October 2001
PICKS OF THE WEEK
TREMORS 3: BACK TO PERFECTION (Universal)
Starring Michael Gross, Charlotte Stewart,
Shawn Christian, Susan Chuang, Ariana Richards, Robert Jayne, Tony Genaro
Gross returns as military expert/survivalist Burt Gummar in this second sequel
to the hugely popular "Tremors" films. As with the first two films,
"Tremors 3" is loaded with tongue-in-cheek action, cool special
effects and Gross himself, whose performance as Gummar is a highlight of all
three Tremors films. Rated PG; 104m. Also available on DVD
featuring:
Widescreen presentation;
Interviews;
Spotlight on Location;
Trailers;
Production notes;
Cast & Filmmaker Bios;
Film Highlights
$26.98
Also new this week
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (MCA)
Starring Rachel Weisz, Susan Lynch
A pair of women with terrible taste in men accidentally murder one of them and
hatch a ransom scheme in order to cash in on the death. DVD
features include:
Cast and filmmaker bios;
Production notes;
Trailer;
Widescreen
For more information, please visit http://www.beautiful-creatures.com.
THE BEST OF I LOVE LUCY
(Paramount)
Ten of the most popular "I Love
Lucy" episodes, as determined by voters in an Internet poll - are released
in this two-pack set which also contains the American Master's program,
"Finding Lucy," an insightful documentary about Lucy and the
ever-popular series. Episodes include:
Volume 1:
Lucy Does a TV Commercial
Lucy's Italian Movie
Lucy Does the Tango
The Freezer
Harpo Marx
Volume 2:
Job Switching
L.A. At Last!
Lucy is Enceinte
The Ballet
Ethel's Home Town
Each volume is priced at $12.95 each; the two-pack is priced at $25.90.
CANCER WARRIOR (WGBH Boston)
A new medical documentary from the NOVA
series, this film studies Dr. Judah Folkman's 40-year quest in the battle
against cancer. His work led to the development of Endostatin, a new drug
currently being trialed that may revolutionize cancer treatment. 60m. $19.95.
For more information, please visit http://www.wgbh.org.
A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE ... FROM A
BOOK CALLED WISELY'S TALES (Columbia/Tri-Star)
Starring the voices of Dean Cain, Tiffani-Amber Theissen, Joey Lawrence
A completely CGI-animated film about the true story of Christmas as told by
great storyteller Wisely Owl. Rated G; 50m.
DEAD SEXY (Columbia/Tri-Star)
Starring Shannon Tweed, John Enos, Kenneth
White, Mary Shannon
Former Playboy Playmate of the Year Tweed (who some say the title of this film
describes perfectly) stars as detective Kate McBain, who is assigned to find a
serial killer responsible for the murder of four high-class hookers in L.A. Also
available on DVD featuring:
Special Unrated version;
Digitally mastered audio and anamorphic video;
Full screen;
Filmographies;
Interactive Menus;
Scene Selections
$29.95
DVD TITLES (Columbia/Tri-Star)
The following film is
released to the DVD format:
3 NINJAS: HIGH NOON AT MEGA MOUNTAIN starring Victor Wong, Loni Anderson, Hulk
Hogan and Jim Varney, featuring:
Digitally mastered audio and anamorphic video;
Widescreen and full screen presentation;
Bonus Trailers;
Interactive Menus;
DVD-ROM game: "You are a Ninja!"
Filmographies
$19.95
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 30th
Anniversary Edition (MGM)
Starring Topol
A spectacular special edition DVD of the classic musical. Included are:
A never-before-seen song called "Any Day Now," written for the film
but deleted, sung by Paul Michael Glaser;
A Norman Jewsion filmmaker documentary with a new video introduction by Jewison;
Jewison reading the stories of Sholom Aleichem;
A historical photo gallery;
Audio commentary by Jewison and Topol;
Storyboards;
Collectible booklet;
The 1979 re-release theatrical trailer;
Tevye's dream sequence in full color for the first time with an introduction by
Jewison.
