The Aisle Seat by Andre Dursin

5/15/12 Edition

Twitter @THEAISLESEATCOM

Column Archive Message Board Contact Aisle Seat FAQ

THE BIG HEAT Dazzles on Blu-Ray
Andy Reviews Twilight Time's Latest
Plus: LOVE NEVER DIES, GREMLINS 2, HELL ON WHEELS and More

Exciting, violent and downright wild for its time, Fritz Lang’s THE BIG HEAT (***½, 89 mins., 1953) kicks off Twilight Time’s releases for the month of May, and for film noir fans, this crackerjack thriller never ceases to disappoint.

Glenn Ford plays the dogged (and, at times, almost too determined) cop who, upon investigating the apparent suicide of a fellow police officer, finds out that corruption exists at nearly every level in his county, all of it stemming from a local crime boss named Mike Lagana (Alexander Scourby) calling the shots. Lagana’s web extends down to Ford’s own bosses, hindering an investigation that takes the family man down a dark path at a personal cost to his own wife (Jocelyn Brando) and the women who aid him in his pursuit of justice, including Gloria Grahame in a fine performance as one of the gangster’s molls.

“The Big Heat” is sensationally entertaining for its genre, and also extremely, notably nasty to virtually all of the film’s female leads. The ladies in Sydney Boehm’s screenplay are burned, scarred, murdered and blown up – a litany of body bags that accentuates the horror of the film’s villain, who also uses a henchman played by a young Lee Marvin to carry out the unpleasantness. Ford’s alternately earnest and tough delivery makes his detective sympathetic to a degree, though his almost fanatical desire to see justice carried out ends up making his misery something of his own personal doing.

Lang’s visuals – in particular his trademark use of shadows – bring the punchy material to life in a film that deservedly ranks among the best of its genre, and it’s certainly one of the more memorably violent pictures of the ‘50s as well.

Twilight Time’s Blu-Ray boasts a crisp 1080p AVC encoded transfer layered with fine grain and detail. This is one of those titles you ought to drag out as a demo disc for any friends who don’t think there’s anything to be gained from watching old black-and-white movies in HD. The full-bodied DTS MA mono audio is effective as well – sounding almost stereophonic at times – while an isolated score track of Henry Mars’ efficient underscoring (credited to Mischa Bakaleinikoff) and a re-issue trailer put the cap on a must-have disc for noir buffs.

Backed by a superb score from Bernard Herrmann, 20th Century Fox’s old-fashioned Jules Verne adventure JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (***, 129 mins., 1959) also arrives on Blu-Ray this month from Twilight Time in a limited edition release that ought to be gobbled up by Golden Age fans and genre aficionados alike.

The free adaptation of Verne’s novel from writer-producer Charles Brackett and Walter Reisch and director Henry Levin stars James Mason as a Victorian era professor who, after getting his hands on a meteorite with an inscription from a long-lost explorer, leads an expedition into the center of the Earth including student Pat Boone, widow Arlene Dahl, and a precocious duck named Gertrude.

Shot after Disney’s classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” Fox’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” isn’t on the level of that Richard Fleischer-directed ‘50s staple, but it’s an engaging and leisurely paced fantasy that will primarily appeal to nostalgic viewers (I’m not sure younger viewers will be able to tolerate the at-times languid pacing, though the humor and adventure is certainly suitable for kids). In fact, lighthearted humor and engaging turns from Mason and Boone carry us through the film’s first third; once the journey gets cracking, nearly a full hour has passed before the group engage in a series of adventures through dark caverns, underground waterfalls, giant mushrooms and, ultimately, decidedly less-than-fantastic lizards masquerading as dinosaurs (effects that I was quite disappointed in when I saw the film on TV, as a kid, back in the ‘80s).

“Journey” seems to be most admired by baby boomers who grew up on the picture, with its strongest attribute being Herrmann’s majestic, marvelous score, which kept me glued through a fresh viewing via Twilight Time’s superb Blu-Ray package.

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer from the Fox vaults generally displays a good deal of HD detail compared to its DVD counterpart. The print itself isn’t in completely pristine condition – a line (just off-center to the right) of the frame appears for several minutes beginning at the 40 minute mark, and there are assorted speckles and understandable issues stemming from the myriad of different special effects processes involved – but the framing is accurate, colors are strong and very little DNR has been applied. This “Journey” resembles real, honest to goodness film, and looks so much better than my ancient laserdisc release that it appears to be a different film altogether (credit a restoration Fox performed on the film over a decade ago). The 4.0 DTS MA soundtrack effectively conveys Herrmann’s score and boasts directional dialogue faithful to its original stereo mix, while two trailers, an isolated score track, and Julie Kirgo’s retrospective notes add the perfect touch to the package.

