Library

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: It seemed like a pretty good career move, and for the most part it was. Demi Moore will never top any rational list of great actresses, but as her career stalled in the mid-1990s she had enough internal fire and external physicality to be just right for her title role in "G.I. Jane". Her character's name isn't Jane--it's Jordan O'Neil--but the fact that she lacks a penis makes her an immediate standout in her elite training squad of Navy SEALs. She's been recruited as the first female SEAL trainee through a series of backroom political maneuvers, and must prove her military staying power against formidable odds--not the least of which is the abuse of a tyrannical master chief (Viggo Mortensen) who puts her through hell to improve her chances of success. Within the limitations of a glossy star vehicle, director Ridley Scott manages to incorporate the women-in-military issue with considerable impact, and Moore--along with her conspicuous breast enhancements and that memorable head-shaving scene--jumps into the role with everything she's got. Not a great movie by any means, but definitely a rousing crowd pleaser, and it's worth watching just to hear Demi shout the words "Suck my ----!!" (rhymes with "chick"). "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: It seemed like a pretty good career move, and for the most part it was. Demi Moore will never top any rational list of great actresses, but as her career stalled in the mid-1990s she had enough internal fire and external physicality to be just right for her title role in "G.I. Jane". Her character's name isn't Jane--it's Jordan O'Neil--but the fact that she lacks a penis makes her an immediate standout in her elite training squad of Navy SEALs. She's been recruited as the first female SEAL trainee through a series of backroom political maneuvers, and must prove her military staying power against formidable odds--not the least of which is the abuse of a tyrannical master chief (Viggo Mortensen) who puts her through hell to improve her chances of success. Within the limitations of a glossy star vehicle, director Ridley Scott manages to incorporate the women-in-military issue with considerable impact, and Moore--along with her conspicuous breast enhancements and that memorable head-shaving scene--jumps into the role with everything she's got. Not a great movie by any means, but definitely a rousing crowd pleaser, and it's worth watching just to hear Demi shout the words "Suck my ----!!" (rhymes with "chick"). "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: The 1980's were dominated by two children's cartoons, the Transformers and G.I. Joe. G.I. Joe "The Real American Hero" followed the adventures of an elite military force dedicated to protecting the world (and America) from the forces of evil (in the form of terrorist organization Cobra). In the midst of all this a TV series ran for several seasons in first run as well as re-runs and millions of toys were sold. Finally, after 20 years, the two original mini-series that began the Mania are finally released on DVD.
This two-disc set collects the first two G.I. Joe mini-series (5-parts each) that aired in the 1983 and 1984.
Disc 1: Mini-Series One - A Real American Hero (AKA "The Mass Device") (1983)
This is the story arc that introduced the world to the Joes and intros most of the main characters.
THE STORY: Cobra has stolen a device ("The Mass Device") that can automatically transport anything, anywhere. Can the Joes stop Cobra and the Mass Device from destroying the world?
Disc 2: Mini-Series Two - The Revenge of Cobra (AKA "The Weather Dominator") (1984)
This story arc sees Cobra returning to wreak more havoc than ever and introduces even more Joes and Cobra (Zartan and the Dreadnoks)
THE STORY: Cobra and Destro have built "The Weather Dominator," a device that gives them control over the weather and uses the forces of nature to destroy the world. But what happens when Cobra loses control over their own device? Can the Joes save the world before the world destroys itself?
THE COOL STUFF:
Easily the best feature of the DVD is the series itself. Not a bad deal where you get nearly 4 hours of action for the relative cheap price of the DVD.
THE CRITICISM:
Too bad there's no DVD extras, although from my understanding another set of these will be released with them (thus potentially negating the reason to purchase THIS set if you are into the extras).
THE VERDICT:
Well conventional wisdom says (if rumors hold true) to hold off on this set and get the deluxe set with the extras HOWEVER, this set is still a bargain at the relatively cheap price and may be the better purchase depending on the extras that come with the other (remember the ... extras on the Transformers movie DVD???).
Highly Recommended purchase (with or without the extras, for all fans)

Languages: English

Sound: AC-3

Summary: This release has been postponed many times since it was first announced, but it looks we will finally be getting it now.
This volume should include the following episodes:
The Pyramid of Darkness part 1
The Pyramid of Darkness part 2
The Pyramid of Darkness part 3
The Pyramid of Darkness part 4
The Pyramid of Darkness part 5
Countdown for Zartan
Red Rocket's Glare
Satellite Down
Cobra Stops the World
Jungle Trap
Cobra's Creatures
The Funhouse
Twenty Questions
The Greenhouse Effect
Haul Down the Heavens
Synthoid Conspiracy (part 1)
Synthoid Conspiracy (part 2)
The Phantom Brigade
Lights! Camera! Cobra!
Cobra's Candidate
Money to Burn
Operation Mind Menace
Battle for the Train of Gold
Cobra Soundwaves
Where the Reptiles Roam
The Gamesmaster
Lasers in the Night

Languages: English

Summary: "G.I. Joe" (1983) was one of the many product-driven television series that aired in syndication during the early '80s, following the unprecedented commercial success of "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe". In the program, "G.I. Joe" is not the name of an individual, but "the code name for America's daring, highly trained special mission force." The members of this force conduct a neverending battle against the "ruthless terrorist organization" Cobra. The battles take the form of "Jonny Quest"-style fantasy adventures, ostensibly set in the real world, but where anything can happen. The Joes fight foes that range from a small herd of cloned dinosaurs on a Pacific Island to the gods of ancient Egypt, whom they encounter in the tomb reportedly laden with treasure. The dozens of characters all have military-sounding code names--Deep Six, Gung Ho, Air Tight, Snake Eyes, Ace, Bazooka, Ship Wreck, Toll Booth--and foiling Cobra's plots requires not only all their strength, but every piece of equipment toymaker Hasbro could devise (and sell).
Although the animation is minimal and the vocal performances stilted, fans agree that the first two seasons and the feature, which were animated by Sunbow/Marvel, are better than the later version of the shows from DIC. But these cartoons are more likely to appeal to nostalgic collectors of GI Joe toys and memorabilia than to students of the art of animation. (Unrated, suitable for ages 8 and older: violence) "--Charles Solomon"

Languages: English

Summary: Continue to thrill consumers with the daring exploits of the nation's top-secret special mission force, G.I. JOE! SEASON 2, PART 1 features 15 original, uncut episodes of this animation classic on three DVDs with exclusive bonus features.

Languages: English

Summary: G.I. Joe is the code name for Americas highly-trained special missions force. Its purpose: to defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world!

In 1983 Hasbro made a bold statement when it relaunched its classic toy line of military action heroes as an adventure-based team of unique characters, each with his, and her, own specialties. And because it captured the imaginations and hearts of boys and girls aspiring to make a difference in the world, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero was an immediate success lasting over 25 incredible years. Now you can relive the original animated adventures of Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Flint, Lady Jaye and rest of the Joe team with this 4-disc DVD set of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, including the first part of the series inaugural season, the three annual 5-part miniseries that started it all: "The MASS Device", "The Revenge Of Cobra: The Weather Dominator" and "The Pyramid Of Darkness".

Bonus Features:

* "Knowing Is Half The Battle" PSAs

* Looking Back With Writer Ron Friedman

* Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials

* The original G.I. Joe 1963 Toy Fair Presentation

* Printable Script for "Jungle Trap"

Languages: English

Summary: G.I. Joe is an elite group of special military operatives, fighting for freedom wherever there is trouble. This is the second part of the first season of the animated series that introduced Hasbros popular line of G.I. Joe action figures. It offers 22 action packed episodes including the fan favorites "Viper Is Coming" and "The Gamesmaster."

Bonus Features:

* "Everyday Heroes: The History of G.I. JOE" featurette.

* "Knowing Is Half The Battle" PSAs.

* Archival Hasbro toy commercials.

Languages: English

Summary: G.I. JOE is the code name for Americas daring, highly-trained special missions force. Its purpose: to defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless organization determined to rule the world!

The exciting first season of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comes to an end with its final 22 episodes, including fan favorites like "Worlds Without End","The Traitor", "Cold Slither" and "There s No Place Like Springfield".

Bonus Features

* G.I. Joe Animated Series Featurette

* "Knowing Is Half The Battle" PSAs

* Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials

Languages: English

Summary: For the First Time on DVD: The Complete Second Season!

After Cobras countless defeats by the heroic special forces unit known as G.I. Joe, the mad supergenius Dr. Mindbender seeks to dethrone the maniacal Cobra Commander by genetically combining the DNA of the most formidable conquerors in history. The result is a threat more menacing and power hungry than Cobra Commander can ever hope to challenge: the mighty Serpentor! Armed with a new master, a new army of Battle Android Troopers and a new set of plans for world domination, Cobra seems unstoppable! That is, of course, unless General Hawk and his team of commandos have anything to say about it. Yo Joe!

Bonus Features

* Greenshirts: The Legacy Of G.I. Joe

* Knowing Is Half The Battle: PSAs

* Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: Our favorite American hero has returned in this rerelease of the now cult-classic G.I. Joe movie from 1987. Once again G.I. Joe must protect the world from total obliteration. Cobra, the deadliest of foes and leader of an underground race of snake people, is proving to be a great threat to humankind. After spending many generations underground, he plans to take over the world again (with the help of his evil foes Pythona and Serpentor) by releasing deadly spores into the atmosphere. These spores can transform all life into the weakest of creatures, which means humans could potentially devolve into amoebas. However, in order to accomplish this, Cobra must acquire the Broadcast Energy Transmitter. (The BET activates the spores.) Luckily G.I. Joe is there to stop Cobra and his evil army. There are terrific fight scenes in which nobody gets hurt (like in all great "A-Team" episodes) and the cartoon style is true to the G.I. Joe character. All your favorite G.I. Joe characters are here, including Falcon, Bazooka, Alpine, Duke, Snowjob, and Roadblock. Starring voices also help lend a hand: Don Johnson, Burgess Meredith, and Sergeant Slaughter. Forever and always G.I. Joe will be "fighting for freedom wherever there's trouble, over land and sea and air!" "--Samantha Allen Storey"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: "The Rise of Cobra" is not your grandfather's G.I. Joe. It's more like C.G.I. Joe with explosive special-effects action sequences that provide the film with a surplus of "Boom Boom Pow" (to quote the Black Eyed Peas song that drives the end credits). This blast from the summer past is very much like the metal-munching nano-mite missiles a (literally) mad Doctor (Joseph Gordon-Levitt cashing in some of his indie cred) and McCullen, a Scottish weapons dealer (Christopher Eccleston), threaten to unleash upon the world. It never stops. Ever. The original G.I. Joe action figure was an all-American hero. These Joes are--all together now--"the best of the best," an elite multi-national squad. Two soldiers, Duke (a buff Channing Tatum), an "on the ground, in the fight" kind of guy, and Ripcord (Marlon Wayans), his wisecracking best friend, are rescued by the Joes after they are ambushed while transporting the missiles. These are no ordinary Joes. Snake-Eyes (Ray Park) is a silent ninja, Stella (Rachel Nichols) a bodacious brainiac, Heavy Duty (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) the imposing weapons specialist, and Breaker (Said Taghamaoui) the techie. They are led by gruff Gen. Hawk (Dennis Quaid), who barks out lines like, "When all else fails, we don't," with polish. Duke and Ripcord are recruited to join the classified unit after Duke discovers that Ana (Sienna Miller), his former fiancée, is in cahoots with McCullen and now sports the sinister moniker the Baroness, not to mention killer cleavage-enhancing latex outfits. This being the first in a budding franchise, there is much backstory to cover. Flashbacks date back to 1641! But the order of the day is underground military command centers, underwater evil lairs, gleaming high-tech weaponry, breakneck chases, and cool gadgets, such as a speed-accelerating hydraulic suit. It's enough to make you want to dust off your original Hasbro action figures or, the studio no doubt hopes, buy the new ones. "--Donald Liebenson"

Stills from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Click for larger image)