$19.98
HEARTBREAKERS (MGM)
Starring Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love
Hewitt, Gene Hackman, Ray Liotta, Jason Lee
Weaver and Hewitt star as a mother and daughter con team who move in to take
millionaire Gene Hackman's fortune. Also available on DVD
featuring:
Two original documentaries;
22 deleted scenes with optional commentary by director David Mirkin, Weaver and
Hewitt;
Widescreen;
Trailer;
Cast and crew interviews;
$26.98
MOVIE TIME COLLECTION (MGM)
The following films are
released on DVD at $14.95 each:
NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER starring Sally Field;
BRANNIGAN starring John Wayne;
CLAMBAKE starring Elvis Presley;
COLORS starring Sean Penn and Robert Duvall;
AMERICAN NINJA starring Michael Dudikoff;
HEART OF DIXIE starring Ally Sheedy, Phoebe Cates;
KANSAS starring Matt Dillon;
MAKING THE GRADE starring Judd Nelson;
RUNNING SCARED starring Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal;
SHE-DEVIL starring Meryl Streep and Roseanne Barr;
PRANCER starring Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman
THE MUMMY RETURNS (Universal)
Starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, Arnold
Vosloo, The Rock
Another special effects-laden adventure extravaganza from writer/director
Stephen Somers. This one's easy: If you liked the first film, you'll definitely
like the second. It's "Indiana Jones" with monsters. Very
entertaining. DVD features include:
Widescreen presentation or full frame presentation;
Interview with the Rock;
Spotlight on Location;
Mummy featurette;
Interactive special effects formation from conceptual stage through the end of
the film;
Feature commentary with the director and editor;
Outtakes;
Egyptology 201;
Chamber of Doom Virtual Tour;
Unlock the Secrets of the Scorpion King;
Trailers;
Live music video;
Soundtrack Spot;
Game trailer;
Production notes;
Cast and filmmaker bios;
DVD-ROM features
$26.98
RE-PRICED TITLES
(Columbia/Tri-Star)
The following films are re-priced to $9.95
each:
HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM?
DROWNING MONA
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
CRAZY IN ALABAMA
The following films are re-priced
as listed:
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON $19.96
ANATOMY, $14.95
RE-PRICED TITLES (MCA)
The following title is re-priced to
sell-through:
SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe, $14.98
SOUL CINEMA COLLECTION (MGM)
The following films are
released to DVD at $14.95 each:
CORNBREAD EARL AND ME starring Laurence Fishburne;
ACROSS 100TH STREET
BUCKTOWN
FIVE ON THE BLACK HAND SIDE
HELL UP IN HARLEM starring Fred Williamson
THE TERMINATOR (MGM)
Starring Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton
The classic sci-fi film starring Schwarzenegger as a killing machine from the
future is re-released in this special edition that includes:
An all-new digital master from a high-definition transfer
A brand new 5.1 stereo mix supervised by original composer Brad Fiedel
Newly discovered deleted scenes with audio commentary by director James Cameron;
A new documentary including interviews with Cameron, actor Michael Biehn and
producer Gale Anne Hurd;
Retrospective interviews with Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton;
DVD-ROM script-to-screen
Original Mono soundtrack;
Widescreen presentation;
$24.98
WHITE RIVER (Columbia/Tri-Star)
Starring Bob Hoskins, Antonio Banderas, Ellen
Barkin
Based on the book "The Little Brothers of St. Mortimer" by John Fergus
Ryan, this film stars Hoskins as a con man and Banderas as his adopted sidekick.
Rated R; 99m. Also available on DVD featuring:
Widescreen and fullscreen;
2-Channel Dolby Surround; 5.1 Dolby Digital
$24.95
YOGA FUSION (Aritsan)
Two titles focusing on the latest in fitness
workouts - a combination of Hatha yoga and a blend of other disciplines
including Pilates, qi gong, dance and sculpting. Titles include "Yoga
Fusion Power" starring Teigh McDonough and "Yoga Fusion, Strength and
Sculpt" starring Kim Haegele. A fascinating and fresh workout experience.
48m each; $14.98.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
THE GODFATHER DVD COLLECTION (Paramount)
The three Godfather films are
finally released to DVD in this spectacular 4-disc collection that includes:
THE GODFATHER starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall,
Diane Keaton and Talia Shire featuring audio commentary by Francis Ford Coppola;
174m.
THE GODFATHER PART II starring Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Robert DeNiro, Diane
Keaton, Talia Shire and Lee Strasberg. Features audio commentary by Francis Ford
Coppola. 200m.
THE GODFATHER PART III starring Al Pacino, Andy Garcia, Diane Keaton, Talia
Shire and Sofia Coppola featuring audio commentary by Francis Ford Coppola.
170m.
All of the above three films included enhanced widescreen, Dolby Digital,
English 5.1 Surround, French Mono, English subtitles, Closed-captioning.
THE GODFATHER BONUS MATERIALS featuring:
Over three hours of bonus features including:
A documentary on the making of the films
Additional scenes
Cast Rehearsals
Cinematography of "The Godfather"
Filming Locations Featurette - Never Before Seen
Storyboard - Never Before Seen
The Music of the Godfather - Never Before Seen
The Corleone Family Tree - Never Before Seen
The Godfather Historical Timeline
Also new this week
AQUARIA: THE COMPLETE AQUARIUM COLLECTION
(DVD International)
An updated version of
the best-selling program - that features hours of exotic fish in aquariums - is
re-released at $8.99 each, now featuring enhanced DTS. Five titles are available
individually: "The Natural Aquarium," "The Freshwater
Aquarium," "The Exotic Aquarium," "The Coral Reef
Aquarium," and "The Classic Aquarium." In addition, the entire
collection is available at $24.99.