Coming Soon on Blu-Ray

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S LOVE NEVER DIES Blu-Ray (121 mins., 2012; Universal): Just a few months ago Universal released a dynamic 25th Anniversary staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s massively popular musical “Phantom of the Opera” – a title that I enjoyed as much as any video released in the last year.

Now Lloyd Webber is back with a filming of “Love Never Dies,” the long-awaited sequel to “Phantom” that has had its share of issues crossing over to this side of the Atlantic. A series of productions have been staged around the world, yet the show has yet to make its Broadway debut (and perhaps never will) – making this filming of a Melbourne performance last September something that North American fans in particular will be excited to see.

Unfortunately, it’s far too evident from watching “Love Never Dies” why the show has been bounced around in development for the last couple of years. Wholly unnecessary and with a surplus of forgettable songs, this sequel picks up 10 years after “Phantom,” with the masked one now running a circus/amusement park in Coney Island. He sends for his old love, Christine, who’s now married to Raoul and has a young son, Gustave, who has a penchant for music that his father lacks. Also returning from the original show are Madame Giry and her daughter, Meg, who play a prominent role in where the limp Lloyd Webber-Ben Elton book ultimately goes (Glenn Slater and Frederick Forsyth are also credited with material that the composer/producer mostly discarded).

“Phantom of the Opera” is one of the biggest musical hits of all-time, setting the bar high for a sequel to begin with. Unsurprisingly, “Love Never Dies” never once approximates its predecessor in terms of scope, story, or music – Lloyd Webber’s score has a couple of pleasant passages early on in the song “Til I Hear You Sing,” but is otherwise unmemorable. Meanwhile, the plot is completely disposable – a feeble narrative that exists solely to reunite the story’s characters and little more. Indeed, the mid-section of the first act when the Phantom and Christine reunite is tedious and musically unmemorable, while the Phantom’s “rock anthem” invitation to young Gustave, which closes out the first act, is downright unbearable.

Throughout, the lack of scope in this production is evident, particularly because of this staging’s claustrophobic filming. Shot in tight close-ups in 2.35, there’s just no sense of scale, no interesting Coney Island sets on-hand, with dreary backdrops and dark lighting making for a production that’s depressing from a visual angle alone.

Recommended strictly for “Phantom” fanatics and the curious to see why this odd musical sequel never made it to New York, Universal’s Blu-Ray of “Love Never Dies” arrives in stores later this month. The 1080p AVC encoded transfer is freed from any noise, while a strongly mixed DTS MA soundtrack gives the audio as much of a fighting chance as its disappointing score allows. One behind-the-scenes featurette is included on the supplemental side.

Aisle Seat Picks of the Week

GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH Blu-Ray (***½, 106 mins., 1990, PG-13; Warner): Joe Dante’s “Gremlins” was one of the big hits of Summer 1984, yet its popularity didn’t immediately lead to a sequel. For several years, “Gremlins 2" languished in pre-production hell, with a myriad of writers including Monty Python’s Terry Jones failing to come up with a plot Warner Bros. and executive producer Steven Spielberg found to be more than just a simple rehash of the original. Ultimately, some six years passed before the sequel was released, with Dante – who had departed the project years before – brought back into the fold, and given carte blanche to do whatever he wanted.

The end result wasn’t a box-office hit – the passage of time between sequels almost guaranteed that it wouldn’t have been anyway – but it is a hugely entertaining, wild satirical ride that’s more playful, and less graphic, than the original. In fact, Dante and writer Charlie Haas poke fun at the original “Gremlins” throughout, giving viewers more Gremlin action and comedy similar to the classic “Snow White sing-along” sequence from its predecessor, while sending up some of its more pretentious elements (one of the funniest moments comes when Phoebe Cates begins to discuss why she can’t celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday).

The plot serves as a backdrop for the silly shenanigans, with Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) and girlfriend Kate (Cates) working in a multi-million dollar New York City skyscraper owned by Trump-like billionaire Daniel Clamp (John Glover, who’s just terrific here). When Gizmo escapes from a bulldozer that destroys the old shop of his recently deceased owner Mr. Wing (Keye Luke), he improbably reunites with Billy – and, naturally, causes all kinds of havoc once the Gremlins start growing again. This time, though, the Gremlins – thanks to science experiments going on in Clamp’s building – have their own distinct personalities and abilities, designed by Rick Baker and with Tony Randall performing the voice of the ringleader, here dubbed the “Brain Gremlin.”