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: You don't have to be a "Star Trek" fan to enjoy "Galaxy Quest", but it certainly helps. A knowingly affectionate tribute to "Trek" and any other science fiction TV series of the 1960s and beyond, this crowd-pleasing comedy offers in-jokes at warp speed, hitting the bull's-eye for anyone who knows that (1) the starship captain always removes his shirt to display his manly physique; (2) any crew member not in the regular cast is dead meat; and (3) the heroes always stop the doomsday clock with one second to spare. So it is with Commander Taggart (Tim Allen) and the stalwart crew of the NSEA "Protector", whose intergalactic exploits on TV have now been reduced to a dreary cycle of fan conventions and promotional appearances. That's when the Thermians arrive, begging to be saved from Sarris, the reptilian villain who threatens to destroy their home planet.
Can actors rise to the challenge and play their roles for real? The Thermians are counting on it, having studied the "historical documents" of the "Galaxy Quest" TV show, and their hero worship (not to mention their taste for Monte Cristo sandwiches) is ultimately proven worthy, with the help of some "Galaxy" geeks on planet Earth. And while "Galaxy Quest" serves up great special effects and impressive Stan Winston creatures, director Dean Parisot ("Home Fries") is never condescending, lending warm acceptance to this gentle send-up of sci-fi TV and the phenomenon of fandom. Best of all is the splendid cast, including Sigourney Weaver as buxom blonde Gwen DeMarco; Alan Rickman as frustrated thespian Alexander Dane; Tony Shalhoub as dimwit Fred Kwan; Daryl Mitchell as former child-star Tommy Webber; and Enrico Colantoni as Thermian leader Mathesar, whose sing-song voice is a comedic coup de grâce. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: It's not quite as clever as it tries to be, but "The Game" does a tremendous job of presenting the story of a rigid control freak trapped in circumstances that are increasingly beyond his control. Michael Douglas plays a rich, divorced, and dreadful investment banker whose 48th birthday reminds him of his father's suicide at the same age. He's locked in the cage of his own misery until his rebellious younger brother (Sean Penn) presents him with a birthday invitation to play "The Game" (described as "an experiential Book of the Month Club")--a mysterious offering from a company called Consumer Recreation Services. Before he knows the game has even begun, Douglas is caught up in a series of unexplained events designed to strip him of his tenuous security and cast him into a maelstrom of chaos. How do you play a game that hasn't any rules? That's what Douglas has to figure out, and he can't always rely on his intelligence to form logic out of what's happening to him. Seemingly cast as the fall guy in a conspiracy thriller, he encounters a waitress (Deborah Unger) who may or may not be trustworthy, and nothing can be taken at face value in a world turned upside down. Douglas is great at conveying the sheer panic of his character's dilemma, and despite some lapses in credibility and an anticlimactic ending, "The Game" remains a thinking person's thriller that grabs and holds your attention. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: In may 1997 gary kasparov widely regarded as the greatest chess player the world has ever seen played deep blue - a hulking 1.5 ton ibm supercomputer. As it played out in the media this was a chess tournament & scientific experiment that would our dominance as the most intelligent entity on the planet Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 10/23/2007 Run time: 84 minutes Rating: Pg

Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Sir Richard Attenborough's 1982 multiple-Oscar winner (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley) is an engrossing, reverential look at the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, who introduced the doctrine of nonviolent resistance to the colonized people of India and who ultimately gained the nation its independence. Kingsley is magnificent as Gandhi as he changes over the course of the three-hour film from an insignificant lawyer to an international leader and symbol. Strong on history (the historic division between India and Pakistan, still a huge problem today, can be seen in its formative stages here) as well as character and ideas, this is a fine film. --Tom Keogh





Stills from " Gandhi " (click for larger image)















Beyond" Gandhi" on Amazon.com

























Other Oscar Winners at Oscar Central






More Biographies on DVD









The Films of Ben Kingsley

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo

Summary: This series tells the insider story of some of America's most notorious street gangs. We learn how they've shaped their times and affected the neighborhoods that they controlled. From the destruction wrought by the heroin kingpins in Harlem of the 1970's to today's most dangerous gang MS-13, which has spread out from the inner city to infect unexpected turf - suburban communities, gangs have a rich yet deadly history. They usually start out as a form of protection for their members and the community but then, grow predatory as they feed on the very people that they purport to defend. With exclusive interviews and rarely seen footage, this is a raw look at life inside these gangs - from those who live it and the agencies that are working to stop them.

Languages: English

Summary: "Gangland: Complete Season Two" continues the History Channel program's focus on the gang phenomenon all over the United States. While the 12 episodes in this box set speak to the cultural and ethnic diversity of gangs in different parts of the country, there are some fascinating common threads. Among them, many gangs begin not as organized criminals but have roots in protecting a vulnerable community. A lot of gangs offer protection to individual members both on the streets and in prisons, testimony to their powerful reach. Finally, some gang members grow up to become repentant community activists, forsaking violence after seeing too much of it.
Aside from those sociological observations, episodes of "Gangland" offer collective portraits of different gangs in different cities. Two shows--"Crip or Die" and "The Blood"--tell the story of the longtime rival gangs Crips and Bloods in Los Angeles and their bloody war in neighborhood streets. Brutal and gruesome, the show tells a number of stories of arrogance and impulsive actions that took the lives of many innocent people. "Maniacal" is the story of the Maniac Latin Disciples out of Chicago, waging a war with rivals for drug turf in the city's Humboldt Park. The Maniacs are among the few gangs talked about in "Gangland" with a female membership as destructive as the gang's men. "Deadly Triangle" focuses on Asian gangs in America, including Chinese tongs, which began as protectors and enforcers for different industries (a garment industry tong, for example). "Texas Terror" concerns the Texas Syndicate, a very different kind of crime organization comprised of everyone from common street thugs to white-collar lawyers, all involved in the lucrative drug trade. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: "Gangs of New York" may achieve greatness with the passage of time. Mixed reviews were inevitable for a production this grand (and this troubled behind the scenes), but it's as distinguished as any of director Martin Scorsese's more celebrated New York stories. From its astonishing 1846 prologue to the city's infernal draft riots of 1863, the film aspires to erase the decorum of textbooks and chronicle 19th-century New York as a cauldron of street warfare. The hostility is embodied in a tale of primal vengeance between Irish American son Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his father's ruthless killer and "Nativist" gang leader Bill "the Butcher" Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis, brutally inspired), so named for his lethal talent with knives. Vallon's vengeance is only marginally compelling; DiCaprio is arguably miscast, and Cameron Diaz (as Vallon's pickpocket lover) is adrift in a film with little use for women. Despite these weaknesses, Scorsese's mastery blossoms in his expert melding of personal and political trajectories; this is American history written in blood, unflinching, authentic, and utterly spectacular. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: French

Sound: AC-3

Summary: "Gangs of New York" may achieve greatness with the passage of time. Mixed reviews were inevitable for a production this grand (and this troubled behind the scenes), but it's as distinguished as any of director Martin Scorsese's more celebrated New York stories. From its astonishing 1846 prologue to the city's infernal draft riots of 1863, the film aspires to erase the decorum of textbooks and chronicle 19th-century New York as a cauldron of street warfare. The hostility is embodied in a tale of primal vengeance between Irish American son Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his father's ruthless killer and "Nativist" gang leader Bill "the Butcher" Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis, brutally inspired), so named for his lethal talent with knives. Vallon's vengeance is only marginally compelling; DiCaprio is arguably miscast, and Cameron Diaz (as Vallon's pickpocket lover) is adrift in a film with little use for women. Despite these weaknesses, Scorsese's mastery blossoms in his expert melding of personal and political trajectories; this is American history written in blood, unflinching, authentic, and utterly spectacular. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

Summary: "Vile, smelly, rude, ugly" (Variety)your favorite grime bandits come to life with all thefarts, snot and vomit you can take in this hilarious cult classic full of "gross-out humor" (TheNew York Times). Based on the wildly popular and irreverent trading cards, The Garbage PailKidsÂ(r) Movie stars Mackenzie Astin ("The Facts of Life") as a perfectly nice teenagerwho discovers the Kids...to his disgust! When Dodger (Astin) accidentally releases the Kids from their magical trash can prison, all smell breaks loose. Despite their offensive personal habitsand attitude problemsDodger soon becomes fond of the Kids. But when Messy Tessie, Foul Phil, Valerie Vomit and the whole misfit crew join his fight against thuggish bullies, their efforts just might land them behind bars at the State Home for the Ugly!

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Every now and then, the CGI effects in "Garfield: The Movie" are less than perfect--which makes you realize how astonishingly seamless the rest of the effects are. When Garfield's owner, Jon (Breckin Meyer, "Clueless"), agrees to take in a homeless dog so as to flirt with a sexy veterinarian (Jennifer Love Hewitt, "I Know What You Did Last Summer"), Garfield does his best to oust the dog from the house. But when a greedy television performer (Stephen Tobolowsky, "Bossa Nova") kidnaps the mutt for his own nefarious purposes, Garfield sets out on a rescue mission. "Garfield" is a terrible movie, yet there's something weirdly compelling in its awfulness. Bill Murray ("Rushmore", "Ghostbusters"), who voices the fat cat, has mastered a comic style that wallows fondly in ridiculousness. Perhaps, seduced by the siren call of Murray's voice, the audience can only marvel at the sublime junk of our culture. "--Bret Fetzer"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Not even the executives at Disney could have predicted the runaway success of this live-action movie inspired by Jay Ward's goofy 1960s cartoon character. Not only did "George" make a killing at the box office, but Disney's marketing wizards turned it into one of their best-selling videos. It's hard to begrudge the movie's success, even if this is the kind of mindless entertainment that caters to the lowest common denominator. In any case, it's obvious that kids love this movie, in which the idiotic George (Brendan Fraser) repeatedly swings into trees and attracts the attention of a lovely jungle explorer (Leslie Mann) who decides to call off her engagement to a wealthy snob (Thomas Hayden Church) in favor of the vine-swinging hunk with an elephant named Shep (that thinks it's a dog) and an ape named Ape (with a proper Brit voice provided by John Cleese). Filled with slapstick gags and some funny special effects, the movie can be a bit of a trial for adults, but it's a hilarious treat for its intended audience. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Summary: Swing into action with Jay Ward’s last-produced, classic series, George of the Jungle! Join dim-witted, but big-hearted George as he saves his jungle friends with the help of wife, Ursula, his friend Ape and his "dog", Shep the elephant. All 17 shows are complete with episodes of Tom Slick, the coolest racecar driver this side of Frostbite Falls, and Super Chicken, who’s always there to save the day when fowl play’s afoot! It’s a jungle of fun with a cartoon series kids and adults can enjoy!

