Out On Home Video - 5-13-09

OUT ON HOME VIDEO
By Lisa Miller

Earth Final Conflict: Season One
(2009)
* * (Grade C)
Created by Gene Roddenberry
Starring Kevin Kilner, Leni parker, Von Flores, Lisa Howard
Universal—Not Rated—Sci-Fi—914 mins
Prior to his 1991 death, "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry sketched out his concept for "Earth: Final Conflict" in a single paragraph. The Taelons are extraterrestrials claiming they have come to earth to share their advanced technological knowledge with mankind. As the series opens, America's Taelon representative Da'an (Leni parker), asks security officer William Boone (Kevin Kilner), to serve as his liaison. Boone overcomes his reluctance to work on behalf of another species after billionaire industrialist Jonathan Doors (David Hemblen) reveals he suspects the Taelons are not what they seem and that he seeks a link inside their operation. The series, produced on the cheap in Canada, envisions the Taelons as a humanoid-like species, but further along the evolutionary path. They are psychically linked by a hive mind, yet remain capable of independent thought. Their ulterior motives are vaguely alluded to, but Da'an is different, expressing his affinity for the human race. The series spends its dimes creating above average special effects only to squander its remaining nickels on bubblegum melodrama. Those scant episodes plumbing the dark side of alien-human relations almost redeem this Roddenberry enterprise. 5-Disc DVD set features: Season One Introduction with Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, commentary on select episodes with crew, advisors and cast. Featurettes: Earth Final Conflict Genesis: A Retrospective, The Roddenberry Philosophy, DD 2.0 Stereo English language tracks, full-screen.

Crusoe: The Complete Series
(2008)
* * (Grade C)
Created by Stephen Gallagher
Starring Philip Winchester, Tongayi Chirisa, Sam Neill, Anna Walton, Mark Dexter
Universal—Not Rated—Action—552 min
Daniel Defoe's classic "Robinson Crusoe," becomes a television swashbuckler in search of an audience. Repeatedly assailed by both treasure hunters and marauding natives, shipwrecked hero Crusoe (Philip Winchester) and his native sidekick Friday (Tongayi Chirisa), use their knowledge of the island and their cunning inventions to defeat the invaders. Each confrontation leaves Crusoe depressed due to his longing for the wife and kids back in England. Crusoe copes with his sadness through his friendship with Friday and by retreating into happy memories. Having recast the elements of this classic, NBC made the ill-advised decision to air the melodramatic swordplay in an adult time slot when the material would have found its appropriate audience with the kiddies on Saturday mornings. 3-Disc DVD features: DD 5.1 SS English language tracks, widescreen.


Fashion in Film
(2008)
* *1/2 (Grade B-)
Starring Jennifer Beals, Tyson Beckford, Amanda Bynes, Malin Akerman, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Maria Menounos, Phillip Bloch, Monique Lhuillier
Anchor Bay—Not Rated—Documentary—56 min
The big screen influences fashion and this documentary sets about proving it. From the little black dress, to dozens of other fashion trends, the entertainment industry reflects and redesigns our clothes. Magazine covers, largely choosing to feature celebs, are one indication that models play second fiddle to celebrities where setting fashion is concerned. Time and again the documentary showcases a film clip or a red carpet moment, then tracks clothing designers attempts to catch up. Fashion may not be the reason we see movies, but fashion, for better or worse, proves the influence films exert over our daily lives. DVD features: DD English language tracks, widescreen.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Special Ed., DVD or Blu-Ray
(2008)
* * * (Grade B)
Directed by David Fincher
Starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Elias Koteas, Taraji P. Henson, Jason Flemyng, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond, Elle Fanning
Paramount—Rated PG-13—Drama—165 min
The short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald is expanded into a nearly 3-hour film spectacle. The tale unfolds in flashback, from the perspective of a dying woman who has loved Benjamin Button her entire life. Button (Pitt) was born an infant-sized old man, but grew younger as he got older until finally he and Daisy (Blanchett), were approximately the same physical age. Not much happens because the film relies on its inspiring characters and high value production to carry the day. The effort can be powerful, but the film cheats viewers out of Button's final years as an old man who would have looked like a little child. The movie won Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best Visual Effects. 2-Disc DVD features: director commentary, 4-part documentary: The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button, trailers, Easter Eggs, Photo Galleries, DD 5.1 English language tracks, Subtitles French, Spanish subtitles, widescreen. 2-Disc Blu-Ray features the same plus: DTS HD Master Audio English language tracks, Easter Egg HD.