With the filmmaker given a big sandbox to play in, “Gremlins 2" ranks as the most decidedly “Dante” of all of the director’s films. The self-satirical humor, manic pace, colorful effects and zany tone resemble a live-action cartoon, and the director appropriately opens the film with a Chuck Jones-animated segment starring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, setting viewers up for something less serious, and more playful, than the original. Though perhaps a bit too self-indulgent, “Gremlins 2" is still great fun, capped by a zesty Jerry Goldsmith score (and another cameo from the composer) and a hilarious bit where the Gremlins get their revenge on critic Leonard Maltin, who had panned the original film.

Warner’s Blu-Ray edition of “Gremlins 2" is far superior to their HD presentation of the original “Gremlins.” The AVC encoded 1080p transfer is highly satisfying, marked by crisp detail, as is the DTS MA audio. Loads of extras are also on-hand from the DVD release, including 20 minutes of deleted scenes, a short promotional documentary, and gag reel (in 16:9 standard def), plus the alternate home video sequence from the VHS release (not nearly as funny as the theatrical release bit with Maltin and Hulk Hogan, which previously appeared on the laserdisc and DVD versions), and the original trailer.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY Blu-Ray/DVD (***, 95 mins., 2012, G; Disney): Another fine animated picture from Japan’s Studio Ghibli, “The Secret of Arrietty” figured to possibly appeal more to western audiences – through its adaptation of Mary Norton’s beloved book “The Borrowers” – than prior outings from the studio, though this Disney release ultimately generated just modest business at the box-office.

Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi but scripted and designed by the great Hayao Miyazaki, “Arrietty” charts the relationship that develops between a human boy and Arrietty – one of the tiny Borrowers who lives under the floor in a house owned by the elderly Aunt Jessica. When her great-nephew, Sean, comes to live with her, he uncovers the Borrowers and strikes up a relationship with the little Arrietty, in spite of the Borrowers being forbidden to make contact with humans.

“The Secret World of Arrietty” isn’t quite on the level of prior Studio Ghibli pictures – it’s more of a straightforward picture aimed specifically at children – but it’s nevertheless an enchanting film with lovely animation and a pleasant score by French singer Cecile Corbel.

Disney’s Blu-Ray includes a gorgeous 1080p AVC encoded transfer and 5.1 DTS MA soundtracks in both English and the original Japanese production audio. In addition to a copy of the DVD, the combo pack also includes several lightweight extras, including the original Japanese storyboards, two music videos (with a Making Of provided for Bridgit Mendler’s U.S. video), and Japanese trailers and TV spots.

HELL ON WHEELS Season 1 Blu-Ray (2011, E One): Exciting western series from creators Joe and Tony Gayton stars Anson Mount as a former Confederate soldier whose wife was killed during the Civil War. While looking to avenge her death, he becomes the foreman on a transcontinental railroad overseen by stuffy businessman Colm Meaney. Needing to lay down a certain amount of track in order to get government funding, Mount decides to play ball with Meaney (and also stave off a hanging in the process) and take the reigns in a west that’s decidedly wild and dangerous.

This AMC original series didn’t receive a lot of positive press out of the gate, yet “Hell on Wheels” did quite well in the ratings, with a Season 2 scheduled to air later this summer. Certainly the show takes a couple of episodes to find its footing and establish its premise, but once it does, this is an entertaining and absorbing genre piece that western fans ought to enjoy. The performances are solid, the action robust and the historical period setting also attractive; personally I found this more entertaining than HBO’s silted “Deadwood” as well.

E One’s Blu-Ray offers the 10-episode first season of “Hell on Wheels” in good looking 1080p transfers and DTS MA soundtracks. Extras include a number of behind the scenes featurettes and Making Of footage.