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: John Travolta is the standout in this somewhat cartoonish adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel about a smalltime Miami enforcer (Travolta) who decides to get into the movie business in L.A. The cast sparkles--Gene Hackman as a failing cut-rate-movie producer, Rene Russo as a failed actress, Danny DeVito as a vain thespian, Delroy Lindo as a mobster who wants a cut of Travolta's film action--and the script is clever. But not clever enough: this isn't Robert Altman's "The Player", as far as satires about Hollywood go. But director Barry Sonnenfeld ("Men in Black") keeps it cute and brisk and that makes for an enjoyable experience. Travolta is great as a vaguely dangerous, supremely self-confident man whose love of movies makes him almost cuddly. The DVD release includes optional widescreen or standard formats, optional French and Spanish soundtracks, original theatrical trailer, and Dolby digital sound. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Sound: Dolby

Summary: The Cold War may be over, but that doesn't mean it can't still be milked for laughs. Get Smart, the sassy film version of the Mel Brooks/Buck Henry-created '60s TV satire, brings plenty of elements of the original series and spins it freshly into the new world of bad guys in the 21st century, pretty much without losing a beat. Steve Carell is perfectly cast as the bumbling Maxwell Smart--but in a slick improvement on the TV show, Smart isn't really hapless--though he has a bit of a self-esteem problem (all around his apartment are sticky notes with exhortations like "You can DO it!"). Carell's Maxwell Smart is a sharp techie researcher at the uber-secret crime-battling agency, CONTROL, who's just a little out of his element out in the field. As his data-crunching sidekick Bruce (Masi Oka of Heroes) says, "We're the ones guarding democracy!", aghast that Max would want to be an agent.
But Max longs for the action enjoyed by the likes of Agent 23 (a godlike Dwayne Johnson), with glamorous deployments around the world. When he finally gets his dream assignment--as the newly minted Agent 86--he's paired up with the slick and experienced Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), who provides great lines, not to mention some interesting chemistry, while she continually saves Max from harm's way. The cast is terrific, with memorable appearances by Alan Arkin as the Chief, Terrence Stamp as the head of the uber-evil KAOS, and Bill Murray as a (literally) put-out-to-pasture agent whose spy post is inside a tree ("really great, old-school stuff" he calls his assignment). And there's plenty of action, explosions, and creative shootouts with the bad guys (highlight: a freefall from a plane, with two people and just two parachutes). But it's Carell and his combination of insecure yearning and deadpan delivery that make Get Smart as, well, smart as it is. When Max learns he's finally been promoted to agent, he slips into the Cone of Silence--which unfortunately is malfunctioning. "I'm so happy! I'm so happy!" he yells, as his colleagues sit nearby hearing the whole thing. Discovering that, he purses his lips and says, "Well, that's a sucker-punch to the gonads." Sorry about that. --A.T. Hurley

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: French, English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Three days in the summer of 1863, at a place called Gettysburg. Although it received a theatrical release, this four-hour depiction of the bloody Civil War battle was shot as a made-for-television film. But no taint of cheapness or shortcuts should stick to this magnificent picture (well, except maybe for those phony-looking mustaches). Based on Michael Shaara's book "The Killer Angels", this film takes a refreshingly slow, thorough approach to the intricacies of battle. In ordinary circumstances, those intricacies might seem of importance only to fans of military strategy or Civil War enthusiasts, yet in "Gettysburg" they come across as the very stuff of life, death, and unexpected heroism. If the film has a problem, it's that it climaxes too early: the first long segment, detailing the struggle of a "civilian soldier," Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), to hold his ground against long odds, is an enthralling piece of moviemaking. Daniels, in a heartbreaking performance, does his best film work. Other cast members include Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, and Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee. Richard Jordan, in his final role, gives a powerhouse performance as Confederate general Lewis A. Armistead. Oh, and you can also try to spot Ted Turner, whose company produced the film, as a Confederate soldier. Writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell seems inspired by the gravity of the battle; long as it is, every moment of "Gettysburg" is informed by a nobility of purpose. "--Robert Horton"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are the passionate lovers whose romance is undone when the latter is murdered during a bungled hit arranged by a rival. The clever concept by screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (director of "My Life") extends outward into comedy (Swayze's character communicates through a sassy medium played by Whoopi Goldberg, who won an Oscar for this role), horror (the afterlife is populated by hell-bound demons and the like), and romantic complications (a handsome suitor, played by Tony Goldwyn, comes on to Moore while Swayze's spirit is still hanging around). Directed by Jerry Zucker, previously best known for codirecting "Airplane!" and similar broad comedies, "Ghost" is a careful balancing act of strong commercial elements, but at heart it is a timeless Hollywood tearjerker that easily gets under one's skin. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Val Kilmer stars as Lt. Col. John Patterson, a 19th-century Irish engineer drafted by Britain's railroad bosses to build a trestle bridge over an African river, thus expanding the empire a tiny bit more. In Tsavo, Patterson is instantly hailed for killing a man-eating lion that had been making life hell for native workers. But morale sinks when a pair of unstoppable big cats devour more men and destroy the project. Along comes an Ahab-like, expatriate American hunter (Michael Douglas) to help Patterson face the almost preternatural powers of the two killers. The script by William Goldman ("Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid") is based on fact, though the film owes more to Spielberg (specifically to "Jaws") than history. There are also suggestive echoes of Kipling and Conrad in the material and characters, and there are hints of emotional complexity and psychological nuance that make one wish this could have been a great film instead of a merely fun one. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English

Summary: Sci-Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters introduces Jason and Grant, plumbers by day – ghost hunters by night! Ghost Hunters, a one-hour weekly docu-soap follows a group of real-life ghostbusters as they investigate haunted houses throughout the country. Plumbers by trade, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, head-up a group of intrepid souls that are far from the usual collection of be-spectacled Ph.D.s. They’re ordinary, everyday people with an interest in getting to the bottom of your otherworldly disturbances. Every week Jason, Grant, and their team investigate a new case, from poltergeists who throw a child's toys around an attic to a lighthouse whose late keeper still welcomes visitors. This team of moonlighting ghost hunters are our first and last defense against uninvited paranormal visitations.

Languages: English

Summary: The smash-hit SciFi Channel show is back for a second season of spooks, shocks and suspense! Plumbers by day, at night Jason and Grant head up TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), a close-knit organization of volunteer paranormal researchers–ordinary people who investigate and attempt to debunk claims of otherworldly activity. These self proclaimed skeptics have managed to expose some of the most frighteningly compelling evidence of paranormal phenomenon ever seen on television! Season 2's first 11 episodes are packed with even more excitement, oddities, goose bumps, and strange paranormal behavior than the TAPS team has ever come across before!

Languages: English

Summary: Season 2 of Ghost Hunters contained just too many bone-chilling, spine-tingling, jaw-dropping investigations for just one DVD collection! Part 2 of the smash hit SciFi Channel show's Second Season brings 11 more episodes packed with 19 "leave no stone unturned" investigations. Will their searches turn up evidence of a haunting or debunk claims of paranormal activity? Join Jason, Grant, and the dedicated members of the TAPS team as they attempt to bring peace of mind to those who claim to be experiencing hauntings, while trying to avoid getting spooked themselves!

Languages: English

Summary: Jason, Grant, and the TAPS crew are back for a third season of chills and suspense as they look to uncover the reality behind seemingly haunted locations around the world! After their thorough investigations, even skeptics will have to think twice! Now, you can join the real life "ghostbusters" as they search for the truth and uncover the truly bizarre. Season 3 – Part 1 includes the first 10 episodes of the most watched season of the Ghost Hunters series like they have never been seen before with extended scenes and bonus footage that did not air on TV!
Join TAPS as they investigate legendary Western locations such as the OK Corral, The Copper Queen Hotel, and the famous ghost town of Tombstone, Arizona. Follow the team as they look to uncover what’s behind spine-tingling occurrences at the West Virginia Penitentiary. Is there really the spirit of a little girl trapped inside the Johnson family house in Vermont? Plus, for the first time ever, TAPS heads to Ireland to investigate four of the country’s most supernatural locations, Leap and Lisheen Castles, the Viaduct Tavern, and the Hellfire Caves. Plus many more investigations and a look back at some of the best moments from previous investigations of The Stanley Hotel made famous by Stephen King’s "The Shining."

Languages: English

Summary: Grant, Jason, and the TAPS crew continue their record-breaking third season with a slew of spine-tingling investigations! From a seemingly haunted church to a World War II battleship, there is never shortage of supposed paranormal activity for the Ghost Hunters to seek to explain. Join the team as they investigate the mansion of a murdered Rhode Island governor and a haunted city hall. Then, go west, to an insane asylum in Seattle, a former Spanish fortress in San Francisco, and to Los Angeles for a tale of two Charlies – Manson and Chaplin that is! First, it’s up to the site of the Sharon Tate murder and then to Charlie Chaplin Studios which has been the source of many an interesting story of ghostly happenings both on and off screen! Plus a plethora of additional investigations and bonus footage never before seen on TV!

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Ghost Hunters has become one of TV' most popular shows and in Season 4, Jason, Grant, and the rest of the TAPS team are back investigating claims of the paranormal throughout the United States! Join them as they travel from haunted army forts with spirits from the Revolutionary War, to libraries that contain more than books, to asylums, to a theater where Harry Houdini once performed, now the scene of endless paranormal happenings. Among the many incredible events on this journey, the TAPS team will experience the "Fear Cage" and hear the voices of ghosts in their attempts to shed light on the questions which rise from seemingly unexplainable activity! Investigations include: Fort Mifflin Two to Tango Words From Beyond The Fear Cage Ghostly Bounty Hunter Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ghostly Conversation Spirits of the Old West Haunted Asylum House of Spirits Widow's Watch Garden State Ghosts

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: "Ghost Hunters" has become one of TV's most popular shows, and in Season Four: Part 2, Jason, Grant, and the rest of the TAPS team are back investigating claims of the paranormal from coast to coast! Join them as they travel from a sanitarium which has placed 911 calls to the police -- but there is no phone in the building! -- to the most haunted ship in the U.S. Navy. Then go to a tavern in a TAPS member's own hometown where customers are heard enjoying a game of pool but the hall is closed and empty, and a home where a small child hears voices and has unexplainable scratches on his body. TAPS even goes to the plantation seen in "Interview with a Vampire" where 35 tourists all witnessed the same paranormal activity at the same instant! These are just the tip of the apparition in the most thrilling installment of the "Ghost Hunters" series to date!

Languages: English, Japanese

Subtitles: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: The skillful blending of drawn animation and computer-generated imagery excited anime fans when this science fiction mystery was released in 1995: many enthusiasts believe "Ghost" suggests what the future of anime will be, at least in the short term. The film is set in the not-too-distant future, when an unnamed government uses lifelike cyborgs or "enhanced" humans for undercover work. One of the key cyborgs is The Major, Motoko Kusanagi, who resembles a cross between The Terminator and a Playboy centerfold. She finds herself caught up in a tangled web of espionage and counterespionage as she searches for the mysterious superhacker known as "The Puppet Master."
Mamoru Oshii directs with a staccato rhythm, alternating sequences of rapid-fire action (car chases, gun battles, explosions) with static dialogue scenes that allow the characters to sort out the vaguely mystical and rather convoluted plot. Kusanagi's final quote from I Corinthians suggests that electronic evolution may compliment and eventually supplant organic evolution. The minor nudity, profanity, and considerable violence would earn "Ghost in the Shell" at least a PG rating. "--Charles Solomon"

Languages: English, French, Korean

Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Once intended as a feature for Johnny Depp, the long-germinating feature film adaptation of Marvel Comics' cult title "Ghost Rider" stars Nicolas Cage as motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who transforms into a skull-faced angel of vengeance to battle the forces of evil. Though perhaps a bit too mature for the role, Cage brings a degree of humor to the outrageous proceedings; he's well matched by the "Easy Rider" himself Peter Fonda, amusingly cast as Mephistopheles, the demon with whom Blaze strikes a bargain to save his father, and in turn, causes his transformation into Ghost Rider. Wes Bentley is also fine as Blackheart, the rebellious offspring of Mephistopheles, and Blazes' chief opponent in the film. They're joined by a solid supporting cast which includes Donal Logue, Eva Mendes, and Sam Elliott, but their participation and a relentless barrage of CGI effects can't hide the fact that the story itself, though largely faithful to its comic origins, is rife with clichéd characterizations and glum B-movie dialogue. Fans of the venerable title may cry foul over this adaptation (as they did over helmer Mark Steven Johnson's previous comic-to-movie feature, "Daredevil"), but less stringent viewers may enjoy the fiery visuals and Cage's typically quirky performance. --"Paul Gaita"














Extras from " Ghost Rider"



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Ghost Rider: Road To Damnation

Stills from " Ghost Rider " (click for larger image)

