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THE DARK CRYSTAL, SNOW WHITE & More
Plus: THE PROPOSAL and TV on DVD
When Jim Henson passed away in 1990, the creator of the Muppets left us
with only a few, fleeting glimpses into his potential as a purveyor of
fantasy projects beyond the scope of Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Henson only directed three theatrical features in his career: the
second, and best, Muppet movie (1981's “The Great Muppet Caper”); the
epic fantasy “The Dark Crystal” (1982), which he co-helmed with Frank
Oz; and “Labyrinth” (1986), a live-action fantasy, produced with George
Lucas, that flopped at the box-office.
Sony has just issued brand-new Blu-Ray editions of the latter two
films, each with terrific supplements, high-def transfers and Dolby
TrueHD soundtracks.
Clearly THE
DARK CRYSTAL (***½, 1982, 93 mins., PG; Sony) is Henson’s
directorial magnum opus -- a visually striking tale of a pair of
human-like Gelflings who attempt to put their fragmented, fairy-tale
world back together by restoring a broken crystal that resides in the
dark catacombs of a castle belonging to the lizard-like Skeksis.
Unrelentingly serious and packed with imagination in virtually every
frame, “The Dark Crystal” is an ambitious film that shows Henson at his
most creative and audacious. Artist Brian Froud worked with Henson in
creating an entire mythic universe with its own living beings, set
against real-life English backdrops that establish a world that’s
familiar yet foreign, from the marvelously detailed Mystic and Skeksis
puppets to excellent special effects that have lost none of their magic.
David Odell’s script is straightforward fantasy stuff, but it serves as
the perfect template for the work of Henson, Froud and their teams of
artists, who breathtakingly transport the viewer into another time and
place, with Oswald Morris’ widescreen cinematography and Trevor Jones’
outstanding score adding to the adventure.
Previously released in a still-excellent 1999 Special Edition DVD as
well as a double-disc, 25th Anniversary edition in 2007, Sony presents
an almost-definitive “Dark Crystal” on Blu-Ray that essentially
reprieves the contents of the anniversary release, while adding a few
new exclusive extras.
What’s carried over from the 2007 disc is a superb commentary from
Brian Froud, who discusses the five years he worked on the film
alongside Jim Henson, plus the innumerable challenges the filmmakers
faced in making their fantasy world come to fruition. Froud is relaxed
and spins many anecdotes that “Dark Crystal” fans will love to hear
throughout the course of the film’s 93 minutes.
Also from that release is “Reflections of the Dark Crystal,” a
two-part, 40-minute retrospective on the picture’s production.
Featuring never-before-seen test footage and fresh interviews with
Brian Froud, Brian Henson, David Odell and others, this is an excellent
look back on the movie’s production, as well as a nice compliment to
the original 1982 Making Of program, “The World of the Dark Crystal,”
which is also on-hand here, offering ample backstage footage of Henson
and the filmmakers at work.
The deleted funeral sequence and original language workprint scenes are
also carried over from previous DVDs, but regrettably the movie’s
trailers and Trevor Jones’ isolated score have been dropped from the
1999 DVD, making it necessary for completists to retain the earlier
release. On the plus side, Sony has added some new content for the
Blu-Ray; namely, a picture-in-picture storyboard track plus comments
from screenwriter David Odell on the Skesis language scenes, a trivia
game and “Dark Crystal Collector” interactive function which lets you
supplement your viewing of the film with additional facts which pop up
during the movie.
Visually, the Blu-Ray transfer is minted from a high-definition film
master that must’ve been produced at the time of the 2007 DVD, and the
resulting AVC-encoded transfer is properly framed, finely detailed and
just splendid throughout. The Dolby TrueHD audio does a nice job mixing
the film’s sound effects with Jones’ marvelous score, resulting in a
pleasing aural experience.
If there’s a failing with “The Dark Crystal,” it’s undoubtedly due to
the fact that the movie boasts so many colorful, memorable creatures
that its most human-like creations -- the two Gelflings -- seem plastic
and bland by comparison.
