The DVD Files for November 26th - December 3rd
by Tim Wick
As I look ahead through the holiday season, I shake my head at the number of fine films scheduled for release in January. I realize we should all have holiday money to spend in January but the best selling time is in the next month. I wonder why, then, such titles as XXX, Signs and The Bourne Identity will not be released until just a few weeks after Christmas.
I will grant that the next several weeks are filled with major film releases but I don't think releasing these films a few weeks early would have hurt their sales at all.
DVD releases for November 26th
Ice Age
The movie was a success on the strength of one of the greatest trailers ever devised. The trailer was - by and large - funnier than the movie itself but that is no reason to avoid the movie. For the most part, the film is quite enjoyable and the extras on the DVD include an animated short that features Scrat - the lovable creation from that original trailer. That in itself is enough to buy the DVD.
Men in Black II
I hated this movie. I hated it because it wasn't funny. I hated it because it wasted Will Smith. I hated it because everyone (including myself) went to see it anyway. Most of all I hated it because it represented everything I think should be right about sequels going horribly wrong. Same writers, directors and stars but the chemistry was gone. But if you did like the movie, this is a packed DVD with blooper reels, tons of featurettes and director commentary. Live it up.
Sunset Boulevard
Billy Wilder is one of the great directors of all time. His recent death seems to have pushed the studios to release some of his great films on DVD. This special edition of Sunset Boulevard includes a commentary by Billy Wilder biographer Ed Sikov, a newly made documentary on the making of the film and a documentary on famed costume designer Edith Head. If you are a movie buff, you pretty much must own this DVD.
Solaris - Criterion Collection
This Russian answer to 2001 has been a cult favorite for years. With the release of Steven Soderburg's take on the material, it looks like some folks saw dollar signs. The original is rumored to be a head trip of epic proportions (I admit I've not seen it yet). If you like 2001 and haven't seen this film, now would be a good time to rent it.
DVD Releases for December 3rd:
Lilo & Stitch
In between the movies that Disney wants to promote (Like Treasure Planet and Atlantis), they are releasing the movies that are the true gems. Two years ago it was The Emperor's New Groove and now it's this enjoyable little film. As with all material that the Mouse fails to understand, the film is being released to DVD with little in the way of notable extras. One wonders if they actually pay attention to which films seel better on DVD.
Austin Powers in Goldmember
The third installment in the Austin Powers series was the most successful but probably the least enjoyable. Still amusing, I hope that the franchise has run it's course as it doesn't feel like there are enough jokes left. Still, this installment was funnier more often than it wasn't. The only reason one looks with interest to a fourth installment is to see if Mike Myers can successfully play every character in the film.
The Producers (Special Edition)
With Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, this film marks the best work of Mel Brooks. Not coincidentally, it is the first time he worked with Gene Wilder and the only time he worked with Zero Mostel. The film has been made into a wildly successful Broadway musical and that success is translated into a special edition DVD release. I haven't seen the stage show, but I sure do appreciate what it's done for fans of this film.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete Sixth Season
In keeping with the promise to release every season of the series by the end of the year, Paramount is stepping up the release schedule on the last three seasons. Season six is the last of the great seasons of this series. The seventh season had it's moments but could stand up to the work done in seasons three - six.
My Neighbor Totoro
Hyao Miyazaki's great children's film comes to DVD for only $10. If you have kids of any age, you need this movie. My three year old was rivited to the screen the first time I showed it to him.
Day of the Triffids
Classic Sclock sci-fi. What could be better?
DVD pick of the week:
Fellowship of the Ring - Special Extended Edition
I've spent the better part of two weeks watching this DVD. I've watched the much improved extended cut of the film. I've watched every extra on the two bonus discs. I've watched one of the for commentary tracks. Peter Jackson is an amazing man who surrounded himself with an amazing cast and crew. If you want to understand why FOTR is such an amazing film and know why the next two installments in this trilogy are in good hands, you need to own this DVD. While some of the documentaries are better than others, they are all interesting. The cast commentary is insightful and well edited. The movie itself is breathtaking. You need to own this DVD.
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