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: While it offers nothing new for horror buffs, "Ghost Ship" relocates its haunted house clichés to an eerily effective setting. The Italian luxury liner "Antonia Graza", its fate a mystery for 40 years, has suddenly reappeared in the chilly Bering Sea. Lured by a seemingly harmless proposition, Gabriel Byrne and Julianna Margulies lead a salvage crew (including Ron Eldard, Margulies's offscreen partner and fellow "ER" alumnus) to claim the wreck. But a grisly prologue--in which we witness the horrific fate of the ship's crew and passengers--makes it clear that bad things are going to happen. And they do... with the predictability of tomorrow's sunrise. The supporting cast is routinely dispatched, but their fates are determined amid outstanding art direction, slick cinematography, and judicious digital trickery, all primed to maximize the doom-laden atmosphere. Director Steve Beck (who remade "13 Ghosts" a year earlier) won't win any awards for ingenuity, but "Ghost Ship" offers a few good chills for a dark and stormy night. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Oscar-winning director Roman Polanksi ("The Pianist") teams up with author-screenwriter Robert Harris ("Enigma") for this twisty political thriller. Ewan McGregor plays an unnamed ghostwriter who signs on to pen the memoirs of former British prime minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). The money is good, but there's a catch: the ghost's predecessor perished under mysterious circumstances (his body washed up on the shore in an apparent suicide). Being the adventurous sort, the ghost puts that information aside and travels to Lang's austere compound on Martha's Vineyard, where he meets Lang's efficient personal secretary, Amelia (Kim Cattrall, good but for an inconsistent accent), and acerbic wife, Ruth ("An Education"'s Olivia Williams). Just as he's wading through Lang's dull text, the PM's ex-cabinet minister accuses him of handing over suspected terrorists to the CIA, fully aware that torture would be on the agenda. The next thing the ghost knows, he's working for a possible war criminal, and the deeper he digs, the more convinced he becomes that Lang is lying about his past. After exchanging a few words with a sharp-eyed old man (Eli Wallach) and a tight-lipped professor (Tom Wilkinson), he realizes his life may also be at risk. Then, while Lang hits the road to proclaim his innocence, the ghost gets to know Ruth better--"much" better. If the conclusion feels a little glib, Polanksi tightens the screws with skill, McGregor enjoys his best role in years, and Williams proves she's fully prepared to carry a movie of her own. "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"

Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Subtitles: Arabic, Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the script, but Bill Murray gets all the best lines and moments in this 1984 comedy directed by Ivan Reitman ("Meatballs"). The three comics, plus Ernie Hudson, play the New York City-based team that provides supernatural pest control, and Sigourney Weaver is the love interest possessed by an ancient demon. Reitman and company are full of original ideas about hobgoblins--who knew they could "slime" people with green plasma goo?--but hovering above the plot is Murray's patented ironic view of all the action. Still a lot of fun, and an obvious model for sci-fi comedies such as "Men in Black". "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai, Korean

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: Prepare to spend some quality "slime-time" with Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2, together for the first time in this exclusive DVD gift set. These spooktacularly successful fillms captured the imagination of audiences around the world and redefined the action-comedy genre in the process. This gift set includes the two films, each with an assortment of otherworldly extras, and a deluxe Collector's Scrapbook, loaded with production notes, character sketches, insider info and more. Because when it comes to supernaturally classic comedy, Who you gonna call?

Languages: English, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: Starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner and directed by Mark Waters ("Mean Girls"), "Ghost of Girlfriends Past" seems to be lacking some of the chemistry we have seen from the stars in similar romantic comedies, but is still entertaining and worth a watch. McConaughey plays a womanizer named Conner Mead far from settling down who is forced to take a "Christmas Carol"-type journey through girlfriends of his past, present and future while attending his brother’s wedding weekend. Jenny (Garner) is the childhood sweetheart and longstanding object of his affection. Will he be able to grow up and admit his love for Jenny before the weekend is over, or will he continue his man-whore ways and lose her forever? Although McConaughey and Garner both tread familiar territory, they’re so good at it that you don’t mind. Some of the best scenes in the movie involve Michael Douglas, who is perfect as Conner’s dead uber-womanizing mentor Uncle Wayne, and Lacey Chabert, who is also hilarious as the stressed out bride-to-be. Yes, it’s predictable and cheesy, but it has some real moments and provides laughs--and that is exactly what a romantic comedy is for. --"Lisanne Chastain"

Languages: English

Subtitles: French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Even without its original 3-D IMAX presentation, James Cameron's "Ghosts of the Abyss" is still an eerily elegant tour of history's most infamous shipwreck. Six years after his original journey to the rusting hulk of the "Titanic" (where he captured footage for his 1997 blockbuster), Cameron returned to the wreckage with actor Bill Paxton, a team of Russian and American scientists, the world's most knowledgeable "Titanic" historians, and enough state-of-the-art technology to film the most complete and intimate exploration of the ill-fated ship's remains. Astonishing footage, flawless digital animation, and ghostly re-creations of the ship's final hours are seamlessly combined to orient the viewer at an intersection of tragic past and awe-inspiring present, emphasizing more than ever the sheer scale of "Titanic"'s gargantuan construction. Signs of luxury remain, 90 years later, while the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (occurring here in mid-mission) place this unforgettable journey into resonant, humanitarian perspective. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, French, Georgian, Chinese, Thai

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Many critics called "Gigli" one of the worst movies ever made, but their condemnation isn't entirely justified. The movie's got plenty of problems, such as inconsistent tone, gag-inducing dialogue, and a meandering plot that fails to generate momentum over 124 minutes. And yet, this character-based vehicle for Hollywood sweethearts Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez is not without its charms: To begin with, there's J-Lo, whose beauty and presence flourish despite her ill-conceived role as a lesbian contract killer. Critics were also wrong in saying Lopez lacks on-screen chemistry with her off-screen beau; there are moments when they click, but director Martin Brest's screenplay maintains sexual confusion right up to an ending that's a total cop-out. Affleck (who did the lesbian-love thing in "Chasing Amy") plays another good-natured killer, and their joint kidnapping job (involving the mentally disabled brother of a federal prosecutor) is destined to fail for all the right reasons, even as this anti-romantic comedy (featuring scenery-chewing cameos by Christopher Walken and Al Pacino) fails for all the wrong ones. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Korean

Sound: AC-3

Summary: A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, "Titanic", it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marveling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marveling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. "Gladiator"'s plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--"Saving Private Ryan", even if everyone is wearing a toga. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and "gravitas" as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a coliseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! "--Mark Englehart"

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, "Titanic", it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marveling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marveling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. "Gladiator"'s plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--"Saving Private Ryan", even if everyone is wearing a toga. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and "gravitas" as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a coliseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! "--Mark Englehart"

Languages: English, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Georgian, Chinese, Thai

Sound: Dolby

Summary: A TWO-FISTED TALE ABOUT TOUGH TEENS WHO FIGHT IN CHICAGO'S UNDERGROUND BOXING SCENE. SPECIAL FEATURES: FULL SCREEN AND WIDESCREEN VERSIONS, 2-CHANNEL DOLBY SURROUND, LANGUAGES: ENGLISH AND SPANISH, SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE, CHINESE, KOREAN AND THAI, AND MUCH MORE.

Languages: English, Spanish, French

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, "Titanic", it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marveling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marveling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. "Gladiator"'s plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--"Saving Private Ryan", even if everyone is wearing a toga. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and "gravitas" as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a coliseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! "--Mark Englehart"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Like moths to a flame, great actors gravitate to the singular genius of playwright-screenwriter David Mamet, who updated his Pulitzer Prize-winning play for this all-star screen adaptation. The material is not inherently cinematic, so the movie's greatest asset is Mamet's peerless dialogue and the assembly of a once-in-a-lifetime cast led by Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin (the last in a role Mamet created especially for the film). Often regarded as a critique of the Reagan administration's impact on the American economy, the play and film focus on a competitive group of real estate salesmen who've gone from feast to famine in a market gone cold. When an executive "motivator" (Alec Baldwin) demands a sales contest among the agents in the cramped office, the stakes are critically high: any agent who fails to meet his quota of sales "leads" (i.e., potential buyers) will lose his job. This intense ultimatum is a boon for the office superstar (Pacino), but a once-successful salesman (Lemmon) now finds himself clinging nervously to faded glory. Political and personal rivalries erupt under pressure when the other agents (Alan Arkin, Ed Harris) suspect the office manager (Kevin Spacey) of foul play. This cauldron of anxiety, tension, and sheer desperation provides fertile soil for Mamet's scathingly rich dialogue, which is like rocket fuel for some of the greatest actors of our time. Pacino won an Oscar nomination for his volatile performance, but it's Lemmon who's the standout, doing some of the best work of his distinguished career. Director James Foley shapes Mamet's play into a stylish, intensely focused film that will stand for decades as a testament to its brilliant writer and cast. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: One of the very best films about the Civil War, this instant classic from 1989 is also one of the few films to depict the participation of African American soldiers in Civil War combat. Based in part on the books "Lay This Laurel" by Lincoln Kirstein and "One Gallant Rush" by Peter Burchard, the film also draws from the letters of Robert Gould Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick), the 25-year-old son of Boston abolitionists who volunteered to command the all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Their training and battle experience leads them to their final assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, where their heroic bravery turned bitter defeat into a symbolic victory that brought recognition to black soldiers and turned the tide of the war. With painstaking attention to historical detail and richness of character, the film boasts superior performances by Denzel Washington (who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Andre Braugher. Directed by Edward Zwick (cocreator of the TV series "thirtysomething"), this unforgettable drama is as important as "Schindler's List" in its treatment of a noble yet little-known episode of history. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Georgian, Chinese, Thai

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

Summary: One of the very best films about the Civil War, this instant classic from 1989 is also one of the few films to depict the participation of African American soldiers in Civil War combat. Based in part on the books "Lay This Laurel" by Lincoln Kirstein and "One Gallant Rush" by Peter Burchard, the film also draws from the letters of Robert Gould Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick), the 25-year-old son of Boston abolitionists who volunteered to command the all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Their training and battle experience leads them to their final assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, where their heroic bravery turned bitter defeat into a symbolic victory that brought recognition to black soldiers and turned the tide of the war. With painstaking attention to historical detail and richness of character, the film boasts superior performances by Denzel Washington (who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Andre Braugher. Directed by Edward Zwick (cocreator of the TV series "thirtysomething"), this unforgettable drama is as important as "Schindler's List" in its treatment of a noble yet little-known episode of history. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English

Sound: AC-3

Summary: One of the greatest basketball games in NCAA history is immortalized in "Glory Road", an engaging sports movie that dramatizes a pivotal milestone in the racial integration of college athletics. While it may not be as rousing as similar movies like "Hoosiers" or "Friday Night Lights", this fact-based drama gains depth and substance from the groundbreaking achievement of Don Haskins (well-played by Josh Lucas), who coached the 1965-66 team from Texas Western University to the NCAA championship, using the first-ever all-black lineup in the championship game and forever changing the rules of college basketball. Texas Western's underdog season is followed from anxious start to glorious finish, as Haskins recruits many of his black star players from the North, including Bobby Joe Hill (Derek Luke) and Willie Cager (Damaine Radcliff), and this typically wholesome Disney film doesn't flinch from the harsh realities of racial tension (including player beatings and vandalized motel rooms) that Texas Western's black players had to struggle against as their victories began to draw national attention. Jon Voight (under heavy makeup) makes a memorable cameo appearance as legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp, whose favored all-white team was no match for Texas Western, and Haskins' unforgettable achievement is celebrated in an end-credits sequence that demonstrates the positive ripple-effect of his color-blind coaching. "Glory Road" relies a bit too heavily on sports-movie clichés, but its shortcomings are easily overlooked in favor of its greater historical significance. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: French, Portuguese, Spanish

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: "THE GODFATHER": Popularly viewed as one of the best American films ever made, the multi-generational crime saga The Godfather (1972) is a touchstone of cinema: one of the most widely imitated, quoted, and lampooned movies of all time. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino star as Vito Corleone and his youngest son, Michael, respectively. It is the late 1940s in New York and Corleone is, in the parlance of organized crime, a "godfather" or "don," the head of a Mafia family. Michael, a free thinker who defied his father by enlisting in the Marines to fight in World War II, has returned a captain and a war hero. Having long ago rejected the family business, Michael shows up at the wedding of his sister, Connie (Talia Shire), with his non-Italian girlfriend, Kay (Diane Keaton), who learns for the first time about the family "business." A few months later at Christmas time, the don barely survives being shot by gunmen in the employ of a drug-trafficking rival whose request for aid from the Corleones' political connections was rejected. After saving his father from a second assassination attempt, Michael persuades his hotheaded eldest brother, Sonny (James Caan), and family advisors Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) and Sal Tessio (Abe Vigoda) that he should be the one to exact revenge on the men responsible. After murdering a corrupt police captain and the drug trafficker, Michael hides out in Sicily while a gang war erupts at home. Falling in love with a local girl, Michael marries her, but she is later slain by Corleone enemies in an attempt on Michael's life. Sonny is also butchered, having been betrayed by Connie's husband. As Michael returns home and convinces Kay to marry him, his father recovers and makes peace with his rivals, realizing that another powerful don was pulling the strings behind the narcotics endeavor that began the gang warfare. Once Michael has been groomed as the new don, he leads the family to a new era of prosperity, then launches a campaign of murderous revenge against those who once tried to wipe out the Corleones, consolidating his family's power and completing his own moral downfall. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning for Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay, The Godfather was followed by a pair of sequels.
"THE GODFATHER PART II": This brilliant companion piece to the original The Godfather continues the saga of two generations of successive power within the Corleone family. Coppola tells two stories in Part II: the roots and rise of a young Don Vito, played with uncanny ability by Robert De Niro, and the ascension of Michael (Al Pacino) as the new Don. Reassembling many of the talents who helped make The Godfather, Coppola has produced a movie of staggering magnitude and vision, and undeniably the best sequel ever made. Robert De Niro won an Oscar®; the film received six Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1974.
"THE GODFATHER PART III": One of the greatest sagas in movie history continues! In this third film in the epic Corleone trilogy, Al Pacino reprises the role of powerful family leader Michael Corleone. Now in his 60's, Michael is dominated by two passions: freeing his family from crime and finding a suitable successor. That successor could be fiery Vincent (Andy Garcia)... but he may also be the spark that turns Michael's hope of business legitimacy into an inferno of mob violence. Francis Ford Coppola directs Pacino, Garcia, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Eli Wallach, Sofia Coppola, Joe Montegna and others in this exciting, long-awaited film that masterfully explores the themes of power, tradition, revenge and love. Seven Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture.