BARBIE IN THE NUTCRACKER (Artisan)
Mattel's most popular star, Barbie, stars in
this direct-to-video, 75-minute stop-motion/computer animated video.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: JOURNEY OF MAN
(Columbia/Tri-Star)
The first film from the acclaimed Cirque du
Soleil circus troupe, in which they interpret the birth of the Universal Child
as it travels from childhood through adolescence and manhood on to maturity, is
released to VHS ($19.95) and DVD ($24.95).
DARIO ARGENTO TITLES (Anchor Bay)
The following films by
acclaimed horror director Dario Argento are released:
SUSPIRIA, in a special 3-disc that includes:
Disc 1: Theatrical Trailers, TV and radio spots; the Daemonia music video; still
gallery; talent bios;
Disc 2: the Suspiria 25th anniversary documentary featuring Argento and
co-writer Daria Nicolodi, cinematographer Luciano Tovoli and the band Goblin;
Disc 3: the original Goblin soundtrack
Also included are a collection of 9 original lobby cards
Only 60,000 copies will be pressed
$44.98
OPERA, a loose adaptation of Lerox's "The Phantom of the Opera"
2-DVDs; $24.98
Both are also available on VHS
DEAD SIMPLE (Artisan)
Starring Daniel Stern, James Caan, Patricia
Richardson
A hotel owner, with dreams of becoming a country western star, gets more
material than he could ever dream of when a popular singer enters his life - as
well as murder and deceit. One of those quirky, gritty little films that you
can't take your eyes off with a terrific cast. Rated R; 98m. Also
available on DVD featuring:
Audio commentary with director Jason Bloom and Stern;
Behind the scenes interviews;
Director and cast biographies;
Widescreen presentation;
Dolby Digital;
Digital mastering;
Trailer gallery
DVD TITLES (Columbia/Tri-Star)
The following films are
released on DVD:
GOLDWYN, the true story of legendary Hollywood
mogul, Sam Goldwyn. DVD features include:
Digitally Mastered audio and anamorphic video;
Bonus trailers
Filmographies
Interactive Menus
Scene Selections
Widescreen and fullscreen
Also available on VHS
PLACES IN THE HEART starring Sally Field, Lindsay
Crouse, John Malkovich, Ed Harris, Danny Glover, Amy Madigan. DVD features
include:
Digitally mastered audio and anamorphic video
Theatrical Trailers
Production Notes
Scene Selections
Widescreen and full screen
Also available on VHS
KENNEDY (DVD International)
Starring Martin Sheen,
Blair Brown, John Shea, E.G. Marshall, Vincent Gardenia, Geraldine Fitzgerald
Martin Sheen, star of TV's "The West Wing," stars in this five-hour
mini-series as John F. Kennedy. DVD features include:
Documentary footage of the Kennedy Presidency, courtesy of the John F. Kennedy
Library, Boston
"One Week in October" a 30-minute film produced by the Department of
Defense, which chronicles the events taking place during the Cuban Missile
Crisis;
"The Last Two Days" A 19-minute film depicting Kennedy's trip to
Dallas;
"The Inaugural Address"
"One Day In Berlin," featuring excerpts from JFK's Berlin Wall Speech.
$49.95
MANIAC (Anchor Bay)
Starring Joe Spinnell
The cult favorite, in which acclaimed character actor Spinnell stars as a serial
killer, returns to DVD in several DVD editions including:
Standard DVD featuring:
Audio commentary by Co-producer/director William Lustig, make-up effects artist
Tom Savini, Editor Lorenze Marinelli and Spinell's assistant, Luke Walter;
A new documentary: The Joe Spinell Story
Theatrical Trailers
Radio Spots
Talent Bios
Poster / Still Gallery
TV spots
Gallery of Outrage
Radio Interview with Lustig, Spinell and Caroline Munro
Dolby 6.1 DTS tracks
$24.98.
Limited Edition DVD:
All of the above features, plus:
Comes in Limited Edition tin
Includes a second disc; the film's soundtrack, on a CD shaped like Spinell's
head
$39.98
ONE NIGHT AT McCOOL'S (USA Home
Entertainment)
Starring Liv Tyler, Matt Dillon, John
Goodman, Paul Reiser, Michael Douglas
Three men and a woman named Jewel find themselves enmeshed in murder, lust,
mayhem and ... bingo. Rated R; 93m. DVD features include:
Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots
Behind-The-Scenes: Director's "Making of McCool's"
Very First Cast Read-Through
Wardrobe, Hair & Make-Up Tests
Shot-by-Shot: Storyboards to Finished Film
Where Did We Shoot That (Maps and Locations)
Deleted Scenes
$24.95
SCOOBY-DOO AND THE CYBER CHASE (WHV)
The legendary pooch and his sleuth friends
return in this all-new feature-length movie. $19.96. Also
available on DVD at $24.98.