It’s a problem that’s magnified in Henson’s follow-up film, LABYRINTH
(**½, 1986, 101 mins., PG; Sony), where Henson, Brian
Froud, executive producer George Lucas and writer Terry Jones attempted
to go a step further and add actual human beings into their
storytelling pallet.
Jones’ script (based on a story by Henson and Dennis Lee) follows the
adventures of young American teenager Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) as she
tries to rescue her toddler brother in a fantasy kingdom presided over
by the wicked Goblin King (David Bowie).
A variant on “Alice in Wonderland” with several original songs
performed by Bowie, “Labyrinth” is a great deal more upbeat than “The
Dark Crystal,” with brighter visuals and a more comical tone on-hand.
It’s also, unfortunately, a lot less satisfying, with a lethargic pace
and predictable script accentuated by the fact that Connelly’s heroine
and her journey are never very interesting. It’s clear Henson attempted
here to parallel Connelly’s quest with her passage into adulthood, but
since it’s difficult to take the somewhat fey Bowie seriously as a
potential male suitor, that entire element of the film falls flat.
More over, “Labyrinth” feels downright static at times. There’s no
dramatic pull, no tension to be found, and even Trevor Jones’ mostly
electronic and thematically unmemorable score feels like a comedown
from its predecessor. Aside from a couple of bouncy Bowie songs that
intermittently bring the film to life, it’s not hard to see why
audiences were underwhelmed by it.
Sony’s Blu-Ray disc serves up another excellent AVC-encoded 1080p
transfer with Dolby TrueHD audio; as with “The Dark Crystal” this is an
appreciable upgrade on the prior DVD editions of the picture, with
excellent detail, colors and contrasts.
For supplements, Sony has reprieved the contents of the 2007
Anniversary disc, which was again highlighted by a fresh commentary by
Brian Froud that’s highly satisfying and filled with recollections
about his work on the picture. The track is complimented by a two-part
documentary “Journey Through the Labyrinth,” which offers comments from
most of the same “Dark Crystal” participants, including Froud, Brian
Henson, puppeteers Dave Goelz, Karen Prell and others. The original
Making Of documentary, “Inside the Labyrinth,” rounds out the disc
alongside concept art -- the Blu-Ray, like its 2007 DVD counterpart,
again leaving off the trailer from its previous releases. Exclusive to
the Blu-Ray, meanwhile, is a picture-in-picture “Storytellers” track
offering additional comments from Cheryl Henson, pupeteer Kevin Clash,
Warwick Davis and other cast and crew members recalling their work on
the picture.
Despite the omission of original marketing materials and Jones’ “Dark
Crystal” score track, these releases come strongly recommended for all
Jim Henson fans: with excellent HD transfers and soundtracks, plus
Froud’s commentary and the recently produced documentaries that offer
expanded insight into the creation of Henson’s two big-screen
fantasies. Ultimately they leave one with the impression that their
director had many more stories to tell before his premature passing
some 19 years ago.
Also New This Week
SNOW WHITE AND
THE SEVEN DWARFS: Diamond Edition Blu-Ray and DVD (84 mins., 1937, G;
Disney): Walt Disney's landmark 1937 production was the first
full-length animated feature film, giving birth to an entire genre onto
itself and a multimedia empire in the process.
This three-disc package of “Snow White” marks the inaugural release of
the studio's "Diamond" Editions, which offer both Blu-Ray and DVD
platters of a Disney classic, complete with new extras as well as a
remastered transfer and soundtrack. The sole disappointment? Hours of
content dropped from the prior “Platinum” DVD edition that inexplicably
didn’t make the cut here.
"Snow White" was previously restored in 1987, 1993 and 2001 (for its
Platinum DVD edition), but the gorgeous high-definition transfer on
Disney’s Blu-Ray platter really sings: colors are vibrant, the movie
looks crisp and well-composed in its original full-screen 1.33 aspect
ratio, while both DTS Master Audio sound and the film’s original
soundtrack comprise a robust pair of audio options.