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Throughout his long, wandering, often distinguished career Francis Ford Coppola has made many films that are good and fine, many more that are flawed but undeniably interesting, and a handful of duds that are worth viewing if only because his personality is so flagrantly absent. Yet he is and always shall be known as the man who directed the "Godfather" films, a series that has dominated and defined their creator in a way perhaps no other director can understand. Coppola has never been able to leave them alone, whether returning after 15 years to make a trilogy of the diptych, or re-editing the first two films into chronological order for a separate video release as "The Godfather Saga". The films are our very own Shakespearean cycle: they tell a tale of a vicious mobster and his extended personal and professional families (once the stuff of righteous moral comeuppance), and they dared to present themselves with an epic sweep and an unapologetically tragic tone. Murder, it turned out, was a serious business. The first film remains a towering achievement, brilliantly cast and conceived. The entry of Michael Corleone into the family business, the transition of power from his father, the ruthless dispatch of his enemies--all this is told with an assurance that is breathtaking to behold. And it turned out to be merely prologue; two years later "The Godfather, Part II" balanced Michael's ever-greater acquisition of power and influence during the fall of Cuba with the story of his father's own youthful rise from immigrant slums. The stakes were higher, the story's construction more elaborate, and the isolated despair at the end wholly earned. (Has there ever been a cinematic performance greater than Al Pacino's Michael, so smart and ambitious, marching through the years into what he knows is his own doom with eyes open and hungry?) "The Godfather, Part III" was mostly written off as an attempted cash-in, but it is a wholly worthy conclusion, less slow than autumnally patient and almost merciless in the way it brings Michael's past sins crashing down around him even as he tries to redeem himself. "--Bruce Reid"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: The more you know about the Civil War, the more you'll appreciate "Gods and Generals" and the painstaking attention to detail that "Gettysburg" writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell has invested in this academically respectable 220-minute historical pageant. In adapting Jeffrey Shaara's 1996 novel (encompassing events of 1861-63, specifically the Virginian battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville), Maxwell sacrifices depth for scope while focusing on the devoutly religious "Stonewall" Jackson (Stephen Lang), whose Confederate campaigns endear him to Gen. Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall, giving the film's most subtle performance). Battles are impeccably recreated using 7,500 Civil War re-enactors and sanitized PG-13 violence, their authenticity compromised by tasteful discretion and endless scenes of grandiloquent dialogue. Still, as the first part of a trilogy that ends with "The Last Full Measure", this is a superbly crafted, instantly essential film for Civil War study. For all its misguided priorities, Gods and Generals is a noble effort, honoring faith and patriotism with the kind of reverence that has all but vanished from American film – but provides abundant proof that historical accuracy is no guarantee of great storytelling. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Summary: While it preys on the emotions of grieving parents, "Godsend" serves up a few minor shocks in an otherwise frightless supernatural thriller. Greg Kinnear and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos are the once-happy couple whose 8-year-old son (Cameron Bright) has been struck and killed by a car. When a fertility and genetics expert (Robert De Niro) offers them an opportunity to resurrect their boy through a secret, illegal cloning procedure, they don't know that the doctor's hidden agenda will have horrifying repercussions when the "new" son passes his eighth birthday and begins having "night terrors" about another boy who'd suffered a similarly unfortunate fate. Any casual viewer will catch the plot twist early, after which "Godsend" presses its flimsy premise past the breaking point. There are some eerie moments involving the kid (and Bright has effectively disturbing presence), but wretched dialogue and derivative plotting undermine the talented leads, all of whom seem to be slumming in the B-movie cellar. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English

Sound: AC-3

Summary: As "gigantic monster reptile attacks New York" movies go, you've got to admit that "Godzilla" delivers the goods, although its critical drubbing and box-office disappointment were arguably deserved. It's a shameless, uninspired crowd pleaser that's content to serve up familiar action with the advantage of really fantastic special effects, and if you expect nothing more you'll be one among millions of satisfied customers. There's really no other way to approach it--you just have to accept the fact that "Independence Day" creators Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin are unapologetic plagiarists, incapable of anything more than mindless spectacle that can play in any cinema in the world without dubbing or subtitles. The whole movie plays out like a series of highlights stolen from previous blockbusters of the 1990s; it's little more than a rehash of the "Jurassic Park" movies. The derivative script is so trivial that it's unworthy of comment, apart from a few choice laughs and the casting of Michael Lerner as New York's mayor, whose name is Ebert and who closely resembles a certain well-known movie critic. Perhaps that's a clever hint that this movie's essentially critic-proof. It's stupid but it's fun, and for most audiences that's a fitting definition of mainstream Hollywood entertainment. The widescreen Special Edition DVD includes a wealth of bonus materials--audio commentary by the film's special effects supervisors, a "making of" featurette, the Wallflowers' music video "Heroes," a photo gallery, and a variety of features related to this and all the classic "Godzilla" films from Japan. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

Summary: Things started going downhill for Eddie Murphy around the time of this 1986 clunker, in which the comic actor plays a social worker predicted to be the savior of a kidnapped child, who has special powers to heal the Earth. Dennis Feldman's script and director Michael Ritchie ("The Candidate"), a once-thoughtful satirist, stumble over every link in a chain of fantasy-fueled sequences. Murphy phones it in, and Charles Dance ("Pascali's Island") looks foolish in retrospect. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: A fantasy epic with more than a passing resemblance to the "Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia" film franchises, "The Golden Compass" takes place in an alternate universe where each human's soul is embodied in a companion animal called a daemon. Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), an orphan who's lived most of her life among the scholars at Oxford, is intrigued when her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), announces his plans to travel north to investigate the source of some mysterious particles called Dust. Lyra has little hope of following her uncle until a mysterious woman named Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman, at her most icily beautiful) asks Lyra to travel north as her personal assistant. All is not as it seems, however, and the disappearance of Lyra's friend Roger (Ben Walker) sets her on a dizzying adventure. She does have an alethiometer, or golden compass, that can help her see the truth, and a number of companions, including her shape-shifting daemon, Pantalaimion (voiced by Freddie Highmore of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), polar-bear warrior Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), Texas aeronaut Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), and witch queen Serafina Pekkala (Craig's "Casino Royale" co-star, Eva Green). Even before its release, "The Golden Compass" was the subject of controversy over its perceived anti-religious themes. While it does involve an oppressive institution called the Magisterium, it's not overtly religious, particularly to a young viewer. The movie's PG-13 rating should be taken seriously, however. Suitable for an older audience than "Narnia" (though younger than "The Lord of the Rings"), it deals with complex concepts, violence (though largely bloodless) and implied death, children and animals in peril, and an unrelentingly ominous and unsettling mood.
Despite a few changes and rearrangements, the overall plot of the movie is remarkably faithful to its source material, the first installment of Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. It doesn't finish the book, however, and--much like "The Fellowship of the Ring" did--leaves the viewer hanging in anticipation of the next film, "The Subtle Knife", due in 2009. So even though "The Golden Compass" is impressive--especially with its spot-on cast and terrific visual effects--we probably won't know its full emotional impact until the story is complete. "--David Horiuchi"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: The 18th James Bond adventure was a runaway box-office success when released in 1995, thanks to the arrival of Pierce Brosnan as the fifth actor (following the departure of Timothy Dalton) to play the suave, danger-loving Agent 007. This James Bond is a bit more vulnerable and psychologically complex--and just a shade more politically correct--but he's still a formally attired playboy at heart, with a lovely Russian beauty (Izabella Scorupco) as his sexy ally against a cadre of renegade Russians bent on--what else?--global domination. There's also a seductive villainous with the suggestive name of Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen), and the great actress Judi Dench makes her first appearance as Bond's superior, M, who wisecracks about 007's "dinosaur" status as a globetrotting sexist. All in all, this action-packed Bond adventure provided a much-needed boost the long-running movie series, revitalizing the 007 franchise for the turn of the millennium. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Dry as ice, dripping with deadpan witticisms, only Sean Connery's Bond would dare disparage the Beatles, that other 1964 phenomenon. No one but Connery can believably seduce women so effortlessly, kill with almost as much ease, and then pull another bottle of Dom Perignon '53 out of the fridge. "Goldfinger" contains many of the most memorable scenes in the Bond series: gorgeous Shirley Eaton (as Jill Masterson) coated in gold paint by evil Auric Goldfinger and deposited in Bond's bed; silent Oddjob, flipping a razor-sharp derby like a Frisbee to sever heads; our hero spread-eagle on a table while a laser beam moves threateningly toward his crotch. Honor Blackman's Pussy Galore is the prototype for the series' rash of man-hating supermodels. And Desmond Llewelyn reprises his role as Q, giving Bond what is still his most impressive car, a snazzy little number that fires off smoke screens, punctures the tires of vehicles on the chase, and boasts a handy ejector seat. "Goldfinger"'s two climaxes, inside Fort Knox and aboard a private plane, have to be seen to be believed. "--Raphael Shargel"

Summary: Comes with rare collectable booklet compiled by Gary Russell author of the art of The Lord of the Rings Movies

Languages: English

Summary: "Gone Fishin'" has been called "the "Ishtar" of the '90s," but that's giving it too much credit. Danny Glover and Joe Pesci (who could have used their "Lethal Weapon" series buddy Mel Gibson in here) star as slow-witted friends who take their dream fishing vacation in the Florida Everglades and end up having a series of disasters. Trouble is, director Christopher Cain can't get a handle on any of the comedy essentials for a project such as this. The result is a badly timed, badly toned, unfunny movie wasting a lot of great talent across the board. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Kip Raines (Giovanni Ribisi) is a cocky young car thief working with a crew to steal 50 cars for a very bad man whose nickname is "The Carpenter." Being young and cocky, Kip messes up, so it's up to his big brother, Randall "Memphis" Raines (Nicolas Cage), to come out of car thief retirement and save him. With a cast that includes Robert Duvall, Angelina Jolie, Delroy Lindo, Cage, and Ribisi, it would be easy to say this story wastes all their talents--which it does, but that's not the point. This is a Jerry Bruckheimer film. A good story and complex characters would only get in the way of the action scenes and slow the movie down. No, "Gone in 60 Seconds" (based on the cult 1974 film of the same name) is not about the stars as much as it's about cars. Fast cars. Rare cars. Wrecked cars. All cars. Too bad director Dominic Sena ("Kalifornia") doesn't come across as more of a gearhead; he seems less interested in fast cars than fast cuts. But is this movie fun? Absolutely, and it's fun because it's so stupid. With pointless car chases and hackneyed dialogue in one of the most predictable plots of the year, "Gone in 60 Seconds" is a comic film that's not quite a parody of itself, but darn close. "--Andy Spletzer"

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Summary: Amazon.com Review

David O. Selznick wanted "Gone with the Wind" to be somehow more than a movie, a film that would broaden the very idea of what a film could be and do and look like. In many respects he got what he worked so hard to achieve in this 1939 epic (and all-time box-office champ in terms of tickets sold), and in some respects he fell far short of the goal. While the first half of this Civil War drama is taut and suspenseful and nostalgic, the second is ramshackle and arbitrary. But there's no question that the film is an enormous achievement in terms of its every resource--art direction, color, sound, cinematography--being pushed to new limits for the greater glory of telling an American story as fully as possible. Vivien Leigh is still magnificently narcissistic, Olivia de Havilland angelic and lovely, Leslie Howard reckless and aristocratic. As for Clark Gable: we're talking one of the most vital, masculine performances ever committed to film. "--Tom Keogh"

Summary: This box set includes 3 dvds.
Popular Good Eats host Alton Brown will entertain you with his unique personality and educate you with his vast culinary knowledge. Get three DVDs in one set: The Juicy Meats DVD contains the episodes "Pork Fiction," "Steak Your Claim" and "A Bird in the Pan," featuring favorite recipes for succulent steak, chicken, and ribs. The Super Sweets DVD contains the episodes "Three Chips for Sister Marsha," "The Art of Darkness" and "Churn Baby Churn," covering classic confections including chocolate chip cookies, egg-less chocolate mousse, lava muffins, and sassy summertime sorbet, ice cream and granita. The Holiday Treats DVD contains the episodes "Romancing the Bird," "Behind the Bird" and "It's A Wonderful Cake."