SELL-THROUGH TITLES (Paramount)
WHAT WOMEN WANT starring Mel Gibson and Helen
Hunt re-priced to $14.95 VHS, $29.99 DVD.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Disney)
The classic Disney film
finally comes to DVD.
THE SUPERBIT DVD COLLECTION
(Columbia/Tri-Star)
Columbia/Tri-Star
releases the first in its "Superbit Collection" which utilize a high
bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a
choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Says Benjamin S. Feingold,
President of Columbia/Tri-Star Home Entertainment, "The Superbit Collection
will set a new benchmark in audio and video quality for the DVD format. This new
process was developed by our outstanding group of engineers and technicians at
the Sony Digital Studios and was designed to give consumers a choice between the
highest quality audio and video transfer at a competitive price versus our
standard, rich package of value added features. Standard DVDs are like fully
loaded luxury automobiles. In contrast, Superbit DVDs are like Formula One race
cars - built for pure performance." Initial titles include:
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON
JOHNNY MNEMONIC
THE FIFTH ELEMENT
AIR FORCE ONE
DESPERADO
Each title is priced at $27.96.
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (Columbia/Tri-Star)
Starring Carol Kane, Charles
Durning, Colleen Dewhurst
The 1979 horror film, with one of the scariest openings and endings in film
history, comes to DVD. DVD features include:
Digitally mastered audio and anamorphic video
Bonus Trailers
Interactive Menus
Scene Selections
Widescreen and fullscreen presentation;
$19.95
PICKS OF THE WEEK
STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE (Fox)
Starring Liam Neeson, Samuel
L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Terence Stamp
The first episode in the phenomenally popular Star Wars series becomes the first
Star Wars film to be released to DVD. This double-disc set features six hours of
extra material, including the following:
Audio commentary with Star Wars creator George Lucas;
Interviews with filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola, Philip Kaufman, Walter Murch,
more
Seven uncompleted scenes, deleted from the original film, fully produced here at
the cost of millions of dollars;
Original Theatrical Trailers
TV spots
12-part Internet documentary series
Five featurettes regarding looks at storyline, design, costumes, visual effects
and fight scenes.
$29.98
Also new this week
CHOICES (Hypnotize/Loud)
Starring Three 6 Mafia
Written by platinum recording group Three 6 Mafia, this film is about an ex-con
and the choices he makes in trying to get on the right track. Features new music
by the group. Also available on DVD.
CIVIL WAR MINUTES (Inecom)
A unique series that focuses on the common
soldier and his experiences during the Civil War. What sets this series apart is
its use of actual letters, poems, photographs and even songs from the era,
recreated by experts and Civil War buffs in full, authentic regalia. The entire
series spans four VHS or DVDs each of which
contains two complete episodes which run about 45 minutes each. Interestingly,
each episode is broken up into five or six segments each of which runs 4 - 8
minutes (which is much easier accessed through DVD).
For a unique perspective on the Civil War, "Civil War Minutes" is a
must-see. For more information, please visit http://www.civilwarminutes.com
or call 1-877-201-7040 to order.
HOLIDAY 2001 CHRISTMAS DOUBLE PACKS (Fox)
The following "two-packs" are
released for the gift-giving seasons at $16.98 each:
VHS:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL/MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (remake)
ANASTASIA/BARTOK
A CHRISTMAS CAROL starring Tim Curry/JINGLE ALL THE WAY
HOME ALONE
HOME ALONE 2
INDEPENDENCE DAY/X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE/MIRACLE ON 3RTH STREET
JEWEL OF THE NILE/ROMANCING THE STONE
POWER RANGERS IN 3-D/POWER RANGERS HOLIDAY SPECIAL
SANDLOT/ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
THE BIBLE/THE ROBE
DVD $34.98
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (live action)/IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
HOME ALONE/HOME ALONE 2
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET / JINGLE ALL THE WAY
OFFICE SPACE / WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP
SPEED / SPEED 2
HOLIDAY 2001 CHRISTMAS PROMOTION (Fox)
The following titles are released for the
holiday season:
BARTOK THE MAGNIFICENT; DVD: $27.98; VHS: $11.98
THE BIBLE; DVD: $19.98/VHS: $9.98
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (animated); VHS: $9.98
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (live action): VHS: $9.98; DVD: $19.98
THE CHRISTMAS CAROL COAL MINE MIRACLE VHS: $9.98
CHRISTOPHER THE CHRISTMAS TREE $9.98
DR. DOLITTLE (1967); $19.98
MRS. DOUBTFIRE DVD: $29.98
FIGHT CLUB: SPECIAL EDITION DVD: $26.98
HOME ALONE DVD: $19.98 / VHS: $9.98
HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK DVD: $19.98 / VHS:
$9.98
HOME ALONE 3 DVD: $19.98 / VHS: $9.98
INDEPENDENCE DAY: FIVE STAR COLLECTION; $26.98
JINGLE ALL THE WAY DVD: $19.98/ VHS: $9.98
MICHAEL JORDAN TO THE MAX; DVD: $27.98/ VHS: $9.98
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947); DVD: $19.98 / VHS:
$9.98
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994); DVD: $19.98 / VHS:
$11.98
THE NATIVITY VHS: $9.98
OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER; VHS $14.98
POWER RANGERS: HOLIDAY SPECIAL VHS: $9.98
THE ROBE VHS: $9.98 / DVD:$19.98
THE SIMPSONS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL VHS:$9.98
THE SOUND OF MUSIC DVD: $26.98/ VHS: $14.98
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN VHS: $9.98
TITAN A.E. VHS: $9.98 / DVD: $22.98
TOYS DVD: $19.98 / VHS: $9.98
X-MEN SPECIAL EDITION; DVD: $19.98 / VHS: $9.98
HOLIDAY 2001 GIFT PACKS
The following box sets are released in time
for gift-giving, available on VHS and DVD:
ALIEN LEGACY featuring ALIEN, ALIENS SPECIAL EDITION, ALIEN 3, ALIEN
RESURRECTION DVD: $79.98/VHS: $49.98.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER GIFT SET featuring THE TERMINATOR; TERMINATOR 2; TOTAL
RECALL; TRUE LIES; PREDATOR. DVD: $69.98 / VHS:
$59.98
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN GIFT SET featuring Carousel; Oklahoma; South Pacific;
State Fair; The King and I; The Sound of Music. DVD:
$119.98 / VHS: $64.98
HOME ALONE GIFT SET featuring Home Alone; Home Alone 2; Home Alone 3. DVD:
$49.98 / VHS: $24.98
BRUCE LEE GIFT SET featuring The Chinese Connection; Fists of Fury; Game of
Death; Return of the Dragon. DVD:$79.98 / VHS:
$39.98.
WORLD WAR II GIFT SET featuring The Longest Day; Patton; Tora! Tora! Tora!; The
Thin Red Line. DVD: $79.98
X-FILES SEASON 1 GIFT SET featuring all 24 first season episodes; DVD:
$149.98
X-FILES SEASON 2 GIFT SET featuring every episode from the second season: DVD:
$149.98
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER GIFT SET featuring three volumes from the hit TV show:
VHS: $39.98
MARVEL'S GREATEST AVENGERS SET featuring Captain America, Sub-Mariner, Iron Man.
VHS: $24.98
MARVEL'S MIGHTIEST SUPER HEROES SET featuring the Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man,
Mighty Thor. $24.98
POWER RANGERS GIFT SET featuring Lost Galaxy, The Return of the Magna Defender,
Lightspeed Rescue. $29.98
DIGIMON GIFT SET featuring three volumes from the popular program. VHS: $29.98.
OUT OF THE COLD (First Look)
Starring Keith Carradine, Mercedes Ruehl, Mia
Kirshner, Brian Dennehy, Bronson Pinchot, Kim Hunter, Judd Hirsch
The story of a fading Broadway star whose cabaret show becomes enmeshed in World
War II and a heartbreaking romance. Rated R; 111m. Also
available on DVD.
THE PERSONALS (First Run Features)
Director Chen Kuo-fu's acclaimed examination
of modern day matchmaking and looking for love. 104m, in Mandarin with English
subtitles. Also available on DVD. VHS: $79.95; DVD:
$29.95
SOULKEEPER (First Look)
Starring Robert Davi, Michael Ironside,
Rodney Rowland, Kevin Patrick Walls
Two smalltime thieves find themselves working for an unusual man who wants them
to steal a rare artifact. Little do they know that this artifact is capable of
releasing a demon with plans to conquer the world. Surprisingly amusing, cheap-o
horror film with a smart-aleck script that surpasses its low-budget special
effects and sometimes slow direction. 106m; Rated R. Also available in an
unrated director's cut. Also available on DVD featuring:
5.1 Digital Surround Sound
Spanish Subtitle option
Behind the scenes footage
Widescreen
Closed-captioning
Story legend
Trailer
TALES FROM EUROPE (First Run)
A collection of tales from such legendary
authors as the Brothers Grimm and more. Produced in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Titles
include:
THE GOLDEN GOOSE
THE STORY OF LITTLE MOOK
THE SINGING RINGING TREE
THE DEVIL'S THREE GOLDEN HAIRS
Each is priced at $14.95 VHS, $19.95 DVD.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL (Columbia/TriStar)
Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
The classic comedy from the beloved troupe, Monty Python, is finally released to
DVD in this 2-disc, special edition that contains over 90-minutes of bonus
footage. DVD features include (this is direct from the press release):
Disc 1:
High definition widescreen presentation with pink frilly edges;
Soundtrack in glorious 5.1 Dolby Digital;
Subtitles in English, French and Spanish;
Subtitles for People Who Don't Like the Film (taken from Shakespeare's
"Henry IV: Part II");
On-screen screenplay: Read the screenplay while you watch the film;
Enlightening comments by Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones, plus general
complaints and back-biting by John Cleese, Eric Idle & Michael Palin;
Extraordinary animated menus with very loud stereo sound;
Fascinating Scene Selection feature: all-moving, all-singing, all-tax-avoidance;
Exciting "Follow the Killer Rabbit" feature;
A special version for the hard of hearing;
A glorious extra 24 seconds, absolutely free!