When I say this transfer is a knockout, make no mistake: it's almost
hard to believe this is a film from 1937. The colors, contrasts, and
general condition of the elements are simply amazing, and an
appreciable upgrade even on the 2001 DVD edition. For the Blu-Ray disc,
Disney allows you to watch the film in its pure 1.33 full-frame format,
or in 1.33 with sidebars that fill the frame to 16:9. The sidebars (red
curtains simulating an old-time movie theater) are unobtrusive and are
certainly preferable to having the movie cropped for 16:9 (an
inexplicable practice we’ve seen other studios employ since the advent
of HD).
Almost as impressive is the DTS Master Audio mix, which sounds similar
to the 5.1 Dolby Digital remix from 2001 -- a track that expanded the
sound stage for full discrete surround but did so in such a way that it
never became overbearing or detrimental to the movie. It's simply
terrific, and purists still have the opportunity to hear the original
mono soundtrack as well.
Extras are solid, but fans of the movie will want to hang onto their
prior Platinum DVD edition for ample content that didn’t make the cut
here, including archival audio, a deleted scene, live-action test
footage and other fascinating goodies. It’s a shame they weren’t all
retained here, particularly with all that added space that Blu-Ray
offers.
Still, there’s lots to like: disc one, the standard DVD edition,
includes an older commentary from John Canemaker on the picture’s
historical legacy as well as a Tiffany Thornton music video and
exclusive sneak peak at Disney’s upcoming hand-drawn animated feature
“The Princess and The Frog.”
Discs two and three are Blu-Ray editions featuring the same extras
along with selected goodies carried over from past releases. These
include storyboards for a “Snow White” sequel short that didn’t happen;
a fully interactive (and excellent) “Hyperion Studios” assortment of
behind-the-scenes segments; a segment on "Animation Voice Talent" and
“Disney Through the Decades” that were ported over from the past DVD
release; a set-top game and sing-a-long.
Despite the disappointment over the supplements, if you’re a Disney fan
or a true lover of film animation, "Snow White" is still an absolute
must-have Blu-Ray/DVD combo package. The movie itself looks simply
breathtaking and the supplements that are on-hand will keep viewers
busy for hours. It's all presented in a beautiful package that ranks
with some of the finest releases of the year to date.
IT’S GARRY
SHANDLING’S SHOW: The Complete Series DVD (aprx. 31 hours, 1986-1990;
Shout! Factory): Garry Shandling broke the fourth wall with
this dry, often hilarious Showtime comedy series, which Shout! has
flawlessly brought to DVD in the form of a complete series box-set
sporting all kinds of special features.
Shandling played “himself” in the show – a single guy and comedian who
would break down and talk to the studio audience directly, often
getting them involved with the staged-“sitcom” antics going on around
him. Loads of celebrities (from Chevy Chase to Vanna White, Dan Aykroyd
and Gilda Radner in her final TV appearance) appeared through the
years, but the comedy remained constant, taking parts of Shandling’s
own life and mixing them with a well-worn genre whose conventions the
series turned upside down in the process.
Shout! has basically become the label for quality TV on DVD releases,
and this massive box-set is yet another superb release to add to their
mantle. 18 different commentaries are on-tap along with six featurettes
recounting the series production, plus episode outtakes and original
series promos. Highly recommended!
Also
New on DVD & Blu-Ray
THE PROPOSAL
Blu-Ray and DVD (***, 108 mins., 2009, PG-13; Buena Vista). THE
RUNDOWN: Highly appealing romantic comedy became star Sandra Bullock’s
biggest hit of her career, earning a massive $163 million in domestic
receipts alone. Director Anne Fletcher and writer Peter Chiarelli’s
film is, of course, strictly by-the-numbers as far as its genre goes,
but what it does have going for it is the palpable chemistry between
Bullock, as a harried book editor, and Ryan Reynolds, as her
long-suffering assistant. “Circumstances” (i.e. the cliched plot
mechanism that puts the film’s story in motion) dictate that the duo
have to pretend they’re married or else Bullock gets deported to Canada
-- something that turns into massive shenanigans when Reynolds has to
return home to Alaska in order to celebrate his grandmother’s birthday.