Dexter: Season Two, Blu-Ray
(2007)
* * *1/2 (Grade A-)
Starring Michael C. Hall, James Remar, Julie Benz, Keith Carradine, Jennifer Carpenter, Erik King
Paramount—Not Rated—Drama—636 min
Dexter (Hall) is a serial killer specializing in killing other serial killers. He's also a forensic blood-splatter analyst for Miami's police force, putting himself on an inside track to identify killers and dole out his own brand of justice. This season, Dexter enters a 12-step program to please his girlfriend (Benz) who blames his unexplained disappearances on substance abuse. However, when Dexter's dumping ground for victims is discovered, he actually works the steps hoping to cure his killing addiction. Helped by a strangely compelling and dangerous female sponsor (Murray), Dexter tries coming to terms with his murderous past in a failed effort to become the regular fellow he tries appearing to be. 4-Disc Blu-Ray set features: DD 2.0 Stereo or DD 5.1 English or DD Spanish language tracks, Letterbox widescreen.

Bleak House, Blu-Ray
(2005)
* * *1/2 (Grade A-)
Directed by Justin Chadwick, Susanna White
Starring Gillian Anderson, Anna Maxwell Martin, Charles Dance, Burn Gorman
BBC Warner—Not Rated—Drama—8 hours
Paralleling the experience of reading Charles Dickens as closely as any screen adaptation can, this remarkable mini-series incorporates Alfred Hitchcock's odd camera angles, jump cuts and sharply discordant music. Mystery and drama arise out of the legal dispute over numerous unsubstantiated wills of the Jarndyce family that grind their way through 19th century English courts. At the heart of these events is plain, but radiant heroine, Esther Summerson (Anna Maxwell Martin). Esther, 19, and two of the Jarndyce wards are taken in by a middle-aged gentleman of means, John Jarndyce. A bachelor experienced in the protracted court battle, John Jarndyce watches helplessly as one of his wards becomes obsessed with winning the dispute At the same time, an unctuous barrister, Mr. Tulkinghorn (Charles Dance), threatens to expose a secret past that will ruin Lady Dedlock (Gillian Anderson). Blackmail, coercion, sickness, murder and death contribute heavy story elements, but we rest our hopes in Esther's ability to recognize the truth and respond appropriately. Blu-Ray features: Commentary, Interviews, Photo Galleries, DD 2.0 Stereo English language tracks, widescreen.

American Pie 2: Collectors Ed.
(2001)
* * (Grade C)
Directed by J. B. Rogers
Starring Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Mean Suvari, Tara Reid, Shannon Elizabeth, Natasha Lyonne
Universal—Rated R—Comedy—104 min
This sequel gross-out comedy returns the players to Lake Michigan where we last met a group of 19-year-olds hoping to lose their virginity. On vacation from college, Oz (Klein) struggles to stay faithful to his girlfriend Heather (Suvari) who is studying in Paris. Biggs returns as Jim, the geeky jock fearful he is inadequate in the sack. Several sight gags nearly justify the film, as does Sean William Scott whose barking, girl-crazed Stifler its most rewarding, unapologetic character. DVD features: commentary with Director, screenwriter Adam Herz, Behind the Scenes featurette, deleted scenes, Making Of featurette, Jason Biggs intro, Outtakes, trailers, Additional Text: Classic Quotes, DD 5.1 English language tracks, letterbox widescreen.

It Could Happen To You, Blu-Ray
(1994)
* *1/2 (Grade B-)
Directed by Andrew Bergman
Starring Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez Seymour Cassel, Isaac Hayes
Sony—Rated PG—Comedy—101 min
Nicolas Cage is the generous cop promising half his lottery ticket to a coffee shop waitress (Fonda), in lieu of a tip, should he win. When the ticket hits big he pays her, and together, they race around New York City giving money to the less fortunate. Meanwhile, the cop's wife (Perez) is figuring out how to divorce her head-in-the-clouds husband but keep all the money. It sounds reasonable, especially since her character provides practically all the laughs. Not to worry, however, in this "happy-sappy" Hollywood ending everyone's dreams comes true. Blu-Ray features: BDLive enabled, Dolby True HD 5.1 English, French or Portuguese or DD 5.1 Spanish language tracks, widescreen.