Second Hand mono soundtrack in glorious old-fashioned mono.
Disc 2:
Three Mindless singalongs;
Join Michael Palin and Terry Jones in their special documentary, "The Quest
for the Holy Grail Locations" in which they re-visit the actual filming
locations 25 years later.
"How to Use Your Coconuts" educational film;
"Monty Python & the Holy Grail" in Japanese (with English
subtitles);
"On Locations with the Pythons" genuine 18-minute on-location report
made in 1974 by BBC Film Night.
An Interactive Cast Directory - discover just how many roles Michael Palin
plays;
Tons of Terry Gilliam's original sketches plus posters;
Behind-the-scenes photos, hitherto unseen by human eyes!
A Load of Old Rubbish: A surprise package of mystery items specially included
for the mentally challenged;
Unused Locations! How the directors' recce used up the budget.
Unused ideas!
Trailers
Weblinks for real nerds.
$29.95
Also available on VHS for $14.95.
ON THE WATERFRONT
(Columbia/TriStar)
Starring Marlon Brando, Eva
Marie Saint
The classic film from director Elia Kazan comes to DVD in this special edition
featuring:
Audio commentary by Film Critic/Writer Richard Schickel and Elia Kazan
biographer Jeff Young;
Exclusive featurette: "Contender: Mastering the Method";
Elia Kazan interview;
Vintage Photo Gallery;
Trailers;
Talent Files;
Digitally mastered audio
Full Screen presentation;
Production notes;
Animated Menus;
Scene SelectionsAlso
available on VHS at $14.95.
Also new this week
BARAKA (MPI)
Filmed in over 24 countries
on six different continents, this film is set to life-affirming rhythms of
varied religious rituals and is described as a "visualization of the
interconnectedness humans share with the Earth." This edition has been
totally remastered and is presented in the widescreen format.
DVD features include:
Widescreen anamorphic presentation;
Completely new 70mm Film Transfer;
5.1 Surround;
Digitally Remastered Audio;
Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
$19.98
BARNEY'S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(HIT)
The world's most popular purple dinosaur
celebrates Christmas in this VHS and DVD release. DVD features include four free
CD-ROM games. VHS: $14.95; DVD: $24.99.
THE BEASTMASTER (Anchor Bay)
Starring Marc Singer, John
Amos, Rip Torn, Tanya Roberts
The cult classic, which was really a precursor to such hits as
"Hercules" and "Xena," finally comes to DVD for the first
time. DVD features include:
Widescreen;
Bonus 16-page booklet of original, rarely seen preproduction sketches;
Liner notes;
Trailers;
Still galleries;
Talent bios;
Behind-the-scene footage;
Audio commentary by co-writer/director Don Coscarelli and co-writer Paul
Pepperman.
$19.98
Also available on VHS at $9.99.
BOB THE BUILDER: BOB'S WHITE
CHRISTMAS (HIT)
The popular children's show offers this
45-minute video featuring three seasonal stores and two bonus episodes. $14.99
CHRISTINA'S HOUSE (MGM)
Starring Brendan Fehr, Brad Rowe, Allison
Lange, John Savage
A mysterious murder takes place at the home of a young woman. Rated R. Also
available on DVD featuring:
Widescreen and pan-and-scan presentation;
5.1 stereo surround sound
EVOLUTION (WGBH Boston)
The acclaimed television series comes to
homevideo in this eight hour set. The series explores the strangely
controversial topic of "Evolution." Titles include: "Darwin's
Dangerous Idea," "Great Transformations," "Extinction!"
"The Evolutionary Arms Race," "Why Sex?" "The Mind's
Big Bang," "What about God?" $99.95. To order, please call
1-800-949-8670.
FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN
(Columbia/TriStar)
The CGI-animated sci-fi film
comes to DVD in this special edition 2-disc set featuring:
Disc 1:
Two feature-length commentaries (one with the film's co-director, the sequence
supervisor, set and props lead artist and "Phantom" supervisor; the
second with animation director, editor and staging director);
Isolated score with commentary by composer Eliot Goldenthal;
Storyboard/Playblast selects of the film with optional filmmaker commentary or
subtitles factoids;
Trailers;
Interactive animated menus;
Scene selections with motion images:
Production notes;
Disc 2:
Original interactive documentary;
Multiple workshops including: in-depth character files; three vehicle scale
comparisons; two face wraps; character morphs; composting builds; matte art
exploration; sets and props;
Final Fantasy shuffler - allowing the viewer to re-edit a scene from the film;
Animated menus
DVD-ROM features
$29.95. Also available
on VHS.
