of assistance to music people in times of need by way of a wide range of financial, medical and personal assistance). At a gala fund-raising event in Los Angeles, Streisand and an all-star cast of guests, including Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Diana Krall, Barry Manilow, Seal, Stevie Wonder and more, performed many of the songs she made famous throughout her illustrious career. Proceeds from the sale of the DVD and Blu-ray -- which contain 13 performances from that evening -- will provide support for MusiCares. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Shout! Factory).
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: 10th Anniversary Special Edition
(2002) Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo with Digital. Extras: New 30-Minute retrospective on the making of the film; deleted scenes; coomentary with Vardalos, Corbett, and director Joel Swick. (HBO Select).
Nitro Circus The Movie
(2012) Travis Pastrana, Tommy Passemante, Jolene Van Vugt, Jeremy Rawle, Gregg Godfrey, Greg Powell, Jim DeChamp, Erik Roner. Travis Pastrana and his tight-knit, highly-skilled, adrenaline-addicted friends bring their impossibly insane adventures to the big screen with the most dangerous stunts in the world of action sports -- from back-flipping a bike between two 60-story buildings to going air-born to destroy their friends in a life size, high-speed game of Freedom Flyers. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (ARC Entertainment).
Painted Skin: The Resurrection
(2012 -- China) Xun Zhou, Kun Chen, Wei Zhao. According to ancient lore, if a human freely offers their heart to a demon, that monster can become mortal, experiencing the true pains and passions of existence. Xiaowei, a millennia-old fox spirit, is freed from her frozen prison and transforms into a dangerous seductress who must consume living hearts to maintain her youthful beauty. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. Extras: "The Making of Painted Skin: The Resurrection." (Well Go USA).
Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2
(2012) A new collection of 12 Pixar short films: "BURN•E," "Dug's Special Mission," "George & AJ," "Air Mater," "Time Travel Mater," "Your Friend the Rat," "Partly Cloudy," "Presto," "Day & Night," "Hawaiian Vacation," "Small Fry," "La Luna." Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo, Digital. (Disney).
The Postman Always Rings Twice BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1946) Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn, Leon Ames, Audrey Totter. Extras: Introduction by Richard Jewell, "Lana Turner ... A Daughter's Memoir," "The John Garfield Story," "Phantoms, Inc.," "Red Hot Riding Hood," Screen Guild Theater broadcast, trailer. (Warner).
The Predator Collection
(2012) Four Smithsonian Channel programs: "Big Cats of the Savannah," "Cheetah: Price of Speed," "Lions in Battle" and "Diving with Crocodiles," $24.98. Formats: DVD.(Inception Media Group).
The Queen of Versailles
(2012) A documentary that follows a billionaire couple as they begin construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles. During the next two years, their empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
The Raw and the Cooked
(2012) Taiwan is known around the world as having one of the most diverse cuisines in Asia, and food is the foremost passion of its 23 million inhabitants. This documentary is a sumptuous exploration of the island's rich culinary traditions, and their relationship to the Taiwan's unique mix of cultures. Formats: DVD. Extras: Recipes, culinary film gallery, biographies. (First Run Features).
Savages Unrated Edition
(2012) Dir.: Oliver Stone; Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson, Emile Hirsch, Demian Bichir, John Travolta, Salma Hayek, Benicio Del Toro. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with Oliver Stone; commentary with producers Moritz Borman, Eric Kopeloff, co-screenwriter/novelist Don Winslow, executive producer/co-screenwriter Shane Salerno and production designer Tomas Vothd. Blu-ray adds "Stone Cold Savages," a five-part profile of the film; deleted scenes. (Universal).
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Season 2 Part 1: Danger in the Deep
(2012) The gang returns to their hometown, Crystal Cove, to solve a series of baffling mysteries in 13 new episodes, $19.97.Formats: DVD. (Warner).
Screwed
(2011) James D'Arcy, Noel Clarke, Frank Harper, Kate Magowan. When a soldier returns from Iraq and takes a job as a prison guard, he quickly realizes that the only thing distinguishing the prisoners from the "screws" (British slang for guard) is who holds the key. Formats: DVD, VOD. (Inception Media Group).
Snowmageddon
(2011) David Cubitt, Magda Apanowicz, Michael Hogan. A story about a mystical snow globe that makes very bad things happen in the real world when it is shaken. A Syfy Channel movie. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete Classic Series Collection
(1987-1996) Twenty-three disc set with all 193 episodes from 10 seasons, packaged in an exclusive, collectible TMNT Party Van, $99.98. Formats: DVD. (Lionsgate).
They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain
(2012) Shot clandestinely over a two-year period, this film provides a rare look at the second-most isolated country on the planet, lifting the curtain to expose everyday life in a country that has been held in the iron grip of a brutal military regime for 48 years. Culled from over 120 hours of striking images, the film is an impressionistic journey. Interviews and interactions with more than 100 people throughout Burma, including an interview with the recently released Aung San Suu Kyi -- an opposition politician who had been imprisoned for 15 of the past 21 years -- are interwoven with spectacular footage of this little-seen nation and its people. Formats: DVD. (Docurama).