A terrific supporting cast, including Betty White (as Reynolds’ nana),
Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen make “The Proposal” a breezy
treat, all of it capped by the totally-unsurprising but nevertheless
satisfying romance that develops between its main characters. DVD/BD
SPECS: Mostly shot in Massachusetts and Rhode Island (with locations
ranging from Gloucester, Mass. to Newport, R.I. doubling for Alaska),
“The Proposal” looks terrific on both DVD and Blu-Ray. The DVD includes
a fine 16:9 (2.35) transfer with 5.1 Dolby Digital sound and extras
including an alternate ending, deleted scenes, outtakes and commentary.
The Blu-Ray, meanwhile, boasts an even more pleasing AVC encoded
transfer with DTS Master Audio sound, all the same extras, and an
exclusive additional deleted scene. Surprisingly, the deleted sequences
are only a couple of minutes long, and none detail third-billed Malin
Akerman’s supporting character (Reynolds’ old high school love), who is
almost totally removed from the finished film. Both versions also
include a digital copy for portable media players. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM
LINE: “The Proposal” is lighthearted and charming fun, and ought to
make for a top-selling title on both DVD and Blu-Ray this autumn.
MY FAIR LADY
DVD (***½, 172 mins., G, 1964; CBS). THE RUNDOWN: New
edition from CBS of the Lerner-Loewe musical classic, timelessly
brought
to the screen in 1964 by producer Jack L. Warner under the direction of
George Cukor, offers basically a similar presentation as Warner’s now
out-of-print DVD. The movie is reportedly mastered from the same 1997
restoration that Robert A. Harris and James C. Katz performed on the
picture, and also offers most of the same special features from its
prior DVD release. DVD SPECS: The 16:9 transfer is excellent and the
2.0 stereo sound satisfying as well, though I don’t happen to have a
copy of the older DVD to do a comparison with. The commentary is a
holdover from the prior DVD, as are the alternate Audrey Hepburn vocal
tracks, vintage featurettes, posters, lobby cards, and trailers. The
major omission seems to be the Jeremy Brett-hosted hour-long
retrospective which was included in the prior two-disc DVD edition from
Warner. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: Those who already own the prior Warner
DVD set can pass on this re-issue, which is mainly noteworthy in that
it enables CBS to distribute the film themselves on video for the first
time since the ‘80s (back when they were part of the CBS/Fox cartel).
For everyone else the disc comes highly recommended, though hopefully
CBS will bring “My Fair Lady” to Blu-Ray in the near future.
THE BROTHERS
BLOOM DVD (***, 113 mins., 2008, PG-13; Summit). THE RUNDOWN:
Surprising, charming tale of two brothers (Mark Ruffalo and Adrien
Brody), con artists extraordinaire, who attempt to make one last con by
playing an eccentric heiress played by Rachel Weisz. Rian Johnson wrote
and directed this disarming, globe-trotting caper with wonderful
performances from the leads and a satisfying story to boot. DVD SPECS:
Summit’s DVD includes commentary with the director and producer;
deleted scenes (over 35 minutes’ worth); making of materials and an
image gallery. The 16:9 transfer and 5.1 Dolby Digital sound are both
excellent. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: A terrific sleeper well worth
catching on disc, though viewers should be aware Summit’s release is
currently available for rental only.
ADORATION
Blu-Ray (***, 101 mins., 2009, R; Sony). THE RUNDOWN: Atom
Egoyan’s latest offering is a typically offbeat tale from the director,
probing the depths of the human psyche as it details a high schooler
who writes a story for class that his deceased father was a terrorist.
It’s another absorbing, if convoluted, set up from Egoyan that’s filled
with internal emotion and no easy answers, as well as gorgeous
cinematography (courtesy of Paul Sarossy) and a low-key Mychael Danna
score. BLU-RAY SPECS: Sony’s AVC transfer is brilliant and captures the
layered visuals of Egoyan’s movie splendidly. DTS Master Audio sound
and several extras (deleted scenes, Egoyan interview, Making Of, and
BD-exclusive featurette “The Fabulous Picture Show”) round out the
disc. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: Egoyan’s movies appeal to a certain taste
and aficionados of the filmmaker ought to find “Adoration” to be a
mostly satisfying addition to the director’s filmography.