Vertigo: Collector's Ed.
(1958)
* * *1/2 (Grade A-)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Ellen Corby, Lee Patrick, Henry Jones, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
Universal—Rated PG—Thriller—129 min
Hitchcock's 1958 classic is beautifully restored and features the inimitable Jimmy Stewart as Scottie Ferguson, an acrophobic ex-police detective. Coming to the aid of a friend, Scottie trails the man's wife Madeleine (Kim Novak), a delusional, possibly suicidal beauty. Scottie falls hard for her, but his vertigo renders him unable to save Madeleine from falling to her death. Months later, evidence surfaces suggesting Scottie's been duped, and the detective risks everything to learn the truth. Hitchcock's exciting camera work is enhanced by Bernard Herrmann's intense score and a picturesque old San Francisco that dwarfs young Novak's beauty. DVD features: restoration team commentary, Alternate Ending: Hitchcock's Foreign Censorship, film highlights, Production Interviews, Featurette: Obsessed with Vertigo, trailers, Text/Photo Galleries: Production Notes, cast and crew bios, DD 5.1 English language tracks, letterbox widescreen.

Rear Window: Collector's Ed.
(1954)
* * * * (Grade A)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, lma Ritter, Wendell Corey, Frank Cady, Judith Evelyn, Sara Berner, Georgine Darcy
Universal—Rated PG—Thriller—115 min
Everyman Jimmy Stewart, homebound by an injury, occupies his time spying on the suspicious man in an apartment across the courtyard. Convinced the man is a murderer, Stewart draws both his girlfriend (Grace Kelly) and nurse (Thelma Ritter) into the tense drama. Remastered and looking fine, now is the time to rediscover Hitchcock's voyeuristic masterpiece. DVD features: Featurettes: Conversation with Screenwriter John Michael Hayes, Making Of, Rerelease trailer, Text/Photo Galleries: Production Notes, cast, and crew bios, Production Stills, DD Mono 2.0 English language tracks, letterbox widescreen.
DVD-ROM Features: Script.

Frost/Nixon, DVD or Blu-Ray
(2008)
* * *1/2 (Grade A-)
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell, Toby Jones, Matthew MacFadyen, Rebecca Hall
Universal—Rated R—Drama—122 min
Recreating a spectacular confluence of circumstances, the film depicts the negotiations that led to Richard Nixon's interview series with TV journalist, David Frost. Occurring in 1977, three years after Nixon resigned the presidency, the film examines Frost's efforts to resurrect his flagging journalism career. Tired of his San Clemente solitude, Nixon had $600,000 reasons for agreeing to the scheme. While their conversations are best characterized as an extended joust, each man's appearance yielded a measure of what he hoped for. All the performances are inspired, especially from Langella, who inhabits Nixon's mannerisms and appears to have gotten inside his subject's head. DVD features: director commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes: Making-of, The Real Interview, The Nixon Library, DD 5.1 SS English, French or Spanish language tracks, widescreen. Blu-Ray features the above plus: The People and Places Behind the Story, BD-Live Download Center, U Control: Picture-In-Picture, The Nixon Chronicles, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, DTS 5.1 SS English, or Spanish language tracks, French subtitles.

Mission Impossible: Season Six
(1971)
* * * (Grade B)
Created by Bruce Geller
Starring Peter Graves, Greg Morris, Peter Lupus, Lynda Day George, Valentin de Vargas
Voice of Bob Johnson
Paramount—Not Rated—Drama—1119 min
This season Lynda Day George becomes the show's resident femme fatale, a good fit that anchors the IMF team. Season six gets down-to-business with a slightly altered format that opens each episode with the depiction of a crime. That crime is clarified in the tape recording (voiced by Johnson) that follows. The voice explains who committed the act and their motivations, then lays out the mission for IMF leader Jim Phelps (Graves). He is one of four operatives that include Greg Morris and Peter Lupus as the team's electronics expert and strong man, respectively. This season Morris becomes a central player, taking on character roles and impersonating key figures as required. Rather than focus on foreign regimes, the missions involve dismantling "the syndicate." The domestically centered format makes room for guest stars William Shatner, Tyne Daly, Tom Bosley, Joe Don Baker, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Cassidy, Bert Convy and a half dozen others. As always, "Mission Impossible" tactics favor discrediting the bad guys, rather than killing them, in order to cripple their organizations. While a few episodes are farfetched, the IMF's complex schemes generally depend on creative, but logical thinking and are well-executed. By never fully revealing the team's plan, each episode retains an all-important element of surprise. 6-disc DVD Box Set features: DD English language track, Portuguese or Spanish subtitles, full-screen.