More New TV on DVD

TRUE BLOOD Season 4 Blu-Ray (720 mins., 2011; HBO). WHAT IT IS: Sookie has to choose between Bill, Eric, or the new Vampire King of Mississippi in the fourth season of HBO’s “True Blood.” Also new in Bon Temps this season: witchcraft, with a lovely sorceress named Marnie tempting Sookie’s friends with the possibility of unlimited power. ANDY SAYS: “True Blood” isn’t my cup of tea, but its fans remain steadfast in their devotion to the series, at least judging from the still-strong viewership the program generates on HBO. This fourth season continues the show’s mix of sex, blood, soap opera and horror, and at least it’s much more watchable than FX’s “American Horror Story.” BLU-RAY SPECS: HBO’s Blu-Ray box-set also includes a DVD and digital copy download, along with 1080p transfers, DTS MA soundtracks and plenty of exclusive BD supplements (14 character perspectives among them) plus six commentaries and other behind the scenes featurettes. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: “True Blood” fans, go at it. Everyone else – you’ve been warned.

MAVERICK Season 1 DVD (1333 mins., 1957; Warner). WHAT IT IS: All 27 episodes from the first season of TV’s legendary western hit DVD for the first time from Warner. Bret (James Garner) and Bart (Jack Kelly) Maverick’s adventures in the Old West ran for some five seasons before the franchise was ultimately turned into a disappointing Richard Donner-directed vehicle for Mel Gibson in 1994; western buffs and Garner fans (whose career was launched by his laid back portrayal of Bret) ought to be delighted with the real thing, perfectly packaged here by Warner in a multi-disc DVD set. DVD SPECS: Warner B&W transfers are crisp and satisfying, with the episodes having been mastered from their original broadcast versions. No extras are included. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: Easy-going, charming, old-fashioned fun, “Maverick” rides into the sunset with a fine DVD release from Warner. Here’s hoping it sells well enough to warrant a second-season soon.

CHUCK: The Fifth and Final Season Blu-Ray (563 mins., 2011-12; Warner). WHAT IT IS: It’s the final go-round for would-be spy Chuck (Zachary Levi), who in the final 13 episodes from the goofy NBC series sets out to become a legitimate James Bond while going into a private espionage biz with now-wife Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski). Plenty of action, comedy, spoofs and guest bits pepper these final baker’s dozen episodes from a show that never really generated a lot of viewership beyond its fan base, but nevertheless managed to keep being renewed in spite of marginal ratings. BLU-RAY SPECS: Warner’s two-disc Blu-Ray set contains 1080p AVC encoded transfers and DTS MA soundtracks that are quite good on both fronts. Over three hours of extras include a tribute to the series’ fans; a look at the final episode; a profile of the series’ underscoring; retrospective featurettes on the series’ run; an extended version of the finale; a gag reel; commentaries on the final two episodes; deleted scenes; and other goodies. AISLE SEAT BOTTOM LINE: “Chuck” fans will be pleased with a fitting sendoff to their perpetually ratings-challenged series, and Warner’s Blu-Ray release is strong on both sides of its a/v presentation.

Also New on Blu-Ray

FATHER OF THE BRIDE (***, 105 mins., 1991, PG) and FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART II (**, 106 mins., 1996, PG; Disney) Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack: Charles Shyer and Nancy Meyers' Touchstone Pictures remake proved to be a hit for star Steve Martin at Christmas time 1991.

Martin’s role as George Banks – stepping in the shoes of Spencer Tracy, who starred in the original two “Father” films – guides Shyer and Meyers’ gentle reworking of the 1950 MGM original which also featured Elizabeth Taylor as Tracy’s daughter. The remake is mushy and sentimental, populated with a few pop tunes (and a breezy Alan Silvestri score), and also entertaining in spite of its dated early ‘90s trappings (amazing how much more colorful films were back then!). Diane Keaton, meanwhile, makes for a perfect foil to Martin's shenanigans, with Kimberly Williams as the young bride-to-be and Martin Short as a delirious wedding planner -- a role that was unfortunately expanded upon in the needless 1996 sequel "Father of the Bride Part II."

Granted, the original “Father’s Little Dividend” wasn’t much of a follow-up either, but the belated 1996 sequel is a tired affair with Williams and husband George Newbern expecting their first arrival – and Keaton and Martin likewise expecting another little one as well – in a picture that wasn’t nearly was well-received as its predecessor and stretches the limits of credibility at several points.

Buena Vista’s Blu-Ray combo pack includes both “Father of the Bride” and its sequel in extremely good, 1080p AVC encoded transfers with deep blacks, lots of detail and no use whatsoever of DNR. The DTS MA soundtracks are fine and extras have been brought over from the 15th Anniversary DVD edition, including an amusing interview with Short and Martin, a commentary track with Shyer and a standard Making Of, "An Invitation to 'Father of the Bride.” DVD copies complete the package.