WHATEVER WORKS
Blu-Ray (***, 92 mins., 2009, PG-13; Sony). THE RUNDOWN: Faced
with an impending strike, Woody Allen dusted off an old script once
intended for Zero Mostel and re-wrote it to suit the talents of “Curb
Your Enthusiasm”’s Larry David. The resulting film, “Whatever Works,”
may not be vintage ‘70s Woody, but it’s a lot more energetic -- and
appreciably funnier -- than many of the filmmaker’s efforts in the past
decade. David plays a bitter and neurotic (of course) New Yorker who
improbably meets Evan Rachel Wood’s young southern runaway, and even
more improbably falls in love with her. BLU-RAY SPECS: The sunny 1080p,
AVC-encoded transfer and DTS Master Audio soundtrack are both
top-notch. No extras are on-hand, however. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: The
second half stalls but “Whatever Works” is still a highly recommended
title for Allen fanatics.
YEAR ONE
Blu-Ray (**, 97/100 mins., 2009, PG-13/Unrated; Sony). THE
RUNDOWN: The promise of Harold Ramis teaming with “Office” scribes Gene
Stupintsky and Lee Eisenberg for this prehistoric comedy sounded like a
can’t-miss proposition -- even with stars Jack Black and Michael Cera
performing the same shtick they’ve cultivated in every other film
they’ve been in.
Regrettably “Year One” is a dismal failure, its stars stumbling through
a tired series of misfired gags and indifferent cameo appearances from
the likes of Oliver Platt, David Cross, Hank Azaria, Christopher
Mintz-Plasse and Paul Rudd among others. BLU-RAY SPECS: Sony’s Blu-Ray
edition of “Year One” is packed with extras, including both the
theatrical and unrated versions of the movie, numerous deleted scenes,
a gag reel, and exclusive BD Live extras. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: Ramis
has brought up the possibility of directing “Ghostbusters III”
recently, going so far as to hand off the script to Stupintsky and
Eisenberg. Sony might want to reconsider that combination again after
the performance of this movie both with critics and audiences. Outside
of a few, infrequent mild laughs, there’s not much in “Year One” to
recommend.
New TV on DVD
The Peanuts gang make the move
into high-definition for the first time with a new Blu-Ray combo pack
of the classic special A CHARLIE BROWN
CHRISTMAS (****, 1965, 25 mins., Warner).
Truth be told, Warner did an exceptional job remastering the immortal
CBS TV special a couple of years ago, so the difference between the DVD
and the Blu-Ray’s 1080p transfer is likely going to be noticed only by
those with extremely large TV sets. The colors and contrasts all look
terrific, but the prior DVD was so good, the Blu-Ray HD enhancement is
only a minor one. Far more noticeable is the new 5.1 Dolby Digital mix,
which satisfyingly gives a broader sound stage for Vince Guaraldi’s
classic score.
Extras are reprieved from the prior standard-def DVD, including the
decent “It’s Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown” (also in HD and 5.1),
along with a retrospective look at the special’s creation (in standard
def). A standard DVD edition (offering the original mono soundtrack,
which is otherwise not included on the BD) and digital copy (available
to be accessed only through October 2011) round out the package.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW
THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (***, 26 mins., 1966, Warner) is
another holiday special making the move to high-def on Blu-Ray. Once
again, Warner’s prior remastered DVD was so crisp that the BD only
offers a moderate upgrade visually, so those with large HDTV’s are most
likely to notice the difference.
A full slate of extras has been ported over from the prior disc as
well, including commentary with animator Phil Roman and voice artist
June Foray, a number of featurettes and supporting specials. The 2.0
audio is perfectly fine.
Available separately on DVD, meanwhile, is a new remastered edition of I WANT A DOG FOR
CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN (***, 2003, 75 mins., Warner).
This appealing 2003 Peanuts cartoon retains much of the warmth from the
classic Charlie Brown specials of yesteryear. Here, Rerun (Linus and
Lucy's sibling) wants Santa to bring him a new dog for Christmas, and
finds numerous obstacles put in his path. Ultimately, he tries to make
Snoopy's wayward brother, Spike, into his own pet, with understandably
mixed results.
Warner’s new DVD includes a colorful full-screen transfer with stereo
sound, sporting a pleasing score by David Benoit, reprieving many of
Vince Guaraldi's wonderful themes.