Summary:

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: In a perfect world, "Good Luck Chuck" would've captured the humor of "Superbad" and the raunch of the "American Pie" films. But what we're left with, instead, is a raunchy film with an anemic storyline. Cursed as a child with a hex that prevents him from finding true love, Charlie "Chuck" Logan (Dane Cook) finds that the women he dates find the men of their dreams immediately after they've dumped him. For a guy who enjoys dating beautiful women, it doesn't seem like such a horrible thing. But then he meets and falls for beautiful and klutzy Cam Wexler (Jessica Alba). Charlie wants to have a meaningful relationship with her, but how can he make her fall in love with him without losing her to some unknown man waiting to sweep her off her feet? "Good Luck Chuck" isn't an original movie; Cook and Alba make for an attractive couple that exudes warm chemistry. And Alba proves that while she may be famous for her body, she's quite adept at physical comedy. Dan Fogler doesn't fare as well. He has the thankless role of playing Charlie's obnoxious best friend Stu, a borderline perv plastic surgeon who proudly displays a set of Pamela Anderson's breast implants in his office (which, coincidentally enough, is located right next door to Charlie's). The dialogue is crass and the direction is all over the place. Everything is played for laughs, but little actually is very funny in this comedy. This movie actually could've used a bit more good luck. And lots more wit. "--Jae-Ha Kim"

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: Barry Levinson ("Wag the Dog") directed this comedy-drama about an Armed Forces Radio disc jockey (Robin Williams) whose manic, hilarious delivery from a studio in 1965 Saigon gives U.S. troops in the field a morale boost (while upsetting military brass). Based on the real-life experiences of deejay Adrian Cronauer, the film is actually more concept than story: put Williams in front of a microphone and let him go nuts. Still, the surrounding stuff about the influence upon Cronauer of the endless deaths among his listeners--as Cronauer tries to stay funny while feeling the mounting losses--is affecting. Williams got a much-deserved Oscar nomination for his work. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, German, Russian, Spanish, French

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: A complicated movie about the Central Intelligence Agency and its agents, "The Good Shepherd" isn't your typical spy movie. Though it stars Matt Damon ("The Bourne Identity" films) and Angelina Jolie ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith", "Lara Croft" franchise)--actors with considerable experience in the action-espionage genre--"The Good Shepherd" requires that they play more subdued and (much less interesting) characters here. The movie focuses on the career or Edward Wilson (Damon), a privileged Yale graduate who goes on to help found the CIA. He is a quiet, serious, and guarded man, even in the most intimate moments with his civilian wife (Jolie, in a role that wastes her talent). Set against a backdrop of real-life events such as the Bay of Pigs, "The Good Shepherd" is meticulous in creating a realistic timeframe. The film gets a jolt of excitement when Robert DeNiro (in his first directing role since 1993's "A Bronx Tale") peppers the screen with appearances by Joe Pesci, Alec Baldwin, and William Hurt. But those moments are too infrequent. At 157 minutes long, the film is crammed with many factual details, but the characters are shortchanged when it comes to development. Viewers have to wonder why anyone, much less someone like Wilson who has everything going for him, would devote his life to a thankless job that brings so little happiness to himself and his family. "The Good Shepherd" is an ambitious but flawed film. The actors do a formidable job with a well-intentioned but meandering script. However, we meet so many characters and learn so little about each that it's difficult to drum up much empathy for any of them. "--Jae-Ha Kim"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: AC-3

Summary: If you think of "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More" as the tasty appetizers in Sergio Leone's celebrated "Dollars" trilogy of Italian "Spaghetti" Westerns, then "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" is a lavish full-course feast. Readily identified by the popular themes of its innovative score by Ennio Morricone (one of the bestselling soundtracks of all time), this cinematic milestone eclipsed its influential predecessors with a $1.2 million budget (considered extravagant in the mid-1960s), greater production values to accommodate Leone's epic vision of greed and betrayal, and a three-hour running time for its wide-ranging plot about the titular trio of mercenaries ("Good" Blondie played by rising star Clint Eastwood, "Bad" Angel Eyes played by Lee Van Cleef, and "Ugly" Tuco played by Eli Wallach) in a ruthless Civil War-era quest for $200,000 worth of buried Confederate gold. Virtually all of Leone's stylistic attributes can be found here in full fruition, from the constant inclusion of Roman Catholic iconography to a climactic circular shoot-out, along with Leone's trademark use of surreal landscapes, brilliant widescreen compositions and extreme close-ups of actors so intimate that they burn into the viewer's memory. And while some Leone fans may favor the more scaled-down action of "For a Few Dollars More" or the masterful grandiosity of "Once Upon a Time in the West", it was "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" that cemented Leone's reputation as a world-class director with a singular vision. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 05/12/2009 Rating: R

Languages: English, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Martin Scorsese's 1990 masterpiece "GoodFellas"immortalizes the hilarious, horrifying life of actual gangster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), from his teen years on the streets of New York to his anonymous exile under the Witness Protection Program. The director's kinetic style is perfect for recounting Hill's ruthless rise to power in the 1950s as well as his drugged-out fall in the late 1970s; in fact, no one has ever rendered the mental dislocation of cocaine better than Scorsese. Scorsese uses period music perfectly, not just to summon a particular time but to set a precise mood. "GoodFellas" is at least as good as "The Godfather" without being in the least derivative of it. Joe Pesci's psycho improvisation of Mobster Tommy DeVito ignited Pesci as a star, Lorraine Bracco scores the performance of her life as the love of Hill's life, and every supporting role, from Paul Sorvino to Robert De Niro, is a miracle.

Languages: English, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Martin Scorsese's 1990 masterpiece "GoodFellas" immortalizes the hilarious, horrifying life of actual gangster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), from his teen years on the streets of New York to his anonymous exile under the Witness Protection Program. The director's kinetic style is perfect for recounting Hill's ruthless rise to power in the 1950s as well as his drugged-out fall in the late 1970s; in fact, no one has ever rendered the mental dislocation of cocaine better than Scorsese. Scorsese uses period music perfectly, not just to summon a particular time but to set a precise mood. "GoodFellas" is at least as good as "The Godfather" without being in the least derivative of it. Joe Pesci's psycho improvisation of Mobster Tommy DeVito ignited Pesci as a star, Lorraine Bracco scores the performance of her life as the love of Hill's life, and every supporting role, from Paul Sorvino to Robert De Niro, is a miracle.

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Martin Scorsese's 1990 masterpiece "GoodFellas" immortalizes the hilarious, horrifying life of actual gangster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), from his teen years on the streets of New York to his anonymous exile under the Witness Protection Program. The director's kinetic style is perfect for recounting Hill's ruthless rise to power in the 1950s as well as his drugged-out fall in the late 1970s; in fact, no one has ever rendered the mental dislocation of cocaine better than Scorsese. Scorsese uses period music perfectly, not just to summon a particular time but to set a precise mood. "GoodFellas" is at least as good as "The Godfather" without being in the least derivative of it. Joe Pesci's psycho improvisation of Mobster Tommy DeVito ignited Pesci as a star, Lorraine Bracco scores the performance of her life as the love of Hill's life, and every supporting role, from Paul Sorvino to Robert De Niro, is a miracle.

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

Summary: Even as Disney has reveled in the success of its high-end animated features, it occasionally sneaks a lesser effort into theaters, based on one of the many TV shows with which it dominates daytime TV. This one is based on perennial Disney favorite Goofy's adventures in domesticated bliss. Goofy is now a single dad; when son Max gets blamed for a prank gone wrong at school, Goofy blames himself and decides that, for his vacation, he's going to get away with Max alone. Of course, this is no treat for Max, who has just met the girl of his dreams and harbors no wish to spend the summer touring America with his square dad. The vacation is one disaster after another, though they aren't particularly funny disasters; the culmination involves Goofy's efforts to get Max backstage at a big rock concert. Strictly for young fans of the TV show. "--Marshall Fine"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: You may be surprised to discover that the director of the "Lethal Weapon" movies and scary horror flick "The Omen", Richard Donner, also produced and directed this classic children's adventure (which, by the way, was written by Donner's screen-wizard friend Steven Spielberg). Then again you may not. "The Goonies", like Donner's other movies, is the same story of good versus evil. It has its share of bad guys (the Fratelli brothers and their villainous mother), reluctant-hero good guys (the Walsh bothers and their gang of friends), and lots of corny one-liners. Like in an old-fashioned Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew plot, the Goonies need to solve a problem: a corrupt corporate developer has bought out their neighborhood and plans to flatten all their homes. Luckily, the beloved gang stumbles on a treasure map. In the hopes of finding the treasure to buy back their houses, the Goonies embark on their quest through underground passages, aboard pirate ships, and behind waterfalls. This swashbuckling and rollicking ride was also a great breeding ground for a couple of child actors who went on to enjoy numerous successes in adulthood: Sean Astin ("Rudy", "Encino Man") and Martha Plimpton ("Pecker", "200 Cigarettes"). "--Samantha Allen Storey"

Languages: English

Summary: You may be surprised to discover that the director of the "Lethal Weapon" movies and scary horror flick "The Omen", Richard Donner, also produced and directed this classic children's adventure (which, by the way, was written by Donner's screen-wizard friend Steven Spielberg). Then again you may not. "The Goonies", like Donner's other movies, is the same story of good versus evil. It has its share of bad guys (the Fratelli brothers and their villainous mother), reluctant-hero good guys (the Walsh bothers and their gang of friends), and lots of corny one-liners. Like in an old-fashioned Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew plot, the Goonies need to solve a problem: a corrupt corporate developer has bought out their neighborhood and plans to flatten all their homes. Luckily, the beloved gang stumbles on a treasure map. In the hopes of finding the treasure to buy back their houses, the Goonies embark on their quest through underground passages, aboard pirate ships, and behind waterfalls. This swashbuckling and rollicking ride was also a great breeding ground for a couple of child actors who went on to enjoy numerous successes in adulthood: Sean Astin ("Rudy", "Encino Man") and Martha Plimpton ("Pecker", "200 Cigarettes"). "--Samantha Allen Storey"