Also new from Buena Vista on Blu-Ray is BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE (**½, 105 mins., PG-13), a huge box-office hit from March 2003 as Martin as a divorced lawyer whose world is turned upside down when he meets a “street smart soul sister” (Queen Latifah) in a culture-clash comedy co-starring Eugene Levy, Jean Smart, Joan Plowright and Betty White.

Buena Vista’s Blu-Ray transfer is another winner, crisply delivered in a fine 1080p AVC encode with DTS MA audio and extras ported over from the prior DVD including deleted scenes, a gag reel, featurettes and commentary from director Adam Shankman and writer Jason Filardi.

TIM & ERIC’S BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE Blu-Ray (94 mins., 2011, R; Magnolia): Writers-directors-stars Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are pair of (supposed) comedians who have generated a small cult following thanks to work on various websites including Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s “Funny or Die.” Very obviously it must pay to have high profile friends like Ferrell because there’s no way on Earth this painfully unfunny, vulgar feature would’ve been bank rolled otherwise, as their “Billion Dollar Movie” deservedly hit a number of “Worst Of” lists last year from those who actually saw it. Magnolia’s Blu-Ray includes commentary from the duo, deleted/extended scenes (and it says something to have material not deemed “good enough” for inclusion in THIS picture!), interviews and an HDNet behind-the-scenes. The 1080p transfer and DTS MA soundtrack are fine.

PLAYBACK Blu-Ray (98 mins., 2011, R; Magnolia): A group of unsuspecting teens unleash an evil spirit while trying to re-enact a nefarious crime in their small town in this low-budget cheapie thriller co-starring Christian Slater as a local cop with hidden secrets of his own. Michael A. Nickles’ film, shot in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan, is pretty much standard-issue fare that might appeal to undiscriminating horror fans with its standard “Ring”/”Scream” stylized plot. Magnolia’s Blu-Ray offers up a behind the scenes featurette, photo gallery, HDNet Making Of, the trailer, a 1080p transfer and DTS MA soundtrack.

New From Criterion

BEING JOHN MALKOVICH Blu-Ray (**½, 1999, 113 mins., R; Criterion): Writer Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze’s stock aren’t as high now as they were back in 1999 when “Being John Malkovich” became all the rage on the indie circuit, earning acclaim far and wide. I’ve never been a big admirer of the film – finding it overly quirky and pretentious – yet it has plenty of backers, all of whom find Kaufman’s offbeat (to put it mildly) script to be a headtrip in more ways than one. John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener and Orson Bean co-star with Malkovich himself in a black comic fantasy with some indelible moments, but a story that I found more and more outlandish and off-putting as it moved along.

That said, if you’re a fan, Criterion’s Blu-Ray edition is a gem. Jonze supervised a new AVC encoded 1080p transfer for the HD platter, with extras including a selected-scene audio commentary by Jonze’s friend and “competitor” Michel Gondry; a new behind the scenes documentary by Lance Bangs; a new talk with Malkovich and humorist John Hodgman; a new interview with Jonze; two full “films within the film”; a documentary about puppeteering by Bangs; TV spots and the trailer; and a booklet offering a conversation between Jonze and pop culture writer Perkus Tooth.

Not for every taste, but devotees, again, ought to be hugely satisfied.

New From BBC

SHERLOCK SEASON 2 (461 mins., 2011) continues the acclaimed BBC revamp of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s writings with Benedict Cumberbatch (soon to be seen as Khan in the next “Star Trek” sequel) and Martin Freeman deftly conveying contemporary versions of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, respectively. Season 2 offers three complete stories: “A Scandal in Belgravia,” “he Hounds of Baskerville,” and The Reichenbach Fall.” 1080i transfers adorn this two-disc Blu-Ray set from the BBC which also boasts a couple of commentaries and a featurette on the supplemental end.

Also new from the BBC are three new Dr. Who Special Edition DVDs:

DR. WHO - NIGHTMARE OF EDEN (100 mins.) Is a 1979 arc with the good Doctor, Romana and K-9 assisting with an accident involving a pair of spacecraft. Some small, vicious looking creatures put their own “Alien”-like spin in this Tom Baker vehicle from writer Bob Baker. BBC’s single-disc DVD includes commentary with Bob Baker and numerous stars of the program; a 13-minute Making Of; Baker discussing his only story authored without Dave Martin; Lalla Ward’s appearance on the BBC show “Ask Aspel”; a photo gallery and assorted PDF materials as well.