In addition to a new look at the character of Rerun, the disc also
boasts the DVD debut of the 1985 special HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN, but
alas, this is one of the weakest Peanuts efforts, offering a recycled
story and a particularly painful musical number with music and lyrics
by Ed Bogas and Desiree Goyette. Fans will want to see it here for the
first time in many years regardless, but it’s far from the best work of
its creators.
BROTHERHOOD:
THE FINAL SEASON DVD (7 hours, 2009; CBS). SEASON BREAKDOWN:
Showtime’s attempt to carve out their own “Sopranos”-like drama never
quite reached the success of its HBO brethren, but Blake Masters’
series about a pair of Providence, R.I. siblings (Jason Isaacs, Jason
Clarke) finishes its run with another solid season concluding the
Caffee family drama. An excellent supporting cast (Annabeth Gish, Ethan
Embry, Fionnula Flanagan) and authentic locations make this a treat.
DVD RUNDOWN: CBS’ double-disc set includes 16:9 transfers and 5.1
soundtracks, but not much in the way of extras. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE:
“Brotherhood” goes out in style with its final season. Viewers who
might’ve missed it should check out CBS’ first two volumes before this
satisfying final release.
MEDIUM: SEASON
5 DVD (aprx. 13 hours, 2009; CBS). SEASON BREAKDOWN: Patricia
Arquette’s appealing performance as psychic mom Allison Dubois
continues to anchor “Medium,” which finished its fifth season on NBC
last spring facing the prospects of cancellation. Thankfully, fans had
little reason to worry about its future as the series was quickly
transitioned over to CBS on Friday nights, where it has already become
the highest-rated show on the schedule (for what that’s worth these
days with prime-time viewership plunging to new lows). Season five of
the series develops Allison’s teen daughter Ariel’s blossoming psychic
powers, while husband Joe (the fine Jake Weber) starts his own
business. Glenn Gordon Caron’s mix of police procedural, supernatural
thriller and domestic drama remains an interesting, entertaining view
throughout Season 5. DVD RUNDOWN: Another excellent release from CBS,
“Medium”’s fifth season is presented in crisp 16:9 transfers with 5.1
soundtracks and several featurettes. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: “Medium”
continues to be an offbeat and satisfying series that seems to be
peaking in popularity since its move to CBS. Fans and viewers still
catching up with earlier seasons of the series should be quite
satisfied with CBS’ latest DVD edition.
HAWAII FIVE-0:
Season 7 DVD (aprx. 20 hours, 1974-75; CBS). SEASON BREAKDOWN:
Fans regard this seventh season of the classic long-running, prime-time
series as another solid year for Jack Lord and company. Episodes in
season seven include “The Young Assassins,” “A Hawaiian Nightmare,”
“I'll Kill 'Em Again” (a particular fan favorite), “Steal Now -- Pay
Later,” “Bomb, Bomb, Who's Got the Bomb?,” “Right Grave, Wrong Body,”
“We Hang Our Own” (guest starring Leslie Nielsen), “The Two Faced
Corpse,” “How to Steal a Masterpiece” (regarded by some fan sites as
one of the series’ top shows), “A Gun For McGarrett,” “Welcome to Our
Branch Office,” “ Presenting...in the Center Ring...Murder,”
“Hara-Kiri: Murder” (with Ossie Davis), “Bones of Contention,”
“Computer Killer,” “ Woman's Work is With a Gun,” “Small Witness, Large
Crime,” “Ring of Life,” “A Study in Rage” (guest starring Richard
Hatch), “And the Horse Jumped Over the Moon,” “Hit Gun for Sale,” “The
Hostage,” “Diary of a Gun,” and “6,000 Deadly Tickets.” DVD RUNDOWN:
Another high-quality presentation from CBS, season seven of “Hawaii
Five-O” offers remastered full-screen transfers and mono soundtracks,
along with episodic promos. A disclaimer remains about episodes being
edited from their original network broadcasts. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE:
Another wave of nostalgic entertainment from the prime of the series,
absolutely recommended for series fans.