FREDDY GOT FINGERED (Fox)
Starring Tom Green, Rip Torn, Harland
Williams, Anthony Michael Hall
A struggling cartoonist fails at his dream and must move back in with his
parents. Tom Green is responsible for this cinematic atrocity: An over-the-top
mess that's as far from funny as Earth is from Pluto. Still, his fans and
youngsters who don't know any better may eat it up. DVD
features include:
English Dolby 5.1
English Dolby Surround
Widescreen
Audio commentary by Green (maybe he explains some of this crap?)
Three-minute PG version;
"The World Premiere" audience laugh track
MTV "Making Of" featurette
Behind-the-scene featurette
Tom Green interview
Eight deleted scenes (why'd they stop at 8?)
Television spots
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (Columbia/TriStar)
Starring Frank Sinatra, Donna
Reed, Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr
The classic film by director Fred Zinemann is released to DVD featuring:
Audio commentary by Zinneman's son, Tim and Alvin Sargeant, longtime friend and
featured player in the film;
Exclusive featurette: The Making of From Here to Eternity;
Excerpt from Fred Zinnemann "As I See It"
Trailers
Talent Files
Digitally mastered audio
Animated Menus
Production Notes
Scene Selections
Also available on VHS.
THE HONEYMOONERS, LOST EPISODES
VOLUME 5 & VOLUME 6 (MPI)
Two more volumes of the
ever-popular and ever-green series starring Jackie Gleason are released to DVD.
Included are:
Volume 5: "The Next Champ," (1954), "Expectant Father (1956),
plus bonus feature: "The Honeymooner's Greatest Battles."
Volume 6: "Move Uptown" (1954), "Lucky Number" (1953) plus
bonus feature "The History of the Lost Episodes - The First Season."
$14.98 each. For more information, please visit http://ww.mpihomevideo.com.
JABBERWOCKY (Columbia/TriStar)
Starring Michael Palin
Terry Gilliam's film about a young man who must defeat an evil monster named
"Jabberwock." DVD features include:
Audio commentary by Gilliam and Palin;
Sketch to Screen Comparisons;
Poster Gallery;
Photo Gallery;
Theatrical Trailer;
Digital mastering;
Interactive menus;
Scene selection
Also available on VHS.
JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES (Columbia/TriStar)
Two collections from the popular Saturday
morning cartoon are released on VHS. Each features two episodes from the
program. Also available is a DVD featuring "The
Search for the Talismans," featuring 3 episodes. VHS: $12.95; DVD:
$19.95.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK
GREENBERG (Fox)
A tribute to baseball's first Jewish star,
Hank Greenberg, who came close to beating Babe Ruth's homerun record during
World War II. This film includes archival footage from the 1930s and 1940s as
well as interviews with Greenberg, his teammates, actor Walter Matthau, Alan
Dershowitz, Congressman Sander Levin, Senator Carl Levin, Maury Povich, Dick
Schaap and more. Also included is Mandy Patinkin's rendition of "Take Me
Out to the Ball Game" in Yiddish. Also available on
DVD featuring:
Audio commentary by director Aviva Kempner
Yiddish subtitles
Trailer
Outtake interviews
A comprehensive Hank Greenberg biography and baseball stats;
A still photo gallery
NEW ORDER: CRYSTAL (Warner
Reprise)
The first DVD from the popular band is
released. Included hereon are to videos from the band's new album:
"Crystal" directed by Johan Renck and "Crystal (The Special
Circumstance Mix" directed by Gina Birch with Simon Tsyzko. $9.95; 9m.
ONE NIGHT AT McCOOL'S (USA)
Starring Liv Tyler, Matt Dillon, John
Goodman, Paul Reiser
Silly comedy about a sexy woman whose female charms lead to a number of
interesting encounters with a group of men - a cop, a bartender, a lawyer, and a
hitman. Spottily funny at best but still worth a look, if just for Douglas's
comedic performance. Also available on DVD featuring:
Trailers
TV Spots
Behind-the-Scenes
Very First Cast Read-Through
Wardrobe, Hair and Make-Up Tests
Shot-By-Shot: Storyboards to Finished Film
"Where Did We Shoot That" feature
Deleted Scenes
Music Videos by a-ha and Joan Osborne
Rated R; 93m.
RE-PRICED TITLES (Columbia/TriStar)
VERTICAL LIMIT starring Chris O'Donnell and Robin Tunney is re-priced to
$14.95, VHS.