Notorious
(2009)
* *1/2 (Grade B-)
Directed by George Tillman Jr.
Starring Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, Anthony Mackie, Jamal Woolard, Naturi Naughton, Julia Pace Mitchell, Antonique Smith, Dennis White
Fox—Rated R—Drama—129 min
The life of rapper Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G. (Woolard), is chronicled in this docu-drama released 12 years after his untimely death. Wallace's Jamaican parentage, unattractive looks, early life selling drugs in Brooklyn and rise to the top of East Coast hip-hop, occasion this revisit to the talented man and his music. But the heart of the story lies in the B.I.G.'s friendship turned sour with West Coast king, Tupac Shakur—another rapper snuffed out in his prime. The film avoids speculation regarding Wallace's unsolved murder, yet it attempts to unravel an equally ambiguous subject when examining the relationships between rappers, gangs and hip-hop fans. 2-disc DVD features: Both widescreen theatrical feature and widescreen Unrated Director's Cut, commentary with director George Tillman, Jr., cowriters Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker, editor Dirk Westervelt, co-manager/producer Wayne Barrow and Biggies, Mom/producer Voletta Wallace, 9 deleted scenes, Forced trailers, trailer Farm, featurette: Making-of, The Lyrics of Biggie Smalls, Casting the Film, Biggie Boot Camp, Anatomy of a B.I.G Performance, Party and Bullshit (Never Before Seen Footage), digital copy of film, DTS SS 5.1 English language track, French or Spanish subtitles. Blu-ray features same except: DTS SS 5.1 English language track, BD-Live music with Playlist Trivia.

Bride Wars, DVD or Blu-Ray
(2009)
*1/2 (Grade C-)
Directed by Gary Winick
Starring Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Candice Bergen, Bryan Greenberg, Kristen Johnson
Fox—Rated PG—Comedy—90 min
The Year's first chick flick makes buffoons of Hathaway and Hudson, cast as lifelong friends who fight over the only wedding date and time available at New York City's Plaza Hotel—the venue each covets. The trailer gives away the film's distasteful pranks—a bad hair-dye job and a spray-on tan gone orange. Candice Bergen, playing a stern wedding planner, does her best to ground the unfunny antics, but the notion that women are this shallow is likely to resonate only with recently divorced men. DVD features: 3 deleted scenes including an Alternate Opening, trailers, featurette: The Perfect White Dress, DD 5.1 English or DD SS French or Spanish language tracks, widescreen. 2-disc Blu-ray features: Bonus Footage: 2 Improvisations - Amanda's Wedding Speech, Liv at Tanhattan, 7 Deleted Scenes Including an Alternate Opening, featurette: Something Old, Something New and What That's Gonna Cost You, Meet Me at the Plaza, The Perfect White Dress, In Character with Kate Hudson, In Character with Anne Hathaway, Man Den, Maid of Honor, Amanda-Cam, DD 5.1 DTS SS 5.1 English, French or Spanish language tracks, digital copy of film with all of the features from the DVD listed above.

Hotel For Dogs, DVD or Blu-Ray
(2009)
* *1/2 (Grade B-)
Directed by Thor Freudenthal
Starring Emma Roberts, Don Cheadle, Kevin Dillon, Kyla Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Jake T. Austin
Paramount—Rated PG—Comedy—100 min
Adapted from Lois Duncan's popular children's book, the story follows the heroic effort by orphans Andi (Roberts), and her younger brother Bruce (Austin), to keep their beloved terrier. Sent to live with their pretentious, outlandish aunt and uncle (Kudrow and Dillion), the kids are warned by a social worker (Cheadle) to make it work because this is their only chance of remaining together. Since their aunt claims she's allergic to animals, the pair hide the terrier in an abandoned building already occupied by strays—but the dog catcher is a constant threat. By the third act, the film loses its footing and devolves into a wacky sitcom. DVD features: commentary with Thor Freudenthal, Ewan Leslie, Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin, deleted scenes, featurettes: Making-of, That's The Coolest Thing I've Ever Seen!, K-9 Casting, Bark On Cue!, The Pedigree® Adoption Drive, Photo Gallery, DD 5.1 English, French or Spanish language tracks, widescreen. Blu-Ray features same as above except: Dolby True HD 5.1, DD 5.0 or DD 5.1 English, French or Spanish language tracks, Portuguese subtitles.