HOW I MET YOUR
MOTHER: Season 4 Blu-Ray (528 mins., 2008-09, Fox). SEASON
BREAKDOWN: One of CBS’ top rated (and critically acclaimed comedies)
hits Blu-Ray for the first time in a fine box-set from Fox. A terrific
ensemble cast (Josh Radnor, Colbie Smulders, Jason Segel, Allison
Hannigan, and the hilarious Neil Patrick Harris) is back for another
year of dating and assorted disasters in this savvy, smart chronicle of
young people growing up and maturing through trial and (frequent)
error. DVD RUNDOWN: The inaugural Blu-Ray release of “How I Met Your
Mother” is right on par with Fox’s recent high-definition efforts:
superb AVC encoded transfers and fine DTS Master Audio soundtracks are
complimented by a few nice extras, including selected episode
commentaries, a gag reel, music video, season three recap and panel
discussion about the series. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: “How I Met Your
Mother” continues to be one of the few remaining shining lights on the
sitcom front. Recommended!
THE UNIT:
Season 4 Blu-Ray (968 mins., 2008-09, Fox). SEASON RUNDOWN:
Dennis Haysbert and company’s CBS drama came to a close due to
diminishing ratings last season. Subsequently, fans of the David Mamet
co-created “The Unit” will have to make due with this final assortment
of episodes featuring a covert military unit as they take on terrorists
who this season go after the team with a more personal agenda. DVD
RUNDOWN: The first Blu-Ray release of “The Unit” may be its last, but
Fox has presented fans with a fitting goodbye, thanks to AVC encoded
transfers, DTS Master Audio soundtracks, a number of featurettes and
deleted scenes. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: Well-cast and produced with
top-notch production values (which may have been one of the reasons for
the series’ cancellation), “The Unit” bids adieu on Blu with a fine
five disc box-set. Recommended for fans.
LEGEND OF THE
SEEKER: Season 1 DVD (946 mins., 2008-09; Buena Vista). SEASON
RUNDOWN: Sam Raimi is one of the producers of this agreeable adventure
fantasy series based on a series of novels by Terry Goodkind. “Legend
of the Seeker” follows the exploits of Craig Horner’s young guide, who
improbably becomes a hero as he teams up with the mysterious (and
lovely) Bridget Regan and a wizard played by none other than Bruce
Spence from “The Road Warrior” in order to defeat a demonic sorcerer
from taking over the world. It’s not exactly “Hercules” or “Xena” but
it is an attempt at re-channeling some of those series’ magic. DVD
RUNDOWN: Excellent 16:9 transfers, 5.1 soundtracks, commentaries,
deleted scenes, a Making Of featurette, and an interview with the
series’ author comprise a robust DVD presentation. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM
LINE: Renewed for a second season that’s scheduled to begin in
syndication next month, “Legend of the Seeker” is worth it for fantasy
aficionados who still miss Kevin Sorbo and Lucy Lawless’ weekly
exploits. It’s not quite on that level, but it’s quite watchable for
what it is.
New From Criterion
Criterion’s slate for October is highlighted by a deluxe edition of
Costa Gavras’s seminal late ‘60s effort Z (127 mins., 1969).
Loosely based on the early ‘60s assassination of Greek activist
Gregoris Lambrakis, Yves Montand stars as a politician and doctor who
is killed, leading to a government cover-up of his death. Jean-Louis
Trintignant is the magistrate who subsequently crusades for justice in
this dynamically shot, edited, and scored (kudos to Mikis Theodorakis)
film which set the standard for many a political thriller to follow,
and still is considered by many to be one of the finest films of its
decade.
Criterion’s DVD edition includes a new high-def digital transfer (16:9,
1.66 widescreen, mono) of “Z” supervised by cinematographer Raoul
Coutard, a commentary by Criterion regular Peter Cowie, new and
archival interviews with Costa-Gravas and others, plus the trailer and
an improved English subtitle translation.
Also out from Criterion is a double-disc edition of Mira Nair’s MONSOON WEDDING (114
mins., 2001), a tale of a middle-class Indian family and their
arranged marriage for their only daughter.