THE SUBSTITUTE FILM SERIES
(Artisan)
All four films from the popular series are
released in this collection, each repriced at $14.98 DVD
and $9.98 VHS. Titles include:
THE SUBSTITUTE starring Tom Berenger;
THE SUBSTITUTE 2: SCHOOL'S OUT starring Treat Williams
THE SUBSTITUTE 3: WINNER TAKES ALL starring Treat Williams;
THE SUBSTITUTE 4: FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION starring Treat Williams
THE WIGGLES: YULE BE WIGGLING
(HIT)
The popular Wiggles star in this song-filled
video featuring 50 minutes of holiday antics. $14.95.
New this week
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER TITLES (Universal)
The following films featuring
the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber are released to DVD:
CATS ULTIMATE EDITION featuring:
Interviews with Weber, stage director Trevor Nunn, choreographer Gillian Lynne,
set designer John Napier, producers Cameron Mackintosh and Gerry Sheonfeld;
A discussion with makeup designer Karen Dawson;
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S ROYAL ALBERT HALL CELEBRATION starring Donny Osmond, Glenn
Close, Antonio Banderas, Sarah Brightman.
AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC (Palm
Pictures)
A companion piece to the PBS series of the
same name, featuring artists such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Jimmie Rodgers, Muddy
Waters, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams and many, many more. Available on VHS or
DVD. Also available is a 4-CD set.
THE ANIMAL (Columbia/Tri-Star)
Starring Rob Schneider, Guy Torry, Colleen
Haskell, John C. McGinley, Edward Asner
Okay, this film ain't gonna win no Oscars, but it's got enough humor, both crude
and not, to make it worth a watch one evening. Schneider (who's better in these
kinds of films than Adam Sandler for my money) stars as a man who, after a
horrible automobile accident, is put back together with various animal parts
with ... shall we say, awkward ... results. The cast is terrific, from the
always-trustworthy McGinley to "Survivor's" Haskell - who's no Meryl
Streep but manages to hold her own. Rated PG-13; 83m; DVD
features include:
Widescreen;
Dobly 5.1 and 2-Channel
Deleted scenes with intros by Schneider;
What's in Marvin Set-to Game;
Trailers;
Filmographies;
Interactive Menus;
Production notes;
Scene Selections
$27.95
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TITLES
(Columbia/TriStar)
The following titles form the extremely
popular, and amazing, circus troupe are released on DVD ($24.95) and VHS
($19.95):
A BAROQUE ODYSSEY
SALTIMBANCO
LA NOUVELLE EXPERIENCE
LE CIRQUE REINVENTE
LA MAGIE CONTINUE
FREEZ'ER (Iron Home
Entertainment/Steeplechase Entertainment)
Starring Barnes Walker III, Carrie Walrond,
John L. Altom
A man who snapped and killed his wife tries to escape from the horror of what
he's done, but somebody ... or something won't let him. 83m. Also
available on DVD featuring:
Director commentary
Deleted Scenes
Photo Gallery
Talent Bios
Special Digital Effects
The Making of "Freez'er" feature
Soundtrack
Internet Links
RE-PRICED FEATURES (Columbia/TriStar)
The following films are
re-priced on DVD to $14.95:
ABOUT LAST NIGHT starring Rob Lowe and Demi Moore;
GUARDING TESS starring Nicolas Cage;
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU;
JAKOB THE LIAR starring Robin Williams
MAXIMUM RISK
THE BIG CHILL starring Kevin Kline
THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC
WHATEVER IT TAKES
The following VHS
titles are re-priced to $14.95:
BEAUTIFUL JOE starring Sharon Stone
CIRCUS
HANGMAN starring Lou Diamond Phillips
ROAD RAGE (Paramount)
Starring Casper Van Diem
SEARCH FOR A SAFE CIGARETTE (WGBH
Boston)
A NOVA investigation of the race to create
"reduced-emissions" cigarettes and what they're effects will be on the
nation's health. To order, please call 800-949-8670 or visit http://www.wgbh.org.
SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL
(Columbia/TriStar)
Starring Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder,
Kevin Spacey, Joan Severance
Two murder witnesses - one blind, the other deaf - are hunted by the killers in
this comedy starring the popular comedy team. Rated R; 102m. Also available on
DVD featuring:
2-Channel Dolby Surround;
Widescreen and fullscreen;
Trailers
$19.95.
WORLD WAR II
TITLES (Universal)
The following films are
released on DVD for the first time:
MIDWAY: COLLECTOR'S EDITION starring
Charlton Heston and Henry Fonda and featuring:
Documentary featuring new interviews with the cast and crew;
A featurette on legendary composer John Williams;
A featurette on Universal's "Sensurround" sound feature;
Production photographs and portraits;
Additional scenes exclusively shot for the Network Television version
Trailer
DVD-ROM features
$24.98
MACARTHUR starring
Gregory Peck, Ed Flanders, Dan O'Herlihy and featuring:
Trailer
Cast and filmmaker bios
Production notes