Languages: English, German, Russian

Summary: Before he started losing his hair (which gave his baby face the maturity it needed for him to be taken seriously as a doctor on "E.R."), Anthony Edwards was the quintessential juvenile lead, college division. That is what he plays here: a college kid who is campus champ at an assassination game called Gotcha (that uses fake guns). Then he goes on a summer vacation behind the Iron Curtain (before it came tumbling down) and falls for a female operative (Linda Fiorentino), who not only uses him as an unsuspecting courier for spy stuff but makes him a fall guy, as well. When he finally extricates himself from the trouble, the trouble follows him back to campus. Silly and far-fetched, though Edwards has that wounded-puppy look down perfectly. "--Marshall Fine"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: The title of "Gothika" prepares you for a spooky, atmospheric thriller with an emphasis on supernatural mystery. The best way to appreciate the movie itself is to understand that it's a waking nightmare that needn't make sense in the realm of sanity. Making a flashy Hollywood debut after his superior 2000 thriller "Crimson Rivers", French actor-director Mathieu Kassovitz pours on the dark and stormy atmosphere, trapping a competent psychologist (Halle Berry) in the prison ward where she treated inmates (including Penelope Cruz) until she was committed for killing her husband (Charles S. Dutton), who was also her boss. Did a car crash cause her to suffer ghostly delusions, or is a young girl--dead for four years--sending clues from beyond the grave? Berry has to prove her innocence while Kassovitz keeps everything--including the viewer and costar Robert Downey Jr. (as Berry's colleague)--in the dark about just where the nonsensical plot is leading. There's a better movie in here somewhere, among the catwalks and crannies of the impressive prison-castle setting, and Berry gives 100% in a performance that's consistent with the movie's overwrought tone. Attentive viewers will identify the killer early on, and the ending is anticlimactic, but "Gothika" serves up a few good shocks for ghost-story connoisseurs. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: The title of "Gothika" prepares you for a spooky, atmospheric thriller with an emphasis on supernatural mystery. The best way to appreciate the movie itself is to understand that it's a waking nightmare that needn't make sense in the realm of sanity. Making a flashy Hollywood debut after his superior 2000 thriller "Crimson Rivers", French actor-director Mathieu Kassovitz pours on the dark and stormy atmosphere, trapping a competent psychologist (Halle Berry) in the prison ward where she treated inmates (including Penelope Cruz) until she was committed for killing her husband (Charles S. Dutton), who was also her boss. Did a car crash cause her to suffer ghostly delusions, or is a young girl--dead for four years--sending clues from beyond the grave? Berry has to prove her innocence while Kassovitz keeps everything--including the viewer and costar Robert Downey Jr. (as Berry's colleague)--in the dark about just where the nonsensical plot is leading. There's a better movie in here somewhere, among the catwalks and crannies of the impressive prison-castle setting, and Berry gives 100% in a performance that's consistent with the movie's overwrought tone. Attentive viewers will identify the killer early on, and the ending is anticlimactic, but "Gothika" serves up a few good shocks for ghost-story connoisseurs. "--Jeff Shannon"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Summary: A very impressive treatment of the rise and fall of New York crime boss John Gotti, this made-for-TV movie succeeds in large measure because of the outstanding work of Armand Assante ("I, The Jury", "Mambo Kings") as Gotti. Assante creates a complex portrayal of a man loyal to the mob while struggling with personal demons and his own self-destructive ambitions. The film traces the dapper don's rise through the ranks of the Gambino crime family, first through the patronage of his mentor (Anthony Quinn) and then through a brazen assassination of the Gambino boss. Eventually Gotti's world crashes around him as his arrogance over beating the government at trial and his thirst for the limelight causes a rift with his right-hand man, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano (William Forsythe). "Gotti" boasts terrific New York City locales and a truly impressive cast, including standout work by Forsythe and Quinn. But it's Assante's movie all the way, and he makes the most out of a larger than life character by making him seem no more, and no less, than human and flawed. "--Robert Lane"

Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino", an unassuming picture shot during a post-production lull on his elaborate period piece "Changeling", was quietly rolled out at Christmastime 2008, whereupon it proceeded to blow away all the Oscar-bait behemoths at the box office and win its 78-year-old star the best reviews of his acting career. Both film and performance are consummately sly--coming on with deceptive simplicity, only to evolve into something complex, powerful, and surprisingly tender. Just as "Unforgiven" was a tragic reflection on Eastwood's legacy in the Western genre, "Gran Torino" caps and eloquently critiques the urban heritage of "Dirty Harry" and his violent brethren. And on top of that, the movie becomes a savvy meditation on America in a particular historical moment, racially, economically, spiritually. Call it a "state of the union" message. But call it that with a wry grin.
The latest Dirty Harry is actually a grumpy Walt: Walt Kowalski (Eastwood playing his own age), widower, Korean War veteran, retired auto worker, and the last white resident of his Detroit side street. It's hard to say who irks him more--his blood kin (a pretty lame bunch) or the Hmong families who are his new neighbors. Kowalski's a racist, because it has never occurred to him he shouldn't be. Besides, that's the flipside of the mutual ethnic baiting that serves as coin of affection for him and his working-class buddies. Circumstances--and two young people next door, the feisty Sue (Ahney Her) and her conflicted brother Thao (Bee Vang)--contrive to involve Walt with a new community, and anoint him as its hero after he turns his big guns on some ruffians. The trajectory of this may surprise you--several times over. Eastwood opted to film in economically blighted Detroit--a shrewd decision, but it's his mapping of Walt's world in that classical style of his that really counts. Every incidental corner of lawn, porch, and basement comes to matter--and by all means the workshop/garage that houses the mint-condition Gran Torino which Walt helped build in a more prosperous era. This is a remarkable movie. "--Richard T. Jameson"

Languages: English

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

Summary: Stills from The Grand  (Click for larger image)

Languages: English, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Summary: Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like "Happy Days" and films like "American Graffiti"), "Grease" became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. In this 2002 DVD release, "Grease" lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the vibrant colors, unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), and fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers, the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative.
The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in "Saturday Night Fever", knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately, while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. "--Dave McCoy"

Languages: English

Subtitles: Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: As Buck Howard (John Malkovich) explains in Sean McGinly's funny valentine to the talk show mainstays of yesteryear, he's a mentalist, not a magician. Unlike the brooding protagonists of "The Illusionist" and "The Prestige", Howard doesn't do Harry Houdini-style tricks. Rather, he reads minds, finds hidden objects, and performs other feats that eschew props and assistants. Back in the day, Howard appeared on "The Tonight Show" 61 times (McGinly based his character on The Amazing Kreskin), but his best years appear to be behind him when he takes on law-school dropout Troy (a low-key Colin Hanks) as his road manager. From the start, Troy finds his temperamental employer fascinating and frustrating in equal measure. Desperate to get back in the limelight, Howard decides to hypnotize several hundred audience members at once. Along with a sassy press agent (Emily Blunt) and two over-enthusiastic venue managers (Steve Zahn and Debra Monk), Troy works with Howard to make it happen. To his surprise, things go both better and worse than expected, and everything changes for the unlikely pair. Produced by Tom Hanks's Playtone banner and featuring the two-time Oscar winner as Toby's disapproving father, "The Great Buck Howard" follows the rise, fall, and rise template of many Hanks productions (see "That Thing You Do!"), but McGinly handles a large cast with ease, the laughs are plentiful, the cameos--John Stewart, Conan O’Brien, George Takei, etc.--are a treat, and the unpredictable Malkovich gives his most nuanced performance since, well, "Being John Malkovich". "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Georgian, Thai

Sound: Dolby

Summary: Since Adolf Hitler had the audacity to borrow his mustache from the most famous celebrity in the world--Charlie Chaplin--it meant Hitler was fair game for Chaplin's comedy. (Strangely, the two men were born within four days of each other.) "The Great Dictator", conceived in the late thirties but not released until 1940, when Hitler's war was raging across Europe, is the film that skewered the tyrant. Chaplin plays both Adenoid Hynkel, the power-mad ruler of Tomania, and a humble Jewish barber suffering under the dictator's rule. Paulette Goddard, Chaplin's wife at the time, plays the barber's beloved; and the rotund comedian Jack Oakie turns in a weirdly accurate burlesque of Mussolini, as a bellowing fellow dictator named Benzino Napaloni, Dictator of Bacteria. Chaplin himself hits one of his highest moments in the amazing sequence where he performs a dance of love with a large inflated globe of the world. Never has the hunger for world domination been more rhapsodically expressed. The slapstick is swift and sharp, but it was not enough for Chaplin. He ends the film with the barber's six-minute speech calling for peace and prophesying a hopeful future for troubled mankind. Some critics have always felt the monologue was out of place, but the lyricism and sheer humanity of it are still stirring. This was the last appearance of Chaplin's Little Tramp character, and not coincidentally it was his first all-talking picture. "--Robert Horton"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: A stirring example of courage and the indomitable human spirit, for many John Sturges's "The Great Escape" is both the definitive World War II drama and the nonpareil prison escape movie. Featuring an unequalled ensemble cast in a rivetingly authentic true-life scenario set to Elmer Bernstein's admirable music, this picture is both a template for subsequent action-adventure movies and one of the last glories of Golden Age Hollywood. Reunited with the director who made him a star in "The Magnificent Seven", Steve McQueen gives a career-defining performance as the laconic Hilts, the baseball-loving, motorbike-riding "Cooler King." The rest of the all-male Anglo-American cast--Dickie Attenborough, Donald Pleasance, James Garner, Charles Bronson, David McCallum, James Coburn, and Gordon Jackson--make the most of their meaty roles (though you have to forgive Coburn his Australian accent). Closely based on Paul Brickhill's book, the various escape attempts, scrounging, forging, and ferreting activities are authentically realized thanks also to technical advisor Wally Flood, one of the original tunnel-digging POWs. Sturges orchestrates the climax with total conviction, giving us both high action and very poignant human drama. Without trivializing the grim reality, "The Great Escape" thrillingly celebrates the heroism of men who never gave up the fight. "--Mark Walker"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

Summary: This adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, scripted by Francis Ford Coppola, puts costume design and art direction above the intricacies of character. It's certainly a handsome try, and perhaps no movie could capture "The Great Gatsby" in its entirety. Robert Redford is an interesting casting choice as Gatsby, the millionaire isolated in his mansion, still dreaming of the woman he lost. And Sam Waterston is perfect as the narrator, Nick, who brings the dream girl Daisy Buchanan back to Gatsby. No, the problem seems to be that director Jack Clayton fell in love with the flapper dresses and the party scenes and the Jazz Age tunes, ending up with a Classics Illustrated version of a great book rather than a fresh, organic take on the text. While Redford grows more quietly intriguing in the film, Mia Farrow's pallid performance as Daisy leaves you wondering why Gatsby, or anyone else, should care so much about his grand passion. The effective supporting cast includes Bruce Dern as Daisy's husband, and Scott Wilson and Karen Black as the low-rent couple whose destinies cross the sun-drenched protagonists. (That's future star Patsy Kensit as Daisy's little daughter.) The film won two Oscars--not surprisingly, for costumes and musical score. "--Robert Horton"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Just because Walt Disney created contemporary and traditional classics of animation doesn't mean the studio is out of ideas--not by a long shot. "The Great Mouse Detective" is richly animated and offers a clever tale. It may not be as easily recognized a title as "Aladdin" or "The Little Mermaid", but all three share the same director, Ron Clements. Originally released theatrically in 1986, the mystery borrows easily from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and is based on Eve Titus's book "Basil of Baker Street".
When a brilliant toymaker is kidnapped by a creepy peg-legged bat, his daughter, Olivia, enlists the aid of the legendary Basil. Basil, Olivia, and Basil's assistant, Dr. Dawson, are part of an intricate city system of Victorian-era London mice. Basil quickly realizes his archenemy, Professor Ratigan (a rat who wants to be a mouse), is behind the abduction. Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price) fiendishly aspires to take over London rodents--and will stop at nothing to achieve his greatest desire. The unlikely trio of good guys become heroes, of course. The engaging story line is a perfect introduction to Doyle's work and mysteries in general. Look for a very cleverly executed voice-cameo by Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes, natch). Alan Young ("Mr. Ed") also provides a voice. Ages 4 and up. "--N.F. Mendoza"