Criterion’s set includes commentary from Nair, video interviews with
cast and crew members, along with seven short movies from Nair, dating
from the early ‘80s to the filmmaker’s reflections on 9/11 and other
segments that aficionados of the director will find to be particularly
compelling.
DVD Capsules
DOGFIGHTS The
Complete Seires DVD (aprx. 24 hours, 2006-08; History/NewVideo): Acclaimed
and popular History Channel series returns to DVD in a conveniently
packaged, affordable “Megaset.” Offering the complete contents of the
series’ first (chronicling Guadalcanal, Korea, and Vietnam fighter
pilots) and second (flashing back to WWI and ahead to Desert Storm)
seasons, along with the speculative “Dogfights of the Future” episodes,
the “Dogfights” series plunges viewers into the cockpit with a mix of
archival footage, new historian interviews and adequate CGI animation.
Transfers and soundtracks are solid across the board, while extras
include the original pilot “Dogfights: The Greatest Air Battles,” plus
additional scenes and other supplements. Highly recommended for history
buffs.
PATTON 360:
Season 1 DVD (aprx. 8 hours, 2009; History/NewVideo): Interesting
History Channel series uses decent CGI animation to detail the heroic
campaigns of Gen. George S. Patton in the North African and European
theaters of WWII. Aided by archival footage and historian interviews,
this is an insightful new take on well-discussed material. Well worth
it for WWII aficionados.
TOP CHEF: NEW
YORK Season 5 DVD (aprx. 12 hours; Bravo): The highest-rated
food show on cable (no easy feat given the competition these days) is
back in its fifth season, now out on DVD courtesy of Bravo. All-star
chefs and entertainers from Martha Stewart to Rocco DiSpirito are
on-hand to crown another Top Chef in the Big Apple. Bravo’s DVD
includes extended interviews, cooking demos, an exclusive cookbook and
PC game (!) demo.
EXPEDITION
AFRICA Blu-Ray (aprx. 6 hours; History/NewVideo): The History
Channel and “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett teamed up for this
historically-slanted reality series following four renowned explorers
who attempt to retrace Stanley’s search for Dr. Livingstone in the
demanding terrain of darkest Africa. All eight episodes of “Expedition
Africa” are on-hand in vivid HD transfers here, along with a
behind-the-scenes documentary and extensive additional footage.
ASSASSINATION
OF A HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT DVD (**, 93 mins., 2008, R; Sony):
Yari Film Group went belly up last year, leaving this not-bad (but not
really that good) high school comedy to basically go straight to video.
Reece Daniel Thompson plays an intrepid school newspaper reporter who
writes a story blaming the theft of SAT tests on the school’s top
athlete and class president; deemed a hero by all, including his
would-be culprit’s ex-girlfriend (Mischa Barton) and the wacky
principal (an off-the-wall Bruce Willis), Thompson becomes
popular...until he finds out his target might have been framed. Brett
Simon’s movie is watchable but awfully uneven, perking up mainly when
Willis shows up. Sony’s DVD includes a slew of deleted, alternate and
extended scenes along with commentary from the filmmakers, who tell us
that the movie was in even worse shape before some editing room work
(sorry guys, your cutting room floor efforts didn’t entirely work). The
16:9 transfer and 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack are both excellent.
JACKASS: THE
LOST TAPES DVD (104 mins., 2009; MTV): Fans of the rowdy MTV
stunt-comedy-reality series will enjoy this potpourri of “lost”
sketches, original series introductions, credit montages, and footage
that never made it to the airwaves. As always, a little bit of this
goes a long way but it’s hard to deny there aren’t a few laughs to be
found at times.
NICK SWARDSON:
SERIOUSLY, WHO FARTED? DVD (59 mins., 2009; Comedy Central):
Extended and uncensored Comedy Central special with the comedian and
occasional movie supporting star (see “Blades of Glory”) boasts
numerous, tongue-in-cheek extras and uncensored content.
GREG GIRALDO:
MIDLIFE VOICES DVD (67 mins., 2009; Comedy Central): The comic
best known for his appearances on Comedy Central’s Roast programs gets
his first special in this hour-long Comedy Central production. This
stand-up special boasts uncensored content as well as a
never-before-seen “Adult Content” pilot.
