The DVD Files for November 12th - November 19th
by Tim Wick
We have officially entered the DVD season of pain as we all need to hold off on buying things for ourselves so that others can buy things for us. Despite this holiday induced moratorium, there are a few titles that it is virtually impossible to avoid. Let's hope the relatives understand.
DVD releases for November 12th
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Special Extended edition
This title, for instance, will find it's way to very few Holiday stockings since most everyone has already bought it (myself included). Not a typical directors cut, the new version of the film is almost 30 minutes longer and boasts over 20 new or extended scenes as well as a completely re-done score. Four commentary tracks and two DVD's packed with extras fill out a set that will have you immersed in The Fellowship of the Ring until the release of The Two Towers next month.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
The first question is did you like the movie? If you did, you probably bought this DVD when you were buying your copy of The Fellowship of the Rings. The second question is do you like well produced extras? If you do, then you might want to think about getting the DVD in spite of disliking the movie. Episode I was packed with extras that were - in just about every way imaginable - better than the movie itself. Episode II is rumored to have similarly well produced documentaries and commentaries. Whatever you think about Episode II, you may want to pick up the disc.
South Park - the Complete first season
Another TV series comes to DVD, this time for the second time. Individual episodes of the first season of South Park have been available for some time. This is the first time the whole season is packaged together in one place. There are few extras to speak of and there are certainly plenty out there who never jumped on the South Park bandwagon but for those who recognize the way the irreverant wit of the show masks social commentary, you should put this at the top of your holiday wish list.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Overall reviews were lukewarm on this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's latest play but I know a few people who really enjoyed it. Wilde has traditionally not adapted to the screen well but the cast here is pretty solid (Rupert Everett and Reese Witherspoon to name two) so it will certainly be worth a rental. I've already added it to my Netflix list.
Mystery Science Theatre 3000 Collection, Vol 1
Four of the more popular episode of MST3K including the infamous Manos, Hands of Fate episode. Not only can you watch the film skewered by those lovable robots, you can also enjoy the uncut version of each film! No vomit bags are included for those who try to watch all of Manos, Hands of Fate so be warned.
Bad Company
Despite starring Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock, this film tanked at the box office. Could it have anything to do with the presence of director Joel Schumacker (Batman and Robin) or were more sinister forces at work?
DVD Releases for November 23rd:
Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron
The latest installment from Dreamworks, this movie has a lot to speak for it. First of all, the makers decided to avoid talking animals. There is a voice over for the main character but that's all. The story is a bit tired and the message a re-tread of countless respect nature storylines but this is ultimately a kids movie and succeeds on that level.
Band of Brothers
HBO series on a team of airborne infantry in WWII, it was widely recognized as a brilliant peice of dramatic work. For those of us without premium cable, we can now watch every episode back to back without all that pesky waiting around for the next episode to air.
Robin Williams - Live on Broadway
Williams' latest movie roles have really brought him back into the spotlight. However, it was his stand up that got him there in the first place. You have to really enjoy his scattershot style to enjoy this DVD but if you do, you will laugh until you pee.
My So Called Life - the Complete Series
Like many critical favorites, this series that introduced Clare Daines to the world (and earned her a Golden Globe) was cancelled long before it had a chance to earn a following. This dollars and cents approach to TV may make sense in the short run, but the cult following the series has recieved since it went off the air would suggest that short sighted decisions like this one are not always the right move. If you are one of the many fans of this series, now you can have every episode for your very own.
Reign of Fire
What can you say about a post apocalyptic dragon movie set in England and starring a cigar chomping Matthew McConaughey? It is hard for a film to be more ridiculous than this premise and Reign of Fire is actually not. The movie may not be great filmmaking but it's a pretty enjoyable ride.
Glengarry Glen Ross
One of the late Jack Lemmon's legendary film roles, now available in a packed special edition. There is a tribute to Lemmon, audio commentary by director James Foley and interviews with the cast and crew. This edgy script by David Mamet is certainly not everyone's cup of tea but the film is a must for fans of Lemmon's work.
13 Conversations About One Thing
A fantastic film about the way we percieve and achieve happiness. A little like Magnolia in that it features intersecting story lines but very different in tone. Also starring the ubiquitous McConaughey, this is one of the most overlooked films of the year. As one might expect, there are no extras to speak of on the disc.
Elling
A Norwegian comedy that was nominated for best Foreign Language Film of 2001. I haven't seen this film but having seen three of the five and found them to be excellent, I would have to suggest this is worth a watch as well.
Sunshine State
Writer/director John Sayles' film about life in Florida was well received by the critics but didn't last long in the theatres. Looks like I've found something else for my Netflix list.
I Spit on Your Grave - the Millenium Edition
A cult favorite that is either a brutal exploitation film or an exploration of the dehumanizing effects of rape. I've never seen the film myself but it's hard to be film fan without having heard of this one. It would seem that the film will certainly give you a strong opinion - one way or the other.
DVD pick of the week:
Raging Bull
Often picked as the best film of the 1980's, this film is angry and unforgiving. Robert De Niro won the Oscar for his role as Jake La Motta, a man who used the boxing ring to purge himself of his (and others) transgressions. The movie is as much about his own struggle with himself as it is about the brutal toll that boxing takes on it's participants. The fight scenes are like no boxing scenes ever filmed. The film is brilliant, but it isn't easy to watch.
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