DR. WHO - DRAGONFIRE (73 mins., 1987) dates from the Sylvester McCoy era, offering the Doctor and Mel running into Sabalaom Glitz at the Iceworld Space Trading Colony and promptly going after the Dragonfire, a treasure buried deep inside the planet, which happens to be Glitz’s only way off the planet. This November-December ‘87 story offers the BBC’s typical assortment of extras including commentary with writer Ian Briggs and various cast/crew members; deleted/extended scenes; a photo gallery; isolated score; production notes; a 35-minute Making Of; and PDF extras.

Finally, DR WHO - THE HAPPINESS PATROL (74 mins., 1988) also finds McCoy’s Doctor and Ace arriving to topple the odd, constantly happy regime at planet Terra Alpha, one which houses a nefarious underbelly beneath its placid exterior. BBC’s DVD includes commentary; deleted/extended scenes; a photo gallery; isolated score; PDF materials and other goodies.

Quick Takes

LOVE’S EVERLASTING COURAGE DVD (89 mins., 2010; Fox): Another adaptation of Janette Oke’s extremely popular “Love Comes Softly” series, “Love’s Everlasting Courage” is a sequel to “Love Begins,” with Clark (Wes Brown) and Ellen Davis (Julie Mond) struggling to support their family’s farm. Tragedy and lots of tears follow in this family-friendly TV film which Fox brings to DVD this month in a 16:9 (1.85) transfer with 5.1 Dolby Digital sound.

MEMORIAL DAY Blu-Ray (104 mins., 2010, Not Rated; Image): Sensitively handled, respectful drama stars James Cromwell as a WWII veteran who shares his experiences, both triumphant and tragic, as a soldier on the battlefield to his 13-year-old grandson. Years later, the now-grown grandchild (Jonathan Bennett) finds himself living the same spectrum of emotions while serving in Iraq. Sam Fischer’s film, written by Marc Conklin, is a well-meaning picture with good performances from the cast. Image’s Blu-Ray includes a 1080p transfer, DTS MA soundtrack, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a commentary including John Cromwell (who plays the younger version of his own father), Conklin and Fischer.

CORIOLANUS Blu-Ray/DVD (124 mins., 2011, R; Weinstein/Anchor Bay): Ralph Fiennes starred in and directed this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s play about a Roman general, fighting against his own city and citizens, who ultimately joins enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to take revenge on his homeland. No less than 12 production companies are credited with this good-looking if convoluted John Logan-scripted take on “Coriolanus” with a superb supporting cast including Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox and Jessica Chastain. The more familiar you are with the material, the easier this film will be to follow – it’s fairly dense viewing either way. Anchor Bay’s Blu-Ray offers a 1080p transfer and DTS MA soundtrack.

Also New From E One

Missy Peregrym returns as one of several young cops in ROOKIE BLUE: Season 2 (550 mins., 2011), the Canadian-lensed police procedural co-starring Gregory Smith, Enuka Okuma, Travis Milne, Eric Johnson, Charlotte Sullivan and Ben Bass. Airing domestically on ABC, “Rookie Blue” is about to start its third season, but newcomers and fans can get caught up with E One’s Season 2 Blu-Ray set, sporting 1080p transfers, DTS MA soundtracks, and seven behind-the-scenes featurettes with cast and crew interviews...Ray Romano hits the road with friend Tom Caltabiano in 95 MILES TO GO (79 mins., R), an off-the-cuff documentary about Romano’s early days touring the USA as shot by a young USC student named Roger Lay. VSC’s DVD includes over two hours of extras including a pair of Q&A sessions, two commentaries, a half-hour of Romano’s KC stand-up comedy special, a photo gallery and deleted/extended scenes...CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE (89 mins., 2011, PG) is a highly enjoyable documentary from producer-director Dori Berinstein, celebrating the life of the 90-year-old icon with copious celebrity interviews and revealing footage. 15 bonus featurettes will also be sure to please Channing devotees...WORRIED ABOUT GEORGE ( 91 mins., 2010), meanwhile, will appeal to Boy George aficionados in its biopic profile of the Culture Club singer and ‘80s icon, as portrayed here by Douglas Booth. E One’s DVD sports a 16:9 transfer, 2.0 soundtrack and a behind-the-scenes featurette offering comments from Booth and director Julian Jarrold.

NEXT TIME: 42ND STREET FOREVER in HD and (finally) Mill Creek's latest Buena Vista catalog Blu-Rays! Until then, don't forget to drop in on the official Aisle Seat Message Boards and direct any emails to our email address. Cheers everyone!