Trilogy of Life
In the early 1970s, the great Italian poet, philosopher, and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini ("Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom") brought to the screen a trio of masterpieces of premodern world literature: Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" (1971), Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" (1972) and "The Thousand and One Nights" (often known as "The Arabian Nights") (1974) and in doing so created his most uninhibited and extravagant work, which he titled his "Trilogy of Life." In this brazen and bawdy triptych, the director set out to challenge consumer capitalism and celebrate the uncorrupted human body while commenting on contemporary sexual and religious mores and hypocrisies. His scatological humor and rough-hewn sensuality leave all modern standards of decency behind; these are physical, provocative, and wildly entertaining films, all extraordinarily designed by Dante Ferretti and featuring evocative music by Ennio Morricone. New high-definition digital restorations of all three films, with uncompressed monaural soundtracks on the Blu-ray editions. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New visual essays by film scholars Patrick Rumble and Tony Rayns on "The Decameron" and "Arabian Nights," respectively; new interviews with art director Dante Ferretti and composer Ennio Morricone about their work with Pasolini, and with film scholar Sam Rohdie on "The Canterbury Tales"; "The Lost Body of Alibech" (2005), a 45-minute documentary by Roberto Chiesi about a lost sequence from "The Decameron"; "The Secret Humiliation of Chaucer" (2006), a 47-minute documentary by Chiesi about "The Canterbury Tales"; "Via Pasoli; "Pier Paolo Pasolini and the Form of the City" (1974), a 16-minute documentary by Pasolini and Paolo Burnatto about the ancient Italian cities Orte and Sabaudia; deleted scenes from "Arabian Nights," with transcriptions of pages from the original script; Pasolini-approved English-dubbed track for "The Canterbury Tales"; trailers; a booklet featuring essays by critic Colin MacCabe; Pasolini's 1975 article "Trilogy of Life Rejected," excerpts from Pasolini's Berlin Film Festival press conference for "The Canterbury Tales," and a report from the set of "Arabian Nights" by critic Gideon Bachmann. (The Criterion Collection).
Twilight's Last Gleaming
(1977) Dir.: Robert Aldrich; Richard Widmark, Paul Winfield, Melvin Douglas, Joseph Cotten, Charles Durning, Burt Young, Burt Lancaster. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Olive Films).
2 Days in New York
(2012) Starring, co-written and directed by Julie Delpy. Co-stars Chris Rock, Albert Delpy,
Alexia Landeau, Alexandre Nahon, Kate Burton, Dylan Baker. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: -Interview with Julie Delpy, interview with Chris Rock, Sundance interviews, "AXS TV: A Look at 2 Days in New York." (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
Vamps
(2012) Dir.: Amy Heckerling; Alicia Silverstone, Krysten Ritter, Sigourney Weaver, Richard Lewis, Dan Stevens, Justin Kirk, Wallace Shawn, Marilu Henner, Kristin Johnson. Cheeky, fresh comedy about two eternally young party girls navigating the dating world in the Big City. Goody (Silverstone) and Stacy (Ritter) are addicted to the night life, clubbing, hooking up and always looking for the next thrill, all the while keeping a big a secret -- they happen to be modern-day vampires. But even with lifetimes of dating experience behind them, the duo realizes they still have a lot to learn about love when Stacy unexpectedly falls for the son of a vampire hunter, and Goody runs into the man of her dreams from decades earlier. With their destinies at stake, the girls are faced with a difficult choice; give up their eternal youth for a chance at love, or continue to live their uncomplicated fabulously single lives forever. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).
The Watch
(2012) Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Billy Crudup, Rosemarie DeWitt, Doug Jones, Will Forte. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, "Alien Invasions & You," "Casting the Alien." Blu-ray adds Jonah alternate takes, "Watchmakers." (Fox).
Watchmen Collector's Edition
Massive set with "Watchmen the Ultimate Cut" (which weaves together the director's cut of "Watchmen" with "Tales of the Black freighter"), two hours of bonus features, "Watchmen the Complete Motion Comics" -- all on three Blu-ray discs; the original theatrical cut on DVD; the first DC Comics hard cover edition of the graphic novel; lenticular packaging; $74.98. (Warner).
Weekend
(1967) This scathing late-sixties satire from Jean-Luc Godard is one of cinema's great anarchic works. Determined to collect an inheritance from a dying relative, a bourgeois couple travel across the French countryside while civilization crashes and burns around them. Featuring a justly famous centerpiece sequence in which the camera tracks along a seemingly endless traffic jam, and rich with historical and literary references, "Weekend" is a surreally funny and disturbing call for revolution, a depiction of society retreating to savagery, and -- according to the credits -- the end of cinema itself. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New video essay by film critic Kent Jones; archival interviews with actors Mireille Darc and Jean Yanne and assistant director Claude Miller; excerpt from a French television program on director Jean-Luc Godard, featuring on-set footage of "Weekend" shot by filmmaker Philippe Garrel; trailers; a booklet featuring an essay by critic and novelist Gary Indiana. (The Criterion Collection).