The Uninvited, DVD or Blu-Ray
(2009)
* *1/2 (Grade B-)
Directed by Charles and Thomas Guard
Starring Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, David Strathairn
DreamWorks—Rated PG-13—Horror—87 min
A "Sixth Sense" South Korean horror is reworked for the American market. Following her mother's death, Anna returns home from a mental hospital to find her mother's nurse Rachel (Banks) has become engaged to Anna's father (Strathairn). Enlightened by their mother's ghost, Anna and Anna's sister Alex (Krebbel) discover that Rachel's past isn't as she presents it. When their smitten father refuses to listen, the girls have their hands full trying to prove the truth while surviving Rachel's murderous fury. The film's unexpected twists and newly clarified script mark this as one of the few successful remakes of an Asian horror. DVD features: deleted scenes, featurettes: Unlocking the Uninvited, Alternative Ending, DD 5.1 English French or Spanish language tracks, widescreen. Blu-Ray features same except: DD 5.1, DD SS or Dolby True HD 5.1 English language tracks, French, Portuguese or Spanish subtitles.

While She Was Out
(2008)
* * (Grade C)
Directed by Sarah Montford
Starring Kim Basinger, Lukas Haas, Craig Sheffer, JamieStarr, Leonard Wu, Luis Chavez, Luke Gair and Erika-Shaye Gair
Anchor Bay—Rated R—Action—86 min
At 55, Kim Basinger is past the age at which she may gracefully play a meek suburban housewife and young mother. After witnessing a murder, Della (Basinger) fights back when a quartet of toughies—led by a scruffy Lukas Haas—set out to kill her. Written and directed by Sarah Montford, centering tense action in a partially completed housing development can almost make you forget the film's goofy dialog. Basinger fills this portion of her heroine's shoes admirably in what we imagine might be her revenge fantasy against ex-hubby, Alec Baldwin. DVD features: commentary with writer/director Sarah Montford and producer Don Murphy, Making-of featurette, trailer, TV Spots, DD English language track, widescreen.

H-2 Worker
(1990)
* *1/2 (Grade B-)
Directed by Stephanie Black
Docudrama Films—Not Rated—Documentary—70 min
"H-2 Worker" reveals the systematic exploitation of Caribbean laborers by the Florida sugar cane industry during the late 1980s. Forced to work under dangerous conditions, the islanders were paid about $2 per hour, far less than the wages advertised as payment for their backbreaking efforts. Employers justified the low pay by subtracting the costs of workers' living quarters, food and transportation from paycheck. In an included bonus feature, "Update on the Guest Worker Program," we learn that America cheats Jamaicans twice by granting generous subsidies to US growers. These payments depress domestic sugar prices and prevent Caribbean farmers from creating a sustainable sugar cane market of their own. When a long overdue inquiry revealed that Florida growers owed Caribbean workers in excess of $50 million dollars, the Florida plantation owners appealed the ruling and switched over to mechanical harvesters. Make that three cheats. DVD features: filmmaker commentary, Update on the Guest Worker Program, Short: More Than Luck, trailer for Life In Debt, Mono English language track, Spanish subtitles, full-screen.

The Da Vinci Code, Blu-Ray
(2006)
* * (Grade C)
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Tom Hanks, Alfred Molina, Ian McKellen, Audrey Tautou, Jurgen Prochnow, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany
Sony—Rated PG-13—Thriller—174 min
Tom Hanks portrays a cryptographer who translates clues left at a murder scene in the Louvre. Jean Reno, Alfred Molina and Paul Bettany appear in key roles. Controversial theories suggest Christian conspiracies and the possibility that Christ conceived a child with Mary Magdalene, his favorite apostle. Sadly, nearly every twist is telegraphed and the expository dialog dissipates the tension. What we get is a talky movie lacking intrigue. 2-disc Blu-Ray features: New director commentary on select scenes, featurettes: First Day On The Set with Ron Howard, A Discussion With Dan Brown, A Portrait of Langdon, Who Is Sophie Neveu?, Unusual Suspects, Magical Places, Close-up on Mona Lisa, The Filmmakers' Journey, The Codes of The Da Vinci Code, The Music of The Da Vinci Code, Book To Screen, The Da Vinci Props, The Da Vinci Sets, Re-creating Works of Art, The Visual Effects World of The Da Vinci Code, Scoring The Da Vinci Code, La Partie Francaise, Du Da Vinci Code, BD Live Enabled, Unlocking the Code Interactive Picture-In-Picture (I-PIP), Dolby True HD 5.1 English or French Canadian language tracks, widescreen.