Languages: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

Summary: Just because Walt Disney created contemporary and traditional classics of animation doesn't mean the studio is out of ideas--not by a long shot. "The Great Mouse Detective" is richly animated and offers a clever tale. It may not be as easily recognized a title as "Aladdin" or "The Little Mermaid", but all three share the same director, Ron Clements. Originally released theatrically in 1986, the mystery borrows easily from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and is based on Eve Titus's book "Basil of Baker Street".
When a brilliant toymaker is kidnapped by a creepy peg-legged bat, his daughter, Olivia, enlists the aid of the legendary Basil. Basil, Olivia, and Basil's assistant, Dr. Dawson, are part of an intricate city system of Victorian-era London mice. Basil quickly realizes his archenemy, Professor Ratigan (a rat who wants to be a mouse), is behind the abduction. Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price) fiendishly aspires to take over London rodents--and will stop at nothing to achieve his greatest desire. The unlikely trio of good guys become heroes, of course. The engaging story line is a perfect introduction to Doyle's work and mysteries in general. Look for a very cleverly executed voice-cameo by Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes, natch). Alan Young ("Mr. Ed") also provides a voice. Ages 4 and up. "--N.F. Mendoza"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: This second motion-picture outing for the adventurous Muppets finds them in London hunting down jewel thieves while staying at the city's most cheerfully derelict dive, the Happiness Hotel. Filled with song and dance (and swimming!) numbers, this Jim Henson-directed feature is worth seeing, if for nothing else than to see the cantankerous Charles Grodin ("Beethoven") swoon over Miss Piggy. But "The Great Muppet Caper" has a lot more going for it: cameos by John Cleese, Peter Falk, and Oscar the Grouch, among others; Miss Piggy parading down a catwalk; and Kermit the Frog on a bicycle. The Muppets are fond of breaking down that pesky fourth wall, which gives the movie some of its cleverest moments and will elicit the biggest laughs from the kids. (Kermit to Miss Piggy: "You're overacting. You're hamming it up.") By the time a framed Miss Piggy is freed and the real jewel thieves are caught, you'll forget the occasional slow spots and remember the musical numbers and the banter. "--Kimberly Heinrichs"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: Dolby

Summary: This hit-and-miss 1988 comedy pairs John Candy and Dan Aykroyd in a story of one family's summer vacation all but ruined by the uninvited appearance of another, more loutish family. Howard Deutch ("Some Kind of Wonderful") directs from a half-hearted John Hughes script, which reduces Hughes's jokes-and-epiphanies formula ("The Breakfast Club", "Home Alone") to true gaudiness. On the other hand, Annette Bening makes her screen debut here. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, production notes, trailer, optional French soundtrack, and optional Spanish subtitles. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English

Summary: Writer Ron Shelton ("Tin Cup") and former "National Lampoon" scribe Tony Hendra collaborated on the script for this satire about a boxing promoter (Samuel L. Jackson) who gets behind a white fighter (Peter Berg) after his black slugger (Damon Wayans) is mired in a losing streak. While sharp and funny, it's never quite clear what the point of it all is. Director Reginald Hudlin ("Boomerang") isn't strong enough or skilled enough as a filmmaker to make this level of satire leap off the screen; fortunately, he's got powerful allies in Jackson, Berg, Wayans, Jeff Goldblum, and the rest of the cast. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, Spanish

Summary: "Green Lantern: First Flight" is an animated and lively origin story about the transformation of test pilot Hal Jordan into a member of an intergalactic society watching over the universe. Flying an experimental jet one day, Jordan (voiced by "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"'s Christopher Meloni) encounters a dying alien who is a Green Lantern protector of Earth's sector of the cosmos. The alien's ring, a repository of enormous power granted by a council of elders called the Guardians, zips onto Jordan's finger, but neither the Guardians nor other Green Lanterns are ready to accept him as an unproven member. Complicating things for Jordan is the fact that the Green Lantern tasked with mentoring him, Sinestro (Victor Garber), is plotting the destruction of the Guardians with the acquisition of "yellow power," the only force that makes the Lanterns' green power useless.
Jordan's resilience and willingness to throw himself in harm's way for the good of everyone gain respect, but his inevitable showdown with Sinestro is an epic fight. This PG-13 feature is a bit bloody, and there are a few swear words, but most of the violence arises from that familiar, shape-shifting light emanating from Jordan's ring. Happily, there is some of the old DC Comics wit in the way his Green Lantern ring shapes its beam into such imaginative weapons as a golf club and a flyswatter. "--Tom Keogh"

Languages: English, French

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: AC-3

Summary: "The book was better" has been the complaint of many a reader since the invention of movies. Frank Darabont's second adaptation of a Stephen King prison drama ("The Shawshank Redemption" was the first) is a very faithful adaptation of King's serial novel. In the middle of the Depression, Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) runs death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. Into this dreary world walks a mammoth prisoner, John Coffey (Michael Duncan) who, very slowly, reveals a special gift that will change the men working and dying (in the electric chair, masterfully and grippingly staged) on the mile . As with King's book, Darabont takes plenty of time to show us Edgecomb's world before delving into John Coffey's mystery. With Darabont's superior storytelling abilities, his touch for perfect casting, and a leisurely 188-minute running time, his movie brings to life nearly every character and scene from the novel. Darabont even improves the novel's two endings, creating a more emotionally satisfying experience. The running time may try patience, but those who want a story, as opposed to quick-fix entertainment, will be rewarded by this finely tailored tale. "--Doug Thomas"
On the DVD

Listen to our interview with Frank Darabont. Anyone who has seen this Oscar-nominated film knows Frank Darabont likes to t-a-k-e h-i-s t-i-m-e. He certainly does the same in filling all three hours of his commentary track which he recorded over several sessions. Darabont has studied other DVDs and purposely does not repeat tidbits covered in the excellent new 90-minute documentary on author Stephen King and the making of the film. Other solid segments are two deleted scenes, a never-used teaser trailer, and Michael Duncan Clarke's screen test. The highlight is two remarkable tests of Tom Hanks in old-age makeup. Both are very credible, but it was decided to use another actor. The outcome is a DVD that puts the "special" back into the special edition. "--Doug Thomas"

Summary: Stephen King's tale of a a death row inmate's extraordinary experience with his prison keepers comes to hi-def in a new digibook case with perfect sound and perfect picture. Includes a commentary track with director/writer Frank Darabont, additional scenes, documentaries, featurettes, an exclusive booklet and more!

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: Matt Damon reteams with his "Bourne Supremacy" director to create a thriller grounded in contemporary politics: the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Damon) travels across war-torn Iraq, pursuing the intelligence he's been given, but every site indicated comes up empty of WMDs. Investigating the source of the intelligence, he finds himself caught between CIA agent Martin Brown (Brendan Gleeson, "28 Days Later") and politician Clark Poundstone (Greg Kinnear, "Little Miss Sunshine") over the identity of "Magellan," the supposed source. As Miller tracks down an Iraqi general, he ends up further and further afield, facing danger from all sides. It's hard to say which is the greater accomplishment--that "Green Zone" manages to turn a still-volatile political issue into a propulsive action movie, or that it manages to depict Iraqi people as individuals with a wide range of responses to what's happened to their country. Damon's performance is low-key but effective as Miller tries to maintain some semblance of moral clarity in a circumstance that muddies everything. Also featuring Amy Ryan ("Gone Baby Gone") as a compromised journalist and Khalid Abdalla ("The Kite Runner") as an Iraqi civilian who gets dragged into far more than he expected. "--Bret Fetzer"

Languages: English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Sound: AC-3

Summary: "Gremlins" is a whee of a film (if you don't mind the occasional gross-out) from producer Steven Spielberg, writer Chris Columbus, and director Joe Dante. Zach Galligan is the young man whose inventor father (Hoyt Axton) gives him an odd Christmas present: a tiny, furry creature that comes with a set of rules: don't get him wet, don't feed him after midnight, and keep him away from direct sunlight. But Galligan breaks the first rule and the damp little critter pops out a dozen little offspring. Then the offspring break the second rule and, overnight, turn from cute furry guys to malevolent scaly guys with world domination on their mind. The only way to stop them: rule three. But it's an anxious (and extremely funny) battle to make it to daylight--and the bad gremlins find ways to multiply over and over. Great special effects and a gruesome sense of humor make this a wild (if occasionally dark and scary) ride. "--Marshall Fine"

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby

Summary: "Gremlins" is a whee of a film (if you don't mind the occasional gross-out) from producer Steven Spielberg, writer Chris Columbus, and director Joe Dante. Zach Galligan is the young man whose inventor father (Hoyt Axton) gives him an odd Christmas present: a tiny, furry creature that comes with a set of rules: don't get him wet, don't feed him after midnight, and keep him away from direct sunlight. But Galligan breaks the first rule and the damp little critter pops out a dozen little offspring. Then the offspring break the second rule and, overnight, turn from cute furry guys to malevolent scaly guys with world domination on their mind. The only way to stop them: rule three. But it's an anxious (and extremely funny) battle to make it to daylight--and the bad gremlins find ways to multiply over and over. Great special effects and a gruesome sense of humor make this a wild (if occasionally dark and scary) ride. "--Marshall Fine"

Languages: English, Spanish, French

Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

Summary: Zach Galligan, the star of the first "Gremlins", is back, along with Phoebe Cates, his girlfriend from the first film. They're both working in an ultramodern skyscraper owned by a Donald Trump clone (a hilarious John Glover). Galligan's furry little buddy is captured by a mad scientist, who not only helps it multiply, but invests the nasty, scaly offspring with intelligence and the ability to talk. (Watch for the one that has Tony Randall's voice.) What follows is imaginative mayhem that spoofs old movies, modern television, and the conveniences of postmodern technology. In some ways, the sequel is even more inventive and laughter-inducing than the original. "--Marshall Fine"

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Summary: Loud, fast, and proudly out of control, "Grindhouse" is a tribute to the low-budget exploitation movies that lurked at drive-ins and inner city theaters in the '60s and early '70s. Writers/directors Quentin Tarantino ("Kill Bill") and Robert Rodriguez ("Sin City") cooked up this three-hour double feature as a way to pay homage to these films, and the end result manages to evoke the down-and-dirty vibe of the original films for an audience that may be too young to remember them. Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" is a rollicking horror/sci-fi/action piece about a plague outbreak that turns citizens into cannibalistic murderers; it's heavy on the gore and explosions but also features a terrific cast of A players (Freddy Rodriguez, Naveen Andrews, Marley Shelton) and B-movie vets (Michael Biehn, Jeff Fahey, Tom Savini) and the indelible image of Rose McGowan as a stripper whose torn-off leg is replaced by a high-powered machine gun.
If Tarantino's feature was a nod to the moody, genre-jumping exploitation of the early '70s, Rodriguez's contribution to the "Grindhouse" aesthetic pays tribute to the manic gorefests from Italy and the States in the early '80s. And much like the film itself, the supplemental features on "Terror"'s double-disc Extended and Unrated presentation have a loose, action-packed and familial vibe that gives fans full access to Rodriguez's one-man-studio approach to moviemaking. The director is featured twice on audio tracks: first, on the feature commentary, which provides a fun tour through the picture's production (as well as information on the upcoming "Grindhouse" DVD set, which will reunite the two pictures in their theatrical format), and later on the "10-Minute Film School," a fascinating breakneck run through the numerous visual and CGI effects that produced the film's most eye-popping effects, including McGowan's leg/machine gun. Most of the extras echo Rodriguez's informative and entertaining vibe--two featurettes cover the picture's male and female cast (the former offers affectionate tributes to the exploitation vets in the company, including Biehn, Fahey, Michael Parks, and Savini), while "Casting Rebel" is an amusing discussion of how Rodriguez came to bring his own son into the movie, as well as his refusal to disclose the fate of Rebel's character. "Sickos, Bullets, and Explosions" takes a look at "Terror"'s extensive special effects through interviews with stunt coordinator Jeff Dashnaw and members of the visual effects team, while "The Friend, The Doctor, and The Real Estate Agent" chats with three non-actors, all pals of Rodriguez, who wound up with small but significant roles in the picture. The Extended and Unrated aspect of the set is limited to a few extended scenes and extra splatter (sorry, the infamous "Missing Reel" is not recovered for this set), while Grindhouse fans bemoaning the absence of the film's hilarious faux trailers will appreciate the inclusion of Rodriguez's hilarious "Machete" spot, with Danny Trejo as a death-dealing, lady-loving tough guy gunning for double-crosser Fahey. The set also includes an "Audience Reaction" track: Essentially, it's a whole track of whoops and hollers that allows the viewer to "experience" the film as if they were watching it in an actual grindhouse from back in the day. Its inclusion neither adds to or detracts from enjoying this DVD, but it's wholly indicative of the level of fun Rodriguez had making the picture--and wants to share with his fans. "-- Paul Gaita"