Savages
Laguna Beach entrepreneurs Ben (Aaron Johnson) and Chon (Taylor Kitsch) raise and sell some of the best marijuana ever developed, while sharing a one-of-a-kind love with the extraordinary beauty Ophelia (Blake Lively). Their idyllic life is shattered when the Mexican Baja Cartel demands that the trio partner with them. But the cartel's merciless boss, Elena (Salma Hayek), and her brutal enforcer, Lado (Benicio Del Toro), underestimate the unbreakable bonds among the three friends. Ben and Chon -- with the reluctant, slippery assistance of a dirty DEA agent (John Travolta) -- launch a seemingly unwinnable war against the drug lords that escalates into a savage, high-stakes battle of wills. Based on Don Winslow's bestselling crime novel.
Vitals: Director: Oliver Stone. Stars: Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson, Emile Hirsch, Demian Bichir, John Travolta, Salma Hayek, Benicio Del Toro.
2012, CC, MPAA rating: R, 131 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $47.307 million, Universal.
Brave
Animated feature follows the heroic journey of the headstrong, young adventurer Merida. She's a skilled archer and the impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it's too late.
Vitals: Directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell. Stars: Voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Robbie Coltrane, Craig Ferguson.
2012, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 93 min., Animated, Box office gross: $227.245 million, Disney.
The Queen of Versailles
Directed by lauded filmmaker and photographer Lauren Greenfield, who won the U.S. Directing Award for Documentary Film at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for this film, "The Queen of Versailles" is a character-driven documentary about a billionaire family and their financial challenges in the wake of the economic crisis. With epic proportions of Shakespearean tragedy, the film follows two unique characters, whose rags-to-riches success stories reveal the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. The film begins with the family triumphantly constructing the biggest house in America, a 90,000 sq. ft. palace. Over the next two years, their sprawling empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. Major changes in lifestyle and character ensue within the cross-cultural household of family members and domestic staff.
Vitals: Director: Lauren Greenfield.
2012, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 100 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $2.358 million, Magnolia Home Entertainment.
2 Days in New York
Hip talk-radio host and journalist Mingus (Chris Rock) and his French photographer girlfriend, Marion (Julie Delpy), live cozily in a New York apartment with their cat and two young children from previous relationships. But when Marion's jolly father, her oversexed sister, and her sister's outrageous boyfriend unceremoniously descend upon them for an overseas visit, it initiates two unforgettable days of family mayhem.
Vitals: Director: Julie Delpy. Stars: Julie Delpy, Chris Rock, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau, Alexandre Nahon, Kate Burton, Dylan Baker.2012, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $.615 million, Magnolia Home Entertainment.
The Watch
There's trouble brewing in peaceful Glenview, Ohio. That's why four civic-minded citizens, armed with flashlights, walkie-talkies and spiffy new jackets, have teamed up to safeguard their community (in reality, they've banded together to get away from their humdrum family life for one night). But the guys find more than they bargained for when they uncover an alien plot to destroy Earth, and now these bumbling heroes are Glenview's only chance to save the neighborhood -- and the world -- from annihilation.
Vitals: Director: Akiva Schaffer. Stars: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Billy Crudup, Rosemarie DeWitt, Doug Jones, Will Forte.
2012, CC, MPAA rating: R, 102 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $12.750 million, Fox.
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
(1989)
Empire of the Sun
(1987)
Friends: The Complete Series
Lawrence of Arabia 50th Anniversary
(1962
The Postman Always Rings Twice
(1946)
The Postman Always Rings Twice
(1981)
Trilogy of Life (Criterion)
Weekend (1967) (Criterion)
Lawrence of Arabia 50th Anniversary BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1962) Dir.: David Lean; Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif, Jose Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy. Digitally restored director's cut. Available as a two-disc Blu-ray set with UltraViolet, $26.99; and as a three-disc boxed Gift Set, $95.99. Extras: "Secrets of Arabia" picture-in-graphic track; "Peter O'Toole revisits Lawrence of Arabia" new interview; "The Making of Lawrence of Arabia" documentary; conversation with Steven Spielberg; "Maan, Jordan: The Camels Are Cast"; "In Search of Lawrence"; "Romance of Arabia"; "Wind, Sand and Star: The Making of a Classic";
original newsreel footage of the New York premiere; advertising campaigns. The Gift Set adds a soundtrack CD; 88-page coffee table book; individually numbered 70mm film frame; a never-before-seen deleted scene; "The Lure of the Desert: Martin Scorsese on Lawrence of Arabia"; "In Love With the Desert" featurette; "King Hussein Visits Lawrence of Arabia Scene"; archival interviews with William Friedkin, Sydney Pollack, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg; trailers and TV spots. (Sony).
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November 12, 2012
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